VENTED AIRFOIL ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

An electrical energy generation system includes an electricity generator assembly from which a tensile line extends. The electricity generator assembly is configured to retract the tensile line and generate electricity upon extension of the tensile line. A vented airfoil assembly is attached to the tensile line. The vented airfoil assembly includes an airfoil through which at least one or more vent holes are defined. Each vent hole is entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the airfoil. A vent assembly is positioned in each vent hole. Each vent assembly has an open configuration in which the vent assembly permits airflow through the airfoil and a closed configuration in which the vent assembly restricts airflow through the airfoil. Each vent assembly is controllable such that the vented airfoil assembly constitutes a maneuverable kite.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to maneuverable airfoils. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to kite-based electrical energy generation systems.

BACKGROUND

Significant investments in developing aerial kite systems for energy production are being made. Indeed, overall, the race to develop successful wind energy harvesting systems is in full charge. Currently, ground-based windmills are producing electricity with some success, but they are imparting significant detrimental effects on the environment. For example, typical wind mills have rapidly moving blade tips that hit and kill birds such as endangered owls, bats, eagles, and other flying species. While kite based systems are more agile with regard to placement and land use, actual energy production is stalled in this area. Significant efficiency and controllability gains are needed to launch kite based energy production into reality, where the sky is literally the only limit.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce in a simplified form concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In at least one embodiment, a vented airfoil assembly includes: an airfoil through which at least one vent hole is defined, the vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the airfoil; and a vent assembly positioned in the vent hole, the vent assembly having an open configuration in which the vent assembly permits airflow through the airfoil and a closed configuration in which the vent assembly restricts airflow through the airfoil.

In at least one example, the vented airfoil assembly further includes at least one cable attaches the airfoil to an electricity generator.

In at least one example, an actuator is operatively coupled to the vent assembly to configure the vent assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In at least one example, the vented airfoil assembly comprises a maneuverable kite.

In at least one example, the airfoil includes: a top foil through which the at least one vent hole is defined, wherein the vent assembly is positioned in the vent hole defined in the top foil; and a skirt foil sloping down from the top foil, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the skirt foil is defined through the skirt foil. A second vent assembly is positioned in the vent hole defined through the skirt foil, the second vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the skirt foil is restricted.

In at least one example, the airfoil includes: a top foil through which the at least one vent hole is defined, wherein the vent assembly is a top foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined in the top foil; a front skirt foil sloping down from a front side of the top foil, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the front skirt foil is defined through the skirt foil; and a back skirt foil sloping down from a back side of the top foil opposite the front side, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the back skirt foil is defined through the back skirt foil. The vented airfoil assembly further includes: a front skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the front skirt foil, the front skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is restricted; and a back skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the back skirt foil, the back skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is restricted.

The vented airfoil assembly may further include: a first powered actuator operatively coupled to the top foil vent assembly to configure the top foil vent assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration; a second powered actuator operatively coupled to the front skirt foil vent assembly to configure the front skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration; and a third powered actuator operatively coupled to the back skirt foil vent assembly to configure the back skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

The top foil in at least one example is shaped as an arched ridge, and the airfoil is shaped as a downward opening concave form.

In at least one example, the vent assembly includes: a sectored circular base plate having multiple circle sector blades between which circle sector openings are defined through the base plate; and a sectored rotational plate having multiple circle sector blades between which circle sector openings are defined through the rotational plate. The rotational plate is concentric with and rotatable relative to the base plate at least between two angular positions corresponding to open and close conditions of the vent assembly.

In at least one example, the vent assembly includes parallel linear slats that rotate between: closed positions at which edges of the slats contact or overlap such that together the slats maximally obstruct the vent hole; and opened positions at which openings are defined between the slats to permit airflow through the vent assembly.

The vent assembly includes sliding panels that slide between: the closed configuration at which the sliding panels together obstruct the opening; and the opened configuration at which the sliding panels assume at least partially overlapped positions.

