Axial Flow Runner Patents (Class 415/4.3)
  • Patent number: 8113788
    Abstract: Disclosed is a surface of the blade having a cylindrical root portion, an airfoil portion and a transition portion connecting the root portion with the airfoil portion, wherein the blade comprises a shoulder at the border between the transition portion to the airfoil portion, wherein the blade comprises an element which is arranged substantially at the root portion and/or at the transition portion which creates a slot between the element and the surface of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 8115333
    Abstract: A wind turbine electrical generator may include a monopole tower extending upwardly from ground level. The wind turbine electrical generator may also include an electrical power generator carried by an upper end of the monopole tower and may include a horizontally extending drive shaft. The wind turbine electrical generator may further include a plurality of wind-driven blades carried by the horizontally extending drive shaft. The monopole tower may have an outer surface with a vertically extending outer corner therein defining a pair of adjacent vertical facets. The monopole tower may be positioned with the vertically extending outer corner aligned with the land-based radar site so that the pair of adjacent vertical facets reflects radar illumination away from the radar site to reduce an amount of the radar illumination reflected back to the land-based radar site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Francis Eugene Parsche, John Steven Seybold
  • Patent number: 8109722
    Abstract: A turbine for use with a turbine generator, the turbine including at least one turbine blade for positioning in a flowpath, a hub mounting the at least one turbine blade, and a rotatable shaft in operational communication with the hub via a hinge assembly, an axis of the hub being independent of an axis of the shaft. The hinge assembly is disposed between the shaft and the hub and configured to adjust an angle therebetween. A controller assembly is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the hinge assembly during turbine operation. In one embodiment the operational characteristic is a teeter angle of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment operational characteristic is a stiffness or damping force. Methods for using and controlling a fluid turbine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nordic Windpower Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gamble, Steve Taber
  • Patent number: 8105010
    Abstract: A wind energy conversion apparatus includes a supporting structure. The apparatus further includes a shaft having a first and a second end, which is rotatably journalized in the supporting structure, as well as at least one rotor blade having a first end and a second end, which rotor blade is mounted on the shaft with both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Wind en Water Technologie Holding B.V.
    Inventor: Frederikus Van De Klippe
  • Patent number: 8100663
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rotor blade of a wind power installation and a wind power installation. One advantage of the present invention is to provide a rotor blade having a rotor blade profile, and a wind power installation, which has better efficiency than hitherto. A rotor blade of a wind power installation, wherein the rotor blade has a thickness reserve approximately in the range of between 15% and 40%, preferably in the range of between about 23% and 28%, and wherein the greatest profile thickness is between about 20% and 45%, preferably between about 32% and 36%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 8100628
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for controlling a wind energy plant, with a nacelle disposed on a tower and with a rotor with at least one rotor blade, the blade adjustment angle of which can be adjusted by means of a blade adjustment equipment. The objective to provide a reduction of the loads acting on the plant when there is a malfunction of the blade adjustment equipment is resolved according to the present invention in that the function of the blade adjustment equipment is monitored, and when an error of the blade adjustment equipment occurs, the nacelle is rotated from an operating position into a rest position, in which there is a flow of the wind against the surface extended by the at least one rotor blade (4) in a rotation of the rotor which is reduced with respect to the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Frese, Gerd Hose, Lars-Ulrich Wiese-Muller
  • Patent number: 8092151
    Abstract: A wind turbine with a tower, a nacelle, a main shaft, a hub and blades is provided. The wind turbine also includes a liquid medium distribution system for transport of liquid medium in the wind turbine. The liquid medium distribution system has a first distribution sub-system located in the tower, a second distribution sub-system located in the nacelle, a third distribution sub-system located in the hub, a tower-nacelle-interface connecting the first distribution sub-system to the second distribution sub-system, and a nacelle-hub-interface connecting the second distribution sub-system to the third distribution sub-system. Further, a method of transporting liquid medium in a wind turbine is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christian Becker
