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.

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.

Abstract: A device is described for the conversion of energy from free flowing water into electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power using a submersible system of turbine propellers mounted on horizontal shafts supported by chambers, each containing switchgear and/or generators and air or water ballast. The device is tethered to the seabed by a cable. Free of a rigid vertical support, the device can yaw so that water flow in any direction can be used for power generation, as in a tidal basin. In response to sensing the water velocity of the water channel, the device actively seeks a nominal water velocity, ascending or descending as necessary.

Abstract: Installations for harvesting energy of river and ocean tidal currents consist of multiple Darrieus type turbines with funnels, which are located inline on the river or ocean bottom and oriented perpendicular to direction of water movement due to tide or river current. Use of Darrieus type turbines with funnels significantly increases efficiency of energy utilization of water streams in comparison versus system not utilizing funnels. Use of greater number of Darrieus turbines operating in line allows to utilize more powerful gearbox and generator, thus improving economics of their operation. For the purpose of simplification the regular maintenance of the system the generator and all auxiliary systems are located above water, except 90-degrees gearbox. To prevent water entering 90-degrees gearbox it always is under air pressure slightly above hydrostatic pressure of water above it.

Abstract: A cooling device for a wind turbine is provided, the cooling device including at lease one liquid-tight tube which is partially filled with a liquid coolant, wherein one end of the tube is located in a first area and another end of the tube is located in a second area, the first and second areas having different temperatures when operating the wind turbine.

Abstract: A hybrid wind turbine assembly and method capable of providing a total firm power output. There is a wind power section which delivers non-firm power from the wind turbine to a generator section. Then there is also an auxiliary power section which is capable of providing firm power to the same generator section. This can operate in three operating modes, namely an only wind power mode, an only auxiliary power mode, and a combined wind power and auxiliary power mode.

Abstract: A wind power plant is provided having a rotor which is rotatably supported with respect to a rotor axis by a bearing arrangement. A rotor blade is fixed to a rotor hub and extends therefrom radially outwardly, with respect to the rotor axis. The bearing arrangement includes a first bearing ring fixed to a support arrangement in a torque-proof manner and disposed coaxially with respect to the rotor axis, and a second bearing ring being rotatably, with respect to the rotor axis, supported on the first bearing ring and fixed to the rotor hub.

Abstract: Embodiments include apparatus and methods of fluid energy conversion. One embodiment relates to a tube for a fluid energy converter. The tube may include a generally cylindrical and hollow body having an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a longitudinal axis. Another embodiment includes a fluid energy converter having a longitudinal axis and a rotatable tube coaxial about the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the rotatable tube converts kinetic energy in a fluid into rotating mechanical energy, or converts rotating mechanical energy into kinetic energy in a fluid.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a wind power foundation. An embodiment of a wind power plant includes a tower having a top and a bottom. The plant also includes an assembly, the assembly including a transition piece that is coupled with a concrete cap. The assembly has a top and a bottom, with the top of the assembly being coupled with the bottom of the tower. The plant also includes a jacket structure. The jacket structure has a top and a bottom and multiple legs, with the bottom of the assembly being coupled with the top of the jacket structure.

Abstract: A method of mounting windmill blades their enhance performance is disclosed. The blades have a transverse cross-sectional shape having a predominately flat chord section and are mounted such that the chord section lies in a plane that is substantially at 90 degrees to the axis of the shaft upon which they are mounted.

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine includes: a rotor having a hub and at least two or more blades; a nacelle for pivotally supporting the rotor through a rotating shaft connected to the hub; a tower for supporting the nacelle; and an independent pitch control unit capable of independently controlling pitch angles of the blades, respectively, wherein the independent pitch control units control the pitch angles so that all the blades are made in a full feather position in case of a wind speed not less than a predetermined value, and subsequently controls the pitch angles of the respective blades so as to be sequentially reversed one by one, and further subsequently, carries out control so that the wind turbine idles in an all-blade negative feather position where the pitch angles of all the blades are reversed.

Abstract: A wind power generation device capable of improving power generation efficiency is provided. The wind power generation device according to the present invention comprises: a substantially cylindrical duct 1 having a side wall with a substantially wing section; an impeller 2 rotatable around an axis of the duct 1; and a nacelle 5 that constitutes a streamlined pencil body 3 together with the impeller 2 and houses a generator 4 that uses torque of the impeller 2. The duct 1 has the side wall with the wing section so as to be able to produce a reduced pressure area at a rear of the duct and prevent generation of swirl at the rear of the duct 1. The pencil body 3 is provided so that a tip thereof is placed in the duct 1 and a rear end thereof protrudes from a rear end of the duct 1 so as to be close to a tip of the reduced pressure area produced at the rear of the duct 1. Blades 21 of the impeller 2 are provided in a maximum wind speed area 13 in the duct 1.

