Feathering Cycle Related To Flow Direction Patents (Class 416/17)
  • Patent number: 11548394
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for a wing stabilizer charging system for recharging onboard batteries during operation of an electrically powered vehicle. The wing stabilizer charging system comprises a wing stabilizer configured to be coupled with a rear of the vehicle. One or more air inlets are disposed in the wing stabilizer and configured to receive an airstream during forward motion of the vehicle. Wind turbines are disposed within the wing stabilizer and configured to be turned by the airstream. A circuit box is configured to combine electricity received from the wind turbines into a useable electric current. A power cable extends from the circuit box and is configured to supply the useable electric current to any one or more electronic devices, such as any of an onboard battery for powering the vehicle, mobile phones or smart phones, portable music players, tablet computers, cameras, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11333128
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine (1). The wind turbine (1) comprises one or more wind turbine blades (5), each wind turbine blade (5) being connected to a blade carrying structure (4) mounted on a hub (3), via a hinge (6) at a hinge position of the wind turbine blade (5), each wind turbine blade (5) thereby being arranged to perform pivot movements relative to the blade carrying structure (4) between a minimum pivot angle and a maximum pivot angle. The method comprises the steps of detecting an airborne object entering a predefined zone around the wind turbine (1), comparing a current tip height (H) of the wind turbine (1) to a maximum tip height value, the maximum tip height value representing a maximum allowable tip height under currently prevailing conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Thomas S. Bjertrup Nielsen, Peter Bjørn Andersen, Torben Ladegaard Baun
  • Patent number: 11199176
    Abstract: A vertical turbine comprising a blade control mechanism including a sun gear engaging a plurality of planetary gears each coupled to blade assemblies. The sun gear has at least half circumference of its teeth removed, as the turbine receives maximum downstream torque in the circumference with teeth and it leaves blades free to rotate in the circumference without teeth for minimum upstream drag. The turbine converts the rotational blades into parallel movement and unidirectional propulsion with minimum turbulence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Inventor: Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 11053919
    Abstract: An embodiment of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) concept with eight rotating impellers with eight rotating wind vanes, wherein each wind vane is attached to each impeller through the vane angle adjusting devices is described. Further described is the vane angle adjusting device with coupling blocking fork and the impeller with the high load capacity and increased output. In addition, the gear reducer module and the cone clutch are described that control the power transmission from the wind vane and the impeller in case of strong gusts or wind. This feature allows for a number of improvements over the current state of the art including high energy efficiency, damage protection and the ability to remain operational during high wind conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Inventors: Jung Hoon Lee, Jung Woon Lee
  • Patent number: 9835130
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes a body having at least two surfaces. The body is configured to be located at least partially below a surface of a body of water moving in a first direction. The system includes a mechanical system connected to the body. The mechanical system is configured to allow the movement of the body of water in the first direction to move the body back and forth in a plane parallel to the surface of the body of water in a second direction and a third direction. The second and the third directions are substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The mechanical system is configured to translate the movement of the body to a rotor of an electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Inventor: Mark McKinley
  • Patent number: 9695803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind direction adjustable blade type vertical axis wind turbine that is configured to allow blades to be automatically swung, thereby making more efficient use of wind power. The wind turbine includes: a rotating shaft adapted to be rotated by means of wind power; an upper plate adapted to be coupled to the upper portion of the rotating shaft; a lower plate adapted to be coupled to the lower portion of the rotating shaft; a plurality of blades disposed between the upper plate and the lower plate; and swing motion units disposed between the top end of each blade and the upper plate and between the underside end of each blade and the lower plate in such a manner as to form the center of rotation of each blade, while allowing each blade to be rotatable in accordance with the wind direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Inventors: Ok Rye Kang, Meong Jin Shin, Meong Cheol Shin, Hyun Dai Yang
  • Publication number: 20140322012
