Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine having a bearing assembly, a shaft received therein, and at least one sub-system capable of altering a dynamic state of the wind turbine includes monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft; comparing the at least one parameter to a threshold criteria; and when the at least one parameter meets the threshold criteria, altering the dynamic state of the wind turbine to reduce the load on the shaft; and/or altering the state of the bearing assembly to better accommodate the load on the shaft. A control system for the wind turbine includes a controller operatively coupled to the bearing assembly and the at least one sub-system, and at least one sensor for monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft. The controller signals the sub-system or the bearing assembly when the threshold criteria is met.

Abstract: A wear-free, self-contained control device for an aerodynamic emergency brake of a wind energy converter is presented that comprises multiple components in order to provide a most effective means to control the rotation of a vertical axis wind turbine by a brake, which is able to activate itself without external actuation in malfunction situations and is able to shut down the vertical axis wind turbine. Therefore, a mass element is utilized to store mechanical energy which in turn is used to deploy an aerodynamic braking operation. It also represents a means to control and limit the amount of torque, as absorbed by the turbine in high-wind conditions, and thus provides the ability to harvest electrical/mechanical energy, beyond the normal operational wind speeds of turbines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine comprising a pitch of one or more blades and collecting first data indicative of a dynamic condition of the first wind turbine blade and a rotor, the first data comprising rotor data and first deflection data, the rotor data indicative of the azimuth position and rotational velocity of the rotor in a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotor axis, and the first deflection data indicative of the position, speed and acceleration of one or more parts of the first wind turbine blade. The method comprises calculating an expected tower clearance distance at a later time of tower passage for the first blade based on the first data including acceleration of one or more parts of the first blade, and performing measures to prevent tower collision, if the expected tower clearance distance fulfills a collision risk criterion.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a wind turbine system. In this embodiment, the system includes a wind turbine including a rotor blade having a controllable feature and attached to a rotor hub drivingly coupled to an electric generator. The controllable feature is configured if activated to decrease a noise generated by the rotor blade and correspondingly to decrease electric power generated by the electric generator. The wind turbine system includes a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of present or possible future noise generation state of the rotor blade. The wind turbine system includes a noise manager circuit configured to select a noise mitigation measure responsive to the detected parameter and in compliance with a minimum electric power generation requirement assigned to the wind turbine. The wind turbine system includes a control circuit configured to activate the controllable feature in response to the selected noise mitigation measure.

Abstract: A turbine bucket shroud arrangement for a turbine system includes a contact region of a tip shroud, wherein the contact region is in close proximity to an adjacent tip shroud. Also included is a negative thermal expansion material disposed proximate the contact region, the contact region comprising a first volume during a startup condition and a shutdown condition of the turbine system and a second volume during a steady state condition of the turbine system, wherein the second volume is less than the first volume.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Wind speed signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme operating gust. The detection is performed by differentiating the axial wind velocity and filtering for a period of time. On detection of extreme operating gust the system controller takes necessary evasive action which may include shutting down the turbine or varying the blade pitch angle.

Abstract: A system and methods for reducing vibration in a rotatable member are provided. The system includes a blade tracking sensor, a rotatable member comprising an adjustable aspect, and a control computer. The control computer is configured to determine an axial position of each blade, determine a first blade that is displaced by a greatest distance along the axis in a first direction, modify an aspect of the first blade to facilitate reducing a vibration in the rotary blade system, determine if the vibration level in the rotary blade system is reduced, and select another rotatable member to modify such that a vibration in the rotary blade system is facilitated being further reduced.

Abstract: A receptor assembly for lightning protection of an object, such as a wind turbine blade, includes a receptor disk configured to be placed on a surface of the object, a receptor block insulator with an integral receptor block, a cover that engages the receptor block insulator, and a cap that engages the cover. The receptor disk and the receptor block may be made of electrically conductive materials, and the cover, and the cap, and the receptor block insulator may define a chamber among them that is lined with an electrically-conductive coating sandwiched between relatively high dielectric media to electrically isolate and shield internal parts of the receptor assembly from receiving a lightning strike directly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and a control mechanism. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The control mechanism is adapted to constrain the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring wind turbines, generally comprising a microphone for picking up acoustic emissions from a wind turbine and outputting a signal corresponding to the emissions; a filter for splitting the signal into a plurality of signals according to a plurality of frequency bands; and a processor for processing the plurality of signals and generating sound level data corresponding to at least a subset of the frequency bands. The system compares the sound level data with a sound threshold and generates an alarm signal when the sound level data exceeds the sound threshold. Alternatively, the system may include different thresholds corresponding to the different frequency bands, and an alarm can be generated when one or more of the different thresholds are exceeded by the different signals in the different frequency bands.

