Wind Patents (Class 290/55)
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Patent number: 9006917Abstract: The invention concerns a wind turbine comprising a tower (23), on top of the tower a nacelle (29) supported by a vertical drum (24) enclosing an upper room (52), a rotor rotating with a more or less horizontal shaft (32) supported in bearings (17, 31) mounted in the nacelle with at one end a hub (3) with turbine blades (5) and at the other end a generator rotor (27) rotating with a narrow gap (44) inside a generator stator (11), the generator stator being mounted with its outer surface against an outer wall (9) of the nacelle (29), which outer wall might have cooling strips (37) or similar on its outer surface. In accordance with the invention the wind turbine comprises a first cooling system for cooling the part (19) of the outer surface of the generator stator (11) and/or of the outer wall (9) of the nacelle (29) located in the upper room (52).Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: XEMC VWEC BVInventor: Cornelus Versteegh
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Patent number: 9006918Abstract: A wind turbine having an electric machine in turn having a stator, and a rotor which rotates about an axis of rotation with respect to the stator; the rotor having a number of magnetized modules, and a number of supports for supporting the magnetized modules and arranged about the axis of rotation; and wherein at least two of the supports are parallel connected electrically.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Wilic S.a.r.l.Inventors: Matteo Casazza, Otto Pabst, Alessandro Fasolo
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Publication number: 20150097079Abstract: Methods and apparatus to harvest renewable energy are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method to harvest renewable energy includes providing an aircraft suitable for untethered flight in an open airspace and an airborne kinetic energy conversion system attached to the airframe, the airborne kinetic energy conversion system comprising a turbine, a generator connected to the turbine, and electrical storage means connected to the generator; flying the aircraft; gaining excess kinetic energy; and converting excess kinetic energy into electricity using the kinetic energy conversion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: SUNLIGHT PHOTONICS INC.Inventor: Sunlight Photonics Inc.
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Patent number: 9000605Abstract: A wind-based power generating system provides a wind energy converter for converting wind energy into another form of energy using a lighter-than-air craft configured to produce a positive net lift. The net lift includes both a net aerodynamic lift and a net buoyant lift. A tethering mechanism is configured to restrain the lighter-than-air craft with respect to the ground. The lighter-than-air craft defines an interior volume for containing a lighter-than-air gas, and the lighter-than-air craft has a fore section and an aft section. The tethering system has at least one attachment point on the fore section of the lighter-than-air craft and at least one attachment point on the aft section of the lighter-than-air craft. The lighter-than-air craft provides a stable aerodynamic moment with respect to a yaw axis about a center-of-mass of the lighter-than-air craft. The craft can be formed in a variety of aerodynamic profiles/shapes.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Altaeros Energies, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin W. Glass
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Publication number: 20150091307Abstract: A wind power generation system includes: blades configured to be rotated by wind; a generator configured to be driven by the rotation of the blades to generate power; a nacelle supporting the blades; and a tower supporting the nacelle rotatably. The wind power generation system is configured to receive the wind at a side opposite to a side of the nacelle on which the blades are provided. The system includes a radiator configured to dissipate heat in the nacelle through a cooling medium. The radiator is provided outside the nacelle on an upwind side of the nacelle. The radiator is provided with an intake surface thereof facing an upwind direction. A path is formed downstream of the radiator to guide the wind that has passed the radiator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventors: Shigehisa FUNABASHI, Yasushi SHIGENAGA, Shingo INAMURA, Masaru Oda
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Patent number: 8994200Abstract: A power generation system is provided. The power generation system including a power generation unit operable to supply electrical power to an utility system; a synchronous machine coupled to the utility system; a grid measurement device arranged for measuring the current and power that is exchanged between the synchronous machine and the utility system; a controller for adjusting the output power of the power generation unit as a function of the power and current that is measured by the grid measurement device; and a communication link between the grid measurement device, controller and/or the power generation unit. The power generation unit is configured to provide current and power to the utility system as a function of the power and current that is measured by the grid measurement device.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Jan Thisted