    Abstract: A system for converting between fluid movement, such as wind, and mechanical rotation is disclosed. The system includes a support which is rotatable about a first axis orthogonal to the direction of fluid movement and at least one panel mounted on the support for rotation about a said axis. The panel includes a matrix of flaps (elementary panels) mounted on the panel framework for rotation about a multiple secondary axes; and retaining hardware serving to resist rotation of the said flaps during a first portion of the rotation cycle of the support and permitting the flaps to rotate freely during a second portion of said cycle. The panel provides a driving torque during said first portion of the cycle and moving freely to an orientation of minimum fluid resistance during said second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Avigdor Steinberg, Yury Pleshov, Bao Tran
  • Patent number: 8821120
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Inventor: Sudhir Pandit
  • Publication number: 20140241882
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing operational efficiency of wind turbines, especially offshore wind turbines. The invention discloses systems and methods for reducing the torque needed to rotate a rotor shaft axis with respect to the wind direction. Systems and methods for controlling the rotational speed of the rotor shaft axis are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Condor Wind Energy Limited
    Inventors: Silvestro Caruso, Martin Jakubowski, Luciano Caioli
  • Patent number: 8602719
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: AF Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
  • Patent number: 8540485
    Abstract: A cycloidal rotor system having airfoil blades travelling along a generally non-circular, elongated and, in most embodiments, dynamically variable orbit. Such non-circular orbit provides a greater period in each revolution and an optimized relative wind along the trajectory for each blade to efficiently maximize lift when orbits are elongated horizontally, or thrust/propulsion when orbits are vertically elongated. Most embodiments, in addition to having the computer system controlled actuators to dynamically vary the blade trajectory and the angle of attack, can also have the computer system controlled actuators for dynamically varying the spatial orientation of the blades; enabling their slanting motion upward/downward and/or backsweep/forwardsweep positioning to produce and precisely control a variety of aerodynamic effects suited for providing optimum performance for various operating regimes, counter wind gusts and enable the craft to move sideways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Philip Bogrash
  • Patent number: 8480363
    Abstract: A turbine with vanes and tethers that adjust to the wind includes: an axle, adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the airflow; a radial spar attached to the axle; a vane rotatably attached to the spar; and a positioning element to limit the vane from rotating substantially more than a perpendicular angle away from the spar. The device retains the vane in a position that utilizes the airflow to rotate the axle. The positioning element is a tether attached to the distal point of the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Mellus Fenaughty
  • Patent number: 8459946
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to construct a horizontal-axis wind turbine comprising a dual-system pitch drive unit for one blade that is independent up to the transmission mechanism or a dual-system yaw drive unit for one wind turbine nacelle that is independent up to the transmission mechanism, and to provide the dual system with new applicability. The horizontal-axis wind turbine of the present invention has a hub 1 and a blade 2 that are connected by way of an interposed section 5b, 6b, 7 which can freely rotate around the pitch axis of the blade with respect to both the hub and the blade; and further comprises: a hub-side interposed section drive unit 10 that relatively rotates the interposed section with respect to the hub, and a blade-side interposed section drive unit 11 that relatively rotates the blade with respect to the interposed section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeo Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20130129509
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine with blades which articulate to reduce drag when they are moving upwind and which are suitable for use in small scale electrical generators. The turbine has blades which are rotatable about a blade axis of rotation and the blade axis is rotatable about a turbine axis of rotation. A vane is coupled to the blade axis of rotation to change the orientation of the blades in response to changes in wind direction. The vane maximizes the effect of the wind on the one or more blade by adjusting the blade position to maximize the blade surface area facing into the wind when the blade is moving downwind and to minimize the blade surface area facing into the wind when the blade is moving upwind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBORNE ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Howard John Manning
  • Patent number: 8382435
    Abstract: Improvements in A wind generator, that may also be called and relates to, windmill, turbine or aero generator, on a vertical axis. The vertical axis gives the windmill the ability to be turned by air, or liquid if inverted, from any direction parallel to the earth's surface. Multiple blades rotate through a horizontal axis into the wind to lessen air resistance on one side while turning vertically on the other side to gain energy from the wind. The system is counter-weighted as needed, to reduce energy loss, by different methods including but not limited to gears, levers, pneumatics, cables, hydraulics or added counter-weight. The electrical generating machinery is below the blades or at the bottom of the vertical drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Peter G. R. Deeley
  • Publication number: 20130028737
