Patents Examined by Charles Reid, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11496018
    Abstract: The invention relates to a generator for a wind turbine including a housing of substantially cuboidal form within which is mounted a stator. The stator has one or more multi-phase windings and a bus ring is provided for conveying electrical power from the windings to power take-off modules. One end of the power take-off modules is connected to the bus ring, and the other end of the modules has a plurality of power take-off interfaces for connection to power take-off cables. The distal ends of the power take-off modules are located in the corners of the cuboidal generator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Peter Mongeau, Lars Langvardt Krogh, Mustafa Gündüz, Xiaolu Ding, Ulrich Meinekat, Nicole Farell
  • Patent number: 11486359
    Abstract: A multi-stage wind power extractor includes a tunnel and at least two turbines. The tunnel is circular in a cross-section and has a horizontal axis, first and second open ends, and a length that is greater than a diameter of the tunnel. The tunnel diameter progressively increases from the first open end to the second open end. The turbines are arranged in spaced relation within and coaxial with the tunnel. Each includes a rotor having a plurality of radially extending blades, a controller connected with the rotor, and a motor connected with the controller. The controllers independently engage and disengage their respective rotors in accordance with a wind velocity travelling through the tunnel from the first open end to the second. In turn, when a rotor is engaged, the motor provides power to a generator that is connected therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Inventor: Lakshmi Sankar
  • Patent number: 11463025
    Abstract: The invention provides a piezoelectric electromagnetic combined energy harvester based on parallel mechanism. The harvester includes fixed bracket, three groups of motion branches and movable bracket. The movable bracket includes bottom platform, the bottom platform support frame and the bottom platform connector. The invention realizes multi-direction telescopic motion, and the magnetic flux of the coil is constantly changing, generating induced electromotive force. The vibration of piezoelectric beam causes the polarization of piezoelectric material and produces the output voltage. The invention uses parallel mechanism to introduce twelve piezoelectric beams, twelve permanent magnets and twenty-four coils in a small working space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TIANGONG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Pengfei Liu, Minghui Yao, Ii Ma
  • Patent number: 11448196
    Abstract: A bearing housing for use in a wind turbine is provided. Further, the bearing housing is axially coupled to a base support structure using plurality of fastening points on the bearing housing. The bearing housing may be coupled to the base support structure at multiple points so that the load is distributed evenly to the support structures such as base plate and the tower. The bearing housing is coupled to the base support structure using a fastener. The horizontal central axis of the bearing housing coincides with the horizontal central axis of the base support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Martin Moeskjaer
  • Patent number: 11447264
    Abstract: A power generation controller of an aircraft includes a low-temperature start-up control section and a power generation control section. When it is determined that an oil temperature of a hydraulic actuator configured to change an operation position of a speed change element of a hydraulic transmission satisfies a predetermined low-temperature condition when starting up an aircraft engine, the low-temperature start-up control section sets a power generator to a power non-generating state and controls the hydraulic actuator such that the speed change element is positioned at an acceleration side of a median in a speed change range. When it is determined that the oil temperature satisfies a predetermined low-temperature start-up completion condition, the power generation control section sets the power generator to a power generating state and controls the hydraulic actuator in accordance with a rotational frequency of the aircraft engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakashima, Satoshi Ootsuki, Shuma Kobayashi, Kippei Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11451168
    Abstract: A frame for an energy transducer device for generating electrical current, the frame being a single monolithic structure including a pressure receiver unit, a first arm and a second arm joined to respective lateral sides of the pressure receiver unit, a first attachment unit joined to the second end of the first arm, and a second attachment unit joined to the second end of the second arm. The frame is configured to be joined to a current generating unit, such that the first attachment unit is joined to a first edge of the current generating unit while the second attachment unit is joined to second edge of the current generating element. An external force applied at the pressure receiver unit of the frame causes the frame to deform and thereby change the mechanical strain of the current generating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Inventor: Shihyu Lu
  • Patent number: 11441532
    Abstract: Wave energy conversion (WEC) systems and methods for harvesting wave energy by use of the systems are described. WEC systems incorporate a plurality of submerged oscillating water columns (SOWC) that encourage oscillating water motion within each submerged column to mimic the motion of waves passing the SOWC system. A WEC system includes multiple SOWC connected to one another via air pockets within each submerged column. Each SOWC includes a float connected to a power take-off. The oscillations of the floats are converted to useful energy by the power take-off of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Idaho State University
