Fluid-current Motors Patents (Class 290/43)
  • Patent number: 11939873
    Abstract: A compander comprises a bull gear connected to a generator a first pinion member comprising at least one first pinion provided on one side of the bull gear; and a second pinion member comprising at least one second pinion provided on the other side of the bull gear, wherein a first compressor and a first expander are mounted on the first pinion of the first pinion member, and a second compressor and a second expander are mounted on the second pinion of the second pinion member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: HANWHA POWER SYSTEMS CO., LTD
    Inventor: Kil Young Kim
  • Patent number: 11920552
    Abstract: Undershot turbines with dynamic blades are disclosed for improving energy capture from a flowing stream. The blades are provided on respective rotatable swing arm assemblies attached to the circumference of a turbine support. In operation, the blades are uniquely adjusted as a function of rotation of the support wheel for improved efficiency and energy capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Yourbrook Energy Systems Ltd.
    Inventor: Laird Bateham
  • Patent number: 11916392
    Abstract: Embodiments provide for the control of a power plant including several generators by setting a reference frame for the generators with a first and a second axis; measuring a grid demand voltage at the shared connection point; determining active and reactive currents required at the shared connection point based on the grid demand voltage and grid codes; transforming the active and reactive currents required at the shared connection point to the reference frame where the first axis defines a first current set point and the second axis defines a second current set point; and dispatching the first and second current set points to generator controllers associated with each generator. Current set points may be generated for positive/negative frames, direct quadrature frames, real/imaginary frames and may be set evenly for all generators or adjusted per generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Kouroush Nayebi, Mu Wei, Torsten Lund, Per Lund
  • Patent number: 11879422
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for generating energy from a container configured to be fully submerged in a liquid and containing differing volumes of gas in order to alternatively ascend and descend through the liquid in order to rotate a drum spool connected to the container by a cable hose that unwinds from the drum spool as the container ascends, and winds as the cable descends. The rotational energy of the drum spool may thus be harvested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Daniel Gill
  • Patent number: 11882677
    Abstract: Waterborne data center facility systems and methods comprising a purpose-built marine vessel, a pre-fabricated data center facility structure, a plurality of computer systems, a plurality of energy-efficient water-based heat exchange systems, a plurality of energy efficient closed-loop cooling systems, a plurality of data center modules and a plurality of electrical power generators. Described systems and methods may be employed to quickly deploy an energy-efficient waterborne data center facility. Described waterborne data center facility is transportable and may be moved to areas where data center facility and data center type services are needed. Water-based heat exchange and closed-loop cooling system enable energy-efficient cooling to data center facility and the plurality of computing systems therein. Power generators may be used to provide power to data center facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Nautilus TRUE, LLC
    Inventors: Arnold Castillo Magcale, Daniel Kekai, Byron Putnam Taylor
  • Patent number: 11835025
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic power generation assembly and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly comprises a water accelerator assembly comprising a support structure which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter is supported from, by, or on the support structure and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter is positioned behind baffle assembly. Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Big Moon Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Blodgett, Colin Bagley, Andrew Jenkins, Jeff Blodgett, Robert Dunow, Ernest Blodgett
  • Patent number: 11802535
    Abstract: Power can be efficiently generated in accordance with the amount of water in a channel by including: a first headrace channel positioned on an upstream side; a second headrace channel positioned on a downstream side; a water wheel on a most downstream side of the first headrace channel and the second headrace channel, the water wheel having a rotation shaft in a direction orthogonally intersecting with a water flow; a lateral movement apparatus that enables the second headrace channel to be moved in an upstream direction or a downstream direction; and a vertical movement apparatus that enables the water wheel to be moved in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: ELIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soichi Sasaki, Jun Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 11773817
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for generating power. A pipe having an input flow is coupleable to an input section configured to receive at least a portion of the input flow. A generation section is coupleable to the input section and includes a pipe section to carry the at least a portion of the input flow, a turbine coupleable to the pipe section and configured to capture energy from the at least a portion of input flow carried by the pipe section, and a generator coupleable to the turbine and configured to generate power from the energy captured by the turbine. An output section is coupleable to the pipe and configured to provide output of the generation section to the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventors: Barry G. Heald, Gerard Roberts, T. M. Hunt
  • Patent number: 11761416
    Abstract: Energy storage system comprising: a first tunnel shaft extending in an upright direction from a ground level to a predetermined underground level; an underground chamber at the predetermined underground level in the first tunnel shaft; a water reservoir is provided at the ground level a second tunnel shaft extending in a lying direction at the predetermined underground level, the second tunnel shaft forming a second water reservoir; at least one pipe extending through the first tunnel shaft interconnecting the first water reservoir and the second water reservoir for enabling water to flow between the ground level and the predetermined underground level; and at least one electrical pump and at least one electrical turbine operationally connected to the at least one pipe to enable a controlled charging and discharging of the energy storage system by running an upward and a downward flow of water via the pumps and the turbines, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Tree Energy Solutions B.V.
