The discussion revolves around a novel windmill design called the Laddermill, being developed at TU Delft in the Netherlands. Participants explore its mechanics, potential applications, and the challenges associated with its operation, particularly in terms of kite synchronization and tether dynamics.
The discussion contains multiple competing views and remains unresolved regarding specific mechanics and design details of the Laddermill. Participants express differing understandings of how the system operates and the challenges involved.
Participants note limitations in their understanding of the tether dynamics and the mechanics of kite synchronization, with some assumptions about the design remaining unverified.
It may be something as simple as designing inflatable kites that lift when inflated to a certain pressure and dive when the pressure is reduced. Taking altitude-dependent external air pressure into account could easily be as simple as installing orifices at a number of locations along the string to gradually reduce the pressure delivered to the next-higher group of kites. The pressure (and lift coefficient) of inflatable kites could be computer-controlled, or perhaps even automatically controlled mechanically by valves that are actuated at the desired limit of retraction and extension of the tether. There are a lot of ways to skin that particular cat. Depending on the lift generated by each kite the upper tethers can be very thin and lightweight, while the lower segment of tether may have to be pretty beefy to have the appropriate tensile strength. If the tubing used to pressurize the kites can be incorporated into the tether, that would simplify things a bit more.Danger said:I can foresee some awesome work needed to synchronize all of the individual lift factors.
Not actively, a simple taper.Danger said:Okay... I'm pissed as a nit right now... leftover from the Legion Remembrance Day party. I still don't see how you would vary the thickness of the tether during its course.