  • Patent number: 8070444
    Abstract: A turbine (5) having at least two sets of co-axially mounted, rotatable blades (10, 15) arranged so that one set cannot eclipse another. Preferably, the sets of blades (10, 15) are contra-rotatable. Each set of blades (10, 15) may be operable to extract similar amounts of energy, thereby to minimise the net reactive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: University of Strathclyde
    Inventors: Joe Clarke, Cameron Johnstone, Gary Connor, Andrew Douglas Grant
  • Publication number: 20110286832
    Abstract: Since a normal turbine will not rotate in one direction with a bidirectional force, this turbine uses two turbines back to back to rectify this force. When the flow comes in one direction the turbine will present one face, when the flow reverses direction the turbine will present the other face. This is so because of this back to back design of this turbine. Each blade of this turbine has one side with a pitch angle but the back side of the blade has 0 degrees pitch that is it is flat. In other words the flat side of each blade will be facing each other and the pitch side of each blade will be facing outward. When seen from the top this back to back blade has a separation between the flat sides of the blades. This is so they will have less resistance with the air when rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Israel Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8061963
    Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a kite positioned upstream to a turbine to direct wind to the turbine, thereby increasing revolutions per minutes and power output of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Franklin F K Chen
  • Patent number: 8061964
    Abstract: The specification discloses a rotating turbine tower. The tower rotates to maintain the turbine facing into the wind. This allows structure optimization. The tower structure is comprised of a leading edge and a trailing edge, with joining panels between the edge structures. The tower edges are the main structural components of the tower. The separation of the edges tapers to follow the bending moment on the tower, reducing the need to taper material thickness. The tapering shape of the tower structure matches the primary edgewise moment distribution. The tower can be assembled on site from components, thereby facilitating transportation to the tower site. The material properties and shape can be selected based upon the tower maintaining a near constant orientation with the wind. This can save weight and costs. The tower architecture can be of differing shapes such as a triangle or a structure tapering at each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Zuteck
  • Patent number: 8057158
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine and a method for operating the wind turbine planted in the floor of a body of water. The wind turbine includes a support structure and a rotor, which is arranged on the support structure. The rotor has a rotor blade. The wind turbine operates in a trundle mode in order to reduce the oscillations in the support structure created through mechanical impacts on the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Repower Systems AG
    Inventors: Marc Seidel, Martin Von Mutius, Dirk Steudel
  • Publication number: 20110268568
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic pressure system for providing fluid pressure to actuate at least one hydraulic yaw motor for adjusting the yaw of a nacelle of a wind energy system independently of electrical power. The hydraulic pressure system includes a connection portion connectable to a main drive train of the wind energy system, the main drive train transmitting kinetic energy generated by wind energy. The hydraulic pressure system is adapted to be driven by the kinetic energy of the main drive train via the connection portion to provide the fluid pressure. The present disclosure further relates to a hydraulic yaw adjustment system for adjusting the yaw of a nacelle of a wind energy system independently of electrical power, the hydraulic yaw adjustment system including the hydraulic pressure system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Hartmut SCHOLTE-WASSINK
  • Patent number: 8021121
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a rotor having a hub from which a number of wind turbine blades extend, and a spinner mounted on the hub, wherein the spinner includes one or more apertures. The wind turbine is characterized in that it includes one or more aperture covers for entirely or partly covering one or more of the apertures in the spinner and in that the wind turbine further includes one or more aperture adjustment mechanisms for adjusting the effective size of one or more of the apertures, by displacement of one or more of the aperture covers. A method for establishing at least one aperture in the spinner on the hub of a wind turbine rotor and use of a wind turbine are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Per Sveigaard Mikkelsen, Carsten Bruun Andersen