In at least one embodiment, an electrical energy generation system includes: an electricity generator assembly from which a tensile line extends, the electricity generator assembly configured to retract the tensile line and generate electricity upon extension of the tensile line; and a vented airfoil assembly attached to the tensile line. The vented airfoil assembly includes: an airfoil through which at least one vent hole is defined, the vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the airfoil; and a vent assembly positioned in the vent hole, the vent assembly having an open configuration in which the vent assembly permits airflow through the airfoil and a closed configuration in which the vent assembly restricts airflow through the airfoil.

In at least one example, the airfoil includes: a top foil through which the at least one vent hole is defined, wherein the vent assembly is a top foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined in the top foil; a front skirt foil sloping down from a front side of the top foil, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the front skirt foil is defined through the front skirt foil; and a back skirt foil sloping down from a back side of the top foil opposite the front side, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the back skirt foil is defined through the back skirt foil. The vented airfoil assembly further includes: a front skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the front skirt foil, the front skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is restricted; and a back skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the back skirt foil, the back skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is restricted.

In at least one example, a first powered actuator is operatively coupled to the top foil vent assembly to configure the top foil vent assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration. A second powered actuator is operatively coupled to the front skirt foil vent assembly to configure the front skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration. A third powered actuator is operatively coupled to the back skirt foil vent assembly to configure the back skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

In at least one example, the top foil is shaped as an arched ridge, and the airfoil is shaped as a downward opening concave form. In at least one example, the vented airfoil assembly comprises a maneuverable kite.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a vented airfoil assembly, according to at least embodiment, having sectored circle vent assemblies.

FIG. 1B is a partially exploded back perspective view of the vented airfoil assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an electrical energy generation system, according to at least one embodiment, utilizing the vented airfoil assembly of FIGS. 1A and 1B as an airborne kite.

FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a vented airfoil assembly, according to at least embodiment, having slatted vent assemblies.

FIG. 3B is a partially exploded back perspective view of the vented airfoil assembly of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 is an electrical energy generation system, according to at least one embodiment, utilizing the vented airfoil assembly of FIGS. 3A and 3B as an airborne kite.

FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of a vented airfoil assembly, according to at least embodiment, having sliding panel vent assemblies in a closed configuration.

FIG. 5B is a back perspective view of the vented airfoil assembly of FIG. 5A, with the sliding panel vent assemblies in a partially opened configuration.

FIG. 5C is a partially exploded front perspective view of the vented airfoil assembly of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a sailboat, according to at least one embodiment, in which a vented airfoil assembly is utilized as a sail by which the sailboat can be driven by winds.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the sailboat of FIG. 1A, with the vented airfoil assembly shown in exploded view.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sailboat, according to at least one embodiment, in which a slatted airfoil assembly shown in exploded view is utilized as a sail by which the sailboat can be driven by winds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front and rear perspective views of a vented airfoil assembly 100 according to at least embodiment. The vented airfoil assembly 100 includes an airfoil 110 through which multiple vent holes are formed, with each illustrated vent hole being illustrated as entirely surrounded in surface perspective by airfoil portions. A respective vent assembly is positioned in each vent hole such that each illustrated vent assembly is also illustrated as entirely surrounded in surface perspective by airfoil portions. For example, an exemplary vent hole 123a formed through the airfoil 110 is entirely surrounded in surface perspective by a top foil section 123 of the airfoil. A vent assembly 153 positioned in the vent hole 123a is similarly entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the top foil section 123. That is, the vent hole 123a and vent assembly 153 are surrounded by the top foil section 123 in the landscape of the top foil section, without being surrounded from above or below by the air foil.

Advantageously, air passage through the vent hole 123a is controlled by the selective opening and closing of the vent assembly 153. Thus, by dynamic control of at least one vent assembly, and control of one or more other vent assemblies in various embodiments according to these descriptions, lift performance of an airfoil is achieved such that the airfoil can be controlled to ascend, descend, and otherwise perform with regard to direction and speed of movement. The performance of an airfoil can furthermore be controlled with regard to the direction and magnitude of forces the airfoil can apply to other structures such as ground based electrical energy generation devices and ground and water borne vehicles for industrial utility or sport. Cables 102 are shown in FIGS. 1A and 2 trailing down from the airfoil 110 to secure and control the airfoil.

