Axial Flow Runner Patents (Class 415/4.3)
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Patent number: 11852117Abstract: The present invention, a multi-axial variable height wind turbine, includes a wind turbine, a structural support, a tilting boom extending between said structural support and said wind turbine, a multiaxial drive mechanism extending upwardly from said structural support for receiving said tilting boom where the multiaxial drive mechanism operationally connects the tilting boom to the structural support for rotation along a plurality of axes. The tilting boom includes a counterweight system positioned opposite said wind turbine which includes a moveable mass which is moved along the tilting boom by a drive mechanism for movement of the wind turbine between a raised position and a lowered position. The wind turbine also includes a plurality of pitched blade members extending between an inner hub and an outer ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2023Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Inventor: Matthew Scott Hausman
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Patent number: 11846272Abstract: A cable holder, in particular for a cable of a wind turbine, to a cable harness, to a tower, to a wind turbine and also to a method for fastening a cable. In particular, a cable holder, in particular for a cable of a wind turbine, preferably for a medium-voltage cable connected to a medium-voltage transformer of a wind turbine, comprising a cable mount with a funnel-like cavity and also comprising an elastic insert, which is arranged within the funnel-like cavity, wherein the cable mount and the elastic insert are arranged and designed such that the cable can extend through the funnel-like cavity and the elastic insert can be clamped in between the cable mount and the cable.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventor: Stefan Biehle
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Patent number: 11300103Abstract: An energy generator system is provided that is capable of capturing the transitory energy contained within the wind and converting it to a form of storable energy for later use in generating electricity. The energy generator system includes a compression system including an air compressor for compressing incoming air and a rotor for operating the compressor in response to the wind flowing over the rotor. An intake system is associated with the compression system and provides clean ambient air to the air compressor. The compression system and the intake system c contained in a wind tower having a head for supporting the rotor and an elongate pylon for positioning the rotor at a sufficient height to capture the energy of the wind. The natural energy system additionally includes a storage system for storing the compressed air produced by the air compressor.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Inventor: Haralambos Theodoros Dragonas
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Patent number: 11280318Abstract: A wind turbine (1) comprising a tower (2) and one or more nacelles (3) mounted on the tower (2) is disclosed, at least one of the nacelle(s) (3) housing one or more drive train components (9,10,11) and a transportation system for moving drive train components (9,10,11) of the wind turbine (1). The transportation system comprises one or more sliding rails (15) configured to carry a drive train component (9, 10,11) during movement, and one or more sledges (19). Each sledge (19) is movably connected to a sliding rail (15), and configured to be attached to a drive train component (9,10,11), thereby allowing the drive train component (9,10,11) to move along the sliding rail(s) (15). Each sliding rail (15) comprises two or more rail modules (6,13,14) being detachably connected to each other along a direction of movement defined by the sliding rail (15).Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Riccardo Cingolani, Joris Kofman, Kim Bredo Rahbek
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Patent number: 11162472Abstract: A lift type rotor blade which has a chord length gradually increased from a blade root to a maximum chord length portion being a base portion of a blade end portion, includes a leading edge, a front surface and an inclined portion formed on the blade end portion. The leading edge has a maximum thickness that is the maximum at the blade root and is gradually and continuously decreased from the blade root to a tip portion via the maximum chord length portion in a side view. The front surface is gradually inclined in a direction of a back surface from the blade root to the maximum chord length portion such that an interval between the front and back surfaces is continuously decreased. The inclined portion is inclined in a front surface direction from the maximum chord length portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: NTN CORPORATIONInventor: Masahiko Suzuki
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Patent number: 10895242Abstract: To enable an increase in a torque amount applied to a blade with simple and low-cost means in a natural energy type power generator. An output reinforcement device of a power generator according to an embodiment is an output reinforcement device of a power generator including a rotor that includes at least one blade driven by renewable energy and a hub attached with the blade, the output reinforcement device including a casing that has a tubular shape and disposed to surround the hub, the casing having a through-hole through which the blade is inserted and being configured to rotate together with the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2019Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Kai Karikomi
