Objective: Harvesting wind energy with kites
Project involvement: since 2011
Patents with co-inventor Chris Hornzee-Jones, director of Aerotrope: (a) 'a kite', (b) 'Kite with rigid spar arrangement', (c)' Kite with controllable trailing edge', (d) 'a kite' , (e) 'a kite',
Aerotrope has provided independent consultancy to the kite energy sector for a number of years now.
Our client KPS (Kite Power Systems) asked us to come on board as aerodynamics lead for their project in 2011. With have since supported KPS with our aerodynamics-, structural- and flight vehicle design and materials expertise.
KPS’ patented technology uses twin kites that are similar in shape to the blade tip of a traditional wind turbine, and which fly in a circular path perpendicular to the wind, driving a generator based locally on the ground. The technology provides continuous power production and looks to halve the cost of production and deployment of wind energy compared to wind turbines. By operating from a floating platform, KPS has the potential to be deployed in deep water offshore.
Kite Power Systems is currently the only UK company active in the kite power sector. With their headquarters relocated to Glasgow (Scotland), KPS is currently flight testing its 40kW system at West Freugh while its latest 500kW demonstration model is being assembled in Dumfries.
