Fluid-current Motors Patents (Class 290/54)
  • Publication number: 20130140825
    Abstract: The invention concerns a run-of-river power plant with the following components or features: at least one module or several stand-alone modules, which are arranged close to one another in the flow direction, respectively comprising at least one energy unit; each energy unit comprises a water turbine and a generator; every module includes an upstream retaining wall as well as a downstream bearing wall; an intermediate space is situated between both walls; a rake, which extends between the upper edge of the retaining wall and the upper edge of the bearing wall and covers the intermediate space; a suction channel is connected to the energy unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Benjamin Holstein, Jorg Lochschmidt, Helmut Bronowski
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130134715
    Abstract: A helical turbine is operatively connected to at least one generator system for generating electrical power. System performance is optimized by controlling the operative angle between the longitudinal axis of the turbine and the direction of the current flow and by controlling a pitch ratio of the turbine. A pair of turbines, arranged in V-shape, each at the operative angle from a neutral centerline, provides symmetry and counteracts reactive torque. For wind operations, the V-shape is freely rotatable into the wind. For bi-directional tidal operations, the V-shape is part of a buoyant structure, positioned in the current and anchored to the floor. The structure is fit with control surfaces to ensure the system orientation. In unidirectional currents, one or more turbines can be angled downwardly into the current at the operative angle, elevators ensuring the angle is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: JUPITER HYDRO INC.
    Inventor: Ross Sinclaire
  • Patent number: 8450870
    Abstract: A power-generating system using sea current and sea anchors provides a constant source of renewable clean energy. The device will not disturb the environment and have relatively low maintenance requirements. The device will not disturb the flow of traffic on rivers and will not interfere with maritime activities. The system will also be self contained so that it will be relatively easy to move the device, if needed in the event of extremely inclement weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Geoffrey Stevens
  • Publication number: 20130127169
    Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the water flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cripps
  • Patent number: 8446031
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating electricity using tidal, wave or current flow in a body of water, comprising: an arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes, each first pipe (10) being provided with a series of holes (12a, 12b, 13a, 13b) spaced along its length, and the first pipes being arranged relative to the second pipes such that a venturi is defined between the walls of adjacent first and second pipes near the holes; a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; an impeller located in the flow conduit; and a generator connected to the impeller; wherein water from the body can enter the flow conduit via the inlet, and the first pipes are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that flow of water past the arrangement of first (10) and second (11) pipes causes the first pipes (10) to act as venturi pumps inducing flow from the inside of the first pipes through the holes (12, 13) so as to draw water through the flow conduit and drive the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Verderg Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Roberts
  • Patent number: 8446032
    Abstract: A hydroelectric power generator is capable of generating electrical power from a moving body of water. The power generator comprises a shell comprising a wall having interior and exterior surfaces, and an interior volume. A fixed gear is fixedly attached to the interior surface of the shell. A stationary shaft extends across the interior volume of the shell. A set of fins is attached to the exterior surface of the shell, and the fins are capable of rotating the shell about the stationary shaft from the force of the moving body of water. An electrical generator is mounted on the stationary shaft. The generator comprises a drive gear that engages the fixed gear to drive the electrical generator. An electrical connector transmits the generated electrical power to the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Chaup Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip Lynn Chauvin
  • Publication number: 20130119670
    Abstract: The ribbon drive generation apparatus is comprised of a ribbon-like curved shape, composed either of metal or other suitable material, attached to a containment tube, peripheral rings, shaft, or porous central tube, with the complete apparatus being contained in a tube having a constant diameter for the length of the tube. The ribbon can be peripherally mounted to the containment tube and optionally to a central porous tube. In this form the containment tube rotates and can form part of a rotor for a generator apparatus. The optional central porous tube can also be used as a bearing surface or, if attached to the inside edge of the ribbon, a power take-off shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: JONATHAN B. ROSEFSKY
  • Publication number: 20130119669
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a method and device for harvesting energy from a fluid flow by converting the kinetic energy of the flow into vibrational energy, which then may be converted to electrical energy by a magnetostrictive-based vibrational energy harvester. Some embodiments of this device rely on the principle of vortex-induced vibrations, where the frequency of the induced vibration is of the same order as the frequency of vortex shedding (the Strouhal number). Some embodiments of this device rely on the principle of turbulence-induced vibration, where the frequency of vibration can be significantly higher than the vortex shedding frequency, and is related to the turbulence frequency of the flow. Some embodiments also relate to converting energy from pressure pulses or differentials in the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: OSCILLA POWER INC.
