Wind Patents (Class 290/55)
  • Patent number: 10726168
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of reliability-based structural design optimization, and provides an integration method for accurate modeling and analysis and reliability-based design optimization of variable stiffness composite plate and shell structures. In this method, the first-order reliability method, two-point adaptive nonlinear approximation and second-order reliability method are applied into the efficient reliability-based design optimization of variable stiffness composite plate and shell structures. The fiber placement path of variable stiffness composite plate and shell structures is accurately modeled by non-uniform rational B-spline function. Isogeometric analysis is utilized for the variable stiffness composite plate and shell structures, including conducting linear buckling analysis on the variable stiffness composite plate and shell structures based on the isogeometric analysis method and deriving analytical sensitivity of design and random variables on the structural response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: DALIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hao Peng, Wang Yutian, Liu Chen, Yuan Xiaojie, Wang Bo, Liu Hongliang, Yang Dixiong, Li Gang, Wang Bin, Jiang Liangliang
  • Patent number: 10711762
    Abstract: Systems can be used to harness energy from winds. For example, this document describes scalable systems having multiple wing-like blades that can efficiently convert wind power into electricity and other types of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: JMCC Wing, LLC
    Inventor: James McCanney
  • Patent number: 10710716
    Abstract: Devices for inhibiting a cable coupling drones from being entangled in the propellers of the drones, and associated systems and methods, are described herein. For example, a device can include a first weight coupled to the cable and configured to direct the cable at least partially away from the propellers of the drones. In some embodiments, the first weight can be coupled to the cable proximate to one of the coupled drones, and the device can include a second weight coupled to the cable proximate to the other of the coupled drones and configured to direct the cable at least partially away from the propellers of the drones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: T-Mobile USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Wieczorek
  • Patent number: 10707790
    Abstract: The present electric power generation control device includes: an event detection unit which detects an event attributable to a deterioration in the balance between a torque input to a generator and an effective power output by the generator, the deterioration being caused by a reduction in a set value of the effective power received from the generator by an electric power converter when the electric power converter has detected a failure necessitating interruption of electric power transmission from the generator by a direct-current (DC) power transmission unit, the DC power transmission unit transmitting DC power, the electric power converter connecting a generator to the DC power transmission unit; and a torque command reduction unit which causes a reduction in a torque command to a motor when the event detection unit has detected the event attributable to the deterioration in the balance, the motor outputting the torque input to the generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Hashimoto, Tsuyoshi Wakasa, Yoshiyuki Kono, Shuhei Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 10697436
    Abstract: A wind power plant includes a plurality of wind turbine systems arranged in rows and columns and includes a cable support system with at least one cable. The cable is coupled to the support structure above the first wind turbine and below the second wind turbine. The cable couples directly adjacent wind turbine system together. The cable may extend the entire length of at least one row or at least one column. A wind turbine system includes a plurality of wind turbines and a support structure including a tower and support arms. The cable support system that is coupled to the wind turbine system and that is configured to transfer loads on the wind turbine system to other wind turbine systems in the wind power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Torben Ladegaard Baun, Henrik Kudsk, Jesper Lykkegaard Neubauer
  • Patent number: 10697424
    Abstract: A multirotor wind turbine (1) comprising a tower structure (2) and at least one load carrying structure (3, 4), each load carrying structure (3, 4) being arranged for carrying two or more energy generating units (5, 7) comprising a rotor (6, 8). At least two of the rotors are upwind or downwind rotors (6), the energy generating units (5) comprising upwind or downwind rotors (6) being arranged with their centres of gravity at a first distance behind the tower structure (2) along a direction of the incoming wind, substantially at the same vertical level, and at opposite sides of the tower structure (2) at substantially the same second distance to the tower structure (2) along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the incoming wind. The multirotor wind turbine (1) is self-yawing, even under turbulent wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Peter Bjørn Andersen, Jonas Lerche Schomacker, Anurag Gupta, Henrik Kudsk