  • Patent number: 8021101
    Abstract: A method of assembling a wind turbine is provided. The method includes coupling a support flange to an inner surface of a tower, and positioning a yaw bearing on the support flange. The yaw bearing includes a plurality of horizontally oriented rollers. A base of a nacelle assembly is positioned on the yaw bearing such that the base is rotatable with respect to the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eugenio Yegro Segovia, Pedro Luis Benito Santiago
  • Patent number: 8021100
    Abstract: A Mixer/Ejector Wind Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind turbines. In the preferred embodiment, Applicants' MEWT incorporates advanced flow mixing technology, single and multi-stage ejector technology, aircraft and propulsion aerodynamics and noise abatement technologies in a unique manner to fluid-dynamically improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency of wind turbines, so that its operating efficiency routinely exceeds the Betz limit. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass wind flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Flodesign Wind Turbine Corporation
    Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Michael J. Werle
  • Patent number: 8002516
    Abstract: A wind harnessing system comprises a substantially helical structure including at least a portion of a spiraling groove and at least one energy converter positioned at least partially within the portion of the spiraling groove. In other embodiments, wind grooves formed by adjacent bands which are fixed with respect to one another, carry energy converters which are moveable with respect to these fixed bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cleveland State University
    Inventor: Majid Rashidi
  • Patent number: 7980811
    Abstract: A Mixer/Ejector Wind/Water Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind turbines. Unique ejector concepts are used to fluid-dynamically improve many operational characteristics of conventional wind/water turbines for potential power generation improvements of 50% and above. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass fluid flow. The MEWT can produce three or more time the power of its un-shrouded counterparts for the same frontal area, and can increase the productivity of wind farms by a factor of two or more. The same MEWT is safer and quieter providing improved wind turbine options for populated areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.
    Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Michael J. Werle
  • Patent number: 7976269
    Abstract: A Mixer/Ejector Wind Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind turbines. Unique ejector concepts are used to fluid-dynamically improve many operational characteristics of conventional wind/water turbines for potential power generation improvements of 50% and above. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass wind flow. The MEWT can produce three or more time the power of its un-shrouded counterparts for the same frontal area, and can increase the productivity of wind farms by a factor of two or more. The same MEWT is safer and quieter providing improved wind turbine options for populated areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.
    Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Michael J. Werle
  • Patent number: 7976270
    Abstract: A Mixer/Ejector Wind/Water Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind/water turbines. Unique ejector concepts are used to fluid-dynamically improve many operational characteristics of conventional wind/water turbines for potential power generation improvements of 50% and above. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass fluid flow. The MEWT can produce three or more time the power of its un-shrouded counterparts for the same frontal area, and can increase the productivity of wind farms by a factor of two or more. The same MEWT is safer and quieter providing improved wind turbine options for populated areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.
    Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Michael J. Werle
  • Patent number: 7976268
    Abstract: A Mixer/Ejector Wind Turbine (“MEWT”) system is disclosed which routinely exceeds the efficiencies of prior wind turbines. Unique ejector concepts are used to fluid-dynamically improve many operational characteristics of conventional wind turbines for potential power generation improvements of 50% and above. Applicants' preferred MEWT embodiment comprises: an aerodynamically contoured turbine shroud with an inlet; a ring of stator vanes; a ring of rotating blades (i.e., an impeller) in line with the stator vanes; and a mixer/ejector pump to increase the flow volume through the turbine while rapidly mixing the low energy turbine exit flow with high energy bypass wind flow. The MEWT can produce three or more time the power of its un-shrouded counterparts for the same frontal area, and can increase the productivity of wind farms by a factor of two or more. The same MEWT is safer and quieter providing improved wind turbine options for populated areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.
    Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Michael J. Werle
  • Patent number: 7963740
    Abstract: A wind energy converter includes a wind turbine, a wind turbine foundation including a strengthening structure, and a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of the wind turbine. The wind energy converter is characterized in that at least a part of the temperature control mechanism adjoins the strengthening structure. Also contemplated is a wind turbine foundation including a strengthening structure. The wind turbine foundation is characterized in that the foundation includes at least a part of a temperature control mechanism for heat exchanging with one or more areas of a wind turbine and in that at least a part of the temperature control mechanism adjoins the strengthening structure. Even further contemplated is a method for controlling the temperature of one or more areas of a wind turbine and use of a wind turbine foundation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Gerner Larsen, Niels Martin Henriksen, Jan Bjerre Christensen, Søren P. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20110142594
    Abstract: A method for monitoring wear of a blade pitch brake within a rotor blade pitch control system of a wind turbine is described. The rotor blade pitch control system includes a blade pitch actuator. The method includes engaging the blade pitch brake and measuring a blade pitch displacement while the blade pitch brake is engaged. The method further includes determining a brake wear level based on the measured blade pitch displacement while the blade pitch brake is engaged, and generating a brake wear level output signal corresponding to the brake wear level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Ernst Dinjus, Bernard Landa
  • Publication number: 20110142595
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes a suction side surface and a pressure side surface. A plurality of vortex elements are formed on at least one of the suction side or pressure side surfaces. An active flow control system is operably configured with the vortex elements so as to direct pressurized air through the vortex elements and along the blade surface. The aerodynamic performance of the blade is modified by a combined effect of the vortex elements and the active flow control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Pedro Luis Benito Santiago, Eugenio Yegro Segovia, Timo Gerrit Spijkerboer
  • Patent number: 7950901
    Abstract: A system and method provide a proactive mechanism to control pitching of the blades of a wind turbine to compensate for rotor imbalance during normal operation by pitching the blades individually or asymmetrically, based on turbulent wind gust measurements in front of the rotor, determined before it reaches the rotor blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Corneliu Barbu, Parag Vyas
  • Patent number: 7946803
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a rotor blade for a wind power system as well as a wind power system. The present invention is based on the objective of disclosing a rotor blade with a rotor blade profile and a corresponding wind power system that make it possible to improve the efficiency in comparison with arrangements known thus far. In the proposed rotor blade for a wind power system, the position of maximum thickness of the rotor blade lies approximately between 15% and 40%, preferably between 23% and 28%, and the maximum profile thickness lies approximately between 20% and 45%, preferably between 32% and 36%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7938622
    Abstract: A helical auger turbine and hydrokinetic device for use with electrical generators for producing electricity. The auger turbine includes a generally helical turbine blade rotatably mounted on a central shaft, which may be tapered at each end, and a flange extending perpendicularly to an edge of the turbine blade. At least one turbine blade support connection is included for connecting the central shaft to a support structure. An electrical generator may be powered by the helical auger turbine, that can be used in a tidal water flow. The helical auger turbine can operate a high pressure pump connected to a hydraulic accumulator for storing pressurized hydraulic fluid from the high pressure pump. An electrical generator can be operated by hydraulic fluid delivered from the hydraulic accumulator at times of slow water flow. A plurality of helical auger turbines can be horizontally oriented under water, tethered to legs of an ocean platform such as an oil rig secured to the seabed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Inventor: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7931438
    Abstract: A damper system for damping vibrations of a wind turbine having a tower, a nacelle, and at least one rotor blade is provided. The damper system includes a mass for damping vibrations of a wind turbine and at least one actuator adapted for actively controlling the mass, wherein the at least one actuator is connected to a portion of the wind turbine and to the mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Vincent Schellings
  • Patent number: 7927065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind power plant. It comprises a stator, a rotor, which is supported by the stator, a circular guide device, which has a plurality of fastening points provided on the periphery, at least two rotor blades, which each at the proximal end thereof are rotatably supported on the rotor and with the distal end thereof are rotatably supported by the annular guide device, and a plurality of tensioning ropes, which under tension connect the fastening points of the circular guide device to the stator for stable holding of the circular guide device in a position that is concentric to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Manfred Moehring
