| 摘要 |
Apparatus for converting wind energy into another form of energy, such as electrical energy, is provided with at least two steerable kites (15, 16) on respective tether lines (17, 18) and having respective control means (40) controlling the kites (15, 16) to follow substantially independent flight paths, the control means being operable to cause the kites to follow flight paths which include a low energy part and a high energy part. The tethers (17, 18) are wound on respective drums (19, 20) driving and being driven (in turn) by electric machines (46, 47 48, 49) so that electricity is generated during the high energy part and surplus energy is used to draw in a kite during its low energy flight path. Sensors (35, 36, 37, 38) determine the flight parameters and control a computer (40) carried by the kite (15, 16) to determine its flight path on the basis of control signals which originate from the other kite and/or from a ground station (61), which latter may be transmitted wirelessly or via conductive components or tracks in the tethers (17, 18). |
