Abstract: An air turbine starter comprising a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path, a turbine having a rotor with circumferentially spaced blades extending into the flow path, a drive shaft operably coupled to and rotating with the rotor, and at least one vane located within the flow path, upstream of the blades. The at least one blade being defined by an acute axial angle and an acute tangential angle.

Abstract: An air turbine starter for starting an engine includes a starter housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. A turbine section is located within the starter housing and includes a turbine member having a central disk and a set of airfoils spaced circumferentially about the central disk, as well as a sealing structure located within the starter housing.

Abstract: An air starter for starting a turbine engine that includes a housing, a turbine member, a drive shaft, and at least one bearing assembly. The housing can define an interior where the turbine couples to the drive shaft that is rotatably supported by the least one bearing assembly. A lubricant passageway can provide lubrication to the at least one bearing assembly.

Abstract: A system for priming a pool pump includes piping that provides fluid communication to or from the pool pump. A valve is in fluid communication with the piping, and the valve has an open position that permits fluid flow through the valve and a shut position that prevents fluid flow through the valve. A priming pump is in fluid communication with the piping. The priming pump includes a suction and a discharge, and the suction of the priming pump connects to the piping upstream from the valve. A sensor generates a control signal reflective of time, fluid flow downstream from the priming pump, and/or fluid flow downstream from the pool pump. A controller receives the control signal, and when the control signal satisfies a predetermined criterion, the controller deenergizes the priming pump, repositions the valve to the open position, and/or energizes the pool pump.

Abstract: The hydraulic generator includes a first structure; a second structure, such that a water passageway from the inflow port to the outflow port is formed by the first structure and the second structure in a state that the second structure is attached to the first structure; a water turbine; and an electrical generator. The second structure is removable from the first structure, and includes a fixing portion fixing the fixed shaft.

Abstract: One embodiment of a rotor blade for a vertical axis wind turbine comprises a central portion having a central axis and at least two blade members. The blade members each have a proximal end attached to the central portion, a high drag side and a low drag side that is opposite the high drag side. Each of the blade members also includes an uncovered vent comprising an opening through the blade member that provides an unobstructed path for airflow through the blade member. In one embodiment, a pair of fins are positioned adjacent the opening of the vent and extend from the high drag side of the blade member.

Abstract: The embodiments herein disclose a system and method for providing an intrinsic safety to rotating machinery from the failure of internal high speed rotating structures. According to one embodiment herein, a system assembly comprises a unique design of the rotating structure to provide a sufficient safety margin and redundancy in configuration. The system assembly comprises a blower fan assembled inside a blower casing and rotated inside the casing. The fan is manufactured by a single forging process instead of an investment casting. The fan comprises several blades mounted to a hub in a shroud to draw a required quantity of fluid. The fan is mounted to a shaft through the hub. When the blower fan is rotated at a high speed exceeding the design parameters, a ‘rub and stop’ mechanism is initiated to halt the fan.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine having a stator and a rotor within the stator on at least one set of bearings, the turbine having a brake which becomes operational following a predetermined level of bearing wear in order to avoid damage to the turbine.

Abstract: A brake assembly (44) for an air turbine starter (10) includes a brake cylinder (46) located in the air turbine starter (10). A brake piston (48) is located at least partially within the brake cylinder (46) and slidable therein. A biasing member (50) biases the brake piston (48) toward a turbine wheel (12) of the air turbine starter (10) applying a braking force to the turbine wheel (12) and defining a piston chamber (58) between the turbine wheel (12) and the brake piston (48). A through opening (56) in the brake piston (48) into the piston chamber (58) is configured such that a flow of fluid through the through opening (56) into the piston chamber (58) applies a force to the brake piston (48) sufficient to overcome the bias thereby allowing rotation of the turbine wheel (12).