In FIGS. 1A-1B, the airfoil 110 includes a top foil 120, a leading skirt foil 130 (FIG. 1A), and a trailing skirt foil 140 (FIG. 1B). The leading skirt foil 130 (FIG. 1 A) extends generally forward and sloping down from the top foil 120 along the front of the airfoil 110. The trailing skirt foil 140 (FIG. 1 B) extends generally back and sloping down from the top foil 120 along the back of the airfoil 110. The top foil 120 is sectioned in the illustrated embodiment, being formed of multiple planar top foil sections 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 as considered from left to right in FIG. 1A. Each top foil section is folded slightly relative to one or two adjacent other top foil sections such that, as viewed from the front (FIG. 1A) or back (FIG. 1B), the top foil 120 assumes a polygonal arched ridge in which each top foil section 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 is seamed to one or two adjacent other top foil sections following an arc form by angular increment from each section to the next.

The leading skirt foil 130 and trailing skirt foil 140 are similarly sectioned in the illustrated embodiment. In particular, a respective leading skirt foil section 131, 132, 133, 134, 135 (FIG. 1A) extends forward and sloping down from each planar top foil section 121, 122, 123, 124, 125. Similarly, a respective trailing skirt foil section 141, 142, 143, 144, 145 (FIG. 1B) extends back and sloping down from each planar top foil section 121, 122, 123, 124, 125 opposite a respective leading skirt foil section 131, 132, 133, 134, 135. As such the airfoil 110 assumes a downward opening faceted concave form and corresponding upward facing faceted convex form, of which each top foil section, leading skirt foil section, and trailing skirt foil section serves as a facet.

Other embodiments of an airfoil within the scope of these descriptions have more and less top foil sections, leading skirt sections and trailing skirt sections, such that some embodiments of an airfoil have more facets than those illustrated and some other embodiments have less facets than those illustrated. In fact, at least one embodiment of an airfoil according to these descriptions is formed of smoothly varying contours without planar sections appearing as facets. At least one other embodiment is formed of smoothly varying contours and planar facet portions.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B: a vent assembly 152 is positioned in a vent hole 122a, which is formed through the top foil section 122; the vent assembly 153 is positioned in the vent hole 123a, which is formed through the top foil section 123; and a vent assembly 154 is positioned in a vent hole 124a, which is formed through the top foil section 124. Fore and aft vent assemblies 151a and 151b are positioned respectively in fore and aft vent holes, which are formed through fore and aft portions of the left top foil section 121. Similarly, fore and aft vent assemblies 155a and 155b are positioned respectively in fore and aft vent holes, which are formed through fore and aft portions of the right top foil section 125.

A fore vent assembly 156 (FIG. 1A) is positioned in a vent hole formed through the left leading skirt foil section 131. Similarly, a fore vent assembly 157 is positioned in a vent hole formed through the right leading skirt foil section 135. An aft vent assembly 158 (FIG. 1B) is positioned in a vent hole formed through the left trailing skirt foil section 141. Similarly, an aft vent assembly 159 is positioned in a vent hole formed through the right trailing skirt foil section 145.

Throughout the drawings, the illustrated vent assemblies are controlled to selectively open and close so that the air foil can be controlled in flight. In FIGS. 1A-1B and FIG. 2, circular holes are shown as formed through the airfoil and corresponding vent assemblies having circular outer peripheries are illustrated. Other embodiments include other shaped holes and correspondingly shaped vent assemblies. For example, FIGS. 3A-3B and FIG. 4 illustrate rectangular vent assemblies of a particular variety, and FIGS. 5A-5D and FIG. 4 illustrate rectangular vent assemblies of another variety.

