Vertical Runner Axis Patents (Class 415/907)
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Patent number: 9447690Abstract: A wind generator hub assembly with lightweight, high efficiency, hybrid airfoil/sail blades. The hub includes three to eight blade mounting surfaces each with a radially extending blade attached thereto. The blades are identical and wedge-shaped and evenly distributed radially around the hub. Gaps are created between each blade. Each blade has an airfoil profile with a curved outer skin layer. Each blade has a large curved leading edge and a flat trailing edge similar to an airfoil. The outer skin layer is secured along its leading edge and removeably attached along its trailing edge to a lightweight internal frame. Each blade includes a transversely aligned end cap with optional louvers. The blades are oriented so their outer skin layers face downwind and rotate towards their leading edges. When wind flows against the inside surface of the skin layers, the blades act as sails to produce thrust.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2012Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Inventor: Pete Agtuca
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Patent number: 9004851Abstract: A system for converting wind energy to rotational mechanical energy, comprising a conical impeller having multiple spiral vanes on its outer surface, the impeller supported so that it can rotate about its vertical, central axis in response to airflow impinging on the impeller, and connected to a mechanical drive system to transmit energy from the rotation of the impeller to a device that performs useful work using the transmitted energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventor: Gustavo Q. Garza
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Patent number: 8998562Abstract: A hollow rotor core assembly for a wind turbine with at least one set of cylindrical stacks having a plurality of guiding vanes on the internal surface of the cylindrical stacks, having at least one set of air openings to accept airflow into the hollow rotor core for creating when in rotation a vortex inside the hollow rotor core, having at one end a partial blocking device as such to allow the exhaust of only a fraction of the peripheral portion of the vortex and to redirect the remaining central portion of the vortex towards the other end of the hollow rotor core where the bulk of the airflow will be exhausted from the hollow rotor core.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventor: Horia Nica
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Patent number: 8961103Abstract: An omni-directional vertical axis wind turbine includes an axial flow turbine rotor to supply force to operate an electrical generator mounted for rotation on a vertical shaft. A shroud surrounds the turbine rotor forming a circular chamber coaxially with the turbine rotor, enclosing the airflow entry face and leaving the discharge face uncovered. Wind entering the shroud from any direction flows inwardly through air passages, where a set of baffles surrounding the circular chamber redirect incoming airflow into a stream within the circular chamber. A cylindrical enclosure mounted concentrically with the turbine rotor within the circulation chamber houses an array of stationary vanes positioned to extend across the entry base and in close proximity to the turbine rotor and aligned at angles relative to the axis of rotation, form flow-through passages to intercept the airflow and redirect it vertically into the swept area of the turbine rotor in the form of laminar streams.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: John George Wolff
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Patent number: 8939708Abstract: A universal spherical reaction turbine for any flowing fluid at any depths or elevation that is capable of unidirectional rotation under reversible flow conditions. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation; turbine blade support members that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of meridian turbine blades. The meridian turbine blades are fixedly attached to diametrically-opposite points that define a geometrical north-south meridian axis that is oriented at a skew angle to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft. The skew angle is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees, and, more preferably, between 25 and 35 degrees. The skewing ensures that those turbine blades that are attached to the diametrically-opposite points move on a helical trajectory with respect to the axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Northeastern UniversityInventor: Alexander M. Gorlov
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Patent number: 8882441Abstract: A portable, selectively deployable power supply and storage arrangement includes a frame, a floor securable to the frame and having a longitudinally extending guide member provided thereon, a mast assembly having a first end pivotally connected to a tractor element slidable along the guide member and a second end opposite the first end, and a wind turbine receivable at the second end of the mast assembly. A support is pivotally connected to and extends between both the frame and a portion of the mast assembly so that, upon displacement of the tractor element along the guide member, the support produces movement of the mast assembly between retracted and deployed positions. To facilitate transportation and relocation of the power supply and storage arrangement, the frame, the floor, the mast assembly, the wind turbine, and the support are configured to define a single unit and are collectively receivable in a shipping container.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: ATOPIA ResearchInventors: Jane Harrison, David Turnbull, Doug King
