Abstract: A method for controlling an inclination of a floating wind turbine platform to optimize power production, or to reduce loads on the turbine, tower, and platform, or both, includes receiving data associated with the inclination of the floating wind turbine platform and wind speed and direction data. An angle of difference between the turbine blade plane and the wind direction is determined, where the angle of difference has a vertical component. A platform ballast system is then caused to distribute ballast to reduce the vertical component to a target angle chosen to optimize power production, or reduce turbine, tower, and platform loads, or both.

Abstract: A nacelle for a wind turbine includes: a nacelle housing; a rotor hub; and a rotor bearing for bearing the rotor hub on the nacelle housing, wherein the rotor bearing has at least one inner ring element and at least one outer ring element, wherein at least one oil-lubricated sliding bearing element is formed between the inner ring element and the outer ring element. A sealing element is formed between the nacelle housing and the rotor hub and/or between the nacelle housing and a rotor shaft.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for controlling a yaw offset of an upstream wind turbine based on reinforcement learning are provided. The method includes receiving data indicative of a current state of the first wind turbine and of a current state of a second wind turbine adjacent to the first wind turbine downstream along a wind direction, determining one or more controlling actions associated with the yaw offset of the first wind turbine based on the current state of the first wind turbine, the current state of the second wind turbine, and a reinforcement learning algorithm, and applying the determined one or more controlling actions to the first wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a wind turbine (10) having a wind turbine tower (12) and a first energy generating unit (14) includes rotating at least a portion of the wind turbine tower (12). The wind turbine tower (12) is secured to a foundation (16) and has a first position on the foundation (16). The method includes rotating at least a portion of the wind turbine tower (12) from the first position to a second position. In the second position, the portion experiences less stress when the wind turbine (10) is operated in the same prevailing wind. The wind turbine tower (12) may have at least two sections (12a, 12b, 12c) and wherein rotating includes rotating one section relative to another section. One section may be secured to a foundation (16). In that case, rotating may or may not include rotating the section secured to the foundation (16).

Abstract: A wind-powered generator includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a throat that are coaxial about an axis of symmetry of the housing. A nacelle includes a first rotor mounted on a first end of the nacelle and positioned at least partially within the inlet, the first rotor outputting a first power output, and a second rotor mounted on a second end of the nacelle, the second rotor being positioned at least partially within the outlet and having a diameter less than the first rotor. The second rotor outputting a second power output. The first and second power outputs are combined to provide a combined power output, and a nacelle ratio between outer diameters of the nacelle at the inlet and at the outlet is between about 1.60-1.70, and a housing ratio between inner diameters of the housing at the inlet and at the outlet is about 1.85-1.97.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a probe includes a first facet associated with a first pressure port operable to measure a first wind pressure, a second facet associated with a second pressure port operable to measure a second wind pressure, and a third facet associated with a third pressure port operable to measure a third wind pressure. The second facet is adjacent to the first facet and the third facet adjacent to the second facet. The probe further includes a fourth facet adjacent to the third facet and a fifth facet adjacent to the fourth facet and to the first facet. The first facet, the second facet, the third facet, the fourth facet, and the fifth facet are located between a first end portion and a second end portion of the probe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a retrofit auxiliary nacelle yaw position control system that enables advanced nacelle yaw position control of a wind turbine by comparing a desired nacelle yaw position signal with the actual nacelle yaw position and generating a virtual relative wind direction signal that is provided to the existing turbine control unit. This method and system enable implementation of wake steering, collective yaw optimization and dynamic yaw optimization of a collection of wind turbines referred to as a wind plant. Modification of the existing turbine control unit is not required, greatly simplifying the implementation process of advanced yaw control strategies on existing wind plants.

Abstract: A method for determining a yaw position offset of a wind turbine (1) is provided. A neighbouring wind turbine (2) of the wind farm is identified, the neighbouring wind turbine (2) being arranged in the vicinity of the wind turbine (1). Produced power data and/or wind speed data from the wind turbine (1) and from the neighbouring wind turbine (2), is obtained during a period of time, and a yaw position offset of the wind turbine (1) is derived, based on the obtained produced power data and/or wind speed data, and based on the geographical positions of the wind turbine (1) and the neighbouring wind turbine (2). A local maximum and a local minimum being separated by an angular difference in yaw position being substantially equal to 180°.

