Control Of Drive Brake Or Clutch Patents (Class 416/32)
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Patent number: 11867191Abstract: An anti-rotation device configured to prevent a plurality of blades of the industrial fan from rotating. The anti-rotation device includes a movable member and a non-movable member, wherein the movable member is slidable relative to the blades between two positions, an unlocked position that substantially permits the plurality of blades to rotate and a locked position that substantially prevents the plurality of blades from rotating. The movable member is movable in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of rotation of the blades. In one embodiment, the anti-rotation device includes a substantially L-shaped lever having a long side and a short side, a pulley operatively connected to the L-shaped lever at a point where the long side and the short side meet, and a substantially flat plate attached to one end of the short side of the L-shaped lever.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Abdulrahman Abdulaziz AlGwaiz
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Patent number: 11454216Abstract: A turbine (100) for generating energy is provided herein. The turbine (100) includes a hub (102), and a plurality of blades (104A, 104B, and 104C) attached to the hub (102). The turbine (100) further includes a rotor plane having disposed thereon masses (114) that are configured to be moved in a radial direction by a driving mechanism. The turbine (100) further includes an energy storage means connected to the driving mechanism. During operation, the blades are configured to be rotatable by a moving wind, and the driving mechanism is configured to move the masses (114) radially inwards or outwards in the rotor plane.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Inventors: Dishant Mishra, Samarth Jain
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Patent number: 11326577Abstract: A fluid turbine apparatus includes a fixed structure and a rotating structure supported by the fixed structure. The rotating structure includes a central shaft, and at least two wings connected to the central shaft. Each of the wings includes a wing frame, at least one door and a respective at least one door stopper. Each of the doors pivots relative to the respective wing frame between closed and open positions. In use, the door located at one side of the central shaft facing a flow of fluid is in the closed position with fluid force transferred to the door, while the door located at the opposite side of the shaft is in the open position with fluid passing through the respective wing frame. The fluid force creates a torque that rotates the central shaft. Apparatuses can extract power from wind or water current.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Inventor: Dipak Kumar Sen
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Patent number: 11274745Abstract: To curb temperature rises in a control device for a supercharger and extend the life of the control device for the supercharger, a work vehicle includes a variable geometry supercharger with variable boost pressure, and a working device driven by pressure oil discharged from a working hydraulic pump, the work vehicle further including: a supercharger control device adapted to control the supercharger; a temperature detection device adapted to detect temperature of the supercharger control device; and a main control device adapted to limit at least one of maximum rotational speed of an engine and maximum vehicle speed of the work vehicle in case the temperature of the supercharger control device is above a predetermined temperature as compared to case the temperature of the supercharger control device is below the predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.Inventors: Koji Hyodo, Masashi Yamashita, Tetsuji Tanaka, Katsutaka Hara, Masaki Nukii, Isamu Aoki
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Patent number: 11231009Abstract: A rotor blade of a wind turbine including an aerodynamic device which can be actuated pneumatically by the use of a pressure supply system is provided. The pressure supply system includes a pressurized air supply system, a pressurized air transmission system with pressure lines for transmitting the supplied pressurized air from the pressurized air supply system to the aerodynamic device, at least one pneumatic actuator for activating the aerodynamic device, and a safety system to protect the rotor blade from damages caused by overpressure in the pressurized air transmission system and/or the actuator. The safety system includes means for discharging pressurized air from the pressurized air transmission system and/or the actuator. Also provided is a wind turbine for generating electricity including at least one such rotor blade.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/SInventors: Busra Akay, Peder Bay Enevoldsen, Alejandro Gomez Gonzalez, Bodo Richert
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Patent number: 11125167Abstract: A fan drive gear system for a gas turbine engine includes a gear system that provides a speed reduction between a fan drive turbine and a fan and a mount flexibly supporting portions of the gear system. A lubrication system supporting the fan drive gear system provides lubricant to the gear system and removes thermal energy produced by the gear system. The lubrication system includes a capacity for removing thermal energy equal to less than about 2% of power input into the gear system.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 21, 2021Assignee: Raytheon Technologies CorporationInventor: William G. Sheridan
