Patent ID: 6523781
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: A63H,B64C,F03D,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
A wind driven apparatus for harnessing wind energy, comprising;a) at least one inflatable airfoil kite; b) a ground station with at least one pulley adapted to transmit useful power to a shaft for energy utilization; c) at least one flexible tether line connecting said inflatable airfoil kite to said pulley for transferring the axial portion of the aerodynamic lift generated by said inflatable airfoil kite to said pulley, whereby useful power is generated while reeling-out said flexible tether line from said pulley under axial tension; d) a means for controlling the flight path of said inflatable airfoil kite in a substantially perpendicular direction to said flexible tether line above the ground, and further including a means for operating said airfoil at an air speed greater than two times the ambient wind speed; e) a means for rewinding said flexible tether line back onto said pulley after being reeled-out, whereby the wind driven apparatus is ready to reel-out the tether line under axial tension again.