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Structural optimization of the pumping kite wind generator

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Abstract

This paper focuses on structural optimization of the so-called pumping kite wind generator whose operating principle consists in mechanically driving a ground-based electric generator by means of tethered kites. The employed mathematical model of the kite wind generator is based on the refined crosswind motion law derived under the assumption of equilibrium motion of the kite. The resulting simple approximate analytical formula for the mean mechanical power generated by the deploying kite is used for the constrained structural optimization of the pumping kite wind generator maximizing its electrical power output by adjusting the key structural parameters of the kite wind generator.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering Problems, V.O., Bolshoy pr., 61, 199178, St. Petersburg, Russia

    Ivan Argatov

  2. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, 880003, USA

    Ivan Argatov

  3. Department of Mathematics, Tampere University of Technology, P.O. Box 553, 33101, Tampere, Finland

    Risto Silvennoinen

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  1. Ivan Argatov
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  2. Risto Silvennoinen
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Correspondence to Ivan Argatov.

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Argatov, I., Silvennoinen, R. Structural optimization of the pumping kite wind generator. Struct Multidisc Optim 40, 585–595 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-009-0391-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-009-0391-3

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