Abstract: A circuit for harvesting electrical energy from a piezoelectric source and for storing the electrical energy in a battery includes an inductor that is configured to store electrical energy. A diode bridge-free switching network is configured to: direct electrical energy from the piezoelectric source to the inductor during a first portion of a piezoelectric charge generating cycle; and direct electrical energy from the inductor to the battery during a second portion of the piezoelectric charge generating cycle.

Abstract: An electric generating device for a training machine is disclosed. The device has at least an electric generator, a trestle, and an electrical storage device electrically connectable to the generator. In one embodiment there are two electric generators that are mounted spaced apart in which the rotors and stators of the generators are symmetrically arranged. The rotor and stator of each side is separately connected to the corresponding rotor and stator of the other side through a rotor bushing and a bobbin. Each rotor is a hollow cylindrical disk that has multiple permanent magnets mounted on the inner surface of the disk and arrayed in circle. Each stator has multiple sets of generator coils and is mounted inside the disk and the permanent magnets. The stators of both sides are connected to a control plate through a connecting wire. The control plate has a series/parallel circuit, has a rectifier and has a voltage regulation circuit. The trestle has an adjusting knob.

Abstract: A method and system of inverting DC energy stored within a vehicle to AC energy sufficient for supplying appliances or other devices that traditionally receive AC energy from a wall outlet. The inverting may be executed without feedback control in that switching operations used to controller boosting and inverting the DC energy are controller solely from inputs and without regard to the actual output.

Abstract: A system for electromagnetically harvesting waste kinetic energy. A wound electrical coil having a hollow bobbin abuts an opening in ring magnet. An actuator plunger extends through the opening. Fixed magnets are located at the opposite end of the bobbin. Floating magnets are disposed within the bobbin, arranged with their magnetic field opposing that of the fixed magnets but not that of the ring magnet. Axial force on the actuator plunger moves the floating magnets toward the fixed magnets. When the actuator is released, the floating magnets are repelled by the fixed magnets and attracted by the ring magnet, causing the floating magnets to pass rapidly through the coil, thereby generating an electric current in the coil. In one application, the harvester is actuated by a keeper in a door latch release mechanism. In a second application the harvester is actuated by a latch bolt of a lock set.

Abstract: Embodiments of the subject invention relate to a method and apparatus for providing an electrical energy system. A specific embodiment can incorporate at least one energy harvesting module (H-module), at least one energy storage module (S-module), and at least one power electronic circuit module (C-module). The various modules can be integrated into a standard battery configuration. Specific embodiments pertain to a reconfigurable energy system with modules that can be disconnected and reconnected into different shapes and configurations.

Abstract: A wind power plant includes a wind turbine generator and an electrical storage device that supply electric power to a utility grid. A wind-turbine controller performs for the wind turbine generator an acoustic-noise suppression operation in which the rotational speed of blades is controlled in order to suppress acoustic noise, and also calculates a reduction in output power that is the difference in output power between the normal output power and the acoustic-noise-suppression output power. An electrical-storage-device controller causes the electrical storage device to be charged or discharged, based on the reduction in output power, the acoustic-noise-suppression output power, and the grid-demanded output power demanded from the utility grid. Therefore, the wind power plant can supply, to the utility grid, the electric power demanded from the utility grid even when the operation of suppressing the occurrence of acoustic noise is performed for the wind turbine generator.

Abstract: The present invention is an air and direct power generator device attached to the air stream of a fan or directly to a shaft of a fan which could be on a roof of a building or any air producing device or fan that includes a wind turbine with a plurality of blades to produce electrical power from the air stream, an electric generator to convert mechanical energy created from the turbine into electrical energy and a plurality of slip rings disposed underneath the casing to rotate said casing. There is also a plurality of mounting brackets to mount the device, a DC to AC power inverter regulated to 120 volts or any desired voltage.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a High Efficiency MEMS Micro-Vibrational Energy Harvester (?VEH) having a thick beam bimorph architecture. The disclosed architecture is capable of producing a voltage of sufficient magnitude such that the requirement to connect a plurality of harvesters in series to produce an adequate voltage magnitude is eliminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a permanent magnet generator for increasing the capacity of generating the electric power by increasing the number of a magnetic pole. Thus, the present invention is constructed to largely increase the capacity of generating the electric power by installing the ferromagnetic substances, which are magnetized due to permanent magnets disposed at the rotor, between the permanent magnets thereby easily increasing the number of the magnetic poles twice.