In particular with regard to FIGS. 1A-1B and FIG. 2, the vent assembly 153 is shown in exploded perspective view in FIG. 1B to illustrate the components thereof and represent the constructions of the other vent assemblies by example. The vent assembly 153 includes two sectored circular plates. A sectored base plate 160 (FIG. 1B) and sectored rotational plate 170 are maintained in concentric relation in the assembled condition of the vent assembly (FIG. 1A). The sectored base plate 160 (FIG. 1B) includes multiple circle sector blades 162 shaped like pie slices, with their radially inward points joined at the center of the plate 160, and with their radially outward arcs interconnected by a circular periphery band 164. Circle sector openings 161 are defined between the circle sector blades 162 to permit airflow through the plate 160. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four circle sector blades 162 uniformly angularly spaced such that four uniformly spaced circle sector openings 161 are defined. The sectored rotational plate 170 is similarly formed, having four circle sector blades 172 defining four circle sector openings 171. The base plate 160 is mounted in fixed relation to the airfoil 110, while the rotational plate 170 is rotationally mounted, able to rotate about its center at least between two angular positions corresponding to open and close conditions of the vent assembly 150.

In the assembled condition (FIG. 1A), the vent assembly 153 can be maximally opened, thus minimally resisting airflow, by rotation of the rotational plate 170 relative to the base plate 160 until the rotational plate openings 171 align with the base plate openings 161 and the rotational plate blades 172 overlap the base plate blades 162. The vent assembly 153 can be maximally closed by rotation of the rotational plate 170 relative to the base plate 160 until the rotational and base plate openings 161 and 171 are displaced angularly, such that the rotational plate blades 172 align with the base plate openings 161, restricting or blocking airflow. In the instant example of FIG. 1A, the vent assembly 153 assumes a partially open condition such that the rotational plate blades 172 partially overlap the base plate blades 162 while partially obstructing the base plate openings 161. The vent assembly 153 is opened and closed by rotation of the rotational plate 170 relative to the base plate 160 by a powered actuator 126, which may be a rotary motor or other drive device. The descriptions set forth above for the vent assembly 153 apply as well to the other vent assemblies in FIGS. 1A-1B and FIG. 2.

Advantageously, each vent assembly of the vented airfoil assembly 100 can be independently controlled such that when used as an aerial craft, for example as a kite as shown in FIG. 2, maneuverable flight can be achieved. When used as a kite, the airfoil 110 experiences lift according the direction and speed of present winds, and according to the conditions of the vent assemblies as independently fully opened, partially opened, or closed. For example, full closure of all vent assemblies in high wind conditions may provide maximum lift to cause ascent, followed by full or partial opening of all vents to cause descent. Left and right maneuvers can be achieved in varying wind conditions due to the great variety of independently controlled vent assemblies including left, central, right, fore and aft vent assemblies.

Control of the vent assemblies is achieved in different ways according to different embodiments. For example, the cables 102 shown in FIGS. 1A and 2 trailing down from the airfoil 110 can include any type of tensile lines and control communication cables by which control signals reach the vented airfoil assembly 100 and by which return signals may be sent from the airfoil assembly. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the vented airfoil assembly 100 includes a wireless data communication device and controller 174 by which control signals may reach the vented airfoil assembly 100 and by which return signals may be sent from the airfoil assembly. The data communication device 174 in at least one embodiment receives control signals and controls the powered actuator 126 that controls opening and closing of the vent assembly 153. The wireless data communication device and electronic controller 174 in at least one embodiment includes a power supply such as a battery by which the powered actuator is electrically powered. In other embodiments, the powered actuator 126 is controlled and powered via one or more control communication and electrical power cables among the cables 102. The powered actuator is expressly illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B and FIG. 2 in association with the vent assembly 153. This furthermore represents, in at least one embodiment of the vented airfoil assembly 100, multiple powered actuators, each in association with a respective vent assembly in one-to-one correspondence. Each of the multiple powered actuators can be independently controlled by the controller 174 such that each vent assembly can be independently controlled for opening and closing by a dedicated respective powered actuator.

In at least one embodiment the vented airfoil assembly 100 includes sensors 176a and 176b (FIGS. 1B and 3) in operative communication with the wireless data communication device and electronic controller 174 or one or more control and communication cables among the cables 102. The sensors 176a and 176b can include, for example, GPS devices, altitude sensors, proximity sensors, air speed sensors, air pressure sensors and/or audio and video data collection devices. The sensors collect data used, for example by the controller 174, to control navigation of the vented airfoil assembly 100, to avoid collisions, and/or to provide area or weather conditions monitoring.