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Patent number: 10994836Abstract: Aerial vehicles are equipped with propellers having clutch mechanisms that contract around a shaft when the propellers are not rotating, or are rotating at low angular velocities, and expand around the shaft when the propellers are rotating at sufficiently high angular velocities. The clutch mechanisms surround one or more fixed posts within an opening or window defined therein. When the clutch mechanisms contract into a closed position, components of the clutch mechanisms come into contact with the posts, and the propellers are forced to remain in an alignment defined by the posts. When the clutch mechanisms expand into an open position, such components may rotate freely without contacting the posts. The clutch mechanisms cause propellers to remain aligned in desired orientations when the propellers are not required for operation, thereby reducing drag or adverse acoustic effects.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dominic Timothy Shiosaki
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Patent number: 10890219Abstract: A fan system is disclosed that includes a braking mechanism for physically stopping rotation of a fan rotor. The braking mechanism is activated when the fan system is at least partially removed from a chassis or enclosure or when the chassis or enclosure including the fan system is opened. The fan rotor, of the fan system, may include a rotating blade assembly configured to rotate around an axis. A fan motor, of the fan system, is configured to cause rotation of the rotating blade assembly around the axis. The braking mechanism, of the fan system, is configured to apply friction to at least one component of the fan rotor when the braking mechanism is engaged. Application of friction to the at least one component of the fan rotor may stop rotation of the rotating blade assembly around the axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Oracle International CorporationInventor: Eric Munro Innes
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Spring-loaded drive for a high-voltage power switch and method for operating the spring-loaded drive
Patent number: 10861656Abstract: A spring-loaded drive for a high-voltage power switch contains at least one spring and at least one tensioning motor for the at least one spring. The spring-loaded drive contains at least one rectifier circuit, which is formed by a plurality of diodes where precisely one diode is connected in series to the tensioning motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Hilker -
Patent number: 10801468Abstract: The invention relates to a pitch bearing, a blade, an impeller of a wind turbine and to a connecting method for the wind turbine. There is provided a pitch bearing of a wind turbine comprising: an inner bearing ring, an outer bearing ring and an extension portion, wherein one of the inner bearing ring and the outer bearing ring is connected to the extension portion. With the pitch bearing, blade, impeller of the wind turbine and the connecting method for the wind turbine according to the disclosure, it is possible to connect the blade to the pitch bearing without bolts, allow a lower weight for the wind turbine, increase strength and fatigue life of the wind turbine, and allow a lower manufacturing cost and difficulty for the wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: BEIJING GOLDWING SCIENCE & CREATION WINDPOWER EQUIPMENT CO., LTD.Inventor: Arsenii Khvyiuzov
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Patent number: 9982657Abstract: The present invention provides a wind-directly-driven oil pumping machine, comprising an electric motor (1) and a control device (14), and further comprising a rotary spindle (2), a blade (3), a lifting roller (4), a roller driving wheel (6), an energy adjustment flywheel (7), a generator (10), a transmission (8) and an energy feedback device (9). The blade (3) is fixedly connected to the rotary spindle (2). The lifting roller (4) is used for raising and lowering a sucker rod. The lifting roller (4) sleeves the rotary spindle (2). Clutches (5) are disposed between the rotary spindle (2) and the lifting roller (4). The clutches (5) are used for separating or joining the rotary spindle (2) and the lifting roller (4). The roller driving wheel (6) and the lifting roller (4) are fixedly connected to form a whole.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Inventor: Yongan Qiu
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Patent number: 9605557Abstract: A variable bypass turbofan engine includes a bypass fan having a plurality of bypass fan blades mated to a first low pressure shaft segment. A second low pressure shaft segment includes a low pressure compressor and a low pressure turbine mated thereto. The engine also includes a clutch coupled between the first low pressure shaft segment and the second low pressure shaft segment and is configured to selectively couple and decouple the first low pressure shaft segment from the second low pressure shaft segment. A brake is configured to selectively halt or oppose rotation of the first low pressure shaft segment or the bypass fan.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: August J Rolling
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Patent number: 9267561Abstract: According to one embodiment, a rotor brake control system includes a temperature sensor operable to measure an operating temperature of a rotor brake and a rotor brake control unit operable to instruct a caliper to adjust, based on the measured operating temperature, an amount of friction generated between a brake pad and the rotor brake.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.Inventor: Gary S. Conway
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Patent number: 9194333Abstract: The invention relates to a field of feeding reaction engines, and in particular a turbopump 9 for feeding at least one combustion chamber 2 with a first propellant, the turbopump comprising a pump 9a, a turbine 9b to the pump 9a in order to drive it, and a variable and/or disengageable braking device 11.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Gaelle Le Bouar, Richard Petit