Abstract: A rotor arresting device, a wind turbine and a method for arresting and/or rotating a rotor. The rotor arresting device comprises a rotor, a rotational assembly, and a static assembly fixed in position, comprising a toothed disk, which can be arranged on the rotational assembly, having a plurality of arresting recesses arranged along a circumference, wherein two adjacent arresting recesses form a tooth, a first arresting module having at least one first arresting element, a second arresting module having at least one second arresting element, wherein the first and the second arresting module can be arranged on the static assembly, wherein the first and the second arresting element are arranged and designed to engage in arresting recesses of the toothed disk, wherein the spacing of the first arresting element from the second arresting element in the circumferential direction of the toothed disk is a non-integral multiple of a tooth tip spacing of the toothed disk.

Abstract: A rotor restraining apparatus (200) and methods for a wind turbine (1). The rotor restraining apparatus has a locking element (204) associated with a rotor (8, 203) of the wind turbine, a rotational axis of said rotor defining an axial direction, the locking element being at least part-circular in form. The locking element comprises a plurality of engagement formations (205) disposed on a periphery thereof. The apparatus also has a restraining member (206), comprising a plurality of engagement formations (207). The restraining member is movable substantially along said axial direction between: (a) a non-restraining position; and (b) a restraining position in which the restraining member engagement formations are able to engage the locking element engagement formations. At least a portion of the restraining member has an arcuate form that substantially matches the curvature of the locking element.

Abstract: A base frame assembly (24) for supporting a main shaft housing of a wind turbine comprises a base frame (50) having a plurality of mounting pads (42) for receiving the main shaft housing (20) thereon; and a brace component (52) comprising a plurality of arm portions (54), each arm portion (54) terminating in a respective support plate (56). Each one of the mounting pads (42) of the base frame (50) is configured to interface with and be secured to a corresponding one of the support plates (56) of the brace component (52).

Abstract: Described here are prosthetic systems, devices, and methods of use therefor. Generally, a prosthesis may be configured to set a resistance to rotation of a prosthetic joint based on a phase of gait. The prosthesis may include a first cylinder, a first piston slidable within the first cylinder, a fluid sump, and a fluid circuit. The fluid circuit may include a plurality of interconnected fluid channels having a unidirectional variable-resistance valve and a set of check valves that are configured to provide unidirectional flow through the valve during piston compression and extension.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a controller, one or more signals from the one or more pressure transducers. The one or more pressure transducers are coupled to one or more pressure lines, the one or more pressure lines are coupled to one or more probes, and the one or more probes coupled to a vehicle. The method also includes converting, by the controller, the one or more signals to one or more digital signals. The method further includes calculating, by the controller, a wind velocity relative to the vehicle using the one or more digital signals.

Abstract: A bladeless wind turbine may include a flexible support rod mounted on a support surface, an elongated rigid mast mounted on the flexible support rod, and a natural tuning mechanism coaxially mounted around a first portion of the flexible support rod. A natural tuning mechanism may include a housing coaxially attached to the flexible support rod, at least one extendable tube slidably housed within the housing and coaxially mounted and fitted around the flexible support rod. At least one extendable tube may be slidably moveable along the main axis of the flexible support rod and may be extendable beyond the top end of the housing by a predetermined height.

Abstract: A method of handling the pitch bearing unit of a rotor blade mounted to the hub of a wind turbine, the method including the steps of providing an extension assembly at the interface between the rotor blade and the hub, moving the rotor blade outward from the hub by means of the extension assembly to open a gap large enough to accommodate the pitch bearing unit while maintaining a connection between the rotor blade and the hub, and removing the pitch bearing unit through the gap.

