Development of airborne wind energy systems in a competitive energy market

Jurian Rademaker

Founder and Owner QConcepts Design & Engineering B.V.

C. Missetstraat 30 7005 AB Doetinchem

The Netherlands jurian@qcde.eu www.qcde.eu

Development of Airborne Wind Energy Systems in a Competitive Energy Market

Jurian Rademaker

QConcepts Design & Engineering B.V. The SkyWindTurbine project was started in the autumn of

2013 with the goal to develop an innovative wind system that can be economically feasible in low wind speed in-land regions. A small consortium was founded by QCon-cepts with the HAN University of Applied Sciences and the German firm Von der Linden as main partners.

After the proof of principle stage the Dutch region Gelder-land awarded the development with funds for a proto-type project with a fixed wing structure out of bio-fibres. Sustainable production using ”flexing” flax fibres and the need for smaller more horizon friendly systems were the key arguments in this decision.

A third generation prototype will be launched in June 2015 for further tests and refinements. The focus in this stage is on:

• Light weight structures and automated production, QConcepts main field of expertise

• Control systems

• Operation at low altitudes and in zones with low wind speeds

The project structure: Collaboration and synergy be-tween fields of expertise and partners are the key

ingre-dients in this development. A student-hub was formed around this and other sustainable energy projects to cre-ate a unique R&D environment. The mix of industry professionals, students and researchers create an atmo-sphere wherein developments and results follow each other rapidly.

Local municipals, universities and SMEs are brought to-gether in this project with as goal to push the boundaries of technology and to create a more sustainable world.

D E SI G N & E N G I N E E R I N G