    Inventor: Paulus Van Poecke
  • Patent number: 11764706
    Abstract: The present application provides a power generator, a suspension, a vehicle, an apparatus and a method for producing a power generator. Among them, the power generator comprises a cylinder body, a moving member, and a piezoelectric conversion unit. The moving member and the cylinder body jointly defines a variable cavity. The piezoelectric conversion unit is located in the variable cavity, and the piezoelectric conversion unit is configured to deform when the moving member is in relative motion with respect to the cylinder body move and changes the size of the variable cavity, for generating electric energy. Due to the fact that the piezoelectric conversion unit is arranged in the variable cavity, the moving member is in relative motion with respect to the cylinder body to make the piezoelectric conversion unit generate electric energy, thus effectively utilizing the energy generated by the target members in the vibration process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhichao Wang, Liwen Jiang, Rong Cao, Wumei Fang
  • Patent number: 11754034
    Abstract: A wave energy converter utilizes a flotation module that rises and falls with the passage of waves, a submerged tube containing a constriction which multiplies the speed of the water passing therethrough, a turbine (or other hydrokinetic apparatus) positioned so as to extract energy from the accelerated flow of water within and/or through the tube, and a submerged gas- or liquid-filled chamber housing one or more energy conversion components (e.g. generators, transformers, rectifiers, inverters). By providing a chamber in proximity to the turbine, generators can be placed in closer proximity to the turbine that turns them, and the shared shaft can be shorter than if the generators were placed in the buoy adjacent to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Lone Gull Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian Lee Moffat, Garth Alexander Sheldon-Coulson
  • Patent number: 11733082
    Abstract: Presented is an electronic meter for supplying driving power to a battery module charged by wireless power transmission. The presented electronic meter includes a usage detection module for detecting energy usage of a consumer, a control module for generating meter data based on the energy usage detected by the usage detection module, a communication module for transmitting the meter data generated by the control module to a meter reading server or a repeater, a battery module composed of a secondary cell, and for supplying driving power to the usage detection module, the control module, and the communication module, and a wireless power receiving module for receiving power wirelessly from a wireless power transmission device to charge the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: AMOSENSE CO., LTD
    Inventors: Won San Na, Jin Pyo Park, Bo Hyeon Han
  • Patent number: 11708673
    Abstract: A reservoir (102) near an ice cap (104), and a graded terrace network (116) on the surface of the ice cap (104). The graded terrace network (116) collects runoff water across a wide area, both within the limits of the reservoir's (102) ice cap natural catchment area (112), and beyond it in the ice cap non-catchment area (114). The graded terrace network (116) directs the collected water into the ice cap natural catchment area (112) and from there it drains into the reservoir's ice-free catchment area (106), and then into the reservoir (102). This increases the volume of water stored in the reservoir (102). This additional stored water is used to power a hydroelectric power station (300) and for other uses. A second reservoir (406), connected to the reservoir (102) by a water pump (402) and a second hydroelectric power station (410), adds additional water storage and power generating capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Inventor: Marvin Louis Pund
  • Patent number: 11706696
    Abstract: A wireless communications device is configured to act as a remote node of a wireless access network by selecting, when the wireless communications device is in an idle mode in which it has not established a connection to the wireless communications network, an infrastructure equipment forming part of the radio access network of the wireless communications network to provide a network interface with a core network part of the wireless communications network via the selected infrastructure equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: SONY GROUP CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vivek Sharma, Hideji Wakabayashi, Yuxin Wei
  • Patent number: 11668273
    Abstract: A hydropower generator includes: a driving shaft installed along a path through which a fluid flows; a plurality of blade assemblies installed along a lengthwise direction of the driving shaft; a spinning supporter connected to rotatably support the driving shaft; a power generator receiving a spinning force of the driving shaft and generating electricity; and a flow pipeline internally provided with the driving shaft along a lengthwise direction thereof and formed with a channel through which a fluid flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Inventor: Myung Soon Bae
  • Patent number: 11661921
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a flotation assembly configured to float in water and a first harnessing assembly coupled to the flotation assembly and disposed in an airflow above the water. The first harnessing assembly is configured to harness the airflow to create a first rotational energy. The system also includes a second harnessing assembly coupled to the flotation assembly and disposed in the water. The second rotational assembly is configured to harness movement of the water to create a second rotational energy. The flotation assembly also includes a generating module to convert the first and second rotational energies into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ForceGenie, LLC
    Inventor: Bradford O. Russell
  • Patent number: 11655795