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Patent number: 8994206Abstract: An energy generation system includes a turbine, an electric generator, a step-up transformer, and a converter. The turbine is operable to extract energy from a fluid flow and convert the extracted energy into mechanical energy. The electric generator is operable to convert the mechanical energy from the turbine into AC electrical energy. The step-up transformer is operable to transfer the AC electrical energy at a lower voltage from the electric generator to a higher voltage. The converter is operable to convert the AC electrical energy at the higher voltage to DC electrical energy. The converter includes a converter leg for a phase of the AC electrical energy. The converter leg has an upper arm with a first plurality of sub-modules and a lower arm with a second plurality of sub-modules. Each sub-module is operable to function as a controlled voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Sandeep Bala, Jiuping Pan, Joseph A. Carr, Peter Steimer, Oscar Apeldoorn, Stefan Linder
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Patent number: 8994205Abstract: A wind turbine that includes a rotor, a generator, and a tower is described. The rotor includes a rotor hub and one or more rotor blades. The generator includes a generator stator and a generator rotor. The rotor hub is rotatably mounted on a frame and the generator and tower are arranged on the same side of the rotor. The generator stator is attached to the frame substantially in a plane perpendicular to the rotor's rotational axis, and the generator rotor is rotatably mounted on a part of the generator stator.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Alstom Wind, S.L.U.Inventor: Daniel Castell Martínez
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Patent number: 8994207Abstract: The invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy from wind energy, said system being characterized in that the design makes use of small air currents and does not require a large amount of air in order to generate electrical energy or power. This system incorporates two generating technologies designed based on the vertical rotation axis concept, achieving movement that is independent of wind direction. The invention combines two technologies, namely: one based on drag forces, ideal for low speed conditions; and another based on lift force, which is best for high speed work.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignees: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Ecopetrol S.A.Inventors: Mauricio Giraldo Orozco, Cesar Nieto Londoño, Diego Andres Florez Londoño, Ana Cecilia Escudero, Santiago Lopez Ruiz, Maria Camila Fernandez
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Publication number: 20150084343Abstract: An electric generator arrangement with a stator being equipped with at least two opposed phase windings, each winding comprising at least two sub-windings in series is provided. The arrangement also comprises a controlled varistor across the connections of the sub-windings of said opposed phase windings. A current imbalance between two opposed phase windings is measured and the varistor is controlled in such a way that the resistance of the varistor is increased when the current imbalance increases.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: EDOM LEMMA, ARWYN THOMAS
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Publication number: 20150084341Abstract: A building with an integrated wind-powered electricity generation system includes a plurality of floors, wherein each of the plurality of floors includes usable space. The building further includes a vacuum space between adjacent ones of the plurality of floors and a plurality of vertical axis wind turbines, wherein each of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbines is positioned adjacent the open vacuum space. The building further includes at least one electricity generator operably coupled to the plurality of vertical axis wind turbines. At least one of the vertical axis wind turbines includes a plurality of louvers extending around a portion of the outer circumference of the vertical axis wind turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: Air Era Technologies, LLCInventor: George R. Berry
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Publication number: 20150084342Abstract: The permanent magnet rotary electrical machine according to an embodiment includes a rotor core and a stator core. The rotor core is attached to a rotation shaft, and has permanent magnets. The stator core is disposed to face the rotor core in a radial direction of the rotation shaft, and has slots and coils. The slots are provided with coils. Here, the coils are wound in a concentrated winding. Besides, the number of slots per pole and phase q is a fraction satisfying the following relational expression (A).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masanori ARATA, Takashi UEDA, Takaaki HIROSE
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Patent number: 8987929Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a wind farm are disclosed. The method includes detecting an operating condition of an upwind wind generator, the upwind wind generator located upstream of a downwind wind generator relative to a wind flow direction. The method further includes communicating a control signal to the downwind wind generator. The control signal is based on the operating condition. The method further includes beginning to adjust the downwind wind generator according to the control signal before the wind flow is experienced by the downwind wind generator.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aditya Jayant, Shimnamol Padmanabhan Nair, Vincent Arokiasamy, Santhosha Yelwal Srikanta
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Publication number: 20150076829Abstract: The invention is a power generator using fluid flow. The apparatus includes a columnar article extending perpendicularly from a base, one or more fixture points adjacent the base, one or more attachment cords extending from the fixture points to columnar article, and one or more power generators carried by the fixture points and attached to the cords. In the absence of fluid flow, the columnar article resides in a rest position, perpendicular to the base. In the presence of fluid flow, the columnar article flexes to a flexed position away from the rest position. When the columnar article flexes from the rest position to the flexed position in response to fluid flow, power is generated by the movement of the attachment cord for use by a power consuming, a power storing, or a power transmitting device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventor: John A. Saavedra
