Tethered Glider - Base StationGroup P16462

Sarah CollmusLaura ArciniegasKevin CollinsAleksandr KimMichael OstaszewskiKevin LarkinSukmin Lee

Design EngineerDrafting EngineerSystems EngineerAero EngineerStress Simulation EngineerControls Engineer Electronics Engineer

Project ManagerFacilitatorPilotPurchaserPublisherCommunicationsPublisher

• Background• Problem Statement and Deliverables• Use Scenarios• Customer Needs• Engineering Requirements• Project Plan• Risk Management• Questions

Agenda

• Current wind gathering systems cannot go much higher due to cost constraints associated with the base

• An alternate method would be to use a glider tethered to a base station

• Potential to reach higher altitudes• Potential to reduce costs in base

construction

Background - Need for Project

http://nared.org/wind-power/wind-turbine/

Background - Similar ProjectsAmpyx Power Makani Power

● Comparable energy generation with a 90% reduction in materials

● Glider travels in random flight path● Weather sensor information to decide if lanch / land

needed● Automated launch and land capabilities● Grounded generator turned by tether reeling in and out

● Generates 50% more energy with 90% less material● Kite simulates tip of turbine blade (vertical flight path)● Computers use GPS to find optimal flight path ● Rotors act as propellers to launch kite● In flight, rotors allowed to free-rotate, and send energy

down tether to generator

http://www.fastcoexist.com/3022596 http://archive.datacenterdynamics.com

Background - Previous MSD groupsCurrent project is the 3rd iteration of the Wind Energy System focused on horizontal flight paths - previous two attempted a vertical path

● P14462 - Wind Energy Base Station○ Glider gradually lost altitude with every cycle

● P15462 - Wind Energy Glider○ Glider was not able to attain desired flight path

Recommendations by previous groups● Two point bridle system● Some form of automation to fly or a skilled pilot

Problem Statement

• Create the base station to that a purchased glider would be

tethered to

• The base should be designed to be portable and 360 degree

motion about a vertical axis.

• Base station must have a reel system to reel in/out the glider

while maintaining a taut tether

• Video recordings of all official trials

Deliverables

Ampyx Technology Concept

Use ScenariosGoal of this project is more of a “proof of concept.” Further research will be

required before the system can be cleared for use..

Customer Requirements

Engineering Requirements

Project Plan - Phase I

Phase 1: Problem Definition TasksDate Complete Reason not Completed

Push to Phase II?

Send out PO for the plane and other materials if not included with the plane 9/10/2015 - -Meet with graduate student Glen Gavi 9/3/2015 - -

Gather & run Gavi's simulations -Program not acquirable until week 1 of Phase II, Glen out of town Yes

Translate simulation data -Program not acquirable until week 1 of Phase II, Glen out of town Yes

Talk to Dr. Kempski about acquiring a transmitter and an ESC - New plane comes with transmitter No

Final Date for all Phase 1 tasks 9/10/2015

Project Plan - Phase II

Phase 2: Systems Design Tasks

Set A - Plane FlightDate complete Set B - Design and Programming Date complete

Assemble the plane Gather & run Gavi's simulationsFind a place in Rochester to test flights Translate simulation data

Practice Untethered FlightLearn basic computer coding program for flight simulationResearch on reel systemsDetermine how to keep tether taught upon launchResearch launch and land systems of RC planesConcept designs of base

Final Date for all Phase 2 tasks 10/1/2015

Risk Management

1=least 4=most

Thank you!

Questions?