Utilizing Natural Energy Or Having A Geographic Feature Patents (Class 60/398)
  • Patent number: 7728453
    Abstract: A device consisting of a container which is partially submerged in the sea which may be buoyant and connected to the seabed with cables or mounted on a platform and whose interior is connected to its exterior via pipes where in response to the passing of waves is filled and emptied through these pipes. The force of the water flowing through the pipes causes turbines to rotate thus generating electricity which may be transmitted to land. These turbines may be turbines which rotate in different directions depending on the direction of water flow or turbines which maintain the same direction of rotation irrespective of the direction of water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew Caaius Evans
  • Patent number: 7726129
    Abstract: An intermediate duct (108) is connected between first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106). An inlet duct (107) is connected to the first positive displacement machine (104). An outlet duct (109) is connected to the second positive displacement machine (106). A heater (102) raises the temperature and pressure of a gaseous working fluid in the intermediate duct (108). There is a kinematic connection (111) between the first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106) and the arrangement is such that, in operation, the first positive displacement machine (104) causes the working fluid to flow through the intermediate duct (108) to the second positive displacement machine (106), the heated working fluid drives the second positive displacement machine (106), and the second positive displacement machine (106) drives the first positive displacement machine (104) via the kinematic connection (111). The positive displacement machines include at least one orbiting piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: E.A. Technical Services Limited
    Inventor: Ronald William Driver
  • Publication number: 20100115935
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy during both rising and falling tides, the apparatus comprising a housing defining an enclosure, at least one opening to the enclosure at a bottom portion thereof, and air passageway having a plenum at either end thereof, each plenum having an opening to the enclosure and an opening to the passageway along with a moveable member to close one of the inlet and outlet such that air will pass through a turbine mounted in the air passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Piccioni
  • Publication number: 20100107621
    Abstract: A wind energy converter 10 comprises a horizontal axis wind turbine 12 including a plurality of blade members 14 rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. A mass member 16 is movable along the or each blade member 14 under the action of radial forces induced by rotation of the blade members 14 and under the action of gravitational force, and movement of the or each mass member 16 is arranged to provide for conversion of the wind energy. Also described is a power generating system 200, 240 including a heat recovery arrangement 216, comprising a heat exchanger arrangement 218 and an expander 222.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
    Inventor: Seamus Dominic Garvey
  • Patent number: 7690900
    Abstract: A fluid pressurization unit compresses a fluid in response to natural wave action on a body of water such as an ocean. The unit comprises a floating component and a piston assembly. The floating component has sufficient buoyancy to float on water waves and has a compression chamber with an inlet valve biased to receive a fluid at an intake pressure. The piston assembly is slidable within the compression chamber and has a piston shaft and a hollow piston head attached to the piston shaft, which defines a piston reservoir therein with an inlet valve in communication with the compression chamber and biased to receive the fluid at an output pressure, and an outlet for discharging fluid pressurized to at least the output pressure from the pressurization unit. The piston assembly is fixable in place relative to the floating component such that relative movement between the floating component and piston assembly compresses fluid from the intake pressure to at least the output pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Joe Sieber
  • Publication number: 20100072818
    Abstract: A system and method to efficiently store and convert erratic wind and solar electrical energy production to a source of reliable standard AC electrical power by means of an electric motor operatively engaged to power a pump. The pump in a sealed communication with a reservoir cavity evacuates air from the cavity to store the generated energy as potential energy in the form of a pressure differential with ambient atmosphere. Regulated air inflow into the evacuated cavity is employed to drive a generator or alternator to produce electric power which is synchronized with grid demand and communicated to the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Samuel Thomas Kelly
  • Publication number: 20100045036