  • Patent number: 10683846
    Abstract: A method for controlling at least one wind power installation for generating electrical energy from wind for infeed into an electrical supply network is provided. The wind power installation has a rotor that can be operated at a variable rotor rotational speed and rotor blades having adjustable blade angles and coupled to the aerodynamic rotor, for generating a generator power. The wind power installation is operated in a normal mode in which it feeds available wind power up to a rated power into the network and the available wind power indicates a power which can be obtained from the wind and fed into the network depending on the wind and technical limitations of the wind power installation. The wind power installation changes from the normal mode to a support mode depending on an operating situation of at least one solar installation which feeds into the same network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Brombach, Katharina Schubert
  • Patent number: 10677218
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to control of a wind turbine during a recovery period after a grid fault. It is disclosed to operate a wind turbine during the recovery period to determine the actual pitch angle of the rotor blades and the actual wind speed, and based on that determining a desired pitch angle of the rotor blades, as well as a pitch ramp rate so that the actual pitch angle can be brought to match the desired pitch angle before the end of the recovery period. In embodiments, the steps performed in the recovery mode are repeated at intervals during the recovery period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Martin Ansbjerg Kjær, Kasper Zinck Ostergaard, Jan Graugaard-Jensen
  • Patent number: 10655598
    Abstract: A high efficiency vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) comprising two counter-rotating rotors, each comprising a plurality of straight rotor blades. One rotor is placed on a first vertical axis and another rotor is placed on a second vertical axis. The first vertical axis and the second vertical axis are positioned on a support structure extending there between. The support structure, and the first vertical axis of rotation and second vertical axis of rotation, can rotate about an intermediate axis of rotation, which is placed at a midpoint between the first vertical axis of rotation and second vertical axis of rotation. An angled deflector is mounted to the frame at or about the intermediate axis of rotation. During operation, the vertex of the deflector is positioned toward oncoming wind. The deflector comprises two symmetrical deflecting surfaces that extend from the vertex to the rotors. One or more vortex generators are positioned on each deflecting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Heung Fai Lam, Hua Yi Peng
  • Patent number: 10658843
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to systems having a fuel cell and a turbine generator, each capable of providing electrical power to a utility grid, and methods for operating the same. The system may have a main AC bus which is coupleable to the utility grid. The fuel cell may be coupled to main AC bus through an inverter. The turbine generator may be coupled to the main AC bus through a series of inverters, one of which may include the inverter by which the fuel cell is connected to the main AC bus. One or more load banks may be provided to provide a load for electrical power generated from the fuel cell, turbine generator, or both in case the system is disconnected from the utility grid. Further support and backup systems may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Gerard Daniel Agnew, David Silveira Erel, Jaeyoo Yoo, Joseph J. Romayo, Jinha Lee
  • Patent number: 10648450
    Abstract: This invention discloses an improved wind turbine suitable for mounting without a wind turbine tower. The wind turbine is based on a rotor with appropriately selected blades. A nozzle and diffuser in the wind flow increase the amount of wind energy available to the rotor. The rotor is interruptibly connected with one or more of a plurality of generators which allows generation at a wide range of wind speeds. The rotor is also interruptibly connected with a co-axial flywheel which allows for storage or use of rotational energy as needed by the availability of wind energy. One or more wind turbines can be grouped together in a common housing. Electricity can also be generated by means of stored energy or other motive source. The lack of a wind turbine tower and the general compact design allows the wind turbine to be used in close proximity to or on buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventor: Peter K. O'Hagan
  • Patent number: 10637248
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a wind rotor, a generator, and a converter. The generated electric power is fed from the converter by means of a feed to a turbine transformer for delivery to a grid. The feed is designed as a double branch including a power-branched power circuit breaker unit having a first feed line and a second feed line connected in parallel, wherein a separate low-voltage winding of the turbine transformer and a separate power circuit breaker at the connector of the converter is associated with each feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: SENVION GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz-Hermann Letas