Abstract: A pitch bearing and related method for wind electric turbines has an annularly-shaped first bearing ring connected with an associated wind turbine blade, and includes a first raceway groove. An annularly-shaped second bearing ring is connected with the rotor portion of the wind turbine, and includes a second raceway groove aligned with the first raceway groove. Rolling elements are positioned in the first and second raceway grooves to rotatably interconnect the two bearing rings. A gear segment is formed on one of the bearing rings, and is configured to engage a pitch drive portion of the wind turbine to pivot the blade axially between different pitch angles. The gear segment has an arcuate measure of less than 200 degrees to facilitate economical manufacture.

Abstract: A wind sail receptor for turning in a wind or water flow to operate a power generator that includes from six to ten identical, equal spaced blades, that are formed from two flat sections of a stiff material and are arranged between a rear hub and spaced apart forward disk and fitted to a center axle that is journaled through a frame. The two sections are each formed into from three to five blades by removing portions therefrom, with the formed blades bent to curve from the rear hub to a blade side end that is coupled to the forward disk.

Abstract: A wind power generator has a base, a wind driving wheel, a transmission unit and a power storage unit. The wind driving wheel has a spindle at a center of the wind driving wheel. The spindle is positioned to the lateral frame. A plurality of connecting frames are extended from a periphery of the spindle. An outer end of each connecting frame is connected to a flow guide plate. A plurality of blades are installed on the flow guide plate. The transmission unit is adjacent to one lateral side of the wind driving wheel. The transmission unit includes a first transmission wheel, a first transmission belt, a first transmission element, a transmission shaft, a second transmission wheel, a second transmission belt, a second transmission element, and a power generator. The power storage unit is connected to the power generator for storing power.

Abstract: A wind powered variable area exit aperture electric generating system having configurable, adjustable duct side walls by which means the ratio between the intake cross-sectional aperture area and the exhaust cross-sectional aperture area may be varied for maximum air molecule flow through the duct, leading to ideal maximum electrical output for any given air mass input. The planar characteristic and angular dispersion of the mutually leading edge coupled extended flaps, and the regular square interior housing result in complementary internal vortices developed at the trailing edge of the planar architectural surfaces.

Abstract: The hub for the rotor (22) of a wind energy turbine (10) comprises a hollow body (28) rotatable around a rotation axis and provided with at least one flange (34) for mounting to the hollow body (28) a bearing for a rotor blade (26) and at least two stiffening webs (38) integrally formed with the hollow body (28) and radially extending within a flange area (36) of the hollow body (28) surrounded by the flange (34) to the center (40) of the flange area (36), wherein at least two openings are provided within the flange area (36) of the hollow body (28).

Abstract: An electrical power generation assembly comprising a main body having a low density to provide lift and wind driven means on its surface to generate electrical power. The main body has a part-circular, or a part-elliptical, cross section frontal region. The main body has a first distance and a second distance. The ratio of the first distance to the second distance is equal to or more than 0.5 and equal to or less than 5 according to the shape of the frontal region of the main body. The ratio of the diameter of the wind driven means to the first distance is equal to or less than 0.25.

Abstract: A water driven turbine has a divergent cone coupled to the exit end of the housing in which diameter of the cone increases with increasing distance from the exit end of the housing. A diverter formed of rigid material surrounds the free end of the cone and defines an annular space therebetween through which a flow of water passes to accelerate the flow exiting the turbine housing. The diverter is shorter in the length than the divergent cone and longitudinally overlaps the divergent cone. The diverter also has straight walls which are sloped to extend in the longitudinal direction away from the exit end of the housing at an inward incline between the leading end and the trailing end thereof.

Abstract: A wind power generator has an arcuate converging-diverging flow passage and a support body that is prolate in shape and is located in the flow passage. The support body is rotatably supported and a plurality of rotor blades are mounted on the support body. The support body and the flow passage define a converging-diverging flow area through which wind passes to drive the support body via the rotor blades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind generator. The wind generator comprises a body installed freely rotatably at a tower, blades installed at a leading end of the body, a gearbox for receiving rotational forces from the blades, and a generator connected to the gearbox for generating electricity. The blades are coupled with a blade angle adjustment unit so that the angles of the blades can be adjusted at predetermined angles according to the directions and velocities of winds. The gearbox comprises a planet gear coupled with a rotational shaft of the blades, a ring gear which has teeth formed on a radially inner surface thereof and engages with the planet gears, and a sun gear which engages with the planet gear and is connected with the generator. Teeth are formed on a radially outer surface of the ring gear so that teeth of a stop gear can be engaged therewith.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wind driven power generator.

