Abstract: Control features for a wind turbine that control the turbine over a range of wind speeds and under triggering conditions with reduced noise, cost, and reliability issues associated with other such controls. Control is accomplished via control electronics, which adjust the torque produced by the electrical output generation device (e.g., alternator) within the wind turbine. During normal operation, torque is adjusted for optimum aerodynamic performance and maximum output of power. In winds above rated power, the control circuit regulates torque to lower aerodynamic performance, as necessary to maintain desired power level output. In triggering conditions, such as during simultaneous control circuit failure and loss of some portion of the electrical output generation device in extreme winds, wind turbine control is accomplished by increasing torque (e.g., via a separate controller) from the electrical output generation device via shorting of windings, so as to cause retardation of blade rotation.

Abstract: The inventive technology described herein generally relates to the field of power generation. More specifically, methods and apparatus for a power generation coupler utilizing perhaps multiple generators coupled through a power generation coupler to at least one rotational movement element such that said coupled connection is dynamically movable across the surface the rotational movement element so as to maintain an electrical output at a constant generator rotation(s) per minute (RPM) according to the varying rotational velocity along the radius of a rotational movement element. In some embodiments such coupled generators may be sequentially loaded and disengaged to such rotational movement element to maintain an electrical output at a constant generator RPM. Certain embodiments may include a static power generation coupler as well as an electrically dynamic power generation coupler such that the current applied to the stator of a generator may dynamically alter that generators resistance.

Abstract: An energy-harvesting, self-propelled buoy includes a housing, an inertial power pump for converting wave motion to electrical energy, an electrical energy storage pod operably associated with the inertial power pump, and a propulsion unit for propelling the buoy. The inertial power pump is extensible from the housing.

Abstract: A generator controller provides independent and redundant overvoltage protection to an associated generator. The generator controller monitors the generator output at a first point of a regulation and a second point of regulation. A generator control unit (GCU) provides overvoltage protection based on the generator output monitored at the first point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a first generator control relay (GCR) to remove excitation from an exciter winding and tripping a generator line contactor (GLC) to disconnect the generator output from a bus. A overvoltage protection unit (OPU) provides independent, redundant protection based on the generator output monitored at the second point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a second GCR to remove excitation from the exciter winding and tripping the GLC to disconnect the generator output from the bus.

Abstract: A power generation system is provided that includes an internal combustion engine configured to provide rotational mechanical energy. A generator is configured to receive the rotational mechanical energy and generate electrical power in response to the rotational mechanical energy. A fluid medium is provided to the internal combustion engine and to the generator for removing thermal energy from the internal combustion engine and from the generator.

Abstract: Provided is a regulator adapted to the various vehicle alternators of the present invention. The regulator particularly includes a coding circuit and a control circuit. The coding circuit is used to provide the different selectable codes. A laser trimming technology is introduced to form an open circuit over the coding circuit, in order to set a code. The control circuit is used to predetermine the various function selections in accordance with the various codes. The coding circuit includes an amplifier, a first input resistor, and a second resistor. The first input resistor is interconnected to a high-voltage end and an input end of the amplifier in series. The second input resistor is further interconnected to the input end and a low-voltage end in series. The open circuit is particularly formed on the first input resistor or the second input resistor for regulating the output voltage and setting a code.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to energy generating modules. More particularly, embodiments relate generally to energy generating modules that comprise energy generating devices and pluralities of modular panels comprising fuel chambers. The modular panels respectively comprise one or more multi-functional inter-panel coupling ports positioned to facilitate multi-purpose modular interconnection of complementary modular panels and exhibit a degree of structural rigidity sufficient to contribute to immobilization of interconnected complementary modular panels relative to each other. The complementary modular panels are interconnected via the multi-functional inter-panel coupling ports to form an enclosure such that the fuel chambers of the interconnected complementary modular panels are disposed between an exterior of the enclosure and an interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a rotor shaft (11), a multiplier (3) with at least one planetary-type stage and a generator inside a frame (1). The inventive turbine also comprises a first tubular casing (13) which is solidly connected to the frame (1) and which houses the rotor shaft (11). According to the invention, one end of the rotor shaft is solidly connected to the hub of the rotor, while the other end thereof is solidly connected to the planet carrier (21) of the multiplier unit. The aforementioned first casing includes a bearing (15) for supporting the rotor shaft (11). The invention also comprises a second casing (17) which is equipped with a bearing (19) for supporting the planet holder (21), one end of said second casing being solidly connected to the crown gear of the first planetary stage of the multiplier unit (3) and the other end thereof being solidly connected to the first casing (13) and to the structure of the frame (1).

Abstract: These inventions related to systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, and storing hydrogen. In one embodiment, a hydrogen production and storage system includes a plurality of wind turbines for generating electrical power; a power distribution control system for distributing, and converting the electrical power from the wind turbines, a water desalination and/or purification unit which receives and purifies seawater, and an electrolyzer unit that receive electrical power from the power distribution system and purified water from the desalination units and thereby converts the water into hydrogen and oxygen. After its production, hydrogen is stored, transported, and distributed in accordance with various embodiments.