  • Patent number: 7914261
    Abstract: The invention concerns a rotor blade of a wind power installation and a wind power installation. One advantage of the present invention is to provide a rotor blade having a rotor blade profile, and a wind power installation, which has better efficiency than hitherto. A rotor blade of a wind power installation, wherein the rotor blade has a thickness reserve approximately in the range of between 15% and 40%, preferably in the range of between about 23% and 28%, and wherein the greatest profile thickness is between about 20% and 45%, preferably between about 32% and 36%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Aloys Wobben
  • Patent number: 7905701
    Abstract: A wind turbine generator is provided in which, even in a cold snowy environment in a cold region, the time required for recovering a frozen anemoscope/anemometer is reduced to minimize a decrease in operating ratio. A wind turbine generator is equipped with an anemoscope/anemometer (7) at the top of a nacelle that accommodates a driving and generating mechanism connected to a rotor head on which turbine blades are mounted, wherein an in-nacelle cooling air outlet that opens in the direction of the anemoscope/anemometer (7) is provided at the top of the nacelle, and the air outlet has exhaust flaps (13) serving as blowing-direction changing means for the cooling air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takatoshi Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7893555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind power current generator comprising a bearing, a tubular stator that carries a race of the bearing, a tubular rotor coaxial with the tubular stator that can rotate in relation to the stator, a hub connected to the rotor, and at least two blades radially extending away from the hub. According to the invention, the stator and the rotor are formed with substantially tubular cross sections and are concentric to one another. The opposing surfaces of the rotor and stator carry permanent magnets and windings. The stator and rotor extend beyond either side of the magnets and the windings in order to accommodate an antifriction bearing on at least one side. The tubular nature of the rotor and stator allows easy passage of workers within the generator for maintenance thereof and of the blades. Additionally, the tubular nature facilitates air flow through the structure and out the blades, cooling equipment within the structure and aiding de-icing of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Wilic S.AR.L.
    Inventors: Matteo Casazza, Andreas Mair, Otto Pabst
  • Patent number: 7891953
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting underwater turbines that includes a mechanism for correcting tilt error, including both the amount and direction of error, associated with the installation of underwater turbines onto anchoring or mounting structures so that the yaw axis of the mounted turbines will be as close as possible to a desired angle, preferably vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Verdant Power
    Inventors: John Gray, Dean Corren, Christopher Gray
  • Patent number: 7893552
    Abstract: A roadway system for energy generation and distribution is presented. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the roadway system comprises a plurality of ground-based wind energy generating devices, one or more roads, and a roadway system electricity grid. The roadway system may additionally include, for example, a plurality of ground-based solar energy generating devices, one or more vehicle-based solar energy generating devices and one or more vehicle-based wind energy generating devices. The energy generating devices are connected to the roadway system electricity grid and substantially all of the ground-based wind energy generating devices are positioned on part of one of the roads or near to one or more of the roads to thereby allow energy generation from wind created from passing vehicles in addition to energy generation from atmospheric wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Genedics Clean Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
  • Patent number: 7891939
    Abstract: The specification discloses a rotating turbine tower. The tower rotates to maintain the turbine facing into the wind. This allows structural optimization. The tower structure is comprised of a leading edge and a trailing edge, with joining panels between the edge structures. The tower edges are the main structural components of the tower. The separation of the edges tapers to follow the thrust bending moment on the tower, reducing the need to taper material thickness. The tapering shape of the tower structure matches the primary edgewise moment distribution. The tower can be assembled on site from components, thereby facilitating transportation to the tower site. The material properties and shape can be selected based upon the tower maintaining a near constant orientation with the wind. This can save weight and costs. The tower architecture can be of differing shapes such as a triangle or a structure tapering at each end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Michael D. Zuteck
  • Patent number: 7887284
    Abstract: A wind turbine has a hub mounted on a rotatable shaft with a ring concentrically mounted on the shaft. The ring is connected to drive wheels, which in turn drive generators to produce electricity. A controller is connected to control the speed of the turbine by controlling the number and force of contact between the wheels and the ring and also controlling other components such as the pitch, yaw and brakes for the turbine while monitoring the wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: New World Generation Inc.