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a nacelle supported on top of a tower and having a chamber for receiving a coil, a spindle rotatably and slidably engaged in the nacelle and having one end extendible out of the nacelle, a rotator blade device mounted onto the spindle, a rotor attached to the spindle and movable relative to the coil, and a spring biasing member for moving the rotor relative to the coil, and the rotator blade device is movable toward the nacelle with a head wind, and the rotor is movable relative to the coil to adjust a torque between the coil and the rotor when the spindle and the rotor are moved relative to the coil with the rotator blade device, and the rotator blade device is movable away from the nacelle with the spring biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Hai Pin Kuo
  • Publication number: 20130017084
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a rotor assembly within a support structure supporting a rotor assembly. A directional vane repositions a guide track to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to changes in the wind direction. A blade is rotatably connected to a strut extending from a rotatable shaft. The blade pitch is controllable with a guide pin positioned substantially near the trailing edge of the blade. The guide pin follows a guide track resulting in a blade pitch that may change as the blade rotates through a revolution. Multiple guide tracks may be used to change the blade pitch pattern at a given position as a result of varying operating conditions such as wind velocity. Using guide track pitch control, the drag and lift forces can be optimized for improved starting torque as well as improved lift and reduced drag under high wind velocity conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Claude Anderson
  • Patent number: 8333561
    Abstract: A vertical axis sail-type wind turbine includes an array of sail-like structures that are mounted on rotating main masts. The sail-like structures can be oriented to interact with the wind. For example, when the sail-like structures are moving in a downwind direction, they are oriented to present a flat surface that is perpendicular to the wind direction. On the other hand, when the sail-like structures are moving in an upwind direction, they are oriented to present a surface that is at an angle that creates an upwind vector. The sail-like structures rotate about the sail masts, which are rotatably mounted to sail mounting arms that are firmly mounted to a main mast. The main mast rotates, transferring power through a gear and shaft drive to hydraulic pumps in the tower. This hydraulic fluid pressure is then used to drive an electrical generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Richard Baron
  • Publication number: 20120301297
    Abstract: A vertical axis, fluid turbine device comprises a turbine rotor with a rotatable, central shaft and three to six, equally spaced rotor vane sections connected to the central shaft with adjacent vane sections connected to one another in a framework. This framework rotates about the central shaft with the directional passage of fluid, typically wind, therethrough. Each vane section consists of: a rectangular frame with at least two connections to the central shaft; an elongate hinge section extending substantially parallel to the central shaft and connected to the rectangular frame with two or more rotatable bearings; and a vane panel connected to the hinge section for rotating about the rectangular frame and up to about 180 degrees away from an end of the rectangular frame closest to the central shaft with passage of wind through the framework and with rotation of the rectangular frame about the central shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Marion Ludwick
  • Publication number: 20120171035
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general to the field of hydropower devices using a reciprocating or oscillating blade system. It aims at utilizing the currents of oceans and seas and rivers to generate electricity. Its distinguishing design makes it possible to realize a leverage factor, much larger than existing devices using a reciprocating or oscillating blade system, and by this it will introduce leverage as a main characteristic for harnessing the power of relatively slow river and ocean currents by devices using a reciprocating or oscillating blade system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Fransen
  • Patent number: 8202050
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes wireless system for receiving a control signal at a hub of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Paul O. Caffrey
  • Patent number: 8197206
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical power from a flow of water, including a housing having a water inlet and water outlet, a first turbine (12) mounted in the housing for rotation about a substantially vertical axis and having a turbine shaft, a set of vertical blades (22), and a blade angle control mechanism, a second turbine (14) mounted in the housing adjacent to the first turbine, for rotation about a substantially vertical axis, the second turbine having a turbine shaft, a set of vertical blades (22) and a blade angle control mechanism, the housing being adapted to be mounted within the body of water and being so configured that an incoming water flow enters the housing via the inlet, and is principally directed into two driving flows (34, 36), one for each turbine, and is then directed for discharge via the outlet, the angle of each blade with respect to the driving water flow is controlled by the blade angle control mechanism such that a large blade surface area is presented to the incoming water fl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Sundermann Water Power Ltd
