Wind Patents (Class 290/55)
-
Patent number: 11326581Abstract: A wind turbine, in particular an offshore wind turbine includes at least one hollow structural element, at least one cable inlet arranged in a bottom region of the hollow structural element. A first platform is arranged inside the hollow structural element, above the bottom region. At least one flow opening is arranged in the shell surface of the hollow structural element and penetrating the shell surface. At least one active control element is flow-connected to the flow opening to affect a media exchange between the interior of the hollow structural element and the exterior of the hollow structural element.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: RWE Renewables GmbHInventors: Sebastian Obermeyer, Jürgen Klugkist, Thorsten Schlüter, Jörn Runge
-
Patent number: 11326580Abstract: A system for controlling a generator rotor locking pin, comprising a fixed locking pin and a rotor formed with a locking hole, and further comprising a detection reference component synchronously rotating with the rotor and formed with a detection hole, the detection hole radially corresponding to the locking hole; an optical quantity detection component fixed with respect to the rotor; and a control component configured to output a first control instruction to a rotor driving component according to a position signal of the detection hole obtained by the optical quantity detection component. The detection hole is used as an object to be detected, so that the circumferential relative position relationship of the locking hole with respect to the locking pin can be accurately determined, to output the first control instruction to the rotor driving component, thereby accurately centering the locking pin and the locking hole along with the rotation of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2018Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: JIANGSU GOLDWIND SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Endi Zhai, Hongfeng Li, Kang Li, Xingang Zhang, Ye Li
-
Patent number: 11319935Abstract: A method of replacing a plurality of yaw pads is provided. Yaw pads are arranged between a tower and a nacelle of a wind turbine. The yaw pads are replaced with new yaw pads. The method includes determining the center of gravity of the nacelle. Based on the center of gravity, a set of the plurality of yaw pads to be each substituted by a shim are selected. Each of the substituted shims including a thickness greater than the respective replaced yaw pad. The remaining yaw pads are replaced while the nacelle is supported by the shims.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2018Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/SInventors: Andrew Dow, Kelly White
-
Patent number: 11319924Abstract: A wind turbine (10) includes a main shaft (34) including a front end (34a), the front end (34a) including a first connecting structure (36). A rotor hub (22) includes a second connecting structure (40), wherein the second connecting structure (40) of the rotor hub (22) is fixed to the first connecting structure (36) of the main shaft (34). A plurality of blades (24) is coupled to the rotor hub (22). A rotor locking disc (32) is carried on the main shaft (34), the rotor locking disc (32) having an outer circumference (32a) and a plurality of recesses (50) on the outer circumference (32a), the recesses (50) having openings (50a) intersecting with the outer circumference (32a). At least one rotor locking pin (30) is movable between a disengaged position relative to at least one of the recesses (50) and an engaged position wherein the pin is located at least partially in one of the recesses (50) for locking the rotor hub (22) against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Jeppe Hesseldal Otten, Thomas Møller Christiansen, Erik Markussen
-
Patent number: 11313356Abstract: An integrated repair system for servicing a component within the nacelle of the wind turbine uptower. The repair system includes at least one mounting location integrally formed into a bedplate support frame of the wind turbine and a frame assembly coupled to the bedplate support frame. The frame assembly supports at least one clamp element and at least one jack element. When the gearbox is moved in the nacelle during repair procedures, the repair system supports the main shaft uptower such that the rotor remains installed onto the rotor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jay F. Leonard, Eric Paul Shelleman
-
Patent number: 11313352Abstract: A yaw control device for a wind turbine, including: a vertical shaft; and, a vertical wing having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first wing surface and a second wing surface, wherein the first wing surface extends between a first edge of the leading edge to a first edge of the trailing edge and wherein the second wing surface extends between a second edge of the leading edge to a second edge of the trailing edge; wherein the vertical wing is configured to receive the vertical shaft, and wherein the vertical shaft is biased toward the leading edge of the vertical wing; and wherein the vertical wing rotates about a longitudinal axis of vertical shaft and is configured such that the leading edge faces in the direction of an approaching wing.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2021Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: Wind Buzz Ltd.Inventor: Yossi Al-Yagon
