Abstract: An underwater power plant, a method and a system are for converting kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. The power plant has at least one turbine house defining a duct for housing a turbine apparatus, and a connecting means for attaching the turbine apparatus in the duct. The connecting means has at least one member slidably connected to the turbine house for allowing sliding of the turbine apparatus out of, into or within the turbine house.

Abstract: An autonomous, low-power turbine flow meter and an assembly of at least one flow meter and at least one signal receiving device configured to receive signals, preferably in a wireless manner, produced and transmitted by the flow meter. The invention further relates to a method for measuring at least one flow characteristic, in particular the flow rate, of a fluid flowing through a flow meter.

Abstract: A water supply network includes node components and edge components, wherein the edge components transport water between the node components. The edge components is controllable in relation to its flow behavior for water. A method for controlling the water supply network includes the steps of determining a planning horizon, which includes a number of time slices; determining upper and lower limits for feeds and prospective withdrawals of water in the time slices; determining possible operating configurations of the at least one edge component; determining energy costs for an activation of the edge component in the time slices; determining permissible states of node components; determining current states (initial states) of edge or node components; and determining a control plan for the at least one edge component on the basis of the determined information in such a manner that a predetermined water balance is maintained in each time slice averaged over time.

Abstract: Provided is a method of diagnosing at least one winding set of a stator of a generator during operation, the winding set having plural wires for plural phases, the method including: obtaining, for each of the plural wires of the winding set, an individual strength of an individual power output from the respective wire of the plural wires of the winding set; obtaining a sum strength of power; forming, for each considered wire of the plural wires of the winding set, an individual ratio between the individual strength of the considered wire and the sum strength; forming, for each considered wire of the plural wires of the winding set, a diagnostic value by subtracting from an individual ratio not corresponding to the considered wire a term depending on the individual ratio corresponding to the considered wire; diagnosing at least one wire based on comparing the diagnostic values.

Abstract: A downhole power generator module having a body with one or more couplings that are configured to connect the body to a downhole tool string positioned downhole in a wellbore. An axial passageway is formed through the outer housing and couplings. The power generator module has a pressure-driven electric generator such as a triboelectric or piezoelectric generator positioned within the body. A port in the body enables communication of well fluids from the wellbore to the generator. Pressure changes in the well fluids are communicated to the pressure-driven electric generator, causing it to autonomously generate electric power downhole. The generated power is provided directly to other downhole tools without intervention from the surface.

Abstract: A water current power generating system includes a support structure located on a bed of a body of water. A power generating apparatus, such as a water current turbine device, is mounted on the support structure, by way of a mounting portion. The system also includes a measurement unit operable to determine operating information relating to operation of the system, and a controller operable to determine loading on the system from such operating information, and to adjust a controlled parameter of the system such that loading on the system falls below a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A water-surface wave-absorbing structure comprises an equipment cabin and an airbag cabin vertically mounted below the equipment cabin; a solar cell module and an energy storage device in the equipment cabin are mounted on an upper surface of the equipment cabin, a signal transceiver is mounted on top portions of the solar cell module and the energy storage device, a central air distributing device is mounted in the equipment cabin, two ends of the central air distributing device are respectively connected to an air compressor and an air storage tank through vent pipelines, and a central controller is arranged in the central air distributing device and sends control instructions to the central air distributing device and the air compressor; and the airbag cabin comprises a plurality of airbag units, each airbag unit is provided with a plurality of mutually independent air chambers.

Abstract: A power management system including a power converter circuit, a supercapacitor storage unit, and a load-sharing controller in communication with the power converter circuit and the supercapacitor storage unit; wherein, in response to executing the program instructions, the load-sharing controller is configured to receive data including the power demand from the external device, receive data including the raw power from the power converter circuit, receive data including a capacity from the supercapacitor storage unit, and direct power to the external device based on the received data.

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).

Abstract: An outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch system and method, providing an improved means of shifting between forward and reverse with an outboard boat motor, providing an ability to shift in circumstances where the propeller is not spinning freely, such as in weeds or mud, and providing improved shifting with less damage to gears in all circumstances. The outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch can be built into an outboard motor, or can be later-installed as a retrofit. The outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch provides an electric clutch controlled by a sensor switch activated and deactivated by the mechanical linkages of the outboard motor's shifting system.

