Abstract: An energy recovery apparatus and method for recovering and harvesting energy from passing air is disclosed. Energy recovery and harvesting from passing air is accomplished by creating a pressure differential using high and low pressure ports. The energy represented by the pressure differential is extracted using a mass airfoil device which, in turn, is used to create alternative forms of energy which, in turn, is used to support auxiliary and main systems aboard any moving object or form of transport.

Abstract: A reengineered undershot waterwheel adapted to capture unutilized hydrokinetic energy is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the blades, partitions, and shafts of the waterwheel are composed of engineered plastics and composites for improved operation and longevity. In other embodiments, the waterwheel may be fixed, floating, partially or fully submerged, mounted vertically or horizontally, and will operate in deep and shallow flowing water sources.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing wind turbine damage includes a propeller having a plurality of blades projecting radially from a hub. The blades may be adjustably combined to form variable cross-sections that either increase or decrease propeller rotation speed dependent on wind speed and weather conditions.

Abstract: A hydroelectric turbine generator and control system is provided that optimizes the maximum possible power output at all times by strictly monitoring power output from the generator unit and modulating the wicket gate angle and the runner blade pitch independently of one another. The hydroelectric turbine generator includes a means for separately controlling wicket gate angle and runner blade pitch. The wicket gate angle control mechanism controls the flow into the system, pre conditions flow for maximum power and maintains reservoir level. The runner blade pitch control mechanism continuously monitors the system power output based on actual power produced, and adjusts system parameters in order to achieve maximum power output.

Abstract: A support for a wind turbine having rear frame extending from a bedplate, where the support includes at least one tension member extending between the rear frame and the bedplate.

Abstract: A wind turbine energy conversion device that can take advantage of the higher speed and more persistent winds at higher altitudes is hereinafter disclosed. The wind turbine energy conversion device includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) connected to one end of a tether (which may include multiple shorter tethers), the other end being connected to a terrestrial anchorage point. The UAV flies at altitudes where wind speeds can reach 40 mph or higher. The UAV comprises a flying wing with one or more trailing wind power turbines and flies airborne maneuvers designed to increase relative wind speed up to about four times the true wind speed.

Abstract: A control system for mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is disclosed. The control system includes a sensor configured to detect an operating condition of the radar system; a processor configured to receive an operating condition of the wind turbine and determine a rotation modification sequence based on the operating condition of the radar system and the operating condition of the wind turbine; and a controller configured to apply the rotation modification sequence to the wind turbine. A method of mitigating the effects of a wind turbine on a radar system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wind turbine hybrid braking system is presented. The system includes a generator coupled to a main shaft of the wind turbine for generating and transmitting power. A mechanical brake is coupled to the main shaft for applying reaction torque upon braking of the wind turbine. The system further includes an electrical braking circuit coupled to the generator for acting in conjunction with the mechanical brake and dissipating active power via controlled switching.

Abstract: A large capacity wind power generator is provided, which includes an outer rotor including an upper partitioning plate having a plurality of spokes formed along a circular circumference of the upper partitioning plate at equal intervals and a side partitioning plate formed on one side surface of the outer rotor, the outer rotor having a lower surface and the other side surface which are open; and a windmill formed inside the outer rotor to be rotated by wind flowing through the outer rotor. The side partitioning plate is formed to have an area that is smaller than a half of the entire circumferential area of the outer rotor, and spaces between the respective spokes are open so as to facilitate an inflow of the wind through the side surface of the outer rotor.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided having a gearbox containing a lubrication medium, a pump for circulating the lubrication medium, and a gearbox lubrication suction pipe for transporting the lubrication medium from the gearbox to the pump. A heater is in thermal connection to, at least a portion of, the gearbox lubrication suction pipe. This heater is used to heat the lubrication medium contained within the gearbox lubrication suction pipe to a temperature where damage to the pump is avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling noise generated from a wind turbine is disclosed. The method includes selectively adjusting the angle of pitch of the blade in response to an amount of noise generated being above a predetermined amount and maintaining the amount of noise generated at or below the predetermined amount of noise.