    Inventors: Bruce Savage, Mohammadamin Torabi
  • Patent number: 11441540
    Abstract: This invention relates to an ultimate renewable energy machine, all-depth offshore turbine system and hybrid VTOL jet engines, the turbine system is a volume-based power system (Kw/MA?3) instead of the current area-based power system (Kw/M?2) and has a top wind turbine subsystem, a middle wave turbine subsystem and a bottom tidal turbine subsystem with the efficiency beyond Betz limit 59%, the turbine system includes a disrupt turbo-technology with robust shaft-less twin rotors and breakthrough dual-power zone blades to harness ocean energy in a synergic manner or individually, this system has all-season safety features for bird, marine life, human, and itself, is modularized and scalable for low LCOE<$0.10 kWh and provides reliable powers for 24/7, it represents a new era of renewable energy revolution leaded by this quintessentially American technology, as the ultimate fossil energy alternative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Jianchao Shu
  • Patent number: 11434763
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing mobile electric power includes a power generation transport. The power generation transport includes an air inlet filter housing, an inlet plenum coupled to the air inlet filter housing, an exhaust collector, an exhaust implement coupled to the exhaust collector, a gas turbine, a generator driven by the gas turbine, and an elevating system configured to elevate the exhaust implement to convert the power generation transport to an operational mode, and lower the exhaust implement back down to convert the power generation transport to a transportation mode. The elevating system performs the elevating and the lowering without utilizing any external mechanical apparatus. The air inlet filter housing, the inlet plenum, the exhaust collector, the exhaust implement, the gas turbine, the generator, and the elevating system are mounted on the power generation transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Typhon Technology Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey G. Morris, Brett Vann
  • Patent number: 11437896
    Abstract: A slip ring assembly including a plurality conducting disks spaced-apart and stacked mounted along a common rotation axis, each being electrically connectable and fixedly securable to a generator mounted in a rotatable nacelle of a wind turbine so that a rotation of the rotatable nacelle triggers a rotation of the conducting discs; and a plurality of slip ring devices, each being electrically connectable and mechanically securable to a fixed electrical distribution conductor mounted to a fixed pole so as to have a fixed position relative to the fixed pole, and each of the plurality of the slip ring devices having upper and conducting fingers arranged so as to rotatably receive a respective conducting disk therebetween and to provide an electrical connection between the conducting disks and the slip ring device during rotation of the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Saint-Augustin Canada Electric Inc.
    Inventors: Sebastien Arcand, Michaël Gagnon, Sophie Garneau
  • Patent number: 11431217
    Abstract: Provided is an electric generator having a stator, a rotor, a plurality of coils including conductors shaped as a tape, the stator extending axially along a longitudinal axis between a first axial end and a second axial end, the stator including a plurality of slots, the plurality of slots being circumferentially distributed around a longitudinal axis of the stator, each of the coils respectively comprising: two slot portions respectively housed in two slots of the stator, two end-windings axially protruding from stator at the first axial end and a second axial end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Erik Groendahl, Peter Hessellund Soerensen, Arwyn Thomas
  • Patent number: 11428211
    Abstract: This invention relates to a voluminous wind/wave turbine system, the turbine system has two wind/wave subsystems and is based on a unique volume process and optimized blades defining two power zones to harness wind and wave energy together or separately beyond the Betz limit, the vortical wind turbine subsystem has a pair of a front and back vortical blades to generate more power with satellite generators, the wave subsystem is a breakthrough for commercial applications and has a robust float vessel with toroid or polygonal pipes structure and multiple hinge mechanisms to hold multiple wave turbines against violent wave, the wave turbine has only a conversion to produce electricity constantly 24/7 with 360 degree freedom, the both subsystems are based on a shaft-less twin rotor turbomachinery and represent a new era of reliable and renewable energy at an unprecedented level of efficiency and the reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Jianchao Shu
  • Patent number: 11428201
    Abstract: A rotor shaft unit for a tidal system, which tidal system includes a main frame and a rotor and a housing connected to the rotor, includes a rotor shaft configured to be connected to the main frame, at least one bearing unit for rotatably supporting the housing for rotation relative to the rotor shaft, and a sleeve configured to be mounted in the main frame, the sleeve being disposed around a first end portion of the rotor shaft and connected to the rotor shaft by a friction connection. Also a tidal system including the rotor shaft unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Michael Baumann, Matthias Hofmann
  • Patent number: 11424657
    Abstract: A slip ring bridge, in particular for use in a wind power installation, includes at least two segments configured to provide electrical power, and an insulation element configured to insulate the segments to maintain the segments in spaced-apart relationship. The insulation element includes a shield arranged inside the insulation element and connected to a constant electric potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: FLENDER GMBH