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Patent number: 8981587Abstract: A wind turbine that includes a rotor and a generator is described. The rotor includes a rotor hub that is rotatably mounted on a frame and one or more rotor blades. The generator includes a generator stator and a generator rotor with a carrying structure that carries magnetic or electromagnetic elements. One or more circumferentially arranged substantially axial protrusions that extend into the generator rotor carrying structure are attached to the rotor. Flexible couplings are arranged between one or more of the axial protrusions and the carrying structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Alstom Renewable TechnologiesInventors: Daniel Castell Martínez, Carlos Casanovas Bermejo, Santiago Canedo Pardo
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Publication number: 20150069762Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring wind turbine loading are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a main shaft, a bedplate, and a gearbox coupled to the main shaft and mounted to the bedplate. The gearbox includes an outer casing and a torque arm extending from the outer casing. The system further includes an isolation mount coupled to the torque arm, and a sensor configured to measure displacement of the torque arm. In another embodiment, a method includes operating the wind turbine, and detecting displacement of a torque arm of a gearbox of the wind turbine. The method further includes calculating a moment for a main shaft of the wind turbine based on the displacement of the torque arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Dale Robert Mashtare, James Henry Madge, Charudatta Subhash Mehendale, George Albert Goller, Conner B. Shane
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Patent number: 8975771Abstract: An improved wind power device for wind energy conversion or vehicle propulsion. Among many possibilities contemplated, the device may have a moving sail with tethered wings (101), moving in elliptical trajectory, utilize separate sheave (503) and cable drum (505), use a block and tackle (411), attached to the tether and utilize a cable having a flexible jacket with aerodynamically streamlined cross section (603).Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventor: Leonid Goldstein
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Patent number: 8975768Abstract: Wind turbine systems and methods for operating wind turbine systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes gating on a dynamic brake switch of a dynamic brake in a wind turbine power converter when an experienced direct current (DC) bus voltage is equal to or greater than a threshold DC bus voltage. The method further includes disabling a threshold temperature rating for the dynamic brake switch when the dynamic brake switch is gated on, and gating off the dynamic brake switch when the experienced DC bus voltage is less than the threshold DC bus voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: General Electic CompanyInventors: Robert Gregory Wagoner, Amy M. Ridenour
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Patent number: 8975770Abstract: A wind power turbine electric generator, the electric generator having a tubular first supporting structure extending about an axis of rotation; a second supporting structure extending about the axis of rotation, substantially coaxial with the first supporting structure, and fitted to the first supporting structure to rotate about the axis of rotation; first active parts fitted to the first supporting structure; second active parts fitted to the second supporting structure, facing the first active parts, and separated from the first active parts by an annular gap; and a radial tensioning device configured to adjust the shape of the first supporting structure about the axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Wilic S.AR.L.Inventor: Emmanuele Gelmini
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Patent number: 8975795Abstract: Electric generator is disclosed having a stator and a rotor. The rotor being rotatable around a center axis and relatively to the stator and the stator includes a number of stator windings extending in freely exposed end windings. The stator and/or the rotor is provided with at least one barrier means which barrier means axially extends to such a manner that at least the end windings of the stator are at least partially covered.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Henrik Stiesdal
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Patent number: 8977401Abstract: A wind turbine and a method for controlling the temperature of a wind turbine generator are disclosed, the wind turbine comprising a generator, generator temperature control means and means for providing input representative of at least one temperature of the generator to the generator temperature control means, the generator temperature control means including a closed-loop regulation arranged to determine a deviation of the input from at least one desired value, compute the magnitude of at least one control output in dependency of the determined deviation, and feed the control output to at least one controller of the wind turbine in order to reduce the deviation, the controller comprising control means for controlling the operation of the wind turbine in response to the at least one control output by changing one or more operational parameters of the wind turbine, which parameters influence the at least one temperature of the generator.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Borge Poulsen, Peter de Place Rimmen
