Wind Patents (Class 290/55)
  • Patent number: 9077212
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling the rotor in an electromechanical machine such as a wind turbine generator is disclosed. Fluid cooling passages may be formed in the rotor, defined at least in part by a support member for magnets mounted on the rotor. Cooling fluid intake may be through the stator surrounding the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Northern Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor H. Cole, Etienne Hancock, Adam R. Olsen
  • Patent number: 9062654
    Abstract: A modular wind turbine has been developed that includes a turbine housing that contains a circular stabilization ring. The turbine also includes a central hub with multiple airfoil blades that are attached to the interior of the circular stabilization ring. A drive shaft extends from the central hub that turns an electric generator with multiple magnets and coils that generate electricity upon rotation of the of the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: American Wind Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Yost
  • Patent number: 9062427
    Abstract: A Barrage apparatus is a method and device for extracting energy from flowing fluids in an open flow by means of a submerged barrage or barrages that obstruct and channel flows at increased velocities to downstream turbine power take off modules. Increasing the velocity of the flow increases the amount of power available for extraction thereby providing opportunities to extract energy from low flow sites and facilitate the use of low cost small marine turbines to provide an ecologically sound, efficient and cost effective method of renewable energy extraction from fluid flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Axis Energy Group Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Peter John Kittel
  • Patent number: 9062655
    Abstract: Several embodiments that enhance and improve the efficiencies of vertical axis wind turbine generators by expanding their normal range of useful operations. Stationary vanes provided external to the rotor blades provide directional control of wind/air flow into the blades for decreased drag and increased differential wind pressure. Control scenarios for adjusting stationary wind vanes and additional ducting of air to increase efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventor: Tom Scott
  • Patent number: 9057355
    Abstract: Disclosed is a wind turbine with a generator, which minimizes design limitations on the diameters of generators and allows a rotor and the generator to be stably fixed to a tower. The wind turbine includes a rotor including a hub at a center thereof, a rotating shaft protruding rearward of the hub, and a plurality of rotor blades provided around the hub; a generator including a housing disposed at an outer upper portion of a tower behind the rotor and provided at an inner surface of a cylindrical body thereof with a stator and a rotator rotatably coupled in the housing to rotate together with the rotor; and a support bracket fixed to an upper end portion of the tower, wherein the housing is fixed to a front surface of the support bracket to integrally fix the rotor and the generator to the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: UNISON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Doo Hoon Kim, Ji Yune Ryu, Jin Il Park, Jo Hyug Bang, Jin Su Hwang, Dong Jin Seo
  • Patent number: 9056687
    Abstract: An aerial unit, a method and a system are provide, the system includes a ground unit; an aerial unit and a connecting element arranged to connect the ground unit to the aerial unit. The ground unit may include a connecting element manipulator, a ground unit controller for controlling the connecting element manipulator; and a ground unit location sensor arranged to generate ground unit location information indicative of a location of the ground unit. The wherein the aerial unit may include a first propeller, a frame, a first propeller motor, at least one steering element; and an aerial unit location sensor arranged to generate aerial unit location information indicative of a location of the aerial unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Sky Sapience LTD.