    Inventor: Frederick Herman Sundermann
  • Publication number: 20120139251
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high efficiency waterwheel apparatus having track-type blades and a track-type blade set thereof, which includes at least one track disk, a plurality of moving elements and a plurality of blades. The track disk has at least one track surrounding a central axis of the track disk. The moving elements move in the track. The blades are connected to the moving elements. The blades are pushed by water flow to revolving around a central axis. The moving elements connected to the blades are guided by a track so that the blades have different angles while revolving to different positions of the track. Thus, the blade set rotate at a variable angular velocity. When the track-type blade set is applied for power generation, the power generation efficiency is improved in a low-speed ocean current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: CHIN-YEN PAI
  • Publication number: 20120121414
    Abstract: A system for converting between fluid movement, such as wind, and mechanical rotation is disclosed. The system includes a support which is rotatable about a first axis orthogonal to the direction of fluid movement and at least one panel mounted on the support for rotation about a said axis. The panel includes a matrix of flaps (elementary panels) mounted on the panel framework for rotation about a multiple secondary axes; and retaining hardware serving to resist rotation of the said flaps during a first portion of the rotation cycle of the support and permitting the flaps to rotate freely during a second portion of said cycle. The panel provides a driving torque during said first portion of the cycle and moving freely to an orientation of minimum fluid resistance during said second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Avigdor Steinberg, Yury Pleshov, Bao Tran
  • Patent number: 8172529
    Abstract: Operations of a turbine to generate energy from a relatively slow fluid flow, such as wind and water, are described. The turbine has a plurality of foils rotating about a central axis at a rotational velocity, each of the foils having a length and a foil axis parallel to the length and the central axis with each of the foils rotatable about its foil axis. From determinations of a velocity of the fluid flow, and angular location of each foil and the rotational velocity about the central axis, an attack angle of each foil is controlled with respect to the direction of fluid flow about the foil axis responsive to the velocity of the fluid flow, the angular location of the foil and the rotational velocity as the foil rotates about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Lonestar Inventions LP
    Inventor: Osman Ersed Akcasu
  • Patent number: 8164213
    Abstract: An orbital track wind turbine for generation of electrical energy from wind power is provided. The wind turbine includes a plurality of spaced vertical supports to which at least two parallel spaced circular tracks are fixedly secured. These circular tracks are coaxial with one another and are positioned in parallel horizontal planes. A plurality of trucks extend between the circular tracks, the trucks having at least two grooved rollers which partially surround the circular tracks and operate in rolling engagement therewith. A circular power takeoff ring is coaxial with said circular tracks, and the power takeoff ring is attached to the truck which is rotatable in a horizontal plane about its central axis. A plurality of vertical airfoils extends around the circular power takeoff ring, with each of the airfoils being attached to a truck and the power takeoff ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Exquadrum, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin E. Mahaffy, Eric E. Schmidt, Ricky Howard, Byron Henning
  • Patent number: 8137065
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aerogenerator having a horizontal maintaining means. The aerogenerator of the present invention includes a support pillar which is placed upright on the ground and has a hollow space therein. The aerogenerator further includes a rotational support unit which is provided on the upper end of the support pillar so as to be rotatable. The rotational support unit includes a rotational body and a rotational support base which supports the lower end of the rotational body. The opposite ends of the rotational support base extend predetermined lengths from the rotational body outwards. The aerogenerator further includes vane units which include a main vane and a subsidiary vane provided on the respective opposite ends of the rotational support base of the rotational support unit. The main vane and the subsidiary vane have different weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Wilson, John Nelson, Michael Baker
  • Patent number: 8109722
    Abstract: A turbine for use with a turbine generator, the turbine including at least one turbine blade for positioning in a flowpath, a hub mounting the at least one turbine blade, and a rotatable shaft in operational communication with the hub via a hinge assembly, an axis of the hub being independent of an axis of the shaft. The hinge assembly is disposed between the shaft and the hub and configured to adjust an angle therebetween. A controller assembly is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the hinge assembly during turbine operation. In one embodiment the operational characteristic is a teeter angle of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment operational characteristic is a stiffness or damping force. Methods for using and controlling a fluid turbine are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Nordic Windpower Ltd.