-
Patent number: 11306704Abstract: A powertrain for a wind turbine (100) comprises at least a first powertrain component (21, 22, 23, 26) and a second powertrain component (21, 22, 23, 26). A rotating output of the first powertrain component (21, 22, 23, 26) is coupled to a rotating input of the second powertrain component (21, 22, 23, 26) and a powertrain housing enclosing the powertrain components (21, 22, 23, 26), the powertrain housing comprising at least a first powertrain housing section (211, 221, 231, 261) enclosing at least part of the first powertrain component (21, 22, 23, 26) and a second powertrain housing section (211, 221, 231, 261) enclosing at least part of the second powertrain component (21, 22, 23, 26).Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2018Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Lars Skifter
-
Patent number: 11307254Abstract: A system of predicting a failure rate of a contactor before the generation of a failure by counting a lifespan index of the contactor based on normality of through-currents of a primary side and a secondary side of the contactor, and determining that a failure rate of the contactor increases when a count value for an abnormal through-current exceeds a predetermined threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: LG ENERGY SOLUTION, LTD.Inventors: Hyunki Cho, Chang Hyun Sung, Sang Hoon Lee, Yean Sik Choi
-
Patent number: 11293410Abstract: Systems and methods to generate electrical power through a direct drive wind turbine. In one aspect, the system uses a diffuser cuff surrounding a counter rotating turbine operating inside a streamlined center body, the counter rotating turbine using a generator with an iron sandwich core. The main wind turbine blades are attached to a barrel stave that increases generator efficiency and distributes loading through the tower support structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2021Date of Patent: April 5, 2022Assignee: Breezy Wind Turbines LLCInventor: H. Prince Beall
-
Patent number: 11289976Abstract: In a first aspect, a stator structure for an electrical machine is provided. The stator structure comprises a circumferential support having an external rim to support a plurality of electrical windings. The circumferential support comprises an air entrance, an air distribution channel and a plurality of axial air openings. The air entrance provides a passage between the air distribution channel and an outside of the stator structure. The air distribution channel extends through a portion of the circumferential support to circumferentially distribute an air flow from the air entrance. The plurality of axial air openings provides a passage between the air distribution channel and an outer side of the external rim to guide an air flow from the air distribution channel to the outer side of the external side.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2020Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC RENOVABLES ESPAÑA, S.L.Inventors: Sadeo Ramtahal, Julio César Urresty, Szymon Stanislaw Bankowski, Thomas Drots, Pawel Siwak, Grzegorz Pacocha
-
Patent number: 11268201Abstract: An electrolyser operates within an energy system, for example to provide grid services, energy storage or fuel, or to produce hydrogen from electricity produced from renewable resources. The electrolyser may be configured to operate at frequently or quickly varying rates of electricity consumption or to operate at a specified power consumption.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: HYDROGENICS CORPORATIONInventors: Nathaniel Ian Joos, Joseph Cargnelli
-
Patent number: 11261842Abstract: An apparatus for selectively amplifying wind speed adjacent a turbine rotor includes a first deflection panel, having a curved front profile for selective placement laterally on a first side of turbine rotor in a working configuration. A second deflection panel has a curved front profile for selective placement laterally on a second side of the turbine rotor, laterally opposite the first side, in a working configuration. The first and second deflection panels are both configured to amplify wind speed adjacent the turbine rotor when in the working configuration, and to have minimal effect upon the wind speed adjacent the turbine rotor when in a stowed configuration. A method of selectively amplifying wind speed adjacent a turbine rotor is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: JAM GREEN TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Majid Rashidi, Jaikrishnan R. Kadambi, Anil Kumar Singh
-
Patent number: 11258386Abstract: A wind turbine assembly including a rotor system, a generator, a first converter, a second converter, and a controller system. The first converter includes a first bridge circuit having a plurality of switch members each having a controllable switch. The second converter includes a second bridge circuit having a plurality of switch members each having a controllable switch. The controller system is adapted to provide a drying operation for second converter including short circuiting the second converter with the controllable switches of the second bridge in circuit, and supplying power from the generator through the first converter to the short circuited second converter for drying the second converter.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: ABB Schweiz AGInventors: Petri Maksimainen, Teemu Oksanen, Erkki Niemi, Tuomas Stark
