Abstract: There is provided a mechanism for opening and closing a working umbrella of a kite-guided umbrella ladder system. The umbrella ascends when in an open state and descends when in a closed state. Huge pulling power is introduced by the working umbrella when it is ascending, which can be used for power generation. A system with a common rail tether and multiple working umbrellas is provided for efficient and large scale power generation.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a system for power generation from a fluid, such as air or water. The system comprises a rail tether, and a working umbrella movably mounted to the rail tether such that the working umbrella is powered by the fluid in a first direction along the rail tether during a working stroke of the working umbrella. A working tether couples the working umbrella to a generator during at least the working stroke of the working umbrella, and a motor is coupled to the working umbrella during at least a recovery stroke of the working umbrella, the recovery stroke being in an opposite direction to the first direction along the rail tether.