Interdisciplinary Assessment of Airborne Wind Energy

Research Project, 2019 –

Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) is a novel technology for harnessing wind energy. A main advantage compared to classic wind turbines is that it can supposedly operate at much higher altitudes (up to 2000m), where the wind conditions are in general better compared to the altitude where wind turbines operate.

AWE is, however, under development, and exact performance and costs are still unknown. Nonetheless, as for all new technologies, early assessment of the potential of the AWE technology is imperative to guide the design of AWE systems as well as the policies regarding its development. An important feature of AWE is that they may have fewer hours with low power generation (as wind conditions are better at higher altitude) and a smoother power output (due to more stable wind conditions). These characteristics could provide important advantages system-wise over wind turbines.

The aim of this interdisciplinary project is to assess the power curve (i.e. the relation between power production and wind speed) and power profile (i.e. the power production over time) of AWE systems and 1) investigate if AWE-systems are likely to provide system-wise benefits compared to wind turbines and 2) to locate those location in Europe where this is most likely to happen.

The project relates primarily to SDG 7 (clean energy) and 13 (Climate action). For the gender aspect, the project team consist of two females and two males.