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Publication number: 20150061295Abstract: Described is a wind turbine, a generator and a rotor housing for a generator with an external rotor, the rotor housing comprising a support structure, wherein the support structure is cylindrical shaped, a cone and a ring. The ring and the cone are attached together at an inner side of the cone in a horizontal plane, forming a front part of the rotor housing. The support structure is attached to the cone at a front end of the support structure, forming a side part of the rotor housing, and the support structure is formed out of segmented support structure parts. Also disclosed is the method for making the rotor housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: ANDERS SYLVESTER BJERG, THOMAS SOERENSEN, ASHKAN VAZIRI TEHRANI
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Publication number: 20150061649Abstract: A moving magnetic field generating apparatus includes a magnet array including magnets disposed at a first pitch such that N and S poles of adjacent magnets in the magnet array are alternated, and first and second magnetic pole piece arrays extending along the magnet array to interpose the magnet array therebetween with a gap from the magnet array. The first and second magnetic pole piece arrays are disposed with a predetermined phase difference therebetween. The first magnetic pole piece array includes first magnetic pole pieces disposed at a second pitch in an array and each having a length enough to face at least two adjacent magnets in the magnet array. The second magnetic pole piece array is configured similarly to the first magnetic pole piece array. One of the first and second magnetic pole piece arrays and the magnet array is relatively moved to the other at a predetermined speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventors: Satoshi Sugita, Yasushi Misawa, Yuqi Tang, Shigenori Miyairi
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Publication number: 20150061294Abstract: A Magnus type wind power generator (A) comprising a horizontal rotary shaft (3) for transmitting torque to a power generating mechanism (2), rotary columns (5), flow directing plane (7) installed at main shaft (3), driving motors (15) for rotatively driving the respective rotary columns (5) around the axes thereof, which the relative action between rotation of each rotary column (5) and wind produces Magnus lift, which rotates the horizontal rotary shaft (3) so as to drive the power generating mechanism (2). Firstly, air flow directing plane (7), installed to direct flow to the low pressure area so as to cause another delay and eventually increase the Magnus lift. Secondly, the crossed spiral on the surface of the cylinder (6) provided to generate more air flow in three directions upon the rotary cylinder (5) increases the Magnus force.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Inventor: Hamid Reza Kheirandish
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Publication number: 20150056076Abstract: A floating wind farm having wind machines positioned on a generally V-shaped floating platform, the platform being tethered to an anchor such that the platform is free to be repositioned by the wind for optimum production. The wind machines power air compressors and the floating platform itself comprises large storage chambers to receive the compressed air, or storage chambers to receive liquefied air.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Herbert L. Williams
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Publication number: 20150054286Abstract: The electrical power generation system using renewable energy is particularly adapted to provide electrical power to an independent or remotely situated electrical device such as a street light, emergency call box, or illuminated road sign. The system includes a pivotally mounted venturi with vanes assuring that the venturi is oriented into the prevailing wind. A vertical axis wind turbine is installed in the venturi throat, and drives a shaft extending through the column upon which the venturi is installed to a generator at the base of the column. The venturi and vanes may include photovoltaic cells thereon for further electrical power. The venturi may be heated from a geothermal source, and may include a variable diameter internal wall to adjust the cross-sectional area of the throat of the venturi. The use of functionally graded materials and other phase change materials may also improve the performance of the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2013Publication date: February 26, 2015Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALSInventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, MOHAMMED AVES
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Publication number: 20150054282Abstract: An improved wind power device for wind energy conversion or vehicle propulsion. Among many possibilities contemplated, the device may have a moving sail with tethered wings (101), moving in elliptical trajectory, utilize separate sheave (503) and cable drum (505), use a block and tackle (411), attached to the tether and utilize a cable having a flexible jacket with aerodynamically streamlined cross section (603).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Leonid Goldstein
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Publication number: 20150054287Abstract: An energy generating system includes a first pair of sails, configured for opposing reciprocal swinging motion in response to a flow of fluid therepast, and a first generator assembly, mechanically coupled to the first pair of sails, configured to generate electrical energy from the opposing reciprocal swinging motion of the first pair of sails.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventor: Johnathan M. Jones
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Patent number: 8963362Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: Yik Hei Sia
