German energy company tests kite for power generation at new Irish facility
German energy company tests kite for power generation at new Irish facility
Taking Wind Energy to New Heights: RWE’s Airborne Wind Test Facility in Ireland
German energy giant RWE has recently unveiled its cutting-edge airborne wind test facility in Bangor Erris, Ireland, signaling a bold leap forward in the exploration of alternative forms of green electricity. The innovative technology behind this project was developed by Dutch startup Kitepower, which has created a system that connects a large kite to a generator using an ultra-strong rope, generating electricity as the kite soars to higher altitudes.
Dubbed Kitepower, this groundbreaking technology utilizes a large kite structure with a hybrid inflatable and fixed fiberglass skeleton to hold the kite open. With a wingspan of 60 square meters and a weight of just 80kg, including the Kite Control and sensor unit, this lightweight and agile system has the potential to revolutionize wind energy generation.
The Kite Control Unit (KCU) is attached to the tether and is responsible for controlling the direction in which the kite flies. Connected to the ground station via a Dyneema tether, which is stronger than a steel wire of the same dimension but significantly lighter, the Kitepower system is designed for efficient and reliable energy production.
The electricity generation process begins when the kite is flown in a cross-wind, figure-of-eight pattern, creating a powerful pulling force on the tether. This force in turn draws the tether from the winch in the ground station, generating electricity. Once the maximum tether length is reached, the kite is reeled in and the process begins anew. Remarkably, these two operations only take approximately 100 seconds, with 80 seconds for reeling out and 20 seconds for reeling in.
Kitepower firmly believes that airborne wind power holds the most potential in remote locations or small-scale applications where large and expensive infrastructure is impractical. Assembling the kites can be done in just one day, making it feasible for quick deployment and implementation. Furthermore, one 100kW Kitepower system has the capacity to power around 150 households on average, highlighting its scalability.
After operating in various temporary test locations over the past few years, Kitepower has found a permanent test base in Bangor Erris, Ireland, thanks to RWE’s support. This new facility will enable them to accelerate the development of their system and further explore the potential of airborne wind energy.
With the launch of this state-of-the-art test facility, RWE is aiming to expand its existing portfolio of offshore and onshore wind, solar energy, and battery storage options by integrating airborne wind energy. Cathal Hennessy, head of onshore renewables development at RWE, highlights the cost-reducing potential of airborne wind, stating, “With low capital expenditure and fewer materials, airborne wind has the potential to play a role in helping to drive down the cost of energy further.” He also highlights that this technology can harness the stronger, steadier, and more constant winds found at higher altitudes, making it applicable both onshore and offshore and in conjunction with other renewable energy sources.
The selection of Bangor Erris as the test location for RWE’s airborne wind technology was the result of an extensive global search. This project has received full planning permission earlier this year, thanks to the support of Mayo County Council, a local authority in Ireland, and the Interreg North-West Europe Programme.
As we witness the rise of the kite-powered energy revolution, the potential for new heights in wind energy generation becomes evident. RWE’s airborne wind test facility marks a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable and affordable green electricity. With technology like Kitepower’s system, the sky truly is the limit for wind energy innovation.
Watch the video to learn more about Kitepower