  • Patent number: 10633063
    Abstract: A barge for renewable energy recourses is disclosed that comprises a plurality of horizontal axis wind turbines, a plurality of photovoltaic panels; and a plurality of sea-wave generators. The energy harvested by the renewable energy recourses is transformed to electrical energy and the electrical energy is transmitted to a grid onshore. A fleet of a plurality of barges located in deep waters is disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: NEPTUNETECH LTD
    Inventors: Michael Burt, Yehiel Rosenfeld
  • Patent number: 10630100
    Abstract: A mobile electricity generator comprising a movable solar panel assembly that may be stored in the base and deployed to a use position is provided. The solar panel assembly includes a plurality of solar panels that slide relative to one another between deployed and collapsed positions. The solar panels may be actuated to track a solar energy source. The mobile electricity generator can further comprise a battery in electric communication with the solar panels for storing the electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: George A. Van Straten
  • Patent number: 10622923
    Abstract: A method is provided of controlling a doubly fed induction generator—(DFIG) wind turbine converter system if a sub-synchronous resonance event acts on the wind turbine. According to the method a sub-synchronous resonance event is detected. Thereupon, a switch from a non-SSR-control mode to a SSR-control mode is performed. At least one of the following activities is performed in the SSR-control mode, namely: (i) freezing rotor AC voltages in magnitude and phase, (ii) altering at least one rotor-current-controller gain (iii) altering at least one rotor-current-controller time constant, to dampen the effect of the SSR-event on the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Gert Karmisholt Andersen, Ciprian Biris, Yi Zhou, Manoj Gupta, Vajira Suminda Ganepola, Uffe C. Merrild
  • Patent number: 10612522
    Abstract: There is provided a hybrid turbine system comprising a plurality of flexible and thin film photovoltaic modules or panels attached to a plurality of blades of a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) for energy generation. Electrical performance of rotating photovoltaic modules or panels is enhanced since rotating photovoltaic modules are self-cooled by rotation of the blades of the wind turbine. It is experimentally shown that voltage of the photovoltaic modules decreases when the photovoltaic modules' temperature increases, and this decrease was modelled by four parameters namely ideality factor, reverse saturation current, short-circuit current, and material band gap. The present invention evidences that the proposed rotating photovoltaic modules increases the output voltage of the photovoltaic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Abu Dhabi University
    Inventors: Anas I. Q. Al Tarabsheh, Muhammad Abdul Majeed Hareb, Mahmoud Raouf Kahla
  • Patent number: 10615720
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a power generator, its manufacturing method, and an electronic device utilizing the power generator as its power source. The power generator includes a deformation unit and a piezoelectric unit. The deformation unit is coupled to the piezoelectric unit; and the deformation unit comprises a conductive polymer, which is configured to deform upon contacting moisture to thereby apply a mechanical force to the piezoelectric unit to thereby generate electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiuxia Yang, Feng Bai
  • Patent number: 10605234
    Abstract: A wind turbine with nacelle includes an electrical generator, a cooling circuit including at least two cooling fans for channeling a fluid cooling medium from the electrical generator to an outer wall of the nacelle and a draining device for channeling drainage water from the cooling fans to an outer wall of the nacelle. The draining device includes at least a first draining portion connecting the cooling fans to an inside of the nacelle and at least a second draining portion for receiving drainage water from the first respective draining pipe and channeling the drainage water to the outer wall of the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Giovanni Airoldi
  • Patent number: 10598156
    Abstract: A wind-driven power generating system with a hybrid wind turbine mounted on a floating platform that heels relative to horizontal in the presence of a prevailing wind. The hybrid turbine has a turbine rotor with at least two rotor blades, each mounted to a turbine shaft by at least one strut, and the system is configured so that the shaft forms a predetermined non-zero operating heel angle relative to vertical in the presence of a prevailing wind at a predetermined velocity. The blades and struts are airfoils with predetermined aerodynamic characteristics that generate lift forces with components in the direction of rotation around the shaft of the blades and struts at the operating heel angle to drive an electrical generator carried by the platform. The system can be designed to generate maximum power at the predetermined heel angle or essentially constant power over a range of heel angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: CONTINUUM DYNAMICS, INC.
