Our technology explained
Technology
The objective of our Airborne Wind Energy System is to capture the vast wind resource at higher altitudes with much less material than used in conventional wind turbines.
The AP-3 airframe
The AP3 airframe is designed to lift up to 4.2 tons of force during normal operation. In power generation mode, AP3 rotates the generators by reeling out the tether to generate electricity – a concept patented by Ampyx Power. The 12 metre wingspan, twin fuselage AP3 is made of advanced composite materials.
(Scroll and click on the blue dots to learn more)
Aircraft
Model AP3
Tether
The 750 m Dyneema DM20 “on-drum” tether is 8 mm diameter allows for long term friction wear.
Tether
Model AP3
Launch and Land Platform
The 20 m diameter autonomous rotating Launch and Land platform houses the catapult, arresting mechanism and tether swivel. The entire system is designed to be fully scalable for future AWES.
Launch and Land Platform
Model AP3
Ground Systems
The ground system consists of a winch, power electronics and a generator. The winch is the primary system that translates tether tension into rotational energy to drive the generator to feed electricity into the grid. The power electronics regulate and smooth out the electrical power profile while protecting the entire system from over-voltage.