Abstract: An energy conversion device includes a plurality of cross flow turbines, each one including fixed curved blades arranged in squirrel cage configuration about an axis of rotation. The turbines are mounted on a floating support on the water, placed directly in the fluid flow and arranged successively one after another with their axes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the flow.

Abstract: A system, for storing and generating electrical energy in an aquatic environment, comprising: a plurality of weights (135) attached to an underwater PAP platform (131) positioned at a sufficient depth to avoid surface currents and the effects of bad weather. a generator lift (100), arranged to cooperate with the weights (135) and, in generation mode, to allow said weights to descend to the bottom zone (126) and, in drive mode, to raise them back up towards the surface (125); a main underwater platform which is positioned at a sufficient depth to avoid surface currents and the effects of bad weather (101) and is capable of supporting the upper portion of the generator lift (100) below the surface; a reversible motor (102), cooperating with the generator lift (100) and allowing, in generation mode, the production of electrical energy due to the action of the weights (135) as they descend, and, in drive mode, actuation of the generator lift (100) to raise the weights (135) back up.

Abstract: This compressor is provided with a motor, a plurality of shafts each having a gear, a housing (30), and a plurality of impeller sections. The housing (30) includes a first housing element (31) and a second housing element (32) connectable to the first housing element from above and separable from the first housing element. A first upper end surface support section (41) is formed on an upper end surface of the first housing element (31). The housing (30) has at least one insertion support section (40A) having a shape that enables insertion of the gear and that supports the shaft, at a height position different from a height position of the first upper end surface support section (41).

Abstract: A pump system comprises a fluid housing, a permanent magnet rotor, and an electric stator. The fluid housing has an axis, an axial inlet, and a radially outer outlet. The permanent magnet rotor is disposed on the axis, within the fluid housing, and has a plurality of perimetrically distributed fins that extend at least partly radially outward. The electric stator is disposed on the axis and within the fluid housing, and is situated adjacent the impeller fins of the permanent magnet rotor, separated from the impeller fins by an axial gap.

Abstract: The floating apparatus for wave power generation according to the present invention includes; a floating unit floating on a sea surface; an energy unit configured to convert a kinetic energy of the floating unit to an electric or hydraulic energy; and a transfer unit configured to transfer the kinetic energy of the floating unit to the energy unit.

Abstract: Provided is an underwater floating-type ocean current power generation device whereby cyclical directional vibration of a floating body of the ocean current power generation device, caused by shadow moment, can be suppressed. An underwater floating type ocean current power generation device includes ocean current power generation device main bodies, each including a rotor of a power generator housed in a nacelle, and a structure. The rotor is configured to be driven by a rotary blade protruding outward from the nacelle. A twin drum floating body capable of floating underwater is constituted by the structure and the ocean current power generation device main bodies joined to the left and right of the structure. The underwater floating type ocean current power generation device is moored to an ocean floor by a mooring rope.

Abstract: On an AC permanent magnet switched reluctance motor stator seat, “C-shaped” or “U-shaped” excitation salient pole pairs or compound excitation salient pole pairs are set up in a balanced way. Excited by excitation current, the permanent magnet flux of compound excitation salient pole pair is imported into the main loop of excitation flux to form compound excitation magnetic potential. On the rotor support, permanent magnets are fixed at the same interval, and the magnetic polarity of neighboring permanent magnets on a same rotating surface is different. When the rotating shaft rotates, two magnet pole faces of each permanent magnet on rotor support will be dead against the two ports of each excitation salient pole pair on the stator, forming a closed magnetic loop with air gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an energy storage system in a doubly fed induction generator wind turbine system are provided. An energy storage system can include a transformer configured to transform AC power from a first voltage to AC power at a second voltage and a bi-directional AC to DC power converter coupled to the transformer. The bi-directional AC to DC power converter can be configured to convert the AC power at the second voltage to a DC power. The energy storage system can further include an energy storage device coupled to the bi-directional AC to DC power converter. The energy storage system can be configured to receive power generated by a rotor of the DFIG via an AC line bus. The energy storage device can be configured to store the power received by the energy storage system.

