Flight Dynamics and Control of a Farm of Tethered Energy Systems in a Turbulent Field

Abstract

In this paper, we present a combined flight dynamic, control system, and wake interaction model for an array (farm) of tethered energy systems, assessing the response of the array to a turbulent incoming flow field. The model presented herein constitutes the most detailed farm-level dynamic model for tethered energy systems to-date. In particular, the model accounts for more realistic approximations of tether dynamics and added mass effects, while characterizing the ability to control the system through both tethers and control surfaces. Focusing on a specific design and array geometry for ocean current energy harvesting, we analyze the dynamic performance of the array under a turbulent flow field that is representative of the turbulent environment in the Gulf Stream. We perform a frequency domain analysis of individual tethered systems in order to better understand the attenuation properties of the modeled system.