    Abstract: Flexible and elastic mechanisms for extracting power from a moving fluid. Sheet-like material is deformed during fabrication through an applied force so as to create undulations in said material, whose stresses are maintained through restraining components, thereby maintaining the occurrence of said deformations in the material. When placed in moving fluid, the resulting pressure differentials cause the positions of the undulations within the material to travel along said material in the same direction as the moving fluid. Power is extracted in one of two principle ways. The first is via a mechanical coupling of the sheet-like material to a rotating mechanism, which turns an electro-magnetic dynamo or other output device. The second is via the utilization of a flexible material which exhibits an electrical response to mechanical strain, whereby the strains caused by the travel of undulations along the material create an electrical current which is extracted via two or more electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Benjamin Pietro Filardo
  • Patent number: 7663255
    Abstract: Disclosed are a compressed air energy-storing electricity generating system and an electricity generating method using the same, in which air of a high pressure is injected into a tank laid under the ground using midnight electricity and surplus produced electricity, and the air of the high pressure in the tank is uniformly discharged so as to drive a generator during a time period when the consumption of electric power is high, thus efficiently managing energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Yeong-min Kim, Daniel Favrat, Dong-gil Sin, Kyu-baek Cho
  • Patent number: 7663262
    Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy and dimensioned to be attachable to a structure. The system includes a leading edge member, a pair of drawtube arrays, and an energy conversion device located between the pair of drawtube arrays and configured to convert an airflow through the channel into mechanical or electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Marquiss Wind Power, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Roskey
  • Patent number: 7656055
    Abstract: An electrical power producing wind turbine eliminates the possibility of being struck by lightning, reduces the complexity of gear trains and simplifies maintenance at heights. The wind turbine is electrically isolated from ground to reduce the possibility of being struck by lightning and the generator is located at ground level to simplify maintenance. The turbine blade shaft is directly attached to a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic fluid is transmitted to ground level through dielectric tubing and acts both as an electrical isolating medium and a transmitter of mechanical energy to the generator located at ground level. The wind turbine blade, shaft and hydraulic pump are electrically isolated from the support structure at the upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Inventors: Rosalia Torres, E. Robert Perry
  • Patent number: 7654082
    Abstract: An underwater power generation system (10) that has a line member (30) that moves along a defined pathway. A number of foils (40) drive the line member using the flow of a water current. The defined pathway lies in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the flow of water current. A power take-off (114, 124) is connected to the line to produce power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Atlantis Resources Corporation PTE Limited
    Inventors: Michael David Perry, Duncan Bartlett Gilmore, Raymond Lindsay Hope, Gary James Campbell, Melissa Louise Kruger, Carmen Patricia Keating
  • Publication number: 20090320459
    Abstract: This water powered engine, when submerged deep in a moving body of water, functions as a four cycle engine, with water as it prime mover. It is a linear motor, just as if it were powered by ordinary fossil-based fuels. This invention harnesses the force of moving water and the pressure of water at a depth and creating a prime mover to power electrical generators or to do other work. When water is confined in a solid body and its force is applied to the surface of a piston, that force is transmitted equally, in all directions throughout the fluid or gas in the form of pressure. This characteristic is known as “Pascal's Law”. The component parts of this linear motor are a hydraulic cylinder, positive displacement pumps, a Venturi/Eductor vacuum assembly, an electronic piston positioning sensors, solenoid controlled valves and process program software. It is positioned to face an oncoming downstream water force. It may be either singular or in plurality as an array, this being a site adaptation design issue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Clarence Edward Frye
  • Patent number: 7628207
    Abstract: Pressure-balanced accumulator apparatus for use in subsea operations is disclosed which comprises a housing and an accumulator within the housing at the first end of the housing. The accumulator has first and second chambers that are hermetically sealed from one another, with a pressurized gas in the first chamber and a pressurized fluid in the second chamber. A third chamber in the housing abuts the accumulator and contains silicon oil fluid. A movable piston is located within the housing proximate the second end of the housing. Ambient pressure is communicated to one end of the piston, and ambient pressure plus the pressure in the second chamber is communicated to the second end of the piston. The cross-sectional areas of the two ends of the piston are selected to optimize the pressure at which the piston begins to expel fluid from the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Tauna Leonardi, Joseph D. Scranton
