Fluid-current Motors Patents (Class 290/43)
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Publication number: 20120091710Abstract: A co-generation apparatus for the generation of electricity from an external source of forced air is described in which the co-generation apparatus comprises a turbine, a generator, a co-generation control unit, and an adjustable standoff. The turbine is connected to the generator for the production of electricity. The generator interface electrically connects the generator to an electrical system. The co-generation control unit is connected to the turbine and generator interface. The forced air drives the turbine. The turbine can be positioned in a turbine housing that receives the forced air. An adjustable standoff is connected to the turbine. The standoff adjusts the position of the turbine relative to the forced air.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Steven Evans, Steven Evans, II, Frank D. Clark
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Publication number: 20120086204Abstract: A system for generating electricity in a water distribution network includes a hydroelectric generator in fluid communication with a pipeline or a valve of the network. A differential pressure control pilot limits differential pressure across the hydroelectric generator. A solenoid coupled to the differential control pilot controls water passage through the differential control pilot, and thus the operation of the hydroelectric generator. An electronic controller may be used to optimize power generated by the hydroelectric generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: CLA-VAL CO.Inventor: Daniel RĂ©
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Publication number: 20120086203Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity from a relatively low velocity exhaust produced by a blower on a piece of machinery. The apparatus includes a fan assembly and a generator located inside an outer housing mounted on a base. Attached to the base and extending into the outer housing is a conical tunnel with a bypass gate that selectively closes the tunnel and thereby control the flow of exhaust gas through the apparatus. The fan assembly includes a plurality of fixed vanes that extend transversely into the path of the exhaust. The ends of the vanes are attached to two side plates that rotate freely around the frame's center axis. Attached to the inside side plate is a low RPM generator that includes two rotating magnetic plates and a fixed stator disc with a plurality of coil members is formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventor: Peter Agtuca
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Patent number: 8154138Abstract: An electrical generating assembly 10 which may be selectively used in combination with and/or as part of a municipal wastewater treatment facility 12 and which allows the wastewater treatment facility 12 to generate electrical energy 48, 62, 13 as received wastewater 14 is cleaned according to a plurality of diverse energy generating strategies.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: Subramaniam Ganesan, Christopher J. Kobus, John Gerard Chupa
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Patent number: 8151565Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of buoyancy force as a prime mover that converts the potential energy of a compressed gas transmitted to a buoy device within a liquid into rotating mechanical energy which is mechanically connected to a electric generator, wherein said prime mover comprises a shaft and several extended arms with a buoy device at each distal end to generate the rotational motion at the electric generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Inventors: Luis Manuel Carrion-Torres, Carlos Alberto Carrion-Torres
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Patent number: 8147168Abstract: An electrical power generating system is connected to a sewer for conveying waste water to a sanitary treatment station. Waste water is propelled through the sewer line by pumping equipment which simultaneously pulverizes most large objects carried by the waste water. The waste water drives one or more water-operated turbines. The turbines are operatively connected to electrical power generators for producing electrical power and dispersing the power through an electrical power transmission system.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cripps
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Publication number: 20120074698Abstract: In an oscillating water column (OWC) assembly power may be generated based on a power reference that is derived from an estimate of the available mechanical power in the air turbine 2 or a measured pressure drop across the turbine. The power reference is used to derive a power control torque reference within a power controller 14. A speed controller 16 uses a comparison of a measured speed of the generator 8 and a maximum speed limit to derive a speed control torque reference. A selector function 22 selects whichever of the power control and speed control torque references is the maximum at any time instant. The selected torque reference is input to an anti stall torque function 24 where it is selectively modified by applying a speed dependent gain that decreases with decreasing turbine speed, preferably so that the main torque reference is zero for a minimum speed limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2011Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: CONVERTEAM TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventors: Gerald Hearns, Christopher Alan Smith, Simon Gray, Matthew James Cunningham