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Patent number: 10890163Abstract: A transport frame having a longitudinal, lateral and upright extent for receiving a tip portion of a wind turbine blade is disclosed. The frame is stackable with identical frames and has a tip saddle assembly including a saddle with a support surface shaped to receive a blade tip, and a clamping mechanism having a hinged clamping arm operable between an open position and a closed position, the clamping arm, when open, allowing a blade tip to be lowered into the saddle, and when closed, securely restraining the blade tip against upward movement. The tip saddle assembly further includes a preventer serving to maintain the clamping arm in the closed position over a blade. A method of using the transport frame to clamp a wind turbine blade is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Michael Kastrup, Lucia Quintana, Adrian Botwright, Troels Vahle, Martin Damm, Kristoffer Lolk Fredriksen, Carsten Jasper
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Patent number: 10767625Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade including a suction side, a pressure side, a blunt trailing edge, and a trailing edge enlargement unit arranged at the blunt trailing edge and has at least two stages. The trailing edge enlargement unit has a first portion and a second portion, where a transition from the blunt trailing edge to the first portion is substantially non-perpendicular and a transition between the first and second portions is also non-perpendicular.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbHInventors: Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Christian Frank Napierala, Heiner Sweers
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Patent number: 10718315Abstract: The invention provides a lightning receptor arrangement (11, 12) for a wind turbine blade (10) comprising at least a self-threading screw (21) having a head (23) and a threaded shaft (25) as a the external metallic receptor element for receiving a lightning strike in one side of the wind turbine blade (10) and an internal element comprising an electrically conductive block (20) configured with at least an unthreaded hole (41) for cooperating with said threaded shaft (25) and connected to a down conductor (18) of a grounding arrangement. The internal element is joined to at least a shell (17) of the wind turbine blade (10) with an adhesive force capable of withstanding the torque applied to the self-threading screw (21) for threading it to the unthreaded hole (41).Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.Inventors: Victor March Nomen, Juan Madoz Zabalegui, José Manuel Martinez Olmo
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Patent number: 10697426Abstract: An aerodynamic device is described for mounting to an outer surface of a wind turbine blade. The aerodynamic device includes a baseplate having an inner surface defining a mounting region and a sealing region at least partially surrounds the mounting region. The mounting region is bonded to the outer surface of the blade by an adhesive. A seal is provided between the sealing region of the baseplate and the outer surface of the blade. The seal at least partially surrounds the mounting region. A barrier is provided between the seal and the adhesive. The barrier is arranged substantially to prevent contact between the seal and the adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Jeremy Hurault, Raphael Sajous
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Patent number: 10612526Abstract: A fully insulated tip unit (1) for a lightning protection system for a wind turbine blade (2) is disclosed, comprising an electrically conducting tip (3), which tip consists of an external part (4) and an internal part (5), at least one side receptor base (6), an internal tip unit conductor (8), an insulated electric cable (9) for forming the outermost part of a down conductor (10), and a connection element (12) for establishing electrical connection between the insulated electric cable and the other conducting parts of the tip unit, wherein the internal part of the tip, the side receptor base(s), the internal tip conductor, the connection element and one end of the insulated electric cable are all embedded by casting in an insulating material (13) leaving only the external part of the tip and the other end of the insulated electric cable uncovered by the insulating material. Furthermore, a wind turbine blade comprising such a tip unit is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: PolyTech A/SInventors: Casper Falkenstrøm Mieritz, Kim Bertelsen, Søren Find Madsen, Thomas Holm Krogh
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Patent number: 10502181Abstract: A bonded window cover for an access window of a rotor blade assembly having a unique joint assembly is provided. For example, for rotor blade assembly having blade inserts that form access windows with the rotor blade segments, the laminated in window covers are replaced with bonded windows. More specifically, the bonded-in window covers are bonded in with a window frame lap joint, which allows the transition from two sets of inner skin layers (bonded onto one another) to one set of inner skin layers. Without this transition, the leading edge would have an undesirable bump or protrusion as well as waves in the skin layers.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Darren John Danielsen, Austin Erdenberger
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Floating wind turbine with a floating foundation, and method for installation of such a wind turbine
