Patents Examined by Viet P Nguyen
  • Patent number: 11879434
    Abstract: A wind turbine control apparatus, method and non-transitory computer-readable medium are disclosed. The wind turbine control apparatus comprises a generator connected to a wind turbine with a drive train. The drive train comprises a rotor, a low speed shaft, a gear box, a high speed shaft, and a controller module. The controller module is configured to obtain a maximum power within a large range of varying wind velocities by operating the rotor at a neural network determined optimal angular speed for the current wind velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Mohammad Kamal Hossain, Meer Abdul Mateen Khan
  • Patent number: 11873124
    Abstract: An aero wind power generation apparatus includes: a drone unit including drone wings configured to make the aero wind power generation apparatus move and hover and a sensor unit configured to detect information for controlling the aero wind power generation apparatus; a buoyancy generation unit connected to the drone unit and including a side cover configured to open or close and a balloon provided inside the side cover, wherein the buoyancy generation unit is configured to enable injection of gas into or release of the gas from the balloon; and a power generation unit connected to the buoyancy generation unit and including a rotating unit with a plurality of blades, a blade control unit of adjusting the state of the blades, and a motor unit of converting kinetic energy transferred from the rotating unit into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventors: Jung Hun Choi, Dong Hyun Ha, Jae Wung Jung
  • Patent number: 11859589
    Abstract: A DC power plant generating DC power from a variety of engines including a Stirling cycle engine. The DC power plant includes a relatively small start-up power source that is discontinued after the engine is running. A method for producing DC power for a load including starting up an engine using power supplied by a relatively small power supply supplemented by a capacitor bank, providing output from the engine to a generator, producing alternating current (AC) power by the generator, converting the AC power to direct current (DC) power, disabling output of the DC power during a first set of pre-selected conditions, limiting a rate of change of current of the DC power during a second set of pre-selected conditions, reducing conducted and radiated emissions of the DC power, disconnecting the DC power from the load under a third set of pre-selected conditions, and providing the DC power to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Andrew A. Schnellinger, James R. Lowell, Bryan A. Finseth, Christopher L. Barber, Jason M. Sachs, Donald J. Lucas, Shannon Prescott, Jeffrey W. Kite, Andras K. Fekete, Douglas R. Adams
  • Patent number: 11852124
    Abstract: Provided is a wind turbine, including: plural transformers, including a first transformer and at least one second transformer, the transformers being connectable to at least one generator, in particular via at least one converter, wherein the transformers are arranged within an inside of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Jesper Gaard, Thorkil Munk-Hansen
  • Patent number: 11852116
    Abstract: An apparatus can comprise a water tower that itself comprises an elevated water reservoir, at least one water conduit coupled between the elevated water reservoir and an external water distribution system, and at least a first water turbine disposed and configured to receive water via the at least one water conduit and to exit water to the external water distribution system. The apparatus can further comprise a generator that operably couples to that water turbine. The water tower can further include a speed-increasing gearbox that operably couples between an output shaft of the first water turbine and that generator. The apparatus optionally includes at least one electrolyzer operably coupled to receive both water and/or electricity sourced by the aforementioned water tower. The apparatus can also include at least one hydrogen-powered generator that receives hydrogen from the electrolyzer and that burns that hydrogen to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventor: Trevor Brown
  • Patent number: 11846263
    Abstract: A pumped storage hydroelectric system may include a reservoir system including an upper reservoir system and a lower reservoir system. At least one of the upper reservoir system and the lower reservoir system may include a modular reservoir arrangement. A penstock may be coupled with the upper reservoir system. A pump/turbine may be coupled with the penstock and with the lower reservoir system. The pump/turbine may be configured to receive water flowing from the upper reservoir system to the lower reservoir system for generating electrical power, and to pump water from the lower reservoir system to the upper reservoir system for storing energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventors: Hector Eduardo Medina, Thomas V. Eldredge
  • Patent number: 11841005
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe in-plane vibration damping techniques for MR turbines. The MR turbines can include arms that extend from a common tower and support multiple rotors. Because the rotors are disposed laterally away from the tower, side-to-side motion of the tower causes the rotors to have an angled trajectory that includes both lateral and vertical displacement. In addition, a rotor disposed on one side of the tower in MR turbine can have a very different trajectory than a rotor disposed on the opposite side of the tower. To account for the vertical displacement and the different trajectories, in one embodiment, a controller can use different phase offsets for each rotor when calculating pitch offsets for performing in-plane vibration damping. In another embodiment, the controller can use both the lateral and vertical accelerations of the rotors to identify the pitch offsets for the rotors to perform in-plane vibration damping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Julio Xavier Vianna Neto, Søren Dalsgaard, Ian Couchman, Jon Sowman
  • Patent number: 11835024
