Abstract: A device (10) for capturing energy from a fluid flow is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a base (12) adapted for stationary mounting relative to the fluid flow. A member (20), having a longitudinal axis (21), is movably connected relative to the base (12) and is adapted to move relative to the base (12) towards a position in which the longitudinal axis (21) generally aligns with a vertical plane parallel to the direction of the fluid flow passing the member (20). A lift generating element (26) is connected to the member (20) and is movable relative to the direction of the fluid flow to vary a direction of lift produced by the lift generating element (26) as fluid flows therearound. The lift generated by the lift generating element (26) drives the member (20) in oscillatory motion relative to the base (12). An energy transfer mechanism is attached to the member (20) and is adapted to be driven by the oscillation of the member (20).

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate an adaptive model based control (MBC) for determining a physical parameter, such as, but not limiting of, generator output, head, generator speed, or the like. The adaptive MBC may reduce the need for pre-defined control curves. The adaptive MBC may receive a plurality of data on the hydroelectric plant and then build an operating model. This model may then be used to forecast and/or control an output variable, such as, but not limiting of, a generator output of the hydroelectric plant. The control system of an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to automatically and/or continuously monitor the hydroelectric plant to determine whether a physical parameter is within a desired range. Alternatively, the control system may be configured to require a user action to the initiate operation. An embodiment of the control system of the present invention may function as a stand-alone system.

Abstract: A helical auger turbine and hydrokinetic device for use with electrical generators for producing electricity. The auger turbine includes a generally helical turbine blade rotatably mounted on a central shaft, which may be tapered at each end, and a flange extending perpendicularly to an edge of the turbine blade. At least one turbine blade support connection is included for connecting the central shaft to a support structure. An electrical generator may be powered by the helical auger turbine, that can be used in a tidal water flow. The helical auger turbine can operate a high pressure pump connected to a hydraulic accumulator for storing pressurized hydraulic fluid from the high pressure pump. An electrical generator can be operated by hydraulic fluid delivered from the hydraulic accumulator at times of slow water flow. A plurality of helical auger turbines can be horizontally oriented under water, tethered to legs of an ocean platform such as an oil rig secured to the seabed.

Abstract: The hydroelectric generator of the present invention provides a pre-sealed, watertight device in which the rotor that includes the induction magnets is deployed within the main flow passage of the pipeline and thereby sealed within the pipeline, and he induction coil assembly is deployed outside of the pipeline such that the fluid is sealed within the pipeline away from the induction coils.

Abstract: The invention provides an environmentally friendly renewable energy harvesting system for harvesting wind energy on a frozen surface, as in cold weather climatic regions associated with higher latitudes or higher altitudes, with snow or ice surfaces. A plurality of ski, skate or runner supported wings or sails are connected together to form a wind energy harvesting system, and capture wind energy by appropriate setting of wing or sail angles of attack so as to drive a cyclic motion that in turn can drive energy capture means such as electric generator means. The invention thus provides a wind energy harvesting system which is supported by a frozen surface, which includes fluid-foil means for interfacing with an air current such as a wind and which includes energy harvesting means utilizing periodic motion of the fluid-foil means for capturing wind energy and converting it into usable energy in a desired form such as electricity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the operation of an underwater power plant with a water turbine to take up kinetic energy from a surrounding flow; and an electrical generator coupled directly to the water turbine; characterized in that the power regulation in the generator mode is done by a control or regulation of the load moment produced by the electrical generator for a freely adjusting rpm speed of the water turbine, wherein the setpoint value of the load moment in a first, power-optimized operating range is established by a state controller and/or a search mechanism for the power maximum; and in a second, power-limited operating range the assigned load moment is chosen so that an operating point distant from the power optimum results for the water turbine.

Abstract: A linear wind powered electric generator (LWPEG), which is particularly adapted for installation at geographical sites subject to lower wind intensities. More specifically, there are provided design concepts for an LWPEG, possessing reasonable economic parameters for utilization at the lower-intensity wind sites. Moreover, the linear wind powered electric generator is based on a track based wind power generator, incorporating aerodynamic designs, which are adapted to reduce mechanical complexities presently encountered in this technology, while being cost-effective both in construction and in connection with the operation thereof.