Abstract: A pool cleaner generator module with magnetic coupling. The generator module can include a housing, a paddle wheel, a magnetic follower, and a generator. The generator can power components of the pool cleaner, such as light emitting diode (LEDs). The housing can be removably coupled to the pool cleaner and can include a flow directing portion positioned in a fluid path of the pool cleaner. The paddle wheel can be located adjacent to the flow directing portion and can rotate in response to fluid flow through the fluid path. The generator can be magnetically coupled to the paddle wheel and can generate power through rotation of the paddle wheel. The LED can be coupled to the generator and can receive the generated power from the generator to illuminate an area adjacent to the pool cleaner.

Abstract: Fluid distribution systems comprising a wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system and method for their use. In a preferred example, the fluid distribution system is an automated or semi-automated on-command hot water system, wherein the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system comprises a fluid turbine and a battery, for converting fluid flow into electricity to recharge the battery. In certain examples, the wireless, self-recharging fluid distribution system also comprises a sensor component, such as a sensor selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a moisture sensor, a sound-receiving sensor, a temperature sensor, a flow sensor, and a chemical sensor. In some examples such fluid distribution systems may be of particular use in environments having limited access to electricity, such as vessels, mobile homes, trailers, and “of the grid”structures having no access to dependable electricity supply.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an engine, an electric motor located farther forward than a propeller, a propeller shaft, a first transmission that defines a first transmission path extending from the engine to the propeller shaft to transmit power of the engine to the propeller shaft along the first transmission path, and a second transmission that defines a second transmission path, different from the first transmission path, extending from the electric motor to the propeller shaft to transmit power of the electric motor to the propeller shaft along the second transmission path.

Abstract: Power recovery turbines can be used debottlenecking of an existing plant, as well as recover electric power when revamping a plant. A process for recovering energy in a petroleum, petrochemical, or chemical plant is described. A fluid stream having a first control valve thereon is identified. A first power-recovery turbine is installed at the location of the first control valve, and at least a portion of the first fluid stream is directed through the first power-recovery turbine to generate electric power as direct current therefrom. The electric power is then recovered.

Abstract: In a handheld machine tool having a tool housing, in which a drive motor is situated for driving a drive element equipped with at least one clamping surface, to which a spindle-locking device equipped with a blocking element and at least one spindle cylinder is assigned, the at least one spindle cylinder being able to be clamped in a spindle-lock operation of the spindle-locking device between the at least one clamping surface and the blocking element to prevent the drive element from rotating relative to the tool housing, wherein a positioning element associated with the spindle locking device is situated at least in sections on the at least one clamping surface, the positioning element being situated at least partially in the region between the at least one spindle cylinder and the at least one clamping surface.

Abstract: A load management system is disclosed. The load management system may include a generator, a power source configured to drive the generator, a load bank configured to produce an electrical load on the generator, a chopper operatively connected to the generator and the load bank, and a chopper regulator in communication with the generator and the chopper. The chopper may be configured to modulate the electrical load of the load bank on the generator. The chopper regulator may be configured to monitor generator parameters and control the chopper based on the generator parameters.

Abstract: An ocean current electric power generator includes a mechanical brake that restricts a rotation of a rotor shaft of a rotatable wing, and a power transmission mechanism that is disposed between the rotor shaft and an electric power generator. The power transmission mechanism includes a switching section that switches between a power transmission state and a power disconnection state, a load application section that applies a rotation load on the rotor shaft during the power disconnection state, and a speed varying section that varies a revolution speed of the rotor shaft, and transmits the revolution to the electric power generator during the power transmission state.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an engine, an electric motor located farther forward than a propeller, a propeller shaft, a first transmission that defines a first transmission path extending from the engine to the propeller shaft to transmit power of the engine to the propeller shaft along the first transmission path, and a second transmission that defines a second transmission path, different from the first transmission path, extending from the electric motor to the propeller shaft to transmit power of the electric motor to the propeller shaft along the second transmission path.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electricity having a turbine assembly mounted on an inner support positioned within an aerodynamic fairing. The turbine assembly has an electrical generator positioned on the inner support and having a rotor shaft rotatable by a rotor blade. The aerodynamic fairing reduces the drag and wake created by the inner support.

