초록 ▼

There are disclosed method and apparatus for the production of electrical power from high altitude winds. A kitecraft (12) secured to a ground tether (14) supports a cylindrical drum (10) rotatable about a horizontal shaft (60). The drum comprises a plurality of wheels (24) interconnected by airfoil

There are disclosed method and apparatus for the production of electrical power from high altitude winds. A kitecraft (12) secured to a ground tether (14) supports a cylindrical drum (10) rotatable about a horizontal shaft (60). The drum comprises a plurality of wheels (24) interconnected by airfoils (26) positioned about the cylindrical surface of the drum. Wind action on the airfoils rotates the drum about the horizontal shaft and turns generators (50) to provide electrical power. The kitecraft (12) and drum (10) assembly is constructed to the maximum practical extent from tension members to reduce weight.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for extracting energy from wind at high altitude, comprising: means for supporting a load at said high altitude; means for flexibly tethering said load supporting means to the surface of the earth; a plurality of elongated parallel airfoil elements supported by said load supporting means,

Apparatus for extracting energy from wind at high altitude, comprising: means for supporting a load at said high altitude; means for flexibly tethering said load supporting means to the surface of the earth; a plurality of elongated parallel airfoil elements supported by said load supporting means, said airfoil elements lying on the surface of an imaginary horizontal circular cylinder and rotatable about the horizontal axis of said cylinder in a closed cylindrical path; means for positioning said airfoil elements relative to said cylindrical surface whereby relative wind substantially normal to said axis exerts a force on said airfoil elements, causing said elements to rotate about said horizontal axis; and means responsive to the movement of said airfoil elements about said horizontal axis for transmitting power to the surface of the earth.