Abstract: The fluid power generator is provided. The fluid power generator includes: a first member that has multiple coils; a second member that is rotatable relative to the first member and that has multiple permanent magnets; a rotating member that is mechanically linked with either one of the first member and the second member to rotate by fluid force; and a clearance controller that moves at least one of the first member and the second member to thereby change a clearance between the first member and the second member, wherein the clearance controller changes the clearance in such a manner as to make the clearance smaller after a start of rotation of the rotating member than before the start of rotation of the rotating member.

Abstract: A hydro-generation system includes housing having a passageway, a turbine nozzle, a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a plurality of turbine blades and a permanent magnet. A flow of liquid may enter the passageway and be directed by the turbine nozzle to the turbine blades to induce rotation. The stator is position within the permanent magnet such that rotation of the permanent magnet induces the production of the electrical energy in the stator. The flow of liquid may flow through the housing and out of the hydro-generation system.

Abstract: A hydraulic air compressor and generator system may comprise: a hydraulic air compressor comprising a compressed air pipe for conveying the compressed air from the separator chamber; and an electrical power generator positioned in line with the compressed air pipe so that compressed air will directly power the generator. A method for operating an electrical power generator may comprise: positioning the electrical power generator in line with a compressed air pipe of a hydraulic air compressor; and using compressed air output from the HAC to directly power the electrical power generator.

Abstract: A guidable projectile has a nose member, a projectile body, and a nose member articulation assembly which couples the nose member to the projectile body. The nose member articulation assembly includes a stator attached to the nose member, a rotor attached to the projectile body, and rotational support hardware interconnecting the stator to the rotor. The stator defines a central axis. The rotational support hardware is constructed and arranged to guide rotation of the rotor around the central axis defined by the stator. Such a guidable projectile enables circuitry such as the driver of the stator and the power source to reside at fixed locations relative to the stator thus alleviating the need for slip rings which would otherwise present potential points of failure.

Abstract: Flexible and elastic mechanisms for extracting power from a moving fluid. Sheet-like material is deformed during fabrication through an applied force so as to create undulations in said material, whose stresses are maintained through restraining components, thereby maintaining the occurrence of said deformations in the material. When placed in moving fluid, the resulting pressure differentials cause the positions of the undulations within the material to travel along said material in the same direction as the moving fluid. Power is extracted in one of two principle ways. The first is via a mechanical coupling of the sheet-like material to a rotating mechanism, which turns an electro-magnetic dynamo or other output device. The second is via the utilization of a flexible material which exhibits an electrical response to mechanical strain, whereby the strains caused by the travel of undulations along the material create an electrical current which is extracted via two or more electrodes.

Abstract: A floating power generating device that includes a support frame having a pair of buoyant pontoons, a power generator mounted to the support frame between the pontoons, an electrical cable in electrical communication with the power generator, and means for maintaining the floating power generating device in a substantially fixed position within the flow of water.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power device equipped with a casing member that has a channel that passes through from an opening on the water entry side towards an opening on the water discharge side, a rotor having a plurality of blades that are integrally fixed respective to the rotating shaft and are disposed inside the channel of the casing member, and a tapered portion, that is provided on the opening on the water entry side of the casing, and that is formed such that the cross-sectional area of the tapered portion is gradually decreased towards the downstream side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power converter that can be used to interface a generator (4) that provides variable voltage at variable frequency to a supply network operating at nominally fixed voltage and nominally fixed frequency and including features that allow the power converter to remain connected to the supply network and retain control during supply network fault and transient conditions. The power converter includes a generator bridge (10) electrically connected to the stator of the generator (4) and a network bridge (14). A dc link (12) is connected between the generator bridge (10) and the network bridge (14). A filter (16) having network terminals is connected between the network bridge (14) and the supply network. A first controller (18) is provided for controlling the operation of the semiconductor power switching devices of the generator bridge (14).