    Inventors: Charles R. Gamble, Steve Taber
  • Patent number: 8100647
    Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a number of wind turbine blades, wherein the rotor's axis of rotation is tilted in relation to the direction of the incoming wind, includes the steps of determining the azimuth angle (A) of the blades and adjusting the pitch angle of the blades in accordance with the azimuth angle (A) to ensure a substantially constant angle of attack (AoA) during at least a full rotation of the rotor. A wind turbine and use of the method are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Balschmidt Godsk, Thomas Steiniche Bjertrup Nielsen, Erik Billeskov Sloth
  • Patent number: 8021111
    Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a number of wind turbine blades, wherein the rotor's axis of rotation is tilted in relation to the direction of the incoming wind, includes the steps of determining the azimuth angle (A) of the blades and adjusting the pitch angle of the blades in accordance with the azimuth angle (A) to ensure a substantially constant angle of attack (AoA) during at least a full rotation of the rotor. A wind turbine and use of the method are also contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventors: Kristian Balschmidt Godsk, Thomas Steiniche Bjertrup Nielsen, Erik Billeskov Sloth
  • Patent number: 8016544
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Huy T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7993096
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a wind turbine having a plurality of vertically extending airfoils forming a rotating carousel rotating about a central axis thereof. The airfoils pivot about their leading edges to adjust the pitch angle thereof to maximize energy harvest when the airfoils are rotating both in an upwind direction and in a down wind direction. This pivoting movement results from trailing edges of the airfoils being pivotally secured to rigid spokes or cables of a trailing edge hub. An adjustment mechanism is pivotally mounted between a carousel hub and the trailing edge hub and is used to control the separation between a central axis of the trailing edge hub and the axis of rotation of the carousel as they co-rotate. As the carousel rotates, the offset distance between the two axes determines the maximum achievable pitch angle of each airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Donald E. Anderson, Daniel W Christian
  • Publication number: 20110135471
    Abstract: A wind turbine has a plurality of feathering blades and a governor for controlling the pitch angle of the blades according to the speed of rotation of the turbine. An elastic linkage connects between the governor and the blades. The linkage urges the blades toward the pitch position set by the governor. The linkage allows pitching of the blades toward a more feathered position than a position set by the governor against the elastic return force. The linkage does not allow substantial pitching of the blades to a less feathered position than the position set by the governor, lne centrifugal governor sets the minimum pitch angle of the blades, but the blades can react immediately to additional wind pressure by self feathering against the urging of the elastic linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Graham Wangford
  • Patent number: 7918646
    Abstract: A high-efficiency turbine generates energy from a fluid flow, such as wind or water currents. The turbine has a central axis with a plurality of foils rotatable about the central axis in a general paddlewheel arrangement. Each of the foils has a foil axis parallel to the length of the foil and the central axis, and is rotatable about its foil axis. During operation of the turbine, each foil assumes an attack angle to the direction of the fluid flow with the attack angle dynamically controlled about the foil axis as the foil rotates about the central axis so as to maximize the foil's moment about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Lonestar Inventions LLP
    Inventor: Osman Ersed Akcasu
  • Patent number: 7862290
    Abstract: Apparatus for harnessing energy from wind comprises upper and lower continuous-loop trackways defining a continuous loop path and a series of connected, movable wind foils. Each wind foil has a leading edge mast engaging and guided by the upper and lower trackways. Each wind foil is movable between first and second orientations when moving along first and second portions of the path. A second example comprises a support structure having upper and lower closed loop trackways having inner and outer trackway rails and defining a closed loop path which guides a series of connected trolleys. Each trolley has a roller mounted to a roller support. The roller is guided by the rails of the upper and lower trackways. Sail assemblies each have a mast and a sail extending from the mast, with the upper and lower ends of the mast mounted to and supported by upper and lower trolleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jürgen Diederich
  • Patent number: 7766601
    Abstract: A vertical-axis wind turbine which has a central rotary tower upon which are fixed substantially vertical blades. The blades are capable of rotating and moving radially relative to the central tower, the movement of each blade being independently controlled based on the conditions to which it is constantly subjected so as to optimize the overall performance of the wind turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Vimak
    Inventor: Firmiliano M. Vida Marques
  • Publication number: 20100111694
