The new wind system doubles the production of current turbines
The growth of wind energy is unstoppable and as an example the data from last year in Spain where we have reached 29,813 MW in 2022, with growth 100% higher than the previous year. But this sector also has great potential for growth and evolution and as an example the revolutionary system presented by the German EnerKite, which proposes to replace wind turbines with a kite system.
The idea is to take advantage of the force of the wind but does it differently, with a simpler, more sustainable, and cheaper proposal.
The EnerKite system uses kites instead of conventional turbines. According to the company, these have twice the annual performance of a conventional wind turbine of the same power. In addition, they do not require towers or foundations, which reduces costs and carbon footprint.
This is how EnerKite kites work
An EnerKite kite is powered by a cyclic generator. During the pickup phase, the wing flies in figure-eight paths in the wind and pulls on the ground station drum cables with great force.
The generator converts the rotation of the drums into electricity. As soon as the wing reaches the end of the chord. It glides back to the starting height. The strings are wound up again with minimal energy expenditure, and the cycle begins anew.
The construction of EnerKite kites is ultralight and durable. The kite features a carbon-coated rib structure with a semi-rigid construction, allowing for good aerodynamics and an optimal weight-performance ratio.
In addition, its ground station contains the electrical system with converters, drives, battery, and a rotation device for takeoff and landing with a mast, cable guide, drums, and a generator and gearbox.
The EnerKite system is fully automatic and is remotely monitored. The kite does not have propellers or motors but instead has a unique starting system that allows it to work even when there is no wind: the rotation starts to achieve maximum energy efficiency.
The wing is pulled by a rotating mast at heights with sufficient wind. The landing works on the same principle, with the wing approaching the ground station in a circular flight and landing on the mast.
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EnerKite: a scalable, adaptable, and sustainable system
The EnerKite system is scalable and can be adapted to different energy needs. Three sizes are currently available: EK200 with a capacity of 100 kW and a cost of fewer than 10 cents/kWh, EK1M with a capacity of 500 kW and a cost of fewer than 5 cents/kWh, and EK4M with a capacity of 2 MW and a cost of fewer than 3 cents/kWh.
One of the biggest advantages of the system is that, with the removal of the tower and foundation, the visual impact on the landscape is significantly reduced, which can be especially valuable in protected or environmentally sensitive areas.
Another advantage of airborne wind turbines is their ability to operate in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Because they do not require a heavy foundation and tower infrastructure, they can be used in remote locations and quickly erected, making them an ideal choice for power generation on islands, rural communities, and other isolated locations.
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