LabVIEW FPGA Control System for Portable Wind Energy Generator​ 

  • Industry Served: Renewable Energy and Defense Applications
  • Technology: LabVIEW, CompactRIO RT & FPGA
  • Products & Services: LabVIEW development, Training and Support
  • Customer Profile: The client was a start-up with a unique idea of how to generate sustained power in the field without outside supplies of diesel or other resources.
  • Business Challenge: The client approached our team to deliver expertise in control systems to support their mission of creating a portable, high-efficiency energy solution. The application targeted military field deployments, emergency power generation, and other off-grid scenarios where conventional energy sources are impractical.​​​​​

The Challenge

​The concept involved using a soft kite (paraglider) tethered by a long line to harness wind energy. By steering the kite in dynamic flight patterns, such as figure eight, they aimed to amplify wind forces and drive a generator on the ground. However, this ambitious idea presented several challenges:
  • ​​High-Stakes Precision: Controlling a paraglider from hundreds of feet away in varying wind conditions required an advanced and responsive control system.
  • Unpredictable Environments: The system needed to operate in low or still wind conditions, leveraging the paraglider's design to create motion even without strong natural winds.
  • Mechanical Complexity: Steering the kite for hours in sustained patterns demanded robust algorithms and seamless hardware-software integration.

The Solution

Working with the client's goals, and keeping flexibility in mind, our team delivered a cutting-edge control system platform. That framework platform focused on flexibility to allow experimentation of many different control strategies as the customer SMEs iterated on the problem.

Hardware-Software Integration:
Using the National Instruments CompactRIO platform with FPGA and real-time software, we built a framework that managed motor controls and system operations. The platform ensured real-time responsiveness essential for controlling the paraglider’s complex motion.

Algorithm Implementation:
The client’s in-house team used the platform to develop advanced algorithms for efficient flight patterns.

Client Empowerment:
To ensure long-term success, we collaborated closely with the client, training their internal developers to maintain and adapt the system for future experiments
Our framework application empowers the client's SMEs to focus on their control algorithms.

Technical Highlights

​Real-Time Control Framework:
The FPGA-based system delivered high-speed processing, providing a platform for the customers experimental control strategies.

Operational Versatility:
The solution was designed to function in diverse environments, from remote deserts to disaster zones, addressing both military and civilian energy challenges.

The Results

The project showcased the potential of innovative renewable energy solutions:
  • Scalable Applications: The system demonstrated feasibility for military field deployments and emergency scenarios, where portable power generation is critical.
  • Client Empowerment: The Client's team gained the tools and knowledge to iterate their designs and refine their control strategies.
  • Exploration of New Possibilities: This project paved the way for advancements in high-altitude wind energy generation.

Although the client ultimately transitioned to a completely different design, the paraglider system served as a vital proof of concept and a critical step on their design journey.

Tags

LabVIEW FPGA development, CompactRIO, cRIO, real-time control systems, renewable energy solutions, paraglider wind energy, portable power generation, off-grid energy systems, control system integration, military field deployments, emergency power generation, wind power generator, LabVIEW development, real-time control