Abstract: A windmill having a plurality of radially extending blades, each being an aerodynamic-shaped airfoil having a cross-section which is essentially an inverted pan-shape with an intermediate section, a leading edge into the wind, and a trailing edge which has a flange doubled back toward the leading edge and an end cap. The blade is of substantial uniform thickness. An air compressor and generator are driven by the windmill. The compressor is connected to a storage tank which is connected to the intake of a second compressor.

Abstract: A fluid power storage device is provided in which, the prime mover directly or through a slow-down gear train winds up a spring device having a latch attached therein. The spring device can be a spiral spring or simply a rubber band. When the stored up energy is great enough, an adjustable stopper automatically releases the spring device being latched. The spring device in turn, releases the stored energy which then activates a mechanism or drives an electric generator. After a certain amount of energy stored up is released, the latch will automatically be caught by the stopper. Hence the mechanism or the electric generator will be stopped and the fluid power storage device starts to store up energy again for the next release of the spring device.

Abstract: A wind driven electrical power generating apparatus includes an armature. The apparatus also includes a wing secured to the armature. The wing defines a pocket having a hub end and an outer end. The width of the pocket monotonically increases from the hub end to the outer end. Moreover, the depth of the pocket monotonically increases from the hub end to the outer end. The wing and the armature produce a relatively large amount of torque during rotation of the armature which is converted to high rotational speed by a gear mechanism thereby driving a generator at a relatively high rotational speed. Such high torque production eliminates the need to rotate the armature at a high rotational speed. Moreover, the configuration of the wing allows the armature to be rotated in the presence of relatively low wind velocities. Hence, the apparatus may be efficiently utilized for electrical power generation in geographic areas which typically experience relatively low wind velocities.

Abstract: A method and device for collecting energy from wind includes an airfoil having an outer surface defining a leading edge, a central section of greatest breadth adjacent to which a Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region results as an air flow passes over the airfoil from the leading edge to a trailing edge, an air passage contained within the outer surface, and a plurality of edge nozzles penetrating the outer surface within the section of greatest breadth. The edge nozzles each have an outlet orifice oriented toward the trailing edge and an inlet orifice feeding into the air passage and being positioned to communicate between the air passage and the Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region. The airfoil is positioned in the wind with the leading edge facing substantially into the wind and with the wind passing over the edge nozzles. An airflow-driven turbine capable of converting an airflow into rotational mechanical energy is also provided, the turbine being in airflow communication with the air passage.

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: An energy conversion device which comprises a stacked array of alternating yawable and fixed toroidal modules about a central core structure. The yawable toroids have typically four impact impellers mounted in their peripheral flow regions for the purpose of capturing flow energy. The fixed toroids are mounted to complement and further enhance fluid flow impact impeller energy capture and to provide housing means for a variety of matter both associated and unassociated with the energy system. The stacked array of a toroid with impellers, designated a Toroidal Rotor Amplifier Platform (TRAP.TM.), and a toroid without impellers, designated a Toroidal Wind Frame (TWF.TM.), is referred to in aggregate, when used for wind energy conversion, as a Wind Amplified Rotor Platforms (WARP.TM.) system. Under wind energy conversion use, a WARP.TM.

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.

Abstract: A plant for recovering energy from waves in motion comprises a wedge-shaped unit, anchored, and self-adjusting towards the waves. The floating reception unit (1) is placed in the water and has a ramp (3) for the waves and a guide device (4) guiding the water to a reception pipe (8) and into an energy converting engine (9). The guide device comprises a number of reception funnels (4), the cross sections of which are narrowed down in the direction towards the energy converting engine (9). The plant also comprises a number of air chambers (16) and side chambers (10) in which the reception pipes (8) end.

Abstract: A wind turbine for mounting on an existing industrial chimney (1), tower or the like, includes two vertically aligned blades (3) mounted on rotor arms (2) for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the chimney, tower or the like. The rotor arms are supported from an annular structure (8) secured to the outer circumference of the chimney, tower or the like and include at their radially innermost ends a rotor arm ring (11) which cooperates with the annular support structure to enable the rotor arms and blades to rotate about the chimney, tower or the like under the influence of wind pressure. Drive ring (16) carried by one or each rotor arm (2) are connectable to gearing of one or more power generators (9) positioned within or extended to the chimney, tower or the like.