    Inventors: Herbert Binder, Robert Gruber, Oliver Memminger, Manuel Oberneder, Klaus Schifferer, Anatoli Vogel, Roland Zeichfüssl
  • Patent number: 11391265
    Abstract: A collapsible wind turbine includes a turbine with a vertical axis (A). The turbine is supported by a vertical pylon, pivotably mounted about a hinge, and by linking members connecting the rotation shaft of the turbine to the pylon while maintaining a separation therebetween. The wind turbine includes: —an electricity generator of which the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pylon, the generator being secured to the ground; and—at least one flexible link connecting and synchronising the rotation of the generator with the rotation shaft of the turbine by linear travel of the flexible link in a closed-circuit path, so as to drive the rotation shaft of the generator by the movement of the turbine. The present structure is, in particular related to land-based wind turbines in a cyclone-prone area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, INSTITUT POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLE
    Inventors: Stéphane Barre, Jean-luc Achard, Guillaume Balarac, Guillaume Maurice
  • Patent number: 11384742
    Abstract: A torque bracket arrangement for a wind power gearbox for transmitting a supporting force to a support structure of a wind power plant includes at least one radial support arm having an associated opening configured to receive a horizontal support pin. The at least one radial support arm is provided on a gearbox side and is configured to establish a detachable connection to at least one corresponding opening of a support eyelet unit arranged on the support structure. The at least one corresponding opening of the support eyelet unit includes an elastomer bearing bush into which the horizontal support pin is configured to be inserted. The elastomer bearing bush has differing rigidities depending on the load. The elastomer bearing bush consists of at least one soft region of low rigidity and at least one comparatively harder region of greater rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG, ZF WIND POWER ANTWERPEN N.V.
    Inventor: Frederik Vanhollebeke
  • Patent number: 11387699
    Abstract: A generator, which may be used in a wind turbine, has a first stationary component carrying a first winding configuration and a second rotating component carrying a second winding configuration. The second rotating component includes a body portion and a plurality of teeth spaced around and extending radially from the body portion. The second winding configuration is arranged in slots defined between adjacent teeth. A housing is arranged around and rotates with the body portion. A heat exchange circuit is arranged on the second rotating component and includes a coolant channel defined in the teeth; a pump; and a heat exchanger arranged on the housing so as to rotate with the housing, the heat exchanger transverse to a rotational direction of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L.
    Inventors: Roelof Willem Schuring, Lana Maria Osusky, Andrew Thomas Cross, David Allan Torrey
  • Patent number: 11384694
    Abstract: An auxiliary device system includes a motor generator, an auxiliary device motor, a converter configured to convert electric power generated by the motor generator, an inverter configured to drive the motor generator and the auxiliary device motor, a switch configured to be switched between a motor generator control state in which the inverter controls the motor generator and an auxiliary device motor control state in which the inverter controls the auxiliary device motor, and a controller configured to control the switch. When a condition in which a motor generator drive command is generated is satisfied, the controller sets the switch to the motor generator control state. When the condition is not satisfied, the controller sets the switch to the auxiliary device motor control state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshiyasu Shibayama, Tatsuya Okuwa, Yoshiaki Yuda
  • Patent number: 11374461
    Abstract: A sea wave energy converter system, including a plurality of pioneer devices each of which is mounted on individual towers installed at a seabed, wherein each of the pioneer device includes an assembly having a set of gears connected to at least one fly wheel, at least one paddle, and a generator, wherein each of the pioneer devices mounted on the individual towers are lined-up in a particular arrangement covering a length of a sea crest so that incoming kinetic forces of sea waves rotates seriatim the at least one paddle of each of the pioneer devices to rotate the generator through the set of gears to generate electricity individually by each of the pioneer devices and wherein the particular arrangement is one of a diagonal arrangement, a cross arrangement, and a ‘V’ shaped arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventor: Rahul Thumbar
  • Patent number: 11353001
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic electric generator system for use in water that includes a first generator located inside a submersible first housing with fore and aft sections with respective fore and aft attachment points, a center of mass of the first generator located between the fore and aft attachment points, the first generator having a shaft extending out the aft section of the first housing with a turbine attached to the shaft, a flotation support structured to float on the water, and a first cable having a first end attached to the flotation support and a second end attached to the first attachment point on the fore section, and a second cable having a first end attached to the flotation support and a second end attached to the second attachment point in a manner to permit the system to change position in response to changes in direction of water current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Sitkana Inc.
    Inventor: Lance Davis McMullan