An electrical energy generation system 180 utilizing the vented airfoil assembly 100 as an airborne kite is shown in FIG. 2. As shown, multiple cables 102 attach the vented airfoil assembly 100 to an electricity generator assembly 104. The cables are withdrawn from the generator assembly 104 as the airfoil assembly 100 ascends or otherwise departs the generator assembly 104. The cables retract, for example upon a spring-loaded spool, within the generator assembly 104 as the airfoil assembly 100 descends or otherwise approaches the generator assembly 104. Electricity is generated when the cables are withdrawn from the generator assembly 104. The electricity generated can be stored in a battery system or utilized in real time by transmission along a power line.

In at least one embodiment, the generator assembly 104 includes a controller 106 and a wireless communication device 108. The controller 106 sends control signals to the vented airfoil assembly 100 via the wireless communication device 108 to control the vented airfoil assembly to ascend and descend in alternating fashion for electricity generation. In at least one other embodiment, the controller 106 sends control signals to the vented airfoil assembly 100 via one or more control communication cables among the cables 102. In some embodiments, data collected by the airfoil borne sensors 176a and 176b is communicated to the ground based controller 106 via wireless or cabled communication. For example, the controllers 106 and 174 may utilize data from the airfoil borne sensors 176a and 176b to ascend and descend the airfoil 110 between lower and upper bound altitudes in alternating fashion for electricity generation.

One or more electrical energy generation systems 180 may be installed wherever sufficient winds are present. For example, energy generation systems 180 may be installed on rooftops, mountain ridgelines, and open fields. Energy generation systems 180 may be installed seaside to produce energy in on-shore winds and may be installed in multi-system units as wind farms.

In at least one embodiment the wireless data communication device and electronic controller 174 includes a computing device configured to keep the kite 100 flying in level disposition relative to the ground or horizon by opening and closing the vent assemblies. Sensors and GPS devices determine whether the kite is level and on or off course, while the electronic controller 174 makes adjustments to keep the kite level and on course. As such, the kite 100 can be flown with or without direct human supervision. The wireless data communication device and electronic controller 174 emits signals for tracking and alert purposes so that aircraft, control towers, and aerial drones are provided with data regarding location, altitude, speed, size, identity, intentions, movement patterns and other pertinent information about the kite 100 using satellite and GPS technology. The kite 100 may also broadcast weather information. The kite 100 constantly updates with regard to wind and weather patterns and moves to preferential altitudes for energy production. The wireless data communication device and electronic controller 174 can link the kite 100 to mobile devices such as cell phones and iPads.

In at least one embodiment, upon an aircraft or aerial drone breaching a ten mile radius from the kite 100, the wireless data communication device and electronic controller 174 sends a warning signal to the approaching craft and nearby control towers. The controller 174 may then start an emergency descent of the kite 100, for example by configuring all vent assemblies for descent. Descent and signaling may continue until a ten mile separation has been established. The controller 174 may ultimately disengage the kite 100 from the tensile lines 102 to prevent a collision.

The kite 100 can be patterned to blend visibly into any deployment area. For example, the kite may be patterned with military camouflage. The kite 100 and energy generation system 180 overall have a small carbon footprint and save wild life as opposed to wind mills having rapidly moving blade tips that hit and kill birds such as endangered owls, bats, eagles, and other flying species. The kite 100 and energy generation system 180 overall are environmentally friendly, quiet, and safe, having benefits over other kite-based energy systems that fly fast and erratically.

The descriptions set forth above for the vented airfoil assembly 100 apply as well to the vented airfoil assembly 200 in FIGS. 3A-3B and FIG. 4, and to the vented airfoil assembly 300 in FIGS. 5A-5C. However, as illustrated, some differences are found among the various vent assemblies in the drawings, such that further descriptions follow.