-
Patent number: 11255313Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gearbox assembly for a wind turbine. The gearbox assembly has a maximal installed width and a maximal transport width. The maximal installed width is greater than the maximal transport width. The gearbox assembly includes at least one torque arm coupled to opposing sides of the gearbox housing. Each of the torque arms includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal ends are removably coupled to the exterior surface of the gearbox such that the distance between the distal ends define the maximal installed width. The torque arms are coupled to at least one support element and to a bedplate of the wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aaron Joseph Wertz, Boobalan Ayyasamy, Hayden Patrick Mcgarity-Bashiri, Martxel Ruiz Luisa, Raed Zuhair Hasan, Fulton Jose Lopez
-
Patent number: 11248590Abstract: Provided is a bearing arrangement for a wind turbine including a bearing housing and a drive shaft, whereby the drive shaft is arranged within the bearing housing in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the bearing housing. The bearing arrangement further includes a downwind bearing and an upwind bearing, whereby the downwind bearing and the upwind bearing are arranged between the bearing housing and the drive shaft. The bearing housing includes a drain outlet arranged in a bottom part of the bearing housing, the bottom part of the bearing housing being located underneath the drive shaft in a direction of gravity, whereby at least one inner side of the bottom part of the bearing housing is arranged so as to form a funnel, whereby the drain outlet is an opening of the formed funnel.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Inventors: Frank Bak, Edom Demissie, Niels Karl Frydendal, Vujadin Petronic, Morten Soerensen
-
Patent number: 11245297Abstract: A rotor assembly includes a rotor body having two rotor ends, a rotating shaft penetrating the two rotor ends, and two rotor end plates. The two rotor end plates are pressed to fit correspondingly the two rotor ends, and each rotor end plate includes an inner ring structure and an outer ring structure. The inner ring structure, made of an iron-based material and used to sleeve the rotating shaft, has a first outer-ring peripheral surface and a first thickness. The outer ring structure, made of an aluminum-based material, includes a first radial segment and a second radial segment. The first radial segment, wrapping the first outer-ring peripheral surface, has a second outer-ring peripheral surface and a second thickness larger than the first thickness. The second radial segment, wrapping integrally the second outer-ring peripheral surface as a unique piece, has a third thickness larger than the second thickness.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: TECO ELECTRIC & MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Lian-Shin Hung, Ming-Te Ho, Po-Jen Chiu, Rung-Sheng Tsai
-
Patent number: 11245311Abstract: A power supply system installed on a rotating object includes: a power generation device, and a power management device for converting the electric power output by the power generation device to adapt to load requirements, in which the power generation device includes a rotor installed on and fixed to the rotating object, the rotor including at least one induction coil, and a stator which is rotatable relative to the rotor, the stator including at least two magnetic poles; the stator includes a stator case and a counterweight block, and the stator case surrounds the rotor from the circumferential direction of the rotor, and is closed in the circumferential direction; and the counterweight block is fixedly arranged at one side of the stator case, and the angle of the counterweight block in the circumferential direction is in the range of less than or equal to 180 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Zuo Xu, Minglei Li, Shiwen Xu, Yao Dai, Shaoqian Wang, Weidong Liu, Xi Li
-
Patent number: 11236721Abstract: A vertical axis wind energy power turbine having a hollow shaft on which are attached, rotating and fixed components with outer-surface shapes, fixed vanes, and integral heating to concentrate without confining airflow, an overspin-limiting power-enhancing self-engaging flywheel, and, conversion systems for both, pumped air that may be transferred through hollow mountings to do other work, and, for electricity generation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Inventor: Gregory Francis Bird
-
Patent number: 11231007Abstract: The Cascaded Wind Turbine is a new concept of wind turbine design featuring multiple hubs in succession, each hub segment adds another tier that create a cascading blade configuration. Each blade set is connected to a separate rotor via a telescopic shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA AT LAFAYETTEInventors: Mohammad R. Madani, Michael Stephen Davis
-