Abstract: Assemblies systems, and methods are disclosed for generating energy from natural forces and, more particularly, to energy generation using tidal action. A tidal energy conversion assembly includes a displacement vessel housing a directional converter that is coupled to an electrical power generator. The tidal energy conversion assembly further includes an anchor cable having a first end, a second end connected to the directional converter, and a length in between the first end and the second end. The anchor cable may be threaded through an anchor at a stationary location, such as a sea floor. The rising, falling, and/or drag forces of the tide cause a change in the length of the anchor cable thus exerting a force on the directional converter. The directional converter converts this force into rotational energy that may be harnessed by the electrical power generator to generate electricity for consumption.

Abstract: A cascaded multi-level inverter system, a modulation method and a controller for the same are provided. The method includes performing a maximum power point tracking control based on a voltage signal and a current signal of each DC source and a voltage signal and a current signal of the power grid obtained by sampling, calculating a first modulation signal for suppressing power imbalance, and outputting the first modulation signal to each inverter unit; and calculating, based on the calculated reactive current instruction value, the calculated active current instruction value, and a current signal of the reactive compensation device obtained by sampling, a second modulation signal for causing an output power factor of the cascaded multi-level inverter system to be 1, and outputting the second modulation signal to the reactive compensation device.

Abstract: A control device estimates a flow rate and an effective height difference of a fluid machine based on a characteristic detectable with regard to a rotating electrical machine and correlating with the flow rate and the effective height difference of the fluid machine. A total flow rate in a pipe system is estimated based on these values estimated by the control device and a flow resistance characteristic line, and cooperative control of the fluid machine and the flow rate control valve is performed such that the estimated value of the total flow rate becomes close to a target flow rate of the total flow rate in the pipe system.

Abstract: The invention discloses an ocean current power generator disposed in the ocean. The ocean current power generator includes two power generators, a foil floating member and a control unit. Each of the power generators includes an impeller, and the ocean current drives the impellers to rotate to generate electricity. The foil floating member is connected to the two power generators, and the foil floating member includes a front body and a rear body. The control unit is configured to control the amount of sea water in the front body or the rear body, so as to adjust the center of gravity of the foil floating member.

Abstract: An underwater structure including a power generation apparatus including a main body; a mounting portion connected to the main body defining a mounting axis; a connection carrier, a connector mounted on the connection carrier; and an actuation mechanism in communication with the connection carrier. The structure further includes a support structure adapted for engagement with a bed of a body of water; a support housing; a support connection carrier attached to the support housing; and a support connector mounted on the support connection carrier. The mounting portion and the support housing are adapted to cooperate with one another for mounting of the power generation apparatus on the support structure. The connection carrier is releasably engageable with the support connection carrier, such that the connection carrier is moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: A controller including a memory having computer-readable instructions stored therein; and a processor configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to: estimate a synthesized grid voltage vector angle at a terminal of an alternating current (AC) grid based on at least an adjusted angle, to generate Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals to control power switches of the AFE inverter based on at least the synthesized grid voltage vector angle, and to control the AFE inverter to exchange power between the AC grid and a load based on the PWM signals.

Abstract: This disclosure describes various implementations of a downhole-blower system that can be used to boost production in a wellbore. The downhole-blower system includes a blower and an electric machine coupled to the blower that can be deployed in a wellbore, and that can, in cooperation, increase production through the wellbore.

Abstract: A method is proposed for operating a wind turbine, including the following steps: deriving at least one turbulence characteristic of atmosphere hitting the wind turbine, determining at least one wind turbine specific parameter based on the at least one derived turbulence characteristic, and operating the wind turbine according to the at least one determined turbine specific parameter is provided. Further, a wind turbine and a device as well as a computer program product and a computer readable medium are also provided.