Abstract: The present application includes a blade-pitch control system with an indexing swashplate. A swashplate assembly has a non-rotating portion and a rotating portion and an indexing portion of the mast. The swashplate assembly is translatably affixed to the indexing portion. A pitch link connects the rotating portion of the swashplate assembly to each blade. Translation of the swashplate assembly along the indexing portion causes a change in pitch of the blades and a corresponding indexing of the rotating portion of the swashplate assembly relative to the mast, the indexing causing a change in an angular orientation of each pitch link, thus providing for selected pitch-flap coupling between flapping motion of the yoke and pitch motion of the blades.

Abstract: A propulsion device including an unducted upstream propeller and a counter-rotating and coaxial downstream propeller. At least one blade of the upstream propeller is configured to generate a corotating secondary vortex for acting upstream of the downstream propeller to destabilize a blade tip vortex of the same at least one blade.

Abstract: A cooled blade for a gas turbine includes a blade airfoil extending between leading and trailing edges in a flow direction and on suction and pressure sides is delimited by a wall, which include an interior space in which cooling air flows towards the trailing edge in the flow direction and discharges to the outside in the region of the trailing edge. The pressure-side wall terminates at a distance in front of the trailing edge in the flow direction, forming a pressure-side lip, such that the cooling air discharges from the interior space on the pressure side. Multiple ribs subdivides the interior space, parallel to the flow direction, into a plurality of parallel cooling passages which create a high pressure drop and in which turbulators are arranged for increasing cooling. Before the outlet, multiple flow barriers are provided in the cooling air flow path, distributed transversely to the flow direction.

Abstract: A blade adjusting device for a wind turbine is connected to a plant safety chain and can open and close the plant safety chain by activating a switch. If a fault is detected in one of the blade adjusting devices, the respective control unit can open the plant safety chain. By opening the safety chain, a signal is sent to the blade adjusting devices, and so all the blade adjusting devices initiate a synchronous safety operation of at least two rotor blades when the signal is received.

Abstract: A wave energy converter includes at least one rotor which is configured to convert a wave motion of an agitated body of water into a rotational motion of the at least one rotor. The at least one rotor has at least two elongate lift profiles which are each connected by one end to a rotor base. The lift profiles are each connected in pairs to one another via at least one vortex trail-guiding device in a region of their free ends, not connected to the rotor base, of the lift profiles.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor system includes an anti-rotation sleeve featuring an outer recess portion and a tilt sleeve positioned about the anti-rotation sleeve and having an opening therethrough. A first swashplate ring is positioned about the tilt sleeve and features an inner recess portion. An anti-rotation mechanism is disposed through the opening and at least partially in the outer recess portion and the inner recess portion. The anti-rotation mechanism is operable to prevent the first swashplate ring from rotating about the anti-rotation sleeve. A second swashplate ring is positioned about the first swashplate ring and rotatable about the anti-rotation sleeve.

Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil that extends between a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side wall and a suction side wall. A cooling circuit is disposed inside of the airfoil. The cooling circuit includes a first core cavity that radially extends inside of the airfoil. A first axial skin core is in fluid communication with the first core cavity at a first location of the first axial skin core and a second core cavity is in fluid communication with the first axial skin core at a second location of the first axial skin core.

Abstract: A turbine engine includes a turbine, a compressor for compressing air and a combustor for receiving the compressed air through an inlet passage and operable to burn fuel therewith to deliver hot exhaust gas to the turbine. Also included is a wheel space defined proximate to the combustor. Further included is a cooling air passage extending between the compressor and the wheel space. Yet further included is a valve assembly having a valve member disposed in the cooling air passage and operable to admit a cooling air to the wheel space in response to a condition therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of reducing a structural unbalance in a wind turbine rotor with pitch control and a control device for performing. A frequency component is detected resulting from the structural unbalance in the wind turbine rotor on the basis of the rotor speed signal. The multiplying the frequency component signal is multiplied by a complex correction factor. Individual pitch angle offsets are establishing for each blade of the rotor based on the magnitude and the phase and complex correction factor. Individual pitch angle offset are added to the respective pitch angles of the blades of the rotor.

