Float Supported Patents (Class 416/85)
  • Patent number: 11946442
    Abstract: Underwater vehicles capable of self-propulsion are described. An underwater vehicle includes a cross-flow turbine including two or more foils spaced apart from a main shaft. The foils have a pitch that is adjustable under control of a pitch control mechanism. The underwater vehicle also includes a frame supporting the main shaft. The frame enables rotation of the cross-flow turbine. The underwater vehicle additionally includes a generator-motor set including rotor and stator elements. The rotor element is in rotary communication with the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Jarlath McEntee, Nathanial Hayes, Millard Firebaugh
  • Patent number: 11933261
    Abstract: A method for harnessing wave energy includes providing a vehicle to a body of water, the vehicle. The method includes submerging the vehicle to a depth in the body of water. The method includes operating the motor-generator of the vehicle in the first quadrant of the motor-generator. The method includes detecting a phase of a wave in the body of water based information from the processor of the detected phase. The method includes orienting the vehicle to lag the phase of the wave based on the detected phase of the wave. The method includes synchronizing an inertial acceleration of the vehicle to movement of the wave. The method includes switching the motor-generator to the second quadrant for generation mode to convert energy from the movement of the wave to electrical energy. The method includes storing the energy from the wave in the rechargeable battery source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Aqua Satellite, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew DeVore Weaver, George Edward Homsy, Travis Leland Manderson
  • Patent number: 11878778
    Abstract: A floating platform comprised of a tower, buoyant outriggers, and an articulated arm can be used in one embodiment to support an offshore wind turbine. The buoyant articulated arm is positioned with a winch system that supports the tower in a nearly horizontal position during assembly at shore and during transport. The winch and articulated arm elevate the system into its operational position at sea. The tower may include a keel structure to reduce motions and stresses on the system. The floating platform may rotate about an area surrounding an anchor system without active wind alignment equipment. The natural alignment with the wind allows for optimization of the structure, resulting in lighter-weight, less material mass and ultimately lower cost. The horizontal transport alleviates clearance restrictions of many bridges. Requiring neither large cranes nor specialized ships during installation, its ability to raise itself is scalable to large sizes lowering cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Inventor: Larry Alan Viterna
  • Patent number: 11772754
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to facilities and systems capable of initiating and maintaining vertical flow, upward, within an extended-length water column by inducing changes in density throughout the column. Specifically, the induced (vertical) flow of water within an extended water column that is the present invention is accomplished through fluid aeration, with ambient air, which is directed toward producing ascending water flow rates sufficient to generate hydraulic pressure and hydraulic powered energy, through generated radial force in hydraulic turbines. It is another goal of this invention to utilize air infused water, derived from high-density and low depths, to create said vertical flow and induce turbine actuation through said unaltered, recyclable mediums—air and water—resulting in electrical power generation and desalination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Inventor: Matt Hutcheson
  • Patent number: 11746738
    Abstract: A wave power generation apparatus is disclosed. A wave power generation apparatus according to one embodiment can comprise: a floating body floating on the surface of the sea; a power transmission part, which is connected to the floating body so as to receive power generated according to the movement of the floating body, and moors the floating body on the surface of the sea; and a mooring angle adjustment module for adjusting the mooring angle of the floating body for the power transmission part according to the state of the waves acting on the floating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: INGINE, INC.