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Patent number: 8143737Abstract: A tubular housing includes at least one fixed helical vane formed onto the inner surfaces of the tubular housing in a spiral and adapted to direct fluid into a spiraled flow and focus fluid onto a fan blade assembly associated with an alternator system and located within the tubular housing before a system exhaust. A generator cone can be mounted near the center and front of the fan blade assembly facing fluid passing through the tubular housing. As fluid passes over the generator cone it experiences compression between the generator cone and housing resulting in increased pressure and velocity of the fluid, thereby increasing rotational speed of the generator blades and generator as the compressed, spiraled fluid passes through the blades and exits the tubular housing. The system can be used for fixed or mobile applications in water, wind and manually induced fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2011Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: MDL EnterprisesInventors: Luis M. Ortiz, Anthony Michael Baca, Donald Wichers
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Patent number: 8143734Abstract: A method for the operation of a wind power plant 10) with a rotor (12), which has at least one angle-adjustable rotor blade (14), wherein the wind power plant (10) is operated in a first operating mode (71) and/or a second operating mode (75). In the first operating mode (71) a braking process of the rotor (12) is initiated when a rotational speed of the rotor (12) is exceeded, which lies above a first rotational speed threshold value. Also, a method for the operation of a wind power plant (10) with a rotor (12), which has at least one angle-adjustable rotor blade (14), wherein an operating parameter is monitored and a braking process of the rotor (12) is initiated when an operating parameter threshold value is reached.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2009Date of Patent: March 27, 2012Assignee: Repower Systems AGInventors: Dirk Steudel, Martin Von Mutius
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Publication number: 20120056424Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the operation of an underwater powerplant comprising a water turbine for purposes of absorbing kinetic energy from a flow of water; an electrical generator with converter feed, whose generator rotor is connected in a torsionally rigid manner with the water turbine, wherein the invention is characterised in that in normal operation a first frequency converter is used for purposes of converter feed, and in the braking operation at least one second frequency converter, or one component of a second frequency converter, is connected into the circuit and synchronised with the first frequency converter, in order to execute with the latter in a combined manner a converter feed to the electrical generator, which generates a generator torque braking the water turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: Benjamin Holstein, Norman Perner, Michael Holle, Klaus Kruger
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Patent number: 8125096Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine generator and control system is provided that optimizes the maximum possible power output at all times by strictly monitoring power output from the generator unit and modulating the wicket gate angle and the runner blade pitch independently of one another. The hydroelectric turbine generator includes a means for separately controlling wicket gate angle and runner blade pitch. The wicket gate angle control mechanism controls the flow into the system, pre conditions flow for maximum power and maintains reservoir level. The runner blade pitch control mechanism continuously monitors the system power output based on actual power produced, and adjusts system parameters in order to achieve maximum power output.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventors: Salvatore Shifrin, Joseph Shifrin
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Patent number: 8120191Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for producing electricity includes a plurality of hydraulic-to-electric converters with each hydraulic-to-electric converters including a hydraulic motor coupled to a common high-pressure hydraulic line and a common low-pressure hydraulic line, a controllable hydraulic switch hydraulically coupled to each respective hydraulic motor, each controllable hydraulic switch being capable of controllably placing the respective hydraulic motor on-line by allowing flow of hydraulic fluid from the common high-pressure hydraulic line through its respective hydraulic motor or off-line by preventing flow of hydraulic fluid from the common high-pressure hydraulic line through its respective hydraulic motor, and an electric generator mechanically coupled to each respective hydraulic motor and configured to generate electricity when hydraulic fluid flows through the respective hydraulic motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventor: Hanback John
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Patent number: 8115329Abstract: Known underwater turbine units suffer from problems, e.g. an ability to operate in ebb and/or flow tides. Accordingly, the invention provides aerofoil (5), wherein the aerofoil (5) is symmetrical about a mid-chord line (A) thereof. The aerofoil (5) may be symmetrical about a chord (B) thereof. The underwater turbine unit (3) comprises at least one turbine (25) which comprises at least one blade (20) which comprises the aerofoil (5).Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Rotech Holdings LimitedInventor: David Stuart Thompson
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Publication number: 20120032451Abstract: A sewer energy mill system is provided for converting kinetic energy possessed by the wastewater flowing through a sewer line into electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Erric Heitmann, James Lounsbery, Carlos Tabares