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Patent number: 9188130Abstract: A locking device is provided for a cooling fan assembly. The assembly includes a central hub. A plurality of blades are operatively connected to and configured to selectively rotate around the central hub. A blade ring is fixedly connected to respective outermost radial portions of the plurality of blades. The blade ring may be annularly-shaped and defines at least one blade ring slot. The locking device is configured to selectively prevent the plurality of blades from rotating. The locking device includes a movable member and an actuation device for moving the movable member. The movable member is slidable relative to the blade ring between two positions, an unlocked position that substantially permits the plurality of blades to rotate and a locked position that substantially prevents the plurality of blades from rotating.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Donnell B. Johnson
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Patent number: 9121385Abstract: A wind turbine includes at least one wind turbine blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a blade and a pitch bearing arranged between the blade and a hub of the wind turbine, the blade assembly further including two or more hydraulic pitch cylinders for pitching the blade in relation to the hub. The two or more hydraulic pitch cylinders are arranged to expand in the same angular direction around the rotational axis of the pitch bearing. A method for pitching a blade of a wind turbine includes connecting a first end of the hydraulic pitch cylinders directly or indirectly to the hub; connecting a second end of the hydraulic pitch cylinders directly or indirectly to the blade; and expanding or contracting the hydraulic pitch cylinders in the same angular direction in relation to the rotational axis of the pitch bearing.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Jesper Lykkegaard Andersen, Jens Bay Madsen
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Publication number: 20140219796Abstract: A wind turbine control system comprising a thrust sensor and a braking system. The system allows an increase in wind speed to be detected instantaneously and corrective action to be initiated. The system comprises additional features such as deceleration control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: CONDOR WIND ENERGY LIMITEDInventors: Silvestro Caruso, Martin Jakubowski, Luciano Caioli
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Patent number: 8757973Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting the rotation angle position of the rotor of a wind energy system should be improved by the invention, whereby a complicated processing of the brake disc previously used for engagement of the drive is no longer necessary, and whereby said brake disc can be flexibly arranged in an area with sufficient construction space. For this purpose, the adjusting device has at least one force transducer wheel and/or a force transducing disc which is mounted or can be mounted on a shaft (1) of the drive train which is switched downstream from the rotor, which is structured for engagement of a force transmitting means, and is designed as an independent component. The device also has a drive means for producing a drive force, and at least one force transmission means for transmitting the drive force to the force transducer wheel and/or the force transducing disc.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2009Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Kenersys GmbHInventors: Michael HĂ¼sken, Ulf Nosthoff, Ulrich Uphues, Markus Becker
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Patent number: 8690526Abstract: This present invention relates to a hydroelectric turbine having a stator and a rotor within the stator on at least one set of bearings, the turbine having a brake which becomes operational following a predetermined level of bearing wear in order to avoid damage to the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: OpenHydro IP LimitedInventors: Paul Dunne, James Ives
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Patent number: 8593006Abstract: A method for the oscillation damping of a drive train in a wind turbine is proposed. The drive train connects a rotor to a generator. Parameter values representing an oscillation of the drive train are calculated and, on the basis of the calculated parameter values, damping forces which counteract the oscillation of the drive train are exerted in a controlled manner on the drive train by a braking device.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Matthias Wohlleb
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Publication number: 20130230395Abstract: A blade speed control system is disclosed and applied to a generator and a blade. A control method of the blade speed control system includes: setting the blade speed control system to a first mode; detecting a voltage value and a current value of the generator by a processing unit; generating a modulated signal according to the voltage value and the current value by the processing unit; switching the blade speed control system to a second mode by the processing unit; and adjusting the current value according to the modulated signal by a control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Yun-Chi HUNG, Chih-Hung HSIAO, Cheng-Chieh CHAN, Hong-Ling CIOU, Yuan-Fang HUANG
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Patent number: 8491262Abstract: A method for shutdown of a wind turbine having one or more wind turbine blades includes detecting an operational condition of the wind turbine that calls for an expedited or emergency shutdown of the wind turbine by a manner other than normal pitch control shutdown. Upon detection of the operational condition, one or more air brake flaps configured on each of the turbine blades is deployed by removing power to a fail-safe actuator operatively coupled to each of the air brake flaps. The fail-safe actuator is configured to hold the respective air brake flap at a retracted position relative to a suction side of the turbine blade in a powered state of the fail-safe actuator and to release the air brake flap for automatic deployment to an open position upon loss of power to the fail-safe actuator.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Edward Lee McGrath, Robert William Ridgway