Patent number: 10308328Abstract: A floating downwind turbine comprising: a floating foundation; a tower which is rotationally fixed on the floating foundation; an energy conversion unit which is mounted on the tower, comprises a rotor and is rotationally fixedly connected to the tower; and at least one tensioning element which connects the tower or the energy conversion unit to the foundation in the upwind direction, the foundation having three legs, one leg of which is longer than the other two legs, the legs being interconnected in a Y shape and the tower, being arranged on the foundation in the connecting region of the legs, and the longest leg extending in the upwind direction and being connected to the tower or to the energy conversion unit by the tensioning element.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2015Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Aerodyn Engineering GMBHInventor: Sonke Siegfriedsen -
Patent number: 10240577Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to thermoplastic airflow modifying elements for a rotor blade for a wind turbine and methods of assembling same. The rotor blade may be constructed from at least one of a thermoset material or a thermoplastic material. Further, the rotor blade includes a blade shell defining an outer surface. Moreover, the rotor blade includes one or more layers of thermoplastic material infused to the outer surface of the blade shell so as to define one or more attachment locations. In addition, the rotor blade includes at least one airflow modifying element constructed, at least in part, from a thermoplastic material. Thus, the airflow modifying element(s) is welded to one of the attachment locations on the outer surface of the blade shell.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Aaron A. Yarbrough, Christopher Daniel Caruso, Daniel Alan Hynum
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Patent number: 10202966Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The wind turbine blade has a lightning receptor, a first electric line, and a potential equalization arrangement having a first electrode, which is connected to the lightning receptor, and a second electrode, which is connected to the first electric line, a spark gap being formed between the two electrodes, mutually facing sides of the two electrodes forming an air flow channel, which is arranged such that the ambient air that is incident when the wind turbine rotor blade is in operation flows through it.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbHInventors: Thomas Lipka, Jochen Kremer
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Patent number: 10197041Abstract: Methods for joining surface features to wind turbine rotor blades are provided. A method includes providing the surface feature after forming of the rotor blade. The surface feature includes a thermoplastic resin. The formed rotor blade includes a plurality of blade components joined together to form an exterior surface defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending between a tip and a root. The formed rotor blade further includes a thermoplastic resin. The method further includes positioning the surface feature adjacent the exterior surface, and welding the thermoplastic resin of the surface feature and the thermoplastic resin of the formed rotor blade together.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Christopher Daniel Caruso, Aaron A. Yarbrough, Daniel Alan Hynum, James Robert Tobin
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Patent number: 9982654Abstract: Wind turbine having a wind turbine tower, a nacelle provided on the wind turbine tower, a rotor hub rotatably mounted to the nacelle, and one or more wind turbine blades having a root end to be mounted to the rotor hub, a tip end, and pressure and suction sides connected to each other via a leading edge and a trailing edge. The wind turbine blade has a plurality of cross-sectional profiles arranged according to the surface of the suction side so that the surface of the suction side forms a line having a predetermined curvature which curves towards the pressure side of the wind turbine blade and/or forms an approximately straight line along at least part of the relative length. The line crosses each cross-sectional profile in that point on the pressure side where the maximum relative thickness of that profile perpendicular relative to its chord line is measured.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Envision Energy (Denmark) ApSInventor: Wout Ruijter
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Patent number: 9965571Abstract: A method of recambering an aerofoil section. A position on one of the surfaces that intersects with a passage shock between adjacent aerofoils is determined and then projected as a shock position onto the camber line. A shock region encompassing the shock position and extending in a chordal direction towards the leading and trailing edges is defined. The camber line is recalculated in an upstream region using semi-inverse design. The camber line is extrapolated across the shock region to match a geometric criterion. The camber line is recalculated in a downstream region using semi-inverse design.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Paul Hield, James Page, Paul Tucker