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Patent number: 8108997Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a shaft in an essentially horizontal position while an anchoring object at one end of the shaft is replaced without removal of an object at the opposite end of the shaft that would otherwise tend to destabilize the shaft from its essentially horizontal position includes a half-spool member configured to clamp above and around the shaft to resist torque around the rotor, under supports configured to attach to the half-spool member and clamp an underside of the shaft below the half-spool member, and a hydraulic or mechanical brake configured to resist torque on the shaft when the brake is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Patrick Weaver, Kirsh Alimohammed Afimiwala, Norman Scott Winneguth, Fulton Jose Lopez, Michael Ulfert Homemann, Craig Leonard Christenson
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Patent number: 8106540Abstract: A system is provided for compensating a power transmission line having one or more non-conventional power generating sources connected to the power transmission line. At least one series compensation circuit is connected to a portion the power transmission line, and at least one damping circuit is connected in parallel with the series compensation circuit. The damping circuit reduces subsynchronous series resonance caused by the series compensation circuit on the power transmission line, and the series compensation circuit compensates the power transmission line.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Einar V. Larsen, Bruce E. English, Goran Drobnjak
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Patent number: 8106526Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a turbine to generate mechanical energy from kinetic energy, a generator coupled to the turbine to receive the mechanical energy and to output multiple isolated supply powers, and multiple power stages each coupled to the generator. Each of the power stages may receive at least one of the isolated supply powers.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: TECO-Westinghouse Motor CompanyInventors: Mehdi Abolhassani, Thomas Keister, Haran Karmaker, Ryan Edwards, Enrique Ledezma, Alex Skorcz
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Patent number: 8102068Abstract: A buoyant hydro turbine(31) for capturing and utilizing energy in the currents of flowing water. A driven component(33) produces electricity or other energy is coupled to and supported by a buoyant rotor(64), increasing efficiency and eliminating the need for an independent supporting structure. Tethered in flowing water, the current(71) rotates the rotors(32) and transfers rotatable energy to the central driven component(33) where electricity or other mechanical work is produced. A number of embodiments are adapted for optimizing and maintaining positioning in a stream of moving water. Additional embodiments optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the turbine in capturing and utilizing the current's kinetic energy as well as hydrostatic pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventor: Brent Lee Gutekunst
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Patent number: 8102071Abstract: An energy module comprising an energy absorber; and a mooring system, comprising a wing-shaped polymer shell attached to the energy absorber, the wing-shaped polymer shell designed to utilize the force of a passing current to create a downward force and thereby reduce any upward motion in the energy module; and a mooring cable housed inside the wing-shaped polymer shell and anchored to maintain the energy module in a fore and aft and a side-to-side position to provide stability, and to negate a rotational force on the energy module.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Inventor: Christopher S. Catlin
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Publication number: 20120007361Abstract: A variable volume and velocity water electric generator system for use in a narrow channel in which variable amounts of water flow. The system includes an electric generator/water wheel unit mounted on a rigid frame vertically aligned within the channel. The unit includes an electric generator and the water wheel assembly that are axially aligned. When the frame is vertically aligned and lowered into the channel, the water wheel assembly is transversely aligned in the channel and its fixed vanes optimally positioned into the path of the water flowing through the channel. The generator's outer casing is connected to an end plate on the water wheel assembly so that the outer casing and the water wheel assembly rotates as one unit. A programmable inverter is connected to the generator that measures the voltage output and controls the amperage load exerted on the electric generator to electrical power extracted from the water is optimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventor: Pete Agtuca
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Publication number: 20110309619Abstract: A generator is provided including a rotatable pressure vessel with an inner and outer surface. Electromagnets are disposed on the inner surface of the pressure vessel. A biasing structure is configured to rotate within, and independently of, the pressure vessel and extends at least partly along a lengthwise dimension of the pressure vessel. The biasing structure has an axis of rotation that is within the circumference of the pressure vessel, and may be substantially parallel and coincident with a center axis of the pressure vessel. The biasing structure has a center of gravity at a radius away from the center axis of the pressure vessel. Armature coils are disposed on an outer portion of the biasing structure, and are positioned such that a relative motion between the electromagnets and the plurality of armature coils induces a current in the armature coils when a current is applied to the electromagnets.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventor: James D. Thackston
