HIGH ALTITUDE WIND TECHNOLOGY USING KITE-A REVOLUTION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

PROJECT REFERENCE NUMBER: 38S0599

COLLEGE : SRINIVAS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, VALCHI, MANGALORE

BRANCH : ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING

GUIDE : PROF. LOKESH B

STUDENTS : MR. ROYSTAN VIJAY CASTELINO

MR. KESHARSHRESTHA

MS. NISHALMASCARENHAS

MS. KHONGDUPRIDIAN

Keywords: Kite Energy, traction phase, recovery phase

Introduction: The problems posed by electric energy generation from fossil sources include high costs due to large demand and limited resources, pollution and CO2 production, and the geopolitics of producer countries. These problems can be overcome by alternative sources that are renewable, cheap, easily available, and sustainable.  However, current renewable technologies have limitations. Based on the survey of different methods listed above, we can conclude that kite energy is the economic way of harnessing high altitude wind energy.

Background:

Based on the survey of different methods of harnessing high altitude energy, we concluded that kite energy is the economic way of harnessing high altitude wind energy. So we started with the initial experiment which had a simple control system to control a two line Kite. By studying thoroughly, we came to know that the power from the kite is maximum when it is rotated in eight shapes or infinity shape (∞) in the sky. And we also observed that four line kite gives maximum power than dual line kite. So we started to build a rigid strong base with four line Kite control system.

Objectives:

The main objectives of this project is as follows,

To increase the efficiency of wind power generation. To produce clean energy to meet the increasing demands. To make the wind energy economical and efficient. Rural electrification. To reduce pollution and global warming. Development of the project so that it can be used or domestic purposes. To do surveillance with generation power.

Methodology:  

The main principle behind this project is the conversion of kinetic energy (pulling force) to rotational motion. As the kite goes up in the sky, it possesses pulling force, which can be converted to rotational force to generate electricity.  Energy is obtained by continuously performing a two-phase cycle: in the traction phase the kite exploits wind power to unroll the lines and the electric drives act as generators, driven by the rotation of the drums. During the traction phase, the kite is manoeuvred so to fly fast in crosswind direction, to generate the maximum amount of power. When the maximum line length is reached, the passive phase begins and the kite is driven in such a way that its aerodynamic lift force collapses: this way the energy spent to rewind the cables is a fraction (less than 20%) of the amount generated in the traction phase. Such operational cycle has been developed and tested through numerical simulations, considering a quite accurate model, which takes into account the aerodynamic characteristics of the kite and the cables, and employing advanced control techniques to maximize the net generated energy. The employed control technique is able to keep the kite path inside a limited space region, while optimizing the generated energy, also in presence of quite strong wind disturbance.

Kite used here is called as a power kite or parafoil Kite which is a four line Kite. Top lines are called as power lines and bottom lines are break lines which breaks or controls the Kite. It was ordered from China since it is not available in India. Materials used here in this project are all available bicycle parts, Chain drive is made from crank wheels and sprockets of the bicycle. Generator is made by modifying the ceiling fan with permanent magnets. Threads are winded over the rims of the bicycle for easy controlling. Wireless transmitter/receiver circuit controls the motor for controlling the kite and for winding back the thread. Chain drive is used here to increase the speed economically.

Results and Conclusions:

The project was tested using a 4.5m2 kite near beach side where the wind speed was approximately 10m/s, the following results are obtained,

Maximum power output of 300W at high wind speeds and a minimum of 200W at nominal wind speeds.

Energy is maximized by manoeuvring the kite in figure-8 shape in the sky. The power phase last for 5m 20s and the thread is completely wound in 1m 45s.

The generator rotating at 1200RPM maximum and a minimum of 800RPM at high and a nominal wind speeds respectively.

The energy is stored in the battery in power phase while in recovery phase, little amount of energy is spent for winding the thread.

Total energy spent for controlling the kite and for winding the thread is 17 watts.

Conclusions:

Overall the project has been a success with all of the project requirements achieved. As the wind energy is powerful and consistent as the altitude increases, the usage of wind turbine for higher altitude is not possible. Hence kite energy helps us to achieve these criteria.

This project has three main advantages

Generation of high power High efficiency Economical

In summary, the generation of electricity is made possible by the small playing kite. High efficient power is generated. This project will satisfy the need of continuous generation of electricity. The overall project uses less space area hence highly economical and will be the future of India.

Scope for future work:

The purpose of this project is to provide some fundamental results on the force analysis of kites and serve as stepping stones for the future development of kite based power generating system. The output can be increased by the following techniques,

The output of this project can be improved by increasing the area of the kite. By increasing the length of the thread increases power phase hence more availability

of power. This project can be made fully automatic by installing the sensors on the kite which

determines the position of the kite and sends the data to the base station. The base station automatically controls the position of the kite.

The base can be made simple and compact by installing a control device on the kite itself.

By installing efficient generators, output can be increased. By installing efficient transmission system, the output can be improved. As the energy generated here is intermittent, two similar kites can be used to produce

continuous power. By installing two similar kites, energy can be transferred to the utility grids directly. This project can be made highly portable by using a vehicle as a base station which

consists of generator and control system.