Patents Examined by Joseph Ortega
  • Patent number: 11155152
    Abstract: Disclosed and described herein are embodiments of a system that compresses a hydraulic fluid, which is used to perform work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: John L. Adkins
  • Patent number: 11156200
    Abstract: Point absorbing wave energy converters that do not require a rigid structure, are easy to deploy and are economically viable for a variety of deployments are disclosed herein below. The system includes a point absorber wave energy converter and a flexible component and ballast combination, where the flexible component and ballast combination includes a ballast subsystem and a flexible linear component extending from the point absorber wave energy converter to the ballast subsystem and operatively connected at one end to the ballast subsystem and at another end to the point absorber wave energy converter. The flexible component and ballast combination configured to provide a strong drag force when moving upward in a water column and a weak drag force when sinking in the water column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
    Inventor: Daniel G. MacDonald
  • Patent number: 11156202
    Abstract: A wind guide system is disclosed for guiding the wind in front of and/or above a wind turbine from a first direction to a second direction is disclosed. The wind guide system comprises a wind guide arranged and configured to receive wind in front of and/or above a wind turbine and to change the direction of the wind so that the wind leaving the wind guide has another direction than the wind received by the wind guide. The wind turbine comprises a tower and a rotor provided with a number of rotor blades. The wind guide is arranged and configured to change the direction of the wind so that the wind leaving the wind guide will increase the wind speed of the wake behind the rotor by adding or leading some of the surrounding wind into the wake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: WINNOWAVE, SL
    Inventor: Sonsoles Navarro
  • Patent number: 11156199
    Abstract: Provided are a buoyant body disposed in a water tank, floating in water, and configured to ascend by water being, injected and descend by water being drained, a variable capacity tank having a changeable filling capacity of air put inside, a weight placed on an upper part of the variable capacity tank in order to exhaust air in the variable capacity tank, and a generator configured to generate power by rotating a turbine with the air exhausted from the variable capacity tank, in which the upper part of the variable capacity tank is configured to be pulled up by a motion conversion device to take air inside when the buoyant body ascends by the water being injected, and the air exhausted from the variable capacity tank by a weight of the weight is utilized for a rotation of the turbine of the generator to generate power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: Tetsuji Tateoka
  • Patent number: 11149716
    Abstract: An offshore wind-solar-aquaculture integrated floater is provided, including vertical-axis wind turbine systems, solar photovoltaic panels, and a cube aquaculture cage. Four vertical-axis wind turbine systems are respectively rigidly connected to four corners of the cage; solar photovoltaic panels and a living and working quarter are located on cage deck; and side frames of the cage are equipped with tensile nets, the bottom frame of cage is equipped with a bottom net, and columns of the cage are equipped with lifting rails. This floater has good stability, sea-keeping performance and high strength. Utilizations of offshore wind and solar energy above the cage are high and they complement each other in power generation. This disclosure manages to exploit ocean resources to an unprecedentedly large extent, while resolving the issue of combing power generation with marine aquaculture in moderate and deep seas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School
    Inventors: Xiangyuan Zheng, Huadong Zheng, Yi Li
  • Patent number: 11149715
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine with improved safety, production efficiency and greater functional wind speed range. A vertical axis wind turbine comprises turbine blades having geometric characteristics of a “yin yang” symbol when viewed from the top down. The turbine blades are configured to form a scoop portion for catching wind. The surface area of the scoop portion may be dynamically configured to accommodate power production in higher wind speed ranges by dynamically furling the blades to reduce the surface area of the scoop portion as RPM begins to exceed a safe limit. First and second permanent magnet rotor arrays are dynamically positioned above and below an array of stator coils to maximize power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Harmony Turbines Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Moore