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Patent number: 8480363Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Inventor: Thomas Mellus Fenaughty
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Publication number: 20130078092Abstract: A method for controlling rotation speed of a vertical axis windmill by using rotating centrifugal force of blades comprises the steps of a. forming the rotor blades; b. rotation of the rotor blades; and c. lift control. A device for controlling rotation speed of the vertical axis windmill comprises a plate mounted on each of the rotor blades, then an elastic lift control device provides an elasticity to press the plate against the rotor blades, and the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the vertical axis windmill counteracts the elasticity, so as to create an automatically adjustable, passively controlled and durable windmill.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Cheng-Keng CHEN, Ming-Guo CHEN
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Publication number: 20130069369Abstract: Disclosed is a renewable energy extraction device and methods for producing renewable energy from flowing air or water. The renewable energy extraction device captures a relatively large amount of flowing water or atmospheric air and increases speed of the captured water or air by decreasing flow cross sectional area in the flow direction. An energy extraction component is used to extract energy of the high-speed water or air and convert it to rotational mechanical energy on a power shaft. A rotation direction control mechanism is used to make the power shaft always rotate in one direction, without coming to a stop, for ocean applications. The mechanical energy of the power shaft is transmitted to an electric generator, pump, compressor, or any other rotary equipment. After extraction of its energy, the captured air or water is released to its original source at a downstream location.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: March 21, 2013Inventor: Karim Salehpoor
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Patent number: 8319361Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a wind energy installation (1) comprising a tower (2) and a rotor provided with rotor blades (5) and arranged on the tower, in terms of a possible collision of a rotor blade (5) with the tower (2). Said device comprises at least one distance sensor (7a, 7b) which is arranged on the wind energy installation (1) and used for the non-contact measurement of the distance between the rotor blades (5) and a pre-determined point on the wind energy installation (1). The device also comprises an electronic evaluation system in which the distance data measured by the at least one distance sensor (7a, 7b) is evaluated, said system emitting a collision warning in the event of a critical distance not being reached.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2007Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Inventor: Christoph Lucks
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Patent number: 8251639Abstract: A gas turbine includes at least one multi-stage compressor unit 2, with the compressor unit 2 including several, independent compressor modules 3-5, which, independently of each other, are rotatably borne on a drive shaft 1 and are each engageable with the drive shaft 1 by at least one clutch unit 9-11.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce Deutchland Ltd Co KGInventor: Metin Talan
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Patent number: 8214075Abstract: A method of modelling a flight of an aircraft using at least one computer system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes: sourcing flight details from at least one data source using at least one data acquisition system, the flight details representative of the activity of the aircraft within a flight information region, and compiling a flight model from the flight details using a processing system, the flight model indicating the activity of the aircraft over the duration of the flight in two or more FIRs or for an entire flight undertaken in a single FIR.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Airways Corporation of New Zealand LimitedInventors: Mark Raymond Griffin, Mervyn Lloyd Robertson
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Patent number: 8186949Abstract: A method in connection with a wind turbine installation for damping tower vibrations, in particular a floating wind turbine installation comprising a floating cell, a tower arranged over the floating cell, a generator mounted on the tower that is rotatable in relation to the wind direction and fitted with a wind turbine, and an anchor line arrangement connected to anchors or foundations on the sea bed. The tower's eigenvibrations, ?eig, are damped by, in addition to control with the controller in the constant power or RPM range of the wind turbine, an increment, ??, being added to the blade angle of the turbine blades on the basis of the tower velocities, ?Z, so that the eigenvibrations are counteracted.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: StatoilHydro ASAInventors: Finn Gunnar Nielsen, Bjorn Skaare, John Olav G. Tande, Ian Norheim, Kjetil Uhlen
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Patent number: 8167555Abstract: Disclosed a horizontal axis wind turbine including: a rotor; a nacelle; a tower; an independent pitch control device; and a yaw control device, wherein the horizontal axis wind turbine is an up-wind type one including a waiting mode, wherein (1) the independent pitch control device performs a first step of changing all the blades to be in feathering states when the wind speed exceeds the predetermined value, a second step of changing the blades to be in reverse feathering states one by one sequentially, and a third step of holding all the blades in the reverse feathering states, and (2) the yaw control device controls a yaw brake to take a braking value allowing the yaw rotation when the wind speed exceeds the predetermined value, wherein the rotor is allowed to swing a leeward of the tower by executing the control operations (1) and (2) as the waiting mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shigeo Yoshida
