Control of Towing Kites for Seagoing Vessels

Abstract: In this paper we present the basic features of the flight control of the SkySails towing kite system. After introduction of coordinate definitions and basic system dynamics we introduce a novel model used for controller design and justify its main dynamics with results from system identification based on numerous sea trials. We then present the controller design which we successfully use for operational flights for several years. Finally we explain the generation of dynamical flight patterns.