    Inventor: Zachary Murphree
  • Publication number: 20130119671
    Abstract: A screw expansion power generation device is disclosed, applicable to an Organic Rankin Cycle (ORC). The power generation device includes a semi-sealed or fully sealed shell. The shell includes an expander cavity and a generator cavity. The expander cavity is not in communication with the generator cavity. A screw expander is disposed in the expander cavity, and a generator is disposed in the generator cavity. A rotor of the screw expander is fixedly connected to a rotor of the generator. The power generation device drives the generator to generate power through rotation of the rotor of the screw expander. A liquid refrigerant injection inlet and a refrigerant outlet are disposed on the generator cavity. The generator is cooled through evaporation of a liquid refrigerant. The screw expansion power generation device of the present invention is semi-sealed or fully sealed. The screw expander and the generator are disposed in the shell as a whole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: SHANGHAI POWER TECH. SCREW MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yan Tang
  • Publication number: 20130113216
    Abstract: Energy used to create a fluid flow through a passageway, e.g., a municipal water system, is partially recovered downstream, e.g., at a residential location. An example energy system includes a primary passageway receiving a first fluid from an external source. The primary passageway includes a first region having a first cross sectional area and a second region having a second cross sectional area. The second cross sectional area is different than the first cross sectional area. The first fluid moves from the first region to the second region. A secondary passageway extends from the second region. A turbine is disposed in the secondary passageway. The movement of the first fluid through the primary passageway causes a movement of a second fluid in the secondary passageway, and the movement of the second fluid in the secondary passageway drives the turbine to generate energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Douglas Shrosbree
  • Publication number: 20130113215
    Abstract: A fluid actuated energy generator comprises; an output shaft (44) rotatably mounted in a housing (54), a first linkage (36) arranged to rotate with the output shaft (44) and extending in an axis orthogonal to the axis of the output shaft (44), a second linkage (22) rotatably mounted in relation to the first linkage at the radially most distal end thereof, the first and second linkages (36, 22) arranged for rotation in parallel planes, an actuating arm (4) rotatably mounted in relation to the second linkage (22) at the radially most distal end thereof and arranged for rotation in a parallel plane with the first and second linkages (36,22) and at least one blade (2) rotatably mounted in relation to the arm (4) at the radially most distal end thereof and arranged for rotation in a parallel plane with the arm (4), first and second linkages (36, 22), the longitudinal axis of the blade (2) extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the arm (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Steven Corcoran
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8432057
    Abstract: Pliant, or compliant mechanisms for extracting electrical energy or useful work from a moving fluid are described. Persistent deformations in flexible elements are maintained with deformation retaining, or restraining components. The deformation retaining components may, in various embodiments, include rigid or tensile members, elastic coils, and/or the like. The deformations of the mechanisms may be configured so as to receive forces from moving fluid and transfer those forces in a variety of ways so as to pump fluid or generate electricity from this pumped fluid, or to generate electricity from material strains induced by moving fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Pliant Energy Systems LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin Pietro Filardo
  • Patent number: 8432056
    Abstract: The shrouded vertical axis dual-turbine generator is a system comprising a structure in the shape of a double airplane wings symmetrical foil, having a vertical axis turbine set into each camber at each side of the foil. The aerodynamic shape of the leading edge of the foil increases the speed of the water or air current incoming toward the generator. The trailing edge of the foil creates a slip stream which reduces turbulence. Movable shutters on each side of the foil structure control the amount of current to the turbines and sheltering them from storm and debris. The turbines have a modular design and can be made of a stacked number of blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventors: Laura J. Bailey, John T. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8432049
    Abstract: An electrical generator is provided. The electrical generator includes a support, a magnetic material configured to be coupled to the support, and at least one flexible conductive member configured to include an electrical conductor associated with the magnetic material and to move in response to a fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Inventor: Sukho Jung
