With Means Positioning Fluid Current Driven Impeller Relative To Flow Direction Patents (Class 416/9)
  • Patent number: 8740543
    Abstract: A method of deploying offshore wind turbine assemblies includes mounting a wind turbine assembly horizontally on a vessel and transporting the wind turbine assembly to an offshore site. The wind turbine assembly is raised to a vertical condition at the site and attached to anchor weights. Blades are attached to the turbine head after the wind turbine assembly is in the vertical condition. In one embodiment, the wind turbine assembly can include a tower including tapered lower and upper sections joined together at their respective wide ends, a turbine head connected to the upper section, and a platform connected to the lower section. The platform includes a buoy tank partially filled with ballast to provide mass and buoyancy. A wave piercing cowling is rotatively attached to the lower section. The turbine head can include an adjustable journal bearing, scabbard blade mounts, and a gearless induction generator with flux adjusting capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Weaver
  • Publication number: 20140133983
    Abstract: Yaw brakes for wind turbines are proposed, the wind turbines having a tower, a nacelle and a yaw system for rotating the nacelle with respect to the tower. The yaw brakes comprise a locking part, having a toothed profile at a side facing a toothed profile of an annular gear of the yaw system. The locking part of the yaw brakes is movable in a radial direction relative to the annular gear, between a brake position and a non-brake position. Brake discs and callipers may be eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ALSTOM RENOVABLES ESPAÑA, S.L.
    Inventor: Santiago Canedo Pardo
  • Publication number: 20140127015
    Abstract: An automatic adjustment device for adjusting inclination of blades of wind turbines includes a first housing having multiple blades connected thereto and each blade has a first connection portion which is inserted into the firs housing. A transmission unit is connected to the first housing. A pump unit and a speed-changing member are mechanically connected to the transmission unit. The pump unit is mechanically connected to the speed-changing member. The pump unit has a driving unit which is connected with a transmission disk which is connected to the connection portions of the blades. The pump unit is activated by speed difference between the speed-changing member and the transmission unit so as to rotate the transmission disk via the driving unit, and adjust the inclination angle of the blades to protect the blades and increase the efficiency of the wind turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: KUN SHAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: SHUEEI-MUH LIN
  • Publication number: 20140112782
    Abstract: Provided is a small-sized propeller windmill which can efficiently generate power even when a wing speed is low, has no possibility that the windmill is broken even when a strong wind blows, can stably ensure a weathercock direction of a base blade, and can suppress an environmental burden. In such a propeller windmill, the blade having a corrugated wing shape is supported in a cantilever manner by way of an elastic body, and the blade and the elastic body are made of paper or plastic. Further, to stably ensure the weathercock direction of the base blade, a weathercock stabilizing mechanism is arranged behind the base blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION BUNRI GAKUEN
    Inventor: Akira Obata
  • Publication number: 20140105740
    Abstract: A trillium wind turbine has an electricity-generating nacelle and swept-back, complexly-curved blades. Each blade has a main blade, a trailing edge blade, and a diversion blade. Wind is directed down the length of the blade and exits the tip. The main blade resembles a portion of a cylinder in form, the cylinder being twisted to change the angle of attack, thereby adding more lift throughout the length of the blade. The trailing edge and diversion blades are pitched relative to the wind and produce lift. Additionally, wind hitting the diversion blade is diverted behind the blade. Because the surface area and volume of the blade are larger near the nacelle and smaller at the tip, the air that travels along the blade increases in velocity as it travels producing more thrust/lift. The turbine also automatically faces into the wind without the need for sensors or positioning motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Reno Barban
  • Publication number: 20140097621
    Abstract: The Variable Foil Machine harnesses fluid flow energy and propels fluids. A variable foil (120) with reversible camber is secured to a leading draft member (150) movable on a leading support (122) and to a trailing draft member (130) movable on a trailing support (136). The trailing draft member (130) is secured to a trailing guide (132) via a crank arm (148). Apparatus can be installed on the ground or on a pivoting base (138). In one embodiment, the leading draft member (150) is fixed while the trailing draft member (130) oscillates. In another embodiment, an oscillation amplitude offset between leading draft member (150) and trailing draft member (130) promotes cyclic translation of the variable foil (120). An energy converter (142) may be cooperatively coupled to produce energy or perform work. Selective combination of moving parts provides a versatile choice of modes of operation for power generation, work and communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Edouard P. Kassianoff
  • Publication number: 20140086745