Abstract: This device utilizes a helical baffle inside of generally cylindrical housing to convert potential energy of a fluid to kinetic and/or mechanical energy that can be captured for productive use. The housing's axis is positioned at an angle from horizontal and the fluid is entered into the high end of the device. The helical baffles convert the gravity-induced pressure of the water into a torque moment around the axis of the cylinder causing the helix to rotate. Mechanical energy is then extracted from this rotation and utilized in a productive manner, typically by driving an electrical generator. The implementation of this concept in hydroelectric applications provides substantial benefits over traditional turbine generation in efficiency and reducing environmental concerns.

Abstract: A maritime energy generating device including a windmill mounted on a floating foundation, the windmill having a machine compartment mounted at the top of a tower and the foundation being fixed to the bottom of a water body by a connection and including two tanks and a unit for shifting liquid between the tanks and the tanks and the surroundings.

Abstract: A wind turbine device of increased efficiency is comprised of a set of fixed airfoils that direct wind into a rotor having a plurality of blades. The fixed airfoils may extend to the ground to increase the amount of wind directed into the rotor and may be manufactured from concrete. The rotor blades have a vented portion near the axis of rotation that has been found to increase efficiency for certain blade geometries. For other blade geometries, increased efficiency is observed with no gap at the axis of rotation. The rotor may also be manufactured from composite materials to increase strength while decreasing the moment of inertia for the rotor.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine anchored in a body of water which produces electricity directly from its housing. The turbine is in and of itself a generator whose housing is its stator and whose blade it its rotor.

Abstract: A wind turbine capable of driving multiple electric generators having a ring or shroud structure for reducing blade root bending moments, hub loads, blade fastener loads and pitch bearing loads. The shroud may further incorporate a ring gear for driving an electric generator. In one embodiment, the electric generator may be cantilevered from the nacelle such that the gear on the generator drive shaft is contacted by the ring gear of the shroud. The shroud also provides protection for the gearing and aids in preventing gear lubricant contamination.

Abstract: A dual rotor wind turbine according to the present invention includes a rotatable drive shaft, a first rotor assembly connected to the drive shaft, a second independently-rotating rotor assembly coupled to the drive shaft rearward of the first rotor assembly, a first stage generator coupled to the drive shaft, a second stage generator operatively connected to the second rotor assembly, a housing wherein the generators are situated, a rotary base, and a tail. In use, the rotary base allows the tail to optimally position the rotors for collecting wind. Wind rotates the first rotor assembly, causing the drive shaft to rotate and operate the first stage generator. Wind passing through and directed off the first rotor assembly rotates the second rotor assembly, independent of the first rotor assembly, operating the second stage generator. The two stage generators are any combination of AC or DC electrical generators, pumps, and compressors.

Abstract: Portable power generating devices are provided for converting potential energy from flowing water, water current, blowing air or air current to mechanical and/or electrical energy. The potential energy is converted to a rotational movement, and the rotational energy is communicated to power conversion units for conversion, wherein the rotational movement is converted to mechanical, electrical or some other useable or useful energy.

Abstract: The system comprises a nacelle mounted to turn about a vertical axis on the top of a mast and carrying a rotary portion which rotates about a substantially horizontal axis in a large diameter bearing. The rotary portion comprises a hub to which blades are fixed. The system has an electric generator comprising a stator and a rotor in the shape of a disk. The rotor is fixed by a connecting member to the hub adjacent the bearing so that the forces exerted by the wind on the rotary portion are transmitted directly to the bearing without passing through the electric generator.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a rotor, a nacelle and a tower. The nacelle comprises a planetary gear (4) with a planetary holder (5), on which the hub (6) of the rotor is rigidly secured, and which can be connected to the shaft of an electric generator. The planetary gear (4) comprises a ring gear (7) fixedly mounted on an engine frame (9) in the nacelle or on the member (8) rigidly connected to said frame. The planetary wheels (17a, 17b) of the planetary gear can run around a centrally arranged sun wheel (14) while engaging the latter. The sun wheel is optionally connected to a parallel gear (30). The planetary holder (5) is rotatably mounted in the ring gear (7) by means of at least two sets (17) of planetary twin wheels (17a, 17b). Each set of planetary twin wheels is mounted on a bogie shaft (19) on the planetary holder.

