Power Generation using Rotor Speed Control for an Aerial Vehicle

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 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, wherein the aerial vehicle includes at least one rotor coupled to at least one 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 a power generation state of the aerial vehicle, wherein the determined power generation state is one of a plurality of power generation states of the aerial vehicle comprising at least (a) an efficiency-limited power generation state and (b) a temperature-limited power generation state;based on the determined power-generation state, selecting a control scheme for one or more power-generation components of the aerial vehicle, wherein a first control scheme is selected if the aerial vehicle is in the efficiency-limited power generation state, and wherein a second control scheme is selected if the aerial vehicle is in the temperature-limited power generation state; andoperating the one or more power-generation components of the aerial vehicle according to the selected control scheme.