Abstract: A machine tool with a generator for generating electrical power is disclosed. The generator has a rotor and a stator. A coil and a magnet are arranged on the stator. The rotor is capable of moving relative to the stator and has a first region and a second region. The rotor is configured in such a way that, during a movement of the rotor relative to the stator, a magnetic flux in the coil is changed due to differences between the first and second regions in terms of their magnetic permeability and/or in terms of their geometric configuration, and an electrical voltage is induced.

Abstract: A method for coupling an energy storage system to a variable energy supply system includes providing an energy storage system including at least one Vanadium redox battery and at least one battery charge controller. The method also includes electrically coupling the at least one battery charge controller to the variable energy supply system such that the at least one battery is configured to supply a substantially consistent energy output during fluctuating energy loads of the energy supply system.

Abstract: The present invention in several embodiments is a modular power system for providing electrical and mechanical power to a variety of applications. This system may comprise an electric motor mechanically coupled to an electric generator or alternator, and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery would store and provide electrical power for the system. Additional energy could be supplied to the battery and the system by means of electrical or mechanical connections. For example, a generator of the system could be mechanically connected to the moving wheels of a land vehicle or to the moving shaft of a piece of machinery to generate electrical power. The mechanical connection could be any know in the art, but preferably would comprise a means for efficiently transferring said mechanical energy.

Abstract: Sensors for outputting signals indicative of a rate of change of torque experienced by a magnetized member in response to a change in torque experienced by the member are described. Such sensors include at least one sense element capable of detecting a change in a magnetic parameter of a magnetized region of the member positioned proximate to the sense element in response to a change in torque applied to the member. Devices for detecting and/or measuring rates of changes in or of torque that employ one or more of these sensors are also described, as are various applications for such devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved billboard system and method of use thereof. One or more vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) are mounted onto the top portions of posts supporting new or previously constructed billboards. The vertical axis wind turbines, which are configured to rotate regardless of the direction of the wind, generate electrical power that is used to provide the power needs of lighting display elements (lights, screens, etc.) found on the billboard. The turbines are also used to charge batteries that may later be used to supply power to the billboard during periods when the turbines do not generate sufficient power or when one or more of the turbines are not operational. Surplus power not used to power the display elements or charge the batteries may be transmitted to the utility power grid. The billboard system may be monitored and controlled from a remote location via a communications network.

Abstract: There is provided a power plant in which a fossil fuel is used to generate power. An exemplary power plant includes a generator and a turbine that drives the generator, which generates electricity. Also included is a separator with which carbon dioxide is separated out of exhaust gas of the power plant. The power plant further includes a compressor with which the separated carbon dioxide is liquefied, the compressor being coupled to an electric drive.

Abstract: A system for converting wind energy to electrical energy for use in a building. Conduits positioned within the building have end portions open to exterior wall surfaces of the building. Wind deflector mechanisms positioned at the end portions of the conduits direct wind from the exterior wall surfaces of the building into the conduits and allow wind to exit the conduits. Wind flowing through the conduits impacts venturi elements and wind collector devices positioned within the conduits. The venturi elements are pivotally mounted within the conduits to accelerate the wind towards the wind collectors regardless of in which direction the wind flows, thereby causing the wind collectors operatively associated with a wind turbine device to rotate. Wind collector rotation produces mechanical energy that the wind turbine device converts to electrical energy for the building.