    Inventors: Sang Heon Lee, Sang Wook Park
  • Patent number: 11739725
    Abstract: A waterwheel assembly for a river or similar body of flowing water includes a waterwheel mounted on a support structure, and one or more buoyant members, wherein waterwheel can move up and down, and the buyout members support part of the weight of the waterwheel so that the waterwheel is able to rise and fall with any change to the river level, and the support structure is secured on land by the river or body of water by means of one or more cantilevered beams. The waterwheel has an axle secured between two vertical posts by means of salable bearings that permit the waterwheel to move up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventor: Gerald Coyle
  • Patent number: 11584487
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to facilities and systems capable of initiating and maintaining vertical flow, upward, within an extended-length water column by inducing changes in density throughout the column. Specifically, the induced (vertical) flow of water within an extended water column that is the present invention is accomplished through fluid aeration, with ambient air, which is directed toward producing ascending water flow rates sufficient to generate hydraulic pressure and hydraulic powered energy, through generated radial force in hydraulic turbines. It is another goal of this invention to utilize air infused water, derived from high-density and low depths, to create said vertical flow and induce turbine actuation through said unaltered, recyclable mediums—air and water—resulting in electrical power generation and desalination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Inventor: Matt Hutcheson
  • Patent number: 11549480
    Abstract: A floating drum turbine is used for generating the electrical energy from the kinetic energy of a water stream (sea wave or river flow) that provides the mechanical energy needed to rotate an electrical generator for generating the electricity. The drum turbine is installed on a buoyant skid anchored to the seabed by some chains/ropes to keep it in a fixed position and direction along the water stream. The turbine is coupled to an electrical generator with a power transmission system, and generates the electricity that is transferred to the coast using a cable system floated on the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventor: Shahriar Najafian
  • Patent number: 10975832
    Abstract: A water current catcher system for hydroelectricity generation includes a first L-shaped weir, a second L-shaped weir, a channel opening, an underwater gate assembly, and at least one elevation adjustable hydroelectric generator unit. The first and second L-shaped weir are connected to a subsurface environment and linearly positioned to each other. The channel opening is delineated between the first L-shaped weir and the second L-shaped weir. The underwater gate assembly is integrated into the first L-shaped weir, the second L-shaped weir, and the subsurface environment thus positioning about the channel opening. The elevation adjustable hydroelectric generator unit that includes a first jack-up barge, a second jack-up barge, a waterwheel, and a generator is connected to the subsurface environment and adjacently positioned about the channel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventor: Donald Hollis Gehring
  • Patent number: 10947953
    Abstract: A secondary electric power system and method of operation are disclosed. The system contains a grid having an array of turbines by which pressurized fluid is used to generate electricity to power a residential, commercial, agricultural or industrial structure. The secondary system may be a backup power source to the structure when a primary source is temporarily unavailable or may be a primary source in some circumstances. The method pumps fluid from a first pressure to a second pressure and exposes the fluid to a grid of turbine driven generators, the pressure is reduced across the grid to a third pressure that is less than the second. Additionally embodiments of the system are integrated into and incorporate components of other building utilities, e.g. water, sewer and fire control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Inventor: Chris Burns
  • Patent number: 10844832
    Abstract: A water current energy generator comprises a barrel configured to rotate in a water current and a pair of air compressors secured on either side of the barrel. As the barrel spins, the air compressors are actuated and compress air into a cylinder. The compressed air is then capable of being accessed by means of a pneumatic hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Inventor: Richard Feekin
  • Patent number: 10837426
    Abstract: A wind-driven power generating system with a hybrid wind turbine mounted on a floating platform that heels relative to horizontal in the presence of a prevailing wind. The hybrid turbine has a turbine rotor with at least two rotor blades, each mounted to a turbine shaft by at least one strut, and the system is configured so that the shaft forms a predetermined non-zero operating heel angle relative to vertical in the presence of a prevailing wind at a predetermined velocity. The blades and struts are airfoils with predetermined aerodynamic characteristics that generate lift forces with components in the direction of rotation around the shaft of the blades and struts at the operating heel angle to drive an electrical generator carried by the platform. The system can be designed to generate maximum power at the predetermined heel angle or essentially constant power over a range of heel angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: CONTINUUM DYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen R. Whitehouse, Alan J. Bilanin, Alexander H. Boschitsch, Daniel A. Wachspress