Abstract: A rotating machine with a fluid rotor comprises a set of blades (4) mounted on arms (2) rotating about a main axis (1) of the rotor, the rotor being held by a support structure (5) in an orientation such that said axis (1) is essentially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of fluid, each blade (4) being mounted pivoting about a respective axis of rotation (3) parallel to the main axis (1), the machine comprising a linkage (13, 7, 14) for generating a relative rotational movement of each blade (4) relative to the arm (2) of same at the axis of rotation (3) thereof, in order to thus vary the tilt of the blade relative to the flow of fluid in an angular range. According to the invention, the machine comprises means for collectively modifying the geometry of the linkages (13, 7, 14) from a movement generated at the main axis of the rotor in order to vary the amplitude of the angular range.

Abstract: A yaw assembly for a wind turbine may include a bushing configured for securement within a yaw cylinder containing a yaw piston and a yaw pad having a first side configured for engagement with a slew ring of the wind turbine and a second side configured for engagement with the yaw piston, a thrust stem engaged with the bushing and configured to apply force to the yaw pad against the slew ring, the thrust stem biased away from the yaw pad by one or more springs residing within the yaw piston, and an anti-rotation collar disposed at an interface between the thrust stem and the yaw piston, the anti-rotation collar including a flange extending from a bottom-center portion thereof, the flange disposed between the one or more springs and a bottom end of the yaw piston.

Abstract: Wind turbine, having a tower and a nacelle mounted rotatably around a center axis of the tower on top of the tower, the tower having at least one tower lift for transportation and/or at least one tower climbing means, in particular a ladder, for climbing between the bottom of the tower and at least one tower platform inside the tower which allows access to an access arrangement for the nacelle, characterized in that the access arrangement includes an access platform suspended below a bed frame of the nacelle and rotatable with the nacelle and an access climbing means, in particular stairs, and/or an access lift leading from the access platform to an interior of the nacelle.

Abstract: A cell access method includes determining, by a terminal in communication with a first cell, to communicate with a second cell, establishing a wireless connection by which the terminal communicates with the second cell in response to the determining to communicate with the second cell, accessing the second cell on the wireless connection by the terminal, and receiving, by the terminal, a reconfiguration message sent by a first base station of the first cell. The reconfiguration message is sent by the first base station to the terminal. The method further includes reconfiguring the wireless connection according to the reconfiguration message, and communicating with the second cell on the reconfigured wireless connection.

Abstract: A method of determining torsional deformation in a drivetrain e.g. of a wind turbine. To provide a reliable and simple deformation assessment, the method comprises the step of generating a first signal representing first rotational speed of a low speed shaft, generating a second signal representing the second rotational speed of a high speed shaft, and determining torsional deformation based on changes in the ratio between the first and second signals.

Abstract: A blade loading system for imposing a force on a wind turbine blade includes a portable load device having a cable, a tower support movably coupled to the tower, and a blade attachment device coupled to the blade and coupled to the cable, wherein when the blade attachment device is coupled to the blade and the tower support is adjacent the blade, the load device induces tension in the cable so that a force is imposed on the blade in a direction toward the tower. A method of applying a force to a blade includes: coupling a tower support to the tower adjacent the base, coupling a cable to the blade attachment device, raising the tower support along the tower, coupling the blade attachment device to the blade, and tensioning the cable to provide a force on the blade in a direction toward the tower.

Abstract: A system and method for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is described which can provide the basis for a new and improved wind turbine design suitable for a range of different power classes such as from 4 kilowatts to 10 megawatts. A vertical blade of chord length C is attached to a central hub via a main support strut of chord length C. The main support strut comprises two sections: a blade-support-section and a counterweight-support-section. Both the blade-support-section and the counter-weight-support-section have a blunt leading edge and a tapered trailing edge with the profile reversing either side of the hub axis. Two control struts comprising aerodynamic profiles support the blade wherein one control strut connects to the upper surface of the main support strut and the other control strut connects to the lower surface of the main support strut hub. The main support strut and the control struts provide lift to the wind turbine and reduce drag.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving blades of a wind turbine is provided. The apparatus for moving blades for a wind turbine includes: wire connectors formed at a plurality of blades; and a pair of wires that are attachable and detachable to and from first to third wire connectors so as to connect the first and second wire connectors formed at first and second blades and a third wire connector formed at the third blade.

