Fluid-current Motors Patents (Class 290/43)
  • Patent number: 8616830
    Abstract: The apparatus includes a water collecting plate 6 which collects water into a water inflow opening 8 while intercepting and accumulating water flowing through a waterway, and a movable gate 5 which is capable of changing flow cross-sectional area of water flow acting to the top ends of rotor blades 33 of a vertical axis turbine 3 as inflowing from the water inflow opening 8. Here, owing to changing of flow cross-sectional area with opening and closing of the movable gate 5, a flow rate can be adjusted by changing a water level at the upstream side and opening area of an orifice hole and operation of the rotor blades 33 can be stopped by blocking water passing toward the vertical axis turbine 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Yuji Unno
  • Patent number: 8616829
    Abstract: A turbine that allows for the conversion of the kinetic energy of waterway to mechanical power for use in an energy accepting apparatus is described. The turbine has complimentary components that improve the power efficiency of the turbine. The turbine may include a blade shroud and a plurality of blades that are connected to the blade shroud. On the external surface of the blade shroud, a drive mechanism and/or a brake mechanism may be disposed. An inlet nozzle and outlet diffuser may be used in combination with the turbine. The turbine may be useful in a number of settings, including, but not limited to, streams, rivers, dams, ocean currents, or tidal areas that have continuous or semi-continuous water flow rates and windy environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Concepts ETI, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Becker, Kerry N. Oliphant, Andrew R. Provo
  • Patent number: 8618685
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating a wind turbine in the event of a grid error. The wind turbine has a rotor having a rotor blade adjustable in its blade pitch angle, a generator and a unit for capturing an actual value of the rotational speed of the generator, a value of the blade pitch angle and an actual value of a variable which is representative of a generator torque. The method includes recognizing a grid error; capturing the actual value of the generator torque and actual value of rotational speed of the generator when a grid error was recognized; determining a change in torque; capturing the pitch angle; determining a corrective value for the pitch angle in dependence upon the change in the generator torque and the value for the pitch angle; and, determining a corrected set-point for the pitch angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Detlef Drossel, Kurt Fischle
  • Patent number: 8614522
    Abstract: An energy converting device, particularly for converting mechanical energy to hydraulic energy and from it into electrical energy, uses as an energy transport medium, a control fluid guided in two different control circuits. The control circuits have an operative connection to each other by a coupling device (32). One control circuit (28) serves for feeding in energy, particularly in the form of mechanical energy. The other control circuit serves for discharging energy in the form of converted energy, particularly electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hydac System GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hahmann, Norbert Böhmer, Daniel Thull, Frank Herold
  • Patent number: 8610321
    Abstract: A generator is provided comprising a rotor with a number of magnetic rotor pole shoes, a stator with a number of stator coils wound on the stator, and a generator-utility grid interface comprising a plurality of diode rectifiers, each diode rectifier is connected to a stator coil and the number of stator coils is greater than the number of rotor pole shoes, or the number M of rotor pole shoes is greater than, but not an integer multiple of, the number of stator coils. A wind turbine utilizing the generator of the present invention and a method of assembling such a generator are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Patent number: 8610304
    Abstract: Mechanisms are described which receive and transfer forces via transducers having one or more persistent deformations in changeable locations. Actuator or propulsion embodiments are powered by elastic or variable length transducers that exert forces on the deformed members which in turn exert forces onto ambient fluid such as air or water. Generator embodiments receive forces from ambient moving fluid via deformed members which transfer those forces to elastic or variable length transducers which convert those forces into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Pliant Energy Systems LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Pietro Filardo
  • Patent number: 8610303
    Abstract: There is provided herein a system and method for generating downhole electricity from wells or similar apertures that penetrate sufficiently deep into the subsurface to allow liquid water to be converted to steam. In the preferred embodiment, a well that reaches to a point in the subsurface where the ambient temperature at depth is significantly above the boiling point of water (i.e., greater than 212° F.) will be used, said steam providing the force necessary to turn the blades of a turbine which, in turn, provides rotational force a downhole generator, thereby resulting in the generation of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: John R. Yocum, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130328308