Abstract: Wind turbine having a wind turbine tower, a nacelle provided on the wind turbine tower, a rotor hub rotatably mounted to the nacelle, and one or more wind turbine blades having a root end to be mounted to the rotor hub, a tip end, and pressure and suction sides connected to each other via a leading edge and a trailing edge. The wind turbine blade has a plurality of cross-sectional profiles arranged according to the surface of the suction side so that the surface of the suction side forms a line having a predetermined curvature which curves towards the pressure side of the wind turbine blade and/or forms an approximately straight line along at least part of the relative length. The line crosses each cross-sectional profile in that point on the pressure side where the maximum relative thickness of that profile perpendicular relative to its chord line is measured.

Abstract: The prior art has used pitched blades attached to a stationary motor, normally electric. to move air within the confines of a structure or room. The preferred invention incorporates a series of solid discs. The discs are affixed to a stationary electric motor and thus rotate around a central axis. The discs are equally spaced and centrally perforated in a manner that will allow air to flow in high volumes through the perforations and pass along the discs thus exiting symmetrically between each disc perpendicularly to the flow of air that is at its entrance. Due to the less restrictive or low pressure air entrance as well as the correct vertical disc spacing a corresponding increase in the laminar flow is realized. This feature of the preferred invention allows for operation at a rotational speed that practical for use as a ceiling fan.

Abstract: Load control systems and methods for shafts are provided. The load control system includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes mounted to the shaft, each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors configured to produce an ultrasonic wave on the shaft. The sensor assembly further includes a plurality of receivers mounted to the shaft, each of the plurality of receivers configured to sense the ultrasonic wave produced by one of the plurality of ultrasonic probes. The load control system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to measure a travel time of the ultrasonic wave produced by each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes.

Abstract: Flag-type wind and/or water power generation features are described. Fluid-filled embodiments are described. The fluid may be employed for pumping effect and/or dynamic physical property change. Leading-edge and trailing-edge mounted flag architectures are described with various applications including flapping flag arrays and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs).

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge that define an airfoil-shaped profile. The pressure side has a morphable region. The wind turbine also includes a control system configured to activate the morphable region to alter the airfoil-shaped profile and reduce negative lift generated by the blade when the blade is oriented at a negative lift angle.

Abstract: A system for mitigating wake losses in a windfarm is disclosed. The system may include a first horizontal axis wind turbine configured to rotate in a first direction and a second horizontal axis wind turbine positioned adjacent to the first horizontal axis wind turbine. The second horizontal axis wind turbine configured to rotate in a second direction, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

Abstract: Flag-type wind and/or water power generation features are described. Fluid-filled embodiments are described. The fluid may be employed for pumping effect and/or dynamic physical property change. Leading-edge and trailing-edge mounted flag architectures are described with various applications including flapping flag arrays and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs).

Abstract: A method of calibrating one or more load sensors of a blade of a wind turbine, said wind turbine comprising a main generator, a power electronic converter connected with the main generator, and a rotor operationally connected with the main generator and carrying the blade. The method comprises acting on the power electronic converter to operate the main generator as motor to set the blade in at least one predetermined condition. The method further comprises measuring loads in the predetermined condition using the load sensors of the blade and calibrating the blade load sensors taking into account the measured loads.

Abstract: One embodiment comprising a motoring propeller (21) attached to a rotatable motoring shaft (22) which in turn is connected to a motor (26) and a generating propeller (23) attached to a rotatable generating shaft (24) which in turn is connected to a generator (25). Operation of the motor (26) results in the motoring propeller (21) to rotate and generate an accelerating slipstream towards the generating propeller (23) which results in the generator (25) rotating to convert recovered rotational energy into other forms of useable energy. The motoring propeller (21) may also be represented as rotating spokes of a wheel rim with the generating propeller (23) situated inside or near the wheel rim space where it freely rotates as a result of the slipstream impacting its blades. The motor (26) may be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. The generator (25) output is available for charging batteries or powering electrical loads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for capturing the kinetic energy of a fluid and converting it to rotational, electrical or mechanical energy, the device including a rotating bar mechanism for enabling rotation of a flow-capturing blade around a central axis of the device while retaining the flow-capturing blade in an orientation perpendicular to the fluid flow direction throughout the rotation cycle.

