Dynamic Model of a Pumping Kite Power System

The traction power of kites can be used for wind energy conversion at a potentially low cost. Crucially important is a reliable control of flight path and tether reeling. The present study proposes a modelling framework describing the dynamic behaviour of the inter-connected system components, suitable for design and optimization of the control systems. The wing, bridle line system, airborne control unit and tether are represented as a particle system using spring-damper elements to describe the mechanical properties of the tensile structure. Two alternative kite models are proposed. The point mass model accounts only for the translational inertia of the wing, assuming an instantaneous alignment with the local relative flow. The aerodynamic side force is assumed to be a linear function of the steering line actuation. The four point model accounts also for the rotational inertia of the wing and discretises the aerodynamics by a centre section and two tip sections. The local angle of attack at the tip sections are assumed to be functions of the corresponding steering line actuations. To simulate reel-out and reel-in of the tether, the lengths of the individual tether elements are varied and the dynamic behaviour of the ground station is included. To validate the modelling framework, it is combined with the automatic control system used for the operation of a kite power system demonstrator. The simulation results show that the point mass model can be adjusted to match the measured behaviour during a pumping cycle. The four point model is more accurate, with an efficiency error of less than 2%, and remains stable also at low tether forces. Compared to previous approaches, the proposed modelling framework is more accurate and robust while allowing dynamic simulations of the complete system at real-time speed