Abstract: An installation comprising a turbine equipped with a wheel rotatable about an axis (X-X′), and a tank feeding the turbine. The feed tank having, projecting on a plane globally perpendicular to the axis (X-X′), an external spiral shape. The feed tank forms a helico-convergent duct centered on the axis (X-X′) and convergent towards the turbine. The duct is bordered by an outer partition, an inner partition and at least an intermediate partition contributing to the reinforcement of the tank.

Abstract: A powerplant for use in high head applications (dams) which allows marine animals (fish, otters, turtles, etc.) to swim safely from one side of the dam to the other. The turbine blades which take energy from the water to produce electricity have a large hole through their center. They are arranged one behind the other in such a way that the velocity of the water is decreased as it passes through each blade. The large holes through the center of the turbine blades and the decreasing of the water flow, while increasing the amount of energy produced, will allow marine life to easily swim back and forth through the dam.

Abstract: The invention takes energy from the periphery of a hydro electric turbine blade to produce electricity by mechanically driving a plurality of generators without the use of a hydraulic system.

Abstract: The ribbon drive generation apparatus is comprised of a ribbon-like curved shape, composed either of metal or other suitable material, attached to a central axle with the complete apparatus being contained in a tube having a constant diameter for the length of the tube. A front portion of the tube has a pivot or tether and the rear portion of the tube has a drag means, such as fins, so as to cause rotation of the tube until it is oriented parallel to the flow. In another embodiment of the present invention, the electrical output of the ribbon drive generation apparatus is connected to a storage battery so as to store energy in times of high flow and make up for generating deficiencies during times of lesser flow. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, plural generating stages are serially arranged to adapt to flow variation and provide smooth start-up. Bypass vents and coupling means are located between each stage.

Abstract: Wind turbine blade comprises a first (1) and a second (2) electric conductor extending in the longitudinal direction of the blade (25), and one or more electric heating elements (4) for heating the surface of the blade. The heating elements (4) are connected to the first and the second electric conductor. At its tip the wind turbine blade (25) is provided with a lightning receptor 5 for catching lightning, and the lightning receptor (5) is electrically connected to a third (3) conductor earthed so as to be able to carry the current from a stroke of lightning to the earth. The first and the second conductor are connected to the lightning receptor through spark gaps adjacent said lightning receptor and connected to earth through spark gaps adjacent the blade root.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for adjusting/controlling the pitch of at least one blade of a wind turbine relative to a wind direction parallel to a longitudinal main shaft of the wind turbine use a mechanism with a motor for rotating drive wheels in the angle gear around a longitudinal blade shaft via drive wheels of an angle gear. The method and mechanism can stop the complete turning of a main shaft of a wind turbine having a motor to rotate a drive pinion in an angle gear via a drive wheel, the angle gear being meant to pitch at least one blade around a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for enhancing the generation of power with a windmill. It comprises a horizontal axis rotating propeller with a large hub, mounted on a lift-generating device which also acts as the support structure. By adding a lift-generating device around the support structure, lower rotational speeds for the windmill propeller are possible without the penalty of excessive swirl losses in the wake. The lower design speed reduces parasitic losses and improves the overall power output of the windmill. The present invention also uses a large hub to increase the relative speed of the air over the windmill propeller near the hub, further enhancing power generation.

Abstract: An offshore wind turbine is disclosed wherein the power transmission in the nacelle is cooled by means of a liquid conducted to the nacelle from the tower on which the nacelle is pivotally arranged around a vertical yawing axis. The liquid transfers heat to the seawater near the turbine which is used as a heat sink of low temperature and enormous heat capacity as compared to traditional air cooling. The liquid is conducted in a closed circuit and the cooling system may comprise more than one cooling circuit. The flow of cooling-liquid may be conducted between the tower and the nacelle through a heat transfer unit having a first part that is stationary with respect to the tower and a second part that is stationary with respect to the nacelle. The parts have at least one annular passageway for a liquid flow defined between abutting surfaces of the parts.

Abstract: Device for preventing the penetration of corrosively acting salt particles into the generator and gear area of an offshore wind power plant, with an air pressure generator for introducing air under an overpressure into at least a substantially closed part of the generator and gear area, and a filtering device connected upstream of the generator and gear area in the flow direction for the separation of moisture and salt particles from the air to be introduced into the area by the air pressure generator.