Patent number: 11225948Abstract: A wind energy farm (1) comprising at least one first wind turbine (2) and at least one second wind turbine (3) is disclosed. Each wind turbine (2, 3) comprises a tower (7) mounted on a foundation, and at least one rotor (9) with a hub carrying a set of wind turbine blades (10). The at least one first wind turbine (2) is provided with at least three stay cables (4), each stay cable (4) being connected at one end to the tower (7) of said at least one first wind turbine (2) and at the other end to a stay cable foundation. At least one of the stay cable foundations and the foundation of one of said at least one second wind turbines (3) of the wind energy farm (1) are combined into a single combination foundation.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Thomas S. Bjertrup Nielsen
-
Patent number: 11214365Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for implanting a dual-kite aerial vehicle including a first kite apparatus, a second kite apparatus, and a tether extending between the first and second kite apparatuses. In particular, the disclosed systems include a first kite apparatus including a first flight controller that maintains flight at a first altitude. The disclosed system further includes a second kite apparatus including a second flight controller that maintains flight at a second altitude. The flight controllers can cooperatively maintain a gradient air movement between the first and second altitudes by extending or retracting the tether to modify a difference in the air movements between the first and second kite apparatuses. The systems described herein additionally include components for generating electrical energy from the gradient air movement to extend a flight time of the dual-kite aerial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: FACEBOOK, INC.Inventor: Mihai Hagianu
-
Patent number: 11196314Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for an electrical machine having fractional slot topology, including: plural stator segments, each stator segment having plural teeth alternating with plural slots in a circumferential direction, each stator segment having at both circumferential ends a tooth portion; for each phase of plural phases a conductor wound in coils around teeth of the plural teeth, wherein the number of coils of any phase in any stator segment is the same as the number of coils of any other phase in this stator segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2018Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/SInventors: Arwyn Thomas, Yan-Xin Li, Zi-Qiang Zhu
-
Patent number: 11193469Abstract: In the case of wind turbines 10, deviations from the optimum operating state result in output losses. This applies, in particular, to angular deviations 62 in the alignment of the nacelle 14, and therefore of the rotor axis 28, relative to the wind direction 60. The invention relates to a wind turbine 10, and to a method for operating such a wind turbine, which wind turbine and method enable the nacelle 14 to be corrected, in respect of the wind direction, both on the basis of wind power and by motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Inventors: Mikael Jakobsson, Herbert Peels
-
Patent number: 11193471Abstract: A pitch energy module comprising one or more ultracapacitors storing electrical energy for a wind turbine emergency pitch energy event. The pitch energy module replaces at least one battery within a battery housing of a wind turbine and interfaces with the existing battery wiring harness to communicate with a control system of the wind turbine. The pitch energy module is installed without further modification to the battery housing or the battery wiring harness.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Richardson Electronics, Ltd.Inventors: Jeremy Winston Wilks, John Raymond Curran, Brian Christopher Gumino
-
Patent number: 11187202Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power generating apparatus for extracting energy from flowing water. The apparatus comprises a buoyancy vessel, and a turbine assembly coupled to the buoyancy vessel which comprises a turbine rotor mounted to a nacelle, and a support structure. The turbine assembly is pivotally moveable between a first position and a second position. When the power generating apparatus is floating on a body of water, in the first position the nacelle is fully submerged below the water surface; and in the second position at least a part of the nacelle projects above the water surface. Movement of the turbine assembly from the first position to the second position is buoyancy assisted, for example by providing the turbine assembly with positive buoyancy or selectively increasing its buoyancy.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Orbital Marine Power LimitedInventors: Jonathan Meason, Calum Miller, William Annal, Andrew Harrison, Axel Bondoux, Ross McKay Henderson, Carn Nathaniel George Gibson, Charles Andrew Edward Taylor, Jonathan Ian Benzie
-
