When research turns into series technology.
EnerKíte – constant electricity production, storage capacity and grid security
While Bachmann electronic offers innovative solutions for the automation, energy monitoring and control of power generation systems, EnerKíte is revolutionizing wind energy generation with its kites. Both companies demonstrate a pioneering spirit, set standards and drive the development of sustainable technologies.
Energy transition – the great opportunity
The energy transition is facing major challenges due to the climate crisis and rising demand for electricity. Onshore wind energy is cost-effective, but is mainly used by large wind farms and individual systems in the megawatt range. To date, there has been a lack of efficient, decentralized small wind turbines that can continuously supply electricity in a similar way to photovoltaics. – EnerKíte wants to change this with airborne wind turbines!
History
Technological revolution
EnerKíte aims to solve a fundamental problem of conventional wind turbines: The turbines only work economically when the wind is blowing properly - and as continuously as possible. However, this is only the case at high altitudes.
New materials and intelligent control technology help to harness strong and constant high-altitude winds. EnerKíte flying wind turbines collect energy where it is virtually inexhaustible.
Dynamically flying kites convert the energy of strong and constant high-altitude winds into electricity by pulling on the cable in a ground station. They supply this constantly and reliably to consumers via battery storage.
Harvesting principle
In the harvesting phase, the wing flies in an eight-shaped path in the wind. It pulls with great force on ropes that are attached to drums at the ground station. The generator (position "G" in the picture) converts the rotation of the rope drums into electricity. When the wing reaches the end of the cable, it glides back to its starting height. The ropes are wound up again with minimal energy input and the cycle starts again. Each cycle provides a positive energy input. The control system regulates the cyclical sequence, limits load peaks and optimally adapts the trajectory to changing wind conditions.
All operating maneuvers are controlled automatically. As soon as wind speeds of more than 2.5 m/s are reached at operating height, the blade starts from the park position on a rotating mast. If there is no wind, a thunderstorm or no power is required, the wing is landed and returns to the parking position. If an aircraft or helicopter approaches, the system recognizes the danger and pulls the kite down to a lower altitude.
Power and Control
After years of testing with semi-rigid training kites, the
EnerKíte high-performance kites are now in flight.
The new kite and the autopilot have already proven themselves in rotation and harvesting flights. Stable and safely steered, the kite made its way through the sky.
Who is EnerKíte suitable for?
The autonomous operation of EnerKíte enables a wide range of applications. On-site supply or self-supply of electricity is playing an increasingly important role. EnerKítes offer an alternative to PV and storage solutions in agriculture, industry and municipal facilities. In addition, EnerKíte systems enable the development of areas that were previously not economically viable for the use of wind energy due to the wind supply. The EnerKíte system is also suitable for supplying power to disaster protection areas.
The global markets for EnerKíte lie in the hybridization of existing mini-grids, which are operated with diesel generators, and in island power supply.
Unique features
The combination of constant power generation, built-in battery storage and active grid stabilization for local grids with up to 100 different power generators makes EnerKíte the first all-in-one solution for a reliable power supply in all regions of the world.
Curious?
Find out more about EnerKíte's groundbreaking technology, which adds an exciting solution to conventional wind energy utilization and opens up previously untapped areas of decentralized wind energy.