Abstract: A telescopic chimney and methods are disclosed for generation of mechanical energy using air routed through a turbine. Truncated cones stored nested together telescope to interlock when extended end to end to form a conical shape that diverges upwardly. An air output deflector at the exit of the chimney drives the exiting airflow downwards and is optionally divided into six equal radial spans so that airflow can be varied through each by a computer-controlled shutter to compensate for wind forces. An axial cable raises and lowers truncated cones. A method of deploying the chimney includes steps of closing the shutters; filling the truncated cones with heated air; controlling the rise of the truncated with the cable; and, opening the shutters. A method of collapsing the chimney includes the steps of pulling the cable to exert downward force on a truncated cone.

Abstract: The present invention is a high efficiency turbine system which can increase a pressure differential between an upstream location and a downstream location. The turbine system includes a propeller attached to a shaft, which can both be located in a shroud. The shroud includes a projection, such as a brim, which protrudes inward and/or outward from the shroud. The projection includes brim units arranged asymmetrically and/or in repeating patterns to generate various vortex and swirl patterns. The brim units can have a different size, shape, width, and/or height than an adjacent brim unit. The brim units can be arranged in a non-parallel manner and can be rotatable. Furthermore, the brim units can form brim groups which can be arranged asymmetrically and/or in repeating patterns to generate various swirl patterns. The turbine system can also be used in a renewable energy system, which can be used to power electronic devices.

Abstract: A tandem axial turbine that comprises a front confusor, a funnel-shaped runner having inner blades and capable of accelerating and directing an oncoming flow toward a co-axial rear runner which rotates in an opposite direction. A tangential turbine has a hub, blades capable of rotating in relation to the hub between positions across and along the flow, and propulsion springs for controlling the movement of the blades in relation to the hub and the transfer of the energy. A second tangential turbine comprises a runner having a hub and blades and a shroud capturing the runner from above and around and permitting the blades to dip into water flowing immediately below the hub and an opening of the shroud. A surface vessel comprises a stabilized frame rotatably affixed on a vessel hull about a center of wave induced rocking motions of the vessel and therefore isolated from a rocking motion of the vessel.

Abstract: A system for providing low cost fluid pressurization without consumption of limited natural resources, pollution, or greenhouse gas emission, and is independent of wind conditions. Additionally, the system of the present invention includes a venturi-like collar positioned at the top of one or more stacks increasing air flow.

Abstract: A high-efficiency turbine generates energy from a fluid flow, such as wind or water currents. The turbine has a central axis with a plurality of foils rotatable about the central axis in a general paddlewheel arrangement. Each of the foils has a foil axis parallel to the length of the foil and the central axis, and is rotatable about its foil axis. During operation of the turbine, each foil assumes an attack angle to the direction of the fluid flow with the attack angle dynamically controlled about the foil axis as the foil rotates about the central axis so as to maximize the foil's moment about the central axis.

Abstract: A wind turbine has an impeller surrounded by a shroud. The shroud includes an interior surface and an exterior surface. The surface is coated with a silicone polyurethane polymer. The resulting surface has reduced surface energy, and can shed rain, snow, and ice more easily.

Abstract: Fluid turbine devices and methods related to fluid turbine devices are disclosed herein. One example method includes deflecting a first portion of a fluid flow from a return path of at least a portion of a vertical blade assembly, while permitting a second portion of the fluid flow to enter a drive path of the vertical blade assembly. One example fluid turbine device includes a vertical blade assembly having multiple blades and a shroud rotatable relative to the vertical blade assembly. The shroud includes a leading edge portion for deflecting a first portion of a fluid flow from entering a return path of at least a portion of the vertical blade assembly and a portion defining multiple openings configured to permit fluid from within a compartment defined by the vertical blade assembly to exhaust out of the return path.