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Patent number: 8080888Abstract: A hydraulic generator drive system. The drive system has a control system that utilizes a first loop control that receives a signal associated with hydraulic pump or motor output and sends a command signal to a pump controller in order to control the hydraulic pump. Simultaneously, the control system has a second loop control that receives an input signal from the generator and sends a command signal to an armature to actuate the generator. As a result, a single control system is provided to control the speed and voltage output of the generator.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss Inc.Inventor: Christian S. Daley
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Patent number: 8082067Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention may incorporate an adaptive model based control (MBC) for determining a physical parameter including: 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 builds a new operating model, based on that data, which controls the operation of a hydroelectric plant. This model may then be used to forecast and/or control an output variable including the generator output of the hydroelectric plant. The MBC of an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to automatically and/or continuously monitor the hydroelectric plant to determine whether the output parameter is within a desired range.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Reginald L. Nicoson
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Patent number: 8076789Abstract: A system and method for use in controlling a wind turbine's power output by a wind turbine controller. The method includes determining a predicted wind speed for the wind turbine, determining a current wind turbine power output, and determining a predicted wind turbine power output utilizing the predicted wind speed. The method also includes comparing the current wind turbine power output to the predicted wind turbine power output and adjusting the wind turbine power output based on the comparison of the current wind turbine power output and the predicted wind turbine power output.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Nicholas Wright Miller
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Patent number: 8070944Abstract: A groundwater radon reduction apparatus is provided. The groundwater radon reduction apparatus includes: a housing in which groundwater falls down; a rotating member installed in the housing and rotated by a falling force of the groundwater to form the groundwater into water drops; a plurality of power transmission members connected to both ends of the rotating member to transmit power, and receiving the rotating force of the rotating member; and a plurality of ventilation units coupled to one ends of the power transmission members inside the housing, respectively, and rotated together with the power transmission members by the rotation force of the rotating member to discharge radon gases within the water drops to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral ResourcesInventors: Kil Yong Lee, Yoon Yeol Yoon, Kyung Seok Ko
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Patent number: 8072089Abstract: A preferred embodiment includes a system for power generation through movement of fluid having a variety of configurations and implementations. One preferred embodiment includes a system for power generation through movement of fluid includes a power generating cell with a generally cylindrical housing a ring for rotating disposed in said housing, one or more impellers fixedly coupled to said ring, and a generator operably coupled to said ring for receiving energy from the one or more impellers in which fluid is disposed about one or more impellers for creating energy.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventors: Wayne F. Krouse, Frederick E. Becker, Kerry N. Oliphant, Andrew R. Provo
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Patent number: 8072086Abstract: A system and method to efficiently store and convert erratic wind and solar electrical energy production to a source of reliable standard AC electrical power by means of an electric motor operatively engaged to power a pump. The pump in a sealed communication with a reservoir cavity evacuates air from the cavity to store the generated energy as potential energy in the form of a pressure differential with ambient atmosphere. Regulated air inflow into the evacuated cavity is employed to drive a generator or alternator to produce electric power which is synchronized with grid demand and communicated to the grid.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2009Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Inventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
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Patent number: 8067845Abstract: A method for the operation of a wind energy plant with a rotor, which transfers a driving moment to a generator via a drive train, wherein the generator provides a pre-settable generator moment acting opposite to the driving moment and is connectable to a grid, characterised in that after a sudden voltage change in the grid, the generator moment is controlled depending from the phase position of a torsional vibration of the drive train.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbHInventors: Matthias Thulke, Gunnar Schmidt, Thomas Frese, Eberhard Voss
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Patent number: 8067851Abstract: An electrical generator (10) powered by fluid pressure in a flow line includes a turbine housing (23) and control valve (11). The turbine housing houses a rotor (29) and a plurality of turbine blades (33) which are rotated by fluid passing from the flow line through the turbine housing. A bearing (22) within the turbine housing guides rotation of the rotor, and supports a plurality of magnets (28). Cap member (23) is sealed to the turbine housing, and a stator (40) external of the cap member generates electricity in response to a plurality of rotating magnets.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