Abstract: In a wind power generation system, an AC input of a unit for coping with system faults is connected to an excitation converter and a DC port of the unit for coping with system faults is connected to a DC port of a converter through resistors. A plurality of energy consumptive circuits each constructed of a resistor and switching units are provided for the DC port of the unit for coping with system faults.

Abstract: A thermodynamic closed hydraulic electric generating system consisting of pressurized tanks, containing gas and liquid volumes interconnected by pipes. The system has a minimum of two tanks, one for heating and one for cooling. The heating source is solar, thermal or chemical. One tank is heated while the other is cooled, causing a significant pressure difference between the two tanks. Once one tank is heated to its optimum temperature and the other is cooled to its lowest temperature, a pressure valve is activated opening a regulated gate valve allowing the liquid in the higher pressure tank to flow through the connecting pipes and through a generator to the tank with the lower pressure and generating electric power. Liquid flow will occur until the tanks' pressure system equalizes, then the system is reversed. Tanks are heated by solar energy by parabolic mirrors and cooled by liquid/gas. Heat sinks promote heating/cooling.

Abstract: A wave energy megawatts harvester that enables the average size ocean waves to rotate the flywheel and power generators to 1800 rpm using the unlimited ratios, combinations and automatic transmissions of the rpm multipliers including the ratchet bearings of the drive pulleys that prevent interference to the smooth operation of the flywheel for the production of large amounts of electric current that are supplied to the towns, cities and municipalities including an option of charging the unlimited number of power battery units of the hybrid motor vehicles and electric motor vehicles.

Abstract: Performance and equipment for the improvement of performance of (15) wind and/or water machines, with an (5) additional pneumatic system, with utilization of kinetic energy arisen by (16) wind and/or water, with use of (8) the produced and compressed air stored in the (9) supporting column and/or in (11,13) external containers, thereby it increases the efficiency factor. This procedure and equipment possess that feature that all of the units are settled onto the same (12) crankshaft connected through several electronically controlled clutches and/or (2a,b) Hardy-disks to an (5) air compressing pneumatic compressor, a (1) voltage inducing generator and a (7) double-functional motor-generator (7), that of which functions at the same time as a starting-engine.

Abstract: A miniature hydro-power generation system includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing may receive a flow of liquid flowing in a first direction at a predetermined range of pressure. The flow of liquid may be decreased by a predetermined amount of pressure and increased by a predetermined amount of velocity and channeled to a hydro-generator included in the inner housing with an inlet nozzle. The flow of liquid may be channeled with the inlet nozzle to flow in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Upon transfer of kinetic energy in the flow of liquid to the hydro-generator, the inner housing may rotate in the second direction. The flow of liquid may then be channeled back to the first direction and out of the housing with an outlet nozzle. The outlet nozzle configured to increase the pressure and decrease the velocity of the flow of liquid to minimized non-laminar flow characteristics.

Abstract: An electric power-generating system configured to convert a source of energy to electricity by turning a rotor shaft with the source of energy includes a mounting plate coupled to the rotor shaft, a drive gear coupled to the rotor shaft and configured to move when the rotor shaft moves, and a plurality of motor/generator devices mounted to the mounting plate. Each motor/generator device includes an output shaft configured to rotatably couple with the drive gear. Each motor/generator device couples independently to the drive gear to provide a plurality of redundant power generating motor/generator devices.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and harvesting energy in response to the flow of water through rotating device, such as a nutating or oscillating disk. Mechanical energy from flow of water is converted into electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. For example, the power generation system may be used to power electronic and mechanical devices used in automated meter reading (AMR) systems. The power generator system may recharge a storage circuit that enables long term AMR operations without the need for battery replacement. The power generation system, in various embodiments, can provide additional power for two-way communication and other sensors such as pressure, temperature, water quality and services such as remote shut-off, event-based messaging, and water quality monitoring.