    Inventors: Glen R. Whitehouse, Alan J. Bilanin, Alexander H. Boschitsch, Daniel A. Wachspress
  • Patent number: 10577820
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tower section and to a method for raising said section with a complete new or existing wind turbine on the upper part thereof, the assembly being raised to heights greater than 120 meters by means of a raising system that operates at ground level and gradually inserts modular frame structures through the lower part. The modules have heights between 10 and 14 meters and are formed by a trellis of at least three vertical columns and with diagonal elements which react to the twisting moments and shear forces generated by the action of the wind. A transition part with a base sufficient for raising in wind conditions greater than 15 meters/second is disposed on top of the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: NABRAWIND TECHNOLOGIES SL
    Inventors: Ana Cristina García Perez, Ion Arocena De La Rúa, Eneko Sanz Pascual, Hely Ricardo Savii Costa
  • Patent number: 10570880
    Abstract: A wind turbine system comprising a plurality of wind turbine modules mounted to a support structure, wherein each of the wind turbine modules comprises a rotor including one or more variable-pitch blades, each defining a respective blade pitch angle and being controlled by a pitch control system, and a control system operable to control the blade pitch angles of the plurality of blades of the wind turbine modules. The control system is configured to identify the presence of a predetermined stop condition and, in dependence thereon, is operable to control the blade pitch angles of the respective blades to predetermined stop positions that reduce oscillation of the support structure. Aspects of the invention also relate to a method of controlling a wind turbine system, to a controller for implementing the method, and to a computer program product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Torben Ladegaard Baun, Jesper Lykkegaard Neubauer
  • Patent number: 10570886
    Abstract: The invention concerns an airborne device comprising at least three supporting wings and a linking device, the wings being linked to each other by first flexible cables, each wing being further linked to the linking device by a second flexible cable, the linking device being linked to a third flexible cable intended to be linked to a base, the first second, and third cables being tensioned when the airborne device is carried in the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble
    Inventor: Rogelio Lozano
  • Patent number: 10563637
    Abstract: A Twin M-VAWT of the present invention combines two counter-rotating M-VAWTs, each of which is a multi axes wind turbine disclosed and documented in patent application Ser. No. 15/790,004 filed on Oct. 22, 2017, for improved flexibility in paired planet and sun airfoils shapes and sizes, and for improved power generating performances. Two counter-rotating M-VAWTs are clocked mirror images of one another, where one M-VAWT is a mirror image of the other one before their relative orientations are rotated or clocked from one another; they are located in close proximity to one other; and they cooperate and interact with one another; and with added flexibility in paired planet and sun airfoils shapes and sizes, they achieve improved power generating performances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Inventor: George Pul
  • Patent number: 10539115
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vertical axis wind turbine apparatus. The apparatus includes carousal shafts operatively connected to a fixed turbine axis. The turbine blades are pivotally attached to carousal plates. The wind-facing turbine blades get exposed to a maximum area by stretching away from the fixed turbine axis, and the turbine blades that are not exposed to wind get folded inside toward the fixed turbine axis. The stretching and folding of the blades is affected by timing and restricting shafts, which emerge from the offset timing shaft. The present construction reduces the drag caused by turbine blade exposure in negative wind direction and increases energy production by simultaneously allowing maximum blade exposure in the positive wind direction. Furthermore, the apparatus in one embodiment includes counterweights to provide more stability to the offset shaft operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventors: Dilson dos Santos Rodrigues, Donald Coy Beaman
  • Patent number: 10539120