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Patent number: 8058739Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Toyo Electric Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Shiota, Keita Tanaka, Tsutomu Isaka
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Publication number: 20110260453Abstract: An electrical generator including a magnetic field generator and at least one energy converter for converting energy present in fluid flows into vibrations or oscillations. The converter includes a flexible membrane having at least two fixed ends. The membrane vibrates when subject to a fluid flow. One of the electrical conductor and the magnetic field generator is attached to the membrane and configured to move with the membrane. The vibration of the membrane caused by the fluid flow causes a relative movement between the electrical conductor and the applied magnetic field. The relative movement causes a change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor, and the change in the strength of the magnetic field applied to the electrical conductor induces a current flowing in the conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventor: Shawn M. Frayne
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Patent number: 8044530Abstract: The fluid-based electrical generator utilizes driven flow of a fluid to power an electrical generator for driving an external electrical device. The generator includes a reservoir having at least one sidewall and a floor. A motor coupled to a rotating shaft is mounted external to the reservoir, and a propeller is secured to the rotating shaft. The propeller is driven by the motor and is positioned within the reservoir for generating fluid flow. A rotating support having at least one vane secured thereto is rotatably secured to the floor of the reservoir, and the rotating support is driven to rotate by the fluid flow. An axle is further provided, with a lower end thereof being secured to the rotating support. The electrical generator is coupled to an upper end of the axle, with rotation of the axle driving the electrical generator to produce electricity for the external device.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Inventor: Christopher H. Harris
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Patent number: 8039981Abstract: A method for monitoring blade frequencies of a wind turbine and a monitoring system are provided. An accelerometer is attached to a rotating hub of a wind turbine measuring vibrations of the hub. To extract vibration signals originating from each blade, the vibration signals are combined with measuring signals from the azimuth angle sensor. Alternatively, the azimuth angle is found by using the measured accelerations in two directions representing the centrifugal forces and vibrating forces of the hub and feeding these signals into a phase locked loop unit establishing a phase of the rotating hub representing the azimuth angle. To extract each blade frequency, a Fast Fourier Transformation is used on the signals from the accelerometer. To monitor a severe change in each blade frequency, each blade frequency is compared to other blade frequencies and an alarm is set when a given level is reached and the wind turbine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Per Egedal, Henrik Stiesdal
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Patent number: 8035244Abstract: An impulse rotor generator is provided for generating power in response to a primary mud flow in a drill string. The generator comprises a power rotor, at least one stationary magnetic pickup, and a pickup coil mounted on the at least one stationary magnetic pickup. The power rotor is positioned at least in part in the primary mud flow and is rotatable in response to the primary mud flow, the power rotor having an axis of rotation that is transverse to said primary mud flow. The power rotor is provided with a plurality of magnets affixed thereto, the magnets being arranged so as to magnetically couple with the at least one stationary magnetic pickup. Upon rotation of the power rotor in response to the primary mud flow, a current is produced in the pickup coil mounted on the at least one stationary magnetic pickup.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Kismet Engineering Inc.Inventor: Michael T. Sutherland
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Patent number: 8030791Abstract: Power conversion apparatus and methods are presented for providing electrical power to a grid or other load in which a synchronous machine is driven by a wind turbine or other prime mover to provide generator power to a switching type current source converter (CSC), with a current source rectifier (CSR) of the CSC being switched to provide d-axis control of the synchronous machine current based on grid power factor feedback, and with a current source inverter (CSI) of the CSC being switched to provide leading firing angle control and selective employment of dumping resists to dissipate excess generator energy in a fault mode when a grid voltage drops below a predetermined level.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yongqiang Lang, Navid Reza Zargari, Manish Pande, Bin Wu
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Patent number: 8030793Abstract: A power generating system 10 includes a drive arrangement 12 and a compressor 18 arranged to be driven by the drive arrangement 12 to compress gas, in particular air. The system 10 also includes an underwater storage arrangement 20 for storing compressed gas provided by the compressor 18 and an expander 22 for expanding compressed gas from the underwater storage arrangement 20 and/or the compressor 18 to thereby drive a generator 16 to generate electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: The University of NottinghamInventor: Seamus Dominic Garvey