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Patent number: 8961130Abstract: A system and method to cool the air inside the nacelle and the heat generating components, particularly of an offshore wind turbine is presented. The ambient air first enters an air handling unit near the tower bottom where the airborne water droplets and salt particles are removed. The clean air is then compressed adiabatically, thus increasing the dew point temperature of the water vapor in the air. The high pressure, high temperature air from the compressor is then cooled and dehumidified in a sea water-to-air heater exchanger or an air-to-air heat exchanger. The high pressure air from the heat exchanger then enters the turbine at the tower bottom and flows up to the nacelle where it is allowed to expand adiabatically in a duct. The duct helps direct the resulting cold air over the heat generating components. The cold air can also used to cool these components internally. The warm air ultimately exits the nacelle at the rear top.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.Inventor: Peri Sabhapathy
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Patent number: 8963361Abstract: A direct driven wind turbine includes an electrical generator with a rotor and a stator, a hub constructed to receive a rotor blade, and an actuator device. The hub is connected to the rotor of the electrical generator. The hub and the rotor of the electrical generator are rotatable mounted in respect to the stator of the generator. The actuator device is constructed and arranged to rotate the rotor of the electrical generator and the hub of the wind turbine in respect to the stator of the electrical generator, wherein the actuator device is at least one motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Loevenskjold Falkenberg, Karl Aage Maj, Jacob Blach Nielsen, Henning Poulsen, Brian Rasmussen, Henrik Stiesdal
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Patent number: 8963359Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventors: Steven Evans, Steven Evans, II, Frank D. Clark
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Publication number: 20150048621Abstract: A kite power system includes a ground control unit with a generator (30), and a kite connected to the generator (30) via at least two main traction cables (10, 11). A rotor part (31) of the generator (30) includes a winch pulley (32, 33) for each of the at least two main traction cables (10, 11), and each of the winch pulleys (32, 33) is indirectly mechanically connected to the generator (30). A further aspect relates to a kite for use in a kite power generation system, having an airfoil shaped body (20) with one or more air filling apertures (23) in a leading edge part of the airfoil shaped body (20). At least two main traction cables (10, 11) are connected to the airfoil shaped body (20), which further includes an additional filling aperture (21) in a side part of the airfoil shaped body (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: E-KITE HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Coenraad, Louis Smeenk, Alfred Van Den Brink
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Publication number: 20150048620Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor comprising a rotor rim and a plurality of permanent magnet modules arranged on the outer or inner circumference of the rotor rim, the permanent magnet modules extending generally along an axial direction and being of substantially constant axial-cross section, and comprising a base adapted to be fixed to the rim of the generator rotor, one or more permanent magnets, and one or more pole pieces, wherein each of the permanent magnets has a circumferential magnetic orientation and is substantially rectangular in axial cross-section and wherein each of the permanent magnets is inclined with respect to the central radial plane of the module.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Alstom Renewable TechnologiesInventors: César Muñiz Casais, Santiago Claramunt Estecha, Glenn Ardley
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Patent number: 8957535Abstract: A wind turbine is arranged to operate in a fully-functional converter mode and a faulty-converter mode. A plurality of converters are arranged to share electric current in the fully-functional converter mode. The converters are dimensioned not only to operate at nominal active current but to provide an over-current margin to enable reactive current to be produced on top of the nominal active current in the fully-functional converter mode. In the fully-functional converter mode the converters are caused to produce reactive current on top of the nominal active current. In response to a fault of one or more of the converters, operation is changed from the fully-functional converter mode to the faulty-converter mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Thomas Hjort
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Publication number: 20150042098Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) includes: a tower, a rotor rotatably mounted on an upper portion of the tower, an upper crank unit mounted in an upper portion of the tower and operatively rotated by the rotor, a lower crank unit mounted in a lower portion of the tower and linked to the upper crank unit to be driven and rotated by the upper crank unit, a kinetic-force conversion apparatus connected to and rotatably driven by the lower crank unit to convert the kinetic energy to an output electricity, and a nacelle secured to a lower portion of the tower for mounting the kinetic-force conversion apparatus in the nacelle, with the nacelle approximating to the tower bottom for enhancing stability and safety of the HAWT, and also for reducing the installation, operation and maintenance cost of the HAWT.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: Kuo-Shen Liu