Abstract: A power generation system having a wind turbine blade assembly, a generator mechanically coupled to the blade assembly, and a power converter coupled to the generator is provided. An energy storage device and a bidirectional converter coupling the energy storage device to the power converter are also provided in the system. An inertia controller is provided for generating a first transient signal to regulate active power from the wind turbine system when a power grid signal is outside of a respective signal range. The system further includes an energy storage controller for providing a second transient signal to the bidirectional converter to regulate a power to or from the energy storage device based upon the first transient signal, power generating system conditions or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A system for generating energy may comprise a power source capable of supplying energy in the form of electricity to an electric motor. The electric motor is energized by the power source and will cause a drive shaft to rotate. The drive shaft is mechanically connected to an electric generator capable of converting the rotation of the drive shaft into electrical energy. A load may be electrically connected to the electric generator, such that the load may receive the electrical energy generated by electric generator.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is an electrical power system that includes a turbine, a turbine housing, an incoming channel and a generator. The turbine has at least two turbine blades and the turbine housing has at least two openings. The incoming channel directs and amplifies a flow of a working fluid at one of the openings in the turbine housing and the incoming channel is mounted in such a way that the flow of the working fluid strikes an upper portion of turbine blades. This configuration allows the turbine to rotate which in turn allows the generator to produce electrical power.

Abstract: An energy-harvesting buoy is provided comprising an air-pressure generator, such as a piezo-electric generator, or any other generator that can harvest energy from an air pressure. The energy harvesting buoy consists of a first float and a second float. An air pressure is created when relative vertical motion occurs between the first float and the second float which drives an air pressurization means such as a piston driven air pump using a linkage member pivotably mounted between the respective floats. The generator uses the air pressure from the air pressurization means to drive the generator to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A wind power generation system using a stack effect of a high-speed elevator in a high-rise building is provided which includes: a wind turbine rotating with a wind generated from movement of an elevator car vertically moving in an internal space of an elevator core disposed in the high-rise building; a wind power generator converting kinetic energy generated with the rotation of the wind turbine into electric energy; and a storage battery storing the electric energy.

Abstract: A system includes a turbine positioned above an opening on a building structure, wherein the turbine is configured to create a low pressure area in the building structure as a result of a rotation of the turbine. The system further comprises an electrical generator configured to convert wind power acting on the turbine into electricity. A battery may be configured to store the electricity, wherein the electric generator is further configured to drive the turbine to rotate.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques for collecting run-off and/or draining water from commercial or residential sites, filtering out the liquid, and using the filtered liquid to engage one or more turbines to generate electricity. In certain example embodiments, the one or more turbines are located downstream of filtration, grease-collection, and/or other purification devices. The electricity generated by the one or more turbines may be stored in batteries, serve as a power source for an active drainage/filtration system, used for other activities in or around the site, etc. In certain example embodiments, elements (such as sidewalls, vanes, and/or the like) may be provided upstream of the at least one turbine and downstream of the filtration subsystem, with adjacent elements defining constriction locations therebetween to help accelerate the flow of fluids passing therethrough.

Abstract: A power generation system has at least one wheel. A trailing arm is pivotably coupled to an undercarriage of a vehicle for converting rotational energy generated by the at least one wheel to electrical energy. A transformer is coupled to the trailing arm. An electric refrigeration unit is coupled to the transformer.

Abstract: An electrical power system comprising a support configured for interconnection within a subsurface drillstring, an electrical power unit coupled to the support, and a conductive link configured to distribute electrical power from the electrical power unit to at least one component coupled to the electrical power system within the subsurface drillstring.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for powering an electric power generator by circumferentially positioning an array of drive magnets on a rotor and positioning a series of electromagnets on a platform surrounding the drive magnets. The electromagnets are energized and provided with a repulsive polarity at exact time and position necessary to repel a corresponding drive magnet on the rotor so as to drive the rotor in one direction. The rotor includes arrays of permanent magnets that induce current in wire coils circumferentially disposed in one or more stators around and in close proximity to the induction magnets.

Abstract: A power turbine speed control system for a turbo-shaft type gas turbine engine that has a gas generator compressor spool and a power turbine spool and drives an electrical generator that powers at least one electrical load by way of at least one electrical bus, comprises a power turbine controller that senses the rotary speed of the power turbine spool and generates at least one signal that changes the torque of the electrical generator in response to the sensed change in the rotary speed of the power turbine spool.