  • Publication number: 20130099502
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electricity using water flow in a body of water comprises: an array of spaced apart elements. Each element defines an elongate flow passage and has an upstream side and an elongate downstream side, each element being provided with a series of holes spaced along its length and the downstream side extending and tapering away in the direction of flow. The elements are arranged side by side such that opposing walls of adjacent elements define a venturi section and a first diffuser section extending downstream from the venturi section. The apparatus also comprises: a flow conduit having an inlet and an outlet; a turbine located in the flow conduit; and a generator connected to the turbine; The flow passages are connected to the outlet of the flow conduit such that the flow of water through the venturi sections causes water to be drawn through the flow conduit out via the holes the resulting flow driving the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: VerdErg Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter Roberts
  • Patent number: 8426998
    Abstract: A wind-power and hydraulic generator apparatus has a wind power device, a drive device, multiple pump devices, a reservoir device and a hydraulic device. When the wind blows, the wind power device generates and stores electricity and the drive device drives the pump devices to pump water into the reservoir device. Then the reservoir device generates a water jet enabling the hydraulic device to generate electricity. When the wind does not blow, the electricity stored in the wind power device still enables the water to circulate and to generate the water jet. Whether the wind blows or not, the water of the reservoir device can keep circulating to generate the water jet and the hydraulic device can keep generating electricity. Accordingly, the wind-power and hydraulic generator apparatus can use wind power to generate a water jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Shun-Tsung Lu
  • Patent number: 8426999
    Abstract: A generator for generating energy from a moving fluid, the generator including a duct of walls that include two faceplates (1) between which a diaphragm (5) is placed so as to be subjected to the action of a stream of fluid penetrating between the two faceplates, wherein the two faceplates diverge so as to cause the diaphragm to deform under the action of a stream of fluid in the form of a traveling wave that moves from a leading edge (6) of the diaphragm towards a trailing edge (7) of the diaphragm so that the trailing edge of the diaphragm is driven with transverse oscillating motion, elements (11, 12) for making use of the motion being coupled to the trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Jean Baptiste Drevet
  • Patent number: 8426997
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for a power generation system, including an inlet for introducing a liquid into the system, an inlet pipe for carrying the liquid introduced to the inlet, a generation station for converting the flow of liquid into energy, and an outlet pipe for removing the liquid from the generation station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Lance Reagan
  • Patent number: 8426992
    Abstract: A liquid treatment system that may be self-powered includes a hydro-generator. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The hydro-generator may include an outer housing and an inner housing. The inner housing may include a first hub removeably engaged with a second hub. A plurality of paddles may be replaceably engaged between the first hub and the second hub. An electrical generator may be disposed in the inner housing. A flow of liquid may strike the paddles causing the inner housing to rotate. During rotation of the housing, the electrical generator may produce electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: David W. Baarman, Thomas Leppien, Terry Lee Lautzenheiser, Christopher B. Houghton, Stephen J. McPhilliamy
  • Patent number: 8421265
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity including a building structure and one or more subsystems structurally integrated with the building structure. Each subsystem includes a vertically oriented tower, a scoop mounted on the tower and including an air intake opening and an air outlet opening, and turbine blades disposed within the scoop that are activated by air flow from the air intake opening to the air outlet opening of the scoop. One or more wind turbines are operatively connected to the turbine blades of the one or more subsystems to generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Grayhawke Applied Technologies
    Inventor: R. O'Neal Gray
  • Patent number: 8421260