Abstract: An actuating device for an electric switchgear of the type having one or more bushings connected to a casing. The actuating device can include a gear mechanism which is suitable to be mounted at and outside the zone where a bushing is connected to the casing, and which includes a plurality of gears operatively interconnected to each other and arranged to move a bushing between a first service position and a second transport position wherein it is lowered towards the casing from the first service position. A connection can be arranged to keep the bushing operatively coupled to the casing while moving it between the first and second positions.

Abstract: Method of operating a wind farm comprising a plurality of wind turbines, each of the turbines having a plurality of blades, the method comprising determining a possible wake situation at a first wind turbine caused by a second wind turbine, the second wind turbine being located upstream of the first wind turbine, and individually adapting the blades of the second wind turbine such that a wake generated by the second wind turbine is deflected away from the first wind turbine.

Abstract: A method of locking a rotor of a wind turbine, the method including positioning of the rotor in a locking position; applying a rotor lock; forcing the rotor to turn in a first direction; and, applying a rotor brake.

Abstract: A flying electric generator for obtaining power from wind currents which includes a fuselage having fore and aft portions and an intermediate portion, a rotor assembly including at least two forward rotors mounted on a pair of forward extending support arms extending from the fuselage and at least two rear rotors mounted to a pair of rearward extending support arms extending from the fuselage and at least one first forward wing mounted to a forward portion of the fuselage and extending outwardly on opposite sides of the fuselage and at least one second rear wing mounted to a rear portion of the fuselage and extending outwardly on opposite side of the fuselage.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade extending along a longitudinal axis from a root end to a tip end and in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the transverse plane having a main axis extending through an elastic center point, wherein the wind turbine blade comprises a sensor system including a first sensor set for measuring a first bending moment in a first sensor position at a first distance from the root end, the first sensor set comprising a first primary sensor for measuring a primary component and a first secondary sensor for measuring a secondary component, wherein a first primary sensor axis in the transverse plane is oriented in a direction defined by the first primary sensor and the elastic center point, and a first secondary sensor axis in the transverse plane is oriented in a direction defined by the first secondary sensor and the elastic center point, and wherein an angle between the first primary sensor axis and the first secondary sensor axis is in the range from 50° to 130°.

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine with a ball-and-socket hub is disclosed. The hub enables horizontal axis turbines with two or more blades to teeter in response to wind shear gradients. The new hub design for a turbine equipped with three blades has been modeled using modified FAST code and has shown significant advantages over present three-bladed turbines with fixed hubs in reducing loads on the blades, tower, main shaft and bearings. The new hub design for a turbine equipped with three blades has also shown significant advantages over present two-bladed teetering turbines in reducing loads on the blades and tower. A likely additional advantage of a ball-and-socket hub equipped with three blades over a teetering hub with two blades is that wider teetering ranges are possible due to the significantly reduced likelihood for resonant teetering.

Abstract: A method of controlling the yawing of two-bladed wind turbine is described. The yaw speed of the turbine is increased when the wind turbine rotor blades are in a substantially vertical position, and the yaw speed may be reduced when the blades are substantially horizontal. By modulating the yaw rate based on the rotational angle of the blades, the effect of the yaw moments on the wind turbine structure is reduced, and the wind turbine may be designed to take into account such reduced forces.

Abstract: A service crane for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a tower and a nacelle mounted to the top of the tower. The service crane is mounted to the nacelle and includes a boom, a hoist rope guided along the boom and a winch capable of reeling in and out the hoist rope for lifting or lowering a load. Furthermore, a nacelle is provided which includes a service crane mounted thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and computer program products for coordinating the control of a floating wind turbine (101) between a wind turbine controller (111) and a platform controller (110). One or more wind turbine control systems and/or one or more platform control systems may be altered based on 102 said coordinated control of said floating wind turbine (101).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and computer program products for controlling a wind turbine that comprises a nacelle and one or more turbine blades to reduce or prevent edgewise vibrations building up on the one or more turbine blades. It is identified 202 whether the nacelle is unable to yaw to an upwind position and initiating a corrective action 203 to prevent edgewise vibrations building up on the one or more turbine blades if the nacelle is unable to yaw to an upwind position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind energy conversion device and a method for controlling such a device. The aerodynamic wind energy conversion device comprises an aerodynamic wing; at least a first tractive line and a second tractive line; wherein ends of the tractive lines are connected to line connection points located at the aerodynamic wing; at least a first and a second reefing point located across the aerodynamic wing and is characterized in that the length of the second tractive line is shorter than the length of the first tractive line; and wherein the first reefing point is spaced from the first line connection point in a first reefing distance and the second reefing point is d spaced from the second line connection point in a second reefing distance, such that the second reefing distance is longer than the first reefing distance.