Abstract: A solar and wind energy generating system for mounting to a building comprises a wind generator system including at least an auger shaped air engaging member. A plurality of wind generators having air engaging vanes may also be provided. The wind generating system intercepts the flow of air currents to produce mechanical energy which is transformed into electrical energy by an electric generator. The air engaging surface of the wind generator vanes or the auger include a plurality of surface deviations. The surface deviations are arranged in at least one predetermined pattern such as a plurality of radially extending deviation sets. The solar generator includes a plurality of solar energy collectors. The wind generators may further include air engaging vanes with at least one transparent surface, and a plurality of solar energy collectors within a cavity formed in the vane, thus forming a combined solar and wind energy generator.

Abstract: An in-line fluid medium driven charging system includes a fluid medium driven generator disposed in a fluid medium directing tube. The fluid medium driven generator includes an auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member and is coupled to an electrical generator. Rotation of the auger shaped, fluid medium engaging member by intercepting a flow of a fluid medium causes rotation of the electrical generator, thereby generating electrical energy which recharges and assists in maintaining the life of a battery in a moving vehicle.

Abstract: A wind-driven apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. This invention incorporates a wind collector that is rotated upon an elevated turntable in order to position the wind collector as required. This turntable incorporates both a covered track and casters so as to provide weather protection. Additionally, a shroud secured to the entrance to the wind collector helps direct the wind energy against the wind collector.

Abstract: An improved windmill has an approximately vertical center support post. The windmill also has a plurality of wheels, each rotatably mounted on a separate horizontal axis, each axis being radially disposed about the center support post. The windmill also has a horizontal annular ring disposed radially about the center support post. The ring is mounted on the wheels so that the ring can rotate about the center support post. The windmill also includes a plurality of approximately horizontal beams. Each beam is radially disposed about the center support post. A first end of each beam is connected to the center support post and a second end of each beam is connected to the annular ring.

Abstract: A windmill with removable wind vane plates arranged in multiple rows and columns, comprising a base fixed firmly on the ground, a tubular post fitted upright in the base, a rotatable frame consisting of a rotatable tubular shaft fitting around the post and seated on the base. The windmill includes a plurality of wind vanes made of vane plate sashes with removable plates and fixed with the shaft to allow wind to blow against the plates to rotate the shaft to produce electricity via a generator.

Abstract: A propeller type runner is described in which the leading edge of each blade "leans" forward from the root in the direction of rotation to reduce cavitation and increase efficiency. The "lean" provided to each blade of a five blade design is such that the leading edge of each blade obscures a large portion of the trailing edge of the preceding blade.

Abstract: Dual-plant blade construction for wind turbine rotors having a horizontal shaft having a rotor hub adapted to be mounted on the horizontal shaft and having a horizontal axis. First and second sets of straight blades are secured to said rotor hub in circumferentially equally spaced apart positions on the rotor hub. Each of said sets of blades include first and second blades having tip and root portions with the root portions of the blades being secured to the rotor hub at spaced apart positions along the axis of the rotor hub and the tip portions of the blades being secured to each other whereby there is generated substantially equal and opposite cyclic spanwise forces and minimal cyclic flatwise moments in the first and second blades in response to non-steady aerodynamic normal forces acting on these blades in non-uniform turbulent winds.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harnessing fluid energy from a fluid current and converting it into mechanical energy. The invention comprises a big wheel and a little wheel where the little wheel rotates about on axis parallel to but offset from an axis about which the big wheel rotates. The little wheel rotates within the big wheel. Flexible sails are fastened between masts of the big wheel and masts of the little wheel so that when the wheels rotate each sail is unfurled and extended during one phase of operation and said sail is folded upon itself during another phase of operation. When extended or stretched open, the sail derives power from the fluid current. When the sail is folded, it offers a reduced resistance to the fluid current into which said sail is moving.