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Publication number: 20150042100Abstract: The invention is a power generator using fluid flow which may include intermittent fluid flow. The invention facilitates the harnessing of electric power from intermittent wind sources but may also be deployed in near constant winds. The apparatus includes a three dimensional air resistor adapted for moving in response to fluid flow which is operably connected to a power generator carried by a base. A tether connects the three dimensional air resistor to the power generator. The motion may be transferred via the tether by actuating a hydraulic cylinder. This motion pressurizes the cylinder and the pressurized hydraulic fluid may later be transferred into electric power via a hydraulic generator. The motion may also be transferred to a permanent magnet alternator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: John A. Saavedra
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Publication number: 20150042099Abstract: A permanent magnet rotor comprising a rotor rim and a plurality of permanent magnet modules arranged on the outer or inner circumference of the rotor rim, the permanent magnet modules extending generally along an axial direction and being of substantially constant axial-cross section, and comprising a base adapted to be fixed to the rim of the generator rotor, one or more permanent magnets, and one or more pole pieces, wherein the permanent magnet modules comprise an axial cooling channel extending substantially along the length of the modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: César Muñiz Casais, Glenn Ardley
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Patent number: 8954206Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) able to harvest energy from updrafts and a method of enhancing operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle with a gliding capability comprises a generator arranged to be driven by a rotor, and a battery, wherein the unmanned aerial vehicle can operate in an energy harvesting mode in which the motion of the unmanned aerial vehicle drives the rotor to rotate, the rotor drives the generator, and the generator charges the battery. In the energy harvesting mode regenerative braking of the generator reduces the forward speed of the unmanned aerial vehicle to generate electricity and prevent the unmanned aerial vehicle from flying above a predetermined altitude.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Alfredo Criado
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Patent number: 8952558Abstract: The present invention discloses a wind power generating device, comprising a tower column and a first wind generating set. The first wind generating set is installed at a position on the tower column near the top, and the first wind generating set generates a first torque on the tower column during rotation for power generating. At least one second wind generating set is installed at a position on the tower column below the top, the second wind generating set generates a second torque on the tower column during rotation for power generating, and the second torque at least partially counteracts with the first torque. With the wind power generating device of the present invention, a high power wind power generation is achieved and the wind power generating device operates stably.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Jiangsu Daoda Offshore Wind Construction Technology Co., LimitedInventors: Aidong Li, Hongyan Ding, Xuanxu Huang
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Patent number: 8950710Abstract: An apparatus for extracting power includes a track and an airfoil coupled to the track. The track includes first and second elongate sections, where the first elongate section is positioned above the second elongate section. The airfoil includes a pressure surface lying between a suction surface and the track, and is moveable in opposite directions when alternately coupled to the first elongate section and second elongate section.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2014Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Kitefarms LLCInventor: Robert Lumley
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Publication number: 20150035284Abstract: An exemplary power conversion system includes a first power conversion module, a second power conversion module, and a controller. The first power conversion module includes a first source side converter, a first load side converter, and a first DC link coupled between the first source side converter and the second load side converter. The second power conversion module includes a second source side converter, a second load side converter, and a second DC link coupled between the second source side converter and the second load side converter. The controller is configured to generate a number of switching signals according to a circuit structure of the power source module or a circuit structure of the load module. The switching signals are provided to the first power conversion module and the second power conversion module to balance a first DC link voltage and a second DC link voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Wenqiang YANG, Hongwu SHE, Rajendra NAIK, Shivkumar Venkatraman IYER
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Publication number: 20150035280Abstract: This invention pertains to a device by which electrical wind turbine generators are aligned to the wind by means of a wheel or wheels operated by electrical or hydraulic power, said wheel or wheels being in contact with the ground. The present invention also increases the stability of electrical wind turbine generators by providing additional support to the wind turbine structure against the force of the wind.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Nelson G. Paul