    Abstract: A hydrokinetic turbine is adapted to slow water energy conversion to avoid adverse environmental impact on tidal flushing. It combines a large bulbous upstream hub with a peripheral array of current deflectors downstream of the hub. The deflectors are analogous to delta plane wings at high angle of attack, but here are oriented to cause both tangential and radially inwards angular acceleration of ambient flow. Torque develops in reaction to these angular accelerations, in contrast to Bernoulli effect lift on high aspect ratio foil sections that require high surface flow speeds. The fluid accelerations further combine to form a vortex in the turbine's turbulent wake, which draws additional water through the deflector array. In one embodiment, the deflectors' support members pivot about their inner ends in the mode of a rotary kite that may economically project a resilient structure over a very large area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: John Hincks Duke
  • Patent number: 8421261
    Abstract: In a water wheel with an integrated electrical generator, a ring element for forming a rotor is rigidly concentrically connected with the water wheel. The ring element is assembled of modular individual segments with inserted permanent magnets. At least one corresponding partial ring as a stator is allocated to the rotor, whereby each partial ring carries electrical coils in correlation to the permanent magnets of the ring element of the rotor. The partial rings of the stator are stationarily mounted by holding elements on support struts of the water wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Hartmuth Drews
  • Patent number: 8421254
    Abstract: The hydroelectric generator system can include a structure supporting a plurality of watermill units and having an enclosed internal volume and a plurality of lower openings, a stabilizer reservoir having an internal volume and positionable above a center of gravity of the system and an aperture, and connection tubes providing internal fluid flow communication between the stabilizer reservoir and the internal volume of the structure; wherein air can be extracted from the internal volume of the structure via the stabilizer reservoir, and blown into the internal volume of the structure via the stabilizer reservoir, to lower or raise the hydroelectric generator system in water, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nordest Marine Inc.
    Inventor: Serge Desmeules
  • Publication number: 20130088014
    Abstract: A hydroelectric power station has an energy unit including a turbine and a generator. The impeller of the turbine includes an impeller ring and turbine blades. The radially outer ends of the turbine blades are fixed to the inner surface of the impeller ring, and the radially inner ends of the turbine blades are free and together form a central passage. The impeller ring is surrounded by the generator and acts as a bearing therefor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Benjamin Holstein, Jorg Lochschmidt, Thomas Pontow
  • Publication number: 20130088015
    Abstract: Hydroelectric generators for harnessing potential energy from liquid flowing from upstream portions of liquid sources to downstream portions of the liquid sources below the upstream portions, the liquid source bounded on its bottom by beds that define side portions. In some examples, hydroelectric generators may include fluid-transmissive conduits defining intake portions extending into the liquid sources, the intake portions defining fluid-transmissive interiors extending below the surface of the liquid source and liquid-permissive intake openings providing an intake fluid path through which liquid from the liquid source may enter the fluid-transmissive interior from the liquid source. Additionally or alternatively, fluid-transmissive conduits may include transmissive portions extending from the intake portions to output ends of the fluid-transmissive conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Randal Walton
  • Publication number: 20130088013
    Abstract: Apparatus for converting the energy present in water currents into electrical energy includes a rotatable central shaft a portion which is submerged below the surface of a body of water. A multiplicity of curved, horn shaped, devices responsive to water currents are connected via arms to the central shaft and cause the arms and the shaft to rotate and drive an electrical generator to produce an electrical output. The central shaft may be coupled to an electrical generator located above the water level to permit the easy and reliable maintenance of the apparatus. Alternatively, the central shaft may be coupled to a submersible electric generator or may extend horizontally parallel to the floor of the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Moshe J. Yan, Weifan Yan
  • Publication number: 20130088190
    Abstract: A system for recovering energy while treating a body of wastewater comprises a tank, a plurality of diffusers, a propeller, and a generator. The tank contains the body of wastewater. The plurality of diffusers is immersed in the body of wastewater and is operative to create motion therein by the discharge of bubbles. The propeller is immersed in the body of wastewater and is operative to spin in response to the motion in the body of wastewater. The generator is linked to the propeller and is operative to generate electrical energy in response to the spinning of the propeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Seoungil Kang, Thomas E. Frankel, Todd D. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20130076040