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic electrification system that generates electricity from water moving from a high side to a low side and around a structure that divides the low side from the high side generally includes a water transport system that directs the water from the high side presenting a hydraulic head, over the structure, and to the low side. The system includes a power extraction system having a wheel that receives the water from said water transport system and a mounting system having a high side anchor that connects near an intake to the water transport system at the high side and having a low side anchor that connects to the power extraction system at the low side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventors: Robert Freda, Bradford G. Knight
  • Patent number: 11603823
    Abstract: A method for ascertaining a wind direction at a wind power installation having a rotor on which at least one rotor blade is arranged. The method includes measuring first wind speeds in a predefined first measuring direction and second wind speeds in a predefined second measuring direction different from the first measuring direction in each case with a measuring frequency at a measuring point for a measuring period, wherein the measuring period is defined by a rotational distance of the rotor or by a prespecified time, wherein the rotor blade or one of the rotor blades passes the measuring point in the measuring period, and determining a wind direction by vectorial evaluation of the first wind speeds and of the second wind speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Martens, Gerke Funcke, Matthias Arnold
  • Patent number: 11591998
    Abstract: Systems and methods for hydro-electric power generation are disclosed. The system includes a frame or structure positioned in a waterway or channel, with one or more hydro-transition units secured to corners of the frame. The hydro-transition units include a body of reinforced fabric for redirecting water flow towards the inlet of the frame, effectively increasing the current of the water and allowing for turbines within the frame to generate power at an increased rate. Anchors and bracket systems may secure the hydro-transition units to both the waterway and the frame, thereby allowing the body of reinforced fabric to withstanding force from water-flow within the waterway. The system includes various failsafe mechanisms for disengaging or detaching the hydro-transition units from the frame and/or anchor for reacting to high water flow or volumes (e.g., flooding).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: EMRGY INC.
    Inventors: Emily A. Morris, Craig J. Cochran, Madeleine M. White, Kirk William Charles, Thorsten Stoesser
  • Patent number: 11585570
    Abstract: Water heater with generator comprises a self-heating tankless water system comprising a length of tubing having a plurality of electrical heating cables secured about the piping. As cold water enters the system the flow of the water is diverted through an electrical generator which provides the electricity to heat the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Jesse L. Galloway
  • Patent number: 11578469
    Abstract: Electric Generating Ecological Flood Control System which consists of selective collector, pressing pipeline, exiting collector, electric generator which is differs that pressing pipeline is lay under the bottom of the river or on the bottom of the river or in the water or above the water, where through the pressing collector carries out diversion of flood waters outside the area of possible flooding zones, while the regulation of amount and speed of water flows carries out according to additional leading one device regulative armature, that installed on pipeline and done with possibility of regulation exiting ability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Inventor: Ivan Ivanovich Koturbach
  • Patent number: 11578696
    Abstract: A method for determining an available power of a wind farm, wherein the wind farm comprises a plurality of wind power installations with a rotor having rotor blades, the blade angle of which can be adjusted is provided. A wind farm which is set up to carry out the method for determining an available power is provided. The method comprises providing a shading matrix which determines at least one effective wind speed of each of the wind power installations in the wind farm as a function of at least one wind speed and wind direction and wind farm throttling using a park wake model. The method makes it possible to accurately determine an available power of a wind farm even when the wind farm is operated with throttled power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Jörn Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 11574372
    Abstract: Methods and systems of operating a blockchain mining device using natural gas produced at a hydrocarbon production, storage, or processing site/facility. A generator may be retrofitted to an existing prime mover used to pump the well, and the generator may be used to power the blockchain mining device. Portable mining devices may be hooked up to a casinghead gas supply at a remote, isolated oil facility. Power loading levels may be modulated by adjusting mining transaction levels to correspond with combustible gas production levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Upstream Data Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Barbour
  • Patent number: 11563328
    Abstract: A multi-hybrid power generator and system that facilitate energy harvesting, generation, and storage from interchangeable power sources. The system including a plurality of battery banks; a plurality of power management devices, a plurality of battery banks; a first gearbox, a first generator, a second gearbox, a second generator, a crankshaft having a first crankshaft and a second crankshaft that allow for independent operation of one from the other, a multi-hybrid generator including a plurality of hydraulic electrical actuation devices (HEADs) for driving the first and second generators, and an intelligent power controller communicatively coupled to an electrical load and to the plurality of power management devices for selectively controlling power monitoring, power generation, power distribution and power storage between or to the plurality of battery banks, the at least one electrical load and the plurality of HEADs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Solairex Innovative Research Inc.
