Three-Dimensional Unsteady Aerodynamic Analysis of a Rigid-Framed Delta Kite Applied to Airborne Wind Energy

The validity of using a low-computational-cost model for the aerodynamic characterization Airborne Wind Energy Systems was studied by benchmarking three-dimensional Unsteady Panel Method (UnPaM) with experimental data from flight test campaign two-line Rigid-Framed Delta kite. latter, and subsequent analysis data, provided evolution tether tensions, full kinematic state kite (aerodynamic velocity angular vectors, among others), its coefficients. history used as input UnPaM that set theoretical Disparate conclusions were found when comparing For wide range angles attack sideslip angles, agreement in lift lateral force coefficients good moderate, respectively, considering is potential flow tool. As expected, predicts much lower drag because it ignores viscous effects. comparison torque more delicate due to uncertainties on data. Besides fully non-stationary simulations, coefficient also assuming quasi-steady steady conditions. It typical figure-of-eight trajectory there are no significant differences between unsteady approaches allowing fast simulations.