US outfit Makani has completed two test flights of its energy kite from a floating foundation off Norway.
The tests were completed in conjunction with Shell at Norway’s Metcentre in early August, where the kite was flown from a spar buoy foundation in water depths of 220 metres.
The first test flight included a launch, hover away from the perch and an autonomous landing, Makani said.
The second flight was a longer duration test where the kite flew in crosswinds and ended with the loss of the energy kite, which did not successfully land on the platform.
“Both offshore flights gave us a wealth of new information that the team is now busy analysing and applying to making system improvements,” said Makani CEO Fort Felker.
“We will work with Shell to optimise our floating platform and mooring system, minimize the need for personnel to access the kite at sea before or after flight and connect to the grid,” Felker added.