Rotating Reel System

[PierreB]

Medium scales for torque transfer systems onshore and offshore

I just built then experimented a rotating reel system comprising a ground ring with ropes and pulleys, rotating a superior ring with my hands. The conclusion is clear: when the two rings are aligned and parallel (not rotating reel) the rotation is far easier than when the superior ring is tilted, involving ropes sliding in the pulleys forth and back (rotating reel). It becomes yet more difficult when the superior ring is both tilted and distant, as expected with the figure 22.18. In the other ha…

See also the quote on Medium scales for torque transfer systems onshore and offshore - #95 by PierreB.

By using leashes I also noticed the difficulty of the rotation, but I thought it was due to the resistance of the spring when the rope was unwinding. I think a main cause could be the power consumption of the moving tethers under tension. This power is removed from the overall power of the complete system.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324135034_Airborne_Wind_Energy_Conversion_Using_a_Rotating_Reel_System : the tension is assumed to be constant and equal for each of the four tethers. When using the direct mode of generation (22.3.2), the main generation is assured by the horizontal ring. Then “The modules are electrically interconnected such that the generated and consumed energy is balanced”, but the generated energy is removed from the overall power of the main generation.

As a result I will study more some other AWE systems.