  • Patent number: 11149710
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved vertical-axis wind turbine rotor that provides a more constant shaft power output than similar turbine rotors of the prior art. In a preferred embodiment, it provides four tiers of blade sets, with each set disposed at a different elevation than each other set. Each blade set may be offset at an angle from adjacent blade sets. A partition plate may be disposed between adjacent blade sets. The partitions provide structural stability and enhanced rotor performance characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventor: Robert G. Bishop
  • Patent number: 11152787
    Abstract: A system of reactive power compensators for a wind farm includes a multi-winding transformer and a plurality of modular reactive power compensators (MVBs). The multi-winding transformer includes a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings. The primary winding is configured to be coupled to a point of common coupling (POCC) for the wind farm. The plurality of MVBs are each coupled to a corresponding winding of the plurality of secondary windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Arvind Kumar Tiwari, Jayanti Navilgone Ganesh, Kasi Viswanadha Raju Gadiraju, Robert Gregory Wagoner, Harmeet Singh Narang
  • Patent number: 11143167
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a characteristic of a wind turbine electrical signal comprises buffering a sequence of sample values of the wind turbine electrical signal and a sequence of sample times corresponding with the sequence of sample values. The time periods represented by the sample times are variable. A sub-sequence of the buffered sample values to integrate is determined, based at least in part on a sum of the time periods. The characteristic is estimated by integrating the sample values in the sub-sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Torsten Lund, John Godsk Nielsen
  • Patent number: 11128246
    Abstract: Provided is a driving system and method for a wound rotor synchronous generator. The driving system for a wound rotor synchronous generator according to the present invention includes: a converter controlling the wound rotor synchronous generator and receiving generated power; and a field winding power supply means supplying the power to a field winding of a rotor of the generator. The field winding power supply means is connected to the converter to receive the power from the converter and supply the power to the field winding, the power supplied to the field winding being electrically insulated from the power received from the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL COOPERATION FOUNDATION CHONBUK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yongsug Suh, Thomas Lipo
  • Patent number: 11108349
    Abstract: A system includes a first AC bus configured to supply power from a first generator. A first generator line contactor (GLC) selectively connects the first AC bus to the first generator. A second AC bus is configured to supply power from a second generator. A second GLC selectively connecting the second AC bus to the second generator. An auxiliary generator line contactor (ALC) is connected to selectively supply power to the first and second AC buses from an auxiliary generator. A first bus tie contactor (BTC) electrically connects between the first GLC and the ALC. A second BTC electrically connects between the ALC and the second GLC. A ram air turbine (RAT) automatic deployment controller is operatively connected to automatically deploy a RAT based on the combined status of the first GLC, the second GLC, the ALC, the first BTC, and the second BTC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Jordan K. Vanevenhoven, Jeffrey D. Myroth, Shane R. Traser, Jef William Good, John N. Buzzard, Kyle Ives
  • Patent number: 11105317
    Abstract: A 3 megawatt wind turbine generator having a rotor configured to efficiently extract power from low to moderate winds having an average speed of between about 7.5 and 8.5 meters/second is provided. The rotor includes three aerodynamic blades having an aspect ratio of 15 mounted on a modular hub. The relatively shorter and wider aerodynamic blades result in a rotor having a specific power of about 0.27, a specific power rating of about 260 watts/m2, and a solidity of about 6%. The modular hub is formed from three interconnected hub sections, each of which formed from a single plate of spring steel bent along its sides into a modular shape. The bends in the plates forming the hub sections act like corrugations that more strongly resist the larger stresses applied to the hub as a result of the relatively shorter and wider aspect of the aerodynamic blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: 21ST CENTURY WIND, INC.
