Kitekraft
Kitekraft, based in Munich, Germany, is a pioneering company in the industrials sector focused on developing innovative flying wind turbine technology to promote the transition to 100% clean energy.
Company Overview
Kitekraft, formerly known as kiteKRAFT, is based in Munich, BY, Germany, and operates within the industrial sector, primarily focusing on energy. The company is recognized for its innovative technology aimed at climate change and digitization. With a small team of six, Kitekraft has made significant strides, including being accepted into Y Combinator's S19 batch and the RESPOND accelerator.
Technological Innovations
Kitekraft's technology centers around a tethered electric aircraft, a kite equipped with eight onboard wind turbines. This kite autonomously flies in figure eights to generate electrical energy from the wind. Compared to conventional wind turbines, Kitekraft's systems require ten times less construction material and cost half as much. This innovation not only promotes clean energy but also presents a cost-effective alternative for wind energy generation.
Key Milestones and Achievements
Kitekraft has achieved several critical milestones in its pursuit of commercializing its flying wind turbine technology. Notably, the company has connected its test site to Germany’s public electricity grid and fed power into the German power grid. Additionally, Kitekraft has completed multiple successful test campaigns, including wind tunnel tests, and has built a new, fully integrated prototype, marking significant progress towards commercial availability.
Funding and Support
Kitekraft has garnered substantial funding and support from various sources. This includes public and private funding, and specific backing from the European Union’s Horizon Europe program under Grant Agreement No. 101084216. The company’s efforts and innovations have also led to several awards recognizing their impact on technology relevant to climate change and digitization.
Collaborations and Publications
Kitekraft collaborates with notable institutions and professional associations like Ergo, Munich Re, Airborne Wind Europe, and GreenTech Alliance. The company’s technological foundation is rooted in scientific research from the Technical University of Munich, led by PhD researcher Florian Bauer. Key publications include 'Multidisciplinary Optimization of Drag Power Kites' by Florian Bauer, 'Rotor Design Procedure for a Drag Power Kite' by André Frirdich, and 'Design by Optimization of a Multi-Element Airfoil for Drag Power Kite' by Christoph Drexler.