FIGS. 3A-3B and FIG. 4 illustrate rectangular vent assemblies having parallel linear slats that rotate at least partially to permit opening and closing the vent assemblies somewhat like slatted window blinds. The airfoil 210 of the airfoil assembly 200 has rectangular vent holes, but otherwise resembles the air foil 110 of the airfoil assembly 100 already described. A particular rectangular vent hole 212, for example, is formed through the central top foil section 214 of the airfoil 210, and a corresponding slatted vent assembly 220 is mounted in the vent hole 212. The slatted vent assembly 220 is shown in exploded perspective view in FIG. 3B to illustrate the components thereof and represent the constructions of the other illustrated slatted vent assemblies by example.

The slatted vent assembly 220 includes a rectangular periphery frame formed by parallel longitudinal side walls 224 having lateral ends connected to lateral side walls 226 in a box-like arrangement having right-angle corners and a central rectangular opening 230. Multiple parallel linear slats 232 span the opening 230, each extending from one lateral side wall 226 to the other. The slats 232 are pivotally connected at their longitudinal ends to the lateral side walls 226 and are uniformly spaced side-by-side across the opening 230 from one longitudinal sidewall 224 to the other. The slats 232 are pivotable between opened and closed positions corresponding to opened and closed conditions of the vent assembly 220. In the opened positions, the slats 232 are essentially parallel to the longitudinal side walls 226 such that rectangular openings are defined between the slats to permit airflow with minimal resistance. In the closed positions, edges of the slats 232 contact or overlap such that together the slats 232 maximally obstruct the opening 230 to restrict airflow. The resistance to airflow through the opening can be controlled by pivoting the slats 232 to any desired angle between the opened and closed positions. The positions of the slats may be adjusted by a powered actuator, which may be a rotary motor or other drive device. The positions of the slats 232 may be maintained together by synchronous movement or may be independently selected.

FIGS. 3A-3B are different from FIGS. 1A-1B in that rectangular vent assemblies are shown in FIGS. 3A-3B in lieu of the circular vent assemblies shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Otherwise, above descriptions of FIG. 1A-1B relate as well to FIGS. 3A-3B.

An electrical energy generation system 280 utilizing the vented airfoil assembly 200 as an airborne kite is shown in FIG. 4. As shown, multiple cables attach the vented airfoil assembly 200 to the electricity generator assembly 104. The cables are withdrawn from the generator assembly 104 as the airfoil assembly 200 ascends or otherwise departs the generator assembly 104. The cables retract, for example upon a spring-loaded spool, within the generator assembly 104 as the airfoil assembly 200 descends or otherwise approaches the generator assembly 104. Electricity is generated when the cables are withdrawn from the generator assembly 104. The electricity generated can be stored in a battery system or utilized in real time by transmission along a power line or by power consumption at a nearby facility or device. FIG. 4 is different from FIG. 2 in that the vented airfoil assembly 200 serves as an airborne kite in FIG. 4 in lieu of the vented airfoil assembly 100 in FIG. 3. Otherwise, above descriptions of FIG. 3 relate as well to FIG. 4.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate rectangular vent assemblies having sliding panels that facilitate the opening and closing of the vent assemblies somewhat like staged sliding doors. The airfoil 310 of the airfoil assembly 300 in FIGS. 5A-5C has rectangular vent holes, but otherwise resembles the air foil 110 of the airfoil assembly 100 already described. A particular rectangular vent hole 312, for example, is formed through the central top foil section 314 of the airfoil 310, and a corresponding sliding vent assembly 320 is mounted in the vent hole 312. The sliding panel vent assembly 320 is shown separated from the airfoil 310 in FIG. 5C for illustration and example.

The vent assembly 320 includes sliding panels 322 captured in a rectangular frame 324. A central opening (FIGS. 5B-5C) is defined through the vent assembly 320 when an open configuration of the sliding panels is assumed. When the closed configuration of the vent assembly 320 is assumed (FIG. 5A), the sliding panels 322 obstruct the opening, preventing airflow through the vent assembly. Upon opening, the sliding panels 322 separate at approximately the center of the vent assembly, with approximately half of the panels moving to overlapped positions on each of two sides of the opening. The sliding panels 322 can assume any desired degree of closure between the open configuration and the closed configuration (FIG. 5A). For example, the vent assemblies shown in FIG. 5B are in partially open configurations. The positions of the panels may be set by a powered actuator, which may be a rotary motor or other drive device.

