TY - JOUR KW - wind energy KW - high-altitude wind energy KW - nonlinear model predictive control KW - optimization PB - Wiley-Blackwell UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/rnc.1808 SN - 1049-8923 JF - International Journal of Robust and Nonlinear Control ID - eprints2469 Y1 - 2012/12// EP - 2083 AV - none SP - 2055 N2 - This paper presents novel results related to an innovative airborne wind energy technology, named Kitenergy, for the conversion of high-altitude wind energy into electricity. The research activities carried out in the last five years, including theoretical analyses, numerical simulations, and experimental tests, indicate that Kitenergy could bring forth a revolution in wind energy generation, providing renewable energy in large quantities at a lower cost than fossil energy. This work investigates three important theoretical aspects: the evaluation of the performance achieved by the employed control law, the optimization of the generator operating cycle, and the possibility to generate continuously a constant and maximal power output. These issues are tackled through the combined use of modeling, control, and optimization methods that result to be key technologies for a significant breakthrough in renewable energy generation. IS - 18 TI - Optimization of airborne wind energy generators VL - 22 A1 - Fagiano, Lorenzo A1 - Milanese, Mario A1 - Piga, Dario ER -