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a plurality of upright airfoils pivotally engaged. A continuous adjustment of the angle of attack of the airfoils to oncoming wind is provided by rotation of a control plate connected to the vanes which are mounted upon a rotating drive plate. A vane can be employed to rotate the control plate to affect the continuous adjustment of the airfoils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: AF ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: SAMUEL THOMAS KELLY
  • Publication number: 20140086744
    Abstract: In a torque limiter, wedge-shaped spaces are formed between inner and outer rings so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction. In each wedge-shaped space, there are arranged a first roller and a second roller that transmit torque between the inner and outer rings by being brought into wedge-engagement when the inner and outer rings rotate relative to each other in one direction and in the other direction, respectively. Between the first and second rollers, there is arranged an urging device that urges the first and second rollers in such directions that the first and second rollers are brought into wedge-engagement. Each wedge-shaped space is formed such that when the torque becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value, a first wedge angle of the first roller or a second wedge angle of the second roller becomes such an angle that wedge-engagement of the roller is cancelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideki FUJIWARA
  • Publication number: 20140064963
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ikuo TOBINAGA
  • Publication number: 20140056707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyance device for an energy collector such as a wind turbine, solar collector, or a combination thereof. The conveyance device is configured to orient the energy collector by moving the device to compensate for a change in the source of energy such as a change in power, direction, speed, location and a combination thereof. The conveyance device includes a track configured to be positioned near a support structure such as a telecommunications tower and first and second electrical contacts configured to electrically connect the energy collector to an electrical load. The conveyance device is also configured to receive an energy collector configured to be attached to the track such that the energy collector is movable relative to the track. In this manner, there is provided a device for adjusting the orientation of the wind turbine or solar collector such that it collects energy efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Windular Research and Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry Patrick Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20140050580
    Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine assembly adapted for use atop a tower includes a frame, a yaw shaft assembly coupling the frame to the tower, an alternator secured to the frame, a shaft coupled to the alternator to produce electrical power, a rotor hub coupled to the shaft, a plurality of blades secured to the rotor hub, and a tail assembly rotatably coupled about a vertical axis to the frame. The tail assembly is operable to move to a first, straight position aligned with the horizontal axis, and a second position rotated an angle ? from the horizontal axis. An actuator is secured to the frame and is adapted to rotate the tail assembly the angle ? from the horizontal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Weaver Wind Energy
    Inventors: Alexander L. Hagen, Gary Bush, Arthur J. Weaver, Kelly S. Frank, Ken Bignoli, Gwendolyn Barr
  • Patent number: 8647060
    Abstract: This horizontal axis wind turbine comprises a plurality of yaw motors that are provided on one of either a nacelle or a tower, and a gear 2 that is provided on the other of either the nacelle or the tower and that engages with the drive gears 4m, 4n of the plurality of yaw motors, such that when the plurality of yaw motors stop the rotation of the nacelle, some of the yaw motors are stopped and held by yaw motor brakes, then after a delay, the other yaw motors are stopped and held by yaw motor brakes. When the other yaw motors are stopped, the drive gears 4m of the some yaw motors and the drive gears 4n of the other yaw motors hold the gear 2 by pressing against the gear 2 in opposite directions of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeo Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20140037449
    Abstract: A power plant for obtaining energy from a flow of a body of water with a varying main incident flow direction, comprising a rotating unit with an axial turbine assigned an axis of rotation and comprises at least one rotor blade, the rotor blade is fastened in a rotationally conjoint manner to a rotor head of the rotating unit, and the rotor blade has at least over a partial region of the longitudinal extent thereof, a profile which can be impinged on by flow bidirectionally for windward and leeward operation. A rotary device is provided for a power plant component for adjusting a relative angle between the axis of rotation and the main flow direction, wherein the rotary device is assigned a first stop and a second stop which limit the range of movement of the rotary device to a range of angle of rotation of less than 180°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Norman Perner, Jochen Weilepp
  • Publication number: 20140037447
    Abstract: A method for operating a wind farm is provided. The method includes determining a wind condition, determining a wake-effect between at least two wind turbines forming at least a sub-set of the wind farm, each of the at least two wind turbines having a yaw system, and determining a desired yaw angle setpoint for each of the at least two wind turbines so that a total power production of at least the sub-set is expected to be increased compared to independently operating the yaw systems of each of the at least two wind turbines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Sid Ahmed Attia