  • Publication number: 20090293469
    Abstract: A hydraulic power generation system driven by compression air produced by fluid is provided. The present invention is featured in that it employs more than one group of windmills which can be driven by wind power, or utilizes hydraulic power, such as a river flow, tides at estuaries or bays to drive more than one group of hydraulic turbines. The rotation power of the windmills or the hydraulic turbines then drives a transmission and subsequently drives an air compressor to produce compression air. The compression air is compressed with a specific pressure and collectively stored in an air compression tank. The compression air stored in the air compression tank is guided to a water filled hermetic tank. The hermetic tank is connected with a hermetic water tower having a certain height, in which the hermetic tanks and the hermetic water tower are connected with a communicating pipe by which a pressure can be conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Tien-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 7615884
    Abstract: A hybrid wind turbine assembly and method capable of providing a total firm power output. There is a wind power section which delivers non-firm power from the wind turbine to a generator section. Then there is also an auxiliary power section which is capable of providing firm power to the same generator section. This can operate in three operating modes, namely an only wind power mode, an only auxiliary power mode, and a combined wind power and auxiliary power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: McMasterCorp, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas McMaster
  • Publication number: 20090243298
    Abstract: A system for generating electrical power from sea waves, includes a tube (12) with first and second opposite ends (14, 16), and a membrane assembly (32) that extends across the inside of the tube and that generates electricity when the membrane assembly is deflected. The tube is moored at a fixed height above the seabed so the tube lower end always lies partially or completely below the sea surface. The tube upper end is maintained at a constant pressure, as by providing a sealed gas-filled chamber (30) at the tube upper end. As sea waves pass over the tube, the water pressure at the tube lower end varies, causing the membrane to be deflected so it generates electrical power. In another system, tube opposite ends are horizontally spaced, so as a wave passes over the tube the crest of the wave pressures one tube end at a time to cause membrane deflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Philippe F. Jean, Guillaume A. Ardoise
  • Patent number: 7584610
    Abstract: A water cycling system with compressor motive force and with turbine electric power generation, includes: (a) a water piping subsystem that has a circuitous loop means for continuously or intermittently circulating water in a loop, the loop having an upward flowing side and a downward flowing side, the loop having a bottom level and a top level with a head differential of at least fifty feet between the bottom level and the top level; (b) an air compressor subsystem including at least one air compressor having a compressed air outlet with the air outlet being located below the top level in the upwardly flowing side of the loop; and, (c) at least one electric power generating water-driven turbine located within the loop. In some instances the subsystem of piping is part of a water well; in other instances, part of a geothermal well; in yet other instances a different system, such as an above-ground system, e.g. a water tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Mark R. Ziegenfuss
  • Patent number: 7584609
    Abstract: A system and method generating electricity includes converting wave motion into mechanical power. A fluid matter is driven as a function of the mechanical power to a reservoir. The fluid matter is flowed from the reservoir. At least a portion of a kinetic energy of the flowing fluid matter is converted into electrical energy. The fluid matter may be liquid or gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Independent Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Welch, Jr., Curtis J. Rothi, Harold L. Rothi
  • Patent number: 7581901
    Abstract: A point absorber wave energy apparatus includes first and second devices, the first device being a surface float and the second a submerged body. Linkages are provided between the two devices so that energy resulting from relative motion between the two devices can be extracted. The apparatus may be tuned to the prevailing conditions by enabling the submerged body to trap volumes of the surrounding liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Wavebob Limited
    Inventor: William Dick
  • Patent number: 7578126