Abstract: A new improved compact wind power turbine with multiple turbine blades and an isolated arrow point stationary nose is presented. Turbine blades (rotors) are connected to a circular cage, and at the center of the turbine, the isolated arrow point stationary nose points forward. Each turbine blade has a 90 degree right angle fin connected to its tip for capturing the force of the wind that applies to the blade tip, which otherwise spills over, reducing wind force and creating turbulence at the tip. The captured wind at the blade tip increases the rotational force on the turbine blades creating a greater rotational force than on other market-available wind turbines. Preferentially, the turbine is directed into the wind either manually, or by using a tail vane or other means for orientating turbine into a wind. A generator or alternator converts the mechanical power into electricity for use at industrial, commercial or home sites.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission ratio device with optimized system efficiency by maximizing power flows through the primary power flow paths. The device is constructed from more than one fixed gear ratio device and controlled via a variator that is connected between the fixed gear ratio devices. The construction and operation of the continuously variable transmission ratio device is such that it provides a wide range of speed ratios between connected input and output devices and optimized system efficiency subject to constraints on the power flow through the variator. This continuously variable transmission ratio device can be used effectively in energy generation applications where optimized system efficiency entails coupling input and output devices with varying speed ratios for optimal component efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a liquid supply pipeline, for transforming energy of liquid passing therethrough into electrical energy, comprising: a housing configured to be received within the pipeline and having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet defining a flow direction therebetween, at least one current generator including a rotor supported by the housing and having a shaft and a plurality of vanes attached thereto, the shaft extending in the housing along the flow direction allowing rotation of the vanes by liquid passing through the generator, and a stator associated with the rotor for producing electrical signals corresponding to the rotation of the rotor, and a power storage mean to which the at least one current generator is electrically connected, for receiving the electrical signals.

Abstract: Sustainable process of clean energy generation and distribution, belonging to the field of energy production, comprising a generator system that contains engine, reductor, tension transformer, current rectificator, also named electric-electronic switched power supply, and battery banks, which waive re-feeding, either by means of gas, alcohol, gasoline, diesel, and coal, wind, nuclear, thermoelectric, hydroelectric or any other, since the energy is supplied by the very system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for energy management system for a vehicle are provided. The system includes a first power source configured for cranking an engine wherein the first power source includes a switch configured to electrically couple the first power source to a starter for the engine and wherein the first power source is electrically isolated from auxiliary onboard loads. The system further includes a second power source configured for supplying auxiliary on board loads, a charging subsystem electrically coupled to the first and the second power sources. The charging subsystem is configured to supply charging current to the first and the second power sources. The system further includes a controller configured to maintain the first power source in a substantially fully charged condition and supply the auxiliary loads from the second power source.

Abstract: In one possible implementation the invention is electrical generating system, having: a wind power assembly having at least two rotatable propulsion systems: said wind power assembly further having an air pump, the air pump being connected to the wind power assembly and creating an air flow when rotatable propulsion systems rotate in response to wind; and an air powered generator connected to the wind power assembly, the air powered generator capable of creating electrical current as a result of the air flow from the wind power assembly.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity including a substantially frustoconical shaped scoop having a fluid intake opening at a larger end for receiving fluid flow, and a fluid outlet opening at a smaller end for allowing the fluid flow to exit the scoop. The scoop is rotatably mounted to a tower. One or more sets of turbine blades are located within the scoop in relative proximity to the smaller end, wherein the set of turbine blades are caused to rotate by the fluid flow. One or more turbines are located within the tower, and one or more shafts operatively connect the one or more sets of turbine blades to the one or more turbines to transmit torque of the one or more sets of turbine blades to the one or more turbines to generate electricity.

Abstract: Potential energy of an implement and implement supporting member, such as a mechanical arm, attached to a machine, such as construction equipment, is recovered by an energy converter, such as a flywheel or a pull-cord generator, during relative movement between the implement supporting member and the machine. An activator causes relative movement between the implement and the machine. The flywheel or pull-cord generator drives an auxiliary pump or electric generator when the flywheel or pull-cord generator moves relative the auxiliary pump or electric generator. The recovered potential energy is stored in an accumulator or battery. Kinetic energy may be converted to electric energy or hydraulic pressure and stored for later use.

