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.

Abstract: A method in connection with a wind turbine installation for damping tower vibrations, in particular a floating wind turbine installation comprising a floating cell, a tower arranged over the floating cell, a generator mounted on the tower that is rotatable in relation to the wind direction and fitted with a wind turbine, and an anchor line arrangement connected to anchors or foundations on the sea bed. The tower's eigenvibrations, ?eig, are damped by, in addition to control with the controller in the constant power or RPM range of the wind turbine, an increment, ??, being added to the blade angle of the turbine blades on the basis of the tower velocities, ?Z, so that the eigenvibrations are counteracted.

Abstract: A deep off-shore floating wind turbine apparatus and methods of manufacturing, operating, maintaining, protecting and conveying the wind turbine apparatus. The wind turbine includes a rotor converting a motion of air into a movement of the rotor, a hub housing equipment that transforms the movement of the rotor into a useful form of energy, and a tower supporting the hub on one end. The wind turbine further includes a base floating substantially at water surface and movable with respect to the underlying solid surface. The tower is connected to the floating base on the second end. The wind turbine also includes a tilting mechanism tilting the wind turbine into a substantially horizontal orientation and bringing it back into an upright position, as well as a rotating mechanism operable to control azimuth orientation of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A floating, anchored installation for energy production where the installation comprises at least one windmill, and where the installation is provided with at least one float driven pump.

Abstract: A reengineered undershot waterwheel adapted to capture unutilized hydrokinetic energy is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades, partitions, and shafts of the waterwheel are composed of engineered plastics and composites for improved operation and longevity. In other embodiments, the waterwheel may be fixed, floating, partially or fully submerged, mounted vertically or horizontally, and will operate in deep and shallow flowing water sources.

Abstract: A wind turbine energy conversion device that can take advantage of the higher speed and more persistent winds at higher altitudes is hereinafter disclosed. The wind turbine energy conversion device includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) connected to one end of a tether (which may include multiple shorter tethers), the other end being connected to a terrestrial anchorage point. The UAV flies at altitudes where wind speeds can reach 40 mph or higher. The UAV comprises a flying wing with one or more trailing wind power turbines and flies airborne maneuvers designed to increase relative wind speed up to about four times the true wind speed.

Abstract: A buoyant hydro turbine(31) for capturing and utilizing energy in the currents of flowing water. A driven component(33) produces electricity or other energy is coupled to and supported by a buoyant rotor(64), increasing efficiency and eliminating the need for an independent supporting structure. Tethered in flowing water, the current(71) rotates the rotors(32) and transfers rotatable energy to the central driven component(33) where electricity or other mechanical work is produced. A number of embodiments are adapted for optimizing and maintaining positioning in a stream of moving water. Additional embodiments optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the turbine in capturing and utilizing the current's kinetic energy as well as hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: Offshore wind turbine which includes at least one floating body supporting a wind turbine tower with belonging rotor and machinery house containing components necessary for production of energy based on wind. The at least one floating body consists of a buoyancy body, spacer and ballast structure, the floating body being connected to a steering arm which is further connected to a connecting structure having a turntable which is connected to anchor lines tied to seabed anchors.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a kite positioned upstream to a turbine to direct wind to the turbine, thereby increasing revolutions per minutes and power output of the turbine.

Abstract: A counterbalanced orthogonal hydropower system for generating electricity comprises -an upper and lower turbines made as ring-shaped platforms, each incorporating a rotor, the turbines include hydro-dynamical blades positioned to rotate the turbines in opposite directions, -variously disposed inductors, -a tower mounted on a water reservoir's bottom, -a frame, supported by the tower and peripherally surrounded by a rigid polygon-shaped structure having vertexes, -units for rotatable support of the turbines associated with the frame, and -units for support of the inductors, wherein the latters are attached to the vertexes through spring-loaded hinges. It may also comprise units for support of the circular shape of platforms, for braking rotation of the turbines, for unloading the turbines from lateral forces, and for unloading the turbines from vertical forces. The top turbine may have negative buoyancy, while the bottom turbine and frame may have positive buoyancy. The frame can be made of hollow rods.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a floating wind turbine is described. The floating wind turbine includes a wind turbine generator coupled to a support tower. The method includes measuring a tower inclination, determining an operating parameter control value based on at least the measured tower inclination, and adjusting wind turbine operation based at least partially on the operating parameter control value.