    Inventor: Deepak D. Jaisinghani
  • Patent number: 11552530
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for dramatically increasing the capacity of onboard power source through internal electricity generation. The internal electricity generation is accomplished using a propulsion device connected to a shaft. A shaft contains wire winding on its opposite end that are embedded within a stator winding. Thus, the motion of the propulsion device create the rotation necessary to create current within the stator and enables an onboard power source to be recharged therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Achour Gharibo
  • Patent number: 11542908
    Abstract: A submersible power plant and a method for providing a submersible power plant. The submersible power plant includes an anchoring provided at a minimum depth and a vehicle including at least one wing. The vehicle is arranged to be secured to the anchoring by at least one tether rotatably attached to the anchoring by an anchoring coupling and attached to the vehicle by at least one vehicle coupling. The submersible power plant is completely submerged in a body of fluid both during operation and non-operation of the submersible power plant and the tether has an unextended tether length between 2-20 times a wingspan of the wing, specifically between 3-12 times the wingspan of the wing, more specifically between 5-10 times the wingspan of the wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Minesto AB
    Inventor: Björn Bergqvist
  • Patent number: 11516400
    Abstract: A camera lens includes a mounting housing, a lens module, an image stabilization module, first and second support shafts fixed to the mounting housing opposite to each other along one of diagonals of the mounting housing, and third and fourth support shafts fixed to the frame opposite to each other along another diagonal of the mounting housing. The mounting housing is formed by sequentially connecting first to fourth frame plates. The image stabilization module includes a frame, a movable frame, first and second image stabilization coils, and first and second magnets. The movable frame has first to fourth rotation holes. The first to fourth support shafts are respectively rotatably fit within the first to fourth rotation holes. The camera lens of the present disclosure can solve the problems of great process difficulty and high cost in the related art when the camera lens performs the optical image stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Changzhou AAC Raytech Optronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tianheng Ni, Rongfu Xie, Feng Yan, Gang Li, Suohe Wei
  • Patent number: 11472307
    Abstract: A dispatchable power supply is disclosed, more particularly an off-grid power supply, more particularly an off-grid electric vehicle charge station, more particularly to an off-grid renewable energy powered electric vehicle charge station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: AQUANOVIS HOLDINGS LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Jankel, Hayden Postle-Floyd, Daniel Taylor
  • Patent number: 11466997
    Abstract: A vehicle routing system includes a vehicle routing and analytics (VRA) computing device, one or more databases, and one or more vehicles communicatively coupled to the VRA computing device. The VRA computing device is configured to generate an optimal route for a vehicle to travel that maximizes potential revenue for operation of the vehicle, the optimal route including a schedule of a plurality of tasks, and generate analytics associated with operation of the vehicle. The VRA computing device is further configured to provide a management hub software application accessible by vehicle users associated with vehicles, tasks sources, and other users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: STATE FRAM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron Williams, Ryan Michael Gross, Joseph Robert Brannan
  • Patent number: 11428211
    Abstract: This invention relates to a voluminous wind/wave turbine system, the turbine system has two wind/wave subsystems and is based on a unique volume process and optimized blades defining two power zones to harness wind and wave energy together or separately beyond the Betz limit, the vortical wind turbine subsystem has a pair of a front and back vortical blades to generate more power with satellite generators, the wave subsystem is a breakthrough for commercial applications and has a robust float vessel with toroid or polygonal pipes structure and multiple hinge mechanisms to hold multiple wave turbines against violent wave, the wave turbine has only a conversion to produce electricity constantly 24/7 with 360 degree freedom, the both subsystems are based on a shaft-less twin rotor turbomachinery and represent a new era of reliable and renewable energy at an unprecedented level of efficiency and the reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Jianchao Shu
  • Patent number: 11411520
    Abstract: A method for controlling a wind turbine power system connected to an electrical grid includes determining, via a controller, at least one non-linear magnetizing parameter of a double-fed wind turbine generator of the wind turbine power system. The method also includes developing, via the controller, a model of the non-linear magnetizing parameter(s) of the double-fed wind turbine generator. Further, the method includes using, via the controller, the model in a stator voltage regulator of the double-fed wind turbine generator to provide grid-forming control of the double-fed wind turbine generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dustin Howard, Einar Vaughn Larsen