Abstract: An exemplary turbomachine clutch assembly includes a clutch that moves from a first position to a second position in response to rotation of a turbomachine fan at a speed greater than a threshold speed. The clutch permits rotation of the turbomachine fan in a first direction whether the clutch is in the first position or the second position. The clutch limits rotation of the turbomachine fan in an opposite, second direction when the clutch is in the first position.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a clutch set, a tank with fluid, an auxiliary battery, an electric fuel pump, and a controller. The electric fluid pump delivers some of the fluid from the tank to a designated oncoming clutch of the clutch set. The controller calculates a predicted flow value for the oncoming clutch during the shift event, and selectively controls the speed of the pump using the predicted flow value during the shift event. The controller controls the pump using an actual flow value when the vehicle is not executing a shift event, i.e., when holding torque. The speed of the electric fluid pump is increased to a first calculated speed determined using the predicted flow value when the shift event is initiated and before filling of the oncoming clutch commences, and is reduced to a second calculated speed determined using the actual flow value when the shift event is complete.

Abstract: In one embodiment a system is disclosed that includes an actuation device coupled with a turbomachinery mechanism. The actuation device can include multiple fluid pathways and a valve to alternatively place each of these pathways in fluid communication with a supply port while another of the pathways is in fluid communication with a return port to selectively move an actuation member along a range of travel. A brake valve may also be included to provide pressurized fluid to the actuation member when the actuation device is in an on condition and divert at least a portion of the pressurized fluid away from the actuation member through another pathway when the actuation device is in an off condition. A fluid-powered brake is coupled to this further pathway to selectively apply braking force to the actuation member in response to the diverted pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump incorporates multiple impellers which are driven by a shaft at constant speed. To engage an impeller, a ball end rod is operated, which interacts with an integral structure which comprises a disc, connector or a support collar, and face gear as linking means. The integral structure is further coupled with the impeller. During engagement, a linking means which is mounted on the impeller and also on the integral structure get coupled together resulting in engaging the impeller for rotation. The impellers can be engaged and disengaged according to the flow requirements thereby saving the energy.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine comprises a rotor blade body with a root for connecting the rotor blade to a hub of a wind turbine, a tip, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The blade has a movable part, and motion transmitting means for connecting to an actuator being placed preferably outside the blade body, and transmitting motion from the actuator to the movable part. The motion transmitting means is electrically non-conductive, whereby the risk of lightning stroke accidents is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of wind energy. The wind energy installation comprises at least one energy module (1) with a vertical axis of rotation, which energy module is designed to enable the vertical installation of at least one additional module. The energy module (1) comprises rotor blades (6) which are fixed to a bearing cylinder (5) and are flat, said rotor being arranged inside a stator, which is formed by a system of vertically positioned wind guide plates (7). The wind guide plates (7) are designed to be capable of changing in area on account of a telescopic movement of a movable sector (8) thereof, which movable sector can be arranged both inside and outside said wind guide plates. The rotor blades (6) are equipped with vortex generators (9), which are in the form of curved strips. The arrangement of the rotor blades (6) relative to the bearing cylinder (5) is designed so as to form a slotted diffuser (10) between said rotor blades and the bearing cylinder (5).

Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle, may include a first shaft fixed to a pulley to be rotated thereby, a second shaft fixed to an impeller for pumping, and clutch that is disposed between the first shaft and the second shaft to selectively connect the first and second shafts to transfer a rotation torque of the first shaft to the second shaft.

Abstract: Solutions for clutching steam turbine low pressure sections are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: a first low pressure steam turbine including a first shaft; a second low pressure steam turbine including a second shaft; a clutch for coupling and uncoupling the first shaft and the second shaft; a conduit for delivering a working fluid to the first low pressure steam turbine and the second low pressure steam turbine; a valve within the conduit, the valve having an open position and a closed position, the closed position preventing flow of the working fluid to the second low pressure steam turbine; and a controller for operating the clutch and the valve, the controller uncoupling the second shaft from the first shaft and closing the valve in response to the first and second low pressure steam turbine attaining a predetermined low part load.

Abstract: A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.

Abstract: Several embodiments that enhance and improve the efficiencies of vertical axis wind turbine generators by expanding their normal range of useful operations. Stationary vanes provided external to the rotor blades provide directional control of wind/air flow into the blades for decreased drag and increased differential wind pressure. Control scenarios for adjusting stationary wind vanes and additional ducting of air to increase efficiencies.