Abstract: An electrical generator for extraction of electrical power from a gas turbine engine includes a rotor portion and a stator portion disposed within a booster cavity of the gas turbine engine. The rotor portion is rotatably supported about the stator portion. The stator portion rigidly is supported within the booster cavity. The rotor portion has a plurality of poles circumferentially arranged opposite the stator portion. The stator portion includes a plurality of coil portions disposed about an outer periphery of the stator portion adjacent to the stator portion. The stator and rotor portions are configured to generate electrical power when the rotor portion is rotated about the stator portion by a shaft of the gas turbine engine to induce electrical currents in the coil portions. The electrical generator extracts electric power from the turbine engine to supplement primary electrical generation sources of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting wave energy may include a watercraft, a pendulum and an energy converter. The watercraft may be configured to roll in response to wave action and may have roll characteristics that are tunable to characteristics of the wave action. The pendulum may be supported by the watercraft to enable the pendulum to swing in response to the wave action. An energy converter may be configured to convert the relative movement of the pendulum and watercraft into electrical energy. The pendulum may also be tunable to characteristics of the wave action.

Abstract: An apparatus using differential gearboxes to collect, combine, and transmit torque generated by multiple, interconnected rotor systems. The rotor systems are connected via a driveshaft. The driveshaft is connected to a generator gearbox, and the generator box drives an electrical generator. The torque may be converted to mechanical power by replacing the electrical generator with a mechanical power device. The rotors are activated by fluid currents such as wind or water.

Abstract: A fleet of vessels attached together longitudinally (rows), and transversely (columns) and operating in unison convert wave energy to electrical energy which is stored in either a chemical or electrical form. The vessels when detached from the fleet provide transportation to coastal or by navigable waterway ports of call for distribution to market centers. Both wind wave and swell wave energy conversion is performed by use of the differential motion between the vessels. Means are provided for the energy conversion systems to adapt to changes in wave direction, wave length, amplitude, and phase. Such vessels are self powered for off shore or inland waterway navigation, either singularly or in multiples, with which to deliver energy to other sea going vessels or to land based ports of call. Two or more of such vessels are capable of using the energy of waves during the delivery process. The fleet can maintain a designated geographical location by dynamic positioning.

Abstract: An integrated turbine generator/motor (10) which consists of a housing (20) having a cylindrical body (22) and an eyebolt retaining plate (24) attached to the top surface of the cylindrical body (22). A ring gear (26) is rotatably disposed adjacent to the eyebolt retaining plate (24) and a plurality of turbine blades (28) are joined to turbine blade brackets (30) that are attached onto a peripheral edge of the ring gear (26). A plurality of pinion gears (32) rotatably interface with the ring gear (26) and a plurality of planetary gears (50) are connected beneath and are rotated by the pinion gears (32). When the generator/motor (10) functions as a generator (58) it includes a driven shaft (60) with a sun gear (62) attached, with the generator disposed within the housing. The sun gear (62) is rotated by the planetary gears (50) which create electrical energy from the generator by rotation of the ring gear (62).

Abstract: A system for stiffening and pre-stressing a generator frame in a wind turbine is provided. The system includes a plurality of stress-inducing members configured for imparting a predetermined amount of stress on the generator frame. Each of the plurality of stress-inducing members has a length, a first end, and a second end and the length of each of said plurality of stress-inducing members is selectively adjustable. A coupling plate is configured for coupling the second ends of at least some of the plurality of stress-inducing members together. A plurality of brackets are coupled to the generator frame and configured to couple the first ends of the plurality of stress-inducing members to the generator frame.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a rotary shaft having an axis of rotation, a plurality of turbine blades supported for rotary motion by the shaft, and a plurality of magnets supported by and spaced outwardly from the rotary shaft. The blades are mounted to the shaft by a mount that is radially inward of the magnets wherein the magnets have an annular velocity of at least the annular velocity of the blades. The turbine also includes a conductive coil, which is located outwardly from the magnets and the blades, wherein the coil surrounds the magnets and the blades and which is sufficiently close to the magnets such that rotary movement of the magnets induces current flow in the coil.

Abstract: The wind turbine 20 includes a wind driven turbine wheel 22 rotatable about a central axis 29 that has sail wings 30 that catch the wind and rotate the turbine wheel 22. An anchor 58 has its anchor line 56 attached to the turbine wheel at its axis of rotation 29 to prevent tilting the wind turbine in response to high wind conditions.

Abstract: The inventive technology described herein generally relates to the field of renewable energy production and/or more particularly wind power generation. More specifically, methods and apparatus for wind power generation utilizing perhaps multiple generators coupled through a radius adjustable coupler to at least one rotational movement element such that said coupled connection is dynamically movable across the surface the rotational movement element so as to maintain an electrical output at a constant generator rotation(s) per minute (RPM) according to the varying rotational velocity along the radius of a rotational movement element. In some embodiments such coupled generators may be sequentially loaded and disengaged to such rotational movement element to maintain an electrical output at a constant generator RPM. The inventive technology may be particularly suited to accomplishing such wind power generation across a broad range of wind and turbine rotational velocities.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for the efficiency with which fluid energy is converted into another form of energy, such as electrical energy, where an array of fluid energy conversion modules is contained in a scalable modular networked superstructure. In certain preferred embodiments, a plurality of turbines, such as for instance wind turbines, may be disposed in an array, where the plurality of arrays may be disposed in a suitable arrangement in proximity to each other and provided with geometry suitable for tight packing in an array with other parameters optimized to extract energy from the fluid flow. In addition, the turbines may be a more effective adaptation of a turbine, or an array of turbines, to varying conditions, including fluid conditions that may differ among different turbines in an array, or among different turbines in a set of arrays.

Abstract: A bearing is provided having an inner ring with one or more inner raceways, and an outer ring positioned substantially radially outward from the inner ring. The outer ring has one or more outer raceways. A plurality of rolling elements is positioned between the inner raceways and the outer raceways. A cage for maintaining separation between neighboring rolling elements is oriented substantially radially and extending around at least a portion of each of the plurality of rolling elements.