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Publication number: 20110293417Abstract: In order to provide a wind turbine generator and an operation method of the wind turbine generator which is not subjected to damages caused by foreign objects inside a rotor hub, the wind turbine generator comprises blades, a rotor hub to which the blades are fixed, a rotating shaft such as a main shaft and a coupling being connected to the rotor hub and rotating with the rotor hub, a FO detection sensor arranged inside the rotor hub for detecting a foreign object inside the rotor hub, a brake device such as a pitch control unit and a parking brake for stopping the rotation of the rotating shaft, and a controller for controlling the brake device to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft when the FO detection sensor detects the foreign object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: MITSUBISIHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTDInventor: Naota Watanabe
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Patent number: 8066480Abstract: A high volume low speed (HVLS) fan provides improved air circulation and thermal control in a building by incorporating composite fan blades pivotable to both positive and negative pitch angles. The blades are molded of polymer material over a metal tube core for strength and ease of attachment to the fan hub, and have a symmetrical airfoil shape to produce an efficient bi-directional conical airflow. The fan includes a control unit providing manual and automated intelligent control over blade angle and rotational speed, as well as startup with approximately zero blade angle for more economical power consumption and less motor wear. The fan structure and mounting system allows the fan to be installed at an optimal height inside a variety of buildings to provide increased efficiency of air destratification and air mixing. An array of multiple HVLS fans with alternating directions of airflow can further increase efficiency of air movement.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: AirMotion Sciences, Inc.Inventor: Joe E Madsen
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Patent number: 8047770Abstract: A brake system is provided for controlling a rotational speed of a drivetrain for a wind turbine. The drivetrain is coupled to a rotor shaft and a generator rotor shaft. The brake system includes a mechanical brake operatively coupled to the drivetrain. The mechanical brake includes a brake caliper and a brake disc coupled to the drivetrain. A sensor is configured to detect a parameter of the wind turbine. A controller is configured to actuate the brake caliper to apply a braking force on the brake disc. The controller is configured to control the mechanical brake based on the parameter to adjust a brake torque generated by the braking force.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Axel Braicks
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Publication number: 20110135470Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine with a variable speed rotor, a control system and a safety system, including the steps of initiating a braking procedure of the rotor of the wind turbine by the control system when the rotational speed of the rotor exceeds a first threshold value (nc1), and activating a safety system for braking the rotor when the rotational speed of the rotor exceeds a second threshold value (ns1) and when the control system has not initiated a braking procedure, the second threshold value (ns1) being greater than the first threshold value (nc1).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Nordex Energy GmbHInventor: Maximilian Merkel
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Publication number: 20110135465Abstract: A brake system is provided for controlling a rotational speed of a drivetrain for a wind turbine. The drivetrain is coupled to a rotor shaft and a generator rotor shaft. The brake system includes a mechanical brake operatively coupled to the drivetrain. The mechanical brake includes a brake caliper and a brake disc coupled to the drivetrain. A sensor is configured to detect a parameter of the wind turbine. A controller is configured to actuate the brake caliper to apply a braking force on the brake disc. The controller is configured to control the mechanical brake based on the parameter to adjust a brake torque generated by the braking force.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventor: Axel Braicks
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Patent number: 7944070Abstract: A yaw system of a wind turbine includes a plurality of motors, each motor being coupled to the nacelle for applying torque to the nacelle; a plurality of controllers, one controller for each of the motors, each controller being configured to control the respective motor and coupled to at least one other controller to transmit operation information thereto; and a yaw system controller configured to transmit control information to at least one controller of the plurality of controllers. At least one of the controllers is configured to control the respective motor based on at least one of the control information and the received operation information from the at least one other controller. Communication between the controllers of the respective motors can allow a faster response of the yaw system to yaw the nacelle according to a change of wind direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Paw Rosenvard, Lars Brink Christensen
