Our Company

Ampyx Power analysis shows that Airborne Wind Energy systems have the potential to generate electricity at a quarter of the cost of conventional wind turbines and comparable to fossil fuel based technologies. The challenges to overcome in order to realize commercial systems are achievable since these have previously been solved in other areas of technology. The drivers for these lower costs are the simplicity of the system which leads to lower capital costs and the higher capacity factor due to the more consistent an higher velocity winds at greater altitudes. Apart from the economic returns, the realization of the PowerPlane system on a commercial scale will contribute to achieving renewable energy and CO2 emission targets.

History

We are a young company located in The Hague, the Netherlands. The company was founded end of 2008 by Richard Ruiterkamp and Bas Lansdorp, Airborne Wind Energy experts from TU Delft. During 2009 and 2010, Ampyx Power has developed the several 10kW PowerPlane prototypes with a subsidy from SenterNovem, the European Fund for Regional Development, investments from three angel investors and Statkraft. The company is incorporated as a Dutch B.V.

Current status

Ampyx Power is now working on fully automated power production with the 10kW prototype and expects to complete this by the end of 2011. Ampyx Power has recently successfully completed a flight permission application with the Dutch airspace authorities which has resulted in the identification of the 10 kW prototype as a special category of UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System). This is the first time that an Airborne Wind Energy system has obtained a formal classification and operational permit. The 10 kW PowerPlane system operates at a grid connected permanent test site in the centre of the Netherlands. This means that Ampyx actually provides wind energy to the power grid during test flights!

Roadmap for development

In parallel to the current autonomous operation test phase, Ampyx Power is working on the autonomous launch and landing systems which will be operational by the end of 2012.  Simultaneously, Ampyx Power is developing a 100 kW production prototype that will be deployed in 2013. The positive scaling effect of PowerPlane systems is illustrated by the fact that scaling from 10 kW to 100 kW implies that the aircraft wing span will increase from 5.5 meter to just 13 meters. This 100kW system is not only a necessary step in scaling up to utility scale systems, but will also be commercially deployed in remote areas that are not connected to the power grid. In these locations, PowerPlane systems can replace expensive diesel-electric power generation. Commercial deployment of 100 kW systems allows Ampyx Power to generate its first revenues as early as 2013/2014.  After successful completion of the commercial 100 kW prototype, Ampyx Power will start production of a  1MW PowerPlane system.