  • Patent number: 11401910
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are flexible wave energy converters that actuate electrical generators with dynamic strain (e.g., flexing, stretching, twisting, distension) to convert wave energy to electrical energy. The flexible wave energy converter utilizes flexible electric generators embedded throughout the wave-energy converter's flexible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Blake Craig Boren, Jochem Weber
  • Patent number: 11384726
    Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a hydroelectric turbine includes a stator and a rotor disposed radially outward of the stator. The rotor is rotatable around the stator about an axis of rotation. The turbine also includes a generator disposed along the axis of rotation. The generator is stationary and coupled to the stator. The turbine additionally includes a gear disposed along the axis of rotation. The gear is operably coupled to the generator. The turbine further includes a plurality of blades operably coupled to and extending radially outwardly from the gear. The plurality of blades is fixed to the rotor to rotate the rotor in response to fluid flow interacting with the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: OCEANA ENERGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel E. Power, III, Kent Davey
  • Patent number: 11378063
    Abstract: A method of correcting turbine underperformance includes calculating a power production curve using monitored data, detecting changes between the monitored data and a baseline power production curve, generating operability curves for paired operational variables from the monitored data, detecting changes between the operability curves and corresponding baseline operability curves, comparing the changes to a respective predetermined metric, and if the change exceeds the metric, providing feedback to a turbine control system identifying at least one of the paired operational variables for each paired variable in excess of the metric. A system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhanpan Zhang, Peter Alan Gregg, Jin Xia, John Mihok, Guangliang Zhao, Bouchra Bouqata
  • Patent number: 11371481
    Abstract: Systems and method for a hydrokinetic energy device. A hydrokinetic energy device includes a main body including two main wing-shaped spars mounted upon a rotating central hub, and rotatable spar tip turbines mounted at or near an end of each of the main wing-shaped spars, the main wing-shaped spars driving the rotatable spar tip turbines through water, each of the rotatable spar tip turbines including a direct-drive generator and power conversion system that transfers power from a rotating rotatable spar tip turbine to the central hub where the voltage is stepped up and amperage is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: LITTORAL POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: David J. Duquette, Kimbal Anderson Hall
  • Patent number: 11319920
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic power generation assembly and method of use therefor for generating electrical power from the combination of kinetic energy, hydrostatic energy, and turbulent energy of water. The power generation assembly comprises a water accelerator assembly comprising a support structure which is at least partially buoyant and a baffle panel member (or an array of baffle panel members) having an opening, inter-panel spacing, or flow passageway around the baffle panel(s). A hydropower converter is supported from, by, or on the support structure and is operatively coupled to a generator. The hydropower converter is positioned behind baffle assembly. Water flowing through or around the baffle assembly has an increased velocity relative the ambient current and therefore is capable of generating more power relative to the ambient water where power generation assembly is deployed. Particular types of hydropower converters suitable for use with the invention are turbines and water wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Big Moon Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Lynn Blodgett, Colin Bagley, Andrew Jenkins, Jeff Blodgett, Robert Dunow, Ernest Blodgett
  • Patent number: 11248627
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to deploy a fluid flow channel are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first loop coupled to an outside surface of a vehicle via a first fastener, a second loop coupled to the vehicle and disposed a distance from the first loop, and a flexible material having a first end coupled to the first loop and a second end coupled to the second loop, where the flexible material is to form a fluid flow channel between the first loop and the second loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Glenn, III, Steve G. Mackin, Kyle J. Johnson, Austin J. Snider