    Abstract: Described is a power generating apparatus and a rotor locking method for the apparatus, which is capable of locking the rotor without using a huge braking mechanism. The power generating apparatus of renewable energy type includes a blade, a rotor including a hub and a main shaft, a hydraulic pump of variable displacement type driven by rotation of the rotor, a hydraulic motor driven by operating oil pressurized by the hydraulic pump, and a generator coupled to the hydraulic motor. The rotor locking method for the power generating apparatus may include the steps of: decelerating the rotor by adjusting a pitch angle of the blade: after the decelerating step, stopping the rotor by applying a braking force by the hydraulic pump to the rotor; and locking the rotor so that the rotor is immovable in a rotation direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa TSUTSUMI
  • Patent number: 8405236
    Abstract: This Generator utilizes waters motion rotating NdFeB rotorblades within aluminum trapezoidal bars to generate electricity. The generator includes a moving magnetic field, wherein magnetic neodymium-iron-boron's embedded in turbine blades uniformly, with alternating polarity, circumferentially distributed about central axis drive shaft. The generator includes rotational speed controlled by secondary internally sourced electricity created by additional coils forming an internal generator fixed to the driveshaft independent of the turbine blades. Stationary Aluminum bars are induced to electrical conducting by internal movement of the magnetic field on the center axis and through aluminum bars, whereby the magnetic field cuts across the electrical conducting means in a uniform direction when the magnetic field is rotated, inducing a unidirectional electric signal in the Aluminum conductor bars thus completing the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Juan V. David
  • Publication number: 20130069369
    Abstract: Disclosed is a renewable energy extraction device and methods for producing renewable energy from flowing air or water. The renewable energy extraction device captures a relatively large amount of flowing water or atmospheric air and increases speed of the captured water or air by decreasing flow cross sectional area in the flow direction. An energy extraction component is used to extract energy of the high-speed water or air and convert it to rotational mechanical energy on a power shaft. A rotation direction control mechanism is used to make the power shaft always rotate in one direction, without coming to a stop, for ocean applications. The mechanical energy of the power shaft is transmitted to an electric generator, pump, compressor, or any other rotary equipment. After extraction of its energy, the captured air or water is released to its original source at a downstream location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Karim Salehpoor
  • Publication number: 20130069372
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, a drum may be submerged in water and extend horizontally along a center axis between a first point on a first side of the drum and a second point on a second side of the drum opposite the first side. Three curved vanes may be attached to the drum such that the vanes, when acted upon by a water flow perpendicular to the axis, are operable to cause rotation about the axis, wherein an edge portion of each vane, located substantially opposite the drum, defines a plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by a surface of the drum located between the edge portion and the axis. An electrical generator coupled to the drum may convert rotational energy produced by the rotation about the axis into electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick D. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8400006
    Abstract: There are a large number of sites in the world's oceans and rivers that can provide a significant, viable, and cost effective source of renewable energy. Many are strategically located close to populated areas where these sites can be used to harness energy using ecologically benign hydrodynamic technology. A hydrodynamic array comprises multiple hydrodynamic elements for producing electricity by the motion of ocean tides or river currents and forces acting on the hydrodynamic array, which is immersed in ocean tides or river currents and which is in motion relative to the ocean tides or river currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Blue Energy Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Burger, Norm Reid
  • Patent number: 8400003
    Abstract: A method for controlling a converter of a wind energy installation. The converter is connected to the rotor of a doubly-fed asynchronous generator in order to feed electrical power into an electrical grid and comprises a generator-side inverter, a grid-side inverter, and at least one converter regulator for regulating and/or controlling current output from at least one of the inverters to the doubly-fed asynchronous generator and/or to the electrical grid. The method includes detecting a change in output real power, determining whether the detected change satisfies a predefined condition, and changing a nominal value of reactive power to be output in an opposite sense to a change in real power at the grid-side inverter and in a same sense as the generator-side inverter when the predefined condition is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: REpower Systems AG