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovering exhaust kinetic energy. The apparatus includes a valve assembly, a motor generator and a controller. The valve assembly includes a rotary shaft which is disposed in an exhaust gas pipe and a flap which is disposed on the rotary shaft. The flap is rotated by an exhaust gas that is ejected. The motor generator is connected to the rotary shaft of the valve assembly, and in a first instance generates electricity using a rotational force transmitted from the rotary shaft and in a second instance applies a torque to the rotary shaft. The controller fixes the rotary shaft of the valve assembly at a predetermined angle in the first instance and adjusts the speed of rotation of the rotary shaft by controlling the motor generator in the second instance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Seung Won
  • Patent number: 8604632
    Abstract: A downhole assembly including a turbine to be disposed within a wellbore and a rotating array. The rotating array includes magnetic material and is coupled to the turbine. The downhole assembly also includes a magnetostrictive material coupled to the rotating array to strain the magnetostrictive material to induce an electric current in a conductor coupled to the magnetostrictive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Hardin, Jr., Mark Sitka
  • Publication number: 20130320675
    Abstract: A method is described for controlling a water current turbine array which includes first and second pluralities of water current turbines operable to generate electricity from a water current. The method includes controlling respective power generation characteristics of the water current turbines in the array so as to maximise power generation of the array as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: TIDAL GENERATION LIMITED
    Inventor: Paul Vigars
  • Publication number: 20130320674
    Abstract: A wind turbine control system operates a wind turbine and controls the amount of power output at maximum power output conditions to achieve the goal of emphasizing power generation in the present at the expense of power generation in the future. Because of the time value of money, a given quantity of electric power generated in the present is worth much more than the same quantity generated, for instance, 10 years in the future. Recognizing the time value of money impact on the net present value of installing and operating a wind turbine, the control system would optimize the net present value by producing more power in the turbine's early years than in its later years. The control system may also optimize return on investment by adjusting the power output based on the energy price during a current period versus the energy price forecast in a future period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Clipper Windpower, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Ingram
  • Patent number: 8598730
    Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a wind energy conversion system including a plurality of wind energy conversion modules integrated into a superstructure for the conversion of wind energy to electrical energy, each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules including a nozzle comprising: an intake having an intake length; a throat coupled in fluid communication with a wind power generating turbine, wherein the throat is downstream of the intake; a diffuser comprising a housing and having a length, the diffuser downstream from the throat, wherein a diameter of the diffuser is greater than a diameter of the throat; and a vortex-forming aerodynamic feature on at least one of the intake, the throat, the turbine, and the diffuser, wherein the aerodynamic feature acts to increase throughput through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: V Squared Wind, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Freda
  • Patent number: 8593005
    Abstract: It is provided to embody as a modularly constructed system, a water wheel for power generation via generators with transversely extending water blades as hinged or folding blades. In this regard it is provided to arrange the water blades over a truss framework. The truss framework for each water blade is formed by a transversely extending prism-like arrangement of plural connected struts as transverse supports, whereby these are connected at node points by longitudinal rods, and at least one strut of the transverse supports is connected with the wheel rim. In that regard, a longitudinal rod located at the top and arranged over the transverse supports is embodied for the rotatable support of a pivotably received water blade via a mounting receiver and a longitudinal rod is allocated as a counter support for the water blade in its working position. Simultaneously this longitudinal rod serves for limiting a pivoting motion of the neighboring water blade in the turbulent region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Hartmuth Drews
  • Patent number: 8593007
    Abstract: An energy conversion system for converting between one form of input energy selected from a mechanical energy and electrical energy, and an output energy selected from a mechanical energy and electrical energy using a linearly displaced magnetic component interacting with an orbitally displaced magnetic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: David J. Hochberg, Gregory E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8587138
    Abstract: Systems recover gas and/or heat and convert the recovered gas and/or heat to electrical power. The systems recover gas and/or heat from metal melting and/or smelting processes used in the manufacturing and/or refining of metals and/or their by-products. The recovered gas and/or heat are converted into electrical power. The heat of the metal melting and/or smelting process is converted to superheated liquid, such as steam, through a heat exchanger for operating a turbine motor and electrical power generator to produce electrical power. Flue gases from the melting and/or smelting processes used in the manufacturing and/or refining of metals and/or their by-products are utilized to drive a gas turbine motor and electrical power generator to produce electrical power. Electricity generated by the systems electrolyze water to form hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Statler, Fermin Maldonado
