Abstract

The hydrokite is a novel hydro-power system that is based on emerging kite wind-energy systems which are currently being designed for use at high altitudes. The hydrokite system is comprised of a hydrofoil and a support system, and is designed to capture kinetic energy from the flow of a river while reducing negative impacts on the river ecology by minimally interfering with the rivers natural flow (i.e. no dams or river diversions are needed). This work presents some initial results which demonstrate the power performance capabilities of the hydrokite. Two different steady-state models for this system were studied to determine the effects of model parameters on power generation. A dynamic model was also developed and preliminary results are presented. These simplified initial models provide an upper bound for the power performance of an actual system as well as providing an understanding of the effects that parameter changes have on the system performance. This initial work shows that such a system could be a feasible, low impact method for generating renewable energy from low-head hydro sources.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Hydroelectric power plants--Mathematical models; Hydrodynamics; Kites; Wind energy conversion systems--Mathematical models

Publication Date

7-1-2012

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

Mechanical Engineering (KGCOE)

Advisor

Gomes, Mario

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TK1081 .M33 2012

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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