Collecting Wind Energy Using Thermal Updrafts

Abstract

This study presents an airborne approach to collecting wind energy from thermal updrafts using a glider mounted turbine. Given a single thermal updraft, altitude gain is achieved by climbing the thermal. During the descent from the thermal, wind energy can be collected using a turbine mounted on the glider. In order to minimize drag during the climb, the turbine is designed to be engaged during the descent only. A proto-type glider with a built-in turbine generator has been constructed. Flight data indicates significant wind energy may be collected using this system. This paper presents the system and flight data analysis and describes the possibilities of flying the glider given a single thermal updraft or within a preferred site of thermal updrafts.