Abstract: Flexible and elastic mechanisms for extracting power from a moving fluid. Sheet-like material is deformed during fabrication through an applied force so as to create undulations in said material, whose stresses are maintained through restraining components, thereby maintaining the occurrence of said deformations in the material. When placed in moving fluid, the resulting pressure differentials cause the positions of the undulations within the material to travel along said material in the same direction as the moving fluid. Power is extracted in one of two principle ways. The first is via a mechanical coupling of the sheet-like material to a rotating mechanism, which turns an electro-magnetic dynamo or other output device. The second is via the utilization of a flexible material which exhibits an electrical response to mechanical strain, whereby the strains caused by the travel of undulations along the material create an electrical current which is extracted via two or more electrodes.

Abstract: In one aspect, power generation is accomplished by capturing off-gas from a wellhead of an oil producing well, sensing a change in pressure from which a change in available off-gas can be determined, and adjusting a torque supplied by a prime mover to a generator responsive to the change in available off-gas to vary an amount of electricity generated by the generator.

Abstract: A fluid handling and cogeneration system has an inlet conduit receiving a fluid, a housing having a inlet end, a outlet end and an interior surface. The housing encloses an inner body which together with the housing is arranged to form an annular space between the interior surface of the housing and an exterior surface of the inner body. The system also includes at least one diverter configured such that the fluid is directed to circulate around the inner body and traverse the annular space from the diverter toward the outlet end of the housing in an organized fashion. A generator is provided within the housing to harness the fluid traversing the annular space to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A liquid treatment system that may be self-powered includes a hydro-generator. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The hydro-generator may include an outer housing and an inner housing. The inner housing may include a first hub removably engaged with a second hub. A plurality of paddles may be replaceably engaged between the first hub and the second hub. An electrical generator may be disposed in the inner housing. A flow of liquid may strike the paddles causing the inner housing to rotate. During rotation of the housing, the electrical generator may produce electrical power.

Abstract: A miniature hydro-power generation system may include a hydro-generator, a control circuit and an energy storage device. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The control circuit may switch the electric power to charge the energy storage device and/or to supply the electric power to an electrical load. The control circuit may also selectively switch the energy storage device to supply electric power to the electrical load. Further, the control circuit may disable both the hydro-generator and the energy storage device from supplying electric power to the load.

Abstract: A liquid treatment system that may be self-powered includes a filter, an ultraviolet light source and a hydro-generator. A flow of liquid may be filtered with the filter and used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The ultraviolet light source may be energized by the electric power generated by the hydro-generator when the magnitude of electric power of the hydro-generator enters a determined range. The flow of liquid may be subject to ultraviolet energy generated by the ultraviolet light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power converter that can be used to interface a generator (4) that provides variable voltage at variable frequency to a supply network operating at nominally fixed voltage and nominally fixed frequency and including features that allow the power converter to remain connected to the supply network and retain control during supply network fault and transient conditions. The power converter includes a generator bridge (10) electrically connected to the stator of the generator (4) and a network bridge (14). A dc link (12) is connected between the generator bridge (10) and the network bridge (14). A filter (16) having network terminals is connected between the network bridge (14) and the supply network. A first controller (18) is provided for controlling the operation of the semiconductor power switching devices of the generator bridge (14).

Abstract: Hydroelectric pumped-storage includes monitoring electrical demand on a system over time. If the monitored demand exceeds a predetermined first value, fluid is allowed to flow substantially under the influence of gravity from a first aquifer to a second aquifer. Kinetic energy from the flowing fluid is converted into electrical energy. If the monitored demand drops below a predetermined second value, fluid from the second aquifer is moved to the first aquifer.

Abstract: A buoyancy vehicle apparatus includes a water or liquid source, such as a water tank, and a buoyant mass in communication with an electrical generator. The buoyant mass is lifted from a lower level to a higher level to store energy. The mass is stored at the predetermined height and released to travel downward when the electricity is needed. After the mass is released and pulled down by gravity, it will drive the generator to produce electricity. The system can store this energy with no loss in power over a long period of time.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a turbine wherein the rotor windings receive current from a CPU-controlled high speed operational amplifier and the stator windings include four-stage poles with configurations controlled by the CPU. The control of the current to the rotor and the control of the configuration of the four-stage poles of the stator windings is used to provide for constant amplitude (i.e., voltage) and frequency output of the turbine over a range of rotational velocities and loads. The turbine can be used in many applications including, but not limited to, wind or water driven applications.

