Abstract: Methods and apparatus of improved wind energy capture system design and operation are discussed. Improved wind energy capture system blade/sail implementations are described. Retractable sails are used in a novel configuration in some but not all implementations. In one embodiment, a turbine blade assembly includes a plurality of uniformly spaced hollow blades. Each hollow blade includes a furling rod onto which a retractable sail can be rolled and stored. Each hollow blade also includes a sail tensioning cable guide for providing tension for a retractable sail included in an adjacent hollow blade. The turbine blades are secured at their root end to a hub assembly. In some but not all embodiments the turbine blades are supported at their tip end, e.g., by using a set of support cables which provide tension. Computer control and automated operations of sail deployment and/or blade adjustments are implemented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing asymmetric rotor load in a wind turbine includes calculating a time delay for pitching each blade toward feather upon initiation of a shutdown condition. The blades with the larger blade angle begin moving toward feather with an initial pitch rate, while the blade with the smallest blade angle begins moving toward feather with a final pitch rate. Once all the blades have reached approximately an identical blade angle, the blades move simultaneously together to feather at the final pitch rate. By introducing the time delay for pitching the blades having higher blade angles at the final pitch rate, a simple, time-based correction of initial conditions during shutdown reduces the extreme loads on turbine components.

Abstract: Wind turbine blade subdivided transversely into two or more sections made up of a number of sensors, preferably load cells and ultrasound sensors, assembled into the mechanical joining elements between blade sections and characterised in that their measurements allow the loads to be reduced and the forces to be controlled during the entire life of the blade. They also allow damages to be detected (stopping the machine if necessary) and an optimised design for real loads.

Abstract: A method for operating a wind energy installation, in particular for adapting a wind energy installation (10) to given wind conditions, the wind energy installation (10) having a rotor (16), which can be driven by wind, with at least two rotor blades (20), whose respective angles of incidence of the wind can be adjusted by means of at least one adjustment device, and having a generator for converting the mechanical energy of the rotor (16) to electrical energy. During operation of the wind energy installation, parameters are measured with spatial and/or temporal resolution on the side of the wind energy installation (10) facing the wind, said parameters describing the wind conditions in the measurement region, preferably the wind speed and/or the wind direction.

Abstract: An aeolian system is described for converting energy comprising at least one power wing profile (30) which can be driven from the ground immersed in at least one aeolian current (W) and a basic platform (1) for controlling the wing profile (30) and generating electric energy placed at ground level and connected through two ropes (2) to the power wing profile (30), such basic platform (1) being adapted to drive the wing profile (30) and to generate electric energy, such two ropes (2) being adapted to transmit forces from and to the wing profile (30) and to be used both for controlling a flight trajectory of the wing profile (30) and for generating energy. A process is further described for producing electric energy through such aeolian system.

Abstract: A method for reducing the loads acting on a wind turbine yaw system due to yawing moments which are induced to the yaw system by a rotor which comprises at least one rotor blade with a pitch control system is provided. In the method, the yawing moment which is induced to the yaw system by the rotor is determined and the pitch of the at least one rotor blade is set based on the detected yawing moment such that the determined yawing moment is reduced.

Abstract: A control system for a variable pitch radiator fan is disclosed. The control system is capable of varying the blade pitch of the radiator fan from a normal position to a full reverse position. The control system can change the blade pitch based on a number of factors, including vehicle speed. In systems with a plurality of fans, the control system is also capable of independently controlling the blade pitch of each of the fans. In systems with multiple fans, the control system can produce a circulation mode.

Abstract: A method for braking a wind turbine including at least one rotor blade coupled to a rotor. The method includes selectively controlling an angle of pitch of the at least one rotor blade with respect to a wind direction based on a design parameter of a component of the wind turbine to facilitate reducing a force induced into the wind turbine component as a result of braking.