    Abstract: A wave power installation is presented, comprising a flow chamber, an air-driven turbine disposed in the chamber and coupled with an electro-generator, a float having a cavity accumulating air, communicated with the chamber, a vacuum-creating ejector disposed in water mounted under the float, which ejector is performed as a confuser-diffuser conduit, wherein at least a portion thereof is vertically positioned. The conduit has a minimal through cross-section. At least one reverse valve is mounted in the vicinity of the minimal cross-section. The conduit is communicated with the cavity via the reverse valve. The chamber and turbine can be located on a coast. In embodiments, the conduit is furnished with a cylindrical nozzle, thereby making it stepwise widening downwardly. During both the upward and downward motions of the float, airflow is produced through the chamber, providing for practically continuous generation of electric energy by the installation, and improving its efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Victor Lyatkher
  • Patent number: 7564143
    Abstract: Oceanic tidal energy sources hydroelectric generating system coupled to a primary tidal basin through a bi-directional tideway exciting a turbine as a diurnal cycle tide waxes and wanes. A secondary tidal basin includes a tideway and turbine with flow modulated by a regulator gate to proportionately blend reserve tidewater capacity of the secondary tidal basin as a delayed resource compensating a slacking of the primary tidal flow with a graduated secondary tidal basin influx or outflow providing an aggregate summation of tidal energy acting upon the turbines to continuously drive generators and deliver a constant flow of electric power throughout the diurnal tidal cycle. Shunting excess tidal energy around the turbines during periods of reduced electric power demand furthers a full capacity of tidal resources in subsequent phases of the diurnal tidal day when solar day related power demand may increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Harold J. Weber
  • Patent number: 7555897
    Abstract: The invention concerns devices of power supply and is intended for independent energy, heat and hot water supply of living and industrial premises. The system of independent energy and heat supply of living and industrial premises contains wind generator setup for electric power production 1, connected with electric energy consumers; the electric energy accumulator 2 connected with the wind generator by setup 1 and electric energy consumers; setup for solar into thermal energy transformation 3 and the thermal accumulator 4, connected with thermal energy consumers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Infinite Power Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander N. Alekseevich, Viktor V. Tsarev
  • Publication number: 20090160197
    Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy is provided. The system may include a drawtube. The drawtube may include a tubular member defining a longitudinal axis and having a first opening and a second opening. The drawtube may include a first member positioned adjacent to the first opening on a first side of the tubular member. The drawtube may include a second member positioned adjacent to the second opening on a second side of the tubular member, wherein the longitudinal axis of the drawtube is disposed at an angle relative to a direction of the airflow. An energy conversion device may be coupled to the drawtube and configured to convert the airflow into mechanical or electrical energy. A plurality of the drawtubes may be assembled in an array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: MARQUISS WIND POWER, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Roskey, Jacob W. Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20090129953
    Abstract: Power plant (10) for the generation of electrical power using wind power or wind energy, comprising a plurality of windmills (12, 14, 16) each comprising a mill tower, a rotor (18, 20, 22) with a shaft (32) being rotatably journalled in said mill tower, a fluid pressure generator (34) mounted in said mill tower and being coupled to and driven by said shaft for delivering pressurised fluid to a pressure channel (36). A pressure accumulating reservoir (42) communicates with said pressure channels for receiving said pressurised fluid therefrom, and a pressure driven electrical power generator (48) connected to said pressure accumulating reservoir is driven by said pressurised fluid for generation of electrical power. Also disclosed are a windmill for use in such a powerplant and a method of producing electrical power from wind energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Elsam A/S
    Inventor: Henning Andersen
  • Patent number: 7530224
    Abstract: A hydraulic transmission system for use with at least one water current driven turbine rotor (6), low speed high pressure pump (24) is arranged to receive operational drive from the turbine rotor, and to deliver its output to a high speed hydraulic motor or turbine (35) in such manner as to produce an increase of the shaft or motor speed accompanied by a corresponding reduction of torque required to drive electrical generators (38) or other high speed machinery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Marine Current Turbines Limited
    Inventor: Peter L. Fraenkel
  • Patent number: 7520129
    Abstract: An accumulator system which, in certain aspects, has a body with three (or more) interior chambers, e.g. in one aspect first, second, and third chambers, the body having a first body end with a first opening, and a second body end with a second opening, an amount of operational power fluid in the first chamber, an amount of pressurized gas in the second chamber for moving a piston assembly for moving power fluid from the body to operate an apparatus, the piston assembly having a cavity within a piston end for containing additional pressurized gas for moving the piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank B. Springett