  • Publication number: 20130323056
    Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine blade is revealed. The vertical axis wind turbine blade includes a blade frame formed by assembly plates disposed at regular intervals and blade bodies each of which pivoted between two adjacent assembly plates. Stoppers are disposed between the assembly plates and the blade bodies. The stopper is used to stop on one side of the blade body corresponding to a downwind surface of the assembly plate. The blade bodies pivotally connected to the blade frame move along with the blade frame to be in an open or a closed position. When the wind blows the upwind surface, the blade body is stopped by the stopper and in the closed position so as to receive the wind power. While the wind blowing the downwind surface, the blade body is in the open position to reduce the wind resistance. Thus the wind turbine efficiency is dramatically improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: MAX SU
  • Publication number: 20130315732
    Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a separate concentric shaft, and all rotors may rotate in the same direction with the output shafts of each rotor coupled via an overrunning clutch to a single shaft, the output of which is used to drive the load. Winglets attached to the leading edge and tip of the rotor sails improve low wind startup torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Richard K. Sutz
  • Patent number: 8591168
    Abstract: A subsurface wave power generation system includes a seabed mounting plate adapted for securing to a seabed, a wing having generally opposed first and second wing surfaces extending between a first and second wing ends, the second wing end being pivotably mounted to the seabed mounting plate such that pivoting motion about a pivot axis generally parallel to the mounting plate is imparted to the wing by subsurface wave action acting on the first and second wing surfaces, and a drive arm pivotably connected to the wing to convert the pivoting motion into reciprocal motion. An electrical generator can be driven by the drive arm through a slip linkage. The slip linkage includes a first stage that converts the reciprocal motion of the drive arm into rotational motion and a second stage that selectively engages the a drive shaft of the generator drive to impart the rotational motion thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Clean and Green Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Elbert Lee Marcum
  • Publication number: 20130302161
    Abstract: Techniques for operating a wind turbine are described herein. In an example, a wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle coupled to the tower, a rotor rotatably coupled to the nacelle, at least one blade coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate about a pitch axis, and a controller to operate the wind turbine based on predicted wind speed values. The controller includes a twist determination module to determine a blade-twist value, wherein the blade-twist value is indicative of an actual blade-twist of a rotor blade during operation of the wind turbine. The controller may further include a wind speed determination module to determine at least one wind speed value indicative of a wind speed using the blade-twist value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Arne Koerber, Charudatta Subhash Mehendale
  • Publication number: 20130280069
    Abstract: A device according to the present disclosure (60) for generating a directed fluid flow comprises a support structure (1); a rotary structure (5) disposed in relation to the support structure so as to be rotatable around a first axis of rotation (10); and at least one active element (61, 61?) disposed on the rotary structure (5) so as to be rotatable around a second axis of rotation (9,9?), and which has an active surface (67). The at least one active element is rotatably connected to the rotary structure and the support structure such that, when the rotary structure rotates in relation to the support structure by one revolution around the first axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation, the at least one active element rotates in relation to the rotary structure by half of one revolution around the second axis of rotation in the opposite direction of rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Reto Böhlen, Marcel Frikart
  • Patent number: 8562833
    Abstract: A subsurface wave action harnessing system includes a seabed mounting plate adapted for securing to a seabed, a wing having generally opposed first and second wing surfaces extending between a first and second wing ends, the second wing end being pivotably mounted to the seabed mounting plate such that pivoting motion about a pivot axis generally parallel to the mounting plate is imparted to the wing by subsurface wave action acting on the first and second wing surfaces, and a drive arm pivotably connected to the wing to convert the pivoting motion into reciprocal motion. An electrical generator, water purifier or other wave action load can be driven by the drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Clean and Green Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Elbert Lee Marcum
  • Patent number: 8550769