Abstract: A method for controlling load reduction for a wind turbine rotor with rotor blades comprising an aerodynamic active element responsive to a control signal for modifying its setting is provided. The loads acting on the rotor blades in relation to the rotor's azimuth are detected and individual control signals based on a PI control system are established. Each individual control signal is a complex number containing an amplitude defining the degree of modification of the respective setting and an angle defining the phase of the modification of the respective setting with respect to the rotor's azimuth. The angle of the complex number is corrected by a phase correction factor. The elements are provided with the individual control signals. The input to the PI-control system is a complex load vector.

Abstract: A simple system is provided to dramatically reduce the number of bird fatalities and injuries, as these are bird-kills that man should be able to do something about. Essentially, the inventive apparatus comprises one or more instantaneously inflatable mini-airbags on turbine blade leading edges which, in the “stowed position” are tightly conformally elastically wrapped around or juxtaposed to the turbine blade surface(s) and/or edges(s) thereby not affecting the blade's aerodynamic efficiency. The airbag(s) can be activated and restowed or recollapsed very rapidly, thereby not significantly negatively impacting the operational efficiency of the wind machine.

Abstract: Controlling the pitch of individual rotor blades of a helicopter to reduce control loads, vibration and noise in or from the rotating rotor control elements. The system generates blade dynamics signals representing dynamic forces acting on either or both of the rotating and non-rotating elements of the helicopter, including rotor blades of a rotating assembly. The system extracts information representing at least one dynamic force, generates a dynamic force compensation output that represents a compensation for the dynamic force, and generates, from flight control signals and the dynamic force compensation output, a compensated pitch actuator control signal for each rotor blade wherein the compensation factor of the pitch control signal compensates for the dynamic force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating installations (10), in particular wind energy installations (10), having at least one component (22) which endangers in particular flying animals, it being possible for the component to assume a first state which endangers animals to a greater extent and a second state which endangers animals to a lesser extent, the physical environment around the installation (10), in particular the environment around the component (22), being monitored at least in regions by means of a suitable detection device, in which case the detection device produces a signal when an animal of a specific type, in particular a bat, a bird or the like, enters the monitored region, and in which case the component of the installation is moved from the state which endangers animals to a greater extent to the state which endangers animals to a lesser extent depending on the signal.

Abstract: Wind turbine that is provided with a rotor (6) with propeller blades (7) with adjustable angles of incidence provided on the rotor (6) in such a manner that they can rotate round their longitudinal axes, and which are provided with a drive (9) and a primary control (10) to adjust the angles of incidence as a function of a measured parameter, wherein it is provided with a secondary control (11) which will make the angles of incidence vary in relation to the primary control (10) according to a predetermined setting.

Abstract: A helicopter rotor blade that has a blade body and a control flap secured to the blade body. The rotor blade has a first primary mover capable of generating a first linear motion that is sufficient to generate a high amplitude, low frequency motion of the control flap; and a second primary mover capable of generating a second linear motion that is sufficient to generate a small amplitude, high frequency motion of the control flap. Further, the rotor blade has a coupling transmission for combining the first linear motion with the second linear motion that generates a cumulative linear motion; and a second transmission device that causes the cumulative linear motion to rotate the control flap.

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.

Abstract: A wind turbine (1) comprising equipment under control is presented, which comprises at least one control system (14, 14A, 14B) for one or more of said main components, (5, 7, 9) of the wind turbine. The control system (14A) is multiplied by at least one further control system (14B) for controlling the same of said equipment under control. A control arrangement, a method as well as uses hereof are also presented.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a wind turbine blade pitch system for moving the blades to control their pitch in the event of a power failure. The system includes at least one backup that has a non-electrical component that can pitch the blades in the event that the power failure adversely affects the electrical blade pitch actuator system. Embodiments include pitch systems that have a plurality of pitch driving systems including, but not limited to electrical systems, hybrid electrical/mechanical systems and non-electrical systems. The non-electrical systems include mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

Abstract: A remotely operable motorized fan includes an elongated support shaft that has top and bottom end portions, and a housing that defines a cavity therein and includes a tubular lower flange positioned about the top end portion of the support shaft. The housing includes monolithically formed platforms to which the power mechanism and the sensing mechanism are secured. A sensing mechanism is included for detecting a mobile target zone remotely located from the housing. The system further includes a power mechanism for rotating the housing about the support shaft based upon a location of the target zone. The power mechanism is electrically coupled to the sensing mechanism such that the housing automatically pivots without requiring a user input.

