Fibrolux & KiteX – a story about the world's lightest mobile wind turbine
The unique collaboration between Fibrolux and KiteX opens a new chapter in the history of renewable energy. The use of Fibrolux's GRP profiles in KiteX's wind catchers demonstrates an outstanding symbiosis of material technology and engineering that provides an efficient and sustainable solution for power generation in a variety of environments.
Between adrenaline and energy: kitesurfing inspires wind power technology
The journey from idea to realisation began with an inspiration as powerful as the wind itself: kitesurfing.
Chris and Andreas from KiteX had the vision of developing a wind turbine that, like a kitesurfer, would capture the power of the wind with minimal mass. Inspired by the efficiency of kites, they developed their first ideas.
These prototypes quickly showed their potential by generating energy remarkably efficiently from even light breezes.
Fibrolux brings lightness and strength to the KiteX Wind Catcher
The idea behind the Wind Catcher was to create a mobile wind turbine that makes it possible to generate a maximum amount of energy with little material. However, the developers were faced with a major challenge: finding a material that was both light and flexible enough to fulfil the demanding requirements of a mobile and off-grid wind turbine.
After extensive testing and comparison of different materials, Fibrolux's GRP profiles proved to be the ideal solution. Their unique properties - exceptional lightness combined with high strength and flexibility - enabled the realisation of a lightweight wind turbine.
Flexibility for optimum performance thanks to Fibrolux GRP profiles
Fibrolux GRP profiles give the KiteX Wind Catcher dynamic strength by combining the elasticity of glass fibre with the flexibility of resin. This ensures a robust yet lightweight structure that is resistant to strong winds and functions reliably in a wide range of conditions.
Thanks to their inherent flexibility, customised blade designs can be created to improve aerodynamics and maximise energy production.
Are you interested in GRP profiles from Fibrolux?
Details at a glance
Technical data:
- Rated power: 200 W at 5.5 m/s wind speed
- Weight of the assembled turbine: 12 kg [26lbs]
- Voltage output: 12-36 V (programmable)
- Wind speed (operating range): 3-15 m/s. max.range: 15 - 25 m/s
- Noise level: 55 dB at 6 m at 135 rpm (3 dB above background noise at full speed)
Power generation in 24 hours:
At an average wind speed of:
- 4 m/s (9mph) = 2600 Wh
- 5 m/s (11 miles per hour) = 3700 Wh
- 6 m/s (13mph) = 4500 Wh
Noise level:
- The wind catcher is so quiet that you can't tell if it is switched on from just 20 metres away.
- At 5 metres, it is only 3 dB above the background noise.
Fibrolux GRP as a central element in the Wind Catcher
The Fibrolux GRP profiles play a central role in the design and functionality of the Wind Catcher, providing both lightness and robustness.
GRP, short for glass fibre reinforced plastic, is known for its light weight compared to its strength, which is crucial for the mobility of the Wind Catcher.
These GRP profiles allow the Wind Catcher to be easily carried and erected by one person without compromising on stability and durability.
In addition, Fibrolux GRP profiles offer resistance to weathering and corrosion, making them ideal for use in a wide range of environments - be it in humid, salty coastal regions, in the dry desert heat or in cold, icy mountain regions.
Their flexibility and resistance to breakage make them reliable in areas where strong winds or difficult weather conditions may prevail.
The choice of Fibrolux GRP profiles for the Wind Catcher therefore contributes significantly to the efficiency and versatility of the system. Not only do they enable quick and easy installation, but they also help to ensure the operational reliability and durability of the Wind Catcher in a wide range of conditions.
Whether it's providing renewable energy in remote wilderness areas, powering events in urban areas or supplying power during emergency operations in disaster zones. The combination of these features makes the Wind Catcher a sustainable and flexible solution for mobile power generation that can be used in almost any location.
Are you interested in the Wind Catcher from KiteX?
KiteX Wind Catcher - Simple assembly for everyone, everywhere
Fibrolux GRP profiles play a crucial role in reducing weight and ensure that the KiteX Wind Catcher is effortlessly portable and easy to set up. The ability to assemble and disassemble the wind turbine quickly is crucial for its mobile use in changing locations.
The wind turbine is anchored using tensioning straps and screw anchors, which are attached to the ground at three different points. This method allows the turbine to be erected safely even on uneven ground or on surfaces with an incline of up to twelve degrees.
The Wind Catcher uses high-performance composite rods from Fibrolux, which are produced in sections of 2 metres each. Thanks to their extraordinary robustness and weather resistance, these sections enable a rotor radius of 2 metres and result in a tower height of 4 metres.
The KiteX Wind Catcher, with a weight of only 12.5 kg (including foundation!), stands for the powerful synergy between Fibrolux GRP profiles and KiteX cutting-edge technology.
Sustainable top performance
The KiteX Wind Catcher, made from Fibrolux GRP profiles, is characterised by an exceptionally low carbon footprint. It generates four times more energy per carbon footprint than conventional wind turbines, making it an excellent option for environmentally friendly energy concepts.
The cooperation between Fibrolux, manufacturer of the GRP profiles, and KiteX, creator of the Wind Catcher, symbolises a dynamic combination of innovation, environmental sustainability and high efficiency. This partnership presents a ground-breaking solution in the field of renewable energy that is accessible to everyone.
Are you interested in Fibrolux GRP profiles or the Wind Catcher from KiteX?
