Abstract: Offshore apparatus generating artificial Taylor columns for the purpose on interfering with oncoming storm surge and/or tsunamis. A series of solid bodies are anchored relative to the ocean floor to provide structures capable of generating Taylor columns in response to water flow and/or currents. The strategic placement of a series of cylindrical bodies creates a corresponding series of Taylor columns in response to hydrodynamic flow, such as current flow or tsunami related flow. The presence of a series of strategically located Taylor columns is intended to inhibit or disrupt the devastating effects of storm surge and/or tsunamis.

Abstract: A wind mitigation system for attachment to a residential or commercial building to mitigate wind suction forces known to damage roof structures, and to harness wind energy to create electricity. The system may comprise one or more rotating cylinders which make use of the Magnus effect, a scientific phenomenon involving air flow over a rotating cylindrical object. Rotating Magnus cylinders are installed on the roof, preferably at or near the roof-wall junction of a building in order to provide the greatest suppression of perpendicular wind forces and resulting vortices. Wind flowing across the Magnus cylinders creates a downward force that is transferred to the roof by structural support brackets. The downward force counters the upward lifting forces generated by high winds so as to prevent uplifting of the roof structure. Electrical energy is generated from oscillations resulting from variations in wind speed.

Abstract: The efficiency of compressed air vehicle is enhanced by adapting the compressed air storage tank with a Magnus rotor that creates lift so as to reduce the effective weight of the tank during operation. A compressed air tank has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of a compressed air motor. Air leaving the compressed air motor is caused to flow across the Magnus rotor whereby lift is generated to counter gravitational force thereby reducing the effective weight of the system. A battery powered electric fan has an inlet disposed to draw air across the Magnus rotor thereby increasing the velocity of the air so as to maximize the Magnus effect. A thermoelectric cooler transfers heat across the compressed air motor, i.e. from air exiting the compressed air motor outlet, to the air entering the compressed air motor inlet, whereby the temperature of the air entering the compressed air motor is increased resulting in increased pressure.

Abstract: The efficiency of compressed air vehicle is enhanced by adapting the compressed air storage tank with a Magnus rotor that creates lift so as to reduce the effective weight of the tank during operation. A compressed air tank has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of a compressed air motor. Air leaving the compressed air motor is caused to flow across the Magnus rotor whereby lift is generated to counter gravitational force thereby reducing the effective weight of the system. A battery powered electric fan has an inlet disposed to draw air across the Magnus rotor thereby increasing the velocity of the air so as to maximize the Magnus effect. A thermoelectric cooler transfers heat across the compressed air motor, i.e. from air exiting the compressed air motor outlet, to the air entering the compressed air motor inlet, whereby the temperature of the air entering the compressed air motor is increased resulting in increased pressure.

Abstract: A wind mitigation system for attachment to a residential or commercial building to mitigate wind suction forces known to damage roof structures, and to harness wind energy to create electricity. The system may comprise one or more rotating cylinders which make use of the Magnus effect, a scientific phenomenon involving air flow over a rotating cylindrical object. Rotating Magnus cylinders are installed on the roof, preferably at or near the roof-wall junction of a building in order to provide the greatest suppression of perpendicular wind forces and resulting vortices. Wind flowing across the Magnus cylinders creates a downward force that is transferred to the roof by structural support brackets. The downward force counters the upward lifting forces generated by high winds so as to prevent uplifting of the roof structure. Electrical energy is generated from oscillations resulting from variations in wind speed.

Abstract: A roof system for a building is adapted to harness pyroelectric and piezoelectric effects to generate electric power. A roof system is provided wherein roof tiles, or other covering structure, are adapted with piezoelectric materials capable of converting mechanical energy from falling rain into electric energy by compression or deformation of the piezoelectric material, and further adapted with a pyroelectric system that generates electric power from temperature changes. The use of polyvinylidene fluoride, a material having both piezoelectric and pyroelectric characteristics, is discloses as a preferred material for accomplishing the goals of the present invention. The power generated supplies thermoelectric cooling systems that provide temperature conditioning of the building's interior space.