    Inventors: Gabriel Shachor, Shy Cohen, Ronen Keidar, Zvi Yaniv
  • Patent number: 9048705
    Abstract: Provided is a wind power generating apparatus including a generating tower that has a wall surface in which a plurality of through-holes for inflow of wind are formed, wind inlet walls that protrude outwardly from the respective through-holes so as to guide the inflow of wind, a generating blade that rotates by means of the wind introduced into the generating tower, a generator that generates electricity in conjunction with the rotation of the generating blade, a wind inlet port formed through the respective through-holes formed in the wall surface of the generating tower, and a wind contact member, which is connected to an end of the generating blade, which has a triangular pyramid shape with an open front surface so as to extend the area pressurized by the wind introduced through the wind inlet port, and which has a flow channel dividing member arranged across the open front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Young-Eun Ko
  • Patent number: 9046074
    Abstract: A split collar mountable turbine that can be assembled in two separate halves and adapted to be attached circumferentially around existing structures. Top and bottom attachment rings each comprise first and second arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form two rings. A fan blade housing ring comprising first and second arcuate elements, adapted to interface into complimentary slots within the top and bottom rings, and also adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form a fan blade housing ring and is received in complimentary slots. The fan blade housing ring moves in tracks located in the top and bottom rings. Located within the fan blade housing are two pair of off-axis electrical generators driven by rotation of said fan blade housing to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Lilu Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh N. Patel, Darmesh M. Patel
  • Patent number: 9048768
    Abstract: A stationary energy generation plant includes a control device that serves to control current and energy flow. The energy generation plant includes at least one mechanically driven rotor and a generator mechanically coupled to the rotor. To this end, power electronics operationally connected to the generator enable variable energy flow from the rotor through the generator and the power electronics to a load. In order to compensate for vibrational loads on the generator side, at least one current control is made possible by means of a first intermediate circuit storage of the power electronics. In order to compensate for mechanical vibrational loads and transients of a drivetrain, an energy flow control is provided by means of at least one additional second intermediate circuit storage disposed in the power electronics and having a multiple of the storage capacity of the first intermediate circuit storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Schindele, Boris Buchtala, Anton Paweletz, Bernd Schnurr, Andreas Vath
  • Patent number: 9041237
    Abstract: A wind turbine drive train is provided. The wind turbine drive train includes a hub, a bearing system supporting the hub and having an inner race connected to the hub, and a generator gearlessly coupled to the inner race using a flexible coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Frank Hinken
  • Patent number: 9041236
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a nacelle which accommodates at least a generator and power electronics electrically interconnected between the generator and a power grid. At least one power electronic component is removably arranged in the nacelle in a region positioned between a floor level of the nacelle and a lower limiting surface, e.g. a bottom wall, of the nacelle. The space available in the interior parts of the nacelle is thereby utilized to a greater extent than in prior art wind turbines, and replacement of a power electronic component can be performed using ordinary lifting equipment. Furthermore, the risk of injury to maintenance personnel is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Gerner Larsen, Thomas Hjort
  • Patent number: 9041240
    Abstract: A wind turbine apparatus includes a wind turbine, a support column supporting the wind turbine, and a turning base as a base for the support column, the turning base including a turning gear and a turning base shaft. By turning the turning gear 360 degrees or more, only the wind turbine, or the support column and the wind turbine can turn 360 degrees or more about a rotating axis of the turning gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Tadashi Ishimine
  • Patent number: 9041239
    Abstract: A wind turbine having blades that rotate in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis. A single output shaft is directly connected by one-way bearings to the driven shaft of a permanent magnet generator. This eliminates the need for a gearbox and also eliminates the need for inverters. Friction losses are further reduced by suspending the vertical shaft with magnetic bearings. Airfoils are positioned in a specific vertical design so that they cup the wind on a lower concave portion of the airfoil for self-starting capability. Stealth radar-absorbing mesh and faceted mounting structures reduce scrambling of radar returns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventors: Martin Epstein, Jon Eric Harms, William Stinson, Claudio Esposito
  • Patent number: 9039334
    Abstract: A pipe of an apparatus has a first gas in a first space and a second gas in a second space. The first gas is in the amount to generate a buoyancy force that exceeds at least a gravity force to position the apparatus in a stationary state at a predetermined distance relative to a reference surface. A fixture is coupled to the apparatus to secure the apparatus in the stationary state relative to the ground without supporting the apparatus. The first gas is lighter than the second gas. The pipe is capable of creating a flow of the second gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Sergey Nikolayevich Ermilov
  • Patent number: 9041238