Abstract: A subsurface power generating system in one embodiment includes a frame, an electric generator supported by the frame and operably connected to a first vertical rotor, another electric generator supported by the frame and operably connected to a second vertical rotor, a first louver operably connected to the first vertical rotor and including a front side, and a back side, and pivotable between a first position whereat the backside is in contact with a first pivot limiting structure, and a second position whereat the backside is not in contact with the first pivot limiting structure, and a second louver operably connected to the second vertical rotor and including a front side, and a back side, and pivotable between a third position whereat the backside is in contact with a second pivot limiting structure, and a fourth position whereat the backside is not in contact with the second pivot limiting structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for providing an energy gathering sheet to harness and provide energy to homes, businesses, and/or a utility grid. The energy gathering sheet is configured to receive solar or wind energy gathering devices or any combination thereof. The very small energy gathering devices (micrometer to nanometer range) are mounted onto a single installation sheet for the purposes of creating efficient and complimentary clean energy power to meet both small and large power demands. The single sheet of installable solar panels and/or wind turbines may be loosely rolled or stacked in sheets to protect the integrity of the solar panels and wind turbines. The single sheet is capable of being rolled out for efficient installations.

Abstract: A fluid flow energy capture device for power generation has a rotor with a substantially vertical axis and a plurality of vanes. A mount for the rotor allows the rotor to rotate in response to fluid flow such as wind contacting the plurality of vanes, and the mount puts the rotor in rotationally driving communication with a generator. The rotor has an open center which allows fluid communication from spaces between the vanes to above the rotor. A plurality of guide surfaces define channels that bias fluid flow to be tangential to the rotor.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for generating electric current from a vibrating blade exposed to a fluid flow, in one embodiment, a plurality of blades are secured within a tail cone of a steam turbine and each blade includes a magnet and a coil associated with the magnet to produce electric current in the coil when the magnet moves across the coil. Each blade is designed to have a natural frequency so that the blade will resonate under the influence of the exhaust flow from the turbine in the tail cone. Abutment members are mounted on the blade or the fixed support to limit the range of motion of the vibrating blade so that it does not exceed the fatigue limit. The blades are made from a low damping material such as titanium so that a low frequency is produced.

Abstract: An auger-type floating turbine having an elongated, buoyant rotating housing with one or more flights of blades, fins, or impellers supported on its outer surface is connected to an electrical generator to produce electrical power. The turbine may also be coupled to another machine such as a pump, compressor, etc. The turbine captures energy from a flowing stream of water. The rotor shaft is connected through a series of linkages to the electric generator that converts the mechanical energy into electric power. The force of water flowing causes the shaft to rotate, thus driving the linkages. Between the rotor shaft and the linkages to the generator are disposed drive shaft mechanisms and a shielding device. The mechanisms may include a shaft outlet connector, a shield connector, a thrust bearing and break, eyelets for hoist and pier connections, and a rear hoist eyelet.

Abstract: A double fed synchronous generator motor which is coupled to a reversible pump-turbine and operated while switched to a power generating operation mode or a pumping operation mode, is equipped with a controller for controlling the double fed synchronous generator motor so that power output from the double fed synchronous generator motor is coincident with an instruction value and the rotating speed is set between upper and lower limit values of the rotating speed by changing exciting current. In the power generating operation mode, the lower limit value of the rotating speed is varied by active power output from the double fed synchronous generator motor, and when the active power is small, the lower limit value of the rotating speed is set to a smaller value than that when the active power is large.

Abstract: Described is a method for starting up a system for generating electrical power. The system includes a turbine that is mechanically connected to a generator, while the generator is electrically connected via a converter to a load, in particular to a power supply grid. The generator includes a total number of windings. With at least one embodiment of the method, a number of generator windings are combined at low rotational speeds of the turbine, wherein the combined number of windings is less than the total number of windings.

