Abstract:
There is disclosed a sail for producing propulsive power or lift in a fluid, where the sail comprises a first layer and a second layer where the first layer and the second layer are connected along at least one corresponding side, and the first layer and the second layer define a cross-sectional shape of the sail substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the sail. The shape of the first layer is adjustable and/or the shape of the second layer is adjustable such that the cross-sectional shape of the sail is adjustable. There is also disclosed a vessel or a sailboat comprising such a sail.
Abstract:
A kite for use in a system for extracting energy from the wind comprises: a wing (1) having a roll neutral point or zone when the kite is in flight; a tether (4) coupled directly or indirectly to the wing; a rigid spar arrangement (2); tensile couplings (3) from the spar arrangement to multiple locations on the wing; and an actuator linkage arrangement (6, 7, 10,11) having a length dimension that can be controllably adjusted. The spar arrangement has first and second attachments (8, 5) to the tether, at the first attachment (8) the spar arrangement is fixed to the tether at a location that is above a roll neutral point or zone of the wing, and at the second attachment (5) the spar arrangement is attached to the tether by the actuator arrangement (6, 7, 10, 11) at a location that is below the roll neutral point or zone of the wing.
Abstract:
A system (100,400) may include a tether (120,420) connected to a ground station (110). The tether (120,420) may include at least two bridle segments (122,123,124,422,423,424). The system may further include an aerial vehicle (130) connected to the at least two bridle segments (122,123,124,422,423,424). The system (100,400) may also include at least one sensor (160A-D) and a control system. The control system may be configured to: a) receive sensor data from the at least one sensor (160A-D); and b) determine a tether roll angle (450) based on the sensor data. The tether roll angle (450) may represent an angle between the tether (420) and an axis of the aerial vehicle (440). Optionally, the control system may also be configured to determine a curvature of a path (150) of the aerial vehicle (130) based on the tether roll angle (450). The control system may additionally be configured to control at least one control surface of the aerial vehicle (130) based on the curvature of the path (150).
Abstract:
An arc-type wing (1) with high aerodynamic efficiency is described, composed of a central arc section (13) connected to pairs of bridles (11, 12) through a pair of shoulders (14, 15); each shoulder (14, 15) supports a panel (2) equipped with an air brake (21), and the panel (2) houses on board sensors, electric energy accumulators, micro- turbines, and a card for collecting data emitted by the sensors.
Abstract:
A quick-disconnecting device (1), in particular for kite-surf, comprising a fixed element (3) and a moving element (5) having an operating connecting position in which the moving element (5) is kept integral with the fixed element (3) by interposing a blocking system (7), and an operating disconnecting position in which the moving element (5) is disengaged from the fixed element (3) by actuating the blocking system (7), such moving element (5) being equipped with a first connecting end (9), of a terminal (21) of a connecting element to by actuating the blocking system (7), such moving element (5) cooperating with the fixed element (3) through a lever-type dynamics around a fulcrum point (F) interposed between the moving element (5) and the fixed element (3),. such device (1) further comprising an automatic fastening system (40) of the moving element (5) to the connecting element.
Abstract:
A kite system with a ground station adapted for airborne power generation. The kite system may include a kite which comprises one or more airfoils which have mounted thereon a plurality of turbine driven generators. The turbine driven generators may also function as motor driven propellers in a powered flight mode, which may be used during take -off, which may include aspects of vertical take-off and landing. A perch adapted to facilitate the take-off and landing may be used as part of the system. The perch may pivot such that the pivot is oriented towards the tension direction of the tether.
Abstract:
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft einen Strömungskörper (2), insbesondere einen Staudruckströmungskörper, insbesondere einen Drachen, der insbesondere als Zugströmungskörper ausgebildet ist, sowie ein Verfahren zum Fliegen eines Strömungskörpers, aufweisend Steuerleinenbefestigungsvorrichtungen (8) zur Befestigung von, insbesondere unabhängig voneinander beweglichen, Steuerleinen (6) und/oder, insbesondere unabhängig voneinander bewegliche, Steuerleinen, wobei die mindestens eine Strömungsfläche relativ zueinander bewegliche Strömungsflächenabschnitte (9) aufweist und wobei Leinenbefestigungsvorrichtungen und/oder Steuerleinen mit den relativ zueinander bewegliche Strömungsflächenabschnitten gekoppelt sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mehr als vier Leinenbefestigungsvorrichtungen und/oder Steuerleinen vorgesehen sind und jeweils mit einem der relativ zueinander beweglichen Strömungsflächenabschnitten gekoppelt sind.
Abstract:
An inflatable kite has a continuous leading edge tube that is swept forward at its left and right wingtip ends so that bridle lines attaching the canopy to the user are forward of the centre of effort of the kite.
Abstract:
Arrangements, systems, methods and aerodynamic forms are described. Some embodiments may be particularly suited to flying kites from vehicles, to flying large kites and to flying kites and banners, for example at events or kite festivals. Launch, retrieval, display, steering and safety arrangements are provided.
Abstract:
A kite is disclosed. The kite comprises a first control element coupled to the kite in a first tether-force configuration, wherein the first control element is used to maintain controlled flight of the kite in the first tether- force configuration during a power generating phase. The kite further comprises a second control element coupled to the kite in a second tether-force configuration, wherein the second control element is used to maintain controlled flight of the kite in the second tether-force configuration during a recovery phase, and wherein during the recovery phase a tether force associated with the second tether-force configuration is reduced as compared to the tether force associated with the first tether-force configuration during the power generating phase