Abstract: The drive device is provided for inclusion in a windmill with two counter-rotating screws. The shafts of the screws are each connected to a spindle of an epicyclical gearbox, the third spindle providing the energy for the user. The device further comprises a brake device simultaneously acting on the two shafts of the screws. In particular, said device permits the installation of a second screw on a windmill mast designed for a single screw on a windmill mast designed for a single screw, thus greatly increasing the power supplied.

Abstract: A stackable, vertical axis windmill comprised of a braced external frame that enables stacking of multiple windmill assemblies. Couplings are located on both ends of the vertical rotor shaft to enable stacking and the transmission of power, an internal wind flow cavity, and controlled wind guides is described. The external frame includes structural bracing that allows for two or more windmill to be stacked one upon another to optimize the use of land or rooftop space for the generation of electricity from wind power. The computer controlled wind guides automatically close partially in high wind conditions in order to prevent damage to the windmill. The internal wind flow cavity allows wind to transfer power to both the windward and leeward rotors blades. The rotor axis is constructed so that all bearings can be replaced without dismantling the structure.

Abstract: Wind power installations using more modern technology have long been known. Such wind power installations have rotors comprising at least one or more rotor blades. The rotors and accordingly the rotor blades carried thereby of wind power installations are subjected to a particular degree to the ambient environmental influences such as for example rain, snow, hail or also insects. In particular the leading edges of the rotor blades are heavily loaded in that respect. In that situation it can happen that the rotor blades and in particular the leading edges thereof, after some time, suffer from (mechanical) damage, for which cost-intensive repair is necessary, especially as a crane is frequently required for that purpose and the entire wind power installation is also stopped for a prolonged period due to the repair and under some circumstances even individual rotor blades have to be transported away to the repair location.

Abstract: A braking mechanism for a rotary apparatus having a housing adapted to receive a pressurized fluid and a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing. The braking mechanism enables the rotor to rotate in the housing in response to the receipt of the pressurized fluid and inhibits the rotor from rotating in the absence of the receipt of the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A coolant pump system driven by an electric motor mounted in-line with the pump shaft to the pump housing. The system minimally includes a pump body having a bore therein, a coolant pump impeller, a pump shaft passing through the bore and having the impeller mounted on one end thereof, and a bearingless seal shaft assembly disposed in the bore which prevents coolant from leaking out of the body around the rotating pump shaft. The outer end of the pump shaft and the drive shaft of the electric motor preferably include a quick-disconnect coupler which allows the two shafts to be repeatedly coupled and uncoupled without damage and without tools. This coupling mechanism may take the form of a socket with bayonet slot on one shaft and mating pin on the other shaft that fits in the slot. A face-mounted electric motor is rigidly but removably bolted to the pump housing, and its drive shaft provides complete support for the pump shaft which rotates therewith.

Abstract: An air turbine starter for use aboard aircraft includes a dual range power train and a clutch automatically shifting between the ranges according to the use being experienced by the starter. Main engine starts may be achieved more quickly, while ground check out of aircraft systems using the starter to power main engine accessory devices via the engine gear box may be performed with better power input to the accessories and improved efficiency.

Abstract: A rotor is distinguished by parts including a radially innermost part and a radially outermost part which is actually a separate element. The two parts are normally coupled for their conjoint rotation by pins anchored to project radially from the innermost part and freely into apertures in the radially outermost part. The pins provide a bearing mount thereon of the outermost part which is fabricated to radially expand and contract in correspondence with the speed of rotation of the rotor and to have a benign failure in the location of one of the apertures upon excessive speed of the rotor. By virtue of such failure the radially outermost part opens and expands to be braked by engagement with the particular surface most adjacent its outer periphery. This rotor is particularly advantageous for use in providing a turbine drive unit, in which event its power transmitting outer peripheral portion is formed by turbine buckets.

