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The avionics system acts as the electronic backbone of the Makani Airborne Wind Turbine (AWT) and includes the sensors, actuators, controllers and communication systems that keep the wing flying on its desired path.
The avionics package provides a reconfigurable computing platform for our wings. Control code can be externally developed and then uploaded to an embedded computer onboard the wing. An FPGA based interface board allows us to adapt our electronics to different prototypes.
Ground testing is an important part of our development process. Here, Eric Chin works on the electrical system of Wing 4 in Makani’s machine shop and test bay.
The Makani designed Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) measures linear acceleration, angular rate and magnetic field strength in three axes to determine the orientation and position of the wing. Because the wing operates under a wide range of conditions, Makani uses multiple sensors to provide scalable ranges for changing flight regimes.
Dr. Kenneth Jensen setting up the mobile ground station prior to a test. From here Makani monitors and controls the wing, recording a variety of diagnostic information to continuously improve the performance and reliability of the system.
A line angle sensor on the ground measures the direction of the tether and helps determine the position of the wing. Sensors mounted on the ground station ladder measure wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure and GPS location. Data to and from the kite are redundantly transmitted over the tether and a radio link.