Abstract: A cruising aerator includes a raft, a motor mounted on the raft, a shaft driven by the motor, a first impeller mounted on the shaft, a second impeller mounted on the shaft, and a common chamber. The cruising aerator further includes a sequential controller connected to the motor for controlling the motor to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. The motor, the shaft and impellers are installed inside of the common chamber. The common chamber has a common inlet disposed under a water surface. A first outlet and a second outlet of the common chamber are arranged to face in opposite directions. The first impeller and second impeller are assembled to have opposite normal rotating directions to each other according to a rotating direction of the motor.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a supporting system for suspended wind turbines placed in mountainous areas and cliff seashores. The system includes: substantially vertical support the turbine is attached to and a turbine coupled using a mechanism allowing a full-circle rotation of the turbine around the support. A carrying cable stretched over the ground carries downward vertical loads applied to the system, and a number of guy ropes, placed angularly to each other, carry applied wind loads. In the second and the third versions of the invention it is disclosed modifications of the main structural system for supporting vertical-axis wind turbines and the turbines placed in cliff seashore.

Abstract: A method of moving a floating wind turbine relative to a body of water, the floating wind turbine having a buoyant body with a nacelle at the upper end thereof, including the steps of floating the floating wind turbine in the body of water, and towing the floating wind turbine whilst holding the buoyant body in an inclined position, whereby the nacelle is held clear of the water. As the wind turbine is held in an inclined position, it can be towed through regions of shallower water than if it were in a vertical position.

Abstract: A fluid circulation system wherein circulation is caused within a body by establishing a ring vortex within the fluid generated by an impeller designed in accordance with the Golden Section or Phi Geometry.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a two-dimensional array of a plurality of modular wind turbine units arranged in a plurality of horizontal rows and vertical columns. The two-dimensional array of modular wind turbine units are carried by a frame structure including a plurality of parallel beams extending along a first orthogonal axis and spaced from each other along a second orthogonal axis, with the plurality of modular wind turbine units mounted between each pair of the parallel beams extending along the first orthogonal axis. Also described is a modular wind turbine unit particularly useful in such a system.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. Methods and means of deploying, positioning, maintaining, controlling and operating the system are also provided, as are detailed descriptions of novel inductor type generators used to obtain power from fast moving water currents, flotation tanks for tensioning the system against a submerged anchoring system disposed on an associated seafloor, and fluid-filled ballast chambers equipped with multiple sub-chambers that lend precision control and continuous adjustability to the system.

Abstract: The wind turbine 20 has sail wings 92 that catch the wind and rotate the turbine wheel 22. The sail wings may be twisted about their longitudinal axis 94 to form pitch and twist in the said wings. A generator is movably positioned in an arc of movement of the turbine wheel and adjusts to the lateral movement of the turbine wheel. Air and liquid cooling is provided to the coils of the rotor and stator of the generator.

Abstract: A wind turbine (10) includes a turbine wheel (12) with radially extending turbine blades (20) supported between the axis structure (16) and the circular rim (18) of the turbine wheel. Turbine blade extensions (22) are positioned in alignment with the turbine blades and may be pivotally mounted on the circular rim.

Abstract: A turbine-intake tower for delivering wind to a turbine has a hollow support column, an intake nozzle assembly rotatably coupled to the support column, and a tower nozzle disposed within the support column. The intake nozzle assembly is configured to receive and to accelerate wind. The tower nozzle is configured to receive the wind from the intake nozzle assembly and to further accelerate the wind received from the intake nozzle assembly for delivery to the turbine.

