Aero-structural dynamics modeling for an auto-gyro generator system

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New Leaf Management is a Vancouver-based R&D startup company focused on sustainable energy solutions.The company aims to develop novel Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) harvesting technologies with an ambitiousgoal to produce energy at very low cost so that it can compete against any other form of conventional andrenewable power. Motivated by the fact that wind at higher altitude is both stronger and more consistent, NewLeaf is pursuing the development of disruptive AWE harvesting technologies using economical airbornedevices. A modern wind turbine requires a massive hub, nacelle, and hundreds of tons of tower steel andconcrete foundations. Compared to such a turbine, an AWE apparatus only requires a light tether and flyingapparatus. If AWE based technologies are successfully developed, wind energy can be harvested in a widerrange of geographic locations and provide electricity at less than half the cost of existing wind turbinetechnologies.The proposed project aims to evaluate the feasibility of an auto-gyro kite system for energy generation andassess the commercial viability of such a system. To this end, New Leaf has developed a simple auto-gyro kitepower prediction model. However, this model does not capture the effects of wind gradient, blade stall, as wellas rotor and tether dynamics. It is inappropriate to be used for design and configuration optimization of theauto-gyro apparatus. To achieve this goal, an aero-structural dynamics model that can accurately capture boththe aerodynamics and the structural dynamics of the auto-gyro system is necessary. The model will enable us topredict the performance of different design configurations to help determine the optimum parameters that areimportant for both maintaining flight stability and maximizing power generation. Model validation and designconfiguration proof testing will be achieved using a RC controlled auto-gyro prototype device developed byNew Leaf. These are important pre-requisite R&D steps leading to a future commercial AWE demonstrationproject.