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Patent number: 8882439Abstract: Embodiments relate to a guiding apparatus, a wind turbine system, and methods related thereto. In an embodiment, a guiding apparatus for guiding a flow of a fluid for use with a rotor, the rotor comprising an annular radial vane assembly surrounding a central space which is enclosed save via the vane assembly and being arranged to rotate about a vertical axis, includes a screening for guiding the fluid to circulate substantially about the vertical axis within the central space in the same direction as the rotor during use, wherein the screening comprises an inner guide array concentrically surrounded by the vane assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Inventor: Guy Andrew Vaz
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Patent number: 8827631Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine engine that includes at least first and second lift turbine stacks with transverse flow. The shafts of adjacent turbines in the first stack are connected by a first coupling device adapted for compensating space misalignments, and the shafts of adjacent turbines in the first stack are connected by a second coupling device adapted for compensating for space misalignments. The turbine engine includes a device for supporting the first and second turbine stacks, which is symmetrical to said plane, and a control device adapted for permanently maintaining the symmetry between the first and second turbine stacks relative to the plane, and for maintaining the rotation speeds of the first and second turbine stacks at equal values in opposite rotation directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignees: Institute Polytechnique de Grenoble, Electricite de FranceInventors: Jean-Luc Achard, Didier Imbault, Ali Tourabi
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Patent number: 8821120Abstract: A wind energy conversion system operable to convert wind energy into either mechanical or electrical energy. The wind energy conversion system further includes a first wind panel and a second wind panel having a plurality of pivotally mounted shutters. The first wind panel and second wind panel are operably coupled to a pivot bar and traverse in a reciprocating manner being driven by the altering of position of the plurality of shutters. A support platform is further included that has support rods laterally extending therefrom operable to provide support for the first wind panel and second wind panel. A power rod is included that is operably coupled to the pivot bar and transfers the reciprocal movement of the pivot bar into rotational movement to drive a gear mounted thereon. A directional vane orients the wind energy conversion system.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Inventor: Sudhir Pandit
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Patent number: 8814495Abstract: A wind blade device for rotating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine generates wind-generated electric power in residential, business, industrial, and electric utility applications. The wind blade device comprises a drive shaft mountable to the wind turbine. A first wing extends from one side of the drive shaft and a second wing extends from an opposite side of the drive shaft. At least a portion of the first wing distant from the drive shaft is curved in a first direction and at least a portion of the second wing distant from the drive shaft is curved in a second direction. The first wing and the second wing maximize surface area to the wind and receive the wind from any direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Inventor: Douglas Soucy
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Patent number: 8790069Abstract: A enclosed vertical axis fluid rotor used as a wind turbine of two designs having multiple sails that are concave on the inside and convex on the outer side which allows omni-directional wind or other fluids to engage sails to create optimum fluid momentum. These are sectional segmentation of each rotor that can be stacked upon one another at locating lug points to be attached to each rotor to keep radial alignment precise during assembly. The preferred embodiment would be of composite materials or plastics that can be molded to a given design of three or more stages. The advantage of this turbine is using the fluids to their optimum efficiency. These designs have low starting speed, low precession, and low drag. One design has a central axis that turns with bearings with the rotor and the other design is a central static (non-turning) axis shaft that allows the turbine to turn on bearings.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: No Fossil Energy, LLCInventor: Bruce Elliot Anderson
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Patent number: 8740545Abstract: Disclosed is an assembled helical turbine system, which can strengthen weakenings of a housing assembly, and simultaneously can be easily assembled/disassembled. The assembled helical turbine system comprises the housing assembly including a plurality of bearing spiders for rotatably supporting a rotating shaft of a helical turbine, and a plurality of side posts for connecting and fixing the respective bearing spiders to each other, the side posts being fixed in such a manner as to radially protrude by a predetermined length from peripheral surfaces of the bearing spiders; filling members for filling and reinforcing spaces between the peripheral surfaces of the bearing spiders and outlines of protruding portions of the side posts; and a housing supporter for supporting the housing assembly in such a manner that the housing assembly can be inserted into and withdrawn from the housing supporter, the housing supporter having catch grooves that are recessed in a shape corresponding to stoppers.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute (KORDI)Inventors: Jin Soon Park, Kwang Soo Lee, Ki Dai Yum, Seong Eun Kim, Myoung Hak Oh, Choong Beom Lee, Hyung Jin An
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Patent number: 8734084Abstract: The Wind Wing converts wind energy into electrical energy utilizing an oscillating vertical unarticulated wing, and in one of its two models, employs a new type of electrical generator.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Andrew Lovas
