CROSSWIND KITE POWER

This paper describes a concept for large-scale wind power production by means of aerodynamically efficient kites. Based on aircraft construction, these kites fly transverse to the wind at high speed. The lift produced at this speed is sufficient to both support the kite and generate power. The equations of motion are developed, and examples are presented. One version, based on the C-5A aircraft, results in 6. 7 MW produced by a 10-m/s wind. Extrapolation to newer technology, which is more comparable to modern wind turbines, indicates the production of 45 MW from a single machine. The detailed calculations are validated by comparison of their results with simple analytical models. The methodology used here lays the foundation for the systematic study of power-producing kites.