The goal of this project was to design and build a one-kilowatt scale system for generating power using a kite. Kite power has the potential to be more economical than using wind turbines because kites can fly higher than turbines can operate. In the developed system, a large windboarding kite pulls the end of a long rocking arm which turns a generator and creates electricity. This motion is repeated using a mechanism that changes the angle of attack of the kite during each cycle, thus varying its lift force and allowing a rocking motion of the arm. All sub-components of the system have been lab tested and field tested. The system has produced power under restricted conditions. A future application for this system will be in a developing nation without access to a power grid.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• DeCuir, Michael George
• Colschen, Christopher Michael
• Lovejoy, Erik John
• von Gal Hurgin, Max V.
• Simone, Nicholas William
• Buckley, Ryan Patrick

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042408-075921

Advisor

• Olinger, David J.

Year

• 2008

Date created

• 2008-04-24

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright

License

• All rights reserved

Last modified

• 2021-01-08