Abstract: A floating wind turbine is supported by floats with an upper cylindrical portion and a lower hull-shaped portion. The lower hull-shaped portion has a conical section with a bow formed on one side. Increased ballast in the floats provides a stable platform for the turbine in operation while decreased ballast in the floats exposes the bow portion, facilitating towing.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning flow entering a turbine rotor, and for straightening flow in the wake of a turbine rotor, is, in some embodiments, part of a structure that supports a nacelle and a turbine rotor. Neutral airfoil fairings on structural elements upwind of a rotor can mitigate the effect of side gusts and help straighten the flow entering a rotor. Neutral airfoil fairings on structural elements placed downwind of a rotor straighten turbulent flow in a turbine wake and increase the rate at which the wake dissipates. This enables increased energy extraction at the rotor as well as closer spacing of turbines in a field.

Abstract: An apparatus for yawing a turbine into the wind while reducing time-averaged loads has weight-balanced, aerodynamic fairings that cover structural elements of an offshore wind turbine. The aerodynamic fairings provide a rudder effect while a weight-balancing apparatus counters aeroelastic instability and buffers the effects of side gusts.

Abstract: A wind-turbine apparatus uses turbine-generated electrical energy to convert water to hydrogen in an electrolysis process, and stores the hydrogen in a subsea vessel. The submerged vessel is configured to contain and transport compressed hydrogen. By monitoring the vessel's hoop tension, ballast may be controlled to vary the buoyancy of the vessel. Electrical generating apparatus may use a wind turbine, water turbine or photovoltaic array, or combination thereof. The apparatus may employ an offshore fluid-turbine array or an onshore-turbine array combined with a photovoltaic array with associated fuel-synthesis hardware.

Abstract: A shallow-draft float is configured with above-float buoyancy or below-float water lifters dimensioned to control the righting arm of the turbine as tip angle increases to 15 and then 30 degrees. The embodiment is configured for use with a floating wind turbine that has a center of mass above the water surface and is supported by relatively small floats. In an example embodiment, a buoyant structure resides above the float and provides additional flotation when submerged. In another embodiment, the structure beneath the water surface contains water that provides ballast as the float moves above the water surface. In various embodiments, structural elements that provide ballast or flotation may be stowed until needed.

Abstract: A mooring line on a second turbine has a hitch point with a mechanical connection to moor the turbine, and an energy conduit connection for transferring energy. The hitch point on the second turbine is adapted to align to a hitch point on a first turbine and to transfer both mechanical and energy conduit connections from the second turbine to the first turbine, releasing the second turbine. In this manner, the second turbine may be towed away for maintenance or repair, and the first turbine may remain to generate energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing energy in the form of liquid ammonia by converting mechanical energy from wind to liquid-fuel energy with an offshore wind-turbine apparatus is disclosed. Electrical energy generated by the turbine is used in an electrolysis process to convert sea water to liquid ammonia. The fuel may be stored in containers on a barge for electrical energy production through a fuel cell or for transfer to another vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting mechanical energy from wind to fluid-fuel energy is an offshore wind-turbine apparatus. Electrical energy generated by the turbine is used in an electrolysis process to convert sea water to fluid fuel. The fuel may be stored in tanks beneath the water surface or on the ocean floor.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating offshore wind employs shallow draft floats supporting a lattice tower with a wide base having a single-line anchoring providing passive yawing. The lattice structure supports a horizontal shaft at both ends of the shaft for rotating a rotor assembly. Mechanical energy from the rotor may be transferred to electrical generation equipment located at the base of the structure.

Abstract: A mooring line that provides substantially constant force, also referred to a mooring line that is always soft, allows the orbital motion of a moored turbine structure under varying wave conditions and is suitable for storm conditions when the turbine is not operating. A mooring line with substantially constant force does not create surge acceleration from heave acceleration and does not cause the turbine structure to be pulled through the water relative to orbital velocity.