Apparent wind load effects on the tether of a kite power generator

This paper is devoted to analytical modeling of apparent wind load effects on a tether constraining a power kite performing a fast crosswind motion. The refined crosswind motion law generalized for accounting the kite control is derived in the case of equilibrium motion of the kite. The paper also presents the study of the effect of tether sag based on the mathematical model of a gently sloping tether line.

► High-altitude wind energy power generation by kites is considered. A tether connects the kite with an electric generator on the ground. ► The basic crosswind motion law of Loyd is refined by taking into account the effects of the kite's control and gravity. ► The influence of the tether sag on the kite angle of attack is also studied improving the previous models of a tightly stretched tether.