Airborne Wind Energy System

Exhibited: Jacobs Hall Showcase Spring 22

Project Overview

Replace the steel used in static wind turbines with tethers that will be featured in the design of Airborne Wind Energy systems. Our design will allow us to access higher altitudes, which can be adjusted to maximize power output.

My Contributions

Project Management, Illustration, Information Visualization, Animation, User Research

problem

In 2018, 89% of global CO2 emissions came from the burning of fossil fuels and industry. This level of pollution continues to damage the earth's climate, impact ecosystems, and spike the number of natural disasters that occur around the world. In fact, from 1990 to 2016, we have seen a 193% increase in extreme weather events that has caused more power shutdowns and a need for more local support of electricity.

solution

With Airborne Wind Energy, we will increase the availability of deployable energy for remote locations, especially in emergency situations. With this, we will be able to better meet the demand for energy as well as reduce the reliance on thermal energy for remote locations especially. Our adaptive design enables Wind Tunnels to maximize wind power output with dirigible design. The idea is that Airborne Wind Energy systems are able to access higher altitudes where the wind speeds are potentially greater than surface wind speed and with lower variability.

funcitional prototype

funcitional prototype

electronics design

We designed the circuits used for controlling the individual fan speeds in the wind tunnel using PWM and the smart tether lift system. They also assisted in designing custom components for these electro- mechanical systems and developed a model wind turbine for power generation data collection.

data engineering

We designed the software which collects sensor data (e.g. position, air speed) and determines the appropriate fan speeds and Airbone Wind Turbine position.

3D-modeling

We came up with critical measurements important for building the case. They went through revision stages as our concepts' initial case evolved. Based on these measurements and constraints, we developed our elevation mechanism to our wind turbine.

fabrication

We painted and laser cut the wood and glued the prototype together, along with installing the fans.