    Inventors: Paul H. F. Merswolke, Na'al S. Nayef
  • Patent number: 7845899
    Abstract: A wind turbine engine comprising rotor blades disposed within an outer casing and a half-spherical head located in front of the rotor blades and blocking the inner 50% of the radius of the rotor blades, the casing and head creating an acceleration chamber wherein incoming wind is speeded up and redirected around the head, and the accelerated wind then rotates the wind turbine rotor blades to generate power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Envision corporation
    Inventor: Bud T. J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7843079
    Abstract: A power generating device capable of outputting at a constant rotation speed is configured with a constant speed unit for transforming a varying input rotation speed into a constant output rotation speed, which comprises: a power source, an electric generator and a constant speed unit; wherein the constant speed unit further comprises: a first differential gear set, having two input ends and an output end being configured in a manner that one of the two input ends is connected with the power source and the output end is connected to a load; a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanism, configured with an input end and an output end in a manner that the input end is connected to the power source; a hydraulic torque converter, configured with an input end and an output end in a manner that the input end is connected to the load; a second differential gear set, configured with two input ends and an output end in a manner that the two input ends are connected respectively to the output end of the CVT mech
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jui-Tang Tseng, Yun-Yuan Chang, Jung-Kuei Lin, Chien-Chiang Tung
  • Patent number: 7832979
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electric power from water currents comprises a housing having at least one pair of channel, at least one pair of turbine assemblies and at least one pair of generator assemblies. Each channel of the pair has an axial intake, an axial discharge opening and a side intake. Each side intake extends along a length of the channel and faces in an upstream direction to receive a side inflow of water and directs the side inflow up against an interior surface of the channel to create a vortical flow structure having a low pressure core. The vortical flow structures are produced downstream of the turbine assemblies to effect an increase in a pressure drop across each of the turbine assemblies. The apparatus also has partition extending between the channels near said axial intakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventors: Metin Ilbay Yaras, Mohammad Golriz
  • Patent number: 7832985
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a rotor blade for a wind energy plant, with a blade root, with a first longitudinal portion starting from the blade root, with a second longitudinal portion, following up the first longitudinal portion and running into a blade tip, with a first surface, facing a tower of the wind energy plant in its assembled state, and a second surface, facing away from the tower of the wind energy plant in its assembled state, wherein an imaginary reference plane is spanned up by a rotation, taking place in the operation of the rotor blade, of the longitudinal axis of the first longitudinal portion around the rotational axis of a rotor of the wind energy plant carrying the rotor blade which prevents collisions of the blade tip with the tower of the wind energy plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Rochholz
  • Patent number: 7816800
    Abstract: An electric generating system including a frame configured to couple to a tether system and at least one power generation module mounted to the frame. The at least one power generation module includes a holding structure attached to the frame, a rotating structure, including a rotor shaft, configured to rotate relative to the holding structure, a rotor attached to the rotor shaft, and a plurality of motor/generators attached to the holding structure, each including a drive shaft configured to engage with the rotor shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Baseload Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert J. Grenier
  • Patent number: 7811048
    Abstract: A turbine-intake tower for delivering wind to a turbine has a hollow support column, an intake nozzle assembly rotatably coupled to the support column, and a tower nozzle disposed within the support column. The intake nozzle assembly is configured to receive and to accelerate wind. The tower nozzle is configured to receive the wind from the intake nozzle assembly and to further accelerate the wind received from the intake nozzle assembly for delivery to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Quality Research, Development & Consulting, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Publication number: 20100247289
    Abstract: Disclosed are wind turbines comprising a turbine shroud and optionally an ejector shroud. The shrouds are segmented, or in other words have longitudinal spaces between segments. Such wind turbines have reduced drag load, particularly those loads due to off-axis wind forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FLODESIGN WIND TURBINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Walter M. Presz, JR., Michael J. Werle, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, William Scott Keeley
  • Patent number: 7802961