  • Patent number: 8581430
    Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine generator and control system is provided that optimizes the maximum possible power output at all times by strictly monitoring power output from the generator unit and modulating the wicket gate angle and the runner blade pitch independently of one another. The hydroelectric turbine generator includes a means for separately controlling wicket gate angle and runner blade pitch. The wicket gate angle control mechanism controls the flow into the system, pre conditions flow for maximum power and maintains reservoir level. The runner blade pitch control mechanism continuously monitors the system power output based on actual power produced, and adjusts system parameters in order to achieve maximum power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Salvatore Shifrin, Joseph Shifrin
  • Patent number: 8575806
    Abstract: A power generating structure comprises a front magnetic disc, a rear magnetic disc, and a coil disc disposed between the front and the rear magnetic discs. The coil disc is provided with a plurality of coil units radially arranged. Each coil unit includes a plurality of coils each with different turns of insulated wire. The front and the rear magnetic discs are respectively provided with a plurality of magnetic elements radially arranged. The coil disc is fixed to a shaft at a center thereof. The shaft extends outwardly from the rear magnetic disc. A plurality of blades can be attached to a periphery of the front or the rear magnetic disc. Therefore, the blades can be driven to rotate the front and the rear magnetic discs to have the coils of coil units continuously induced different voltages by the magnetic elements to supply various equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Inventors: Chung-Yi Kuo, Shyh-Shiaw Lee
  • Patent number: 8575771
    Abstract: An installation structure for a hydroelectric power generation apparatus, includes: a power generation apparatus accommodation frame body in which a plurality of hydroelectric power generation apparatuses are accommodated in parallel; a first wire having one end connected to a lower portion of the power generation apparatus accommodation frame body; an anchor or weight connected with the other end of the first wire; a buoyancy body provided on an upper side of the hydroelectric power generation apparatus accommodation frame body through the second wire, the hydroelectric power generation apparatus accommodation frame body having an upper side opened, and having a dividing plate between both side plates to form a plurality of power generation apparatus accommodation units, each of the plurality of power generation apparatus accommodation units having a running water inlet side window formed at a front portion, and having a running water outlet side window formed at a rear portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Japan System Planning Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Kumano
  • Publication number: 20130285376
    Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: David Carmein, Dawn White
  • Patent number: 8558403
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a single moored offshore marine turbine assembly having a central control vessel which includes a main vessel tethered to a control buoy. The main vessel having a first cap, a corresponding second cap and a tubular shell positioned between both the first cap and second cap. The tubular shell contains one or more vertical partitions to assist in ballasting. The control buoy includes a compressor and an air conduit which forces air into the main vessel through a manifold. A hollow suction caisson affixes the central control vessel to the ocean floor. A taut line mooring secures the suction caisson to the main vessel. Electricity is generated via a turbine shroud assembly having a conical shroud and a hydro-turbine. By attaching a plurality of turbine shroud assemblies in series via cables, a horizontal turbine train is formed resulting in a simple, economical and safe layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Rooney
  • Publication number: 20130257049
    Abstract: A renewable energy extraction device, such as a wind turbine generator includes a turbine driving a hydraulic pump and a variable displacement hydraulic motor driving an electrical generator connected directly to an electricity grid. The hydraulic motor employs electronically controlled valves operated to select the net displacement of working chambers of the hydraulic motor on each successive cycle of working chamber volume. In the event of an electric grid fault causing the maximum absorbable torque of the electrical generator to collapse, the electronically controlled valves are controlled to substantially reduce the rate of displacement of working fluid by the hydraulic motor, rapidly reducing the torque exerted on the generator rotor. This has the benefit of avoiding pole slip which could otherwise cause serious damage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Jamie Taylor, Michael Fielding, Niall Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8546965
    Abstract: This invention involves a hydroelectric turbine system that is capable of producing electricity while sustaining a majority of the fluid flow or hydraulic pressure within the pipe line or pipe network driving the system. The system's objective is to shave as little pressure as possible from an enclosed pipe system that requires pressure to operate and function properly. More particularly, this invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine generator system wherein the system is specially designed and configured with an unique impeller and fluted turbine housing that enable a generator device to produce a particular amount of electric current and voltage, while yet minimizing flow restriction and pressure loss to the fluid pressure driving the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Raymond Alvarez, Daniel Dale Gilson