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Patent number: 9731608Abstract: An energy-producing system comprising an axle configured to be driven by an electric vehicle's wheels when in motion. The axle supports a series of wind-catching cups contained within an aerodynamic housing configured to direct air to the cups while also increasing the air speed. During vehicle motion, the cups are acted upon by rushing air causing the rotation of the axle such that the rotation may be transferred into energy via a generator/alternator linked thereto. A series of similarly polarized magnets integrated on said cups and/or spacers and/or housing proximate thereto further maintain the axle in motion during short vehicle stops. The system extends the life of the batteries between charges as well the distance the vehicle can travel between charges. A bracket supporting a series of permanent magnets assists with driving the axle.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Inventor: Cecil Knickerbocker
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Patent number: 9726147Abstract: A method for stopping the operation of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method may generally include receiving signals associated with at least one operating condition of the wind turbine, analyzing the at least one operating condition with a controller of the wind turbine, implementing a first stopping procedure in order to stop operation of the wind turbine when analysis of the at least one operating condition indicates that a pitch system failure has occurred and implementing a second stopping procedure in order to stop operation of the wind turbine when analysis of the at least one operating condition indicates that a different wind turbine stop event has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Xiongzhe Huang, Danian Zheng
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Patent number: 9562515Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis wind turbine is provided, the wind turbine including: a rotor including a rotor blade, wherein the rotor is rotatably coupled to a nacelle, and the rotor is rotatable about a horizontal rotor axis extending through the nacelle, and the nacelle is rotatably coupled to a tower, the nacelle rotatable in a yaw plane about a yaw axis. The method includes determining a wind direction; determining a yaw angle setting, wherein the yaw angle setting deviates from an alignment of the rotor axis and the wind direction in the yaw plane; yawing the nacelle to the yaw angle setting; and operating the wind turbine for example to generate electricity.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Saskia Honhoff, Andreas Herrig, Farzad Taghaddosi, Sarah Delport
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Patent number: 9476396Abstract: Locking device for positive locking a rotor of a wind turbine, with a rotor shaft of a drive train rotatably mounted on a machine frame of the wind turbine, a locking disk and a locking bolt, the rotor shaft being non-rotatably connected with the locking disk, which has one or more through-openings for the engagement of the locking bolt, wherein the locking bolt can be substantially locked on the machine frame in a circumferential direction of the rotor shaft, and is arranged on the machine frame for displacement in substantially an axial direction of the rotor shaft, the locking bolt is constructed to be substantially rotationally symmetric about its center axis, in particular cylindrical-shaped, and is supported in a housing, wherein the housing is constructed with an inner hollow-cylindrical seat for receiving the locking bolt and an outer cylindrical shape with a center axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: SUZLON ENERGY GMBHInventors: Mario Fritzsche, Frank Schorer
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Patent number: 9075168Abstract: A meteorological measurement system is disclosed having a meteorological mast which extends upwards from a base and supports one or more wind gauges. At least one of the wind gauges is disposed in the region of the upper tip of the mast and is designed as a remote wind gauge for measuring wind conditions at one or more remote measurement locations situated above the mast tip at a distance from the remote wind gauge. At least another wind gauge is disposed in the region of the upper tip of the mast in close spatial proximity to the remote wind gauge and is designed as a local wind gauge for measuring wind characteristics at the location of the remote wind gauge.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2011Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: SSB Wind Systems GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Fabio Bertolotti
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Patent number: 8979472Abstract: A cylindrical wind-turbine has an intake opening set in a known direction of oncoming wind (such as towards the direction of an expected oncoming train). A central plunger acts as a valve to regulate airflow, and may seal the intake opening. Exit valves are situated near the rear of the device and/or at the rear in embodiments of the disclosed technology. The intake opening and exit valves may be opened or closed depending on readings from wind and water sensors. Generally speaking, when there is sufficient wind and low threat of water, the openings and valves are open, collecting wind energy. When there is a lack of wind or presence of water, the openings and valves are sealed to protect the interior components of the device from the elements and unnecessary wear and tear, prolonging the life of the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Inventors: James Heathcote Hayman, Hugh Harold Nohrnberg Savoldelli, James Lamport Lucenti Savoldelli, Jeffrey Daniel Weiner
