The AWES system will harness wind energy at higher altitudes than conventional turbines by using drones connected to ground stations, utilizing wind power to propel the drones and operate generators.
An AWES Kitemill drone prototype in flight testing. (Image: Kitemill).
Researchers in the UK plan to upgrade wind energy harvesting by utilizing flying drones, aiming to enhance efficiency and move closer to a zero-emission goal. The technology, known as the Aerial Wind Energy System (AWES), captures wind energy at higher altitudes than traditional turbines by attaching drones to ground stations. When the drone ascends from the station, stronger winds help power the generator to produce electricity. The research team at the University of Bristol, led by Dr. Duc H. Nguyen, a lecturer in aerodynamics and flight control, received funding of £477,300 from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to further investigate AWES, according to Interesting Engineering on May 22.
The team stated that this technology could benefit the UK’s energy sector by reducing carbon emissions, providing flexibility for both onshore and offshore operations, and improving electricity production in remote areas. In addition to funding from the EPSRC, the project also involves Norwegian clean energy startup Kitemill and Carlos III University in Madrid.
To collect wind energy, the unmanned aerial vehicle is tethered to the ground station and will fly high when strong winds are present, powering the generator and producing electricity. In the version developed by Kitemill, the drone flies in a circular pattern in the direction of the wind while generating lift by pulling on the tether. To produce the majority of electricity, AWES must fly in a complex pattern while withstanding strong aerodynamic forces. This configuration leads to a sophisticated system with extremely sensitive control features, where even a minor mistake could cause the drone to crash.
Funding from the EPSRC will assist Nguyen and his colleagues in addressing this challenge. He predicts that the research will enhance the efficiency and safety of the technology, paving the way for the commercialization of AWES. According to the research team, the current AWES development community lacks methods to rapidly test complex models. This gap prevents many prototypes from fully operationalizing, leading to early project cancellations and hindering commercialization. The new project directed by Nguyen will facilitate the rapid fabrication of prototypes and testing the reliability of AWES models with complex control systems, thereby enabling the creation of new designs that maximize energy production while minimizing development time.