Abstract: A piezoelectric harvesting system using repulsion force, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a piezoelectric body comprising a piezoelectric material; a fixed portion to at least one surface of which the piezoelectric body is adhered; a support portion for supporting one side of the fixed portion; and a repulsion force-providing portion for providing repulsion force to the fixed portion, so that the piezoelectric body generates electric energy when the fixed portion is deformed due to application of external force and then recovered. According to one embodiment of the present invention, additional shock is applied to the fixed portion to which the piezoelectric body is adhered when recovering after being deformed, thereby increasing the amount of electric energy generated due to the deformation of the piezoelectric body.

Abstract: A buoyant energy generating housing apparatus submersed in fluid currents. The disclosed embodiments comprises rotary turbines that harvest the kinetic energy in the currents, and buoys that house equipment and provide buoyancy to support the system. Movements and rotations are restrained by multiple cables or tendons that are anchored on the seabed, in combination with the internal active ballast system in the buoys. Applications in currents with direction change are possible with the use of two-buoy embodiments, further assisted by the optional use of weathervanes.

Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes an engine, an electric motor located farther forward than a propeller, a propeller shaft, a first transmission that defines a first transmission path extending from the engine to the propeller shaft to transmit power of the engine to the propeller shaft along the first transmission path, and a second transmission that defines a second transmission path, different from the first transmission path, extending from the electric motor to the propeller shaft to transmit power of the electric motor to the propeller shaft along the second transmission path.

Abstract: A flush valve for a toilet, the flush valve including a main valve unit for causing a main valve body to reciprocate between a closed position and an open position in response to pressure inside a back pressure chamber communicating with a primary side flow path thereby opening and closing a flow path between the primary side flow path and the secondary side flow path. The flush valve further including a sub-valve unit having a sub-valve body for opening and closing a bypass flow path connecting the back pressure chamber and the secondary side flow path. The flush valve further including a generating unit disposed on the downstream side of the main valve unit and serving as flow path resistance on the secondary side flow path. Wherein the bypass flow path is connected to the secondary side flow path downstream of the generating unit.

Abstract: An underwater installation-type water-flow power generation system including a weight body fixedly installed on a bottom of a sea area with an ocean current, a power generating device including a diagonal plate frontage portion moored by the weight body through a mooring fixture and provided on a front part of a power generating device body, a variable blade type rotary impeller, and a power generator for obtaining a power generation output by using a rotary force of the variable blade type rotary impeller; and a buoyancy body floating in the ocean current area above the power generating device body and applying a tension to the power generating device body through a pulling tool so that the diagonal plate frontage portion of the power generating device body is facing the ocean current at all times.

Abstract: A system is provided for converting fluid motion into electrical power, with the system being deployable in a body of fluid. The system includes a support structure and a movable structure connected to the support structure. The support structure includes a generator assembly configured to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy and provide electric power from the electrical energy. The movable structure has three or more degrees of freedom, and is configured to generate mechanical energy for conversion by the generator assembly during a power generation phase of a power cycle in which the fluid motion acts on the movable structure. The movable structure has a first configuration during the power generation phase and a second, different configuration during a recovery phase of the power cycle, with the movable structure in the first configuration having a greater surface area normal to the flow of fluid.

Abstract: An impeller and rotor structure for a magnetically levitated pump define a smooth primary flow path and U-shaped secondary flow path, which extends around an annular magnetic rotor. The u-shaped secondary flow path is defined by a large outer side gap along an outer surface of the rotor, a large bottom gap along a bottom surface of the rotor and a large inner gap along an inner surface of the rotor. Shroudless impeller blades are purely radial and overhung from a thin peripheral ring attached to the annular magnetic rotor. A center post having a low aspect ratio extends through the annular rotor. The low aspect ratio is configured to prevent flow in the primary flow path from colliding directly with flow in the secondary flow path at the inner radial gap.

