KGM1 exploits the principle of high-altitude wind energy through a ground-based AWE system, designed to maximize simplicity, portability and scalability.
The operating principle of KGM1 is based on linear power generation.
The system can be intuitively compared to a surfer with a kite.
During the active phase the kite-wing pulls the sled (KSU), thus extracting, as slowly as possible, the kinetic energy from the wind.
During the passive phase the KSU quickly slides back to the initial position, ready for a new cycle. The movement makes the power alternator rotate and generate electricity.
This design variant optimizes energy extraction from the air mass by also exploiting gust loads through preloading elastic elements and kinetic energy storage, rather than relying solely on generator rotation.
The generators remain in rotation, following a fixed-point cycle.
The wing, kept in motion through an innovative dynamic depowering technique, flies below 100 meters to avoid complex flight permits.
Designed to biomimetically imitate the steering bar of a kitesurfer, the Kite Steering Unit is able to manage both steering controls and depowering functions.
Designed around KGM1 with custom software, the GUI was able to record the Power/Time diagram, managing three braking levers and sampling data every 40 milliseconds.
Like the tested Proto 2, it uses a closed yo-yo cycle with two active and two passive phases in a single figure-8. It includes dynamic depowering outside the power window, kinetic accumulator devices to keep generators running continuously, and overall characteristics similar to Proto 2.
KGM1 is based on a patent-pending fast-pumping operating method enabling continuous, non-negative power generation at low altitude, addressing known limitations of conventional yo-yo pumping AWE systems by reducing passive phases, system complexity and control discontinuities.
The objective of Prototype 3 is to experimentally demonstrate, through scheduled and repeatable test campaigns, the validity of this operating approach and its associated development workflow — ranging from dynamic modelling and simulation to prototyping and data-driven validation — in line with the operative plan.
Internationally recognized distinction granted to solutions that successfully combine measurable environmental benefits with economic viability.
View SolutionPolitecnico di Milano
Supervisor: Lorenzo Fagiano
Archived in TU Delft Repository
Author: Marco Ghivarello
Participation in reference study
ResearchGate Publication
“It has evolved as far as passion and free time could take it.
Today it is a message in a bottle, with the potential to change the AWE industry.”
