AWE Kite Train
The Kite Train system is an interesting concept. Perhaps we should start a new topic. I have many comments and suggestions.
My biggest problem with the system is the fact that the turbines are free to rotate about the axis of the tether. We must install vanes or paddles on each turbine to ensure that they orient to face the wind. Should we alternate rotation direction of the turbines to neutralize transverse torque? Unfortunately the paddles may interfere with the nesting of the turbines on the ground.
Autonomous launch and land is a problem. If we somehow manage to lift the first set of kites to launching height will they naturally separate? During launch, the turbines and second set of kites will be dragged across the ground. We must place them on rolling wagons to prevent this. How do we relocate the wagons when landing the system especially when there are wind changes?
An alternative idea is to use the Kitewinder system with a cable drive. The weight of the generators and conductive cable is eliminated and the problem of low inefficient generator speeds eliminated by different size pulleys on the cable drive system. A cable drive system with lighter tether can be operated at higher altitudes with a significant increase in power output.