Abstract: A munition including: a shell; and a generator including: a drum having a cable with a free end, the drum includes a drum gear, the cable releasing from the drum when unwound; a spring for storing energy as the cable is unwound; a generator connected to the drum such that drum rotation is transferred to an input of the generator after the cable is unwound and stored energy in the spring turns the member, the generator includes an input gear connected to the drum gear; and a clutch having an input gear engaged with the drum gear and an output gear engaged with the generator input gear, wherein the clutch transfers rotation of the clutch input gear to rotation of the clutch output gear after the cable is unwound and released from the drum and the stored energy in the spring turns the drum.

Abstract: A two-way flow control device including: a housing defining a first opening interface and a second opening interface, a rotor having a plurality of blades, each blade controllable to be angled in a range of positive and negative blade angles to generate respective positive and negative flows between the first opening interface and the second opening interface, first stator vanes mounted to the housing between the blades and the first opening interface, each including a respective stator vane slope having a stator vane angle which are collectively positive or negative angled; second stator vanes mounted to the housing between the blades and the second opening interface, each including a respective stator vane slope having a stator vane angle which are collectively opposite angled to the stator vane angles of the first stator vanes, the second stator vanes mounted to be circumferentially offset with respect to the first stator vanes.

Abstract: A joint structure includes a clutch unit interposed between a shaft joint and a shaft body which is one of an output shaft of a speed increaser and an input shaft of a power generator. The clutch unit includes: a shaft coupling portion rotating integrally with the shaft body; a joint coupling portion rotating integrally with the shaft joint; and a one-way clutch provided between the shaft coupling portion and the joint coupling portion. The one-way clutch makes a connection integrally rotatably between the shaft coupling portion and the joint coupling portion in a state in which a rotation speed of the output shaft is higher than that of the input shaft, and releases the connection between the shaft coupling portion and the joint coupling portion in a state in which the rotation speed of the output shaft is lower than that of the input shaft.

Abstract: A method for generating power in a gravity dropped munition. The method including: attaching a cable from a generator associated with the munition to a portion of an aircraft; separating the munition from the aircraft to pull the cable from the munition; converting the pulling of the cable to a rotation; producing power from the rotation; and providing the power to an internal component of the munition.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one base layer arranged as a substrate for printed electronics; an energy harvester printed on the at least one base layer and arranged to transform kinetic energy into electric energy; an energy storage printed on the at least one base layer, coupled to the energy harvester, and arranged to store the electric energy; a display element printed on the at least one base layer, coupled to the energy storage, and arranged to provide a display view to a user of the apparatus; and a control circuitry configured to determine the amount of the electric energy stored in the energy storage and to control the display element to update the display view according to the amount of the electric energy. A method and a computer program product for controlling manufacturing of the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A high voltage DC electric power generating system includes a poly-phase permanent magnet generator having at least one control winding and a plurality of power windings. Each of the power windings is a phase of the poly-phase permanent magnet generator. A passive rectifier connects a switch to an input of each of the power windings such that the switch is a neutral node in a closed state and a disconnect in an open state.

Abstract: The invention discloses versions of a horizontal axis wind turbine and methodologies for the design of wind turbines, which are capable of extracting both kinetic and thermal energy from the wind. The wind turbines disclosed use a large diameter forward inlet fairing to accelerate the airflow to the more effective outer radii of the turbine rotor where the airflow is constrained by an airfoil-shaped flow control ring. This serves to prevent rotor tip losses, to inhibit wake expansion, and to accelerate the airflow through the turbine. A similarly large diameter aft pressure recovery fairing promotes rotation and contraction of the wake downstream of the turbine. Further methodologies for optimization and an algorithm for detail design are disclosed.

Abstract: A system comprising a tunnel implement for immersion in a moving mass. Energy from the moving mass passing through said tunnel implement is converted to rotational force. A collector device is provided having open and collapsed states, wherein the open state resists the moving mass. A rotational converting device converts the rotational force to constant singular direction. An input shaft is turned bidirectionally by the rotational force and two gears driven by the input shaft in opposite rotational directions, the gears separately attached to idler gears causing output gears attached to the idler gears to engage an output shaft in a same rotational direction. A bidirectional drive motor device drives a pulley device in a predetermined direction. A sensor device senses the position of the collector device. A trigger device is configured to activate said sensor device to indicate the collector device position and state, whether opened or collapsed.