    Abstract: This presents a Utility Model related to an improvement introduced in a piece of equipment conceived to capture wind power generated by the displacement of trains, subways, vehicles in general—overall trucks—along railroads, roads, etc., and to convert it in electrical power, thus using such considerable energetic potential. Considering that the assembly of one or a plurality of wind rotors (P) and respective electricity generators (G) are assembled on semi-tows (K) of the type engaged and handled by a truck (mechanical horse), considering that the trailers (K) provided with means for storing the electrical power generated, such as batteries (B), or other means for electricity transmission and storage. Thus, the aerogenerators (P) may be displaced to the points with the biggest flow of passing vehicles, and may also be positioned on the direction where the natural (predominant) winds are favorable to the best use of the wind potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Inventor: Eti Galvani Uliano
  • Patent number: 10539116
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to provide wind turbine control and compensate for wind induction effects. An example method includes receiving wind speed data from a Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) sensor. The example method includes receiving operating data indicative of wind turbine operation. The example method includes determining an apriori induction correction for wind turbine operating conditions with respect to the LIDAR wind speed data based on the operating data. The example method includes estimating a wind signal from the LIDAR sensor that is adjusted by the correction. The example method includes generating a control signal for a wind turbine based on the adjusted LIDAR estimated wind signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Samuel Davoust, Conner B. Shane, Fabiano Daher Adegas, Thomas Stephen Markham, Dale Robert Mashtare
  • Patent number: 10533538
    Abstract: A cooling device for components of wind turbines, comprising at least one conduit (3) containing therein a working fluid (5) selected to change from a liquid to gas phase, and vice versa, during operation; wherein a first lower portion of each conduit (3) is inserted into a receptacle (2) through which a primary coolant fluid (10) transporting heat from a component of a wind turbine to be cooled (7) circulates, said lower portion acting as an evaporator of the working fluid (5); and wherein a second upper portion of each conduit (3) remains outside the receptacle (2), acting as a condenser of the working fluid (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: ALAZ-ARIMA, S.L.
    Inventors: Zheng Ye, Juan Jose Aguas Alcalde, Leire Hurtado Garcia, Adolfo Azcarate Azcona
  • Patent number: 10502193
    Abstract: A repair method for a gearbox assembly for a wind turbine is disclosed. The gearbox includes a gearbox housing having an upwind end and a downwind end, a gear assembly configured within the gearbox housing, at least one shaft configured with the gear assembly and extending from the gearbox housing to a generator of the wind turbine, and a sleeve assembly configured with the gearbox housing. Further, the sleeve assembly is removable so as to provide additional space in the gearbox housing during at least one of disassembly or assembly of the gearbox assembly such that the various components can be easily repaired and/or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rong Li, Jonathan Paul Signore, Tingyu Zhang, Wei Zheng, Souvik Porel, Priyangu C. Patel, James Edward Cencula
  • Patent number: 10502196
    Abstract: A slip ring system for a wind turbine for electrically connecting a first electrical device and a second electrical device, wherein the first electrical device is mounted to a rotor of the wind turbine, and the second electrical device is mounted to a nacelle of the wind turbine, is provided. The slip ring system comprises a slip ring apparatus and a rotational damping apparatus, with which an electrical connection between the first electrical device and the second electrical device can be established. The slip ring apparatus has a rotatable component with a rotatable electrode and a non-rotatable support electrode, wherein the rotatable electrode is electrically connected to the first electrical device, and the support electrode is electrically connected to the second electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Stephan Kluemper, Andre Langel, Thomas Edenfeld, Xianglei Chen
  • Patent number: 10502190