  • Patent number: 10666174
    Abstract: A floating electrical power generator having a three-dimensional (3D) flow passageway configured for increasing the water flow on the paddle wheel to increase the power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventor: Bruno Bergman
  • Patent number: 10337499
    Abstract: A self-installing offshore column stabilized semi-submersible platform has at least one vertical buoyant ballastable column, a telescoping keel tank or stiffened damper plate movably connected with the vertical column that extends and retracts relative to a lower end thereof, and a tilt and telescoping wind turbine tower assembly pivotally coupled to an upper end of the vertical column telescopes and reciprocates relative thereto between a horizontal retracted position and an axially extended vertical position. A wind turbine with blades is coupled to a top portion of the upper section of the tower assembly. The relative position and weight of the keel tank or damper plate is selectively adjustable to raise or lower the center of gravity of the entire mass of the semi-submersible platform including the wind turbine and tower assembly with respect to the center of buoyancy of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Nagan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 10273939
    Abstract: A wind turbine system comprising a plurality of wind turbines mounted to a support structure including a tower, wherein each of the plurality of wind turbines includes a rotor and a power generation system driven by the rotor, and at least one of a rotor blade pitch adjustment means and a generator power control means. The system further includes control means that receives vibration data associated with the support structure and which is configured to determine a damping control command for a respective one of the plurality of wind turbines, wherein the or each of the wind turbines includes a damping controller that receives a damping control command and which is operable to apply a damping control input to one or both of the blade pitch adjustment means and the generator power control means so as to counteract the measured vibration of the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Torben Ladegaard Baun, Erik Carl Lehnskov Miranda, Erik Sloth
  • Patent number: 9879649
    Abstract: The present invention provides a floating offshore wind turbine capable of suppressing yawing of a nacelle caused by a gyro effect which is a cause of adverse influence of power generating efficiency of a wind turbine and endurance of devices thereof. The floating offshore wind turbine includes a rotor which is rotated by wind, a nacelle in which a rotation shaft of the rotor is accommodated, and a tower including a turning seated bearing which supports the nacelle such that the nacelle can turn with respect to a sea surface to exert a weathercock effect. The tower is provided with yawing suppressing means which suppresses yawing of the nacelle. According to this, it is possible to suppress the yawing of the nacelle generated by a gyro effect caused by yawing generated in the floating body by waves of the sea surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MARITIME, PORT AND AVIATION TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Shunji Inoue
  • Patent number: 9103345
    Abstract: Provided is a supersonic compressor having a supersonic compressor rotor including a clockable rotor disk allowing restriction or opening of portions of a fluid flow channel of the rotor in order to enhance performance of the rotor during different operational stages, for example rotor start-up or steady state. The supersonic compressor has a first rotor disk, a second rotor disk and a third rotor disk which share a common axis of rotation. The first and second rotor disks are rotatably coupled, and the third rotor disk is disposed between them. The third rotor disk is independently rotatable relative to the first and second disks, and has a raised surface structure for restricting or opening a portion of the flow channel defined by the three rotor disks and at least two vanes. The flow channel contains a supersonic compression ramp and encompasses the raised surface structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zachary William Nagel, Douglas Carl Hofer
  • Publication number: 20150115613
    Abstract: A flowing-water driveable turbine assembly (104) for location in river or sea areas with unidirectional and bidirectional water flows. The turbine assembly comprises a turbine support (106) with positive buoyancy in water. The turbine support (106) is arranged to be anchored by an anchoring system (108) to a water bed. The turbine assembly comprises at least one turbine (110). The positive buoyancy of the turbine assembly in water has an upward force to constrain the turbine support 106 and the at least one turbine (110) to a position of floating equilibrium against a downward force of the anchoring system (108). The turbine assembly may have variable buoyancy, a duct around each turbine for directing water through the turbine to generate power from water flow, and a winch or winches for submerging the turbine assembly or parts thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: SUSTAINABLE MARINE ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Jason Hayman
  • Publication number: 20150071779
    Abstract: A wind power system comprising a wind turbine resting on a floating support and means for anchoring the system connected to the system by attachment points. The system furthermore comprises means for raising the attachment points above the waterline of the floating support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Averbuch, Yann Poirette, Timothee Perdrizet
  • Publication number: 20150044045
