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Onshore Containerised AWES

Explore Kitepower's energy perks

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Why Kitepower?

Discover the advantages of Kitepower

24/7 Renewable Energy

Produce electricity during day, night, on cloudy and rainy days.

Maximised Energy Production

Higher capacity factor than solar PV and wind turbines.

Less Materials

Up to 90% less material than conventional wind turbines.

Plug & Play Setup

Installed in less than 24hrs and operated out-of-the-box.

Deployable in Harsh Environments

Built for remote sites and communities.

Easy to Transport Worldwide

All equipment fits in one 20ft container.

Diesel Reduction

Providing a renewable alternative to diesel generators.

Peak Shaving

Stable power, no costly peak purchases needed.

The System Operation

Learn more about the continuous pumping cycle operation
Phase 1: Reel Out - Energy Production

Energy is generated during the first phase when the kites are flown in a cross-wind figure of eight pattern to achieve a high pulling force and reel out the tether from the winch in the ground station. During reel-out, Kitepower systems produce power throughout 80% of the cycle’s time.

Phase 2: Reel In - Energy Consumption

When the max tether length is reached, the kite’s profile is adjusted to reel in the tether with low force, using a small fraction of the energy produced in the previous phase. During reel-in, Kitepower systems consume power throughout 20% of the cycle’s time.

Generation phases vs power output

The electricity generation works in two phases, which repeated in continuous cycles result in positive net energy output. The energy generated by the system while reeling out is greater than the energy consumed to reel the kite back in.

cycle duration: 100 seconds
Generation phases vs power output

The electricity generation works in two phases, which repeated in continuous cycles result in positive net energy output. The energy generated by the system while reeling out is greater than the energy consumed to reel the kite back in.

Start generating electricity at lower wind speeds

Kitepower represents an innovative and cost-effective alternative to existing wind turbines. Kitepower systems start producing energy with lower wind speeds than the ones required by conventional wind turbines, moreover, Kitepower is capable to harness stronger and more persistent winds at higher altitudes. (COMMENT: Highlight lower winds within the power curve graphic.)

Product Certification

The Kitepower system operation is classified as SAIL II (Specific Assurance and Integrity Level), which allows it to be performed at locations all over Europe. This level expresses to what extent the system’s operational hazards, on-ground and in the air, are limited by design and further mitigated by certain measures and strategies.  The SORA (Specific Operational Risk Assessment) which Kitepower has performed, is approved at a European level under auspices of EASA, the European Aviation Safety Agency. The approval is valid throughout Europe and must be respected by the Member States’ National Aviation Authorities, who will issue a permit to fly if the locally proposed operation fits the approved conditions specified in the SORA. Based on it, Kitepower already is operating under permit in The Netherlands and Ireland.

Furthermore, the recently applied classification of the Kitepower system enables it to operate:

  • Over sparsely populated ground area
  • In uncontrolled airspace: VLOS/EVLOS (Visual Line Of Sight/Extended VLOS)
    • With a visual observer on site and 
    • Visibility of two nautical miles
    • At night

  • In restricted and atypical airspace: BVLOS (Beyond visual line of sight)
    • In all weather conditions
    • At night
    • In clouds

  • By notifying the respective airspace traffic control service to issue a NOTAM (NOtice To Air Missions) about the flight operation and use of the airspace at the site
  • With a drone pilot license (A1/A3 and A2) pilot in remote control (from Kitepower HQ)

This approach to permitting leads to  easier and faster arrangements of Kitepower pilot installations within the EU. The EASA approval is highly regarded internationally and increasingly accepted in the rest of the world. Depending on the desired area of deployment and local regulations, additional permits (building, environmental etc.) might be required.

Product Comparison

Product The Hawk The Falcon
Operation 10 hours Continuous
Rated Power 30 kW 100 kW
Yearly Energy Output 50 MWh 250 MWh
Battery Optional External
Ideal Application Jobsites Various off-grid applications
Offering Rental Purchase
Market Entry Now Coming Soon
Meet the Hawk Meet the Falcon

Product Comparison

Product:

Rated Power:

Yearly Power Output:

Operation Time:

Battery:

Ideal Application:

Market Entry:

Kitepower Hawk

30 kW

50 MWh

10 Hours

Integrated (400 KWh)

Remote worksites

Now

Meet the Hawk

Kitepower Falcon

100 kW

450 MWh

Continuous

External

Remote communities

Coming soon

Meet the Falcon

Frequently Asked Questions

How easy is the transportation of the Kitepower system?

Extremely easy! The complete Kitepower system fits in a single 20ft shipping container (6,06m length x 2,44m width x 2,60m height and 9.5t) that can be easily transported with only one truck. To guarantee the system delivery across remote areas, connections allowing access by truck is required. Depending on the truck used for transportation, a crane might be needed to load and unload the Kitepower containerised system.

How long does it take to install a Kitepower system?

Upon delivery and with a grid connection already configured, the Kitepower system is ready to be installed and set up for flight operations in less than a day.

Do I need training to operate the system?

We provide extensive training for local operators and certify them to fly the system safety, including launch and landing. Kitepower pilots monitor flights remotely and are available for remote support.

Do I need to prepare foundations to install a Kitepower system?

No, unlike conventional wind turbines, Kitepower systems do not require foundations. Kitepower’s ground station can be easily installed on the ground by means of anchors which prevents it from sliding.

How much ground space do I need to install a Kitepower system?

The Kitepower system may require a ground space area of 300 metres (radius) around the ground station where ground access needs to be controlled. The actual operational area required for launch and landing is around 50 metres (full or half radius). Obstacles’ height within the operational envelope of a Kitepower system is constrained to 1m for every 10 m of distance from the GS.

What permits are required to operate a Kitepower system?

Every Kitepower system's deployment must be regulated and authorised by local authorities which guarantee safe and monitored flight operations. The system has been permitted as a specific drone that is valid for the EU. Depending on the desired area of deployment, different permits (building, environmental etc.) might be required in order to operate a Kitepower system.

Can the system operate in every weather condition?

The system can operate with rain, hail or snow. Thunderstorms represent the only weather condition that would require to land the system. The system can operate in temperatures between -10 and +40 degrees Celsius.

What happens when the wind isn’t blowing momentarily?

Kitepower has a no-wind flight path mode that allows keeping the kite in the air even under low wind conditions for a limited period of time. No energy is being produced during this phase. This principle, called step towing, is derived from paragliding techniques.

Can the system operate at night?

Yes, Kitepower systems can operate at night. The kite is also equipped with lights, as required by air traffic regulations.
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