    Abstract: A support structure of a wind turbine and a method of manufacturing the support structure is provided. A support structure of a wind turbine is disclosed, whereby the support structure includes a first end to connect to a rotor of a wind turbine, and a second end to be connected to a tower of a wind turbine. The support structure includes an intermediate part that connects the first end to the second end, and that the intermediate part includes the form of an elbow-shaped tube. The support structure is divided into at least two segments whereby the segments are transportable individually from a manufacturing site to a construction site. The segments are connectable in a way that the support structure is capable of transferring forces from the rotor to the tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A/S
    Inventor: Daniel Kai Jensen
  • Patent number: 10502189
    Abstract: A method for erecting a multirotor wind turbine (10) is disclosed. A carrier structure (1, 1a, 1b) is arranged circumferentially with respect to a tower structure (2) and hoisted to an upper part of the tower structure (2), using a hoisting arrangement, such as a wire winch arrangement (3, 4, 8). Furthermore, energy generating units (5) may be hoisted to the carrier structure (1, 1a, 1b) using the hoisting arrangement (3, 4, 8). A similar method for dismantling a multirotor wind turbine (10) is also disclosed. The multirotor wind turbine (10) can be erected or dismantled without the need for an external crane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Vesta Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Torben Ladegaard Baun, Jesper Lykkegaard Neubauer, Gunnar K. Storgaard Pedersen, Erik Carl Lehnskov Miranda
  • Patent number: 10495061
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of controlling a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising wind turbine blades attached to a rotor hub and a control system for pitching the blades relative to the rotor hub. The method comprises determining a wind speed and providing a normal pitch mode of operation to control the output power of the wind turbine, where the pitch mode of operation comprises pitch reference values in dependence of the wind speed. The output power of the turbine is controlled according to the normal pitch mode of operation as a function of the wind speed if the wind speed is lower than a first upper level wind speed threshold, and according to a modified mode of operation if the wind speed exceeds the first upper level threshold wind speed, wherein the modified mode of operation comprises decreasing the output power according to a de-rating function which is a function of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Erik Carl Lehnskov Miranda, Martin Atzler, Shuang Li, Thomas Scheel
  • Patent number: 10495064
    Abstract: An articulating solar energy and wind power harvesting apparatus optimizes harnessing of solar energy and wind power by rotatably and pivotally articulating a solar thermal collector plate to track the sun, and air foils to follow the changing direction of the wind. The air foils also directionally funnel wind to cool a heat exchange system and the solar thermal collector plate. The solar thermal collector plate captures solar radiation for conversion to electricity. A solar lens directs the solar radiation towards the solar thermal collector plate. Air foils are disposed in a radial, spaced-apart relationship around the solar thermal collector plate, pivoting up to 90° to optimize capture of wind. The solar thermal collector plate and the air foils are controllably articulated up to 360° about a vertical plane, and up to 180° about a horizontal plane to optimize capture of solar radiation and wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Pieter Bootsma, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10495057
    Abstract: A bolted attachment having opposite threaded sections between which a shank is provided having at least two shank sections with different diameter located at a length from the threaded section of at least three times the difference between a diameter of a threaded section and a minimum diameter of the shank. At least one conical transition is formed between two adjacent shank sections where the ratio of its length to a difference between a diameter at one end of the transition and a diameter at the opposite end of the transition is of at least 0.85.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: GE RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES WIND B.V.