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Patent number: 8030794Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2006Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: BioPower Systems Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Timothy Donegal Finnigan
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Patent number: 8030790Abstract: A hybrid water pressure energy accumulating, wind turbine tower assembly used to directly propel water pumps to raise water from low elevation reservoir(s) to high elevation reservoir(s) where it is used as a potential energy. The wind tower assembly includes a wind turbine having propeller with a rotor, a generator driven by the rotor and a yaw assembly attached to a tower with a foundation. The tower includes in-tower storage reservoirs configured for storing water. The in-tower storage reservoirs could be defined by lower and upper water storage containers attached to the inner or outer surface of the tower that might be connected to other neighboring reservoir(s). The wind turbine may be of the vertical or horizontal-axis type and may be installed inside a residential or commercial building. The lifted water is used to generate electricity utilizing a hydropower generator.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Inventor: Kamen George Kamenov
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Patent number: 8030789Abstract: An wave turbine composed of a omnidirectional turbine (or Double Wind Turbine) that is used with two tanks and a connecting tube between the two tanks. This omnidirectional turbine is placed in the middle of the connecting tube in a vertical axis position. The two tanks are placed a half wave length apart from the center to the center of each tank. Since the two tanks are a half water wave apart, than as water level of one of the tank rises the other water level on the other tank will go to lower and vise versa. This action will cause a back and forward motion of compressed air through the connecting tube. This compressed air will go through the omnidirectional turbine and cause a unidirectional rotation of the omnidirectional turbine. A axle connected to the omnidirectional turbine will transfer the energy to a generator to produce power output.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Israel OrtizInventor: Israel Ortiz
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Patent number: 8026621Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Spiroflo Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Alan Miller, Darin L. Lane
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Patent number: 8026622Abstract: A generator is provided including a rotatable pressure vessel with an inner and outer surface. Electromagnets are disposed on the inner surface of the pressure vessel. A biasing structure is configured to rotate within, and independently of, the pressure vessel and extends at least partly along a lengthwise dimension of the pressure vessel. The biasing structure has an axis of rotation that is within the circumference of the pressure vessel, and may be substantially parallel and coincident with a center axis of the pressure vessel. The biasing structure has a center of gravity at a radius away from the center axis of the pressure vessel. Armature coils are disposed on an outer portion of the biasing structure, and are positioned such that a relative motion between the electromagnets and the plurality of armature coils induces a current in the armature coils when a current is applied to the electromagnets.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: James D. Thackston
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Patent number: 8026625Abstract: A power generation system includes a plurality of submerged mechanical devices. Each device includes a pump that can be powered, in operation, by mechanical energy to output a pressurized output liquid flow in a conduit. Main output conduits are connected with the device conduits to combine pressurized output flows output from the submerged mechanical devices into a lower number of pressurized flows. These flows are delivered to a location remote of the submerged mechanical devices for power generation.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao
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Patent number: 8018080Abstract: A hydroelectric device, for the production of electricity in an aquatic environment with currents, includes a frame supporting a rotating member having a number of bearing surfaces that cooperate with the currents to generate a rotation of the rotating member. An electromechanical device produces an electrical current from the rotation. The hydroelectric device also includes a device for adjusting the position of the rotating member with reference to the surface of the aquatic environment. The latter device includes a tank having a variable opening positionable under the surface of the aquatic environment for modifying the water filling rate of the tank. The rotating member may be mounted on the frame by means of a shaft extending along a perpendicular direction to the currents, which facilitates the coupling thereof to one or two similar hydroelectric device shafts arranged at either end of the first, in alignment.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Georges Poupinet