Abstract: A wind turbine shroud that comprises a plurality of wind turbine shroud segments engaged to each other in a radial pattern about a central axis. Each wind turbine shroud segment may be created through a rotational molding and/or blow molding process and can be engaged with other wind turbine shroud segments to create a variety of wind turbine shrouds.

Abstract: Turbine apparatus for a hydroelectric power station, with a turbine impeller, which is capable of rotating about a turbine rotary spindle, which is in particular arranged vertically, with turbine blades (4), which are fitted at an angle with respect to the turbine impeller (3), in particular a fixed angle, with a generator, which converts the mechanical rotation energy of the turbine impeller into electrical energy, wherein the generator is in particular an annular generator (5), with an annular rotor (6) and a stator (7), which is correspondingly arranged in annular fashion, wherein the turbine rotary spindle (2) is coupled to the rotor (6) in such a way that it is fixed against rotation, and the rotation about the turbine rotary spindle (2) takes place by means of a hollow shaft (8), with a pot-like receptacle (9), into which a fixed bearing journal (10) with movable bearings (11) arranged around it is inserted, in particular directly, and the turbine impeller (3) and the rotor (6) are capable of rotating a

Abstract: The CWE Concepts are designed to extract the maximum possible wind energy passing through a given square footage area of influencing machine interface at given calculated velocities, to deliver that energy to two power take off shafts for end user's useful work (electrical power generation and other requirements). A multi-bucket “S” rotor, airfoils, baffles and cowling combined, utilize one hundred percent of that moving air volume most efficiently. Our strategies are to use smaller units, yielding more power than existing designs while being installed at much lower levels, urban friendly, less visible, nearly-enclosed rotating machinery, quieter, and safer for indigenous wildlife populations. We plan to market for commercial and residential customers, in turn providing HVAC and electrical power augmentation to utility companies—a reliable and robust addition to the national power grid. Our goals—reduce dependency on foreign oil and provide a clean alternative.

Abstract: A wind turbine and a method of controlling yawing of a wind turbine are provided. A nacelle is mounted rotatable around a first axis by an adjustable yaw angle and a hub is mounted rotatable around a rotational axis. The hub includes a blade rotating around the rotational axis, the blade defining a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotational axis. A channel of the wind turbine has an opening, the opening being located at a predefined distance to the rotor plane. At least one component of incoming wind is guided through the opening and into the channel as air flow. A measuring device is provided for measuring the air flow, the measuring device being connected to a controller. The controller detects a yaw angle error between a direction of the incoming wind and the rotational axis, the yaw angle error being used to adjust the yaw angle of the nacelle.

Abstract: An airfoil shaped tower the size of a skyscraper for the production of electrical power using turbines. The turbines are located at the base of the tower and are fed by ambient air. Power to turn the turbines comes from the pressure drop generated by the wind moving over a changing surface of the airfoil. (Bernoulli's Equation). The areas of negative pressure on the exterior surface are covered by a plurality of bleeder vents that conduct air from the high-pressure (ambient air) interior to the low-pressure exterior. The invention is further improved by the construction of several towers in close proximity. Adjacent towers augment the air velocity thus increasing the pressure differential. The power of the turbines is greatly increased because power is proportional to the effective wind velocity cubed.

Abstract: Wind motor with a drive, the input of which is coupled with a rotor shaft, which has a separate mount, characterized in that a holding device is provided between the mount and the drive, which in its mounted state holds the rotor shaft in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A wind turbine for use in generating electricity. The wind turbine includes a housing being secured atop a tower. A wheel is mounted within the housing and is rotatable about a horizontal axis when struck by winds passing over the front of housing. The wheel has a hub and a number of paddles radiating outwardly from the hub and above the housing. An electrical current generator is connected to the wheel so as to be powered thereby. A wind shield is mounted within the housing for selectively preventing winds passing over the front of the housing from reaching the wheel.