    Abstract: An offshore wind turbine comprising a buoyancy structure intended to provide a buoyancy force to support the wind turbine, wherein said buoyancy structure comprises at least one floater tank which, in use, contains a pressurized gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: ALSTOM RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Elena Menéndez Álvarez
  • Patent number: 8911207
    Abstract: A deployment device and system for a hydrokinetic energy converter such as a hydrokinetic turbine that can be coupled to a generator to produce electricity. The deployment device can include a floatable platform including a central aperture sized to allow a hydrokinetic turbine to be lowered therethrough into water. A pair of deployment swing members are rotatably attached to the platform and located adjacent to the central aperture. Each deployment swing member has a support for connection to an end of a hydrokinetic turbine. Each deployment swing member is rotatably supported for rotating the swing members from a first position in which the swing member and any attached turbine are raised at least partially out of the water, through the central aperture, and to a second position in which the swing member and any attached turbine are lowered beneath the platform at least partially in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Winfield Scott Anderson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140328680
    Abstract: An underwater turbine mounting includes a rigid tether having one end attached thereto at a pivot, and the other end adapted for connection to an underwater anchorage. The rigid tether is pivotable between a deployment condition and an anchorage condition. The mounting is pivotable between a deployment condition and an operating condition solely by adjusting the buoyancy thereof. The mounting is pivotable between an operating condition and a maintenance condition solely by adjusting the buoyancy thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Torr Todman, John Richard Carew Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20140322996
    Abstract: Provided are a floating structure fluid dynamic force use system and a wind-propelled vessel which uses the system whereby it is possible to compensate for overturning moment due to fluid dynamic force and to alleviate both tilting and size increases of a floating structure. A floating structure fluid dynamic force use system (1) comprises an assembly (12) which extracts energy from wind or water, and a floating structure (13) which supports the assembly (12). The assembly (12) comprises a wind receiving part (10) which receives fluid dynamic force, and a support column (11) which supports the wind receiving part (10). The assembly (12) is positioned with the center of gravity (15) thereof below the water line and is supported to be capable of tilting in an arbitrary direction upon the floating structure (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Takuju Nakamura, Hiromichi Akimoto
  • Publication number: 20140271196
    Abstract: A propeller has a number of blade surfaces or winglets extending helically around its rotational axis in the most streamlined manner. The winglets gradually project at an increasing distance outward with an arcuate shape, each defining a rearwardly concave channel that increases in volume and degree of encirclement rearward on the propeller. In the front of the propeller, the winglets are shaped so that they have edges angled obliquely and diagonally that conformingly and without cavitation cut into the water and cause it to flow smoothly in the channels. In the middle of the propeller, the winglet edges extend rearward so that water entrained in the channel is directed rearward without centrifugal loss. In the rear portion of the propeller, the channels narrow and reduce in volume so as to expel the water from the concavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: John Ioan Restea
  • Patent number: 8829705
    Abstract: A floating platform including a plurality of pontoons providing buoyancy to the platform, and a ballast section imparting a spatial orientation to the platform. The ballast section includes a high density ballast being an aggregation of rocks, an aggregation of chunks of iron ore, or an aggregation of any other high density material. Further, the ballast section is permeable to a fluid medium in which the platform floats so as to cause a high friction between the high density ballast and the fluid medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel Roznitsky
  • Patent number: 8814515
    Abstract: A floating turbine, including a vertical substantially fixed structure such as a pile or cable, a hydroelectric turbine, a connecting piece between the turbine and the structure that is operative to enable vertical motion of the turbine on the surface of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel Farb
  • Publication number: 20140234105
    Abstract: A floating wind turbine (1) for electric power production and a method for use of said wind turbine (1), is described, where the wind turbine (1) comprises a hull (2) attached to a supporting column (2?) for a wind turbine (3) which is arranged to be put into rotation by wind force acting on rotor blades (3?), the wind turbine (1) is connected to a buoyancy device (4) by means of a coupling device (5), the buoyancy device (4) is arranged encircling at least a portion of the hull (2), and the buoyancy device (4) is arranged to be able to support at least a portion of the mass of the wind turbine (1), the coupling device (5) is a rotary coupling arranged in such a way that the wind turbine (1) is arranged to be able to rotate an angle from an essentially vertical position towards a horizontal position, or the opposite, and the hull (2) is provided with an adjustable ballast means (9, 12) arranged to be able to balance the wind turbine (1) about the rotary coupling (5) in any position between said positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Magne Tolo
  • Publication number: 20140227096
    Abstract: Support platform for wind generators, comprising a central body (5) provided with a seat engaging with a final section (4) of a pillar (1) of a wind generator (2); this central body (5) is connected by means of a series of radial elements (6) to an annular floating structure (7) and provided internally with position-adjusting means (10) cooperating on the one hand with the base of this final section (4) of the pillar (1) and on the other hand with suitable support elements (9), these position-adjusting means (10) being able to receive and contain a given quantity of fluid and vary the height of the wind generator (2) by means of the raising or lowering of said pillar (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Mirko Montalti
  • Publication number: 20140203564
    Abstract: A platform-like device for generating electricity from moving fluids has two has at least two fluid turbines coupled to one another through a frame. The fluid turbines are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. The fluid turbines also provide buoyancy for the platform so that the platform is self supporting in the water. The fluid turbines preferably have helicoid flights (screw-like threads) mounted to generally prolate casings. The fluid turbines preferably connect to electric generators through belt, chain-drive, or other transmission systems. The platform may additional support a wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Natural Power Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: John Pitre
  • Publication number: 20140193259
    Abstract: An offshore wind turbine generator comprises an elongated, buoyant tower, having an internal service tube, the service tube extending from the lower end of the tower to above the waterline when in use, a connection arrangement comprising an upper connection assembly, and a lower connection assembly. An intermediate tension/torsion leg is arranged between the upper and lower connection assemblies. The connection assembly is adapted for lowering and raising within the service tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: SWAY AS
    Inventor: Eystein Borgen
  • Patent number: 8740543
    Abstract: A method of deploying offshore wind turbine assemblies includes mounting a wind turbine assembly horizontally on a vessel and transporting the wind turbine assembly to an offshore site. The wind turbine assembly is raised to a vertical condition at the site and attached to anchor weights. Blades are attached to the turbine head after the wind turbine assembly is in the vertical condition. In one embodiment, the wind turbine assembly can include a tower including tapered lower and upper sections joined together at their respective wide ends, a turbine head connected to the upper section, and a platform connected to the lower section. The platform includes a buoy tank partially filled with ballast to provide mass and buoyancy. A wave piercing cowling is rotatively attached to the lower section. The turbine head can include an adjustable journal bearing, scabbard blade mounts, and a gearless induction generator with flux adjusting capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20140097620
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for capturing the kinetic energy of a fluid and converting it to rotational, electrical or mechanical energy, the device including a rotating bar mechanism for enabling rotation of a flow-capturing blade around a central axis of the device while retaining the flow-capturing blade in an orientation perpendicular to the fluid flow direction throughout the rotation cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Tzach Harari
  • Publication number: 20140079548
    Abstract: A floating offshore wind turbine comprises a rotor with a plurality of blades, a nacelle and a nacelle support structure having a central longitudinal axis. A plurality of tuned mass damping configurations is arranged around the central longitudinal axis of the nacelle support structure to dampen vibrations in all 6 degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Alstom Renovables Espana, S.L.
    Inventor: Arturo Rodríguez Tsouroukdissian
  • Patent number: 8668452
    Abstract: The invention relates to an device for production of energy from currents in water, comprising a first element (10), a second element (20) and a plurality of turbine modules (750) connected to the first element. The second element is mounted on the first element in an approximately perpendicular relationship, the first element is adapted for submersion below a water surface, and an upper part of the second element projects up above the water surface when the plant is in production. The invention also relates to an anchoring device for a floating plant (10, 20), comprising mooring lines (24a, 24b) which are connected at one of their respective ends to the plant and which are connected at their respective second ends to buoys (50, 52), where the mooring lines (24a, 24b) extend substantially horizontally between the plant and the respective buoys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hydra Tidal Energy Technology AS
    Inventor: Svein Dag Henriksen
  • Patent number: 8651798
    Abstract: A kinetic hydropower generation system has a turbine and a generator coupled to the turbine. An underwater intake nozzle assembly is fluidly coupled to the turbine. For one embodiment, an underwater tower nozzle may be fluidly coupled between the turbine and the underwater intake nozzle assembly. The underwater intake nozzle assembly may include a collector and a converging nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sheer Wind, Inc.
    Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
  • Publication number: 20140044541
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of methods and floating platforms for exploiting wind energy offshore. In particular, the invention provides a floating platform (1) anchored to at least one anchor point (7, 7?), including a wind turbine (2), and a shift device for shifting the wind turbine (2), which device is configured to shift the wind turbine (2) as a function of a set of parameters, including wind direction (V), in order to minimize the aerodynamic wake effects, and the invention also provides a method of exploiting wind energy by means of a set of floating platforms (1), each of which includes at least one wind turbine (2) and is anchored to at least one anchor point (7,7?). In this method, at least one wind turbine (2) of said set of floating platforms is shifted as a function of a set of parameters, including wind direction (V) in order to minimize the aerodynamic wake effects and in order to maximize the power generation of the set of wind turbines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: IDEOL
    Inventor: Paul Dupin De La Gueriviere
  • Patent number: 8579576
    Abstract: A support system for at least one water drivable turbine (1) that when in operation is immersed in a column of flowing water, characterized in that the system includes a deck or raft (3) for supporting said at least one turbine when immersed, the deck or raft (3) having an inherent buoyancy which is such as to enable the deck or raft (3) to rise through the column of water upon reduction of the buoyancy, the arrangement being such that the associated turbine or turbines (1) can be raised above the surface of said column in order to access the turbine for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Marine Current Turbines Limited
    Inventor: Peter L. Fraenkel
  • Publication number: 20130147199
    Abstract: A series of helical Savonius turbine generators for use in the ocean, each turbine generator being an independent system, but all sharing a common mooring/bus-bar cable. An anchor connects one generator to the ocean floor, and a buoyancy device system buoys the turbines so that they can generate power from passing currents. The generators are coreless, and generate electrical or hydraulic power. The turbine blades rotate on bearings that are lubricated with ambient water. A control system separately tracks the power generation level of each turbine, and controls the buoyancy of the buoyancy device system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Zambrano, Tyler MacCready, Taras Kiceniuk, JR., Bart D. Hibbs, Ghyrn E. Loveness
  • Publication number: 20130064664
    Abstract: A floating structure has a hull and a propeller propulsion system having a gear arrangement that is connected via a first intermediate shaft to at least one electromotor, the electromotor being arranged onboard the floating structure, and via a second intermediate shaft to a propeller. The gear arrangement has an angular gear. The first intermediate shaft forms an angle relative to the second intermediate shaft. The gear arrangement is arranged as a separate unit in an appendage or addition to the hull of the floating structure. The appendage or addition is designed to allow an interior thereof to be accessed from within the vessel, whereby maintenance, replacement, or repairs of the gear arrangement can be carried out. The angular gear has at least one angled gearwheel set and one cylindrical gearwheel set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: SCANA VOLDA AS
    Inventors: Henning Brautaset, Roald Håvik
  • Patent number: 8393850
    Abstract: A wind turbine has an impeller surrounded by a turbine shroud and/or an ejector shroud, wherein the turbine shroud and/or the ejector shroud include inflatable portions and/or flexible inflatable portions. In some embodiments, the turbine shroud and/or the ejector shroud include internal rib members whose shape or length can be changed to alter the characteristics of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Werle, William Scott Keeley, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Walter M. Presz, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130052015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating wind turbine (1), comprising a rotor (3), an upper column (5) connected to the rotor (3), and a stabilizer tank (4) disposed between the upper column (5) and a lower column (6), and an anchor (7) rotatably connected to the lower column (6), the stabilizer tank (4) having its centre of buoyancy eccentrically arranged in relation to a longitudinal centre axis through the upper (5) and the lower (6) column. The invention also relates to a method for the mounting and installation of a floating wind turbine (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Dag Velund
  • Publication number: 20120328437
    Abstract: Floating energy producing plant (1), comprising at least three wind generators (2) attached to a common floating unit which can be placed on water independent of placement and water depth. The unit comprises a frame work (F) constructed of pipes (4) connected in at least three attachment points having the shape of nodes (3, 5). The pipes (4) are sealed in their respective ends (4a, 4b) and forms separate floating parts adapted to be connected to the nodes (3, 5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: HEXICON AB
    Inventors: Anders Tunbjer, Percy Sundquist, Dag Landvik
  • Publication number: 20120269628
    Abstract: A device of floating wind turbine comprises a floating foundation, wind turbines provided on the floating foundation, and a seabed anchor attached to the floating foundation, wherein the floating foundation is symmetrically provided with two wind turbines; the floating foundation and the two wind turbines are attached to the seabed anchor by tethers, whereby when the wind turbines are driven to generate electrical power, they respectively exert an upward force and a downward force at a center portion of the floating foundation between the two wind turbines; both turbines have an approximately equal speed and output power; whereby the upward force can be counterbalanced by the downward force, so that the wind turbines and the floating foundation can be maintained at a balanced condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: KUO-SHEN LIU
  • Patent number: 8277168
    Abstract: A tidal power apparatus comprises a moored pontoon (1) having a duct (2) therethrough opening at opposed ends of the pontoon. The duct has a vertical axis rotor (3) therein driving an electrical generator (6). A deflector vane (8) is located in the duct at each end thereof, each deflector vane being mounted to pivot about a vertical axis between an active position, in which the deflector vane deflects water flow to one side of the rotor axis to cause rotation of the rotor, and an inactive position substantially aligned with the water flow from the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Hardisty Jack
  • Patent number: 8272831
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus suitable for use in extracting energy from the movement of water, in particular tidal movement, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongate, generally circular in cross section, buoyancy vessel (1), having depending from its underside on a mounting means, rotatable rotor blades (2). The rotor blades are connected to a power generating means whereby in use of the apparatus movement of water across the rotor blasé, drives them so as to generate power in the power generating means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Scotrenewables (Marine Power) Ltd.
