Work Package 5

AWES Architectures

Coordinator

Topics and objectives

The main question to be answered in this Work Package is: Which AWES Architectures exist and how do they compare?

There are a plethora of necessary design choices to be made when designing an AWES – ranging from the choice of method for power transfer, the type of rotor/wing, the lift source, the launch/land method, etc. Design decisions need to be based on a systematic exploration process. However, the exploration process is complex because of a variety of ways in which the same functionality can be implemented. This WP aims to provide the basis for a tradeoff analysis between each of the implementation options based on parameters of interest.

The work package will conclude with the R&D needs and gaps being identified and will also highlight as-yet untapped design spaces.

This WP will include:

  • AWE Design space exploration –
  • Identify Reference models
  • Tradeoff analysis between implementation options
  • Project Evolution / Development history / Reasoning
  • Categorizing working and proposed AWES architectures
  • Evaluating applicability, performance, and impact metrics across AWES architectures
  • Highlighting resources linked to defined AWES architectures
  • Highlighting the potential for further investigation

This WP will produce a broad-spectrum AWES technology assessment.

AWES Type Classification / Design Space

Deliverables

  • D5.1 Design space representation
  • D5.2 Application / market-specific recommendations on AWES deployment
  • D5.3 Oversight on AWES R&D state, trends, and needs
  • D5.4 Definition and specification of a portal for identifying AWES engagement and development potential

The deliverables in this work package will be elaborated in three steps: i) structure for a consultation with the working group, ii), draft for consultation with the working group, and iii) final version for the public. The respective phases are shown in the Gantt chart as sub-milestones.

Milestones

  • M5.1 WP kick-off meeting and potentially subsequent scope adjustment
  • M5.2 Final WP meeting

Progress and Achievements

Status November 2022 [Annual Report]:

WP5 on AWES Architectures developed an overview of the design space which considers the various different concept of AWE systems. Performance assessment criteria and metrics are being developed that can be used to perform a trade-off analysis between implementation options in the AWE design space. These include Efficiency, Reliability, Availability, Complexity, Automatability, Scalability, Airborne Mass, Durability, Ductility, Safety, Potential, Cost, Investability.