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Patent number: 8011854Abstract: An improved fish passage apparatus is combined with hydroelectric power generation to facilitate migration of fish between water bodies of different heights with minimal injury or trauma to fish. It may also be optimized for power generation when fish are not moving through it. The fish passage apparatus comprises a connecting tube providing fluid communication between upper and lower water bodies, an upper valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from an upper water body, a lower valve in the connecting tube adapted to control flow of water to or from a lower water body, and a working tube opening into the connecting tube between the upper and lower valves a working portion of which extends functionally vertical to above a water level of the upper body of water and to below a water level of the lower body and is vented at its top such that water can flow freely in and out of the working portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventor: Kenneth T Millard
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Publication number: 20110210548Abstract: A system for controlling operation of a water turbine is described, the system comprising, a turbine; means for measuring an activity affecting operation of the turbine; means for altering operation of the turbine; and a data processing apparatus comprising a central processing unit (CPU), a memory operably connected to the CPU, the memory containing a program adapted to be executed by the CPU, wherein the CPU and memory are operably adapted to receive information from the measuring means and implement an instruction to the altering means to alter the operation of the turbine. Data processing systems, computer program elements and methods for controlling operation of the turbine are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Conrad SEVENSTER, Tim Cornelius, Gary Campbell
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Patent number: 8008796Abstract: A water tower includes a reservoir configured to store fluid. The reservoir includes a bottom surface. The water tower also includes a recirculating passageway fluidly connected to the reservoir. The recirculating passageway includes a first end connected to and located near or below the bottom surface of the reservoir, and a second end connected to the reservoir above the bottom surface of the reservoir. The water tower further includes a pump located in the recirculating passageway and configured to pump fluid through the recirculating passageway, and a fluid-driven energy generating device fluidly connected to the recirculating passageway. At least a portion of fluid directed through the energy generating device is directed through the recirculating passageway.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Global Power Enterprises, LLCInventor: David J. Muchow
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Publication number: 20110204628Abstract: The ventilation device according to the invention includes a fan and an inverter. The fan comprises a rotary electrical machine and a wheel for setting an air flow into motion, integral with the rotary machine to set it in rotation. The inverter is connected to the rotary machine and, in one motor power mode of the ventilation device, is suitable for forming the supply current of the rotary machine. The inverter is suitable for being connected to a power supply network. The inverter is reversible and is, in a generating mode of the ventilation device, suitable for converting the electrical energy supplied by the rotary machine when it is driven mechanically by the wheel and injecting said converted electrical energy into the power supply network.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: TECHNOFANInventor: OLIVIER DARNIS
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Publication number: 20110204627Abstract: An electrical generating device includes one or more ram water pumps for pumping water from a lower water reservoir into an upper water tower, a water paddling device having a rotatable housing located below the water tower and coupled to an electric generator to generate an electrical energy, and a control device having a casing for directing the water to rotate the housing and having a pivotal valve member to control a flowing of the water through the casing and into the housing, an adjusting element is attached to the casing and engaged with the valve member for pivoting and adjusting the valve member relative to the casing and to control the water to flow into the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Fu Hung Ho, Ming Jung Kao
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Patent number: 8004104Abstract: A method and apparatus for harnessing power associated with ocean waves and converting that power into electricity. The apparatus is a buoy that houses a vertically oriented central shaft, a pendulum, and a generator. As the buoy tilts from the vertical under the influence of wave motion, the pendulum is accelerated and rotates about the central shaft. A centrally-placed generator is mechanically coupled to, and driven by, the rotating pendulum so that the pendulum's kinetic energy is converted into electricity. The electricity may be stored at or near the buoy or transferred to a remote facility. Moreover, a fin array located along the bottom of the buoy serves as an anti-torque mechanism and improves the operational efficiency of the electricity production. The method involves employing use of the centrally located generator and the fin array to efficiently harness wave power.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Neptune Wave Power, LLCInventor: Steven C. Hench
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Patent number: RE43014Abstract: Wind turbine assembly, and related method, is provided that exploits an aerodynamically enhanced wind region of a building in proximity to a parapet of the building. A wind turbine assembly includes a support assembly configured to couple to a building in proximity to a parapet of the building and a rotor assembly coupled to the support assembly such that its rotor is oriented relative to the enhanced wind region to optimize electrical generation.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: AeroVironment, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Zambrano, Tyler MacCready