    Abstract: A variable wing venturi generator and a housing for the same are presented. The wings are variable in that their relative position may be changed and optimized to maximize airflow through a turbine and generator contained between the wings. The invention allows for improved efficiency in wind generation. The device accelerates wind speed between a pair of adjustable venturi wings and is especially suited for low wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Ned McMahon
  • Publication number: 20150137523
    Abstract: A method of using a bagged power generation system comprising windbags and water-bags for harnessing wind and water power to produce electricity to meet the escalating energy needs of mankind. Windbags integrated with aerodynamically shaped inflatable bodies filled with lighter-than-air gas: HAV, UAV, airplanes; enabling the apparatus to attain high altitude to capture and entrap high velocity wind. Water-bags integrated with hydrodynamic shaped bodies HUV, UUV, Submarine-boats; enabling the apparatus to dive, capture and entrap swift moving tidal-currents. Attached tether-lines pulling on the rotating reel-drums and generators to produce electricity. Active control surfaces, turbo-fans, propellers provide precision control of the apparatus. A system configured to maximize fluids capture, retention and optimized extraction of its kinetic energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Yik Hei SIA
  • Patent number: 9035480
    Abstract: A method is employed for operating a wind turbine. Electrical energy is produced by means of a generator and is fed into an electrical power network. The electrical energy is fed to the secondary side of a transformer at a low voltage and is output on the primary side of the transformer at a higher voltage. The potential on the primary side of the transformer is undefined. In the method, a measured value of the voltage between the primary side of the transformer and the earth potential is first recorded. The measured value is compared with a predefined limit value. The electrical energy produced by the generator is changed if the measured value exceeds the limit value. A wind turbine is designed to carry out the method. Faults in the medium voltage network can be reacted to without an additional star point on the primary side of the transformer being required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Senvion SE
    Inventor: Jens Fortmann
  • Patent number: 9033650
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a variable blade type tidal and wind power generator with increased generation efficiency. The tidal and wind power generator includes an installation frame (10), a vertical rotating shaft (20), blade installation bars (30) and (30?), support rings (40) and (40?), vertical support rods (50); rotor blades (60) and (60?), vertical support frames (70), horizontal frames (80), an installation member (20?), a support wire (50?), a blade-spreading-degree control means (90), a generation efficiency enhancing means (100) and a generation means (200) which is coupled to the lower end of the vertical rotating shaft to generate power. The tidal and wind power generator can be operated even in conditions of gentle winds or low tides regardless of the direction of the wind or the tidal flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: In-Nam Lee
  • Publication number: 20150130188
    Abstract: An airborne wind energy conversion system with a ground generator and unorthodox power capture or transfer means, including such embodiments as: a system with an ultra-long flexible wing, which serves both for power harvesting and power transfer; a system with a tethered wing, the tether having an airfoil cross section in at least a substantial part of its length and participating in power harvesting; a system with a very long semi-circular wing, harvesting and transferring wind power by its helical motion; a system in which a conventional wing both harvests wind power and excites waves in the tether, the waves transferring the power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Leonid Goldstein
  • Publication number: 20150130191
    Abstract: A system for harvesting, storing, and generating energy includes a subsurface structure supporting machinery to convert received energy into potential energy, store that potential energy, and at a later time convert that potential energy into electrical energy. The system includes one or more buoyant chambers that support the subsurface structure and are maintained with an internal that is approximately equal to the ambient pressure at their deployed depth. The system is anchored to the seafloor with one or more mo lines. Suspended from the subsurface structure are one or more weights that are hoisted up or lowered down by one or more winches The one or more winches comprise a spooling drum, and one or more motors and/or one or more generators or one or more motor/generators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: SeaPower Systems, LLC.
    Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Clifford A. Goudey, Tyler N. Doyle
  • Patent number: 9030039
    Abstract: A wind turbine and compressed gas storage system for producing electrical energy. A plurality of wind turbines is serially interconnected for staged compression to output high pressure compressed gas. Each wind turbine includes an upper head portion with two or more propellers, a gear box, a rudder and fin assembly, and a propeller feathering and braking system, all pivotally mounted on a lower storage tank portion. The storage tank portion houses a turbine compressor, and one or more internal tanks. Compressed gas, outputted from one or more of such lines, is directed into a reserve tank, comprising a plurality of concentric, scalloped, ring-like tanks, interconnected by pressure-actuated valves. Each tank is adapted for storing compressed gas at stepped pressures, varying from the highest pressure central tank to the lowest pressure outermost ring tank. Compressed gas from the outer ring tank drives one or more air turbines and respective electrical generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Charles Martin Chavez Madson
