Articles | Volume 10, issue 10
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-10-2161-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-10-2161-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
13 Oct 2025
Research article |
| 13 Oct 2025
| 13 Oct 2025
Kite as a sensor: wind and state estimation in tethered flying systems
Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HS Delft, the Netherlands
Simon Watson
Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HS Delft, the Netherlands
Roland Schmehl
Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HS Delft, the Netherlands
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Short summary
This study demonstrates how kites used to generate wind energy can act as sensors to measure wind conditions and system behaviour. By combining data from existing sensors, such as those measuring position, speed, and forces on the tether, a sensor fusion technique accurately estimates wind conditions and kite performance. This approach can be integrated into control systems to help optimize energy generation and enhance the reliability of these systems under changing wind conditions.
This study demonstrates how kites used to generate wind energy can act as sensors to measure...
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