Abstract: A turbine includes a stack of substantially parallel disks, the rotation of which causes rotation of a shaft. The disks are separated by peripheral spacers, each peripheral spacer having the shape of an airfoil. Each peripheral spacer defines a chord which is angled radially inward, towards the axis of rotation of the disk. The peripheral spacers are located only in the vicinity of the periphery of the disk. Air, or other fluid, entering the turbine engages the airfoil shaped peripheral spacers, and the flow of air generates lift, and associated drag, causing the energy of the fluid to be more efficiently converted into mechanical, and ultimately, electrical power. The turbine is especially useful in harnessing wind energy for the generation of electric power.

Abstract: A rotor blade including a root attachable to a rotor hub. The blade includes a tip and one or more channels aligned within the blade generally between the root and the tip. Each channel has a sealed first end and a second end vented to outside the blade. The channel(s) are vented to one or more exterior surfaces of the blade through one or more apertures in the exterior surface(s).

Abstract: A device is described for the conversion of energy from free flowing water into electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power using a submersible system of turbine propellers mounted on horizontal shafts supported by chambers, each containing switchgear and/or generators and air or water ballast. The device is tethered to the seabed by a cable. Free of a rigid vertical support, the device can yaw so that water flow in any direction can be used for power generation, as in a tidal basin. In response to sensing the water velocity of the water channel, the device actively seeks a nominal water velocity, ascending or descending as necessary.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade made of a fixed blade section with an integral mounting flange for attachment to a wind turbine hub. A moveable blade section is attached to the fixed blade section and is free to move in a longitudinal direction relative to the fixed blade section. A positioning device controllably positions the moveable blade section to vary the overall length of the blade. This allows the wind turbine's rotor diameter to be adjusted. The rotor diameter can be increased in order to provide high power output in low wind conditions and it can be decreased in order to minimize loads in high wind conditions.

Abstract: A wind collector including a number of upright columns being arranged in a closed geometric form. A roof is affixed to the tops of the columns. A number of horizontal beams connect each adjacent pair of columns together beneath the roof. Each of the beams has an inner surface and an opposed, outer surface. A plurality of movable panels is suspended from the horizontal beams. Each of the panels is hingedly connected, at the top thereof, to one of the beams and, at the bottom thereof, normally contacts and presses downwardly upon the inner surface of another one of the beams whereby passing winds swing the bottoms of the panels inwardly and enter the wind collector.

Abstract: A blade system, has rows of blades extending radially outward along the length and around the circumference of a rotor of a low-profile ground-mounted wind turbine which is particularly suited for use in remote locations. The wind-engaging end of each blade is arc-shaped and is turned about 120 degrees to maximize efficiency. Preferably, two rotors having the unique blade system are connected to a single, centrally located generator, and the entire unit is mounted on a frame which is rotatable on wheels about a central shaft. Further, a circular track is provided in for engaging the wheels for ease of rotation of the unit either under the direction of a PLC or in yaw.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment includes a system for power generation through movement of fluid having a variety of configurations and implementations. One preferred embodiment includes a system for power generation through movement of fluid includes a power generating cell with a generally cylindrical housing a ring for rotating disposed in said housing, one or more impellers fixedly coupled to said ring, and a generator operably coupled to said ring for receiving energy from the one or more impellers in which fluid is disposed about one or more impellers for creating energy.

Abstract: The provided wind power system includes a frame, at least a power module installed in the frame and a motor, wherein the number of the at least a power module is increasable, and the respective power module is extractable from the frame through an extraction direction. The respective power module has a fan, a plurality of first wedging surfaces and a plurality of second wedging surfaces, wherein the first and second wedging surfaces respectively manage to cooperate with a second wedging surface of a first additional power module and a first wedging area of a second additional power module, and the motor is connected to the respective power module, thereby the fan of the respective power module being driven by a wind to cause the motor to generate the electricity.