FIGS. 5A-5C are different from FIGS. 1A-1B in that rectangular vent assemblies are shown in FIGS. 3A-3C in lieu of the circular vent assemblies shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. Otherwise, above descriptions of FIG. 1A-1B relate as well to FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a sailboat 400, according to at least one embodiment, in which a vented airfoil assembly 402 is utilized as a sail by which the sailboat 400 can be driven by winds. The vented airfoil assembly 402 includes an airfoil 410 having a vent hole 412 that is entirely surrounded in surface perspective by portions of the airfoil. A vent assembly 414 is positioned in the vent hole 412 and is similarly entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the airfoil 410. The vent assembly 414 is shown in exploded perspective view in FIGS. 6A-6B to illustrate the components thereof. The vent assembly 414 includes two swirl sectored circular plates. A sectored base plate 420 (FIG. 6B) and sectored rotational plate 430 are maintained in concentric relation in the assembled condition of the vent assembly (FIG. 6A). Each sectored plate 420 and 430 (FIG. 6B) includes multiple swirl blades with their radially inward points centrally joined and their radially outward arcs interconnected by a circular periphery band. Openings are defined between the blades to permit airflow. In the illustrated embodiment, there are four blades uniformly angularly spaced such that four uniformly spaced openings are defined in each plate. Above descriptions of operation of the vented airfoil assembly 100 relate as well to the vented airfoil assembly 402. FIGS. 6A and 6B furthermore exemplify vehicles having high-performance airfoils. In particular, the sailboat 400 having the vented airfoil assembly 402 has performance advantages with regard to controlling the wind resistance and thrust imparted to the craft by winds by controlling the condition of the vent assembly 414 with regard to open, closed, or partially open conditions.

Like FIGS. 6A-6B, FIG. 7 illustrates a sailboat 400 where a slatted vent assembly 440 (FIG. 7) replaces the vent assembly 414 (FIGS. 6A-6B). Above descriptions of construction and operation of the slatted vent assembly 220 of FIGS. 3A-3B relate as well to the slatted vent assembly 440 of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 furthermore exemplifies vehicles having high-performance airfoils. In particular, the sailboat 400 having the slatted vent assembly 440 has performance advantages with regard to controlling the wind resistance and thrust imparted to the craft by winds by controlling the condition of the vent assembly with regard to open, closed, or partially open conditions.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vented airfoil assembly comprising:

an airfoil through which at least one vent hole is defined, the vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the airfoil; and

a vent assembly positioned in the vent hole, the vent assembly having an open configuration in which the vent assembly permits airflow through the airfoil and a closed configuration in which the vent assembly restricts airflow through the airfoil.

2. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one cable attaching the airfoil to an electricity generator.

3. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator operatively coupled to the vent assembly to configure the vent assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

4. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vented airfoil assembly comprises a maneuverable kite.

5. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the airfoil comprises:

a top foil through which the at least one vent hole is defined, wherein the vent assembly is positioned in the vent hole defined in the top foil; and

a skirt foil sloping down from the top foil, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the skirt foil is defined through the skirt foil, and

wherein the vented airfoil assembly further comprises a second vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the skirt foil, the second vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the skirt foil is restricted.

6. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the airfoil comprises:

a top foil through which the at least one vent hole is defined, wherein the vent assembly is a top foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined in the top foil;

a front skirt foil sloping down from a front side of the top foil, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the front skirt foil is defined through the skirt foil; and

a back skirt foil sloping down from a back side of the top foil opposite the front side, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the back skirt foil is defined through the back skirt foil, and

wherein the vented airfoil assembly further comprises:

a front skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the front skirt foil, the front skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is restricted; and

a back skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the back skirt foil, the back skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is restricted.

7. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 6, further comprising:

a first powered actuator operatively coupled to the top foil vent assembly to configure the top foil vent assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration;

a second powered actuator operatively coupled to the front skirt foil vent assembly to configure the front skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration; and

a third powered actuator operatively coupled to the back skirt foil vent assembly to configure the back skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

8. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 6, wherein:

the top foil is shaped as an arched ridge; and

the airfoil is shaped as a downward opening concave form.

9. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent assembly comprises:

a sectored circular base plate having multiple circle sector blades between which circle sector openings are defined through the base plate;

a sectored rotational plate having multiple circle sector blades between which circle sector openings are defined through the rotational plate,

wherein the rotational plate is concentric with and rotatable relative to the base plate at least between two angular positions corresponding to open and close conditions of the vent assembly.

10. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent assembly comprises parallel linear slats that rotate between:

closed positions at which edges of the slats contact or overlap such that together the slats maximally obstruct the vent hole; and

opened positions at which openings are defined between the slats to permit airflow through the vent assembly.

12. A vented airfoil assembly according to claim 1, wherein the vent assembly comprises sliding panels that slide between:

the closed configuration at which the sliding panels together obstruct the opening; and

the opened configuration at which the sliding panels assume at least partially overlapped positions.

13. An electrical energy generation system comprising:

an electricity generator assembly from which a tensile line extends, the electricity generator assembly configured to retract the tensile line and generate electricity upon extension of the tensile line; and

a vented airfoil assembly attached to the tensile line, the vented airfoil assembly comprising: an airfoil through which at least one vent hole is defined, the vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the airfoil; and a vent assembly positioned in the vent hole, the vent assembly having an open configuration in which the vent assembly permits airflow through the airfoil and a closed configuration in which the vent assembly restricts airflow through the airfoil.

14. An electrical energy generation system according to claim 13, wherein the airfoil comprises:

a top foil through which the at least one vent hole is defined, wherein the vent assembly is a top foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined in the top foil;

a front skirt foil sloping down from a front side of the top foil, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the front skirt foil is defined through the front skirt foil; and

a back skirt foil sloping down from a back side of the top foil opposite the front side, wherein at least one vent hole entirely surrounded in surface perspective by the back skirt foil is defined through the back skirt foil, and

wherein the vented airfoil assembly further comprises:

a front skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the front skirt foil, the front skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the front skirt foil is restricted; and

a back skirt foil vent assembly positioned in the vent hole defined through the back skirt foil, the back skirt foil vent assembly having an open configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is permitted and a closed configuration in which airflow through the back skirt foil is restricted.

15. An electrical energy generation system according to claim 14, further comprising:

a first powered actuator operatively coupled to the top foil vent assembly to configure the top foil vent assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration;

a second powered actuator operatively coupled to the front skirt foil vent assembly to configure the front skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration; and

a third powered actuator operatively coupled to the back skirt foil vent assembly to configure the back skirt foil assembly selectively in the open configuration and the closed configuration.

16. An electrical energy generation system according to claim 14, wherein:

the top foil is shaped as an arched ridge; and

the airfoil is shaped as a downward opening concave form.

17. An electrical energy generation system according to claim 13, wherein the vented airfoil assembly comprises a maneuverable kite.

18. An electrical energy generation system according to claim 13, wherein the vent assembly comprises:

a sectored circular base plate having multiple circle sector blades between which circle sector openings are defined through the base plate;

a sectored rotational plate having multiple circle sector blades between which circle sector openings are defined through the rotational plate,

wherein the rotational plate is concentric with and rotatable relative to the base plate at least between two angular positions corresponding to open and close conditions of the vent assembly.

19. An electrical energy generation system according to claim 13, wherein the vent assembly comprises parallel linear slats that rotate between:

closed positions at which edges of the slats contact or overlap such that together the slats obstruct the vent hole; and

opened positions at which openings are defined between the slats to permit airflow through the vent assembly.

20. An electrical energy generation system according to claim 13, wherein the vent assembly comprises sliding panels that slide between:

the closed configuration at which the sliding panels together obstruct the opening; and

the opened configuration at which the sliding panels assume at least partially overlapped positions.