  • Patent number: 9030036
    Abstract: The invention concerns an arrangement for a direct drive generator for a wind turbine, which generator comprises a stator with several stator segments each stator segment having at least one stator element for the power generation and which generator comprises a rotor pivotable around a center axis of the generator and relatively to the stator with several rotor segments each rotor segment having at least one rotor element for the power generation, wherein said arrangement comprises at least one stator segment and at least one rotor segment, and wherein the at least one stator segment and the at least one rotor segment are able to be at least temporarily supported against each other. The invention concerns further a direct drive generator comprising such an arrangement, a wind turbine comprising such a direct drive generator as well as a method for the assembly of the direct drive generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 9030038
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a tethered airborne wind power generator system including a plurality of pilot buoyant parafoils, at least one power generator parafoil, a nacelle and its twin-blimps, and a train of windsock propellers. The plurality of pilot buoyant parafoils is inter-connected via a composite cable. The power generator parafoil with built-in wind turbines can be suspended beneath the pilot buoyant parafoils via the composite cable. The nacelle is suspended beneath the power generator parafoil via a composite cable. A train of windsock propellers can be coupled to a rear end of the nacelle. The system shall also be applicable on ground by the deployment of an array of trains of windsock propellers hung onto a steel cable grid supported by steel towers to form a wind farm for power generation. The trains of windsock propellers rotating by wind drive their respective outboard generators to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Kwok Fai Chan
  • Patent number: 9030037
    Abstract: A wind generator with a wind blade rotating cage for driving multiple generators is disclosed. Sixteen wind blades (8) manufactured by a stretch extrusion process are mounted on the periphery of the wind blade rotating cage (5) suspended by magnetic force. Inner gears (3) are mounted on the inner edge of the wind blade rotating cage (5). Two of an upper and a lower generator cabins (12) are provided on an upright post (1) and eight generators with an electromagnetic clutch are provided inside each generator cabin (12). A gear (2) engaged with the inner gear (3) on the wind blade rotating cage (5) is mounted on a generator shaft (26) extending outside the generator cabin (12). The wind blade (8) is outward convex and inward concave, 1.5 meters wide and 40 meters high. The wind blade (8) has a large wind receiving area and is mounted on the periphery, so the torque produced is large. Inner gears (3) drive the gears (2) of the generator to rotate and the loss of kinetic energy is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Beijing Junantai Protection Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Changde Gao, Yifu Gao
  • Publication number: 20150124496
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging a DC link of a power converter included in a wind turbine generator, the wind turbine generator comprising a generator side converter connected to an electrical generator and a grid side converter connectable, or connected, to an electrical grid through a grid circuit breaker, and a converter controller arranged to control at least the DC link, the DC link having a DC voltage level, the wind turbine generator comprising a wind turbine rotor arranged to rotate the electrical generator, wherein the method comprises rotating the wind turbine rotor whereby the electrical generator generates electrical power, rectifying the electrical power through at least one diode of the generator side converter in order to pre-charge the DC link to a DC voltage level, closing the grid circuit breaker when the DC voltage level is greater than a threshold level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Weifu YU, Anshuman TRIPATHI, Ravi KANDASAMY
  • Publication number: 20150121869
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of sustainable economic development, such as development through an integrated production of renewable energy, material resources, and nutrient regimes. In some embodiments, the system utilizes resources extracted from renewable energy sources to assist in the capture of energy from other renewable energy sources. In some embodiments, the system utilizes energy from renewable energy sources to extract resources from other renewable energy sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20150123403
    Abstract: A wind power turbine configured to generate electric energy has: a supporting structure; a nacelle; a blade assembly which rotates with respect to the nacelle; a first and second electric machine having, respectively, a substantially coaxial first and second stator, and a first and second rotor coupled to the first and second stator to rotate about a first and second axis; a transmission configured to connect the first rotor to the second rotor; a control device configured to control the wind power turbine; and a detection system connected to the control device to detect relative movement between the first rotor and the second rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Matteo Casazza, Fabian Oberbichler, Matthias Preindl
  • Patent number: 9024463
    Abstract: An improved wind turbine device with energy storage comprises a turbine rotor with rotatable vertical shaft, at least one bearing for said vertical shaft, and multiple rotor vanes disposed symmetrically for rotation about the vertical shaft. Each of said multiple rotor vanes is substantially box-shaped with four solid sides and a front and rear side disposed in a radial vertical plane. The front side to each vane is substantially open faced and the rear side has an opening covered by a plurality of flaps. Each of said flaps is capable of moving with the directional passage of wind through the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel N. Boone