Abstract: A wave-flow power installation comprises a float, a convergent-divergent water passage, attached to the float by an arm furnished with a hinge to turn the passage perpendicularly to a water stream, two turbines coaxially mounted in the passage, oriented orthogonally to the stream, each having a shaft oriented across the passage, an end of the shafts is attached to the wall of passage, supplied with hydro-dynamical blades, providing opposite rotation of the turbines, and an electro-generator including two rotors kinematically coupled with the shafts of the first turbines, providing rotation of the rotors in the opposite directions, and a stationary inductor disposed between the rotors. In some embodiments, the electro-generator is enclosed in a cavity of a hermetic capsule. The present invention can be used for building non-polluting power plants on rivers, in coastal areas of sea, and in proximity to platforms for underwater extraction of minerals.

Abstract: A spar for a wind turbine blade includes at least one shear web extending between pressure and suction sides of the blade; and a joint, arranged substantially midway between ends of the shear web, for sizing the shear web. The joint may include a resilient and/or expandable spacer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a system for monitoring at least one wind turbine component including a closed fluid circulating system with a fluid reservoir. The monitoring system comprises, means for establishing a level value of the fluid systems reservoir, and means for establishing at least one environmental value of the fluid systems reservoir or the surroundings of the system. The level value and the at least one environmental value contributing to defining the fluid systems functionality, and the monitoring system further comprises means for establishing a monitoring value on the basis of the level value and the at least one environmental value. The invention further relates to a method for monitoring at least one wind turbine component including a closed fluid circulating system with a fluid reservoir and a system for monitoring a mechanical and/or electrical component.

Abstract: A wind turbine for use in generating electricity. The wind turbine includes a housing being secured atop a tower. A wheel is mounted within the housing and is rotatable about a horizontal axis when struck by winds passing over the front of housing. The wheel has a hub and a number of paddles radiating outwardly from the hub and above the housing. An electrical current generator is connected to the wheel so as to be powered thereby. A wind shield is mounted within the housing for selectively preventing winds passing over the front of the housing from reaching the wheel.

Abstract: A low-head impulse jet waterwheel for power generation at irrigation canal drop structures and navigation dam spillways achieves renewable electric power generation that has been lost until now due to lack of suitable equipment to convert such energy at competitive cost. Conventional practice has limited use of impulse turbines to heads of more than 50 meters or about 150 feet. However, there is now no need for such a limitation. Kinetic energy of a low-pressure jet is employed in a way that enables numerous locations to generate electricity conveniently near points of use, from a renewable source at minimum cost. The equipment can be pre-assembled for minimum installation cost at sites with no existing impoundment and can be automatically raised clear of flood levels with built-in lifting equipment. Existing multi-span bridges offer convenient access for installation and maintenance. Raising the equipment also provides clear passage for fish migration.

Abstract: An omni-direction array 22 of wind turbine assemblies 10 is positioned upon and about the periphery of the roof of a building. Each wind turbine assembly 10 comprises a self supporting modular box-shaped housing 12 having an inlet and outlet for accelerating the flow of air therethrough. Turbine 14 having a ring gear 18 positioned about the periphery thereof in mechanical communication with a plurality of generators 20 for converting wind energy into electricity. Parabolic collectors 16 are positioned and attached to the inlet and outlet of the housing 12 for collecting, concentrating, directing and accelerating wind through the turbine 14 in the throat section of the assembly. Each self supporting box-shaped modular housing 12 is structurally communicated with other housings 12 by interlocking mating surfaces 26.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided with a nacelle having a hollow inner space. The inner space is utilized as a plenum for directing air from an inlet to an outlet at the upstream end of the nacelle to allow control of an effective lip width of the nacelle under certain flight conditions.

