Vandaag stukje op BNR over de E-kite!

Kijk voor meer op hun website http://www.e-kite.com/

Key technology

e-kite’s wind power system consists of a kite pulling two cables driving a generator which is based on the ground. Electricity is being generated during the reel-out phase of the so-called pumping cycle, when the kite is flying 8-patterns and is moving away from the ground station. During this phase, the cables will unroll from the drums which will rotate and drive the generator. At the end of this phase, the kite’s angle of attack will be changed so it can be reeled in to its starting position with minimum drag.

Efficiency

The kite power system will be able to generate electricity at >50% lower levelized cost of energy compared to wind turbines of similar capacity for two reasons:

• Wind energy is harvested at higher altitudes where wind speeds and therefore electricity yields are significantly higher
• Kite power systems do not require heavy, expensive structures such as towers and blades. As a result, the cost price of kite power systems is much lower than that of wind turbines

Other advantages

• Due to the superior economics of kite power systems, many onshore sites with lower wind speeds could become economically viable
• Wind speeds are more constant at higher altitudes, which will result in lower balancing costs than comparable wind turbines
• Kite power systems have significantly less sound and visual impact than wind turbines and also are less dangerous for birds and bats
• Material usage in the production process of our kite power systems is  >90% lower than in the production of wind turbines, resulting in minimal use of scarce natural resources