Abstract: The present application provides a turbine component for use in a hot gas path of a gas turbine. The turbine component may include an outer surface, an internal cooling circuit, a number of cooling pathways in communication with the internal cooling circuit and extending through the outer surface, and a number of adaptive cooling pathways in communication with the internal cooling circuit and extending through the outer surface. The adaptive cooling pathways may include a high temperature compound therein.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a vertical axis wind turbine may be constructed to better survive wear and tear while being more energy efficient. A turbine blade may capture air movement to generate power. A blade arm may hold the turbine blade parallel to a rotating shaft. The blade arm may transmit torque from the turbine blade to the rotating shaft to drive a rotor of an electrical power generator. A moment-free connector may connect the turbine blade to the blade arm to transmit a stress maxima to a structural strongpoint of the turbine blade away from the moment-free connector.

Abstract: The main subject matter of the invention is a device (1) for setting a turbomachine propeller blade (2), characterised in that it comprises a first disc (3) and a second disc (4) respectively provided with first (5) and second (6) coupling means, the first (3) and second (4) discs being coaxial, means of tilting (9, 10, 11, 12) at least one of the first (3) and second (4) discs with respect to the other, the device (1) being configured so that, during a tilting of at least one of the first (3) and second (4) discs with respect to the other, the coupling distance (D) of said at least one blade (2) on the first (3) and second (4) discs remains constant, bringing about the rotation of said at least one blade (2).

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring aerodynamic loads acting on a wind turbine rotor blade is disclosed. The measured aerodynamic loads can be converted to an angle of attack of the resulting wind which flows past the moving rotor blade. The sensor is realized as a trailing edge flap which is elastically moveable relative the main part of the wind turbine blade. By measuring motion of the trailing edge flap or corresponding motions of components of the sensor system, the aerodynamic forces acting on the blade can be determined. Due to the relative small dimensions of the sensor flap and the relative small displacements of the flap, the sensor system only affects the aerodynamic properties insignificantly.

Abstract: A variable chord morphing helicopter rotor blade is disclosed. The variable chord morphing helicopter rotor blade includes an extensible quasi-static chord section connected to the rotor blade, an adjusted airfoil chord length of the rotor blade corresponding to extension of the quasi-static chord section relative to a baseline airfoil chord length, the adjusted airfoil chord length determined according to helicopter flight conditions.

Abstract: An example turbomachine rotor provides a groove that is annular and is configured to receive a root of an airfoil, the groove having a radial cross-sectional area. A ratio of the radial cross-sectional area of the groove to a radial cross-sectional area of the root received within the annular groove is from 2 to 5.

Abstract: A method and a cooling system for cooling blades of at least one blade row in a rotary flow machine includes an axial flow channel which is radially limited on the inside by a rotor unit and at the outside by at least one stationary component, the blades are arranged at the rotary unit and provide a shrouded blade tip facing radially to said stationary component. Pressurized cooling air is fed through from radially outside towards the tip of each of said blades in the at least one blade row, and the pressurized cooling air enters the blades through at least one opening at the shrouded blades' tip.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan section including a fan rotatable about an axis and a speed reduction device in communication with the fan. The speed reduction device includes a planetary fan drive gear system with a planet gear ratio of at least 2.5. A fan blade tip speed of the fan is less than 1400 fps.

Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body portion and a cooling circuit disposed inside of the body portion. The cooling circuit includes a first baffle received within a first core cavity that extends inside of the body portion, a second baffle received within a second core cavity that extends inside of the body portion, and a first rib disposed between the first core cavity and the second core cavity. The first baffle is in fluid communication with the second baffle through the first rib.

Abstract: A method of coupling at least two sections of a rotor designed to carry the rotating parts of a turbine for the generation of electrical power for a public grid and a modified rotor is described with a coupling of increased diameter exceeding the nominal diameter of the rotor, with the step of removing mass from an volume lying exclusively within the interior of the sections when coupled such that the lateral critical speed of the coupling is moved away from the normal operating speed of the rotor

Abstract: A system for creating a seal between a damper and a platform of a turbine engine component includes a turbine engine component having an airfoil portion, a platform, and a fir tree for joining the turbine engine component to a rotor, a damper located in an area beneath the platform, a seal having a sealing surface which seats against an underside of the platform, which seal has a seal retention feature which bends into contact with an underside of the damper, and which seal with the seal retention feature has a center of gravity which allows the seal retention feature to bend up as result of rotational movement of the rotor. A method for creating the seal is also described.