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Patent number: 8939726Abstract: A partial pitch wind turbine blade in which the pitch system of the blade functions as a lightning receptor. As the pitch system is of a relatively large dimension, it is able to dissipate the effects of a lightning strike without damage, and removes the needs for additional blade features normally used to conduct lightning around or away from the pitch system.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Envision Energy (Denmark) ApSInventor: Peter Grabau
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Patent number: 8915714Abstract: A partial pitch wind turbine is described wherein the wind turbine blade has an inner blade section designed for stall-controlled operation and an outer blade section designed for pitch-controlled operation. The different blade profiles for the different sections allow for the efficient operation of the blade while providing for the control of the wind turbine to effectively reduce blade root moments. The outer blade sections can be pitched out of the wind to reduce root moments due to the outer blade sections, while the increasing power capture of the inner blade section maintains nominal power output.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Envision Energy (Denmark) ApSInventors: Peter Grabau, Michael Friedrich
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Patent number: 8915697Abstract: An articulated erection structure is disclosed for use in mobilizing a wind energy extraction device. The wind turbine has blades capable of being disposed in side-by-side, parallel alignment for transportation. The erection structure has a mast that can be configured in a horizontal orientation for transportation with the turbine generator lowered, and reconfigured for power-generating operations in a vertical orientation with the turbine raised. The turbine generator may be mounted with an erection structure to a variety of transportation platforms, such as on a self-propelled vehicle, towed trailer, or transportation pallet. A hybrid system may integrate photovoltaic cells in addition to a wind energy extraction device.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Natural Power Concepts Inc.Inventors: John Pitre, Stuart Huang
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Patent number: 8899920Abstract: A wind turbine yaw system is provided that includes a yaw gear, at least two pinion gears, and at least two drive units, each of which is associated to one of the pinion gears for driving that pinion gear. The yaw system also includes a control system with a controller for generating a drive unit control signal for each drive unit for controlling the respective drive unit according to a reference signal having a desired operational parameter value for the respective drive unit, so as to realize the desired operational parameter value in the respective drive unit. The control system includes a feedback loop for each drive unit feeding a drive unit feedback signal including at least the actual value of one operational parameter of the respective drive unit back to the controller. The controller generates the drive unit control signals based on the reference signal and the feedback signals.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Kurt Andersen
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Patent number: 8896144Abstract: A wind turbine energy storage system includes a hollow wind turbine tower shaft having a top end and a bottom end covered by top and bottom end caps respectively to form a tank. A compressor is coupled to the wind turbine for compressing air into the tank through a high pressure pipe and valve assembly. The compressed air stored in the tank can be released on demand or on a fixed schedule. A method of storing energy in a wind turbine is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Inventors: Carlos Wong, Livia Wong, Zhaohui Xiong
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Patent number: 8888454Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade with a lightning protection system, the lightning protection system comprises at least one lightning receptor arranged freely accessible in or on the shell unit surface at or in the immediate vicinity of the tip of the blade. The lightning protection system further comprises a lightning down conductor made of electrically conductive material extending within the shell body from the lightning receptor to the root end of the blade. The lightning receptor and the lightning down conductor are electrically connected. The shell body comprises at least a first conductive layer extending along at least a longitudinal part of the lightning down conductor in a transverse distance therefrom. The first conductive layer is electrically isolated from the lightning down conductor and from the lightning receptor, and has a sheet resistance in the range 1-5 Mega Ohm per square.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/SInventor: Lars Bo Hansen
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Publication number: 20140321974Abstract: A wind turbine system having a street light having an upright support or post on which is mounted a canopy housing any suitable lighting gear, and a wind turbine mounted above the canopy and operable to generate electrical energy with which to power the light, the canopy being adapted to augment the flow of air through the wind turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: NEW WORLD ENERGY ENTERPRISES LTDInventors: James SMYTH, Peter SMYTH, David SMYTH, Gerard SMYTH, Andrew SMYTH