    Inventors: Ferran Roura, Jose Luis Roman Mallada, Nicolas Velazquez
  • Patent number: 10495063
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a platform and a roof forming a housing for a vertical axis rotor and a stator. Stator vanes extend between the platform and the roof. The stator vanes and guiding surfaces on the platform and the roof define inlets and airflow paths for guiding wind into the inner chamber of the housing, where the wind powers a vertical axis rotor that is rotatably supported on the platform. The stator vanes are segmented with the trailing edges dynamically adjusting the diameter of the inner chamber in response to changing wind and rotor speed conditions. A shaft extending from the rotor can be connected to a generator connected to a power grid. The roof can support a solar panel connected to the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: CBC, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Baxter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10483814
    Abstract: A synchronous generator rotor pole pack having a plurality of pole pack laminations which are offset with respect to one another, a pole shank, a pole head with at least three pole head sections is provided. A front edge of each of the at least three pole head sections is arranged at an angle with respect to the pole shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Ralf Kelling
  • Patent number: 10465665
    Abstract: An enclosure having power transmission conductors laid in an oriented manner and a laying method. The method includes the following steps: acquiring changing situations of a surface heat transfer coefficient of an outer surface, in contact with a windward side incoming flow, of a shady side of the enclosure according to airflow parameters outside the enclosure; determining a target laying position according to an inside position, corresponding to a highest surface heat transfer coefficient, of the shady side; and laying the power transmission conductor at the target laying position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: XINJIANG GOLDWIND SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shengjun Ma, Wanshun Ma
  • Patent number: 10451044
    Abstract: The wind turbine array includes a plurality of wind turbines, a supporting frame, and a bollard. The plurality of wind turbines mount in the supporting frame. The bollard: 1) raises the supporting frame above a supporting surface; 2) transfers the load path of the supporting frame and the plurality of wind turbines to the supporting surface; and, 3) adjusts the azimuth of the supporting frame to optimize the orientation of the plurality of turbines relative to the direction of the wind. The plurality of wind turbines use the wind to generate electricity that is subsequently fed into an electric load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventor: Pasquale Lentini
  • Patent number: 10451037
    Abstract: Wind turbine blades comprising one or more deformable trailing edge sections, each deformable trailing edge section comprising a first and a second actuator, wherein the second actuator is arranged substantially downstream from the first actuator, and wherein the first actuator is of a first type and wherein the second actuator is of a second type, the second type being different from the first type. The application further relates to wind turbines comprising such blades and methods of operating a wind turbine comprising one or more of such blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: GE RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIES WIND B.V.
    Inventors: Jaume Betran Palomas, Arturo Rodriguez-Tsouroukdissian
  • Patent number: 10451029
    Abstract: The invention relates to propeller-type horizontal-axis wind turbine assemblies. All of the present assembly variants comprise, mounted on a tower, a wind turbine with two coaxial wind propellers on a rotating platform, a gearbox, systems for controlling the pitch angles of the blades and the position of the platform, and an electric generator. The design of the assemblies additionally includes improvements which make it possible to increase the efficiency with which the energy of the wind is utilized, increase electricity output, reduce service time, simplify manufacture and use, increase reliability and working life, and eliminate infrasound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Inventors: Anatoly Georgievich Bakanov, Elena L'vovna Tikhonova
  • Patent number: 10436176
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes: a central axis that extends in a substantially vertical direction; a plurality of configurable airfoils disposed about the central axis, the plurality of configurable airfoils physically coupled to rotate together about the central axis; an angle adjustment mechanism configured to adjust an angle formed between a configurable airfoil and a radius that extends from the central axis as the configurable airfoil rotates about the central axis; and a profile adjustment mechanism that is configured to adjust a profile of the configurable airfoil as the configurable airfoil rotates about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Grigg
  • Patent number: 10436178
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a wind turbine generator to provide power above a rated level based upon operational constraints. The wind turbine includes an over-rating controller that calculates an over-rating power demand in response to the values of one or more operating parameters, and communicates this demand to the generator. An over-rating command value is calculated according to set points of the operating parameter(s), the calculation taking into account the extent to which the operating parameter differs from these set points. The over-rating command value may vary proportionately with the difference between the operating parameter and the associated set point. If multiple operating parameters are used then the over-rating power demand may correspond to the minimum over-rating command value. Furthermore, the power demand maybe communicated to wind turbine generators individually, or may be calculated for a wind turbine park.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: Kelvin Hales, Chris Spruce