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Patent number: 8721259Abstract: A planet wind sail mechanism includes a main axis, a first driving unit, and a wind sail body. The first driving further includes a rotation frame with a plurality of ribs, a transmission gear attached on the rib, a fixed gear which is disposed on the main axis and engaged with the transmission gear and a rotary gear is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame and engaged with the transmission gear. The wind sail body includes one rotation axis and the rotation axis is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame. When the wind sail body revolves along the main axis, both the rotary gear and the wind sail body also rotate itself. And the fixed gear rotates in an opposite direction with the rotary gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventor: Nai-Wen Fan
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Patent number: 8672633Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine comprising at least two rotor portions, each portion having a bottom, a top, and a curved horizontal cross section when seen in top view. A top cap may be provided that has a convex portion corresponding to each rotor portion that extends forwardly in a windward direction. Each rotor portion may comprise two angled rotor sections that meet at substantially a vertical midpoint of the rotor portion. The angled sections may be angled rearwardly in a leeward direction and/or radially and may be angled from 1 to 20 degrees with respect to vertical. There may be three or more rotor portions and the turbine may be comprised of one or more vertically stacked sections.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Inventor: John Bradley Ball
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Patent number: 8662854Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to turbulence inducing mechanisms applied to portions of wind turbine blades and methods for increased power production using turbulence inducing mechanisms. Embodiments provide methods and mechanisms for increasing the range of optimal wind performance for wind turbines and provide for increasing the maximum energy producing capacity of wind turbines at a given wind speed. Some embodiments have a rotor blade that includes a capture side and a drag side. The blade also includes a film disposed over at least a portion of only the drag side of the blade. The film comprises a conformable sheet material with a plurality of perforations therethrough which are configured to induce turbulence on a fluid flowing thereover. The turbulence inducing film reduces the drag of the blade and consequently increases the blade's rotational speed at a given wind speed, which increases the turbine's power production and optimal performance range.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Fastskinz, Inc.Inventor: Peter C. Salaverry
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Patent number: 8613586Abstract: A vortical energy wind apparatus translates wind gusts to vertical air streams that disrupt the streams of air in the atmosphere that pose high tornado-risks. The apparatus comprises a lower half-spheroid part and an upper half-spheroid part both placed by their convexities to each other. A toroidal-shaped axial-symmetric core has a set of curved blades attached to the core. Streams of air penetrate a rotary wheel inside it, and the blades attached to the core rotate the wheel. Essentially, the upper part acts like an upside-down wing at streamlining the wind and an exit hole centered at a top of the upper part provides means for the vortical stream of air to leave the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Qualitics, Inc.Inventors: Yuriy Konstaninovich Krasnov, Dmitry Gennadievich Yankelevich
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Patent number: 8613587Abstract: A rotor assembly for a turbine includes a substantially enclosed, cylindrical outer housing that is shaped to define an interior cavity into which a rotor is disposed. The rotor includes a main rotatable shaft in coaxial alignment with the outer housing and a plurality of pivotable blades, each blade being connected to the shaft by upper and lower spokes. In use, fluid flow enters into the interior cavity through a selectively enclosable inlet port in the outer housing, applies force to blades within the primary fluid flow path which causes the main shaft to rotate, and exits the interior cavity though a selectively enclosable outlet port in the outer housing. As the main shaft rotates within the outer housing, a control mechanism maintains each blade in a position of limited resistance when located outside the primary fluid flow path in order to maximize efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2013Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Inventor: Francis X. Reilly
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Patent number: 8602719Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a plurality of upright airfoils pivotally engaged. A continuous adjustment of the angle of attack of the airfoils to oncoming wind is provided by rotation of a control plate connected to the vanes which are mounted upon a rotating drive plate. A vane can be employed to rotate the control plate to affect the continuous adjustment of the airfoils.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: AF Energy CorporationInventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
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Patent number: 8591169Abstract: A power generation system that generates power in low flow situations is disclosed. The system includes a set of vanes, wherein each vane is mounted on a corresponding mast, so as to selectively transmit energy from the flow medium to a rotor shaft or to freely deflect in the direction of flow, depending on whether the flow impinges on the vanes in an energy-producing or a non-energy-producing direction. This is achieved by mounting each vane on its mast, so that it deflects in the flow direction when the vane is subjected to non-energy-producing flow energy, and also coupling each vane to the mast of an adjacent vane, so that the vane exerts a pull force on the mast of the adjacent vane, when the vane is capturing energy-producing flow energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventors: Sergei Breus, Valentin Breus
