Design space exploration of gyrocopter‐type airborne wind turbines

Abstract

This paper presents a multidisciplinary framework for the design and analysis of gyrocopter-type airborne wind turbines. In this concept, four rotary wings provide lift to a flying vehicle, and excess power is extracted using gearboxes and generators before being transferred to the ground through electrical conductors embedded in a structural tether. A physical breakdown of the system was performed, and five models were constructed: wind model, rotor aerodynamics, structural mass, electrical system, and tether (structures and aerodynamics). A stochastic optimizer in the framework enforces interdisciplinary compatibility and maximizes electrical power transmitted to the ground under various operating conditions. The framework is then used to explore the design space of this advanced concept in numerous flight conditions. The effect of implementing new technologies was also studied in order to evaluate their effect on the overall performance of the system. It is shown through a 1.3 MW design that a gyrocopter-type airborne generator could provide more power than a ground-based wind turbine for a given blade radius, although only a fraction of the available wind power can be harvested using off-the-shelf technologies and components. The work presented in this study demonstrates the challenges of designing a high altitude wind generator and shows that performance is affected by complex interactions between each subsystem.

Structural Design and Multi-objective Optimization of Planetary Frame for 6T40E Automatic Transmission

“…The output end, i.e. the output ring part [9] is fixed. The results are shown in Fig Result analysis: The finite element model of planetary frame is loaded and constrained by ANSYS, and the planetary frame is slightly deformed when it is subjected to force.…”

“…The 6T40E automatic transmission designed in this paper, in order to achieve the ultimate optimization goal of the highest transmission efficiency and the smallest overall volume of the planetary gear train, the multi-objective optimization design of its planetary gear train is carried out by using the optimization toolbox of MATLAB, and the correct multi-objective optimization mathematical model of efficiency and volume is established. Combining with the case, the solving steps of the optimized parameters are given, which provides theoretical guidance for the optimal design of planetary gear transmission mechanism [10] .…”

“…The main parameters affecting the volume of planetary gear are the volume of solar wheel V a1 and V a2 , the volume of inner gear ring V c2 and V c3 . The expression method of total volume V s is obtained [10][11] .…”

Multidisciplinary assessment of blade number and manufacturing parameters for the performance of centrifugal fans

“…5 When obtaining the calculating tool, various methods are employed to explore the design space. To explore the design space of a concept turbine, Rancourt et al 6 used a stochastic optimizer with five models including the wind model, rotor aerodynamics, structural mass, electrical system, and tether. Zhang et al 7 integrated the fluid, thermal and structure analyses to optimize shape parameters for a twin-web disk.…”

Airborne Wind Energy Conversion Using a Rotating Reel System

“…The concept has also been presented at the Airborne Wind Energy Conference 2015 [10]. Other airborne wind energy systems involving rotary kites are the "Gyromill" [23,25], presented also in Chap. 23 of this book, which is based on onboard electricity generation, and the "Daisy Stack" [24], presented also in Chap.…”