    Inventors: Heinz-Hermann Letas, Jens Fortmann
  • Patent number: 8400007
    Abstract: A hydroelectric power system is provided. The hydroelectric power system includes a storage tank; a fluid; a penstock; an electric turbine generator, a transformer, an electric power grid system; a pump, and connecting conduit. A method of generating hydroelectric energy is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Charles E Campbell
  • Patent number: 8400002
    Abstract: A series of underwater sails spaced apart, attach to a moving cable loop between pulleys with electric generators. The sails inflate by the force of the water current and drive the cable in the direction of the current to turn the generators to generate electricity. As the sails reach the end pulley or tail spool they deflate and are pulled back to the beginning power pulley in a continual repeated cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: J. Emile M. Gagnon
  • Publication number: 20130062881
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for generating power from the energy of fluid flow in a conduit, such as a pipeline or production tubing of a wellbore. A fan may be comprised of a plurality of blades positioned circumferentially around a central cavity. The blades may be adapted for receiving fluid flow and transmitting energy of fluid flow to rotate the fan. The fan may be configured for generating rotational movement of a magnet relative to an electromagnetic winding to produce electrical energy. The central cavity may be adapted for receiving objects such as wellbore intervention tools or other devices for insertion into the central cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Khedher Mellah
  • Patent number: 8395276
    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: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: V Squared Wind, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Freda
  • Patent number: 8395271
    Abstract: A pass-through power take-off (PTO) mechanism for use with renewable energy systems is described to extract power from a linearly moving tether under high tension and to convert it to rotary power such as for driving an electric generator. Three such embodiments are described. The first uses two adjacent timing belts and transfers power from tether to PTO via friction. The second embodiment uses two adjacent roller chain loops and a mechanical engagement method to transfer power from tether to PTO. The third embodiment uses two adjacent double-sided timing belts and either a synchronous or an asynchronous method to transfer power from the tether to the PTO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: John V. Mizzi
  • Publication number: 20130056984
    Abstract: Electrical power may be generated at a downhole position of a production well by way of electromagnetic induction through oscillating linear translation driven by the flow of a fluid being transported by the production well. In exemplary embodiments, a conductive coil is disposed in a fixed position along a length of a production pipe such that the conductive coil encircles the production pipe. A linear translation apparatus is disposed radially inward from the conductive coil and is configured to move linearly parallel to a longitudinal axis of the production pipe and within the conducting coil by harnessing mechanical energy from fluid flowing within the production pipe. Magnets are affixed to the linear translation apparatus to cause electrical power to be generated in the conductive coil by way of electromagnetic induction responsive to the magnets passing by the conductive coil when the linear translation apparatus is in motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventor: Luis Phillipe Tosi
  • Patent number: 8390141
    Abstract: A hydropower device for generating electric power comprises a pipe having an upstream portion and a downstream portion and being arranged to convey water. A valve is provided at the downstream portion and adjustable between a closed position hindering the water and an open position permitting the water to flow. A cylinder member defines an inner space and having a first end and a second end. The inner space extends away from the pipe along a centre axis (x) and receives water from the pipe via the first end when the valve is in the closed position. A piston is disposed in the inner space and movable back and forth along the centre axis. The piston moves away from the pipe by means of an overpressure arising when the valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Proclino AB
    Inventor: Fredrick Marelius