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Patent number: 8591171Abstract: The generator (10) includes an essentially cylindrical stator assembly (12) defining a central turbine void (14) in which a wind turbine (16) rotates to power an electrical generator (18). The wind turbine (16) includes vanes (48) having a width (52) less than 25 percent of a diameter (58) of the turbine (16). The turbine (16) defines an open void (60) between the vanes (48) for unrestricted passage of air through the wind turbine (16). Non-planar stators (34A-34H) extend between a base and an upper truss (20, 26) to strengthen the stator assembly (12) and to direct air exiting directional ducts (36A-36H) to move in a first rotational direction (42) within the turbine void (14). A plurality of geodesic truss segments (96A-96H) form the base and upper trusses (20, 26) to produce a strong, light-weight wind generator (10) that is easily assembled on-site.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Inventor: Mark Maynard
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Patent number: 8534987Abstract: A wind turbine for harvesting energy from both horizontal and vertical wind currents having an open frame structure and a central passage through the structure with at least three wind energy harvesting generally vertically disposed and rotatably mounted blades positioned about the central passage and at least three wind energy harvesting generally horizontal blades projecting radially from the central vertical axis of the device. The open frame structure includes a unique rod and cable central structure offset from the periphery of the frame. In one embodiment, the frame structure is suspended from a rotatable hub at the top of a stationary mast.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Inventor: Daniel P. Coffey
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Patent number: 8511965Abstract: A guiding apparatus for guiding a flow of a fluid for use with a rotor, the rotor comprising an annular radial vane assembly surrounding a central space which is enclosed save via the vane assembly and being arranged to rotate about a vertical axis, the guiding apparatus comprising a screening for guiding the fluid to circulate substantially about the vertical axis within the central space in the same direction as the rotor during use.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Guy Andrew Vaz
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Patent number: 8419346Abstract: A wind turbine arranged to operate in confined area is disclosed. The wind turbine is constrained within two axially displaced end plates and diametrically opposed wind barriers. The wind barriers are parallel to the axis and extend between end plates. The wind barriers each having an axially extending inner edge radially spaced from an outer swept surface of the turbine blades by less than 20% of the turbine radius. In another embodiment, there is disclosed a 2-dimensional array of wind turbines, with wind barriers being arranged between parallel axes.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Design Licensing International Pty LtdInventor: Graeme Scott Attey
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Patent number: 8376688Abstract: A power-generation system is provided. The system includes a plurality of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Each VAWT includes an upstanding support structure, a central shaft positioned along a central axis of the VAWT, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The VAWTs are grouped in sets that are arranged in rows, and are separated from each adjacent VAWT by a distance of approximately one rotor diameter.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Eastern Wind PowerInventor: Jonathan Haar
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Patent number: 8360720Abstract: A generally spherical turbine configured to rotate transversely within a cylindrical pipe under the power of fluid flowing either direction therethrough is operatively coupled with a rotating machine or generator to produce electricity. In one embodiment, the blades of the spherical turbine curve in an approximately 180 degree arc in a plane that is at an inclined angle relative to the rotational axis of a central shaft. In another embodiment, a deflector is provided upstream of the spherical turbine and within the cylindrical pipe to control flow through the spherical turbine by shielding a part thereof. The blades of the spherical turbine are airfoil in cross section to optimize hydrodynamic flow, to minimize cavitation, and to maximize conversion from axial to rotating energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Lucid Energy, Inc.Inventors: Roderic A. Schlabach, Mark Rydell Cosby, Edward J. Kurth, Igor Palley, Greg Smith
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Patent number: 8322035Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a plurality of support arms (2) connected with a vertical axis (1), a wind rotor comprising a plurality of blades (3) connected to the blade support arms (2), the wind rotor having a rotation radius and the blades (3) having a chord length; wherein an airfoil of the blade is an asymmetrical camber airfoil, the convex surface (31) of the blade (3) faces vertical axis (1), and a ratio of the rotation radius of the wind rotor (R) to the chord length of the blade (L) is between about 1.8 and about 4.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventor: Qiang Yan
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Patent number: 8297911Abstract: A vertical-axis eolic generator is described. The vertical-axis eolic generator may comprise a plurality of vanes and a driving shaft connected to a load bearing structure. The driving shaft may be coupled to the plurality of vanes.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Dealer Tecno SrlInventors: Stefano Onofri, Giovanni Evangelista