Patent number: 11187205Abstract: The resonance wind turbine (1) comprises: a base assembly (10, 12, 18) for the fixing of the wind turbine (1) to a base surface (2), on the base assembly being located an oscillating element (3) provided with a proximal portion (4) associated with the base assembly (10, 12, 18) and a distal portion (5) opposed to the proximal portion (4) and adapted to oscillate, due to the effect of the incident wind blowing along a direction of propagation (A), in which the oscillation of the oscillating element (3) occurs along a main direction (B) substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the direction of propagation (A); and an electro-magnetic induction assembly (6, 7) associated with at least one of the base assembly (10, 12, 18) and the oscillating element (3), comprising a magnetic element (6) and an electrical winding (7) arranged in the proximity of the magnetic element (6) and adapted to produce electrical energy by means of the relative motion of the magnetic element (6) and the electrical winding (7) alonType: GrantFiled: November 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Graf S.p A.Inventor: Andrea Vaccari
-
Patent number: 11180064Abstract: An adjustment mechanism for a vehicle seat comprising a transmission housing and a slider comprising a first longitudinal guide member. The slider engaging with the transmission housing by means of the first longitudinal guide member.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: FAURECIA Sièges d'AutomobileInventors: Nicolas Navatte, Jacek Suchta, Grzegorz Lapa, Garczynski Radoslaw
-
Patent number: 11174843Abstract: Solar thermal power generation equipment is equipped with a wind turbine, a compressor, a heat receiver that receives sunlight to heat a compressed medium from the compressor, a turbine driven by the compressed medium heated with the heat receiver, a power generator that performs power generation by driving of the turbine, a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation of the wind turbine to the power generator, and a tower which supports these components. The wind turbine, the compressor, the turbine, and the power generator each constitute an array apparatus. The plurality of array apparatuses are arranged in a vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: MITSUBISHI POWER, LTD.Inventors: Masahide Umaya, Masato Ota, Naoyuki Nagafuchi, Tadaharu Kishibe, Takahiro Marumoto, Masato Kurita
-
Patent number: 11165253Abstract: A power control system includes: a first AC/DC converter; a second AC/DC converter; a first switch connected between a first transmission line of a first power system having a first system frequency and the first AC/DC converter; a second switch connected between the first transmission line and the second AC/DC converter; a third switch connected between a second transmission line of a second power system having a second system frequency and the first AC/DC converter; a fourth switch connected between the second transmission line and the second AC/DC converter; a fifth switch connected between the first AC/DC converter and the second AC/DC converter; and a control device. When the first and second AC/DC converters are caused to operate as AC/DC converters in a BTB (Back to Back) method, the control device controls at least the fifth switch to be in a closed state.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Takayuki Fujisawa, Keisuke Ishida
-
Patent number: 11156202Abstract: A wind guide system is disclosed for guiding the wind in front of and/or above a wind turbine from a first direction to a second direction is disclosed. The wind guide system comprises a wind guide arranged and configured to receive wind in front of and/or above a wind turbine and to change the direction of the wind so that the wind leaving the wind guide has another direction than the wind received by the wind guide. The wind turbine comprises a tower and a rotor provided with a number of rotor blades. The wind guide is arranged and configured to change the direction of the wind so that the wind leaving the wind guide will increase the wind speed of the wake behind the rotor by adding or leading some of the surrounding wind into the wake.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: WINNOWAVE, SLInventor: Sonsoles Navarro
-
Patent number: 11156204Abstract: A wind turbine (100) comprising a turbine generator (101), rotating mast (102) and a bedplate (103) which is the foundation of the turbine, and three vertical airfoils (104, 105) positioned parallel forming a diffuser, where two of them are side airfoils (104) and the third one, which is positioned in an equal distance between the side airfoils (104), is the central airfoil (105), wherein three vertical airfoils (104, 105) have cross-section diminishing upwardly and the central airfoil (105) comprises in its leeward area a mounted turbine generator (101) having at least one rotor connected to at least one electric generator, wherein said turbine generator (101) is located inside the central airfoil (105), the central airfoil (105) in its cross-section has a shape of biconvex airfoil section preferably drop-shaped.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2021Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: NAVIKOM ANDRZEJ KOSCHELInventor: Andrzej Koschel
-
