RWE, in partnership with Kitepower, has initiated operations at a groundbreaking airborne wind test facility located in Bangor Erris, Ireland, marking a significant step forward in the exploration of airborne wind energy technology.
This pioneering test site witnessed the inaugural flight of Kitepower's latest kite technology, representing a major advancement in the field of airborne wind energy. RWE's involvement in this initiative also includes collaborative efforts with Mayo County Council and the MegaAwe Project, with funding support from Interreg Northwest Europe.
The selection of Bangor Erris as the test site followed an extensive global search for a suitable location to develop and assess this cutting-edge technology. Planning permission for the Kitepower device's flight at this site was granted earlier this year.
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Kitepower's innovative approach involves the utilization of a Kite Control Unit (KCU) attached to the tether to precisely steer the kite's flight path. The tether, composed of Dyneema, an ultra-strong rope surpassing steel wire in strength while being significantly lighter, is linked to a Ground Station accommodated within a conventional 20-foot container.
The Ground Station features a generator designed to convert the mechanical energy generated by the kite into electricity. The electricity production process occurs when the kite is flown in a cross-wind figure-of-eight pattern, generating a substantial pulling force that unwinds the tether from the winch within the ground station.
Cathal Hennessy, Head of Onshore Renewables Development (Wind, Solar, and Storage) for the UK & Ireland at RWE, expressed enthusiasm about RWE's collaboration with Kitepower and the exploration of airborne wind technology. Hennessy emphasized that RWE is actively exploring various industry innovations, including airborne wind energy, to complement its existing renewable energy portfolio, encompassing offshore and onshore wind, solar energy, and battery storage. Airborne wind technology holds the potential to reduce energy costs due to lower capital expenditure and material requirements. It harnesses stronger, more consistent winds at higher altitudes and can be employed onshore and offshore, complementing other renewable energy technologies such as solar electricity generation.
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Johannes Peschel, CEO of Kitepower, provided insights into the Kitepower Falcon system, capable of generating up to 100kW of power. With a wingspan of 60 square meters and a weight of only 80kg, including the Kite Control and sensor unit, the system offers versatility and efficiency. Initial flights are conducted at altitudes of up to 350 meters, with plans for further testing at higher altitudes in the coming months. The dedicated test hub in Bangor Erris represents a unique platform to accelerate the development of this innovative airborne wind energy system.
Peschel further expressed Kitepower's commitment to integrating this emerging class of renewables into the global energy mix in the near future, highlighting the potential of airborne wind technology as a valuable addition to the world's sustainable energy solutions.