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Patent number: 8282339Abstract: Turbine systems and apparatuses and methods for operating a turbine. The turbine has a shaft coupled to a generator and a segment and the segment has an asymmetric shaped wall.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: Terrence C. Sankar
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Patent number: 8282350Abstract: A blade system and method of use for a wind turbine to produce electrical power. The system has a vertical rotor shaft coupled to an anchor pad and supports a horizontal blade arm. A blade assembly having a rotatable flap is coupled to the blade arm. The flap captures the wind which causes the rotor shaft to rotate and generates electrical power from an electrical generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: The Corrado Family Limited Partnership, L.L.C.Inventor: Michael L. Corrado
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Patent number: 8257018Abstract: A wind turbine for harvesting energy from both horizontal and vertical wind currents having an open frame structure and a central passage through the structure with at least three wind energy harvesting generally vertically disposed and rotatably mounted blades positioned about the central passage and at least three wind energy harvesting generally horizontal blades projecting radially from the central vertical axis of the device. The open frame structure includes a unique rod and cable central structure offset from the periphery of the frame. In one embodiment, the frame structure is suspended from a rotatable hub at the top of a stationary mast.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Inventor: Daniel P. Coffey
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Patent number: 8226348Abstract: The invention refers to the field of wind power engineering, particularly to the vertical axis rotor-type wind turbines, which can be used for drive of electric generators or other using equipment of mechanical energy. The rotor-type wind turbine contains a central vertical shaft, mounted in a hollow elongated supporting column, and rotor structure, comprising two lattice-type blocks with power elements—the lattice-type stacks of aerodynamic blades. Each of the lattice-type blocks is carried by two corresponding lattice-type arms. When using the wind turbine two-block structure, the blocks are positioned by 180° to each other. The end parts of the aerodynamic lattice-type blades in blade blocks are fastened in relevant upper and lower shroud flanges.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: AS Atakama EolikaInventor: Aleksandrs Scerbina
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Patent number: 8177481Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a vertical axis wind turbine. In one embodiment, the vertical axis wind turbine comprises a rotor comprising a vertical oriented shaft, and a plurality of vertical oriented blades angle-equally and radially secured to the vertical aligned shaft. Each of the plurality of vertical oriented blades has a face side, a back side, at least one window and at least one pane pivotally mounted onto the at least one window on the face side such that the at least one pane is rotatable between a closed position and an opening position around a pivotal axis responsive to a wind condition thereof. The pivotal axis is substantially perpendicular to the vertical oriented shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: Ray-Hung Liang
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Patent number: 8177482Abstract: A wind power conversion apparatus driven by a fly wheel includes a wind channel, a fly wheel and a rotating shaft. The wind channel is configurated into a long hollow tapered tubular shape with both ends open. One end, which being larger is cross section, serves as a wind inlet, while to other smaller one serves as a wind outlet so as to conduct the wind flow into the apparatus via the wind channel. A fly wheel with several wind vanes is installed in the wind channel proximate to the wind outlet so as to convert the wind force into an adjustable rotating torque of the fly wheel. The fly wheel is able to keep rotating about the rotating shaft by its inertia for a certain duration of time even after the wind ceases to blow. With this apparatus, the kinetic energy of the wind blow is converted into an adjustable and storable mechanical energy to utilize.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Inventor: Chuy-Nan Chio
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Patent number: 8167532Abstract: A cowling of the invention includes a cover body and an empennage connected with the cover body. The cover body includes an accommodating space for receiving an impeller, and a first opening serving as an air inlet for the impeller. According to the wind direction, the empennage will adjust the first opening to the proper position to face the wind.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Wei-Chun Hsu, Shun-Chen Chang, Wen-Shi Huang
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Patent number: 8162589Abstract: A moving fluid energy recovery system for generating electricity through rotational motion produced by positioning the present invention in a fluid flow produced by nature or a moving vehicle. The moving fluid energy recovery system has first and second end plates, a plurality of elongated inner vanes, a plurality of elongated outer vanes, and shaft to drive an electricity generating device. The inner and outer vanes each have a substantially curved profile featuring a curve side and an open side. The first and second end plates each has a central bore defined therethrough, a plurality of inner vane slots each shaped to receive a corresponding inner vane, and a plurality of outer vane slots each shaped to receive a corresponding outer vane. The inner vane slots are orientated with the curve side toward the central bore, and the outer vane slots are orientated with the open side toward the central bore with the free ends of adjacent inner vanes positioned in the open side of the outer vane slots.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Brian Moore