  • Publication number: 20090091134
    Abstract: A wave-flow power installation comprises a float, a convergent-divergent water passage, attached to the float by an arm furnished with a hinge to turn the passage perpendicularly to a water stream, two turbines coaxially mounted in the passage, oriented orthogonally to the stream, each having a shaft oriented across the passage, an end of the shafts is attached to the wall of passage, supplied with hydro-dynamical blades, providing opposite rotation of the turbines, and an electro-generator including two rotors kinematically coupled with the shafts of the first turbines, providing rotation of the rotors in the opposite directions, and a stationary inductor disposed between the rotors. In some embodiments, the electro-generator is enclosed in a cavity of a hermetic capsule. The present invention can be used for building non-polluting power plants on rivers, in coastal areas of sea, and in proximity to platforms for underwater extraction of minerals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Victor Lyatkher
  • Patent number: 7484363
    Abstract: Improvements to wind farms and wind generators for harnessing wind energy or generating electricity from wind. Secondary wind turbines are provided at particular locations within a wind farm to generate additional electricity, in some embodiments, using a common electrical power collection system. Enclosures or venturis may surround wind turbines to facilitate mounting close to the ground. Venturis may accelerate wind speed through the turbine and may have a particular shape, may be made of particular materials arranged in particular ways, or both. In different embodiments, wind turbines may be axial-flow horizontal-axis turbines, or may be Savonius turbines, as examples. And in some embodiments, wind turbines may be combined with other power production equipment, such as solar power equipment, for instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Michael Reidy
    Inventors: Michael T. Reidy, Hari S. Iyer, Jarmo Monttinen
  • Publication number: 20090007557
    Abstract: A generally horizontal distensible tube (1) in the sea containing fluid and oriented in the direction of wave travel, the distensibility being chosen so that the propagation velocity of pressure waves inside the tube (bulge waves) is the same as the velocity of propagation of the waves in the sea. Energy is then transferred from the ocean waves to the bulge wave. Energy extraction means (84, 85) at the stem and/or bow convert the bulge power to useful energy. Said energy extraction means may comprise pistons actuating pumps or linear or rotating generators, or one-way valves allowing the bulge wave to pump fluid via hydraulic accumulators through a turbine. The walls of the distensible tube (1) may be comprised partly of elastomer (86) and partly of inelastic flexible polymer coated fabric (87).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: ATKINS LIMITED
    Inventors: Francis James MacDonald Farley, Roderick Charles Tasman Rainey
  • Publication number: 20080282700
    Abstract: A compressed working fluid supply system including a power source, a liquefier in communication with the power source and a refrigerant, a circulator in communication with the power source and the refrigerant, and a heat sink is in communication with the refrigerant. The heat sink facilitates a transfer of heat from the working fluid to the refrigerant such that the working fluid becomes a cooled working fluid before or during compression. A compressor is in communication with the power source the cooled working fluid and includes an inlet and an outlet that is in communication with a compressed fluid tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Jay Stephen Kaufman
  • Patent number: 7436086
    Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a variable blade assembly including adjustable sails and wing shaped masts expanding the wind velocity capture envelope. The blade assembly turns a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid and stores the pressurized fluid in a chamber in the support tower. Pressurized fluid is directed via an electronically controllable proportioning valve to a hydraulic motor which is coupled to an electric generator. A computer control module operates the proportioning valve regulating pressure to the hydraulic motor, maintaining generator rotational speed, and providing consistent output frequency to the power grid. Stored energy in the high pressure tank is used to continue generator operation after the winds cease, allowing early warning notification to the power management system of impending power loss. Residual pressure maintained in the high pressure tank allows restart operations via hydraulic pressure rather than power grid energy drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Frank McClintic
  • Patent number: 7418820
    Abstract: A wind turbine includes a closed loop hydrostatic transmission. The rotor is directly coupled to a low-speed high torque hydraulic motor, which is pressure-reversible to act as a pump. A variable displacement, pressure compensated hydrostatic transmission receives the hydraulic fluid output and drives a generator. The hydrostatic transmission and the generator may be compactly located in the nacelle of wind turbine tower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: MHL Global Corporation Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander S. Harvey, David McConnell