Abstract: Wind turbines and method for adjusting yaw bias in wind turbines are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes defining an operational condition for the wind turbine, the operational condition including a turbine speed range, a pitch angle range, and a wind speed range. The method further includes operating the wind turbine within the operational condition, adjusting a yaw angle of the wind turbine during operation of the wind turbine, and measuring power output of the wind turbine during operation within the operational condition.

Abstract: An arrangement for extracting energy from flowing liquid, such as tidal flows, oceanic currents and water flowing in rivers. The arrangement comprises a support device (12) and a turbine device (1) which is pivotally connected to the support device (12) about a substantially horizontal axis (18). The turbine device includes at least one helical turbine (2; 4), each having an axle connected to an energy converter (22; 24). The turbine device (1) has a proximate end and a distal end, the proximate end being pivotally connected to the support device (12), and the distal end being freely movable in a substantially vertical, circular path in the flowing liquid. This enables the turbine device, in use, to adjust to an operational angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The arrangement is characterized in that the distal end of the turbine device (1) is provided with at least one transverse bar (7), stabilizing the operational angle of the turbine device (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for harvesting wind energy from air exhausted by other systems. Ventilation and heat exchange systems force air movement using fans. Exhaust airflow may also be the result of a combustion system. The exhaust air is generally wasted as it is diffused back to the atmosphere. Significant energy may be recovered from this exhaust air using relatively small turbines inserted into the airflow. Careful positioning of the turbine maximizes the recovery efficiency.

Abstract: A wind turbine with a rotor comprising one or more rotor blades and a hub, the hub being attached to a nacelle, a yaw system for rotating the rotor to orient it in a wind direction, and one or more line of sight detectors for detecting a component of wind velocity. The one or more detectors are mounted such that they rotate under the action of the yaw system. A control system is coupled to the one or more detectors and is arranged to compare the detected wind velocity component with a wind velocity value and control the yaw system in response to the comparison. The nacelle can be rotated under control of the control system until the yaw error is substantially zero.

Abstract: A wind turbine yaw system is provided that includes a yaw gear, at least two pinion gears, and at least two drive units, each of which is associated to one of the pinion gears for driving that pinion gear. The yaw system also includes a control system with a controller for generating a drive unit control signal for each drive unit for controlling the respective drive unit according to a reference signal having a desired operational parameter value for the respective drive unit, so as to realize the desired operational parameter value in the respective drive unit. The control system includes a feedback loop for each drive unit feeding a drive unit feedback signal including at least the actual value of one operational parameter of the respective drive unit back to the controller. The controller generates the drive unit control signals based on the reference signal and the feedback signals.

Abstract: The invention regards an apparatus for adjusting the yaw of a wind turbine adapted for mounting on a wind turbine comprising, a system for measuring the wind direction adapted, via a control signal, to control the yaw angle of the wind turbine based on the wind direction, and a wind sensor system adapted to determine the yaw error of the wind turbine, and means for modifying the control signal based on the yaw error determined by the wind sensor system.

Abstract: The present invention is a wide blade multiple generator wind turbine, which produces electrical energy by harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind to rotate multiple generators. Unlike traditional wind turbines, the present invention uses wide blades to focus on producing more torque rather than rotational speed. The wide blades are concentrically attached to a large drive wheel. The drive wheel is engaged to each of the generators and must be large enough to properly transfer the torque produced by the wide blades to the generators. The present invention could either position the generators concentrically around the drive wheel, which would directly engage the drive wheel to the generators, or position the generators laterally along the base structure, which would engage the drive wheel to the generators through a belt-and-pulley system or a chain-and-gear system. In addition to harnessing wind power, the present invention is design to absorb solar energy through the surface of the wide blades.