    Inventors: William Miller, Peder Mørck Hansen
  • Patent number: 11067054
    Abstract: A vortex generator apparatus including a fluid intake duct, a fluid tank including: a first fluid inlet port, a second fluid inlet port, and a fluid outlet port. A turbine is provided outside of the fluid tank in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: National University of Ireland, Galway
    Inventors: Eoghan Clifford, Sean Mulligan
  • Patent number: 11067062
    Abstract: An apparatus for capturing energy of a working mass may include two or more immiscible liquids having different densities. The two immiscible liquids may include a predetermined proportion of oil and water. The apparatus may include a supporting structure, a hermetically sealed vessel, and an electric generator driven by fluid flow. The hermetically sealed vessel may have an elongate shape housing the working mass such that the working mass moves within the hermetically sealed vessel. An electric generator driven by fluid flow may be housed within the hermetically sealed vessel and having an inlet and an outlet. The electric generator driven by fluid flow may be configured to produce electric power as the predetermined portion of oil and water passes into the inlet and out of the outlet in response to a movement of the hermetically sealed vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: LOOK FOR THE POWER, LLC
    Inventor: John A. Saavedra
  • Patent number: 11060505
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine generator having a support stand (11), a shaft (41) defining the longitudinal direction and axis (19) of the generator. Two rotating members (12, 13) are coupled to the support stand (11) and the upper end of the shaft (41), thus being enabled to rotate about the axis (19). Two or more blades (14, 24, 34) having two free ends (15, 16) are connected by connecting members (17 and 18) to the two rotating members (12, 13), wherein movement of the first and/or second rotating members (12, 13) towards or away from one another causes the blades (14, 24, 34) to move further from, or closer to, the shaft (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Elemental Engineering AG
    Inventor: Osman Saeed
  • Patent number: 11060510
    Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine cooling arrangement, including a first cooling circuit arranged to transport a fluid cooling medium to absorb heat from a first component group; and a second cooling circuit arranged to transport a fluid cooling medium to absorb heat from a second component group, which second cooling circuit includes a primary heat exchanger arranged to dissipate heat from the cooling medium of the second cooling circuit; and a secondary heat exchanger arranged to heat the cooling medium of the first cooling circuit. A wind turbine including a cooling arrangement, and a method of cooling components of a wind turbine is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventors: Giovanni Airoldi, Thorkil Munk-Hansen
  • Patent number: 11056884
    Abstract: A wind turbine system is configured to supply real and reactive power to a grid and includes a tower, and a generator within a nacelle configured atop the tower. The generator is connected to a rotor, which is connected to a hub that includes a plurality of turbine blades mounted thereon. A power converter is configured at a location within the tower. A reactive power compensation device is also configured at the location within the tower, the reactive power compensation device operably configured with the power converter so as to provide reactive power in combination with reactive power generated by the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yashomani Yashodhan Kolhatkar, Olive Ray, Kasi Viswanadha Raju Gadiraju, Arvind Kumar Tiwari
  • Patent number: 11022035
    Abstract: Cogeneration system (200, 300) comprising: a boiler (201, 301) able to heat water for domestic use; a combustor (201a, 301a) placed into the boiler; a compressor (204, 304); a heat exchanger (202, 302) for the exchange of thermal energy between the combustion fumes generated in the combustor (201a, 301a) and a fluid coming from the compressor (204, 304); a gas turbine (203, 303); a current generator (205, 305) and a current converter (206, 306) able to produce electrical energy; a main fumes/water exchanger (207, 307) able to recover thermal energy. The cogeneration system (200, 300) comprises also a by-pass valve (210, 310) configured to adjust the flow of fluid entering the gas turbine (203, 303).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Inventor: Giovanni D'Arienzo
  • Patent number: 11022089
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electricity generator comprising a pressure chamber having a releasably sealable air vent, a liquid supply, a sump tank configured to deliver liquid to the pressure chamber and a turbine. The electricity generator further comprises a piping network including an upright liquid conduit configured to deliver water from the pressure chamber through the turbine and back to the sump tank, a pressurized air supply operable to pressurize air in the pressure chamber, a plurality of valves, and a controller to operate the plurality of valves. In use, a small amount of air may be used to efficiently move a large body of water which in turn is used to power a turbine. The electricity generated by the turbine may be harvested and subsequently used, thereby reducing electricity spend. The installation is compact and may be installed in a factory or other installation where electricity requirement/spend are high.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: STATIC HYDRO ENERGY (S.H.E.) LIMITED
    Inventor: Owen McElroy
  • Patent number: 11015582
    Abstract: A wind turbine blade assembly is described. The wind turbine blade assembly comprises: first and second blade sections connected together, each blade section having a shell defining an aerodynamic profile and each section comprising lightning protection components; a substantially enclosed interior region defined in part by the shell of the first blade section and in part by the shell of the second blade section; a first connector located in the interior region, the first connector being attached to the first blade section and electrically connected to the lightning protection components of the first blade section, the first connector defining a contact surface; a second connector located in the interior region, the second connector being attached to the second blade section and electrically connected to the lightning protection components of the second blade section, the second connector defining a contact surface opposed to and in contact with the contact surface of the first connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Leon Barton, Toby Collard