  • Patent number: 8545701
    Abstract: A method comprising providing a power train comprising a plurality of cells, each cell forming a hydraulic loop; producing a power train cycle comprising a controlled concentration-pressure loop wherein the concentration field: (a) osmotically induces a continuous and constant flow rate of substantially salt-free permeate flux throughout the power train; (b) maintains a salt concentration difference across the semipermeable membrane shared by the adjacent cells in the plurality of cells; (c) defines a salt concentration ratio within each cell that ensures a net positive power generation; and, (d) discharges the concentrated brine at the opposing end cell; and operating the power train under conditions effective to generate net positive power at an efficiency of 35% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Maher Isaac Kelada
  • Patent number: 8546966
    Abstract: A fluid flow torque generator unit is composed of an impeller assembly, a housing, and a supporting frame. The housing contains one half of the impeller assembly and is configured to divide the force of the oncoming fluid flow into three components which work together to increase the force on the front of the impellers and to create a suction effect on the back of the impellers increasing torque output. One unit powering an electric generator can produce sufficient electricity for residential or commercial use. One unit or multiple units working together can be incorporated into an assembly that includes a source of compressed air to provide an air flow when the wind subsides, insuring a continuous output of electricity. The basic unit operates equally well in response to underwater currents. The dimensions and number of units are determined by the fluid flow source and the desired output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Miguel Radhames Santos
  • Patent number: 8541900
    Abstract: A fluid turbine includes stator fitted with fluid inlet and outlet, and a rolling rotor installed inside the confusor part of the stator at one end of a shaft, with the other end fixed in a clamp of a clamping mechanism on the stator. The shaft of the rolling rotor is fixed in the clamp of the clamping mechanism non-rotationally with the possibility of angular deflection in all directions. A generator is connected to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of Civil Engineering
    Inventors: Miroslav Sedlácek, Václav Beran, Jiri Novák
  • Publication number: 20130239861
    Abstract: A turbine integrated within a hydrofoil extracts energy from a free-flowing motive fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the turbine is of the crossflow variety with runner blades coaxial to the width of the hydrofoil. The foremost edge of the hydrofoil comprises a slot covered by a continuously adjustable gate for controlling the overall drag imposed by the turbine. The hydrofoil mounts to a sailing vessel by means of a gimbal on a structure affixed to the hull, enabling the turbine to optimally respond to changes in direction of the free-flowing motive fluid and facilitating guidance and stability of the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Integrated Power Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew Roman Gizara
  • Patent number: 8536719
    Abstract: The invention concerns a tubular turbine generator unit including a turbine rotor disk; a drive shaft which is torsion-proof connected with the turbine rotor disk; an electrical generator with a generator rotor and a generator stator, wherein the generator rotor is driven at least via the drive shaft; a tubular turbine housing, which encloses the electrical generator; a bearing assembly, which is arranged inside the tubular turbine housing and enables to support the drive shaft; characterized in that at least one floodable space is provided inside the tubular turbine housing, which is flooded with water in the region of the tubular turbine generator unit, wherein the generator gap between the generator rotor and the generator stator and the bearing gap of the bearing assembly are part of the floodable space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Benjamin Holstein, Norman Perner, Hans Borrmann
  • Patent number: 8525361
    Abstract: An energy harvesting device may include a pneumatic system inlet configured to receive a pressurized gas; a pneumatic-to-electrical (PN/E) transducer that converts a flow of the pressurized gas into generated electrical energy; and an electrical device coupled to receive the electrical energy of the PN/E transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Cypress Envirosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Kramer, Dragan Nikolic, Eric M. Gawehn, Harry Sim
  • Patent number: 8519558
    Abstract: A tool includes a nonmagnetic tool housing, a cylindrical rotor inside the tool housing and rotatable in response to a flow of pressurized fluid through the tool housing and magnets mounted in the rotor. A stator is positioned on the exterior of the tool housing, and is dimensioned to cooperate with the magnets to, upon rotation of the rotor, generate electrical current for supply to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Jon J. Leininger
  • Publication number: 20130214532