Abstract: This patent refers to a system constructed by the wind turbine (1), placing two protectors; the first protector is placed on the opposite side of the wind direction to externally protect the wind turbine (1), called fixed protector (2), to divert the wind in the opposite rotary direction of wind turbine (1); the second protector is place in the intermediate area of the wind turbine (1), between the fixed protector (2) and located on the same side of the fixed protector (2), called mobile protector (3). Depending on the exit angle on the side of same wind direction and wind turbine rotation (1), this exit angle is controlled to contain the wind turbine rotation (1). This system may be installed upright, double or single, and horizontally, multiple.

Abstract: A system for generating energy from wind induced by an aircraft is provided. The system includes one or more wind turbines configured to generate electrical power by capturing wind induced by the aircraft. Each of the one or more wind turbines include a rotor mounted for rotation about an axis, and a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: A method and system for improving power production efficiency on a wind farm having of a plurality of spatially distributed wind turbines is provided. The method includes receiving a wind measurement that includes a wind direction impinging on a turbine (20), determining a misalignment of the wind turbine with respect to the wind direction, and activating a wake steering control for the wind turbine (20) to implement the misalignment of the wind turbine (20) with the wind direction such that the misalignment is adapted to steer a wake of the wind turbine away from a neighboring wind turbine (30). A wind turbine arrangement including a nacelle, a yaw controller, and a yaw drive is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical axis windmill. The windmill rotates on an upright post, with plural arms holding articulated working members circling around. Each working member has a pivotal edge like a vane, a flag or a hinged door, swings on its own axis and also circles around the axis of the central post. On the axis of each working member furnished a special hinge bearing to control and restrain the movement of each, flipping and engaging the favorable wind in about ¾ turn of the central axis but disengaging in the rest ¼ turn. The said hinge bearing also provides elastic releasable means, along with a centrifugal governor, to deal with excessive wind, allowing the working member to disengage to a temporary idle position as a free weather vane.

Abstract: Pivotal jet wind turbine relates to clean energy field. It has a rim based rotor's structure. The rotor has plurality of outer-blades and plurality of inner-blades attached to the rotating rim. The roller based components suspend the rotor and transmit the rotational energy to generator(s). The central, pivotal part of the rotor is in full free from any mechanical or aerodynamic components or parts. This open zone constitutes a giant nozzle, producing an air-jet increasing the turbine's efficiency.

Abstract: Systems for increasing the power productivity of two bladed teetering hinge, yaw controlled wind turbines by varying rotor shaft restraining torque and yaw angle.

Abstract: A method for operating a horizontal axis wind turbine is provided, the wind turbine including: a rotor including a rotor blade, wherein the rotor is rotatably coupled to a nacelle, and the rotor is rotatable about a horizontal rotor axis extending through the nacelle, and the nacelle is rotatably coupled to a tower, the nacelle rotatable in a yaw plane about a yaw axis. The method includes determining a wind direction; determining a yaw angle setting, wherein the yaw angle setting deviates from an alignment of the rotor axis and the wind direction in the yaw plane; yawing the nacelle to the yaw angle setting; and operating the wind turbine for example to generate electricity.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The aquatic propulsion proposed uses oscillating blades provided with independent, mutually parallel vertical shafts affixed, at the upper end thereof, to a single horizontal oar of planar profile. The blades or fins being of different length on the basis of the distance between the fastening point of the actual oscillation shaft thereof and the shaft on which the oar rocks. Propulsion is achieved when the user applies a force in traction or thrust on any of the two grips provided at either end of the handlebars, or in opposite directions on both at one and the same time. The movement is transmitted to the rotary shaft and then to the profile section on which the fins are arranged, which causes the fins to move transversely and alternately in both directions, causing displacement of the water and the propulsion of the swimmer or floating object or vehicle, in the intended direction.