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Patent number: 8947837Abstract: An overcurrent fault protection method includes detecting an overcurrent fault in a variable frequency electric power generation system having a first main generator connected to a first alternating current bus through a first generator line contactor, a second main generator connected to a second alternating current bus through a second generator line contactor and an auxiliary power generator connected to a plurality of bus tie contactors, through a third generator line contactor, and connected to at least one of the first and second alternating current buses through the plurality of bus tie contactors, in response to detecting the overcurrent fault, locking out one or more of the plurality of bus tie contactors and in response to a continued detection of the overcurrent fault, opening at least one of the first second and third generator line contactors.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Nebojsa Novakovic, Jef William Good
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Patent number: 8946946Abstract: A converter device (for power conversion in e.g. a power plant such as a wind turbine is disclosed. An individual controller is provided for each phase of an electrical output power of the converter. If a voltage of one phase is indicated as being out of a predetermined voltage band, an active current of this phase is set to zero and optionally a reactive component of this phase is set to a value that depends on the indicated voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Björn Andresen, Steffen Wulff
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Patent number: 8946916Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine is configured to provide additional electrical power to counteract non-periodic disturbances in an electrical grid. A controller monitors events indicating a need to increase the electrical output power from the wind turbine to the electrical grid. The controller is configured to control the wind turbine as follows: after an indicating event has been detected, the wind turbine enters an overproduction period in which the electrical output power is increased, wherein the additional electrical output power is taken from kinetic energy stored in the rotor and without changing the operation of the wind turbine to a more efficient working point. When the rotational speed of the rotor reaches a minimum value, the wind turbine enters a recovery period to re-accelerate the rotor to the nominal rotational speed while further contributing to the stability of the electrical grid by outputting at least a predetermined minimum electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Germán Claudio Tarnowski
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Publication number: 20150028592Abstract: The invention is on the one hand a power generating apparatus exploiting wind energy, comprising a body (10), a main rotor unit (12) comprising a front rotating part being fitted with front blades being adjustable at an angle, and a rear rotating part being fitted with rear blades adjustable at an angle, said front rotating part and rear rotating part have rotation axes aligned parallel to each other, preferably being coincident with each other, a blade adjustment unit being adapted for adjusting of the front blades and the rear blades to rotate in opposite directions, a cable (18) enabling kiting of the body (10), a generator unit adapted for generating electric power from rotation of the front rotating part and the rear rotating part, and a wire adapted for conducting electric power generated by the generator unit, and the main rotor unit (12) is arranged in an opening (11) of and coupled to the body (10), and the main rotor unit (12) comprises blades being turnable into a covering position covering at leasType: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: ELITE ACCOUNT KFT.Inventors: Endre Ori, Gabor Deme
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Publication number: 20150028590Abstract: An electric power generation system may be constructed of multiple similar generator modules arranged between a rotor and a stator. The rotor may be coupled to and/or integrated with a turbine that is configured to rotate in the presence of a fluid stream such as wind or water. Each generator module may have a rotor portion configured to generate a magnetic field having at least one characteristic that changes with respect to the rotational speed of the rotor. Each generator module may further have a stator portion configured to generate an alternating electric current responsive to the magnetic field. The generated electric current may be controlled by the stator portion of the generator module in order to magnetically control the rotational speed of the rotor and the turbine. Separation between the rotor and stator portions of the generator module may be magnetically maintained.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: UNIMODAL SYSTEMS LLCInventors: John Lee WAMBLE, III, Christopher PERKINS, John COLE, Clark FOSTER, Robert BAERTSCH
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Patent number: 8938967Abstract: An electrical power generation system comprising a tower, a nacelle supported by the tower, a wind turbine system supported on the nacelle, a fuel cell system, a battery system, a hybrid solar/fuel cell system; and a fuel line extending through at least a portion of the tower and to the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Inventor: Thomas McMaster
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Patent number: 8941257Abstract: In a wind power generator, a nacelle is located on an upper portion of a support rod, a rotor head having wind turbine blades fitted thereto is rotatably supported to a front end side of the nacelle, and a main shaft rotating integrally with the rotor head, a gear box coupled with the main shaft which rotates while the wind turbine blades receive a wind power, a power generator having a rotor driven by a shaft output of the gear box, a brush, and a slip ring, and a humidity management device controlling humidity inside of the power generator having the brush and the slip ring, are installed in an interior of the nacelle.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Iwata, Norihito Yanagita, Tatsuro Kato