Abstract: According to the invention, to use wind energy, a flow is conducted effectively onto a rotor to convert the flow energy by means of a steering mechanism. According to the invention, the steering mechanism permits: the wind to be conducted from a point of higher wind speed to a point of lower wind speed that is preferred for the installation of the rotor; the flow cross-section to be narrowed and compressed, thus increasing the flow speed; one side of a rotor with an axis running transversally to the wind direction to be shielded; and/or a suction effect to be generated downstream of the rotor in the flow direction. The device comprises a hollow tower (2) with a wind trap opening (5) at the upper end and a flow channel that is formed by the hollow cross-section of the tower (2), said channel leading downwards to at least one rotor (12; 14) that is located in the vicinity of the ground for converting the flow energy. An outlet (13) for the air is situated downstream of the rotor.

Abstract: In combination a frame having an upright axis, at least one wind turbine carried by the frame in offset relation to said frame axis, to rotate relative to that axis, at least one baffle oriented by the frame to collect incident wind and re-direct such wind into the turbine.

Abstract: A device, device(s), method and/or apparatus that can utilize 1 or more/various forms of inputs for energy This may be done to perform or enhance various functions or purposes or to provide additional capability such as power, energy, storage, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from a water current in a body of water comprises a longitudinally extending flotation platform for maintaining the apparatus afloat in the body of water and a water turbine operatively carried by the platform for generating power in response to water current in the body of water. The platform is configured to enhance the flow of water current over the turbine blades and, as well, to enable a number of like platforms each with an associated turbine or turbines to be arrayed in a cooperative manner. The water turbine may comprise a turbine rotor with a plurality of relatively narrow, flexible elongated blades arranged in circumferentially spaced rows extending along the rotor. In each row, the blades are distanced from each other in succession by a space.

Abstract: A wind powered variable area exit aperture electric generating system having configurable, adjustable duct side walls by which means the ratio between the intake cross-sectional aperture area and the exhaust cross-sectional aperture area may be varied for maximum air molecule flow through the duct, leading to ideal maximum electrical output for any given air mass input. The planar characteristic and angular dispersion of the mutually leading edge coupled extended flaps, and the regular square interior housing result in complementary internal vortices developed at the trailing edge of the planar architectural surfaces.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the operation of a wind turbine is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (a) adjusting at least one control parameter of said wind turbine to a predetermined starting value; (b) measuring at least one response variable of said wind turbine and at least one further variable indicative of an ambient condition of the wind turbine; (c) repeating step (b) N times, wherein N is a predetermined integer, wherein said at least one control parameter is varied at each repetition; (d) determining a measured relation between the at least one control parameter with respect to the at least one response variable and the at least one further variable indicative of an ambient condition; (e) determining an optimized value of said at least one control parameter with respect to said response variable from said measured relation; (f) adjusting a set point of said at least one control parameter to said optimized value.

Abstract: The described invention involves the windmill generation of electric power, particularly from offshore windmill generators. The invention involves inserting an adapter between the nacelle of the windmill and the tower, which includes either a leveling device or a vibration dampening device, or both.

Abstract: A wind energy plant comprising a rotor, a rotor shaft, a gear, and a generator, the generator embodied as a ring concentrically embracing the gear.

Abstract: A wind and solar power plant, producing electrical energy at any scale, site, and level above the ground, and with almost no wind, comprises rotor trains, mounted on decks of a garage-like building, each rotor train having a plurality of rotors positioned between a shroud and a wind tunnel. The wind is accelerated in a low middle part of the wind tunnel while flows from a high entrance towards a higher and wider exit. The blades of the rotors protrude into the middle part of the wind tunnel causing fast rotation of the rotors around horizontal axes. A super-diffuser, a booster and a wind tunnel are increasing the power of the wind and rotors in hundreds of times. Each rotor train comprises up to six rotors connected with twelve electrical generators. Electrical energy can be also produced by solar panels, mounted on the balconies and on the roof of the building.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The single axle transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. An additional embodiment is disclosed which shifts automatically dependent upon the rotational speed of the wheel. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The disclosed transmission may be used in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. The transmission may, for example, be driven by a power transfer mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or lever, optionally driving a one way clutch attached at one end of the main shaft.