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Patent number: 8118537Abstract: An upstanding bladed rotor is journalled from support structure and a windshield assembly is also journalled from the support structure for angular displacement about an upstanding axis about the rotor. The windshield assembly includes a wind-shielding portion which extends generally about one half the periphery of the rotor and further includes a wind vane operative to maintain the assembly in predetermined position relative to wind incident upon the rotor with the wind-shielding portion in position to shield generally one lateral half of the rotor from the incident wind.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventor: Nicholas Tutt
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Patent number: 8096750Abstract: The present invention is directed to a turbine comprising a pair of opposing end discs concentrically aligned with a central axis of the turbine and a plurality of blades extending between the end discs. At least one end discs is adapted for engaging with a generator for generating power. The plurality of blades rotates in a single direction when exposed to fluid flow and thereby rotates the pair of opposing end discs. The plurality of blades are interconnected by at least one faired ring oriented parallel to the pair of opposing end discs and intersecting the plurality of blades, wherein the at least one faired ring is in concentric alignment with the central axis. The present invention further comprises a method for generating power comprising engaging the turbine with a generator to create a turbine generator unit and deploying the turbine generator unit within a fluid flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Ocean Renewable Power Company, LLCInventors: Jarlath McEntee, Christopher Sauer, Patrick McGinnis, Millard Firebaugh
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Patent number: 8083464Abstract: A stackable nacelle for a wind turbine includes a first piece having a top wall and integral first side walls extending at a first obtuse angle from each edge of the top wall; and a second piece, for mating with the first piece, having a bottom wall and integral second side walls extending at a second obtuse angle from each edge of the bottom wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bharat S. Bagepalli, Scott W. Blackwell
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Patent number: 8038384Abstract: The invention teaches a turbine capable of receiving wind power and transferring wind power into mechanical energy, and capable of coupling with a generator. The turbine includes a generally flat horizontally mountable support plate capable of rotation about a central axis, the support plate having a plurality of pivot modifications located proximate to an outside circumference, and vanes coupled to the support plate at the pivot modification, each vane having a vane shaft coupled between a pivot modification on the first support plate and a pivot modification on a cap plate, each vane supported by a first rib and a second rib having an exterior edge defined as the exterior circumference edge of the head and the interior circumference edge of the tail, and a material attached between the exterior of the first rib and the exterior of the second rib.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Inventor: Gene Brown
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Patent number: 8016544Abstract: The vertical windmill includes a rotatable wind wheel column mounted to a base. The column includes a plurality of hollow wheel hubs stacked vertically atop each other. Each wheel hub includes a plurality of radiating mounting arms equidistantly spaced around the axis of the wheel hub such that the arms of an adjacent hub are angularly offset with respect to the other. A plurality of mounting assemblies is disposed on each of the mounting arms for mounting an array of wing blades. Each alternate stacked wheel hub and mounting arms together forms a wind wheel with vertically oriented wing blades mounted between upper and lower spaced arms such that the top wheel is interconnected with the lower wheel at a height less than the height of the blades. Each array of blades may freely rotate or be positively rotated to orient the blades for optimum usage of wind power in rotating the column.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Huy T. Nguyen
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Patent number: 7980825Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor, that is effective yet relatively easy to manufacture, includes spokes, vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke has a hub having a central opening, three arcuate ribs extending radially outwardly from the hub with inner (concave) and outer (convex) surfaces, and channels defined in at least one of the inner and outer surfaces. The vanes of sheet material generally conform to an inner or outer surface of a rib and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings and cooperate with second fasteners in the channels. Two of the spoke pieces may be joined by a bridging piece, and two spoke pieces by a clamp. A Savonius or helical rotor includes a generator, and a drive connecting the generator and rotor. The drive automatically increases the effective gear ratio between the generator and rotor as the speed of rotation increases.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventors: Robert A. Vanderhye, Gregory J T Lowe-Wylde
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Patent number: 7967569Abstract: This invention relates to a vertical shaft wind turbine, and particularly to an installation method of blades that can effectively improve the efficiency of a vertical shaft wind turbine. A supporting plane is connected to vertical shaft and a blade is installed on supporting plane. The airfoil of the blade is an asymmetrical camber airfoil. The convex surface of blade is installed facing the vertical shaft. The blade rotary angle is in the range of 0-15 degrees. This invention represents a remarkable progress in the field of wind power generation and is applicable industrially.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Inventor: Qiang Yan