Abstract: A platform-like device for generating electricity from moving fluids has two has at least two fluid turbines coupled to one another through a frame. The fluid turbines are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. The fluid turbines also provide buoyancy for the platform so that the platform is self supporting in the water. The fluid turbines preferably have helicoid flights (screw-like threads) mounted to generally prolate casings. The fluid turbines preferably connect to electric generators through belt, chain-drive, or other transmission systems. The platform may additional support a wind turbine.

Abstract: A device for storing power generated from intraluminal pressure changes may comprise: (a) an intraluminal pressure change-receiving structure operably coupled to the generator; (b) a intraluminal generator; and (c) an energy storage apparatus. A system for storing power generated from intraluminal pressure changes may comprise: (a) means for receiving an intraluminal pressure change; (b) means for converting the intraluminal pressure change into energy with an intraluminal generator; and (c) means for storing the energy in an energy storage apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electric power generation are provided. The systems may include a wind turbine electric generator, a fixture, a battery, a processor, and a power grid. The wind turbine electric generator having a wind rotor, a plurality of blades and an electric generator. An image may be displayed on the blades to generate a dynamic image effect with the rotation of the blades around a central axis of rotation. The electric generator may be coupled to and driven by the wind rotor to generate an electrical current. The processor may be coupled to the wind turbine electric generator, the fixture, the battery, and the grid, and configured to transmit a first fraction of the electrical current to the fixture, transmit a second fraction of the electrical current to the battery, and transmit a third fraction of the electrical current to the grid.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electrical power in a downhole well is disclosed. In an embodiment, the electrical power is generated by the rotational motion of a downhole tool and enables the charging or recharging of batteries in downhole sensors or sensors in other remote locations, such as in a water column. Magnets are arranged in a manner to provide a rotating magnetic field and are then coupled or attached to the rod/rotor assembly in close proximity to the rotating tool. By utilizing the rotational energy of a tool that uses or causes rotational motion during operations in conjunction with the windings of an electrical conductor and power conditioning circuitry, the rotation of the magnets induces an electrical current in the electrical conductor and power conditioning circuitry that can then be used to directly charge a tool and/or to instead charge or recharge the batteries that power the downhole or below-surface sensor.

Abstract: The wind turbine generator system utilizes environmental wind to produce electricity through wind-driven rotation of a turbine generator. The system includes a housing having upper and lower portions and a main open cover mounted thereon. The main open cover is configured to direct wind through an opening formed through the upper portion and into an interior thereof. A main turbine is rotatably mounted within the upper portion, with the environmental wind directed by the main open cover driving rotation thereof. The main turbine has a central aperture formed therethrough, with rotation of the main turbine driving air flow downwardly therethrough. A secondary turbine is rotatably mounted in the lower portion of the housing, with the secondary turbine being driven to rotate by the downwardly driven air generated by the main turbine. The secondary turbine partially drives rotation of the main turbine. An electrical generator is linked to the main turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric energy generation system based on the use of static weight. The static weight can be placed, pushed, or rolled onto a platform or shelf, controlled in its vertical motion downward, and connected to an electric generator, which transforms the vertical linear motion to electricity. A gearing system, hydraulic transmission, fluid coupling, or torque convertor to convert linear to rotational motion is employed as necessary, thereby turning the generator. A return means, of various forms, allows the platform or shelf to return to original position, and provides an opportunity to make use of vertical motion once again for energy production. A flywheel may be used to provide more sustained and smoother power over a longer period, and other amplification means may be used to increase duration or amount of power, as well as conversion means to provide electricity in usable form.

Abstract: A power system is disclosed. The power system may have an engine with a desired operating speed range, and a generator mechanically driven by the engine to produce electrical power directed to an external load. The power system may also have a power storage device associated with at least one of the engine and the generator, and a controller in communication with the engine and the power storage device. The controller may be configured to determine a speed of the engine deviating from the desired operating range, and to activate the power storage device to absorb or supplement at least a portion of the electrical power directed to the external load based on the determination.