Abstract: This relates to a wind power installation comprising a pylon (tower) and a rotor arranged on the pylon and having at least one individually adjustable rotor blade. The wind power installation further comprises a device to detect the wind direction, a device to detect the azimuthal position and/or a device to detect the deviation from vertical of the pylon (tower). In one embodiment, a control unit is coupled to the rotor blade to adjust an angle of incidence of the at least one adjustable rotor blade using information which is representative of (i) the wind direction, (ii) the azimuthal position of the rotor, and (iii) the deviation from vertical of the pylon. The rotor blade may be adjusted in dependence on a deviation between the ascertained wind direction and the detected azimuthal position.

Abstract: A pitch controller, uninterruptible power supply, and rotational speed detector are disposed in the rotor in a wind turbine. When a slip ring failure or wire breakage occurs, the pitch controller internally creates a pitch angle command so as to control the pitch angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods use cyclical propellers with dynamic blade angle control to extract power from waves. A control system for such implementations can adapt pitching schedules for the blades of the cyclical propellers for efficient energy extraction and/or to control reactive forces. The cyclical propellers may be installed on the floor of a body of water or other liquid, on a submarine, or on a surface float, and blades may extend vertically or horizontally depending on the character of the waves. Several cyclical propellers can be combined into a single unit operated to minimize reactive forces and torques, to propel the unit horizontally or vertically, and/or to stabilize the unit. Such units can be installed with minimal or no moorings.

Abstract: Wind turbine systems, monitoring systems, and processes for measuring stress in a wind turbine blade generally includes embedding and or disposing optical glass fibers on a surface of the wind turbine blade and monitoring light transmission through the optical glass fiber. A reduction or loss of transmission indicates that the tensile strength of the optical glass fiber has been exceeded, which directly correlates to the level of stress exposed to the wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wind power installation at very high wind speeds, in which there is predetermined a first wind speed at which the rotor blades of the wind power installation are put into a first predetermined setting. In addition, the method includes controlling the wind power installation during an extreme wind situation where the rotor blades moved to a position to reduce, as far as possible, mechanical loadings on the wind power installation caused by the extreme wind situation.

Abstract: An axial fan has a blade support wheel coupled to a drive shaft. A disk is positioned about the drive shaft adjacent the wheel. A torsion spring is coupled to the wheel and to the disk. When the torsion spring is in tension, the disk is poised for a relative rotation about the drive shaft. A lock couples the disk to the wheel when the torsion spring is in tension. Fan blades are supported by the wheel, and are coupled to the disk. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the fan blades generating a specific flow direction. To reverse the flow direction, a release mechanism uncouples the lock from the disk and wheel causing the disk to experience rotation about the drive shaft as tension in the torsion spring is released. The disk's relative rotation re-positions the fan blades reversing the flow direction as the drive shaft continues to rotate.

Abstract: A method for reducing peak loads of wind turbines in a changing wind environment includes measuring or estimating an instantaneous wind speed and direction at the wind turbine and determining a yaw error of the wind turbine relative to the measured instantaneous wind direction. The method further includes comparing the yaw error to a yaw error trigger that has different values at different wind speeds and shutting down the wind turbine when the yaw error exceeds the yaw error trigger corresponding to the measured or estimated instantaneous wind speed.

Abstract: A switching apparatus having an actuating shaft, an actuator, at least one switch and a housing. A switching apparatus is in the form of at least one actuating guide which is connected with a first actuating guide portion to the actuating shaft and which with a second actuating guide portion at least partially embraces the actuating shaft at a predetermined spacing, wherein provided on the convex side of the second actuating guide portion is an actuating track for the switch or switches, insofar as at least one predetermined position the spacing between the outer peripheral edge and the actuating shaft is greater for a predetermined arcuate dimension than at other positions of the second actuating guide portion.