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aerogenerator having a horizontal maintaining means. The aerogenerator of the present invention includes a support pillar which is placed upright on the ground and has a hollow space therein. The aerogenerator further includes a rotational support unit which is provided on the upper end of the support pillar so as to be rotatable. The rotational support unit includes a rotational body and a rotational support base which supports the lower end of the rotational body. The opposite ends of the rotational support base extend predetermined lengths from the rotational body outwards. The aerogenerator further includes vane units which include a main vane and a subsidiary vane provided on the respective opposite ends of the rotational support base of the rotational support unit. The main vane and the subsidiary vane have different weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Chris Wilson, John Nelson, Michael Baker
  • Patent number: 7665966
    Abstract: A flow-controlled wind motor rotor has one or more blades which are parallel to a central vertical axis. The blades are orientable to the direction of the wind. The rotor is equipped with a wind vane for detecting of a wind direction and also with a primary control mechanism which is controlled by the wind vane, and a secondary control mechanism, which is subordinate to the first control mechanism. The primary control mechanism is driven by a V-belt, while the secondary control mechanism is driven by a stepping engine with a worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ventus Spolka ZO.O
    Inventor: Jaroslaw Warszewski
  • Patent number: 7550862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a machine housing (12) equipped with a rotor (14), which is mounted to pivot on a sub-structure (10). Wind parameters and an electromechanical quantity are determined by means of measuring devices (21, 22, 23). To enable the machine housing (12) to track the wind, the wind turbine is equipped with a pivoting device (11) comprising a controller (8). The wind turbine is also equipped with a calibration module (2), which is configured to determine an effective mass of the electromechanical quantity using the wind speed. In addition, the turbine comprises an evaluation device (4) comprising a classifier (40), which is used to form a first average value for a first class, for which the wind direction is positive and a second average value for a second class, for which the wind direction is negative. A difference is determined by means of a comparator and a calibration signal is emitted to the controller (8) of the pivoting device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: REpower Systems AG
    Inventor: Jens Altemark
  • Publication number: 20080304963
    Abstract: In order to use wind energy to drive a wind power generator or gearbox we usually use a certain sort of propeller rotates in a plane perpendicular to the wind direction. The “Tilting flap” is a new means to be used to achieve the same task but in more efficient manner, the arrangement of the “Tilting flaps” differs than the propeller unit in two ways. It rotates in a plane parallel to the wind direction. Its “Flaps” change their positions during the rotational movement to face the blowing wind currents wherever are these changes are required to gain the optimum use of the wind energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Riadh M. M. Awni
  • Patent number: 7413404
    Abstract: A sail wing type windmill includes an output shaft erected vertically, a foundation with a bearing disposed in the center hole provided therein for supporting the output shaft; an axle body with a roller bearing on the top end, while the bottom end thereof being conjoined to the output shaft, and the external surface thereof being formed of several spigots, and provided with an upper and a lower joint flanges; and a rudder assembly turnably conjoined to the top end of the output shaft and consisting of a turn table and a twin vaned tail wing; wherein the turn table is inserted in the center hole of the axle body, the external surface of the turn table is provided with a snaking recessed lead rail terminated into a lead portion. The twin vaned tail ring can automatically and constantly point to the wind direction so as to turn the turn table with the wind force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Chuy-Nan Chio
  • Patent number: 7288850
    Abstract: An emergency backup power generation system includes a housing comprising a main body portion, a top cap, and a bottom cap. Inner and outer surfaces and the main body portion, the top cap, and the bottom cap define a generally hollow interior volume within the inner surface. A shaft within the housing is substantially perpendicular to the top cap and the bottom cap about a rotational axis. A plurality of air guides affixed to the outer surface of the housing are adjacent openings in the main body portion to admit and direct moving air. One or more vanes are coupled to the shaft and rotatable within the housing. An electrical generator is coupled to the shaft such that the electrical generator is operable to generate electrical power when moving air impinges on the vanes to thereby cause the shaft to rotate within the interior volume of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventors: Michael F. Hicks, Larry P. Meyers
  • Patent number: 7284949
    Abstract: A mechanical device consisting of two horizontal shafts (4 & 5) in cruciform each rotating axially within two sets of bearings (6), each set positioned near either end and interfaced upon a rotor base (10) which itself is fixed to a vertical power shaft 11 centrally. The powershaft rotates within two other sets of bearings (12). The horizontal shafts are each bolted to and pair of aerofoil section wings (2 & 3) through their respective flange plates (7), each wing being regulated axially by a cam (8) in 90 degree relationship. At any given moment, one wing will always resist (2b & 3b) the external power source (1) of wind or water current thereby bringing about rotation of the powershaft, whilst the opposite wings (2a & 3a) will transiently adopt a free flow posture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: WaB Energy Systems Limited
    Inventor: Leonard Haworth