  • Publication number: 20130049362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow power plant, comprising a water turbine having torsionally rigid rotor blades, a drive train connected to the water turbine, which at least indirectly drives an electric generator and is characterized in that at inflow speeds v for which the flow power plant is designed, the water turbine is configured to be non-auto-restarting for tip speed ratios ? below a predetermined auto-restart tip speed ratio ?s where ?s?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Raphael Arlitt, Frank Biskup, Jochen Weilepp
  • Publication number: 20130049370
    Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an in-line generator device designed primarily as a low-cost alternative to producing electrical power, generated through conduits. The in-line generator device comprises a housing unit, wherein the housing unit is secured to a conduit on both the first end and the second end, creating a passage. The in-line generator device further comprises at least one wheel encased in the housing unit that rotates with the passing of an amount of pressurized fluid. Additionally, a drive shaft is secured to the center of rotation of the wheel, and protrudes out through an air tight/water tight seal from the wheel to communicate with a generator. Rotation of the wheel via the flow of fluid through the housing unit, causes rotation of the drive shaft which communicates with the generator to generate electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey Koesterich
  • Publication number: 20130043685
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a turbine for generating electrical power from fluid flow comprising a duct with an oblong elevation, intake hoods and vents, aft diffuser cutouts and an oblique face to optimize flow and therefore power characteristics. A unidirectional turbine generator apparatus is also disclosed comprising turbine blades with one or more raked and/or tapered sections, and optionally also with multiple beaded surface features to improve efficiency and performance of the turbine generator. A hydro turbine generator with a single-sided axial-flux magnetic generator is disclosed comprising a hybrid magnetic/anti-friction axial bearing assembly. A multiple turbine generator arrangement is also disclosed comprising multiple unidirectional turbine generators connected to a shore-based electrical distribution system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: CLEAN CURRENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Eyup Mete Sireli, Mihai C. Platon, Milen Atanasov Raychev
  • Publication number: 20130043683
    Abstract: A fluid driven energy conversion apparatus uses a harmonic drive, which employs a wave generator rotatably mounted within a nested pair of annular members. The wave generator is arranged to cyclically deflect a flexible inner one of the nested pair into an outline having a circumferentially varying radial dimension, and thereby engage the outer one of the pair at one or more orbiting contact zones. A turbine can rotate one of the nested pair of the harmonic drive about a given axis. An electrical generator is coupled to and rotatably driven by the wave generator at an angular speed exceeding that of the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Vincent Genovese
  • Publication number: 20130043684
    Abstract: A hydraulic generating apparatus which has a simple configuration and can be readily adapted to various water sources and various electric generating capacities including a float that floats on a water surface in a water tank and a linear-rotation conversion mechanism that converts linear movement into rotational movement, and a hydraulic generating system using this apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Tooru Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8376656
    Abstract: A method for selectively generating electrical power uses water gravity flow to generate electrical power. An electrical power generator is driven to generate electrical power in response to the waste. A portion of the electrical power generated by the at least one electrical power generator can be stored and tapped later to supplement the output of the electrical power generator. A portion of the water flow can be stored and tapped later to supplement the water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Cripps
  • Patent number: 8378515
    Abstract: A network disturbance module for a control device of a wind energy installation having a generator driven by a wind rotor and a converter for producing electrical power fed into a network. The module includes a measurement device configured to measure at least one electrical parameter of the network, a detector configured to identify a network disturbance and output a switching signal, and a reference generator configured to produce a substitute reference vector for the converter based on the at least one electrical parameter. The module also includes a fault management unit comprising a fault classifier, the unit being configured to interact with the measurement device, detector, and reference generator such that, in the event of an undervoltage during island operation, a quick-action frequency regulator is activated. The regulator acts on the converter to vary a real-power feed P in the event of a discrepancy in a network frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: REpower Systems AG
    Inventor: Jens Fortmann