Abstract: Specially designed masts, rectangular sails that slide inside frames and can be folded or wrapped, and directing the wind around the system by using a wind deflector and a fin, are used to produce power from the wind, masts will rotate around an oval wall in a circle and drive chains that will turn wheels that in turn drive generators, fin and wind deflector are used to position the system, all parts of the system are installed on one rotating platform, the system is mobile, simple design, made of low cost material, can look like a beautiful sail ship and environmentally friendly, so less people will object to it, multiple small generators that can go on or off-line automatically, are preferred over one large generator, to control the production and speed of the system, generators can physically be added or taken out of the system without halting it.

Abstract: A user-powered apparatus, system, and method of providing a pedestrian with information is disclosed. The present invention harvests energy created by a moving pedestrian and takes the harvested energy and uses it to recharge an energy storage device that is embedded in the same footwear. Also built into the footwear may be a microcontroller and sensor, and a transmitter/receiver mechanism by which signals may be transmitted to and received from a wrist watch, iPod®, cell phone and/or any similar portable device on the pedestrian. The footwear may be capable of receiving signals transmitted by the portable device or GPS satellite. The GPS satellite may provide information about the geographical location of the pedestrian. Since the energy storage device may be flexible, it can survive on footwear that gets flexed a significant amount.

Abstract: A piezoelectric windmill configured to handle small scale wind flow. One embodiment the piezoelectric windmill solves problems associated with harvesting energy and generating electric energy or power using piezoelectric materials having significant advantages over previously available materials.

Abstract: A waterborne munitions system is disclosed. The system includes a submersible munitions platform and a remote control module. The munitions platform has a plurality of canistered munitions, either waterborne, airborne, or both, which can be remotely launched via the remote control module.

Abstract: An electric power system includes an engine, a generator driven by the engine, an electrical energy storage device, power control circuitry coupling the generator and storage device together, and a processor coupled to the circuitry. The generator provides variable AC power and the storage device provides variable DC power to the circuitry. The processor executes operating logic to provide control signals to the circuitry to operate the generator at a first speed to provide a first level of AC electricity, increase the DC power provided from the storage device to increase the AC electricity to a second level, increase operating speed of the generator from the first speed to a second speed greater than the first speed, decrease the DC power from the storage device as the operating speed of the generator increases, and limit acceleration of the operating speed to reduce perception of a speed change.

Abstract: An ejector device effective to generate a negative pressure by element of compressed air fed to an ejector of the device via a compressed-air duct includes an air suction duct, a pressure sensor and an electrically activatable valve member arranged in the compressed-air duct for regulating the flow of compressed air to the ejector, as well as electrically supplied control electronics (6) adapted to actuate the valve member in response to the pressure in the air suction duct detected by the sensor. The device includes an accumulator by which the control electronics are supplied with electricity, and a generator, which via a charging air duct (9), is in flow communication with the compressed-air duct and is driven by compressed air for generating electrical energy, which is brought into the accumulator for charging the same.

Abstract: A wind power generation system having a group of wind turbine generators includes a superior controller having a generation power recording memory to record a sum of a generation power of the group of wind turbine generators and a charge and discharge power of a power storage system, a charge and discharge power command computing device for computing a charge and discharge power command for the power storage system in a second period by making use of information of the output power in a first period computed in the output power computing unit and information of a detection value at the present of the generation power recording memory, and a charge and discharge power control device.

Abstract: A portable generator system having a generator for generating an electrical output signal, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator, a starter for starting the internal combustion engine, an alternator for generating an AC signal for powering a charger assembly, a battery pack, and a charger subsystem. The charger system has a charger assembly that receives the AC signal and generates a DC charging signal for recharging the battery pack. The charger assembly has a first switch and a second switch. The first switch is used to apply an output of the battery to energize the starter. The second switch, when placed in a Start position, enables current from the battery pack to energize the starter while inhibiting the application of the DC charging signal to the battery pack. When placed in the Charge position, the second switch inhibits the battery pack output from energizing the starter while enabling the DC charging signal to be applied to the battery pack.