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Patent number: 8858155Abstract: The invention relates to a method of aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub, comprising providing the component with a support comprising at least one adjustable element and adjusting said at least one element to align the wind turbine component. The invention further relates to a system for aligning a wind turbine component with a wind turbine rotor hub comprising a support with at least one adjustable element supporting said wind turbine component, such that said wind turbine component can be aligned by adjusting said at least one element.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Alstom Wind, S.L.U.Inventors: Daniel Castell Martinez, Carlos Casanovas Bermejo
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Patent number: 8851828Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotor of wind energy conversion system (WECS) with the Venturi-tube effect. All the blades mounted on the blade-mounting seat envelop together to form a revolving-body cage turbine, which can be divided from structure into a head portion at the windward end, a tail portion at the wind exhaust end, and an airstream compression portion between the head portion and the tail portion and constituted by the enveloping blades. The revolution diameter of the airstream compression portion is gradually substantially increased from the head portion to the tail portion. The cage turbine forms a dynamic Venturi tube during the revolving process, with which the blade revolves to constitute its outline tube wall with the air permeability. The airstream passes through a window between the blades, and the incoming wind does work towards the blade during the process of permeating from the external space to the internal space of this outline tube wall, thus realizing the energy transfer.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignees: Shanghai Forevoo New Energy Systems, Co. Ltd., Shanghai Powerfooo Energy System Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yunlong Zhang
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Patent number: 8851836Abstract: A wind turbine is provided with turbine blades mounted for axial rotation about an axis. The blades are surrounded by a shroud to define an axial air passage. A conical ring is attached to the shroud and includes vanes for directing the airflow. Plates are attached to the shroud at a position radially outward from the shroud forming an air passage between the shroud and the plates. The plates have gaps between the adjacent plates so that air exiting the downstream opening of the shroud and air moving through the axial air passage between the shroud and the plates are mixed and a portion of the mixed air exits through the gaps. The wind turbine includes photovoltaic cells to increase the electricity generated by the wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Skywolf Wind Turbine Corp.Inventor: Gerald E. Brock
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Patent number: 8834092Abstract: A fluid machine, a wind turbine, and a method for increasing velocity of an internal flow is provided. A basic shape of the casing has a cycloid curve having a convex portion at a throat section between the front and rear edges. The throat section and a vortex generating face disposed downstream of the throat section to generate the negative pressure region are formed on an inner circumferential face of the casing. A first outflow gradient is formed on an outer circumferential face of the casing and at the rear edge. A second outflow gradient is formed on a boundary of a throat-side adjacent face adjacent to the vortex generating portion to separate the internal flow. The negative pressure region of high vorticity is generated behind the vortex generating face by virtue of the non-streamline shaped casing to increase the velocity of the internal flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2010Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Kyushu University, National University CorporationInventors: Yuji Ohya, Takashi Karasudani, Kimihiko Watanabe
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Publication number: 20140255151Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to fluid turbines that include a turbine shroud and a rotor assembly disposed within the turbine shroud. The rotor assembly includes a nacelle pivotally engageable with a tower structure and a slip ring disposed within the nacelle. The slip ring electrically connects one or more cables in the nacelle to one or more cables in the tower structure. The slip ring is engaged with the nacelle by a mounting apparatus which allows movement of the slip ring along at least one of an x-axis, a y-axis and a z-axis. Example embodiments are further directed to methods of maintaining untwisted electric cables in a fluid turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Ogin, Inc.Inventor: Rasmus Peter Jensen
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Patent number: 8807923Abstract: A wind turbine having a tower and a rotor hub that is supported by the tower. At least one blade extends from the rotor hub, and a nacelle is located proximate the rotor hub. The wind turbine also has a transport conduit that selectively provides communication between an interior of the nacelle and an interior of the rotor hub. The transport conduit may have a collapsed condition in which the transport conduit is located completely within the nacelle, and an extended condition in which the transport conduit partially extends into the interior of the rotor hub. In a specific embodiment, the transport conduit is a telescoping structure. A method for using the transport conduit includes accessing the interior of the nacelle to position an object therein and transporting the object to the interior of the rotor hub using the transport conduit.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Kennet Ryan Olesen, Torben Friis Baun, Jesper Lykkegaard Andersen
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Patent number: 8801363Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electrical power, the turbine having a rotor assembly comprising a hub, an annular rim and a plurality of blade members extending between the hub and rim, a pulley transfer box apparatus and a looped member extending circumferentially about the annular rim and through the pulley box transfer apparatus, the pulley box transfer apparatus having a pair of drum pulleys each having a plurality of annular grooves receiving the looped member.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Inventor: Herbert Williams
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Patent number: 8794903Abstract: A wind energy systems includes a shroud for each turbine. The shroud is adapted to direct and accelerate wind towards the turbine. A strong adaptable support assembly is provided for securing turbines to a structure. An air glide yaw assembly facilitates rotational movement of the structure allowing the turbines to face oncoming wind. The turbine blades are optimized for use with a shroud.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Green Energy Technologies, LLCInventors: John W. Fedor, Mark L. Cironi
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Patent number: 8786123Abstract: A turbine assembly comprising, a rotor having a plurality of blades, and a shroud at least partially enclosing the rotor and adapted to expose a portion of the rotor. At least two shroud portions extend axially along the rotor and around the rotor to at least partially enclose the rotor. At least two shroud portions are rotationally adjustable. In use, the shroud defines a variable inlet and a variable outlet. The inlet area and outlet area are variable independently of each other. Adjustment of the area of the inlet area does not result in the same magnitude of adjustment in area of the outlet area. Adjustment of the position of the inlet area does not result in the same magnitude of adjustment of the position of the outlet area.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Revoluter LimitedInventor: Eric Bannister
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Patent number: 8777557Abstract: The present invention provides a controllable compound rotor system for the WECS, with a pilot rotor working under low wind speed conditions and a main rotor working under high speed conditions. By proper switching of the clutch, the WECS can not only achieve a greater starting torque under low wind speed conditions, as well as to capture and utilize the low wind-speed wind energy after being started, but also give full play to the advantage of the main rotor having the excellent wind capturing efficiency under high wind speed and high turning speed conditions. Thus the WECS can capture and utilize wind energy under both low and high wind speed conditions, which greatly expands the speed and zone range wherein the WECS can be applied, facilitating wide application of the WECS.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignees: Shanghai Forevoo Windpower Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai Powerfood Energy System Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yunlong Zhang, Hongying Zhang
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Patent number: 8747067Abstract: A trillium wind turbine has an electricity-generating nacelle and swept-back, complexly-curved blades. Each blade has a main blade, a trailing edge blade, and a diversion blade. Wind is directed down the length of the blade and exits the tip. The main blade resembles a portion of a cylinder in form, the cylinder being twisted to change the angle of attack, thereby adding more lift throughout the length of the blade. The trailing edge and diversion blades are pitched relative to the wind and produce lift. Additionally, wind hitting the diversion blade is diverted behind the blade. Because the surface area and volume of the blade are larger near the nacelle and smaller at the tip, the air that travels along the blade increases in velocity as it travels producing more thrust/lift. The turbine also automatically faces into the wind without the need for sensors or positioning motors.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventor: Reno Barban
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Patent number: 8740543Abstract: A method of deploying offshore wind turbine assemblies includes mounting a wind turbine assembly horizontally on a vessel and transporting the wind turbine assembly to an offshore site. The wind turbine assembly is raised to a vertical condition at the site and attached to anchor weights. Blades are attached to the turbine head after the wind turbine assembly is in the vertical condition. In one embodiment, the wind turbine assembly can include a tower including tapered lower and upper sections joined together at their respective wide ends, a turbine head connected to the upper section, and a platform connected to the lower section. The platform includes a buoy tank partially filled with ballast to provide mass and buoyancy. A wave piercing cowling is rotatively attached to the lower section. The turbine head can include an adjustable journal bearing, scabbard blade mounts, and a gearless induction generator with flux adjusting capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Inventor: Lloyd E. Weaver