    Abstract: A wind turbine comprising a tower and a nacelle which is rotatably mounted on the tower and whose alignment is adjustable by way of a yaw system, wherein the yaw system has at least one adjusting drive, a rotatable yaw bearing, at least one brake disk and at least two brake units which can exert a braking torque on the brake disk, wherein the at least one of the brake units has a first brake pad with a first coefficient of friction, and at least one of the brake units has a second brake pad with a second coefficient of friction, wherein the first and the second coefficient of friction are different from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nordex Energy GmbH
    Inventors: Merten Behnke, Andre Sievers
  • Publication number: 20130259682
    Abstract: A method for operating a wind turbine is based on providing a wind turbine that includes a control system programmed to adjust a blade pitch angle of one or more rotor blades without knowledge of rotor blade efficiency. A blade pitch angle of one or more rotor blades is adjusted in response to the current conditions experienced by the wind turbine to provide a blade pitch angle that is greater than or equal to a blade pitch angle necessary to maintain a predetermined minimum rotor stall margin according to modeled aerodynamic performance of the rotor blades such that continuous operation of the wind turbine is maintained without transitions to the stalled mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Leonardo Cesar Kammer
  • Publication number: 20130259683
    Abstract: An example ram air turbine biasing assembly includes a support member that holds a biasing member. The biasing member biases a component of a ram air turbine. The support member includes a step that limits movement of the component toward the biasing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: David Everett Russ
  • Publication number: 20130251524
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a plurality of pivot shafts that are in paired parallel relationship and engaged to a central drive shaft, each pivot shaft supports a wing. Each pivot shaft rotates cyclically through 90° to move each wing from a wind-engaging orientation (drive position) in which the wing presents a flat surface approximately transverse to the incident wind, to a minimum dragposition (glide position). A gear transmission links the pivot shafts for sequential rotation in concert between the drive and glide positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Grigg
  • Publication number: 20130236306
    Abstract: A wind power generating system in which a plurality of stationary modules form a toroidal shaped tower that accelerates wind passing around and between the modules due to the Bernoulli Effect. Between the modules are located a plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotors with an integrated generator system that in combination forms an integrated rotor and generator assembly connected to a rotatable yaw platform via an improved support arm. The rotor and generator assemblies act independently of each other to accommodate different wind conditions at different altitudes and to provide partial production to significantly enhance overall wind production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Cory
  • Publication number: 20130209255
    Abstract: A rotor blade assembly is disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade further defines a span and a chord. The rotor blade includes a skin layer that includes the exterior surfaces. The rotor blade assembly further includes a passive spoiler assembly operable to alter a flow past an exterior surface of the rotor blade. The spoiler assembly includes a spoiler feature movable between a non-deployed position and a deployed position. Movement of the spoiler feature from the non-deployed position to the deployed position is caused by a change in an applied force to the spoiler feature by the skin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventor: David Samuel Pesetsky
  • Patent number: 8506247
    Abstract: A wind turbine and a method of controlling yawing of a wind turbine are provided. A nacelle is mounted rotatable around a first axis by an adjustable yaw angle and a hub is mounted rotatable around a rotational axis. The hub includes a blade rotating around the rotational axis, the blade defining a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotational axis. A channel of the wind turbine has an opening, the opening being located at a predefined distance to the rotor plane. At least one component of incoming wind is guided through the opening and into the channel as air flow. A measuring device is provided for measuring the air flow, the measuring device being connected to a controller. The controller detects a yaw angle error between a direction of the incoming wind and the rotational axis, the yaw angle error being used to adjust the yaw angle of the nacelle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Henrik Stiesdal
  • Publication number: 20130202436
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable pitch propeller having a blade pivoted rotatably to a cylindrical propeller casing, a drive shaft, coupled to a propulsor and positioned coaxially inside the propeller casing, a kinematic mechanism coupled to the drive shaft, or to the propeller casing, and to the blade, for adjusting the rotary motion of the blade about its axis of pivoting to the propeller casing, and means for coupling in rotation the drive shaft to the propeller casing. The propeller provides a non-null angular range of relative rotation of the blade about its axis of pivoting, with respect to the propeller casing, or vice versa. The means for coupling in rotation the drive shaft to the cylindrical propeller casing include an elastic element interposed between the drive shaft and the cylindrical casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: MAX PROP S.R.L.