  • Patent number: 11199171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow controller configured to selectively act as a pump or as a flow regulator. The flow controller comprises: an inlet for a fluid; an outlet for the fluid; a pump assembly arranged between the inlet and the outlet and configured to pump the fluid through the flow controller from the inlet to the outlet; a hydro electrical generator assembly arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the hydro electrical generator assembly configured to allow the fluid flow through the flow controller from the inlet to the outlet and to generate electricity by transforming flow energy of the fluid flowing through the flow controller into electricity; and a mode controller configured to selectively set the flow controller in a pumping mode or in an electricity generating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: E.ON SVERIGE AB
    Inventor: Per Rosén
  • Patent number: 11168662
    Abstract: A control system for yawing a wind turbine rotor relative to the wind and for changing the pitch of rotor blades. A wind direction parameter is measured by a wind direction sensor. The wind direction is calibrated as a function of a predetermined offset parameter, and then adjusted as a function of a wind direction compensation parameter. The adjusted relative wind direction is then used in the determining of a control parameter of the wind turbine. The parameters for the calibration and adjustment of the relative wind direction are obtained from a set of data comprising the wind direction relative to the wind turbine over time and as measured by the wind direction sensor on the wind turbine and as measured by a second wind direction sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Johnny Nielsen, Brian Lembcke Melgaard
  • Patent number: 11162572
    Abstract: The present invention includes a cooling system for a gearbox, the cooling system comprising: a pressurized housing in fluid communication with the gearbox configured to circulate a pressurized lubricant; and one or more cooling fins about the pressurized housing, wherein heat from the pressurized lubricant within the pressurized housing is actively convected through the one or more cooling fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Scott David Poster
  • Patent number: 11021224
    Abstract: A system for operating a boat equipped with an electric drive includes a component controller. The component controller includes a component interface for connecting a system component of the electric drive, and a communication interface for connecting the component controller to a system bus of the drive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Torqeedo GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Biebach
  • Patent number: 10935005
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using electrical energy to store potential energy during a first period of electrical demand and, thereafter, to convert the stored potential energy into electrical energy that can be supplied to an electrical grid during a second period of electrical demand. During the first period of electrical demand, electrical energy is used to move one or more weight(s) from a first relative position of low potential energy to a second relative position of high potential energy. During time periods of high electrical demand, the system is used to move one or more individual weight(s) from the relative position of high potential energy to the relative position of low potential energy. As each individual weight moves from the position of high potential energy, the motion of the weight is used to cause a generator to generate electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Inventor: Ayesha Bhargava
  • Patent number: 10924042
    Abstract: An apparatus including a pneumatic system; an energy harvesting unit configured to generate electrical energy from a compressed gas in the pneumatic system; a battery connected to the energy harvesting unit; a sensor disposed to detect a first parameter regarding operation of the energy harvesting unit; and a controller connected to the sensor and the energy harvesting unit. The sensor and the controller are powered by the energy harvesting unit. The controller is configured to control the energy harvesting unit and to process measurements for the first parameter detected by the sensor. The controller is further programmed with a learning system configured to diagnose an operational condition of the energy harvesting unit based on the measurements for the first parameter, and to issue a command to the controller based on the operational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: James William Fonda, Raymond J. Slesinski
  • Patent number: 10907611
    Abstract: Aspects described herein include a method of generating a control schedule for a wind turbine. The control schedule specifies a maximum power level that varies over time. The method comprises determining a value indicative of a current remaining fatigue lifetime of the wind turbine or of one or more components. The method further comprises applying an optimization function to perform an optimization to determine an optimized control schedule. The optimization comprises varying a plurality of parameters of an initial control schedule to produce a varied control schedule, estimating a future fatigue lifetime to be consumed by the wind turbine or the one or more components over the duration of the varied control schedule, and constraining the optimization according to one or more input constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Chris Spruce, Chakradhar Byreddy
  • Patent number: 10873274