Abstract: A flowline power generator especially adapted for use on a conduit or flowline carrying petroleum or hydrocarbon products is disclosed. A valve body incorporated in the flowline redirects at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the flowline into engagement with a turbine which drives an electrical generator. A gate valve is provided for bypassing the turbine to permit all of the flow in the conduit to bypass the power generator, and yet provide substantially the same pressure drop to protect downstream equipment from high-pressure surges. In the bypass configuration, the power generator can be repaired or completely removed. The valve body can be incorporated into the flowline with no power generator attached, and power generators can be subsequently installed at prescribed locations along the conduit.

Abstract: An improved wind powered generator includes a streamlined housing rotatably connected with a fixed base and a pair of helical rotors rotatably connected with the housing for driving a pair of electric generators when the rotors are rotated by the wind. The housing includes forward and rear nacelles which define vertical side openings in the housing in which the rotors are arranged, with the helical vanes thereof partially protruding from the housing. The nacelles serve to direct the wind stream against the rotor vanes with minimal disturbance, whereby the helical rotors capture the maximum amount of kinetic energy from the wind for conversion to electricity.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy extracting beach sand erosion reversal and electric power generation system. Moored seaward of the breaker zone it serves the function of beach sand accretion by extracting energy from the waves prior to their breaking thereby lessening turbulence responsible for tossing sand into suspension to then be swept away by currents.Two pontoons support a series of pyramidal frameworks from which is suspended a strong, flexible, weighted pendulum which is the drive shaft of a large electric generator. The pendulum is caused to swing by the undulations of the ocean waves. The pendulum is caused to rotate as it swings by means of loops of cable and ratcheted pulleys thereby becomming a drive shaft to turn a large generator.By applying the force of the rotating pendulum to turn an electric generator, electricity is produced as a by-product of erosion reversal.

Abstract: A flowline power generator especially adapted for use on a conduit or flowline carrying petroleum or hydrocarbon products is disclosed. A valve body incorporated in the flowline redirects at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the flowline into engagement with a turbine used to drive an electrical generator. A gate valve is provided for bypassing the turbine to permit all of the flow in the conduit to bypass the power generator. In the bypass configuration, the power generator can be repaired or completely removed. The valve body can be incorporated into the well with no power generator attached, and power generators can be subsequently installed at prescribed locations along the conduit.

Abstract: An ocean wave energy converting vessel which can remain perpendicular to the ocean waves for maximum energy conversion, regardless of its direction of travel. As either end of the quadrapod is lifted by a wave and the pendulum deck tends toward the center of the earth, force is applied to the generator due to the shifting weight of the pendulum deck, generator battery bank and all other equipment on said deck. This results from cables looped around racheted pulleys on the generator shaft, connected at their ends to the bow and stern of the quadrapod. Maximum energy conversion depends upon the quadrapod being perpendicular to the ocean waves. The paradox of a vessel facing one direction while traveling another is resolved by a navigation system consisting of four simultaneously swiveling, finned, motorized pontoons to maintain course direction, operated in conjunction with a wind fan with rudder mounted to the pendulum deck which holds quadrapod perpendicular to ocean waves.

Abstract: A propeller engine system with means for generating electric power within a rotatable hub is disclosed. The means include a shaft extending into the hub so that the hub and shaft are differentially rotatable. Magnetic means are fixed to the shaft and winding means are fixed to the hub so that either rotation of the rotor shaft or hub induces an electric current in the winding means.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic suspension system for supporting a rotor shaft of a vertical axis wind turbine, the improvement comprising the rotor shaft having a bottom surface sitting on a bearing surface supported for angular rotation by the bearing surface and hydraulic fluid presented to a space below the bottom surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing thrust and added lift to a vehicle by accelerating fluid heated by solar energy. The present invention also relates to apparatus for carrying out the aforementioned method. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a method of providing initial acceleration and propulsion or enhancing the initial acceleration and propulsion of a vehicle in an environment having at least some fluid, the vehicle being of the type having at least one member, at least a portion of which is treated for absorbing solar radiation for heating fluid adjacent the member for use in propelling the vehicle through the environment. By use of direct and/or focused solar radiation, fluid is heated, accelerated and deflected away from a vehicle by natural or forced convection to provide thrust and lift of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus to convert wind energy into mechanical and electrical energy including a variable pitch air-foil supported by tension guy wires on a wheeled structure constrained to move upon a continuous track. The structure includes electrical generators powered by the rotation of the structure's wheels to convert movement of the structure into electrical energy. The air-foil is supported upright on the wheeled structure, which is designed to resist upward, downward and sideways forces, to capture wind energy at a higher elevation above the ground where winds blow stronger.