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an ocean wave energy extraction system including a wave energy panel may capture kinetic energy from an ocean wave as a force applied to a flexible membrane that drives the WEP back and forth in a reciprocating motion. The WEP dimensions may be selected so that the energy extracted from the wave is maximized and the added mass is minimized. A flexible membrane may be supported on two opposite edges by structural members that may pivot about a base. The shape of the flexible membrane may reciprocate in response to alternating horizontal wave orbital velocities. The force applied to the flexible membrane may be transmitted through the structural members to a power extraction device, such as a hydraulic pump or an electrical generator, that may be mounted to the base. Multiple WEPs may be arranged parallel to the wave crest to produce additional power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Poseidon's Kite, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Bein
  • Patent number: 11815060
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are flexible wave energy converters that actuate electrical generators with dynamic strain (e.g., flexing, stretching, twisting, distension) to convert wave energy to electrical energy. The flexible wave energy converter utilizes flexible electric generators embedded throughout the wave-energy converter's flexible body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC
    Inventors: Blake Craig Boren, Jochem Weber
  • Patent number: 11795901
    Abstract: A pumped storage electricity generating system that includes a water feed line for introducing water into a pressure vessel. Water flow valves communicate with the pressure vessel to control introduction of water into the pressure vessel. A push plate is mounted for movement in the pressure vessel. A single motor, for example, hydraulic radial piston motors, may be adapted for reciprocating the push plate linearly between a first direction wherein water is drawn into the pressure vessel through the water flow valves and a second direction wherein water is conveyed downstream through the water discharge line under pressure to the hydroelectric turbine. Other embodiments are double-acting and convey water to the turbine on each stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: CARROLL HECTOR, LLC
    Inventors: Francis Norbert Hector, Jr., Juan Keith Carroll
  • Patent number: 11795914
    Abstract: A self-excited wind power system with at least one self-excited panel, each arranged to create periodic motion in response to wind velocity, and a support tower. The self-excited panel is segmented, with at least three segments: a first segment forming a master segment, a second segment, and a third segment defining a tail segment. The first segment of the self-excited panel has a first length and a first height, the second segment has a second length half the length of the first segment and a second height one-third the height of the first segment, and the third segment has a third length half the length of the first segment and a third height one-third the height of the first segment. Furthermore, the second and third segments are connected to the proximal and distal ends of the first segment via a bearing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Khalid Alsaif
  • Patent number: 11795925
    Abstract: An electricity generation system includes a treadle module embedded in a roadway in a housing configured perpendicular to traffic flow. The treadle module includes a treadle which moves between an at-rest position and an actuated position, an electric generator, and a hydraulic cylinder mounted within the housing and connected to the treadle. The hydraulic cylinder has a check valve. A hydraulic reservoir connected to the hydraulic cylinder by way of hydraulic conduit modulates hydraulic pressure in the electricity generation system. A method of recovering energy from automotive vehicles includes embedding the electricity generation system in the roadway and routing traffic flow over the treadle array such that the traffic flow repeatedly depresses the treadle stave. The depressed treadle stave actuates the generator to produce electricity. The hydraulic cylinder returns the treadle stave to its at-rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Lamanna
  • Patent number: 11795905
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, an ocean wave energy extraction system including a wave energy panel may capture kinetic energy from an ocean wave as a force applied to a flexible membrane that drives the WEP back and forth in a reciprocating motion. The WEP dimensions may be selected so that the energy extracted from the wave is maximized and the added mass is minimized. A flexible membrane may be supported on two opposite edges by structural members that may pivot about a base. The shape of the flexible membrane may reciprocate in response to alternating horizontal wave orbital velocities. The force applied to the flexible membrane may be transmitted through the structural members to a power extraction device, such as a hydraulic pump or an electrical generator, that may be mounted to the base. Multiple WEPs may be arranged parallel to the wave crest to produce additional power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Poseidon's Kite LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Bein
  • Patent number: 11795912
    Abstract: A wind turbine control device acquires operation history data at the time of plasma generation indicating an operation history of a first wind turbine when a plasma has been generated by plasma electrodes installed on a blade and operation history data at the time of stopping plasma generation indicating an operation history of the first wind turbine when no plasma has been generated by the plasma electrodes, executes an operation history comparison process of comparing the operation history data at the time of plasma generation with the operation history data at the time of stopping plasma generation, executes an operation history determination process of determining whether or not a result of the operation history comparison process satisfies a prescribed first condition, and controls at least one of the plasma electrodes and at least one of the first wind turbine and a second wind turbine different from the first wind turbine on the basis of a result of the operation history determination process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventors: Motofumi Tanaka, Hirokazu Kawabata, Tetsuya Kogaki, Noritsugu Kubo
