Acroniem: KITVES Periode: Oktober 2008 tot September 2012 Status: Afgelopen
KU Leuven; Departement Elektrotechniek; Afdeling ESAT - Elektrische Energie en Computer Architecturen (ELECTA), meer
The problem that will be the object of the project is the generation of electric energy on vessels. In the troposphere, the wind increases its velocity with the altitude and this velocity is also more constant. KiteVes solution is based on the on-board realisation of a wind-powered generator, capable to harvest the altitude wind and to efficiently convert wind power into electrical power. The kites will be equipped with sensors. The sensors will identify position, orientation and acceleration of each kite. The data will be transmitted to a control unit (placed on the vessel) which pilot motors (also placed on the vessel). Through a cinematic chain and the two cables, connected to the kites, the motors control the fly of the kites. The motors are equipped with double effect drives, this way the same motors act as power generators. The main concept that lies behind this project is the application of emerging technologies in the field of energy production to the field of surface transport, with the main objective of performing the greening of surface transport itself by the implementation of technologies for an optimal use of energy. The main objective of the KiteVes Project is to provide an innovative solution to the electric energy supplying aboard vessels, available for the following purposes: 1. supplying energy to on board services and auxiliaries; 2. supplying energy for traction purposes on electric motors-powered vessels.