Abstract: A system and method for providing pressurised oil during non-feathered in-flight shutdown conditions in a variable-pitch aircraft propeller engine. A secondary pump provides pressurised oil substantially independent of an engine main oil circuit.

Abstract: A system to acoustically monitor at least one wind power installation, wherein the wind power installation includes a plurality of components including at least rotor blades. The system may comprise a remote monitoring center and a first wind power installation. The first wind power installation includes a sound pick-up device to detect an operating acoustic spectrum generated by at least one of the components of the first wind power installation during operation thereof, and circuitry to detect when a deviation between the operating acoustic spectrum of the first wind power installation and a reference spectrum exceeds a threshold. The system, in one aspect, may further include communications circuitry to communicate a fault message to the remote monitoring center when the deviation exceeds a threshold. The system may also include a remote monitoring center to monitor the operation of the first wind power installation.

Abstract: A wind power generation system capable of outputting generated power at high efficiency with a smoothed output power includes a wind power generator and a laser aerovane mounted on the wind power generator or located near the wind power generator. Direction and velocity of wind blowing toward the wind power generator are observed using the laser aerovane, and a yaw angle and/or a pitch angle of the wind power generator is predicted and controlled based on the observation results. Thus, high-efficiency control of the wind power generation system, including the wind power generator, is achieved. An output-smoothing device connected to the wind power generator predicts and controls electric power input/output of the output-smoothing device based on a predicted power output of the wind power generator and smoothes the power output of the wind power generation system.

Abstract: A method of detecting the change in the structure of a turbine rotor uses the steps of injecting an ultrasonic signal into the turbine rotor at a first position using a first ultrasonic transducer to produce a diffuse field ultrasonic signal in the rotor; detecting the signal in the rotor at a second position using a second ultrasonic transducer measuring the time for the signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer to the second ultrasonic transducer and comparing the measured time for the diffuse field ultrasonic signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer to the second ultrasonic transducer with a stored time for the diffuse field ultrasonic signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer to the second ultrasonic transducer to determine if there is a change in the structure of the turbine rotor.

Abstract: Wind power installations using more modern technology have long been known. Such wind power installations have rotors comprising at least one or more rotor blades. The rotors and accordingly the rotor blades carried thereby of wind power installations are subjected to a particular degree to the ambient environmental influences such as for example rain, snow, hail or also insects. In particular the leading edges of the rotor blades are heavily loaded in that respect. In that situation it can happen that the rotor blades and in particular the leading edges thereof, after some time, suffer from (mechanical) damage, for which cost-intensive repair is necessary, especially as a crane is frequently required for that purpose and the entire wind power installation is also stopped for a prolonged period due to the repair and under some circumstances even individual rotor blades have to be transported away to the repair location.

Abstract: Two independent adjusting systems are recommended for each rotor blade (6) for blade angle adjustments of the rotor blades (6) of the rotor of a wind power plant, assuring full redundancy of the blade angle adjustment. By suitable control of the individual adjustment paths of the two adjustments systems, additional advantageous effects can be gained, such as good lubricant distribution and/or even load distribution over time (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Improvements to wind turbines for electrical power generation, incorporating a blade (4) rotor for harnessing the action of the wind, which consists of a hub (3) prolonged at the rear with an extension (7) that constitutes the assembly shaft for the rotating action with respect to the body (1) of the wind turbine, with the hub (3) and the aforementioned extension (7) forming the shaft constituting a single manufactured piece, with regard to which the blades (4) are arranged in a yaw rotary assembly that is operated by means of respective hydraulic cylinders (20).

Abstract: A wind turbine with a sensor that measures the out-of-plane deflection of the blades and a controller that uses the signal from the sensor to determine the risk of a tower strike. The controller takes any necessary action to prevent a tower strike when it determines that the risk of a strike is high. The sensor can include strain gages or accelerometers mounted on the blades or it can include a fixed sensor mounted on the side of the tower to measure tower clearance as the blade passes by. The control action taken can include pitching blades, yawing the nacelle, or stopping the turbine. The controller is preferably a fuzzy logic controller.