  • Patent number: 11781443
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for generating exhaust energy and converting exhaust energy to electrical energy while an engine is not running. In one example, a system for an engine comprises: a first turbocharger including a first compressor driven by a first turbine, the first turbine disposed in an exhaust of the engine; a fuel burner fluidly coupled to the exhaust upstream of the first turbine; a generator coupled to one of the first turbine or an auxiliary, second turbine fluidly coupled to the exhaust downstream of the fuel burner; and one or more bypass valves configured to adjust a flow of air that bypasses the engine and is delivered to the fuel burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TRANSPORTATION IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: James Robert Mischler, Roy James Primus, Thomas Michael Lavertu
  • Patent number: 11781520
    Abstract: An improved method of lifting fluid using the difference between atmospheric or higher boosted pressure and fluid vapor or vacuum pressure applied to a series of chambers with a movable plate that divides each into variable volumes, and comprises one stage of the system. Combinations of pressures in the chambers between the movable plates lift the fluid to a height where the fluid column base pressure equals atmospheric or boosted pressure less friction and mass losses. A vertical array of stages, each lifting fluid from the stage below it, allows fluid to be lifted to any height, limited only by structure or geographic elevation. Further; operating pressures are tapped from the top and bottom of a standpipe filled with static fluid, pressure changes are made when the volumes are zero, and the sum of the volume receiving fluid and volume delivering the fluid are constant, making the system closed. Once raised, the fluid may be released for it's end use and more particularly; through a power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventor: Daniel Pritchard Swift
  • Patent number: 11764644
    Abstract: A superconducting generator includes an annular armature connectable to rotate with a rotating component of a wind turbine. A stationary annular field winding is coaxial to the armature and separated by a gap from the armature. The field winding includes superconducting coils, and there is a non-rotating support for the field winding. The non-rotating support is a torque tube. The torque tube is a member formed of a composite material, or a member formed of a plurality of segmented sections, a space frame or strut torque carrying assembly. The torque tube is connected to a thermal shield casing or a field winding housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ernst Wolfgang Stautner, Mark Ernest Vermilyea, Alexander Kagan
  • Patent number: 11764645
    Abstract: An electrical power generating apparatus for generating electrical power using a generator connected directly or indirectly to a flywheel is disclosed. The apparatus comprises platforms, protrusions, generators, flywheels and other components. The platforms are configured to be laid on a surface and easily allow an object, e.g., a vehicle to traverse over the platforms. Each protrusion is configured to move downward and upward through apertures located in a top portion of the platform. The protrusions interact with reset members. The protrusions move in a linear/angle downward/downward-upward motion when the object pushes/strikes/depresses the protrusions. Each protrusion is connected in an operative manner to a shaft via a gear, and/or to a lever which is connected in an operative manner to shaft, thereby rotating the shaft by converting linear motion to rotational motion. A generator, flywheel, and gearbox can be coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Eugene A. Giannotta
  • Patent number: 11761416
    Abstract: Energy storage system comprising: a first tunnel shaft extending in an upright direction from a ground level to a predetermined underground level; an underground chamber at the predetermined underground level in the first tunnel shaft; a water reservoir is provided at the ground level a second tunnel shaft extending in a lying direction at the predetermined underground level, the second tunnel shaft forming a second water reservoir; at least one pipe extending through the first tunnel shaft interconnecting the first water reservoir and the second water reservoir for enabling water to flow between the ground level and the predetermined underground level; and at least one electrical pump and at least one electrical turbine operationally connected to the at least one pipe to enable a controlled charging and discharging of the energy storage system by running an upward and a downward flow of water via the pumps and the turbines, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Tree Energy Solutions B.V.
    Inventor: Paulus Van Poecke
  • Patent number: 11757386
    Abstract: A hybrid electric aircraft propulsion system and method of operation are described. The system comprises a thermal engine, a generator coupled to the thermal engine, a first electric propulsor operatively connected to the generator to receive alternating current (AC) electric power therefrom, a second electric propulsor, a generator inverter operatively connected to the generator to convert AC electric power to direct current (DC) electric power, and a first motor inverter operatively connected to the generator inverter and selectively connected to one of the first electric propulsor and the second electric propulsor and configured to receive the DC electric power and provide the first electric propulsor and the second electric propulsor with AC electric power, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Eric Latulipe, Richard Freer