Abstract: A tethered airborne wind-driven power generation device providing, in various embodiments, a main tether and plurality of auxiliary tethers, feedback controls for continuously adjusting pitch, roll and yaw, and a Vee-shaped configuration for disposing rotors along the frame of the device. The auxiliary tethers avoid slack and resultant transient instability, and the Vee-shaped rotor disposition takes advantage of upwash or any other aerodynamic benefit from the rotors adjacent to it, to improve efficiency.

Abstract: A control system for a windmill kite having a platform tethered by at least one tethering line, and supporting a plurality of rotors that provide lift to keep the kite aloft and to generate electrical power. The control system comprises a computer and controller. The computer comprises a memory circuitry accessible by a microprocessor, the memory circuitry storing data representing at least one set of stored reference values. The controller arranged for regulating at least one functional parameter of the kite by controlling at least one operating characteristic of the rotors, with the computer cyclically retrieving a plurality of sensed environmental parametric values from sensors disposed on or near the kite, and processes a set of output values by comparing the sensed parametric values to the set of stored reference values, the output values are then forwarded to the controller for adjusting at least one operating characteristic of the rotors.

Abstract: One or more tethered platforms, each having three or more, mill rotors, are operated at altitudes in relatively high winds to generate electricity. These windmill kites use one or more electro-mechanical tethers on each platform. Their position, attitude and orientation are monitored by one or more GPS receivers and/or gyros and controlled through differential thrusts and torque-reactions produced by the mill rotors. The kites can be electrically powered from a ground supply during relatively calm periods, or landed if desired. During windy periods the kites may be used to generate electricity by tilting the rotors at an angle, or incidence to the on-coming wind. In this generate mode the mill rotors simultaneously develop thrust while generating electricity.

Abstract: One or more tethered platforms, each having three or more; mill rotors, are operated at altitudes in relatively high winds to generate electricity. These windmill kites use one or more electro-mechanical tethers on each platform. Their position, attitude and orientation are monitored by one or more GPS receivers and/or gyros and controlled through differential thrusts and torque-reactions produced by the mill rotors. The kites can be electrically powered from a ground supply during relatively calm periods, or landed if desired. During windy periods the kites may be used to generate electricity by tilting the rotors at an angle, or incidence to the on-coming wind. In this generate mode the mill rotors simultaneously develop thrust while generating electricity.

Abstract: A kite having a flying platform including a plurality of mill rotors, at least one tethering line maintaining the platform at a substantially fixed geographical location, at least one dynamo on the platform drive connected to the mill rotors, and a conductor connecting the dynamo to an electrical transmission and supply system at ground level. The windmill kite has at least three substantially axially co-directed, spaced apart mill rotors disposed in an array which is symmetrical in terms of thrust capacity about each of two orthogonal axes extending from the platform and being neutral in terms of torque capacity about a third orthogonal axes extending from the platform.

Abstract: One or more tethered platforms, each comprising three or more, mill rotors, are operated at altitudes in relatively high winds to generate electricity.

Abstract: Tethered wind supported flying electric generators (FEGS) capable of deriving power from high altitude winds are held stable in precisely controlled positions in spite of wind fluctuations and temporary wind absence. FEGs are windmill-like rotorcraft, somewhat resembling helicopters, which are raised to a strong wind altitude using electric motors driving the rotors, each craft powered through tether(s) from a corresponding single point on the ground. Then the rotorcraft is tilted at an angle, the wind turns the rotors, and thus keeps the craft aloft and sends power back to the ground, now using the motors as generators. Precise craft geographic position, altitude and attitude are determined by various sensing means. Computer logic, provided with this information and wind and other weather data, command individual craft control functions and thus may also command arrays of these FEGs to maintain precise geographic and altitude locations or be grounded under tether winch control when necessary.