  • Patent number: 9024458
    Abstract: An energy storage and recovery system employs air compressed utilizing power from an operating wind turbine. This compressed air is stored within one or more chambers of a structure supporting the wind turbine above the ground. By functioning as both a physical support and as a vessel for storing compressed air, the relative contribution of the support structure to the overall cost of the energy storage and recovery system may be reduced, thereby improving economic realization for the combined turbine/support apparatus. In certain embodiments, expansion forces of the compressed air stored within the chamber, may be relied upon to augment the physical stability of a support structure, further reducing material costs of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Crane, Danielle A. Fong, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150115614
    Abstract: The inventive technology described herein generally relates to the field of power generation. More specifically, methods and apparatus for a motor assisted power generation system utilizing a motor, coupled to a rotatable drive shaft which may further be connected to a generator such that the motor driven rotation of the drive shaft may generate electrical output. Certain embodiments may allow for a dual, wind or motor assisted power generation. For example, a drive shaft may be coupled with, for example, a wind responsive turbine and may generate an electrical output according to the amount of wind captured and transmitted to a corresponding generator or set of generators. Under low or no wind conditions, a motor may be coupled to the drive shaft and cause it to rotate allowing power generation to continue despite the lack of wind capture. Under high or adequate wind conditions, the motor may be decoupled allowing generation of an electrical output without motor assistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Danny J. Smith
  • Patent number: 9018782
    Abstract: Wind turbines of a wind power plant may be selectively over-rated by measuring the difference between the nominal and actual power plant outputs and deriving an over-rating request signal based on that difference which is sent to each turbine. The same value may be sent to each turbine. Alternatively, each turbine may be given its own over-rating amount based on an optimization of the turbine. Over-rating may also be used when external economic factors such as energy costs are sufficiently high to out-weigh any potential harmful effect of over-rating. The fatigue lifetime of turbines and their critical components may also be taken into account when deciding whether and to what extent to implement an over-rating command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Ian Couchman, Christopher Spruce, Judith Turner, Martin Evans, Robert Bowyer
  • Patent number: 9018783
    Abstract: Wind turbine systems and methods are provided. An exemplary system includes a wind driven doubly fed induction generator having a rotor and a stator, the stator providing AC power to a stator bus. The system further includes a power converter coupled to the rotor of the doubly fed induction generator, the power converter providing an output to a line bus, and a transformer coupled to the stator bus. The system further includes a solid-state switch coupled between the stator bus and the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ronald C. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9018784
    Abstract: A wind turbine control method is described based on the performance of various measurements of the oscillations of the nacelle of the wind turbine for the purpose of carrying out a series of calculations, the results of which allow parameterization of certain actions on different wind turbine elements in order to dampen oscillations. In summary, it may be said that the object of the invention described herein is a wind turbine control method whereby the oscillations of the nacelle of the wind turbine are dampened in the presence of voltage dips in particular and, in general, in any event that is susceptible of reducing active current generation capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Accoiona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Luis Laborda Rubio, Alberto Garcia Barace, Teresa Arlaban Gabeiras, Igor Egana Santamarina, Alejandro Gonzalez Murua, Jose Miguel Garcia Sayes, Miguel Nunez Polo
  • Patent number: 9018791
    Abstract: An impact type wind-driven power generating device is classified into a vertical shaft impact type wind-driven power generating device and a horizontal shaft impact type wind-driven power generating device. The two types of the impact type wind-driven power generating device adopt a power rotor mechanism of a multi-stage impacting blade to utilize the energy of in-coming wind to the maximum extent, thereby improving the utilization of the wind energy. The energy of the in-coming wind is increased due to the height difference and the lateral exhaust of a high-altitude exhaust duct, so that the power rotor can generate electric power at a low load even in a sunny windless day. The power generating device overcomes the disadvantages of low utilization of the wind energy and the power rotor being difficult to be activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Beijing Hengju Chemical Group Corporation
    Inventor: Wenli Guo
  • Patent number: 9018790
    Abstract: An annular hood, with a stator assembly mounted and fixed therein, is fixed on the support bar. The stator assembly comprises an annular stator mounting plate which is fixed with an inner stator ring and an outer stator ring distributed concentrically. An annular track is formed between the inner stator ring and the outer stator ring. A rotor assembly and the stator assembly are coaxially and pivotally connected on the support bar, and the rotor assembly is formed of a rotor holder and multiple rotors distributed uniformly on the periphery of the rotor holder at interval. The rotor holder is formed of an outer ring and an inner ring, multiple blade fixing members of a spoke structure are arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring of the holder, and blades are fixed on the blade fixing members. The rotors are protruded and fixed on the outer ring of the holder axially, and a steel magnet of the rotors is located in the annular track between the inner stator ring and the outer stator ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Zhejiang Linix Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhubin Sun