Abstract: A vibration-resistant wind turbine and process for operation is provided. The wind turbine has a rotor with at least two blades, each of which includes an inclinometer arrangement with at least two axes, and an evaluating unit. The evaluating unit determines the bending and/or twisting of the blade relative to the longitudinal axis of the blade on the basis of signals from the inclinometer arrangement for each blade during operation. Each rotor blade further has at least one liquid tank which is capable of receiving or transferring liquid from or to a liquid reservoir via a transfer mechanism in response to the determined bending and/or twisting of the rotor blades to reduce vibration caused by imbalances, thereby extending the service life of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A wind turbine assembly comprising an inflatable rotor assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to integrated circuits, systems and methods for combined sensing and heating functions in structures suitable for use in deicing, heating and other applications. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit is coupled to a heating element and configured to control operation of the heating element to provide heat as well as to utilize the heating element as at least part of a sensing structure to sense the presence of ice, water or air on or near the heating element. In embodiments, the heating element comprises a conductive polymer structure, and the presence of ice, water or air is sensed based on a capacitance, impedance or other spectroscopy of the structure sensed and analyzed by integrated circuitry coupled to the structure.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, an actuation system is configured for actuation of an airfoil member with a flap mechanism. The actuation system can include an upper drive tape and a lower drive tape, each partially wrapped around a first bearing and second bearing. An inboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. Similarly, an outboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. The inboard frame is coupled to the upper drive tape, while the outboard frame is coupled to the lower drive tape. An actuation of the inboard frame and outboard frame in a reciprocal manner acts move a flap input lever reciprocally upward and downward. A flap mechanism is configured to convert the movement of the flap input lever into rotational movements of the airfoil member.

Abstract: A pitch drive system for a wind turbine includes a pitch drive motor, a first position detector, a driver, a second position detector, and a controller. When the blades rotate to a mechanical zero position, a position value detected by the first position detector is a first zero point position value. The driver is operable to store the first zero point position value. When the blades rotate to the mechanical zero position, a position value detected by the second position detector is a second zero point position value. The controller is operable to store the second zero point position value. When a corresponding back up command is received, the first zero point position value stored in the driver is backed up into the controller, and the second zero point position value stored in the controller is backed up into the driver respectively.

Abstract: A wind turbine system includes blades which rotate by receiving wind, a nacelle which supports the blades and rotates with the blades, a main shaft for transmitting torque which is connected to the hub and is rotated by the rotation of the hub, and a generator which generates electricity using rotating energy of the main shaft, wherein the main shaft is connected to the hub inside the hub in the axial direction of the main shaft.

Abstract: A blade tracking system including a detector having one or more sensors to detect radiation from at least one field of view of the detector, the one or more sensors generating signals based on changes in incident radiation to the one or more sensors as a rotor blade passes the field of view, and a processor to determine a pass time for the rotor blade to pass through the at least one field of view based on the generated signals.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade and a movable trim tab located along a span of the rotor blade. A linear positioner is located inside the rotor blade and operably connected to the trim tab to move the trim tab thereby reducing rotor blade vibration. A method for reducing vibration of a rotor assembly includes energizing a linear positioner located inside a rotor blade of the rotor assembly and moving an output piston of the linear positioner. A trim tab located at the rotor blade is moved to a selected trim tab angle relative to the rotor blade by the output piston, and the linear positioner is deenergized thereby locking the trim tab at the selected trim tab angle.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting asymmetric utilizing longitudinal tower acceleration data may include: providing a rotorspeed acceleration monitoring system; determining from the rotorspeed acceleration monitoring system whether a rotorspeed acceleration is above a rotorspeed acceleration limit; determining whether a rotor-mass imbalance condition exists; and determining whether a longitudinal tower acceleration coincides with icing on a rotor.

Abstract: A load control system for a wind turbine and a method for controlling wind turbine loading are provided. The system includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a light source mounted to a rotor shaft and configured to emit a light, and a sensor mounted to the rotor shaft and configured to sense the light and measure a location of the light in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly.