Axial Flow Runner Patents (Class 415/4.5)
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Patent number: 12044217Abstract: A wind turbine is provided including a nacelle and a plurality of electrical and/or mechanical components for the generation and/or the conversion of energy, wherein the nacelle includes a housing structure enclosing an inner volume, in which the components are arranged, wherein the nacelle includes at least one movable extension structure, which may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the inner volume enclosed by the housing structure is increased in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: SIEMENS GAMESA RENEWABLE ENERGY INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY S.L.Inventors: Juan Manuel Sacristan San Martin, Jaime Peredo Argos
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Patent number: 11073127Abstract: A turbine is provided which effectively converts the kinetic energy of the wind, after its (wind) accelerating, to electrical power. The multi-stage wind turbine, which allows multiple accelerate directed air flow (wind), even of most minimal speed, up to strong wind and convert it's energy into electrical power, is proposed. It is achieved due to modularity of installation, where the wind is accelerated within each module due to the processes of capturing the initial wind flow, injection-ejection and aerodynamic Coanda effect as well, by virtual necks and conical confusors nested one into another. The system of truncated cones and virtual necks with optimum aerodynamic sizes provides the capture of the airflow not only perpendicular to the base of these cones, but also from lateral sides of these cones.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Kazakh-British Technical University, JSC and NUSSUInventors: Kair Nussupov, Iskander Beisembetov, Bagdaulet Kenzhaliev, Nurzhan Beisenkhanov
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Patent number: 10883479Abstract: A blade tip assembly for a wind turbine blade, comprising a conductive blade tip module, a receptor arrangement spaced from the conductive blade tip module, a coupler that electrically couples the conductive blade tip module to the receptor arrangement and an insulating member that insulates the coupler. The invention also can be expressed as a method for assembling a blade tip assembly for a wind turbine blade, the method comprising providing a blade tip module; providing the blade tip module with a coupler for electrically coupling the blade tip module to a down conductor of a lightning protection system; and encasing the coupler with an insulating member.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Daniel Whitehouse, Richard Baker
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Patent number: 10794357Abstract: A conical wind turbine assembly includes a stand that is positionable in an area known for regularly occurring windy conditions. The stand includes a rotatable supporting element that is rotatable around the stand to align the rotatable supporting element with a direction of the wind. A generator is coupled to the stand and the generator is in mechanical communication with the rotatable supporting element. A plurality of fins is each coupled to the rotatable supporting element to be exposed to the wind. Each of the fins radiates around the rotatable supporting element to capture the wind thereby rotating the fins. Additionally, each of the fins is in mechanical communication with the generator such that the generator is rotated when the fins are rotated wherein the fins are configured to convert wind energy into electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Inventor: Kevin Pyne
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Patent number: 10738758Abstract: A funnel wind turbine has a horizontal funnel, rotor blades in the narrower end of the funnel, the rotor blades coupled to a rotor, a shaft coupling the rotor to a generator, and a support tower. The funnel wind turbine may have bearings or a yaw system to allow rotation of the horizontal funnel on the support tower. The funnel wind turbine may have wind direction and speed sensors, an electronic control unit, and a communication device (e.g., cellular antennas, radio transmitters/receivers, etc.) for transmitting information such as wind speed and direction, power generation, and efficiency to a distant receiver.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: MJ Stewart Investments, LLCInventors: Wayne A. Provost, Jeffrey Stewart
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Patent number: 10408189Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a mobile wind power support structure, comprising a superstructure with mobile platform support structures, and a plurality of deployable rotating wind power structures, wherein the plurality of deployable rotating wind power structures are positioned in the superstructure through a wind orientation facility.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: V Squared Wind, Inc.Inventor: Robert M. Freda
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Patent number: 10260482Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade is provided. The wind turbine rotor blade has a lightning receptor, a first electrical line and a potential equalization arrangement which has a first electrode, which is connected to the lightning receptor, and a second electrode, which is connected to the first electrical line, a spark gap being formed between the two electrodes. The two electrodes are arranged on an outer side of the wind turbine rotor blade and are exposed to the surrounding air flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbHInventor: Nick Ohlerich
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Patent number: 9797381Abstract: Lightning protection system (LPS) with an integrated anti-icing system for wind turbine blades that comprises a smart protection system (10), an integrated IPS characterized by some conductive sheets (13) embedded in the carbon laminate of the wind turbine blade (1), some overvoltage dischargers (11) installed between the conductive sheets (13) of the IPS and the downlead cable (2) for the lightning protection system (LPS) and an external receptor frame (17).Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: GAMESA INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, S.L.Inventors: Javier Iriarte Eleta, Irune Moriana Garcia, Ion Arocena De La Rua, Inaki Hermosilla Azanza, Irene Alli Onos
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Patent number: 9752560Abstract: A lightning protection device for a wind turbine generator system includes at least a blade arrester, a down lead of a blade connected to the blade arrester, a lightning-proof element of a pitch bearing, a lightning-proof element of a rotor bearing. The lightning-proof element of the pitch bearing is arranged at the blade root, with one end connected to the down lead of blade and the other end connected to the lightning-proof element of the rotor bearing. The lightning protection device forms a lightning current conducting path passing through a cavity of the pitch bearing, a hollow of a rotor shaft and a cavity of the rotor bearing. A wind turbine generator system having the above mentioned lightning protection device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: XINJIANG GOLDWIND SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTDInventors: Jinpeng Huang, Uwe Hinz, Qiang Li, Junhao Ge, Wei Yang
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Patent number: 9644613Abstract: Method and apparatus for cooling a hydrocarbon stream. The present invention relates to a wind turbine lightning protection system and to a wind turbine blade comprising a wind turbine lightning protection system. A lightning protection system is provided for use in a wind turbine blade, comprising a lightning conductor located along an interior portion of the wind turbine blade and being coupled to ground, at least one receptor module arranged on an external surface of the wind turbine blade, the receptor module being electrically connected to the lightning conductor, and a vortex generator strip arranged in a longitudinal direction on the external surface of the wind turbine blade, the vortex generator strip being adapted to attract and receive a lightning strike and to transmit an electrical current from the lightning strike to the receptor module and thereafter to ground through the lightning conductor.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Hans V. Erichsen
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Patent number: 9631601Abstract: The present invention pertains to a wind power installation (1) for generating energy, especially electric power, by means of the movement of ambient air, which installation comprises a flow channel (3), in which the ambient air is formed into a stream which flows through the channel, wherein the flow channel (3) comprises an outer jacket (5) forming its boundary, with: a first section (A) with a tapering, funnel-like cross section, into which a first portion of ambient air enters and is accelerated; a second section (B) of essentially constant cross section, in which a rotor (20) is present, which can be set into rotation by the through-flowing ambient air, wherein the second section (B) comprises a tubular extension (67); a third section (C), through which the tubular extension (67) of the second section (B) extends and which comprises a tapering, tubular inlet funnel (44), which surrounds the tubular extension (67) and serves to allow a second portion of ambient air to enter the flow channel (3); a fourthType: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Inventor: Maria Hoernig
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Patent number: 9260975Abstract: A low RPM permanent magnet generator mounted over the exhaust port of a HVAC condenser provides a direct drive generator that allows low cogging and low startup resistance to effectively produce electricity at low wind speeds.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: FANERGIES INCInventor: Berhnard L. Schuler
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Patent number: 9127646Abstract: A wind power generating system in which a plurality of stationary modules form a toroidal shaped tower that accelerates wind passing around and between the modules due to the Bernoulli Effect. Between the modules are located a plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotors with an integrated generator system that in combination forms an integrated rotor and generator assembly connected to a rotatable yaw platform via an improved support arm. The rotor and generator assemblies act independently of each other to accommodate different wind conditions at different altitudes and to provide partial production to significantly enhance overall wind production.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: V3 TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Kenneth D. Cory
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Publication number: 20150139778Abstract: Systems are provided for increasing the power to be extracted from a wind stream by a wind turbine, including placing a duct and nozzle system, or cluster of such systems, up-stream of the wind turbine. In certain embodiments, the nozzles are convergent and the blades of the wind turbine are embedded in a narrower cylinder thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventor: Michael C. Fong
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Publication number: 20150110599Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a mobile wind power support structure, comprising a superstructure with mobile platform support structures, and a plurality of deployable rotating wind power structures, wherein the plurality of deployable rotating wind power structures are positioned in the superstructure through a wind orientation facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2014Publication date: April 23, 2015Inventor: Robert M. Freda
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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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Publication number: 20150016955Abstract: A tubular housing can include at least one fixed helical vane formed onto the inner surfaces of the tubular housing in a spiral and adapted to direct fluid into a spiraled flow and focus fluid onto a fan blade assembly associated with an alternator system and located within the tubular housing before a system exhaust. A generator cone can be mounted near the center and front of the fan blade assembly facing fluid passing through the tubular housing. As fluid passes over the generator cone it experiences compression between the generator cone and housing resulting in increased pressure and velocity of the fluid, thereby increasing rotational speed of the generator blades and generator as the compressed, spiraled fluid passes through the blades and exits the tubular housing. The system can be used for fixed or mobile applications in water, wind and manually induced fluid flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Luis M. Ortiz, Anthony Michael Baca, Donald Wichers
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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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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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Publication number: 20140301824Abstract: A wind power generation apparatus includes a wind guiding structure, a rotary structure, a rotary shaft and a wind collecting hood. The wind collecting hood forms an airflow passage. The rotary shaft is located in the airflow passage. The rotary structure is mounted on the rotary shaft. The wind guiding structure is securely mounted on the wind collecting hood, and at a front end of the rotary structure. The wind guiding structure includes multiple airflow guiding vanes each having a windward portion, a leeward portion, and a curved portion between the windward portion and the leeward portion. A shortest distance between the windward portions of any two adjacent airflow guiding vanes is greater than a shortest distance between the leeward portions of the two adjacent airflow guiding vanes. An airflow having passed through the airflow passage is accelerated and converted to a swirling airflow by the curved portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Inventor: Zhi-Xuan YU
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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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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: 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: 8708642Abstract: A new improved compact wind power turbine with multiple turbine blades and an isolated arrow point stationary nose is presented. Turbine blades (rotors) are connected to a circular cage, and at the center of the turbine, the isolated arrow point stationary nose points forward. Each turbine blade has a 90 degree right angle fin connected to its tip for capturing the force of the wind that applies to the blade tip, which otherwise spills over, reducing wind force and creating turbulence at the tip. The captured wind at the blade tip increases the rotational force on the turbine blades creating a greater rotational force than on other market-available wind turbines. Preferentially, the turbine is directed into the wind either manually, or by using a tail vane or other means for orientating turbine into a wind. A generator or alternator converts the mechanical power into electricity for use at industrial, commercial or home sites.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Inventor: Romeo Prasad
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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: 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: 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
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Patent number: 8657581Abstract: A blade comprises a lightweight core, a composite material disposed on the core, and a skin located on the composite material. The composite material comprises fibers incorporated into a thermoplastic resin matrix in the form of a prepreg sheet or wet layup. The rotor blade may also comprise a front edge member attached along at least a portion of a leading edge of the core, a rear edge member attached along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the core, and a skin located over the core, the front edge member, and the rear edge member. The rotor blade may also comprise a spar extending through the core along a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, and a skin located over the core and the spar. The edge members and the spars may be fabricated from thermoplastic material.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Gordon Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Edward Pilpel, Benjamin Pilpel
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Patent number: 8651798Abstract: A kinetic hydropower generation system has a turbine and a generator coupled to the turbine. An underwater intake nozzle assembly is fluidly coupled to the turbine. For one embodiment, an underwater tower nozzle may be fluidly coupled between the turbine and the underwater intake nozzle assembly. The underwater intake nozzle assembly may include a collector and a converging nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Sheer Wind, Inc.Inventor: Daryoush Allaei
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Patent number: 8596956Abstract: A bidirectional water turbine including: an upstream rotor and a downstream rotor, wherein the upstream rotor and downstream rotor are contra-rotating and each rotor includes a plurality of blade, the blades of the upstream and downstream rotors having substantially the same profile.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Adam Chir, Gregory Collecutt
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Patent number: 8579576Abstract: A support system for at least one water drivable turbine (1) that when in operation is immersed in a column of flowing water, characterized in that the system includes a deck or raft (3) for supporting said at least one turbine when immersed, the deck or raft (3) having an inherent buoyancy which is such as to enable the deck or raft (3) to rise through the column of water upon reduction of the buoyancy, the arrangement being such that the associated turbine or turbines (1) can be raised above the surface of said column in order to access the turbine for maintenance purposes.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Marine Current Turbines LimitedInventor: Peter L. Fraenkel
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Publication number: 20130284608Abstract: A wind energy system comprising a wind turbine comprising a cowling surrounded by a diffuser and a plurality of inner rotor blades located inside of the cowling that rotate about an inner hub, a plurality of outer rotor blades positioned between the diffuser and the cowling that are counter-rotating relative to the plurality of inner rotor blades, a drive mechanism located within the inner rotor hub, a dynamic telescopic tower, and a tower support that connects the wind turbine to the dynamic telescopic tower.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: LGT Advanced Technology LimitedInventors: Timothy Blake, George Harold Ryton, Hassan Mansir, Nicholas James Hemingway
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Patent number: 8562296Abstract: Additional lightning protection system for intermediate wind turbine blade joints comprises a metal fairing that covers the blade connector elements while shielding and protecting the internal connector elements from getting hit by lightning.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Gamesa Innovation & Technology, S.L.Inventors: Ion Arocena De La Rua, Anna Candela Garolera, Eneko Sanz Pascual
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Patent number: 8550769Abstract: A wind turbine comprising a tower and a nacelle which is rotatably mounted on the tower and whose alignment is adjustable by way of a yaw system, wherein the yaw system has at least one adjusting drive, a rotatable yaw bearing, at least one brake disk and at least two brake units which can exert a braking torque on the brake disk, wherein the at least one of the brake units has a first brake pad with a first coefficient of friction, and at least one of the brake units has a second brake pad with a second coefficient of friction, wherein the first and the second coefficient of friction are different from each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbHInventors: Merten Behnke, Andre Sievers
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Patent number: 8535009Abstract: A two-row tapered roller bearing includes an outer ring (1) having an outer diameter of at least one meter, a first inner ring (2) and a second inner ring (3) that is disposed axially adjacent the first inner ring (2). A first set of conically-formed roller bodies (4) roll between the outer ring (1) and the first inner ring (2) and a second set of conically-formed roller bodies (5) are disposed axially adjacent the first roller bodies (4) and roll between the outer ring (1) and the second inner ring (3). A first sealing ring (11) is disposed axially adjacent the outer ring (1), is connected with the outer ring (1) and slips on a slip surface (16) of the first inner ring (2) in a contacting manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Aktiebolaget SKFInventor: Matthias Hofmann
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Patent number: 8419373Abstract: It is intended to provide a wind turbine blade with superior aerodynamic characteristics and rigidity, a wind turbine generator equipped with the wind turbine blade, and a method of designing the wind turbine blade. The wind turbine blade 1 is provided with a blade tip part 2, a blade root part 4 connected to a hub 112, and an airfoil part 6 disposed between the blade tip part 2 and the blade root part 4. The airfoil part 6 includes a flatback airfoil 10 with a blunt trailing edge 8 at least in an area in a longitudinal direction of the wind turbine blade 1 where a blade thickness ratio X is 40% to 50%. X indicates a ratio of a maximum thickness tMAX to a chord length LC. In the area where the blade thickness ratio X is 40% to 50%, the flatback airfoil has a trailing edge thickness ratio Y which is 5% to YH%, Y indicating a ratio of a trailing edge thickness tTE to the maximum thickness tMAX and YH has a relationship of YH=1.5X?30 with the blade thickness ratio X.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2012Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Koji Fukami
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Patent number: 8403644Abstract: A power generating apparatus of renewable energy type in which a hydraulic pipe between a hydraulic pump installed inside a nacelle and a hydraulic motor installed near a bottom part of a tower can handle the turning motion of the nacelle. In the power generating apparatus of renewable energy type, a hydraulic pump inside the nacelle and a hydraulic motor near a base end part of a tower are connected by a first double pipe and a second double pipe. The first double pipe is rotatably connected to the second double pipe. The first double pipe includes a first inner pipe and a first outer pipe. The second double pipe includes a second inner pipe and a second outer pipe. The first and second inner pipes communicate with each other to form an inner passage. The first and second outer pipes communicate with each other to form an outer passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhisa Tsutsumi, Takuro Kameda, Taku Ichiryuu
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Patent number: 8376686Abstract: Turbine systems for extracting energy from water traveling relative to the turbine system can include a rotor assembly for extracting the energy, a turbine shroud having a turbine shroud inner volume within which at least a portion of the rotor assembly is disposed, and an ejector shroud disposed adjacent to the turbine shroud. The turbine shroud and the ejector shroud can each have a terminus comprising a plurality of turbine shroud mixer elements or ejector shroud mixer elements, respectively. One or more of the mixer elements and ejector shrouds comprise a mixer/ejector pump which increases the energy extraction potential of the turbine system. One or more of the turbine shroud mixer elements, ejector shroud mixer elements, and ejector shroud and turbine shroud inlets can be asymmetric along a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: FloDesign Wind Turbine Corp.Inventors: Walter M. Presz, Jr., Michael J. Werle