  • Patent number: 7258527
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a vertical axis wind engine comprising at least one arm each having its center rotatably coupled to a vertical axis mounted on a base on the ground, each pair of the upper and lower arms adapted to define an airfoil receiving space for pivotably mounting an airfoil by pivot pins thereof; and at least one elastic stop member each provided on the arm proximate the airfoil and spaced from the pivot pins, each stop member adapted to limit a pivot angle of the airfoil and lift the pivot limitation for allowing the airfoil to pivot when the airfoil experiences a wind force larger than a maximum resistance force thereof, preventing the components of the wind engine from being damaged by strong wind or when the wind engine is operating in high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Chi-Kuang Shih
  • Patent number: 7245039
    Abstract: This invention teaches an apparatus, method, means, and computer readable media to address the problem of the inconsistent, unreliable nature of wind, and in particular low-wind speeds, through utilizing a blower and/or startup assist to aid in turning an electricity generating electrical generator during periods of low-wind speed. This generator provides electrical power for an electrolyzer used to generate hydrogen gas from water. Some embodiments include wind speed and direction sensors and control programming and/or circuitry that tracks trends in direction and speed, and anticipate the need to move the direction of the wind-collecting funnel to best take wind into the funnel, and to provide a start-up assist to the wind-powered turbine at a wind speed that is lower than could start rotation of the turbine without assist, or to maintain rotation when the wind temporarily slows below the speed needed to maintain rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: Robert A. DuHamel
  • Patent number: 7126235
    Abstract: A wind-power unit has a wind turbine has an electric generator connected to the wind turbine. The stator of the generator has a winding formed of a high-voltage cable having a core of conducting material, a first layer of semiconducting material surrounding the core, an insulating layer of solid material surrounding the first layer, and a second layer of semiconducting material surrounding th solid insulation. The wind turbine has a plurality of turbine blades running vertically and being connected to a turbine shaft. The generator is arranged at the lower end of the turbine shaft. A wind-power plant; the use of a wind-power unit; and a method of generating electric power are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Swedish Vertical Wind AB
    Inventors: Hans Bernhoff, Mats Leijon
  • Patent number: 7118341
    Abstract: A vertical shaft is provided and supported whereupon are mounted sails that can so self adjust as to interact with the wind in such a way as to power a windmill as well as relieve themselves from winds that are too severe while maintaining continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Delbert Lee Hartman
  • Patent number: 6992402
    Abstract: The wind-driven power station comprises a closed-loop rail track consisting of sections of gradual ascent and descent. The descent section directed upwind is positioned in an artificial tunnel. Basic elongated sections of the rail track are situated across the predominant wind direction in the given area. A carriage with a sail assembly and a generator, whose rotor is connected to the wheel axis, moves along the rail track. A wind directing device is positioned along the basic elongated sections of the track and designed to direct wind upon said sail assembly. Wind flows which pass through channels of the wind directing device change their direction and from the rear push the sail assembly of the carriages and set them into motion. The carriage wheel rotation leads to generator rotor rotation and generation of current. At all sections of the rail track the carriages are affected by forces pushing them in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Sergei Latyshev
  • Patent number: 6926491
    Abstract: A device for generating electricity in which wind blowing from any direction causes the rotation of sails around a vertical tower. As the sails rotate the sails moving toward the wind are automatically feathered, and the sails moving away from the direction of the wind are prevented from being feathered by sail restraints. An inner sail restraint positions each sail so that the sail gybes at an earlier time than would otherwise occur. An outer sail restraint “catches” the sail as it gybes, capturing much of the energy of the gybe, adding additional rotational force. The device may be used to extract energy from the wind to produce electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Bernard Migler
  • Patent number: 6840738
    Abstract: A feathering fluid-driven turbine comprises impellers, arranged around the turbine axis and affixed to axles disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the turbine, and further comprises a vane, such as a wind vane, which points in the current direction of fluid flow, mounted on an axis. The impellers are operatively engaged by a feathering mechanism, which, responsive to the direction indicated by the vane, rotates the impellers along their axles so that impellers on the windward side of fluid flow are aligned to present maximum aerodynamic resistance to fluid flow and impellers on the leeward side of fluid flow are aligned to present minimum aerodynamic resistance, thereby maximizing torque output of the turbine regardless of direction of fluid flow. The feathering mechanism comprises an offset cam affixed to the axis of the vane, moving in conjunction therewith as the direction of fluid flow changes. Fitted to the cam is a collar that is rotatable with the rotation of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Marvin L. Swanberg