  • Patent number: 9018788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind-velocity-field measurement system for use in a wind turbine having a rotor with? two or more blades, comprising at least one sensor-signal obtained by measuring a physical quantity on at angle least one of the blades, the physical quantity being indicative of at least one wind-velocity-field characteristic; a table (140, 142, 144) build for a plurality of wind conditions by associating values characterizing the at least one sensor-signal with values of the at least one wind-velocity-field characteristic, and; searching means (150, 152, 154) for determining from the table a value of the at least one wind-velocity-field characteristic for a current wind condition given values characterizing the at least one sensor-signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: SSB Wind Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fabio Bertolotti, Jens Van Schelve
  • Patent number: 9018787
    Abstract: In one aspect, embodiments of a method of controlling a power rating of a wind turbine are described. One embodiment of the method comprises retrieving, by a computing device, one or more preset values from a memory, wherein the one or more preset values include at least an initial torque setpoint for a wind turbine; determining, by the computing device, an adjusted torque setpoint for the wind turbine based at least in part on one or more operating conditions received from one or more measurement devices associated with the wind turbine; and adjusting a real power output rating of the wind turbine based on the determined adjusted torque setpoint. In one aspect, the computing device can be a controller for the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Devendra Shashikant Dange, Thomas Frank Fric, Edward Wayne Hardwicke, Jr., Renjith Viripullan Kekkaroth, Noah Pennington
  • Patent number: 9018821
    Abstract: A stator arrangement for an electromechanical transducer is provided. The stator arrangement includes a base structure, a coil holder, a coil mounted at the coil holder; and a flexible element connecting the base structure to the coil holder flexibly relative to each other. Further, an electromechanical transducer is provided that includes the above-mentioned stator arrangement and a rotor arrangement rotatable relative to the base structure around an axial direction. Still, further, a wind turbine is provided that includes the above-mentioned electromechanical transducer as a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 9018789
    Abstract: A wind turbine drive train (1) comprising a gearbox (2), a generator (3) and a coupling (4) located between an output shaft (5) and a rotor shaft (6). The gearbox and the generator are separate components which have their own housings (7, 8). The output and rotor shafts are respectively supported by a shaft bearing arrangement (15) and a generator rotor shaft bearing arrangement (18a, 18b). The generator housing is directly connected to the gearbox housing. The drive train further comprises a gearbox output module (14), which comprises the output shaft, the shaft bearing arrangement and an output shaft bearing housing (16). The gearbox output module at least partly extends into the generator and the gearbox output module at least partly extends beyond a plane (P) defined by the generator. The coupling extends through the rotor shaft and is coupled, on a generator side (G), to the generator rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Wind Power Antwerpen N.V.
    Inventors: Warren Smook, Gerhard Diekhans
  • Publication number: 20150108762
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aerogenerator comprising a trunk and a plurality of branches extending from this trunk, characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of turbines distributed over the various branches, each turbine having a vertical axis of rotation; and an electric generator mounted inside each turbine on the axis of rotation of said turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: NEWWIND
    Inventor: Jérôme Michaud-Lariviere
  • Publication number: 20150108758
    Abstract: Briefly, an efficient turbine is disclosed for converting kinetic fluid energy into a usable form, such as electricity. The turbine generation system has a turbine within a casing, with box-like catchers positioned in the turbine to efficiently capture the fluid, such as wind, and extract its energy, and direct the fluid to an exhaust. A compressive intake and channelizers cooperate to concentrate and direct the fluid into the boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas W. Oakes, Robert E. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20150108764
    Abstract: An electric assembly for electrically connecting at least one wind turbine being located off-shore with an electric subsea cable being connected to an on-shore power grid is provided. The electric assembly has (a) a transformer for transforming a first voltage level being provided by the at least one wind turbine to a second voltage level of the subsea cable, and (b) an external equipment being electrically and mechanically connected to the transformer for controlling an operation of at least the transformer. The transformer and the electric equipment are formed by a preinstalled package, which can be mechanically handled as a single piece. Further, a wind turbine having such an electric assembly, a wind turbine cluster having such a wind turbine, and a method for mounting such an electric assembly to a tower of a wind turbine are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jesper Moeller, Henrik Stiesdal, Jan Thisted
  • Publication number: 20150108757