    Inventor: Massimiliano Bianchi
  • Publication number: 20130189101
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for an electrical generator (2) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises arms (6) adapted to support blades (14) in a flow of fluid. A central shaft (4) pivotably supports each of the arms about a respective horizontal axis such that flowing fluid engages the blades to cause rotation of the shaft about its longitudinal axis to actuate an electrical generator (28). A flap (16) adjusts orientation of the arms about the respective horizontal axes in dependence on direction of fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: INNOVA LIMITED
    Inventor: David Francis Coulson
  • Publication number: 20130183152
    Abstract: A fin assembly for controlling movement of a buoyant body, including: a base for attaching the assembly to the body; and a fin attached to the base by a hinge, wherein when the assembly is attached to the body, the fin can pivot at the hinge from a first condition to a second condition to allow substantially free rotation of the body in a first rotational direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SLIDE FINS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Scott Peberdy
  • Publication number: 20130170989
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for the controlled rotation of a nacelle of a wind turbine, which includes a control device and n of yaw brakes. In standstill operation, the n yaw brakes are actuated to impart a standstill holding moment M1 for holding the nacelle, and the n yaw brakes impart a substantially equal first holding moment. In tracking operation, the n yaw brakes are actuated to impart a tracking holding moment, M2, which is lower than the standstill holding moment M1 (M1>M2). The control device, in tracking operation, actuates a number m of the n yaw brakes to generate substantially the same constant holding moment M3, where M1/n>M3>M2/n, and where the other (n?m) yaw brakes are actuated to generate substantially the same constant holding moment M4, where m*M3+(n?m)*M4˜=M2, and M1/n>M2/n>M4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: REPOWER SYSTEMS SE
    Inventors: Alf Trede, Matthias Bruckner
  • Publication number: 20130170987
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a vertically standing non-uniform tower adapted to support a horizontally oriented rotor. A fixed base portion of the turbine is adapted to support a separate rotatable tower having an upper rotor swept portion along the main body of the tower. The tower is adapted to be secured to the base for being rotatably yawed into the wind. A bearing system is housed between the base and lower tower extremity includes a pair of vertically spaced tracks situated on an annular support rail adapted to be fixed to a ground structure, for example a reinforced concrete foundation. The bearing system is further defined by pluralities of yaw bearing cartridge assemblies adapted to extend through flanged apertures of a skirt portion in the lower extremity of the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Clipper Windpower, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Himmelmann, Stephen E. Tongue
  • Publication number: 20130170988
    Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a nacelle, a generator, a central control module, an impeller, a transmission module, a speed sensor module, a pitch angle driving module, a hub controller and a slip-ring apparatus. The hub controller receives a first pitch command from the central control module or generates a second pitch command according to a rotation speed of a hub sensed by the speed sensor module. If the first pitch command is correct, the hub controller transmits the first pitch command to the pitch angle driving module. If not, the hub controller transmits the second pitch command to the pitch angle driving module. The pitch angle driving module controls a pitch angle of at least one blade after receiving the pitch command, so that the wind turbine system works. Therefore, the wind turbine system has a distributed control function and a redundancy capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Zen-Jey Guey, Yun-Yuan Chang
  • Patent number: 8469664
    Abstract: A tower for a wind turbine is disclosed. The tower includes an outer shell defining a yaw axis and a main frame for a nacelle. The tower further includes a first yaw bearing and a second yaw bearing each connecting the outer shell and the main frame. The first yaw bearing and the second yaw bearing are spaced apart from each other along the yaw axis and each rotatable about the yaw axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: James Henry Madge, Adam Daniel Minadeo