Abstract: A propeller brake for a twin spool turbo-prop engine which permits the propeller to be locked in a stationary position with the engine running is disclosed. The propeller brake has a hydraulically actuated friction brake and hydraulically actuated locking mechanism rotatably connected to the engine spool turning the propeller. The friction brake stops the propeller from rotating in response to an external command. A hydraulic signal indicating the propeller has stopped rotating actuates the mechanical lock holding the propeller in a stationary position. A safety latch prevents the mechanical lock from being actuated in event of a hydraulic pressure or engine failure in flight.

Abstract: A multiple-purpose, closed-loop, automatic control system is disclosed, having a system controlled, and means for detecting a controlled variable output from the system controlled and for converting the controlled variable into an electrical feedback signal. The system further includes signal converting means for receiving the feedback signal and for converting the signal into an angular displacement corresponding to the feedback signal; means for comparing the controlled variable with a preset desired value and for selectively opening or closing a forward or reverse controlling circuit; and controlling means for automatic control over the system controlled to keep the controlled variable within the preset desired value. The controlling means includes the forward and the reverse controlling circuits selectively opened or closed by the comparing means, a braking control circuit and a driving mechanism responsive to the forward and reverse control circuits and the braking control circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining the speed of rotation of a windmill rotor at a fixed ratio to the free flow velocity of the driving wind. This arrangement permits the windmill rotor to rotate at the speed at which its power output is maximized. The apparatus includes a plurality of interleaved rotating and stationary friction discs which convert the rotational kinetic energy of the windmill rotor shaft into thermal energy. An anemometer shaft, which rotates with a velocity which is proportional to the ambient wind velocity, drives a gear train which increases or decreases the pressure on the friction discs so that the load on the rotor is increased or decreased, in an offsetting manner, as the wind velocity changes.

Abstract: A centrifugal compressor has at least one stage with its own impeller shaft, an inlet and an outlet for gas, and an epicyclic gear train for driving the impeller shaft. The epicyclic gear train comprises three members, a sun gear, a ring gear and a carrier on which a series of planet gears are mounted in mesh with the sun and ring gears. Means is provided for connecting a power input to one of the members of the epicyclic gear train, and means is provided connecting a second of the members to the impeller shaft. Means are provided for controlling the rotational speed of the third of the members to vary the speed of the impeller shaft of the compressor, and actuating means are provided for actuating the control means in response to the pressure of the compressed gas at the outlet.

Abstract: A pressure gas engine such as a compressed air turbine having a variable speed device for controlling the speed of a rotor and also having an overspeed safety device to prevent damage to the engine in the case of excess speed through malfunction. The overspeed safety device includes speed responsive elements that force the rotor against braking elements that are successively operated to brake the rotor to a complete stop in successive gentle braking actions and with the speed responsive elements including means for preventing resumed rotation of the rotor until the engine has been partially dismantled and the cause of the malfunction corrected.

Abstract: A fuel pump assembly for a gas turbine engine incorporates an impeller pump and a vane pump which are driven by a common drive shaft. A centrifugally operated clutch functions to disengage the vane pump from the drive shaft at a predetermined angular velocity. The vane pump is designed to fulfill dry lift, starting flow and pressure requirements for the engine. The impeller pump, alone, provides fuel to the engine near idle speed and above after the vane pump has been disengaged from the drive shaft.

Abstract: The primary coolant pump of a nuclear reactor, which is usually driven electrically, can be accelerated in the event of a line break by the escaping coolant to such an extent that its mechanical strength is in jeopardy due to overspeed. According to the invention, a brake and/or shut-off means, which can be controlled by the pump pressure differential or the pump speed, are associated with the pump. The invention is of interest particularly for pressurized-water reactors.

Abstract: A boost pump incorporates a low-flow impeller pump for charging the inlet of a gas producer fuel pump and a high-flow impeller pump for charging the inlet of an augmentor fuel pump. The low-flow pump is connected to a drive shaft so as to be continuously driven thereby. The drive shaft may be placed in driving connection with the high-flow pump through the medium of a friction clutch which is engageable by the application of a fluid pressure. Disengagement of the high-flow impeller, when augmentation is not required, significantly contributes to an increase in pump efficiency and a reduction in heating of the fluid being pumped.