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Patent number: 8721279Abstract: A wind turbine is provided with turbine blades mounted for axial rotation about an axis. The blades are surrounded by a shroud to define an axial air passage. Plates are attached to the shroud at a position radially outward from the shroud forming an air passage between the shroud and the plates. The plates have gaps between the adjacent plates so that air exiting the downstream opening of the shroud and air moving through the axial air passage between the shroud and the plates are mixed and a portion of the mixed air exits through the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: SkyWolf Wind Turbines Corp.Inventor: Gerald E. Brock
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Patent number: 8721258Abstract: A wind turbine having a nacelle being rotatably disposed on a tower is proposed. The nacelle has a first cavity, a generator housing portion disposed upstream to the nacelle having a second cavity, a hub disposed upstream to the generator housing portion with attached rotor blades at it having a third cavity. The first, second and third cavities communicates with one another. A rail-system has at least one rail-element having a device for lifting and/or transporting. The device for lifting and/or transporting is movable along the rail-system. The rail-system at least partially extends through at least two adjacent cavities.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Uffe Eriksen, Thorkil Munk-Hansen
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Patent number: 8696301Abstract: Apparatus (10) for extracting energy from flowing water typically a tidal stream flow, the apparatus including a float assembly (41) having pair of spaced buoyant bodies (42) between which an elongated flow passage or tunnel (47) is located with an impeller assembly (61) in the flow passage (47) which can drive an electrical generator (76) on the float assembly (41). The bodies (42) include or define ballast tanks which can be filled or partially filled with water to submerge the flow passage or tunnel (47).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Inventor: Neville Alan Smith
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Patent number: 8696302Abstract: A wind turbine is provided comprising a rotatable main shaft having a centre axis and being at least indirectly connected to a wind turbine rotor of the turbine and a main bearing supporting the rotatable main shaft at least indirectly against a first stationary part of the turbine, wherein fastening unit are provided for fastening the rotor to the first or a second stationary part of the turbine during replacement of the main bearing and tappet unit are provided which are able to act on the main bearing and permit a movement of the main bearing relatively to the first stationary part in the direction of the centre axis. A method for replacement of a main bearing is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Henrik Stiesdal
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Patent number: 8678746Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade comprising one or more turbulence generating strips, where the strips are placed on a surface of the blade. The blade is characterized in that at least one joint area of the turbulence generating strips and the surface of the blade are completely or partially covered by sealing means. The invention further relates to a pitch controlled wind turbine comprising at least two pitch controlled wind turbine blades and pitch controlling means for pitching the blades. The pitch controlled wind turbine is characterized in that the blades comprises one or more turbulence generating strips, wherein at least one joint area of the turbulence generating strips and a surface of the blades are completely or partially covered by sealing means.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Michael Drachmann Haag
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Patent number: 8672624Abstract: A wind turbine is provided with turbine blades mounted for axial rotation about an axis. The blades are surrounded by a shroud to define an axial air passage. A conical ring is attached to the shroud and includes vanes for directing the airflow. Plates are attached to the shroud at a position radially outward from the shroud forming an air passage between the shroud and the plates. The plates have gaps between the adjacent plates so that air exiting the downstream opening of the shroud and air moving through the axial air passage between the shroud and the plates are mixed and a portion of the mixed air exits through the gaps.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: SkyWolf Wind Turbine Corp.Inventor: Gerald E. Brock
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Patent number: 8668433Abstract: A wind generating device employs modules each having two turbines. Each of the turbines employs two rotors coaxially aligned by a shaft associated with an in-line generator. Alternatively, the turbine employs only one rotor for low wind areas. The arrangement includes a proximal channel with a leading portion having decreasing radius toward the first rotor which acts as a collector and a following portion connecting fluidly the first and second rotor and a distal channel which is separate from the proximal channel and opens into the following portion thereby adding to the airflow to the second rotor. Downstream from the second rotor is a diffuser with a radius increasing with distance from the rotor. The modules may be stacked vertically stacked which allows for yaw responsive to wind. The modules may be mounted on a tower.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Inventors: Kevin L. Friesth, Franklin Joseph Desrochers