  • Publication number: 20130149148
    Abstract: A wind turbine and braking system. A wind turbine may include a tower and a nacelle coupled to the tower, the nacelle rotatable with respect to the tower about a rotation axis. A collar may be centered on the rotation axis and rigidly connected to one of the nacelle and the tower. A first cable may be wrapped about the collar in a first direction. A first tensioning device may be anchored to a structure of the other of the nacelle and the tower, the first tensioning device configured to selectively apply tension to a first end of the first cable to apply a braking torque to the collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Continental Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin G. Oster, John Van Ryn
  • Publication number: 20130149146
    Abstract: A yaw actuation and braking system and method for controlling a yaw position of a wind turbine nacelle with respect to a tower. A brake rotor may be rigidly connected to one of the tower and the nacelle. A first brake caliper may be disposed to selectively close upon the brake rotor. A first linear actuator may be coupled between the first brake caliper and the other of the tower and the nacelle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Continental Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Sasseen
  • Patent number: 8459945
    Abstract: An underwater structure includes a power generation apparatus and a supporting structure. A coupling is provided that allows attachment of the power generating device to the submerged support structure. The coupling incorporates the function of a yaw bearing allowing rotation of the power generating apparatus about a substantially vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Tidal Generation Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Shane Huxley-Reynard, Paul Vigars
  • Publication number: 20130119673
    Abstract: A rotor blade is provided, in particular for wind turbine generators including a means for the modification of the camber, wherein the modification of the camber is realized by means of elements passively coupled to one another, i.e. without external energy supply (apart from the energy contained in the airflow surrounding the rotor blade). One of the elements is therefore arranged at the leading and the trailing edge of the airfoil of the rotor blade, respectively. The coupling of the elements, the stiffness of the airfoil and the strength of the damping are hereby arranged in a manner suitable to be modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus Hufnagel, Benjamin Lambie
  • Publication number: 20130115084
    Abstract: The turbine (T) of the invention comprises at least one rotor (2) which can rotate in connection with at least one base (3); at least one blade (1) which rotates said rotor (2) by fluid flow (F). Said blade (1) has such a form that it can slide in at least one channel (5) within the rotor (2). When the blade (1) reaches to backside (B) of the rotor (2), it continues rotating the rotor (2) by the effect of flow (F) after it slides towards forepart (E) of the rotor (2). In case many blades (1) and rotors (2) are used in the turbine (T) of the invention, some rotors (2) can be disconnected from other rotors (2) when desired. Therefore, that stable rotation speed is provided from the rotors (2) without need for using brake system in the turbine (T) and electric energy on stable level is produced by a generator connected to said rotors (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Rahni Oguz Capan
  • Publication number: 20130052013
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Charles Franklin ECKART
  • Patent number: 8376711
    Abstract: Provided is a dual rotor wind turbine having two rotor assemblies. In the dual rotor wind turbine, an inlet guide vane is placed at a lower location in front of each rotor assembly and a rotor shaft of the rotor assemblies is placed in back of a vertical shaft, so that the rotor shaft is offset from the vertical shaft. Thus, the gravity center of the wind turbine is located in a lower portion of the wind turbine, so that a stable balance of the wind turbine can be realized and the vertical shaft can be smoothly rotated relative to a fixed shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Aeronet Inc.