Abstract: A wind power unit, that uses the power of wind, is made as a support installed power-generating unit comprising at least one turbine with a nozzle apparatus mechanically connected to a generator, a central shell, an annular front shell having at least one input channel of the turbine that forms with the central shell an output channel of the turbine, and annular outside shell that forms with the central shell diffuser output channel. The power-generating unit is equipped with an additional annular shell forming with external surfaces of the front and central shells narrowing-expanding first intermediate channel connected in its intermediate part to turbine output channel, while, with the internal surface of the outside shell, a second intermediate channel connected long with the first intermediate channel is used to diffuse the output channel.

Abstract: A turbine and method which employ kinetic and potential energy of a fluid to obtain mechanical and/or electric energy, is founded on the use of bulb shaped rotating blades that interact with a fluid, such as water or air, Each rotating blade rotates around its own axis and in the radial direction of the fluid itself.

Abstract: A wind generator with a rotor which rotates in the horizontal direction and has a plurality of rotor blades, wherein the rotor blades are surrounded in some areas by a fairing, the fairing being aligned according to the wind direction so that the rotor blades which are running in the opposite direction to the wind direction are always protected. The wind generator is provided preferably for subsequent fixing on already existing masts wherein the device has an annular bearing ring on which the rotor rotates on bearings, the bearing ring extending around the mast and being fixed by connecting braces on the mast.

Abstract: The polygonal windmill is essentially a windmill with the blade components contained within a rigid polygonal frame, preferably cubic in shape. The polygonal windmill relies on its much larger wind surface area rather than high speeds for energy production. The simple design of the frame and the blades allow the windmill to be constructed with off-the-shelf components and materials, i.e. minimal engineering and manufacturing costs, and minimal labor to construct the windmill. No special cutting or shaping of the blades is needed in the production of the polygonal windmill.

Abstract: A damping coupling is provided to reduce the oscillations of the yawing device of a wind power plant. The damping coupling transmits forces from a driving device to a yaw drive, and the damping coupling is arranged and positioned in such a way that the transmitted moment is dependent on the difference in the rotational speeds between the input and the output shafts of the coupling. The damping coupling is preferably a hydrodynamic coupling.

Abstract: An environmentally non-intrusive multiple turbine unit for adjustable deployment in water. The turbines are captured in a shroud having an integrally formed augmentor ring and ballasting member to improve efficiency. The multiple turbine arrangement effectively counteracts the rotational counter-torque of individual turbines, thereby enabling stable deployment of the unit without requiring rigid stabilizing structures.

Abstract: An energy conversion device which benefits from forces associated with angular momentum. A mass such as fluid is directed through a conduit from one elevation to a lower elevation with the conduit configured to conform to a decreasing cross-sectional area and oriented in a spiral of substantially conical shape so that fluid entering into the conduit accelerates both by virtue of the decreasing cross-sectional area of the conduit and by the velocity added to the fluid by successively constricting the fluid to an ever tighter spiral path of lesser radius ultimately to an output of the conduit which is in communication with a converter such as a turbine. The converter has an interior passageway in axial alignment with an outlet of the conduit and includes an interior vane which coacts against the fluid exiting from the outlet of the conduit imparting rotation to the rotor which circumscribes the passageway. The rotor is supported on a bearing block and operatively couples to a stator for power output.

Abstract: A wind energy conversion system includes specially shaped blades mounted in a specific location on a specially shaped blade-supporting body to maximize energy conversion from wind energy to electrical energy. The blade-supporting body includes a concave section located upstream of a convex section, with the two sections being joined together at a location of maximum diameter. The blades are mounted on the body at the location of maximum diameter. Each blade includes two surfaces each of which includes a concave section and a convex section. The blade surfaces are spaced apart from each other by a blade thickness dimension that increases from essentially zero at blade tips to a maximum adjacent to a blade longitudinal axis that extends from a blade proximal end mounted on the blade-supporting body to a distal end spaced from said blade-supporting body.

Abstract: The hub for the rotor (22) of a wind energy turbine (10) comprises a hollow body (28) rotatable around a rotation axis and provided with at least one flange (34) for mounting to the hollow body (28) a bearing for a rotor blade (26) and at least two stiffening webs (38) integrally formed with the hollow body (28) and radially extending within a flange area (36) of the hollow body (28) surrounded by the flange (34) to the center (40) of the flange area (36), wherein at least two openings are provided within the flange area (36) of the hollow body (28).