Airborne Wind Energy: Implementation and Design for the U.S. Air Force

摘要

Researcher excitement about Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) technology matches DoD aims to advance and employ renewable energy. AWE seeks to cost-effectively tap the vast supply of wind energy that is available at altitudes high above the reach of conventional, ground-based wind turbines (e.g. 500-12,000 m). This paper explores the viability and implementation of AWE technology for fulfilling USAF energy needs. The characteristics, potential, and developmental status of the AWE resource are presented. Research suggests three huge advantages over ground based wind power: 30 times higher power density, 2-3 times more persistent winds, and 7-13 times smaller land use footprint. A design tool for a rotor-based AWE system is developed, facilitating the analysis of blade performance to simplify design and to provide the best efficiencies for a range of conditions. USAF bases are evaluated based upon energy needs, design requirements, and other factors to determine which bases could benefit most from AWE. Bases most viable for an AWE project, with potential savings of 75% in energy costs per base (up to $40M annually for larger bases), are: Tinker, Vance, Wright-Patterson, Arnold, Ellsworth, and Grand Forks. Key results reveal it is possible to achieve notable benefits for the USAF using AWE technology.