Patent number: 11159023Abstract: A measurement data based method for identifying wind turbine generators which cause sub-synchronous oscillations in a complex power system has a theoretical foundation of the open-loop modal resonance and the parallel filter design. The advantages of the present invention are as follows. 1) The present invention can identify the wind turbine generators which cause the SSOs in the complex power system using measurement data instead of parametric model. Hence, it simplifies the computation and reduces the modeling cost effectively. 2) The present invention can identify the wind turbine generators which cause the SSOs in the complex power system precisely with reduced amount of measurement data, reducing the cost of hardware and data measurement effectively. 3) The present invention can identify the wind turbine generators which cause the SSOs in the complex power system based on the open-loop modal resonance theory.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Inventor: Wenjuan Du
-
Patent number: 11156211Abstract: Provided is a rotor locking system for a rotor hub of a wind driven power plant, including a rotor locking disk, a rotor locking pin unit, and a rotor locking pin, wherein the rotor locking disk is mounted to the rotor hub, wherein the rotor locking pin is an actuated element of the rotor locking pin unit, wherein the rotor locking pin is configured to assume a first position The rotor locking pin is configured to assume a second position in which the rotor locking pin extends into a recess of the rotor locking disk such that a rotation of the rotor hub is preventable, and wherein the rotor locking pin is lockable.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Inventor: Andreas Rogg
-
Patent number: 11159121Abstract: A permanently fixed or transportable power generation station employs one or more shelter structures, containing a chain or series of photovoltaic solar panels on wheeled support frames, each hinged one to the next. The system can be deployed onto a large, relatively flat land area, e.g., unprepared or prepared land surfaces, where the solar panel chain(s) can be extended out and secured by various attachment methods which may include external tracks, cable or bracket attachment systems. Wind turbines on the housings can be raised or tipped up for collection of wind-generated energy. The captured energy is stored in a bank of housed storage batteries and can be delivered to the local electric grid, used for electric vehicle charging stations or provided for primary or back-up power to critical infrastructure.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: FSWM TECHNICAL ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: John T. Byrnes, Kevin J. Byrnes
-
Patent number: 11146143Abstract: Provided is a method for removing moisture from a cooling air filter installed for filtering first cooling air for cooling a generator from a first end, the method including: pressurizing second cooling air cooling the generator from a second end; allowing the second cooling air having received heat from the generator to pass through the cooling air filter, in order to absorb and thereby reduce moisture from the cooling air filter.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Inventor: Ebbe Groenheden
-
Patent number: 11143158Abstract: A contactless magnetic support for a marine hydrokinetic energy harvesting system. The marine hydrokinetic energy harvesting system employing flow induced oscillations. The contactless magnetic support comprising a first ferromagnetic core; and a second ferromagnetic element being magnetically positioned relative to the first ferromagnetic core, the second ferromagnetic element being smaller compared to the first ferromagnetic core thereby inducing a non-homogenous magnetic field caused by dimensional disparity.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventors: Michael M. Bernitsas, Nikolas Xiros
-
Patent number: 11143159Abstract: A Magnus rotor is provided. The Magnus rotor is located in a flowing fluid and driven to rotate by a power source. The Magnus rotor includes a Magnus rotor main body and a blade assembly. The Magnus rotor main body includes a cylinder side wall, a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end are disposed in one end and the other end of the cylinder side wall, respectively. The Magnus rotor is rotated around an axis connected between a first center point of the first end and a second center point of the second end. The blade assembly includes a plurality of blades which are disposed around the first end. Each blade is inclined toward a direction. A gap is formed between each two adjacent blades. Each gap is formed as a flowing channel for allowing the fluid to flow therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2020Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Inventor: Chung-Chi Chou
-
Patent number: 11136959Abstract: Disclosed is an air concentration tower for a vertical axis wind turbine. The air concentration tower has a polygonal outer perimeter, a pivot located at each vertex of the polygonal outer perimeter, and an inwardly-positioned rudder blade operatively connected at each pivot. Each inwardly-positioned rudder blade has a first wind-neutral position, and is pivotable through a plurality of angles that adjust based on an incoming wind direction, such that the incoming wind is channeled to the vertical axis wind turbine, which is located approximately at a center area of the polygonal outer perimeter. The air concentration tower is designed to provide higher wind speed to the vertical axis wind turbine than the surrounding ambient air.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2020Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Inventor: Mona Beaman
-