    Inventor: Seungbae Lee
  • Publication number: 20130039762
    Abstract: Adjustment system for the pitch angle of a wind turbine, which wind turbine includes an axis of rotation that is horizontal or at a small angle with respect to the horizontal plane, and a rotating hub to which the blades are connected in a manner allowing their slewing, in which system an adjustment arrangement is arranged inside the hub and/or shaft. The arrangement includes a drive device moving in the direction of the axis of rotation as well as an adjustment cylinder apparatus or corresponding for moving it. Rod-shaped control parts for each blade are connected in a hinged manner to the drive device. The control parts are connected to the butt part of each blade such that the pitch angle can be adjusted by shifting the drive device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: MERVENTO OY
    Inventors: Juhani EKOLA, Patrik HOLM
  • Publication number: 20130039763
    Abstract: A wind power generator having a nacelle, which is mounted to an upper end of a support tower, supports in rotary manner a rotor, and is oriented around a rotation axis by an orienting device provided with at least one gearmotor. The gearmotor presents an output gear coupled with a crown gear fixed to the support tower and is hinged to the nacelle so as to rotate around a fulcrum axis, which is substantially parallel to the rotation axis under the thrust of an actuation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Andrea Torcelli, Giovanni Zinzani, Gustavo Casamenti
  • Patent number: 8360723
    Abstract: A method is presented that reduces vibrations of a wind turbine in a situation where yawing of a wind rotor of said wind turbine is at least temporarily not possible. The method includes adjusting a first pitch angle of a first rotor blade and a second pitch angle of a second rotor blade such that the first and second pitch angles differ by at least 30 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Bart Veldkamp, Christoph Hessel, Jacob Nies, Till Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20130017085
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a base, a support member rotatably mounted to the base, an elongate body having a first end and a second end, the body pivotally mounted to a distal end of the support member at a pivot point that is offset from the axis of the base. A rotor blade assembly is coupled to a rotor shaft rotatably mounted to the top of the body and includes a plurality of rotor blades. A tail assembly is mounted to the second end of the elongate body and includes an airfoil section and at least one upright vane having a rudder with an angular offset. An alternator is coupled to the rotor shaft. An annular ratchet is disposed on the base. A flag and pawl assembly is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ralph A. Belden
  • Publication number: 20130004312
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ENVISION ENERGY (DENMARK) APS
    Inventors: Michael FRIEDRICH, Peter GRABAU
  • Publication number: 20120328434
    Abstract: An integrated wind turbine. Each turbine blade has a flexible skin. Openings in the leading edge lead to one or more inflation chambers for ram air inflation during operation. A pivotal connection with the support post allows the plurality of turbine blades to yaw such that the rotor plane remains substantially perpendicular to the wind direction. The wind turbine may also include self-deploying drag vanes that extend away from the flexible skin when the wind speed is greater than the speed of the airfoil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Richard E. Wirz, Sebastian Aspe
  • Publication number: 20120282091
    Abstract: A method and corresponding arrangement are provided for determining pitch angle adjustment signals for adjusting a pitch angle of a rotor blade connected to a rotation shaft of a wind turbine. The method includes obtaining a first maximal speed signal indicative of a first desired maximal rotational speed of the rotation shaft. The method also includes deriving a first pitch angle adjustment signal based on the first maximal speed signal. The method further includes obtaining a second maximal speed signal indicative of a second desired maximal rotational speed of the rotation shaft different from the first desired maximal rotational speed of the rotation shaft. Further, the method includes deriving a second pitch angle adjustment signal based on the second maximal speed signal. The second pitch angle adjustment signal is different from the first pitch angle adjustment signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Esbensen, Gustav Hoegh
  • Publication number: 20120263591
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enhancing performance of windmills. In one embodiment, a wind turbine system for enhancing performance of windmills is provided. The system includes a wind turbine assembly, which further includes a wind turbine attached to an upper end of a tower of the assembly. Further, a frame is attached to the upper end of the tower, which includes a plurality of mini windmills for purposes of wind detection. The mini windmills are oriented to detect the angular velocities of wind of which the windmills are facing into.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: YAT WAI EDWIN KWONG
  • Publication number: 20120257969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind power generating system using turbine blades radially arranged along a ring structure. The technical features of the present invention are for a wind power generating system in which a plurality of blades for wind power generation are radially arranged on the interior and exterior of a circular or ring structure, thereby generating wind power in an effective manner even from a weak wind, without being restricted by the area, space or the like in which the wind power generating system is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Se-Bin Kim