Abstract: A wind-turbine generator system which transforms the rotational energy of a wind driven turbine blade into rotation in opposite directions of a rotor and a stator of a dynamoelectric machine to generate electrical power. A bevel gear rotating with the turbine blade drives two pinion gears and associated concentric shafts in opposite directions. The two shafts combine with a planetary gear set to provide the desired oppositely directed rotation. One of the shafts is associated with a ring carrier and drives a ring gear in one rotational direction. The other shaft drives a planet carrier in the opposite rotational direction. The planetary gear set is arranged such that a sun gear is driven in the direction opposite to that of the ring gear. A rotor is affixed to the sun gear by a spider support structure, and a stator, affixed to rotate with the ring gear, surrounds the rotor. The rotor and stator are thus rotated in opposite, mechanically and electrically additive, directions.

Abstract: A wind powered electrical generator having a rotatable wind wheel (21) carrying one of the armature (42) or field structures and a plurality of windvanes (45) connecting the rim to a central shaft (28), a stator (39) carrying the other of the armature or field structures, and a supporting structure (22) for the windwheel rotor shaft and the stator. The armature winding is carried by the windwheel at its perimeter, and the field structure is a ring structure which lies just radially outward of the armature winding and is carried by the fixed housing structure which perimetrally surrounds the windwheel. Bearing support (48) provided at the perimeter of the windwheel by low friction bearings carried by the fixed housing structure minimizes bearing stresses developed at the supporting shaft under wind loading conditions.

Abstract: An improved electric power plant (10) includes a water turbine (30) and a drive wheel (34) contained within a housing (22) for converting hydraulic energy to electrical energy. The housing (22) includes openings (90) and (102) for connecting the power plant (10) to a water line (12) or to a sewer line (18) for operating the turbine (30) in either an undershoot or overshoot condition. A plurality of reversible vanes (94) are removably attached to the perimeter of the water turbine (30) for operating the turbine in either an undershoot or overshoot condition. A bypass line (16) extends from the inlet pipe to the housing (22) to the outlet pipe to provide a means for repairing the power plant (10) without interrupting water or sanitary sewer service. The main electrical generator (70) is energized through a belt (72) driven by its engagement with the drive wheel (34). Ultraviolet ray lights (78) and an ozone generator (80) are included within the housing (22) to eliminate bacteria and to reduce odors.

Abstract: The rotor of a generator for automotive internal combustion engine turbo-superchargers is located on the turbine shaft to rotate therewith, at the turbine speeds of between 20,000 rpm to 80,000 rpm, and positioned between the exhaust gas turbine blade unit and the supercharger-compressor blade unit. The rotor, preferably, is a permanent magnet rotor, cooperating with stationery armature structures which may have different, separate windings thereon to supply different networks at independently selected voltages, for example a vehicular battery through a rectifier network and heating elements, in single-phase and three-phase connections, as desired, such as windshield heaters and the like, which can be directly a-c energized. The generator may have an axial air gap and may be cooled by a compressed air bleeder duct formed in the compressor blade unit.

Abstract: Automatic torque control of wind energy conversion devices is provided through the utilization of turbine reaction torque. In the preferred embodiment, the frame of the driven machine is arranged to be rotatable through a limited angle. As rated torque of the system is exceeded, a force proportional to the turbine reaction torque is exerted by said frame to adjust the turbine aerodynamic configuration in such a manner as to reduce the torque error to substantially zero.

Abstract: A power plant for the generation of electricity from the flow of water currents uses turbine wheels within nozzles submerged in the water current, anchored to the bottom of the water course, as for example, the ocean, and self-buoyed to a level well below the water surface. Pairs of counter-rotating turbines are supported by their rims, which bear against friction drive wheels, which in turn drive electrical generators contained in water-tight machine rooms within the wall of the nozzle. A structural design is disclosed, providing for the building of modules of the nozzle ashore, which modules may then be barged to the deep-water site for assembly into the whole power plant.