Abstract: A water current power generation system is provided, including a plurality of flotation tubes joined by a body structure; a plurality of ballast chambers joined by a body structure; a plurality of induction type power generation units disposed within housings associated with one or more of the flotation chambers, ballast chambers and body structure; and a plurality of propellers disposed in mechanical communication with each of the induction type generator units. In one presently preferred embodiment, a plurality of propellers disposed in communication with a plurality of induction type generator units, wherein the propellers each include one or more concentrically disposed rings, with each of the concentrically disposed rings having an inner ring member, an outer ring member, and a plurality of curved fin members separated by gap spaces disposed between the inner and outer ring members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting energy from wind and wave motion using a common floating platform comprising a ship hull (10) which is moored in an offshore location and which supports wind turbines (27) for extracting energy from wind and wave energy extraction devices (12) positioned at least at one side of the hull (10) for extracting energy from wave motion relative to the hull (10). The method and apparatus may also use water current energy extraction devices. The hull (10) may also support a desalination plant (45) which uses the energy generated from the wind, wave and water current energy extraction devices.

Abstract: A floating power generation assembly has at least three floating units (3400) provided with power generation means (3402, 3404) and floating in a body of water. At least one of the three floating units (3400) is a tension leg platform. The assembly also comprises first anchors secured to a surface beneath the water, and first cables (3414, 3416) connecting the buoyant body (3400) to the first anchors. Second anchors are secured to the underwater surface and connected by second cables (3412) to the floating units (3400). The floating units (3400) are arranged substantially at the vertices of at least one triangle or quadrilateral.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a downwind power plant (1) with at tower (2), a machine housing (3) and a turbine (4) supported in the housing (3). The turbine (4) defines a plane of revolution and is adapted to be pivoted to a position substantially perpendicular to the direction of the wind. At least two wires (6) are connected to the tower (2) at its one end, and each wire is attached in at least one attachment point in the other end for maintaining the tower in an erected position during operation. Each wire may include at least a first and a second position. The wire in the first position extends at an oblique angle downwards from an attachment point in or close to the centre for the horizontal forces that are applied to the tower by the turbine under operation. In the second position is each wire lead out of the plane of revolution, such that the turbine plane is free to turn around a vertical axis without the wire impeding the turbine plane.

Abstract: A turbine has airfoils that are configured to extract work from a prevailing fluid flow. An actuator causes the airfoils to pivot or fold between a first position with their spans substantially normal to the flow direction and a second position with their spans substantially parallel to the flow direction, or any position in between. The variable geometry allows the airfoils to be sized for relatively light winds and to remain operational in relatively high winds without damage. Under extreme conditions the airfoils may be folded completely for safety.

Abstract: A Wind energy conversion apparatus comprising a wind turbine supported by, or integral with, a lighter-than-air structure, the part of the turbine that rotates being rotated by the wind whilst at the same time absorbing substantially all of the force of the wind so that the position of the apparatus can be maintained.

Abstract: Using radial air bearings to support the rotor at the perimeter, vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are less expensive and faster to build. With just one moving part, the rotor, direct-drive generation may be employed to eliminate the drive line, gear box, and bearings at the generator. The bearings and generator are the lowest turbine components, allowing ground-level service. This low center-of-gravity and broad base conveniently allow for flotation. Such turbines can be manufactured onshore, towed out 30 or more miles into class 6 winds, tethered into a mooring field and plugged in. No foundation on the seafloor or assembly at sea is required. Additionally, power can be transmitted to land lines through current and retired power plants for “grid recycling”. These advantages dramatically improve the return on investment, the reliability of the energy stream and the ability to usefully locate the turbine.

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.

Abstract: This invention relates to improving the performance of the conventional vertical windmills. The following strategies are employed to accomplish the objectives: Modularizing the vane assembly structure to scale up the size and capacity of the windmill without weakening its structural integrity. Reducing the frictional loss by using buoyancy bearing. Generating lift to harvest more energy stored in the wind. Applying the basic mechanical skill and using off-the-shelf parts to reduce initial investment and maintenance cost.

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: Provided is a submersible floating aerator, including a submersible hollow shaft motor (1) including a hollow shaft (2), a bottom shaft extension (4), a first motor flange (15), a second motor flange (16), a first flange (24) and a second flange (25), a gas-ring compressor (17), a base (21) having a gas inlet hole (22), a gas inlet tube (23), a dome (26), a propeller assembly (60) and an air outlet opening (18); wherein the base (21) is fixed on the top of the gas inlet tube (23), the gas-ring compressor (17) is fixed on the base (21) via a bracket (19); the air outlet opening (18) is connected to the gas-inlet hole (22) via a pipe (20); the gas inlet tube (23) is fixed to the first motor flange (15) via a first flange (24); the second motor flange (16) is fixed to the dome (26) via the second flange (25); the bottom shaft extension (4) is coaxially connected to the propeller assembly (60); and the hollow shaft (2) rotates along with the propeller assembly (60).