    Abstract: Offshore wind turbine (14) including a tower (1) rising above sea level (12) and one or ore blades (4), which can be put into rotation by wind. The offshore wind turbine includes a pump (6), which is adapted to pump sea water (13) up form the sea. At the delivery side the pump (6) communicates with nozzles (8, 9), said nozzles being adapted to direct sea water to the surface of the blades (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/S
    Inventor: Peter Grabau
  • Patent number: 7794196
    Abstract: Guide case (24) for use in conjunction with a water turbine (20), with a helical top wall (35) of the annular chamber (27) extended downstream of the inner wall (39) of the inlet port (30). The extension is wetted on its downstream side by the top water entering the inlet port, and on its upstream side by the bottom water. The extension serves to keep the top water separate from the bottom water until the velocity vectors of the two water streams have been aligned, therefore reducing turbulence at the point where the waters mix and merge, and enabling more of the energy to be extracted from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: David George Demontmorency
  • Patent number: 7775760
    Abstract: A wind driven energy source is providing utilizing a turbine wheel comprising a peripheral rim attached to a central hub via a series of spokes. A plurality of airfoil blades are assembled to the wheel, each blade being secured to a pair of spokes and positioned proximate an interior edge of the rim and extend only partially down the length of the spoke. This provides a central opening allowing airflow through the innermost region of the wheel. The blades are pivotally assembled to the spokes and can include an incident angle adjusting mechanism as well as a breakaway feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: Alfred W. Finnell
  • Patent number: 7758300
    Abstract: The wind generating device employs modules each having two turbines. Each of the turbines employs two rotors, coaxially aligned and arranged one downstream from the other. The arrangement includes a proximal channel with a leading portion having decreasing radius toward the first rotor which acts as a collector and a following portion connecting fluidly the first and second rotor and a distal channel which is separate from the proximal channel and opens into the following portion thereby adding to the airflow to the second rotor. Downstream from the second rotor is a diffuser with radius increasing with distance from the rotor. The device includes mounting modules vertically stacked which allows for yaw responsive to wind. The device further includes mounting the modules on a tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Splitrock Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Friesth
  • Publication number: 20100158661
    Abstract: A method for repairing a wind turbine is described. The method may include preparing the surface of the blade, removing a plurality of mounting bolts, and replacing the mounting bolts with rod members. The rod members may be bonded to the blade root thereby strengthening the blade root and/or repairing any damaged or weakened regions. This repair may be performed on blades and blade coupling regions of various characteristics as well in modular fashion using pre-molded sections attached together around the blade root. The method of repair may be performed while the blade is still attached to the turbine hub. Wind turbines repaired according to these methods are also described. The method may also be used for attaching and otherwise handling new turbine blades and new wind turbines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: FRONTIER PRO SERVICES
    Inventors: Mark DAWSON, Jack WALLACE
  • Patent number: 7737571
    Abstract: A roadway system for energy generation and distribution is presented. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the roadway system comprises a plurality of ground-based hybrid solar-wind energy generating devices, one or more roads, and a roadway system electricity grid. The energy generating devices are connected to the roadway system electricity grid and substantially all of the ground-based hybrid solar-wind energy generating devices are positioned on part of one of the roads or near to one or more of the roads to thereby allow energy generation from wind created from passing vehicles in addition to energy generation from atmospheric wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Genedics Clean Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
  • Publication number: 20100143093
    Abstract: An arrangement for determining a rotational-speed of a blade rotating around an axis is provided. A transmit-unit is located at the rotating blade, while a receive-unit is located at the rotating hub of the blade. The transmit-unit and the receive-unit are connected by a transmission-system, which is used to transmit a signal from the transmit-unit to the receive-unit. A detection-unit is located at the blade, which is used to detect a force acting on the blade due to the rotation of the blade. The detection-unit is built to interrupt the transmission of the signal when the detected force exceeds a predetermined value. The receive-unit comprises a control-unit, which detects a high rotational-speed of the blade by evaluating the interrupted transmission of the signal. The transmission-system is built as an optical-transmission system, which transmits an optical-signal from the transmit-unit to the receive-unit for evaluation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Per Egedal, Jens Christian Kjeldsen