• Book title: Airborne Wind Energy
• Book editors: Uwe Ahrens, Moritz Diehl, Roland Schmehl
• Book publisher: Springer
• Manuscript submission deadline: 15 January 2013 (extended)

Introduction

Wind energy is the fasted growing energy source in the world and has a decisive role in the transition from fossil fuels towards renewable energies. However, the classical tower-based wind turbine is facing increasing limitations to exploit the available wind energy potential. Prominent examples are the large environmental impact of onshore wind parks and the challenging economics of offshore deployment. Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) is an emerging field of technology that aims at overcoming some of these limitations. Characteristic feature of the various concepts is the use of tethered flying devices to access wind energy at higher altitudes with significantly less material effort compared to classic wind turbines.

Starting from a few isolated activities about a decade ago, the scientific and industrial community has grown considerably and presently comprises more than 45 individual groups. Several teams operate technology demonstrator systems in the electricity output range up to 20 kW. International Airborne Wind Energy Conferences have been held in Chico, CA, USA (2009), Stanford, CA, USA (2010), Leuven, Belgium (2011) and Hampton, VA, USA (2012). The 2013 conference will take place in Berlin, Germany.

Objective of the book

The book is intended as reference for researchers, scientists, professionals and students active in the innovative field of Airborne Wind Energy. Submitted chapters will be selected and arranged in such a way that the book will provide a consistent compilation of fundamental theories, a compendium of current research and development activities as well as economic and regulatory aspects. A main objective of the book is to show the relevance of Airborne Wind Energy and the role that this emerging field of technology can play for the transition towards a renewable energy economy. Readers are expected to have basic engineering skills.

Topics

Research and development of Airborne Wind Energy technologies essentially requires a multidisciplinary approach, combining competences from aerospace, mechanical and electrical engineering with decisive contributions from material sciences, robotics, sensor and control algorithm development. Successful commercial deployment and operation will involve economic, ecological and regulatory aspects. The topics of the book will include, but are not limited to:

• Historical developments
• High altitude wind resource
• Fundamental theories
• Traction power conversion
• Drag power conversion
• Other power conversion
• Performance characterisation
• Flight dynamic models
• Flight stability
• Flight control
• Structural dynamic analysis
• Aerodynamic analysis
• High performance materials
• Kite and tether design and manufacture
• Generators and electrical subsystems
• Reliability and safety assessment
• Economic potential
• Financing strategies
• Ecological footprint
• Regulations and insurance