Abstract: The invention described herein relates generally to wind power generation. In particular, the invention relates to devices and methods used for launching and retrieving wind energy generating craft as well as novel constructions of such craft. Additionally, novel structures for tethers and tether operation is disclosed. Also, methods and apparatus for power generation are described. The craft described herein are intended for electrical power generation utilizing the wind energy collected from air currents.

Abstract: A wind energy generator for employment in the jet stream or other wind conditions is described herein. The craft comprises a “kite” configured with an airfoil and tethered to a ground based power generator. The craft and tether are configured to pull on the tether during a flight pattern calculated to pull on the tether that is connected to the generator to enable power generation. Also, an aerodynamically stable tether configuration is used and can be supplemented with a number of periodically spaced control surfaces arranged at various points along the tether. These control surfaces can be selectively actuated to stabilize and position the tether. The tether can comprise a two-stage tether having an inelastic portion attached to a pool and an elastic portion that connects with the kite. Also, the invention contemplates a system of wind detection devices that identify the local wind variations and through control systems enable the optimal positioning of the kite.

Abstract: A wind energy generator for employment in the jet stream or other wind conditions is described herein. The craft includes an airfoil and at least one wind energy generating device. The craft further includes a variable geometry tail boom unit whose orientation relative to the rest of the craft can be adjusted in accordance with the needs of the user. The craft is tethered to the ground. The wind energy generating devices transferring generated electrical power back to the ground using a conductive transfer line or alternative energy transfer means. The can craft further include an airframe onto which the wind energy generating devices can be mounted the airframe can include an open structured airframe. The invention further describes method of putting an energy generating craft into the air. The method comprises becoming airborne in a vertical configuration, transitioning a tail boom into an orientation parallel to plane of the airfoil and entering a horizontal flight configuration.

Abstract: A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions.

Abstract: A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions.

Abstract: A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions.

Abstract: A tethered airborne electrical power generation system which may utilize a strutted frame structure with airfoils built into the frame to keep wind turbine driven generators which are within the structure airborne. The primary rotors utilize the prevailing wind to generate rotational velocity. Electrical power generated is returned to ground using a tether that is also adapted to fasten the flying system to the ground. The flying system is adapted to be able to use electrical energy to provide power to the primary turbines which are used as motors to raise the system from the ground, or mounting support, into the air. The system may then be raised into a prevailing wind and use airfoils in the system to provide lift while the system is tethered to the ground. The motors may then resume operation as turbines for electrical power generation. The system may be somewhat planar in that many turbines may have their rotors substantially in one or more planes or planar regions.