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Patent number: 7959411Abstract: A generally spherical turbine configured to rotate transversely within a cylindrical pipe under the power of fluid flowing either direction therethrough is operatively coupled with a rotating machine or generator to produce electricity. In one embodiment, the blades of the spherical turbine curve in an approximately 180 degree arc in a plane that is at an inclined angle relative to the rotational axis of a central shaft. In another embodiment, a deflector is provided upstream of the spherical turbine and within the cylindrical pipe to control flow through the spherical turbine by shielding a part thereof. The blades of the spherical turbine are airfoil in cross section to optimize hydrodynamic flow, to minimize cavitation, and to maximize conversion from axial to rotating energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignees: Northwest Pipe Company, Lucid Energy Technologies, LLPInventors: Roderic A. Schlabach, Mark Rydell Cosby, Edward Kurth, Igor Palley, Greg Smith
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Patent number: 7928594Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Inventors: Vladimir Anatol Shreider, Natalia Shreider
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Patent number: 7909567Abstract: Installing large-sized wind turbines creates numerous challenges and limitations, hindering acceptance of wind generated energy. With small-sized wind turbines, such hindrances are omitted or minimized. Sized ever smaller, more small-sized wind turbines may be installed per installation. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus for maximizing wind energy gathering potential of a plurality of wind turbines, each wind turbine having a sweep height, for a given location is provided. The present invention includes sizing sweep heights of substantially all wind turbines of the plurality of wind turbines to intersect at least one horizontal plane unique from horizontal planes intersected by a sweep height of at least one immediately adjacent wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Genedics Clean Energy, LLCInventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
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Patent number: 7883318Abstract: Apparatus for harvesting power from the wind, mounted on a vertical support or pole, has two linear “power harvesting devices” arranged in V-shaped configuration with the apex of the “V” mounted for rotation in a horizontal plane about the vertical support. The two power harvesting devices move under the influence of incoming wind to orient themselves such that the apex of its “V”-shape structure always faces the incoming wind. The power harvesting devices are each provided with blades attached for movement with a linear endless drive conveyor. With the apex of the “V” facing the wind, the blades are oriented to intercept this wind and to cause movement of the conveyor drive to which they are attached.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Inventor: Joseph Voves
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Patent number: 7874787Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine system includes a vertical shaft rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and an upper platen coupled to the vertical shaft. Vanes are coupled to the vertical shaft and extend downward from the upper platen. Each vane has a concave face and an opposing convex face. A lower platen is coupled to the vertical shaft and to each vane. The lower platen has an opening formed therein proximate to the concave face of each vane. A plenum is disposed below the vertical axis wind turbine and is rotatably mounted about the shaft for rotation about the vertical axis. The plenum includes a top portion disposed proximate to the lower platen and has an outlet port therein. The outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the lower platen openings. A plenum passage provides fluid communication between a plenum inlet and the outlet port.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Inventor: Richard Morris
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Patent number: 7811060Abstract: One or more vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), preferably of the Savonius type, are mounted in a relatively simple and inexpensive manner. For a single VAWT a center pole may be disposed within a hollow shaft of the VAWT with at least upper and lower bearings acting between the shaft and center pole. Alternatively, a short tower or platform may mount a lower bearing (e. g. about 4-14 feet off the ground) for the VAWT shaft, and an upper bearing for the shaft may be mounted by an outrigger. The outrigger is connected at a number of different points (e. g. different arms) by strands (such as steel cables) to stationary supports. Where multiple VAWTs are provided, them may be in a cluster. Each VAWT in the cluster has a structural support in common with at least one other VAWT of the cluster, and each VAWT is operatively connected to a separate useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or fuel gas generator).Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Robert A. Vanderhye
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Patent number: 7798766Abstract: A vertical axis omni-wind turbine having a wind sail centrally mounted to a rotor, the wind sail consisting of two vanes one on each side of the rotor in generally planar arrangement. The vanes are substantially identical with each having a generally concave surface with an opposite or reverse face that is generally convex. As assembled and mounted to the rotor, one vane presents the concave face to the wind while the vane 180 degrees away presents the convex face. The concave face operates to capture the wind to force rotation of the rotor while the convex face offers minimal resistance to rotor rotation. With continued rotation the reverse, or backside, of the convex surface, which is a concave face, is then presented to the wind, thus to provide continued rotation.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventor: Dieter R. Sauer