Abstract: A wind-powered system and method provides for simultaneous electrical generation and transportation of persons or cargo. A set of cables are strung between a plurality of rigid, upright supports, and a transportation vessel including one or more sails rides along the cables through wind power. The vessel is coupled to the cables through one or more motor-generator units, each motor-generator units being operative to generate electricity as the vessel is pushed by the wind or power the vessel in the absence of wind.
Abstract: A linear motion wind driven power plant utilizes a closed-loop track having a plurality of carriages configured to move thereabout. At least one sail is formed to each of the carriages so as to be rotatable 360 degrees of azimuth. At least one electrical power generator generates electrical power from the movement of the carriages around the track. A sail assembly is defined by the sail, a sensor system for sensing lift generated by the action of the wind upon the sail, and a controller which causes the sail to turn to a position wherein the sensed lift of the sail is approximately maximized.
Abstract: A novel wind or water powered generator apparatus is provided for generating substantial quantities of electricity. The apparatus includes a plurality of sail-driven cars connected to form a continuous chain and suspended from a monorail loop. The car suspension system has two horizontal guide wheels and one vertical carrier wheel. Substantially the entire weight of each car is carried by its vertical wheel, which is located near the car's center of gravity. Further, all three suspension wheels are located inside the monorail, thereby rendering car derailment virtually impossible.Two sails are attached to each car, one being directed upwardly and the other being directed downwardly. The surface areas of the two sails are such that the average, total current force on each sail is approximately the same. Additionally, the novel sails are free to rotate 360 degrees about their support poles, but they are biased to a preferred orientation.