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Publication number: 20100209246Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for the wind turbine yaw control. A wind turbine bedplate is rotateably mounted on a stationary tower. The bedplate is connected to a yaw encoder, which provides angular position of the bedplate with respect to the stationary tower. A wind vane, which can be attached to the bedplate, is connected to a wind vane encoder. The yaw encoder and wind vane encoder send data to a turbine controller. When the bedplate orientation differs from the average wind direction by a predetermined amount, a yaw brake that keeps the bedplate in place is released in a controllable fashion, such that some amount of friction between the brake pads and the stationary disk remains. Consequently, the bedplate will controllably rotate to align itself with the newly established average wind vector, thus aligning the turbine blade rotation plane substantially perpendicularly against the average wind vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventor: Robert Migliori
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Publication number: 20100133823Abstract: A wind turbine hybrid braking system is presented. The system includes a generator coupled to a main shaft of the wind turbine for generating and transmitting power. A mechanical brake is coupled to the main shaft for applying reaction torque upon braking of the wind turbine. The system further includes an electrical braking circuit coupled to the generator for acting in conjunction with the mechanical brake and dissipating active power via controlled switching.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Simon Herbert Schramm, Christof Martin Sihler
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Patent number: 7721434Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a shaft in an essentially horizontal position while an anchoring object at one end of the shaft is replaced without removal of an object at the opposite end of the shaft that would otherwise tend to destabilize the shaft from its essentially horizontal position includes a half-spool member configured to clamp above and around the shaft to resist torque around the rotor, under supports configured to attach to the half-spool member and clamp an underside of the shaft below the half-spool member, and a hydraulic or mechanical brake configured to resist torque on the shaft when the brake is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Patrick Weaver, Kirsh Alimohammed Afimiwala, Norman Scott Winneguth, Fulton Jose Lopez, Michael Ulfert Hornemann, Craig Leonard Christenson
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Publication number: 20100068057Abstract: A method for stopping a pitch controlled wind turbine comprising a rotor with at least one blade (11), a mechanical brake (31) on the high speed shaft, a pitch system ((21, 23, 25) for adjusting the blade pitch angle, that includes: a) a first stage using the pitch system (21, 23, 25) for slowing down the rotor; b) a second stage using both the pitch system (21, 23, 25) and the mechanical brake (31) for stopping the rotor. The second stage begins when one of the following conditions takes place: the high speed shaft rotational speed is under a predefined value So; a predefined time delay To with respect to the beginning of the first stage is reached; a predefined high speed shaft torque level TLo is reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Michael Friedrich, Rasmus Andersen
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Patent number: 7581926Abstract: A power generating system wherein a turbine is mounted on top of a tower or tethered underwater. The turbine includes a rotor having a main blade connected to a rotor hub and an extender section. An adjusting device positions the extender blade between a retracted position within the main blade and to an extended position to expose more or less of the rotor to the fluid flow. The adjusting device includes a servo-controlled rack and pinion mechanism that converts rotation of the pinion by a servomotor into linear motion of the extender blade. A generator is connected to the turbine for generating electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Clipper Windpower Technology, Inc.Inventors: James G. P. Dehlsen, Amir S. Mikhail
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Publication number: 20090146432Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine (10) comprises two turbine rotors (12) and (13) with a plurality of curved blades (14) and (15) and coupled together by gears underneath their shafts and rotating synchronously in opposite directions, a multi-function center enhance (16) with three sections namely, the front deflector (21), the upwind blade cavity (22) and the turbulence reducer (23) and together with the two side deflectors (17) and (18) contribute to the efficient flow of the wind stream to the downwind moving blades (28) and (29) of the two turbine rotors. The center enhance separates the two turbine rotors on opposite sides. The wind turbine (10) has a cylindrical housing structure (11) with two levels of horizontal platform (19) and (20) housing various components of the machine, and a yaw drive mechanism that orients properly the machine into the wind.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2005Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventor: Abraham E. Ballena
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Publication number: 20090097975Abstract: A fan system comprises a hub, a plurality of fan blades, a drive system, and a stationary tube. The hub is configured to rotate. The fan blades are mounted to the hub. The drive system comprises a rotatable hollow output shaft. The hollow output shaft is in communication with the hub, such that the drive system is operable to rotate the hub via the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is inserted through the hollow output shaft. The stationary tube is configured to remain stationary as the hollow output shaft rotates. Wires and the like may be passed through the stationary tube, to reach an accessory mounted at the bottom of the stationary tube. The fan system may also include a detector, such as a heat detector, a smoke detector, or an accelerometer. The detector may power down the fan system in response to detecting certain conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Richard Michael Aynsley, Richard W. Fizer, Richard A. Oleson, J. Carey Smith