Abstract: An improved waterwheel and methods for its use are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the waterwheel is an undershot waterwheel utilized for electrical power generation. In another embodiment, the waterwheel may be partially or fully submerged. The waterwheel of the present invention may additionally be utilized to provide potable water, oxygen and hydrogen gases. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

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.

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 support structure for a flowing-water drivable turbine system having a pair of generally horizontal decks of streamlined cross-section and at least one turbine assembly mounted thereon for operational co-operation with a flow of water in which the decks and turbine assembly is submerged.

Abstract: An arrangement for a floating wind power station (1) tower (3) which floats in a substantially vertical position in that the effective centre of gravity of the tower (3) is below the centre of buoyancy of the tower (3), and wherein a machine house (13) including rotor (15) is non-rotatably connected to the tower (3) and the tower (3) is articulatedly connected to the seabed (5), wherein the tower (3) is rotatable about a tower axis of rotation (29) in that lower part (21) of the tower (3) is provided with a swivel joint (27a or 27b) that is designed to essentially absorb vertical tensile forces.

Abstract: A floating power generation assembly comprises at least three floating units (900) floating on a body of water, and at least three anchors (916) secured to a solid surface beneath the body of water, each of the floating units (900) being provided with a power generator, the floating units (900) being arranged substantially at the vertices of at least one equilateral triangle. Ship borne apparatus for deploying the floating units of such a power generation assembly and a novel multiple wind turbine assembly are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from a water current in a body of water comprises a longitudinally extending flotation platform for maintaining the apparatus afloat in the body of water and a water turbine operatively carried by the platform for generating power in response to water current in the body of water. The platform is configured to enhance the flow of water current over the turbine blades and, as well, to enable a number of like platforms each with an associated turbine or turbines to be arrayed in a cooperative manner. The water turbine may comprise a turbine rotor with a plurality of relatively narrow, flexible elongated blades arranged in circumferentially spaced rows extending along the rotor. In each row, the blades are distanced from each other in succession by a space.

Abstract: A system (1) designed to generate energy with the aid of, primarily, sea currents, comprising a rotation body (4) having a front inlet side (2) and a rear outlet side (3), and at least one transfer member (6) connected between the inlet side (2) and a generator (5). The rotation body has a conical and/or bulb shaped, tapering section (8, 9) extending from a substantially cylindrical waist section (7) in direction towards the inlet side, and a conical and/or concave or flat portion extending in the opposite direction from the outlet side, said waist section being along its circumference provided with close to each other mounted blades (10) for the purpose of maintaining a rotation of the rotation body, the free, front end of which is at the same time secured to the transfer member (6) in order to transfer a rotational movement to the generator (5).

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: 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: A hydro-electric generator for producing electricity in areas of flowing water. The hydro-electric generator includes a flotation device. An electric generator is mounted on the floatation device. A paddle wheel is rotatably mounted to the floatation device. The paddle wheel is mechanically coupled to the electric generator. The floatation device is anchored in an area of flowing water such that a current rotates the paddle wheel and electricity is produced.

Abstract: A plant for utilizing the energy in the waves which are present at a given time in a section of a water area, such as an ocean or a lake. The plant comprises a base located in this section and in the shape of a platform or raft and a wave converter placed on the base and serving for transforming the wave motion of the water into whirling motion. The plant furthermore comprises a number of adjacent wave catches each having at least one catch plate for catching at least part of the water of the waves and making this water flow down along the catch plate from a top front edge to a bottom rear edge on the plate, and a whirl pipe for each wave catch for, via a slot extending along the rear edge of the at least one catch plate, taking up the water flowing along the catch plate so that this water will describe a whirling motion in the whirl pipe. The plant can utilize the average energy in the waves better and with less construction costs than known so far.