    Abstract: A turbine for generating electrical power includes oppositely rotating wheels which can be driven primarily by wind for driving a plurality of electrical power generators, or by a motor which may be a diesel, solar, electrical, or alternative fuel motor. One or more of the generators can also function as motors for driving the wheels. A method for generating electrical power involves a pair of wheels which rotate oppositely on a central shaft and a plurality of generators driven by the rotation of the wheels for generating power. The rotation of the wheels can be adjusted to a desired speed having regard to the current velocity of the wind and by means of a motor which is connected to the wheels so as to impart rotation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Darryl Orne FARR
  • Publication number: 20150108763
    Abstract: A hybrid system for electric power generation from solar-thermal energy and wind energy sources is described. The system includes a wind electric power generation system, a solar-thermal generation system and an air compressing system powered by a wind electric power generation system, and a compressed air storage system. A solar-thermal generation system includes two air receivers illuminated by heliostats to heat compressed atmospheric air provided from a compressed air storage system for driving the solar-thermal generation system. The hybrid system also includes a thermal energy storage system storing thermal energy and preheating the pressurized atmospheric air flow provided by the compressed air storage system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Or Yogev
  • Publication number: 20150108756
    Abstract: A cooling system and method for a wind power generator and a wind power generator set. The cooling system for a wind power generator includes air extraction pipelines and air discharge devices. The air extraction pipelines are located inside a generator case. A pipeline inlet in communication with a generator, a first pipeline outlet in communication with the outside of the generator case, and a second pipeline outlet in communication with the inside of the generator case are arranged on the air extraction pipelines, and the first and second pipeline outlets are provided with air doors. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the generator set in a high temperature environment is enhanced, and the temperature of the generator case is kept in a low temperature environment. The cost is lowered and the consumed energy is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Xiaoqian Li, Guoqing Wu, Kai Wu
  • Patent number: 9014861
    Abstract: A method for noise-reduced operation a wind is provided. The method includes determining a wind speed during normal operation of the wind turbine and determining a weighted rotor speed setpoint for a rotor of the wind turbine so that a noise emission of the wind turbine for the wind speed is reduced compared to nominal noise emission of the wind turbine at the wind speed. Using the weighted rotor speed setpoint, a torque setpoint for a power conversion assembly connected to the rotor is determined. The torque setpoint is applied to the power conversion assembly to control the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sid Ahmed Attia
  • Patent number: 9013055
    Abstract: A kite based electricity generation system uses a kite that is tethered to a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is slidably disposed within a housing with an electric coil disposed therein, such that sliding of the magnet within the housing slides the magnet within the coil and generates electricity. As the kite is subject to a wind load, the kite pulls the magnet through the coil toward a top of the housing. When the wind load decreases, a spring biases the magnet in a reverse direction, each time the magnet sliding within the coil and generating electricity. The housing pivots with respect to a base to which the housing is attached and may also rotate with respect to the base, such pivoting and rotation may generate additional electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jeffrey Sterling Phipps
  • Patent number: 9013054
    Abstract: This wind turbine is enclosed in a housing structure with a bell shaped opening and a stack effect created on the roof. One side of the housing, facing the wind, opens up to receive air. The air that enters the housing is divided into multiple chambers. The chambers and turning vanes guide the air directly to the blades and help in minimizing air turbulence. The blades are angled to receive the maximum amount of the air. The air rotates the blades turning the rotor, converting mechanical rotation into electrical power. There is a horizontal rotor attached to vertical shaft which is used to generate electrical energy. The stack effect on the roof creates a negative air flow aiding in turning the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: BX Power, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Charnesky, Bridget Cantu
  • Patent number: 9013053
    Abstract: A multi-type wind turbine is provided such that a plurality of arms are combined with one tower in a radial direction, and a unit generator having a blade is provided at the plurality of arms, respectively, and at least two of the unit generators are rotated in opposite directions to each other. Furthermore, both ends of the arm may be located both sides thereof on the basis of the height directional central line of the tower to be fixed thereto or both ends of the arm may be located at one side of the tower to be rotatably combined therewith. Furthermore, the rotation speed and tilt angle of the blade of the unit generator may controlled in an individual manner or controlled in a grouped manner. Furthermore, the unit generator may include a main blade and a sub-blade which is smaller than the main blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Hak Lee, Sang Il Lee, Jong Po Park
  • Publication number: 20150102605
    Abstract: The invention concerns a generator for a gearless wind power installation, with a stator and a runner, whereby the stator and/or the runner have windings made of aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Wojciech Giengiel