  • Patent number: 10429546
    Abstract: An assembly and method for using ultrasonic wind sensors and their assembly with solar cell technology is disclosed. The weather sensor assembly may include a sensor module with a top sensor and a bottom sensor, where the top sensor and the bottom sensor are separated by a gap to allow air to flow through unobstructed. By including an unobstructed gap in the sensor module structure, ultrasonic signals communicated by the ultrasonic wind sensors to obtain wind measurements are less subject to comprise from signal interference, thereby improving accuracy. Additionally, one or more power modules may be included that provide power storage and power generation capabilities, which are then placed beneath the sensor module. By doing so, multiple power modules can be stacked vertically on top of one another to ensure that ultrasonic wind sensors, which typically require high power, are powered more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: INTELLISENSE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Ulmer
  • Patent number: 10422322
    Abstract: A method and system for removing or installing a main shaft and attached main bearing assembly of a wind turbine from a bedplate form an extension onto a downwind end of the main shaft with one or more support elements to support the mains shaft on a bearing unit as it is pulled or pushed into the bedplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Darrick Adam Vanderwalker, Gregory Clarence Thomas, Hunter Ryan Anderson, Waylon James Esser
  • Patent number: 10422320
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods related to electric power transfer between an aerial vehicle of an airborne wind turbine and a power grid. An example power conversion system may include power converters, a DC bus connecting the power converters to the aerial vehicle, and an AC bus connecting the power converters to the power grid. The power converters may be configured to provide AC/DC power conversion between the aerial vehicle and the power grid. The power conversion system may also include switches operable to either (i) electrically connect a respective power converter to the DC bus or electrically isolate the respective power converter from the DC bus. The power conversion system may also include one or more power supplies that can be connected to the DC bus to provide backup power in the event a power converter or the power grid malfunctions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Makani Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Leo Casey, Geoffrey Dolan
  • Patent number: 10415549
    Abstract: A wind turbine including a generator with a stator and a rotor, a cooling arrangement, a wind turbine brake including a brake disk and a caliper with brake pads is provided. An air duct with a filter is located near the brake pads of the caliper. During the operation of the cooling arrangement, a part of the air flow is guided via the brake pads. The brake dust produced by the brake pads during operation of the brake will be reduced by the filter of the air duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY A.S
    Inventors: Giovanni Airoldi, Kim Granly Hansen, Peter Hessellund Soerensen
  • Patent number: 10412863
    Abstract: A charging device for inductively charging an electrical energy store of a motor vehicle, having a primary coil, which is designed for inducing a voltage in a secondary coil of the motor vehicle for charging the electrical energy store; and having a lifting mechanism, which is designed for moving the primary coil between a stowage position and a charging position. The charging device has a fan unit, which is arranged in such a way that an air flow that can be produced by the fan unit flow around a power electronics of the charging device, and subsequently flows to the lifting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Björn Elias, Reinhard Peer
  • Patent number: 10400746
    Abstract: A wind turbine having at least two blades mounted to a blade retainer and a load shaft connected to the blade retainer, such that movement of the blades due to wind causes rotation of the load shaft. The wind turbine includes a frame assembly surrounding the turbine assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of vanes to direct wind inside the frame assembly and towards the blades of the turbine assembly. The vanes have a half circle shaped leading edge pointing to an outside perimeter of the frame assembly. The half circle leading edge has two ends and the vanes have a side extending from each of the ends of the half circle that come together to form a trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: David A. Shoffler
  • Patent number: 10385831
    Abstract: A guiding device for strand-shaped components, such as energy- and/or information-conducting cables (5) of wind turbines (1, 3), has a guiding part (7) for partially holding the components. The guiding part (7) can be fastened to a tower segment (3) of the turbine (1, 3) by a fastening apparatus (13, 15). The fastening apparatus performs the fastening of the associated guiding part (7) by an adhesion apparatus (13), preferably in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: HYDAC INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Maryniok
  • Patent number: 10378514
    Abstract: The present invention relates to wind turbine installations for power generation. The wind turbine installations comprise a turbine support with at least two wind turbines. Furthermore, a wind turbine installation according to the invention comprises a tower console with at least one bearing point. Said bearing point permits a rotational movement of the turbine support about the vertical axis of the turbine support and relative to a foundation. The turbine support is connected to the tower console by means of tower pillars. The installation furthermore comprises electronics which comprise an electronic controller. The electronics are furthermore designed so as to be rotatable about the vertical axis of the turbine support relative to the foundation and relative to a power transmission cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: WEPFER TECHNICS AG
    Inventor: Hans Wepfer