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Publication number: 20090001724Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling a vertical axis wind power generation system that controls the rotation of guide vanes according to wind direction and speed, appropriately controls a direction of wind passing over an impeller, thereby maintaining a rotational speed generating the maximum power, maintains output power of a generator as rated power according to wind direction and speed, and stops the generator when a low or high wind speed outside a setting value range, an error in a structure, a fault in a braking unit, and/or a fault in guide vanes is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: KR CO., LTD.Inventors: Seung Bae LEE, Jeoung Ik JANG
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Patent number: 7384239Abstract: The drive device is provided for inclusion in a windmill with two counter-rotating screws. The shafts of the screws are each connected to a spindle of an epicyclical gearbox, the third spindle providing the energy for the user. The device further comprises a brake device simultaneously acting on the two shafts of the screws. In particular, said device permits the installation of a second screw on a windmill mast designed for a single screw on a windmill mast designed for a single screw, thus greatly increasing the power supplied.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Eotheme SarlInventor: André Wacinski
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Patent number: 7347667Abstract: This relates to a wind power installation comprising a pylon (tower) and a rotor arranged on the pylon and having at least one individually adjustable rotor blade. The wind power installation further comprises a device to detect the wind direction, a device to detect the azimuthal position and/or a device to detect the deviation from vertical of the pylon (tower). In one embodiment, a control unit is coupled to the rotor blade to adjust an angle of incidence of the at least one adjustable rotor blade using information which is representative of (i) the wind direction, (ii) the azimuthal position of the rotor, and (iii) the deviation from vertical of the pylon. The rotor blade may be adjusted in dependence on a deviation between the ascertained wind direction and the detected azimuthal position.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Inventor: Aloys Wobben
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Patent number: 7204673Abstract: A method for controlling a wind power installation at very high wind speeds, in which there is predetermined a first wind speed at which the rotor blades of the wind power installation are put into a first predetermined setting. In addition, the method includes controlling the wind power installation during an extreme wind situation where the rotor blades moved to a position to reduce, as far as possible, mechanical loadings on the wind power installation caused by the extreme wind situation.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Aloys Wobben
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Patent number: 7175389Abstract: A method for reducing peak loads of wind turbines in a changing wind environment includes measuring or estimating an instantaneous wind speed and direction at the wind turbine and determining a yaw error of the wind turbine relative to the measured instantaneous wind direction. The method further includes comparing the yaw error to a yaw error trigger that has different values at different wind speeds and shutting down the wind turbine when the yaw error exceeds the yaw error trigger corresponding to the measured or estimated instantaneous wind speed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Emilian Mieczyslaw Moroz
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Patent number: 6857846Abstract: A stackable, vertical axis windmill comprised of a braced external frame that enables stacking of multiple windmill assemblies. Couplings are located on both ends of the vertical rotor shaft to enable stacking and the transmission of power, an internal wind flow cavity, and controlled wind guides is described. The external frame includes structural bracing that allows for two or more windmill to be stacked one upon another to optimize the use of land or rooftop space for the generation of electricity from wind power. The computer controlled wind guides automatically close partially in high wind conditions in order to prevent damage to the windmill. The internal wind flow cavity allows wind to transfer power to both the windward and leeward rotors blades. The rotor axis is constructed so that all bearings can be replaced without dismantling the structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Inventor: Lewis H. Miller
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Patent number: 6837681Abstract: Wind power installations using more modern technology have long been known. Such wind power installations have rotors comprising at least one or more rotor blades. The rotors and accordingly the rotor blades carried thereby of wind power installations are subjected to a particular degree to the ambient environmental influences such as for example rain, snow, hail or also insects. In particular the leading edges of the rotor blades are heavily loaded in that respect. In that situation it can happen that the rotor blades and in particular the leading edges thereof, after some time, suffer from (mechanical) damage, for which cost-intensive repair is necessary, especially as a crane is frequently required for that purpose and the entire wind power installation is also stopped for a prolonged period due to the repair and under some circumstances even individual rotor blades have to be transported away to the repair location.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: Aloys Wobben