    Abstract: A tunable generator has a surface structure for contacting an exterior fluid flow relative to a base structure. The contacting surface structure also has an electrogenerative portion positioned relative to the contacting structure and the base structure. The electrogenerative portion is preferably a piezoelectric or electromagnetic structure, although other types of structures are known within the art. The contacting surface is mechanically coupled to portions of the base structure through one or more elastic elements. The various portions of the base structure can be positioned relative to other base structure portions to alter the elasticity of the system or the tensioning of the elastic elements. The field of flow exerts forces upon the contacting structure which causes movement in the contacting surface structure relative to the base structure through the electrogenerative portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Sean Nean Hsu
  • Publication number: 20130214533
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the operation of an underwater power plant with a water turbine to take up kinetic energy from a surrounding flow; and an electrical generator coupled directly to the water turbine; characterized in that the power regulation in the generator mode is done by a control or regulation of the load moment produced by the electrical generator for a freely adjusting rpm speed of the water turbine, wherein the setpoint value of the load moment in a first, power-optimized operating range is established by a state controller and/or a search mechanism for the power maximum; and in a second, power-limited operating range the assigned load moment is chosen so that an operating point distant from the power optimum results for the water turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Voith Patent GmbH
  • Patent number: 8513911
    Abstract: A power converter that interfaces a motor requiring variable voltage/frequency to a supply network providing a nominally fixed voltage/frequency includes a first rectifier/inverter connected to a stator and a second rectifier/inverter. Both rectifier/inverters are interconnected by a dc link and include switching devices. A filter is connected between the second rectifier/inverter and the network. A first controller for the first rectifier/inverter uses a dc link voltage demand signal indicative of a desired dc link voltage to control the switching devices of the first rectifier/inverter. A second controller for the second rectifier/inverter uses a power demand signal indicative of the level of power to be transferred to the dc link from the network through the second rectifier/inverter, and a voltage demand signal indicative of the voltage to be achieved at network terminals of the filter to control the switching devices of the second rectifier/inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Converteam Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney Jones, Christopher Newton
  • Patent number: 8505293
    Abstract: An improved system for converting kinetic energy contained in naturally occurring horizontal flows occurring in fluids accumulated above ground into useful mechanical energy is specified in which at least one circulating element guided in a closed cycle, arranged substantially horizontal above the ground is provided, to which at least one buoyancy body having a crosssection of impact for the flow is attached by means of at least one guy rope or by means of a backstay chain, wherein in a section of the closed cycle, in which a propulsive power aligned in a direction of circulation acts on the buoyancy body via the flow impacting on the cross-section of impact, the distance between the circulating element and the buoyancy body is set greater than in a section of the closed cycle, in which via the flow impacting on the cross-section of impact no propulsive power aligned in the direction of circulation acts on the buoyancy body, further optimizing is carried out in that the buoyancy body is set during the cycle i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: NTS Energie—und Transportsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Ahrens
  • Publication number: 20130200617
    Abstract: A power transmission system may include a plurality of renewable-energy devices such as wind turbines or subsea turbines. The devices are connected together in parallel to a subsea cable that carries an ac transmission voltage. Each device includes a turbine assembly that is rotated by wind or water current flows, and a variable speed ac induction generator. A power converter is connected to the subsea cable and is used to interface the generators to a supply network or power grid. The power transmission system is operated such that an indicated operating speed of one or more of the devices is used to control the power converter (e.g. the PWM strategy that is used to open and close the power semiconductor devices) to achieve desired stator electrical quantities at each generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: GE Energy Power Conversion Tecnology Ltd
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Smith, Matthew James Moreman, Leonard William Burt, Matthew James Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8502402
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus of renewable energy type includes a rotation shaft, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a generator and a pitch drive unit. When a fault even occurs, a deviation of a state indicating an operation state from a normal state value is calculated. When the deviation is not less than a first threshold value, the stop control unit performs by means of a hard-wired circuit at least one of switching the hydraulic pump to an idle state, the hydraulic motor to an idle state, and the pitch angle toward a feathering position. When the deviation is less than the first threshold and not less than a second threshold, the stop control unit performs by software control all of switching the hydraulic pump to the idle state, the hydraulic motor to the idle state, and the pitch angle toward the feathering position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumio Hamano
  • Patent number: 8492921
    Abstract: An energy harvester capable of providing motion from fluid flow, which comprises at least one Magnus cylinder driven to rotate by the movement of the fluid past a fin device. This causes the Magnus cylinder to rotate, and further interactions between the rotating Magnus cylinder and the moving fluid generate a Magnus lifting force. A channel or system may be also provided to direct the fluid flow to the Magnus cylinder. This rotating Magnus cylinder configuration is integrated into a mechanical device that is designed to transfer the Magnus lifting forces into a rotary mechanical motion to drive an electric generator. The device can be utilized in either air or hydraulic environments. A modification of the energy harvester can also be configured to utilize the generated electricity to produce hydrogen for use in fuel cells, or for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventors: Joel S Douglas, Matthew French, Paul Richard Johnson, Amanda E Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8492918
    Abstract: A hybrid water pressure energy accumulating, tower assembly used to directly propel water pumps to raise water from low elevation reservoir(s) to high elevation reservoir(s) where it is used as a potential energy. The tower is electrically connected and positioned next to or close to a wind turbine or a wind or solar power plant. The tower includes in-tower storage reservoirs configured for storing water. The in-tower storage reservoirs could be defined by lower and upper water storage containers attached to the inner or outer surface of the tower that might be connected to other neighboring reservoir(s). The lifted water is used to generate electricity utilizing a hydropower generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Kamen George Kamenov
  • Publication number: 20130181448
    Abstract: An electric actuation system for an emergency power system of an aircraft includes a motor control portion, a motor brake, a motor in electrical communication with the motor control portion, mechanical gearing in mechanical communication with the motor, the mechanical gearing configured to translate rotational motion of the motor into linear motion across at least one axis, and an extension member in mechanical communication with the mechanical gearing, the extension member configured to linearly travel across the at least one axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael E. Larson, Gary Sasscer
  • Patent number: 8482141
    Abstract: A flow energy installation, in particular a wind power installation, having a housing which has a droplet-shaped cross section and can be adjusted about its vertical axis aligned with the flow direction, in particular the wind direction, wherein the housing has an inlet opening on the front face to an inner flow channel, which leads to at least one outlet opening which is arranged in particular at the side on the housing, and at least one axial incident-flow propeller is arranged in the flow channel, wherein the flow channel has boundary surfaces which run in a convex shape, in its inlet area adjacent to the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Aussem, Matthias Koestner, Richard Krestel
  • Patent number: 8476780
    Abstract: Yaw control is performed such that a nacelle faces into an actual main wind direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hashimoto, Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Takatoshi Matsushita
  • Patent number: 8466577
    Abstract: A wind driven turbine includes a perimeter rim that carries a rotor, and a stator is positioned at the annular path of the rotor with field coils positioned on opposite sides of the rotor that generate electricity in response to the rotation of the rotor. A proximity gauging means selectively maintains the field coils at predetermined distances from the rotor. The wind turbine may be mounted on a floatable support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
  • Patent number: 8466576
    Abstract: A generator (20) for in situ fluid-driven production of electric energy and also a method of making the generator (20), which comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator is formed as a turbine housing (1) having at least one internal cavity (2) within which at least one independent rotor body (3) is arranged without a fixed mechanical support in the turbine housing (1). The turbine housing (1) comprises at least one supply channel (8) and at least one discharge channel (9) connected to the cavity (2) for throughput of a generator-driving fluid (13). The cavity (2) is of a circular shape along at least one path of rotation therein, whereas the rotor body (3) is of a rotary-symmetrical shape for allowing rotation thereof along said path of rotation. The turbine housing (1) is provided with at least one coil (5) at the periphery of the cavity (2), whereas the rotor body (3) is provided with at least one permanent magnet (4) at the periphery of the rotor body (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Reslink AS
    Inventor: Gisle Onsrud
  • Patent number: 8461705
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a faucet hydroelectric generator includes: a cylinder portion including a supply water inflow port and a supply water outflow port and having a supply water flow channel formed therein; a bucket having a rotation center axis generally parallel to the supply water flow channel, and including a bucket blade provided in the supply water flow channel so as to be rotatable about the rotation center axis; a magnet rotatable integrally with the bucket; a coil configured to generate electromotive force by rotation of the magnet; a nozzle portion including a plurality of injection ports configured to cause incoming water flowing parallel to the rotation center axis to be squirted in a plane generally perpendicular to the rotation center axis from radially outside the bucket blade toward the bucket blade; and a lid provided at an upstream end of the bucket blade and configured to rotate integrally with the bucket blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Toto Ltd
    Inventors: Masahiro Kuroishi, Naoyuki Onodera, Tomoko Sato
  • Patent number: 8461706
    Abstract: A fluid handling and cogeneration system has an inlet conduit receiving a fluid, a housing having a inlet end, a outlet end and an interior surface. The housing encloses an inner body which together with the housing is arranged to form an annular space between the interior surface of the housing and an exterior surface of the inner body. The system also includes at least one diverter configured such that the fluid is directed to circulate around the inner body and traverse the annular space from the diverter toward the outlet end of the housing in an organized fashion. A generator is provided within the housing to harness the fluid traversing the annular space to generate electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Spiroflo Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Miller, Darin L. Lane
  • Patent number: 8459020
    Abstract: Highway bridge supporting structures that stand in large bodies of water are usefully employed in a novel manner in this invention to inexpensively extract energy from the water under the bridge using new and established apparatus. Alternate energy producing systems from water waves, currents and tides suffer from cost disadvantages incurred in designing and erecting expensive structures that hold them firmly on the ground under the water against fierce wind and water forces. This invention ingeniously uses existing or new bridge structures for mounting water-borne-energy to electricity conversion systems at much reduced cost. The invention will make water energy conversion systems more affordable and will turn existing and new bridge supporting structures into dual-use systems that can not only support bridge decks above but also produce useful renewable energy from the water below; today, bridge structures are not used in this manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Paul M Swamidass
  • Patent number: 8456032
    Abstract: An energy conversion system for converting between one form of input energy selected from a mechanical energy and electrical energy, and an output energy selected from a mechanical energy and electrical energy using a linearly displaced magnetic component interacting with an orbitally displaced magnetic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Dynamic Energy Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Hochberg, Gregory E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8456031
    Abstract: Device and methods associated with underwater pumped-hydro energy storage are disclosed. An underwater pumped-hydro energy storage device includes a submersible tank that includes an inlet and an outlet. A pump is disposed at the outlet of the submersible tank to evacuate water from the submersible tank in a surrounding body of water. A valve is disposed at the inlet of the at least one submersible tank to control a flow of the water into the submersible tank from the surrounding body of water. Moreover, a turbine power unit is to generate output electrical power from the flow water into the submersible tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John R. Hull, Michael Strasik
  • Publication number: 20130134708
    Abstract: A power generating apparatus of renewable energy type includes a rotation shaft, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, a generator and a pitch drive unit. When a fault even occurs, a deviation of a state indicating an operation state from a normal state value is calculated. When the deviation is not less than a first threshold value, the stop control unit performs by means of a hard-wired circuit at least one of switching the hydraulic pump to an idle state, the hydraulic motor to an idle state, and the pitch angle toward a feathering position. When the deviation is less than the first threshold and not less than a second threshold, the stop control unit performs by software control all of switching the hydraulic pump to the idle state, the hydraulic motor to the idle state, and the pitch angle toward the feathering position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Fumio HAMANO
  • Publication number: 20130106105
    Abstract: An underwater apparatus for generating electric power from ocean currents and deep water tides. A submersible platform including two or more power pods, each having a rotor with fixed-pitch blades, with drivetrains housed in pressure vessels that are connected by a transverse structure providing buoyancy, which can be a wing depressor, hydrofoil, truss, or faired tube. The platform is connected to anchors on the seafloor by forward mooring lines and a vertical mooring line that restricts the depth of the device in the water column. The platform operates using passive, rather than active, depth control. The wing depressor, along with rotor drag loads, ensures the platform seeks the desired operational current velocity. The rotors are directly coupled to a hydraulic pump that drives at least one constant-speed hydraulic-motor generator set and enables hydraulic braking. A fluidic bearing decouples non-torque rotor loads to the main shaft driving the hydraulic pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Aquantis, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. P. Dehlsen, James B. Dehlsen, Alexander Fleming
  • Publication number: 20130106106
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an electro-magnetic metallurgy high powered electric energy density push-repel two stage magnetic stack cylinder drive motor and a hydro-kinetic high pressure hydraulic and nitrogen gas piston drive pump propulsion motor arrangement. A linear electric generator can be coupled to the arrangement to generate electric energy or the output shaft may be provided for propulsion uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: JUAN ANDUJAR