Tethered vehicle control and tracking system

US9599995B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• David D. North · North Palm Beach, US
• Mark J. Aull · St. Bernard, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 21, 2017
• Expiry date: Apr 27, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/72
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A kite system includes a kite and a ground station. The ground station includes a sensor that can be utilized to determine an angular position and velocity of the kite relative to the ground station. A controller utilizes a fuzzy logic control system to autonomously fly the kite. The system may include a ground station having powered winding units that generate power as the lines to the kite are unreeled. The control system may be configured to fly the kite in a crosswind trajectory to increase line tension for power generation. The sensors for determining the position of the kite are preferably ground-based.