    Abstract: The invention provides an energy generation system comprising a generator having charged mutually rotating plate elements, and comprising an integrated drive mechanism for precisely controlling a separation distance between the plates. The drive mechanism provides a separation which varies as a function of the speed of rotation, hence assimilating separation control within the natural operation of the device. Embodiments provide plates comprising self-generating bearings, both hydrodynamic gas and fluid bearings and centrifugal regulator solid bearings, the bearings providing a supporting force between the plates of a magnitude which increases as the rotational speed of the plates increases. Methods of energy generation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Steven Ernest Franklin, Lutz Christian Gerhardt, Willem Potze, Hans Kroes, Mark Thomas Johnson
  • Patent number: 10858087
    Abstract: A vertical-input outboard-motor angled-drive lower unit apparatus and method for improved operations in shallow, muddy, marshy water or water choked with vegetation or obstacles. Vertically applied single-direction rotational power from an outboard motor engine is transferred to operator-controlled forward and reverse rotational power applied at an acute angle to the horizontal water surface. The apparatus is cooled by an external flow of water without being taken into any port which might become blocked. A thrust redirection plate reflects otherwise wasted propeller thrust, especially when operating in reverse, for more efficient operation and reduced churning of the water surface. An angled skeg and the angled orientation of the output shaft and housing deflect obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 10830202
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow controller configured to selectively act as a pump or as a flow regulator. The flow controller comprises: an inlet for a fluid; an outlet for the fluid; a pump assembly arranged between the inlet and the outlet and configured to pump the fluid through the flow controller from the inlet to the outlet; a hydro electrical generator assembly arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the hydro electrical generator assembly configured to allow the fluid flow through the flow controller from the inlet to the outlet and to generate electricity by transforming flow energy of the fluid flowing through the flow controller into electricity; and a mode controller configured to selectively set the flow controller in a pumping mode or in an electricity generating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: E. ON SVERIGE AB
    Inventor: Per Rosén
  • Patent number: 10823136
    Abstract: The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HARNESSING THE ENERGY OF FLUID FLOW TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY OR PUMP FLUID include a device which, when placed in fluid-flow, harnesses the kinetic energy of the flow to generate electricity or to perform useful mechanical work such as pumping. For example, the undulating mechanical action of traveling waves along flexible fins may be harnessed by summing the varying speeds and torques along the fins into a unified circulatory system for power take-off or fluid extraction. The device may include two fins, a chassis, and bellows/pistons/rotary vanes and the like which are connected via a circulatory system of tubes or conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Pliant Energy Systems LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Pietro Filardo
  • Patent number: 10801471
    Abstract: Wind turbine, including a tower, a nacelle which is rotatable connected to the tower, a yaw motor for rotating the nacelle relatively to the tower, a yaw brake which is configured to fix the nacelle relatively to the tower and which is configured to be brought from an open position into a brake position and vice versa, wherein the yaw brake is pre-tensioned into the brake position, a switch which is electrically connected to the yaw motor and the yaw brake and which is configured to be brought from an open state into a closed state and vice versa, wherein, when the switch is brought from the closed state into the open state a power supply to the yaw brake and the yaw motor is interrupted and the yaw brake goes into the brake position by releasing at least partially the pre-tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Leif Christian Rask
  • Patent number: 10788008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the adjustment of the gating of a hydraulic turbine (1), the turbine (1) is provided with a set of wicket gates (2), wicket gates (2) are moving with a single, conjoined movement between a closing position in which they press against one another and an opening position in which they are apart from one another, by a control ring (4) that is kinematically connected to each one of these wicket gates (2), this control ring (4) being moved in rotation by at least one actuator (3), this actuator (3) including a device (31) for adjusting the travel of its rod (30), the method includes at least the following steps, the turbine (1) is previously stopped and dry and the rod (30) of the actuator (3) is provided with at least one strain gauge: 1) calculating the theoretical force to be applied to the actuator (3) in order to obtain watertight closure of the wicket gates (2); 2) measuring, via the strain gauge, the force applied to the actuator (3), the latter being
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Electricite de France
    Inventors: Olivier Mousseeff, Eric Hideux