Patent number: 11130415Abstract: This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass, a generator, a charger, a hardware controller, and a communication circuit. The driven mass rotates in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle and is coupled to a shaft such that rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The driven mass exists in one of (1) an extended position and (2) a retracted position. The generator generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes the mechanical input to rotate. The charger is electrically coupled to the generator and: receives the electrical output, generates a charge output based on the electrical output, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle. The controller controls whether the driven mass is in the extended position or the retracted position in response to a signal received from the communication circuit.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Inventor: Anthony Macaluso
-
Patent number: 11133728Abstract: Interested parties would like to track the location of one or more towed transport platforms continuously when they are in motion. Existing monitoring systems are powered by a combination of solar power, batteries, and intermittent tractor platform power for electrical power. All of these power sources have limitations in providing power when a towed transport platform is in motion. Solar power is not available at night. Batteries run out of energy and must be recharged. Tractor platform power is not always available to a towed transport platform. The embodiments of the invention convert the kinetic energy of a moving towed transport platform into electrical power, providing continuous power for a monitoring system to operate.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: TelemeTrak, Inc.Inventor: Frederick Steinway Ziegler
-
Patent number: 11133729Abstract: This application is directed to an apparatus for providing electrical charge to a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a driven mass configured to rotate in response to a kinetic energy of the vehicle, the driven mass coupled to a shaft, where rotation of the driven mass causes the shaft to rotate. The apparatus further comprises a hardware controller. The hardware controller identifies output power parameters for the vehicle and generate a control signal based on the identified output power parameters for the vehicle. The apparatus also comprises a generator that generates an electrical output based on a mechanical input and a conditioning circuit electrically coupled to the generator. The conditioning circuit receives the electrical output from the generator and the control signal from the hardware controller, generates a charge output based on the electrical output and the control signal, and conveys the charge output to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2021Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Inventor: Anthony Macaluso
-
Patent number: 11128188Abstract: An electric motor has a first carrier having an array of electromagnetic elements and a second carrier having electromagnetic elements defining magnetic poles. The first and second carriers each define an axis. An airgap is formed between the first and second carriers when in an operational position. An inner thrust bearing connects the first and second carriers and is arranged to allow relative rotary motion of the carriers. An outer thrust bearing connects the first and second carriers and is arranged to allow relative rotary motion of the carriers. The electromagnetic elements of each of the first and second carriers are arranged radially inward of the outer thrust bearing and radially outward of the inner thrust bearing. The inner thrust bearing and the outer thrust bearing are arranged to maintain the airgap against a magnetic attraction of the electromagnetic elements of the first and second carriers.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: GENESIS ROBOTICS AND MOTION TECHNOLOGIES CANADA, ULCInventors: James Brent Klassen, Damian Spasov, Bradley Pope
-
Patent number: 11125208Abstract: A reciprocal motion wind energy harvesting device has a first lever arm assembly and a second lever arm assembly, which are supported by and rotate about a central shaft. The lever arm assemblies have pluralities of vanes along their length to receive wind force. The vanes are configured to be rotatable in order to produce opposing and reciprocating motion of the lever arm assemblies. The lever arm assemblies are operatively connected to a generator in order to convert the wind force received by the vanes into energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Inventor: Johnnie Ace Williams
-
Patent number: 11118564Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for both consumer and utility scale energy extraction from flow-based energy sources. The passive system may utilize directing perforations on a surface in order to create and air jet vortex generators. Alternatively the system may provide for flow through discrete orifices aligned with the span of an aerodynamic assembly in a co-flow direction, utilizing a Coanda effect. Further additional configurations include directing flow through a perforated surface skin that is near the trailing edge on the suction side. Even further are embodiments for blowing air directly out of the trailing edge of an airfoil. The disclosed systems and methods support a wide variety of scenarios for fluid flow energy extraction, such as wind or water flow, as well as for related products and services.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2015Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventor: Carsten Hein Westergaard
