Ground-Based Kite Steer Controller Advances Renewable Airborne Wind Energy

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the National Institute of Technology in India have developed a ground-based Kite Steer Controller (KSC) that optimizes kite trajectory and power generation in airborne wind energy systems. The innovative technology, known as kite power systems, harnesses high-altitude wind energy using tethered kites, offering significant material and efficiency advantages over traditional wind turbines. This breakthrough has the potential to advance global efforts in renewable airborne wind energy, addressing critical challenges in design and deployment. The research has been peer-reviewed and published in the journal Electrical Engineering.

Key Takeaways:

  • The KSC incorporates a Roll-Pitch-Zone control method, enabling precise steering in figure-of-eight trajectories while maintaining operational efficiency under varying wind conditions, including turbulence.
  • Control forces account for 23% of total aerodynamic forces, and the KSC consumes only 20% of the total power generated during a cycle.
  • Experimental field tests with a 12 m2 Leading Edge Inflatable kite validated the system's performance, demonstrating robust control capabilities under both steady and turbulent winds.
  • The KSC has the potential to improve the efficiency and material advantages of traditional wind turbines in airborne wind energy systems.
  • The research emphasizes the importance of force analysis of control lines in optimizing kite trajectory and power generation.
  • Yashwant Kashyap, Roystan Vijay Castelino, and Pankaj Kumar were involved in the research project as authors.

Statistics:

  • 23% of total aerodynamic forces are accounted for by control forces.
  • 20% of total power generated during a cycle is consumed by the KSC.
  • A 12 m2 Leading Edge Inflatable kite was used in experimental field tests to validate the system's performance.
  • The KSC has the potential to improve the efficiency and material advantages of traditional wind turbines by leveraging high-altitude wind energy.

Sources:

  • "Design and Development of a Ground-based Kite Steer Controller for Kite-based Wind Power Generation." Electrical Engineering, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Findings from National Institute of Technology in the Area of Wind Energy Reported (Design and Development of a Ground-based Kite Steer Controller for Kite-based Wind Power Generation). Energy Weekly News. October 17, 2025; p 116.