    Inventor: Barry Johnston
  • Publication number: 20120207600
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a wind energy system with one or more floating modules having at least two vertical wind turbines mounted thereon. A multipoint mooring system couples the floating module to a seabed, the mooring system having at least two mooring points with at least two lines positioned at location s around the floating module with the wind turbines. A rotation system is coupled to the floating module and adapted to twist the floating module relative to wind direction while the multipoint mooring system is coupled between the seabed and the floating module. The rotation system can include induced gyroscopic torque from counter-rotating wind turbines and a self-adjusting induced gyroscopic torque differential from varying wind directions. Other rotation systems can include winches and translating assemblies that can be activated to tighten or loosen mooring lines in the multipoint mooring system coupled to the floating module in a catenary manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventors: Peter Graham Harris, James O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20120187693
    Abstract: A device configured for the production of hydrokinetic energy that allows the efficient capture of energy from fluid in motion, especially slow flowing fluids. The device features an innovative structural design and drive train system as well as redundancy, which allows the device to be deployed in position, placed in service and maintained over its lifetime through the use of remotely operated vehicles. The device features one or more turbines, each turbine having an open center tube. The device features a buoyancy system including a plurality of thin walled modular buoyancy chambers with a redundant (re)pressurization system and remotely operated vehicle replaceable bladder modules. Structure cavities of the device are capable of storing energy via processed energy storage liquids such as hydrogen or via gas compression in tanks and then exporting the stored energy or reconverting the stored energy into electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Robert C. Houvener, Tyler Nathaniel Doyle
  • Patent number: 8206113
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for gradually converting marine wave energy into electricity. The energy reserve provided by wind power holds enough energy for the needs of the entire mankind. The invention provides an efficient means of putting this energy reserve to practical use. Mounted on a rotating power shaft is a pair of form parts, the convex and concave shape, especially the round-pointed open V-shape of which reverses its orientation by 180 degrees, i.e. turns from convex to concave, whenever the power shaft makes a rotation of 180 degrees. The circular motion of water occurring in a wave drives such a turbine effectively while the wave dies out. The pair of convex and concave form parts extends helically around the power shaft, whereby water currents in all directions, which come to contact with the pair of form parts, produce a rotative moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventors: Seppo Ryynänen, Mikko Ryynänen
  • Patent number: 8197208
    Abstract: A floating underwater support structure is disclosed. The underwater support structure includes a joint capable of rotation and angular movement along two or three axes coupled to a truss. The truss is capable of sustaining loads in tension, compression, and bending, and comprises one or more elongate, rigid members. The elongate, rigid members are capable of sustaining loads in at least tension and compression. A buoyant member positioned between or around the members of the truss at a predetermined distance below the water provides a buoyant force that typically exceeds the weight of the entire structure. In deeper water, cross bracing may be provided between the members of the truss, and in particularly deep water, a single tendon may connect between the joint, typically anchored to the floor of the body of water, and the truss. The support structure may be used to support wind turbines and other structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Clear Path Energy, LLC
    Inventors: William G. Sharples, Christopher H. Tracy
  • Patent number: 8192160
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a rotor having a hub and at least one rotor blade, wherein the operating height of the hub is adjustable. Further, a method for operating a wind turbine is provided, which includes varying the height of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Francisco Garcia Lopez, Eugenio Yegro Segovia, Pedro Luis Benito Santiago