Unmanned Kite Power Generation Share

Introduction: Power generation from wind turbines is costly requires more materials for tower structure. The wind turbine cannot reach a higher altitude where the wind is stronger and more consistent. Wind turbines cannot be installed anywhere due to its impact on the living habitat. This is the main reason why we don’t see wind turbines in the south Canara region. The wind in the coastal regions is more favorable for wind power generation but still, we are unable to install any turbines.

              Using kites for power generating electricity is an innovation in the wind industry. Kites can reach higher altitudes very easily and can trap the power in the higher altitude wind. The main drawback of this system is, it is a manned system in which a person is required to control the kite power system to control the kite and to control power and recovery phases. And other drawbacks include the kite control unit which is placed near the kite needs the power to control the kite. There is a need to find a solution to these problems which will make the system commercially viable. In the current project, we are attempting to automate the entire operation of the system. From the past research work (CAMP-81 Project #16) on this system, we have gathered data which is very much helpful in achieving this objective.

Project Objectives: We are attempting to make a prototype that will operate without the intervention of the human operator. The main objective is to automate the launching and landing of the kite. Our concept of making this system fully autonomous include kite control unit which controls the power by varying the angle of attack of the kite.

Project Outcomes: The outcomes of this innovative idea of generating power from power kites can be divided into two categories viz. commercialization and techno-economical development.

1. The commercialization of this technology can be realized by testing a working prototype. The designed prototype would be the foundation for making this idea as a product.

2. Techno-Economic assessment: This prototype will give an idea about the amount of power generation, efficiency and cost per kWhr of power generated and technical improvements needed to make this system as a commercially viable product.

Principal Investigator : Dr. Y. Kashyap | Contact : yashwant.kashyap@nitk.edu.in

Estimated Budget : 5,45,999.00