Abstract: A bi-directional hydroturbine assembly for tidal deployment. A hydroturbine is carried by a cylindrical shroud. Rotation of the hydroturbine blades by tidal currents drives rotation of the shaft, thereby converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. Stabilizer fins extend radially outwardly from the shroud along substantially the entire length of the shroud. Each comer of each stabilizer fin carries a pivot point for connection of pivoting deflectors between adjacent pivot points of adjacent stabilizer fins at the same end of the shroud. Pivoting deflectors are positioned between pivot points about the periphery of each end of the shroud and are biased such that tidal current flow in a first direction urges pivoting deflectors at the first end of the shroud into a non-deflective position, while urging pivoting deflectors at the second end of the shroud into a deflective position, and vice versa for tidal current flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A portable generating system for converting either water or wind energy into electricity comprises a paddle wheel assembly having a housing and a plurality of impellers rotatably mounted therein. The housing defines inlet and outlet openings for receiving a fluid stream, whether water or air, therebetween so as to rotate the impellers. The impellers are axially connected to a generator for producing electricity upon impeller rotation as the fluid stream flows between the housing openings. The generator may be mounted within the paddle wheel housing adjacent the impellers or at a distance therefrom and coupled thereto with a shaft. A plurality of mounting brackets are fixedly attached to the outer surface of the housing. The generating system further includes a plurality of height-adjustable support legs that may be coupled to the mounting brackets so that the paddle wheel housing may be positioned at a predetermined height above a support surface.

Abstract: A bidirectional hydroturbine assembly for tidal deployment. A hydroturbine is carried by a cylindrical shroud. Rotation of the hydroturbine blades by tidal currents drives rotation of the shaft, thereby converting kinetic energy into electrical energy. Stabilizer fins extend radially outwardly from the shroud along substantially the entire length of the shroud. Each corner of each stabilizer fin carries a pivot point for connection of pivoting deflectors between adjacent pivot points of adjacent stabilizer fins at the same end of the shroud. Pivoting deflectors are positioned between pivot points about the periphery of each end of the shroud and are biased such that tidal current flow in a first direction urges pivoting deflectors at the first end of the shroud into a non-deflective position, while urging pivoting deflectors at the second end of the shroud into a deflective position, and vice versa for tidal current flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A series of floating turbine rotors each have a tubular hub with outwardly projecting blades, and the rotors are connected in general axial alignment by a flexible driven shaft. The shaft includes tubular floating connector shafts and flexible couplings, and each rotor is connected to drive the shaft through a one-way ratchet clutch. One or more lines of the connected floating rotors are anchored within moving water of a river or in the waves flowing into a seashore, and the rotors drive each flexible shaft which, in turn, drives an electric generator through a fly-wheel and a power converter or drives an air compressor for producing compressed air which is stored in underground tanks and later used to drive an electric generator through an air turbine.

Abstract: An apparatus for tensioning a subsurface float line and the like during doyment of the line and thereafter includes a capstan rotatably mounted and located in a liquid medium, the capstan having a bore extending from one end of the capstan to the other end, the bore including a plurality of pump blades for moving the liquid through the bore when the capstan is rotated, the capstan also including turbine blades located around the circumference of the capstan and adjacent both ends of the capstan, the capstan also including a circular surface interposed between the turbine blades for communicating with the line to be tensioned. The pump and turbine blades do work when the capstan is rotated thereby creating a counter rotational (drag) force that tensions the line during and after deployment.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine is supported by a frame held in place by an encircling series of crescent-shaped tubular deflector vanes. The vanes widen towards the turbine core, concentrating the wind. The wind is trapped momentarily on entering the turbine cavities. Air can be supplied to such cavities from a compressed air source driven by wave action on a body of water.

Abstract: A device for generating rotating shaft power from atmospheric air includes an airfoil. A partition is disposed within the airfoil along the length thereof. The partition forms an upper chamber and a lower chamber within the airfoil. The partition includes an aperture creating a fluid communication path between the upper and lower chambers. The leading edge of the airfoil includes an aperture disposed adjacent to the lower chamber. The top surface of the airfoil includes an aperture disposed adjacent to the upper chamber. A turbine is disposed within the partition aperture, and is adapted to be driven by fluid pressure entering the leading edge aperture of the airfoil and exiting the top surface aperture of the airfoil.