Abstract: A fan provided with a smoke detector wired to a CPU in a switch to start the fan if smoke detected exceeds a certain level; and an ion generator is provided to generate ions to neutralize substances carrying hazardous cations; a first conductor on a screen holder wired to the CPU and in off-position state is conducted by contacting a second conductor provided on a front screen so that the fan blades are disabled when both conductors are disconnected once the front screen is removed.

Abstract: Damping of oscillations of the first bending mode of a wind turbine is performed means of one or more containers partly filled with a liquid for damping oscillations of the first natural bending frequency of the wind turbine. The damping means comprises a plurality of box shaped containers having a square cross section and being partly filled with liquid so as to provide a unidirectional damping with a logarithmic decrement of oscillations of the first natural bending frequency of the wind turbine of at least 4-8%. For off-shore wind turbines, the combined excitation of the wind and sea waves requires more damping, the damping is preferably equivalent to a logarithmic decrement of 10-15%. Furthermore, the invention relates to damping of oscillation of the second bending mode of a wind turbine and to the combined damping of oscillations of the first as well as the second bending mode of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A fan provided with a smoke detector wired to a CPU in a switch to start the fan if smoke detected exceeds a certain level; and an ion generator is provided to generate ions to neutralize substances carrying hazardous cations; a first conductor on a screen holder wired to the CPU and in off-position state is conducted by contacting a second conductor provided on a front screen so that the fan blades are disabled when both conductors are disconnected once the front screen is removed.

Abstract: The wind turbine (1) comprises a rotor (2) with a number of blades mounted for rotation about a mainly horizontal axis, and the pitch of the blades of the wind turbine is controlled dependence on measured parameters to optimize the operation of the wind turbine with respect to produced energy under varying weather and wind conditions. By measuring mechanical loads on the blades (7, 8), and controlling the pitch of the blades of the wind turbine in such a way, that the measured mechanical loads are maintained below certain limits during operation, the control can be performed closer to the mechanical load limits of the blades without risk of exceeding these limits.

Abstract: The invention concerns a wind power installation. Such wind power installations of modern type, for example one of type E-40 or E-66 from Enercon are usually equipped with a lightning protection system which is known for example from DE 44 36 197.

Abstract: A device for using power of a moving fluid or generating movement in a fluid such as a wind turbine is provided with radially placed blades and a pitch change system. The pitch change system comprises a central pitch change shaft and guide shafts, with a sliding means slidably coupling the guide shafts to the pitch change shaft. Additionally, a blade coupler couples the sliding means to the blades, whereupon controlled movement of the pitch change shaft along its central axis causes a corresponding change in the pitch angle of the blades. The guide shafts are preferably provided with alignment means.

Abstract: A wind power installation is disclosed comprising a rotor having at least one rotor blade for converting the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy, an adjusting device for individually adjusting at least one rotor blade, a generator for converting the mechanical energy of the rotor into electrical energy, and an operative connection between the rotor and the generator for transmitting the mechanical energy of the rotor to the generator. The disclosed wind power installation therefore avoids specified problems of known installations and provides a wind power installation in which the loadings which can occur due to local, temporary peaks in the wind speed in portions of the rotor area are reduced.

Abstract: A moving-weight, dynamic balancing apparatus for a rotary machine, in particular an industrial fan, having a rotary shaft, and at least one rotor carried by the rotary shaft and provided with main rotor bearings to allow rotary movement thereof. The balancing apparatus includes at least one moving-weight balancing unit is carried by the rotary shaft, and at least one monitoring and correcting system having a drive assembly. The at least one monitoring and correcting system monitors and corrects the unbalanced state of the rotor, and acts continuously on the at least one moving-weight balancing unit when the rotor is rotating to monitor and correct for rotor unbalance. The at least one moving-weight balancing unit has at least two balancing masses mounted to be movable under drive from the drive assembly controlled by the monitoring and correction system.

Abstract: A fan impeller assembly of simple construction which is intended, in particular, for use in cooling systems of internal combustion engines and can be used there inter alia as a cleaning blower for clearing the radiator and/or corresponding air inlet openings by reversal of the direction of delivery.

