Methods and systems for managing power generation and temperature control of an aerial vehicle operating in crosswind-flight mode

摘要

Methods and systems described herein relate to power generation control for an aerial vehicle of an air wind turbine (AWT). More specifically, the methods described herein relate to balancing power generation or preventing a component of the aerial vehicle from overheating using rotor speed control. An example method may include operating an aerial vehicle in a crosswind-flight mode to generate power. The aerial vehicle may include a rotor configured to help generate the power. While the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight mode the method may include comparing a power output level of the aerial vehicle to a power threshold and, based on the comparison, adjusting operation of the rotor in a manner that generates an optimal amount of power or minimizes overheating of the aerial vehicle.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
operating an aerial vehicle of an air wind turbine (AWT) in a crosswind-flight mode to generate power, wherein the aerial vehicle is coupled to a ground station through a tether, and wherein the aerial vehicle includes a first rotor coupled to a first generator and a second rotor coupled to a second generator for power generation when the aerial vehicle operates in the crosswind-flight mode; and while the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight mode:
determining, based on sensor data, an amount of power generated by the aerial vehicle;comparing the amount of power generated by the aerial vehicle to a threshold power;if the comparison indicates that the amount of power generated by the aerial vehicle is less than the threshold power, then determining that the aerial vehicle is in a first power generation state, and operating one or more power-generation components of the aerial vehicle according to a first control scheme, wherein the first control scheme includes setting both a drag coefficient of the first rotor and a drag coefficient of the second rotor to about one half of a drag coefficient of the aerial vehicle; andif the comparison indicates that the amount of power generated by the aerial vehicle is greater than or equal to the threshold power, then determining that the aerial vehicle is in a second power generation state, and operating the one or more power-generation components of the aerial vehicle according to a second control scheme, wherein the second control scheme includes setting a first advance ratio of the first rotor and setting a second advance ratio of the second rotor that is different than the first advance ratio.