-
Patent number: 11085419Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the operation of a number of airborne wind energy systems arranged in a wind energy park, where each airborne wind energy system comprising a wind engaging member being coupled to a ground station via a cable. The method comprises the determination of an operational parameter of each of the airborne wind energy systems, such as the flight trajectory, the cable tension, or the power production. A first airborne wind energy system is controlled according to a fault control mode if its operational parameter deviates more than a predetermined threshold parameter from the operation parameters of the other airborne wind energy system. The method further comprises operating one or more neighbouring airborne wind energy systems according to a safe control mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Thomas S. Bjertrup Nielsen
-
Patent number: 11088653Abstract: Systems and methods of a solar light and thermal energy collector assembly are disclosed. The system includes a central pole mounted vertically on a base, a support structure having concentric racks extending radially from the central pole, the racks positioned at different vertical distances along the central pole and having a configuration that supports the solar panels, wherein each rack does not impede the passage of air and light through the rack, at least one solar panel affixed to each rack, each solar panel including a curved reflector formed at the radial edge of the solar panel, an airflow turbine disposed at the top of the central pole, the central pole having one or more apertures and ducts to direct heated air toward the airflow turbine; and electrical conductors for supplying electricity derived from photovoltaic cells in each solar panel and from the electricity-generating turbine.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Inventor: Vivek Gupta
-
Patent number: 11073130Abstract: A pitch energy module comprising one or more ultracapacitors storing electrical energy for a wind turbine emergency pitch energy event. The pitch energy module replaces at least one battery within a battery housing of a wind turbine and interfaces with the existing battery wiring harness to communicate with a control system of the wind turbine. The pitch energy module is installed without further modification to the battery housing or the battery wiring harness.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Richardson Electronics, Ltd.Inventors: Jeremy Winston Wilks, John Raymond Curran, Brian Christopher Gumino
-
Patent number: 11050379Abstract: A circuit for converting single phase power to three phase power and method of operation that automatically starts upon detection of a demand for three phase power from a three phase load connected to the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Applied Industrial Motors, LLCInventor: Glen Floreancig
-
Patent number: 11047360Abstract: An apparatus for energy extraction from fluid flow including an assembly including a plenum. The assembly further includes an aperture extending from an exterior surface to the plenum to allow flow therethrough. The apparatus further includes a channel including an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with the plenum. The apparatus yet further includes an energy extraction device. The assembly is configured to create a pressure differential between the plenum and the inlet of the channel. The pressure differential causes fluid flow from the inlet of the channel to the plenum. The energy extraction device is configured to extract energy from the fluid flow. The apparatus additionally includes a control system configured to modify the pressure differential to control the fluid flow between the inlet of the channel and the plenum based on a characteristic of an exterior environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignees: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Brent C. Houchens, Myra L. Blaylock, David Vaughn Marian, David Charles Maniaci, Carsten Westergaard
-
Patent number: 11047361Abstract: In a system of the disclosure, power generation devices installed at separate places include a kite-shaped flying object staying in the air, a generator installed on a ground and a tether operatively connecting the two to each other. The tether, which is pulled when the kite-shaped flying object rises, rotates a rotor of a generator to generate power. A power supply controller controls power supply such that, when power suppliable from a power generation device meets a target power needed by a power receiving facility, power is supplied from the power generation device to the power receiving facility, and when the target power of the power receiving facility exceeds the power suppliable from the power generation device, power from another power generation device is supplied to the power receiving facility.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Eiji Itakura