Abstract: A fan assembly (10) includes first and second housing sections (70, 72) which, when mated by a first set of fasteners, define a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings (162) that lead to an internal housing chamber (82). The fan assembly (10) also includes a plurality of blade units (140), each of which includes an integral support stem (142) having a journal portion (148) rotatably mounted within a respective one of the openings (162), an enlarged flange portion (144) and a radial post portion (138) rotatably supported by a hub member (106) within the internal chamber (82). Each blade unit (140) preferably has a thrust bearing (156), bushing sleeve (158) and fan blade (152) integrated with the support stem (142), with the fan blade (152) being preferably molded to the support stem (142) following positioning of the thrust bearing (156) and bushing sleeve (158) to form an integral component.

Abstract: A variable speed helicopter rotor system and method for operating such a system are provided which allow the helicopter rotor to be operated at an optimal angular velocity in revolutions per minute (RPM) minimizing the power required to turn the rotor and thereby resulting in helicopter performance efficiency improvements, reduction in noise, and improvements in rotor, helicopter transmission and engine life. The system and method provide for an increase in helicopter endurance and. The system and method also provide a substantial improvement in helicopter performance during take-off, hover and maneuver.

Abstract: The helicopter rotor blade connection has a support beam which connects the lift-generating wing section of the rotor blade with the rotor hub, and transmits centrifugal and lateral forces as well as bending and torsional moments. The connection is torsionally elastic and, at least in a main plane, bending elastic. A damping device for damping bending vibrations of the support beam is constructed alternately of elastomer layers and intermediate layers which are stiff in the direction of their extension. According to the invention, the damping device consists of a plurality of separate individual dampers which are arranged with their elastomer and intermediate layers in the direction of the main bending plane of the support beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for reducing the vibration generated on the structure (14) of a helicopter (2) by the aerodynamic flow through the main rotor (3).According to the invention, said device (1) includes:at least one sensor (16, 17, 18) measuring the vibration generated on said structure (14); anda calculating means (19) determining, from said measurements, an alternating variation in pitch of the blades (6) of the tail rotor (5) of the helicopter (2), capable of generating an alternating force (T1) opposing said vibration, and transmitting the pitch variation thus determined to a blade (6) pitch control system (7).

Abstract: A control system for an aircraft that controls the set speed of the propeller governor and the degree of opening of the throttle valve using a single control lever. The speed setting mechanism of the propeller governor is directly connected to the power lever by a push and pull cable, and the set speed of the propeller governor changes in proportion to the stroke of the power lever. Therefore, the propeller speed changes in proportion to the stroke of the power lever. On the other hand, the throttle valve is connected to the power lever by a nonlinear cam and a push and pull cable. Therefore, the degree of opening of the throttle valve does not change in proportion to the stroke of the power lever (i.e., the change in the degree of opening of the throttle valve has a nonlinear characteristic), and the engine output power changes in the nonlinear manner with respect to the change in the propeller speed.

Abstract: A control system has an HHC actuator having a basal portion and a movable portion. A load acting on the control system is detected by a semiconductor gauge. The load detected by the semiconductor gauge is compared with a threshold value in a computer. If the detected load is larger than the threshold load, the movable portion is fixed to the basal portion by a fixing mechanism. By detecting the sign of stall of blades, the HHC actuator is fixed in a neutral position, allowing safe flight. A fixing switch is provided for allowing the fixing mechanism to operate regardless of the result of the comparison with the computer.

Abstract: A device for stabilizing yaw motion is provided for use on a helicopter having a main rotor rotatable about a main rotor axis, a power source, and a tail rotor boom with a longitudinal axis. The device includes a tail rotor and a gyroscopic mechanism. The tail rotor is mounted to the tail boom of a helicopter and is rotated about a tail rotor axis by the power source to generate a thrust force transverse to the tail boom and offset from the main rotor axis. The gyroscopic mechanism automatically varies the thrust force generated by the tail rotor to oppose yaw motions. The gyroscopic mechanism includes first and second variable pitch gyro arms extending along first and second gyro arm pitch axes, respectively, a support mechanism, and a pitch adjustor linkage.