Presentations

Abstract

Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) represents a promising renewable technology that captures high-altitude winds using kites or small aircraft, which are typically stronger and more consistent than those accessible to conventional wind turbines. In 2022, the University Carlos III de Madrid and CT Ingenieros collaborated to advance the AWE sector in Spain, culminating in 2025 the design and construction of a functional small-scale AWE demonstrator. This prototype serves as a versatile platform for experimental research in flight control, mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, and energy management and storage. In this work, we report on the first flight test campaign, detailing the architecture of the mechanical control system and the integrated electrical system, including batteries, supercapacitors, and power converters. Sensor data collected during the tests, such as load cells and torque transducers, enabled an assessment of mechanical efficiency and overall system performance. The experimental results are in close agreement with previous simulations, validating the control strategies, mechanical design, and energy conversion processes. These findings highlight the prototype’s capability to reliably generate power, providing insights into operational challenges, optimization strategies, and potential enhancements for future AWE systems.