Abstract: A tower is hinged to a base, positioned at one side of a well, so the tower can be lowered to the ground in a direction away from the well. A lateral platform at the top of the tower extends over the well and the tower is rotatable, about a vertical axis, to swing the platform laterally and clear of the space over the well.

Abstract: A power generating system includes a wind turbine driven generator, the wind turbine having a wind driven rotor with a plurality of variable pitch angle blades. The blade angle is scheduled during acceleration and deceleration of the wind turbine by open loop controls to minimize stresses, and is scheduled during powered operation by closed loop controls to maintain desired torque or speed. The closed loop controls contain an integrator which produces an integral blade angle control signal. The scheduled blade angle is fed back to the integrators through an integrator tracking network to maintain the integral blade angle control signal at all times within a preselected range relative to the scheduled blade angle.

Abstract: Wind energy is used to drive a wind turbine, which is in turn connected to an electrical generator to produce electrical power. The pitch angle of the wind turbine blades is controlled in a closed loop manner to maintain either a constant generator speed for isolated power generating stations or when the generator is synchronized to the load, or constant generator output power or shaft torque when the generator is connected to an electrical grid. Open loop acceleration and deceleration schedules are provided to minimize blade stress and shaft torque variations during start up and shutdown transients, limiting blade angle excursions as a function of wind velocity and speed. The schedules may be implemented either electronically or by a suitably programmed digital computer. The gains in the speed, torque and power loop controls are scheduled as a function of average wind velocity to optimize stability and response.

Abstract: An improved fluid driven turbine blade system is provided, which is self-governing at relatively high fluid velocities. This is achieved by a combination of two sets of turbine blades, one having a positive efficiency, and the other having a negative efficiency at the fluid velocity at which the self-governing effect occurs. Also provided is a variable friction drive apparatus for powering an energy conversion device. The combination of the improved turbine blade system and the variable friction drive comprises a windmill for driving an electric generator, the windmill having a low required start-up torque at low wind speeds and being self-governing so as not to overspeed the generator at high speeds.

Abstract: A convergent intake duct has a radial outflow opening through which air accelerated in the duct impinges on airfoil shaped vanes to induce rotation of the rotor on which the vanes are mounted. The duct is formed internally of a tubular airfoil body so that the low pressure region formed on the trailing edge portion of the external airfoil surface increases the pressure differential across the vanes in the radial direction of outflow of the air from the duct.

Abstract: A wind-driven generator having a plurality of rotors each having a rim in frictional engagement with a power take-off drum which is mounted on the shaft of an electrical generator, and in which the rotor rims are pressed against the drum by the wind force on the rotors and with a reduced force which varies as a positive function of the wind force.

Abstract: Fluid flow energy conversion systems employing aerodynamic flow-separation vortex generation for focusing the kinetic energy of flow in the working area of the turbine are disclosed herein in the context of wind power plants. As a consequence of this augmentation, fluid velocity acting on the rotor is increased by a substantial amount over the free stream velocity, resulting in substantial increases in power output for a given turbine configuration. The illustrative embodiments include simple flow separation, vortex augmenting surfaces, such as those found in delta planforms which in this context generate vortices and therefore function as aerodynamic lenses; these surfaces are oriented to the wind turbine so that generated vortices are directed at the turbine blades. The latter are configured to be driven by the vortex and drive in turn electrical or other power generating devices or machines.

Abstract: The herein described horizontal and vertical wind energy concentrators are structurally simple and light and are capable of concentrating the wind energy at least six times with very high efficiency. This permits a corresponding reduction in the frontal area of the wind turbine and increases its speed without sacrifice in wind energy harnessed. The wind energy concentrator is a high lift, short aspect ratio wing, which is designed to maximize the induced drag. This induced drag takes the velocity out of the wind but transforms the wind energy into rotational energy present in the shed vortex system. The design is such that most of this rotational energy can be harnessed by a small high speed wind turbine placed in the rolled up wing tip vortex.