Abstract: A system and method that utilizes aquifer pressure to generate electrical energy. The system includes an aquifer, a well fluidly coupled to the aquifer, a pump and a turbine. The pump is arranged to cause water to flow out of the well. In response to the water flowing out of the well, replenishing water flows naturally from the aquifer into the well. A turbine-generator is arranged to convert kinetic energy of the replenishing water flow into electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sustainable energy system for pelagic deployment that may comprise a frame, at least one wind turbine generator coupled to the frame, at least one pair of water turbine generators coupled to the frame, and a rotatable joint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of assembling a rotary machine includes providing at least one component. The component is at least one of a rotating member and a stationary member. The method and apparatus also includes coupling the component to a monocoque nacelle structure. The monocoque nacelle structure includes an outer shell that extends over at least a portion of the component.

Abstract: A system and method for using natural gas to generate electricity. Natural gas under pressure is withdrawn from a well and passed to a turbine. The pressure of the natural gas acts on a turbine fan that in turn drives a generator to generate electricity. The natural gas used to drive the turbine fan suitably is reused to drive another turbine and generator, thereby producing additional electricity.

Abstract: A faucet generator includes; a rotor vane which is disposed in a water supply channel; an annular magnet which is rotatable integrally with the rotor vane; and a stator having: a coil which is disposed to be opposed to an end face of the magnet that is substantially perpendicular to a radial direction; a plurality of inductors which are placed separately from one another along a circumferential direction between the end face of the magnet and the coil; and a yoke which is disposed to be continuously contacted with the inductor and surround the coil. The axial direction of the rotor vane is substantially parallel to the water supply channel. In the annular magnet, the end faces which are substantially perpendicular to a radial direction are alternately magnetized with N and S poles along the circumferential direction of the magnet.

Abstract: A system and method for generating and harvesting energy in response to the flow of water through rotating device, such as a nutating or oscillating disk. Mechanical energy from flow of water is converted into electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. For example, the power generation system may be used to power electronic and mechanical devices used in automated meter reading (AMR) systems. The power generator system may recharge a storage circuit that enables long term AMR operations without the need for battery replacement. The power generation system, in various embodiments, can provide additional power for two-way communication and other sensors such as pressure, temperature, water quality and services such as remote shut-off, event-based messaging, and water quality monitoring.

Abstract: An integrated generator unit is provided to generate electrical energy. One or more integrated generator units are mounted in an enclosure and in communication with a battery to store electrical energy. Each unit has a plurality of rotational elements that rotate about an axis as fluid passes through the enclosure. A magnet is provided in communication with at least one end of the rotational elements and in close proximity to electrically conductive material. As the rotational element is exposed to fluid flow, fluid passes through the enclosure and causes the rotational element(s) to rotate. This rotation causes the magnet to pass by the electrically conductive material and to generate electrical energy.

Abstract: A hydro-power generating system including an anchor adjacent to a river, a platform floating on the river, and an arm assembly connecting the anchor to the platform, the arm assembly including a plurality of arms connected together such that the level of the platform may vary directly with the level of the river.

Abstract: An energy conversion system includes a first mechanical system for converting reciprocating motion to rotary motion, a second system formed of belts and pulleys connected to said first system and driven by said rotary motion to lift a weight in response to said rotary motion from a first position to a second position and allow the weight to return to said first position under the influence of gravity. A rotary electrical is driven by the second system through a transmission means connected to the second system to create electricity only while the weight is returning from its second to its first position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for capturing electrical energy from ocean and other waves at improved cost and efficiency are presented. The major innovations include capturing energy in two vectors simultaneously and connectedly, new applications of Bernoulli's principle, and an application of the breaker effect. The invention presents devices using related principles for use in surface and subsurface waves, and the placing of the devices in the water and wave farms. The full system of wave capture includes many connected parts and power generators.

Abstract: In an electric power generating apparatus for dispersed power supply using a permanent magnet type electric power generator having many kinds of windings in order to obtain the maximum output by force of wind without using PWM converter, there is a problem that gap magnetic flux of the permanent magnet type electric power generator is demagnetized to decrease the internal induced voltage because alternating current output of the permanent magnet type electric power generator is lagging current.