Kite Power is a form of wind energy in which electricity is generated using a radio-controlled kite. This form emerged after further developing the ladder mill, which was originally invented by Wubbo Ockels.
Kite Power Team
With a team from Technische Universiteit Delft, Wubbo Ockels further developed this idea and designed a well-functioning system.
The kite is unique because it only requires one cable between the kite and the ground station, thanks to a control unit located just below the kite. This makes the system lightweight and allows the kite to be launched to great heights. It utilizes strong and stable winds at high altitudes.
Frequently asked questions
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How does Kite Power work?
As the kite rises, the rope unwinds from a drum; the kite pulls on that drum, which has a dynamo attached that generates electricity. At a certain height an autopilot lets the kite glide back down like a glider without pulling, so the rope can be reeled back in and the cycle repeats.
How much energy does the Kite Power system produce?
The system produces 20 kilowatts, making it relatively small, just as wind turbines also started out small.
What is Kite Power useful for?
The system is already interesting for developing countries in Africa, for rock and music festivals, and for the Wadden Islands, where relatively few people live and little electricity is used.
Who came up with Kite Power and how long has the project been running?
The original idea was the Laddermolen concept of Wubbo Ockels, and the team has been working on it for about nine to ten years. They fly two kites, one of 25 and one of 14 square meters, and want to bring a ready-to-buy system to market within two to three years.