  • Publication number: 20080169653
    Abstract: A device comprising a pivoting float and lever arm combination attached to a beam such that the float and lever arm can unfold and change orientation to the ocean surface. The float and lever arm pivot and the float can be rotated to a vertical position relative to the water surface. The lever arm can, for example, be attached to a suspended beam or to the ocean bottom. A method for moving a float and a lever arm in response to ocean wave action comprising pivotally attaching a first end of a lever arm to a float; attaching a second end of the lever arm to a connector component; and attaching an end of the connector component to the ocean floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Chris Olson
  • Patent number: 7377492
    Abstract: A system for concentrating gas, using the concentrated gas to pump liquid, and recycling the gas and liquid is disclosed. The system comprises a body of liquid, a down pipe in fluid communication with the body of liquid, a gas injection apparatus for introducing gas into the liquid that passes through the down pipe, a separator for separating compressed gas from the liquid, and a gas-liquid recycle loop. The down pipe and the gas injection apparatus are structured and arranged to compress the gas. The gas-liquid recycle loop comprises a compressed gas storage vessel containing the separated gas, a reservoir containing liquid separated from the compressed gas, and a gas-liquid pump. The gas-liquid pump has a gas inlet in communication with the gas storage vessel, and a fluid inlet in communication with the reservoir. The gas-liquid pump is structured and arranged for pumping the liquid back to the body of liquid and delivering the gas to the gas injection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: A Better Power, LLC
    Inventors: Julius S. Vrana, William W. Timmons, David J. Walters
  • Publication number: 20080047271
    Abstract: A wind turbine system for producing compressed air from wind energy. The wind turbine harvests energy from wind to produce mechanical energy. A compressor receives mechanical energy from the wind turbine to compress air to an elevated pressure. Thermal energy may be removed from the air, and the air is stored in a storage device, such that the air may be released from the storage device on demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Ingersoll
  • Patent number: 7331174
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The pump includes an input port through which an operating fluid can enter the pump and an output port through which the operating fluid can exit the pump. A first outlet line and a second outlet line are fluidly coupled to the output port of the pump. A first reservoir is fluidly connected to the first outlet line, and a second reservoir is fluidly connected to the second outlet line, both reservoirs being selectively capable of receiving operating fluid driven through the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Independent Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Welch, Jr., Curtis J. Rothi, Harold L. Rothi
  • Publication number: 20080023963
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing electrical power, desalinated water, and/or salt are provided. The system can include one or more first turbines in fluid communication with a body of salt water; one or more boilers for heating the salt water to provide steam and brine; and one or more second turbines in fluid communication with the steam for producing the electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen Perich
  • Patent number: 7308361
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of coordinating and stabilizing the delivery of wind generated power, such as to a power grid, so as to avoid sudden surges and spikes, despite wind speed fluctuations and oscillations. The method preferably uses a plurality of windmill stations, including a number of immediate use stations, energy storage stations, and hybrid stations, wherein energy can be used directly by the power grid, and stored for later use when demand is high or wind availability is low. The method contemplates forming an energy delivery schedule, to coordinate the use of direct energy and energy from storage, based on daily wind speed forecasts, which help to predict the resulting wind power availability levels for the upcoming day. The schedule preferably sets a reduced number of constant power output periods during the day, during which time energy delivery levels remain substantially constant, despite fluctuations and oscillations in wind speed and wind power availability levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Ben M. Enis, Paul Lieberman
  • Publication number: 20070271912
    Abstract: A water-powered generator having a vessel and a variable density body situated within the vessel. The vessel is partially filled with a fluid, such as water. The variable density body moves between a first position near the bottom of the vessel to a second position between the bottom of the vessel and the top. The variable density body is configured to have a changeable total density such that the total density may be changed from a first density which is greater than the fluid and a second density which is less than the fluid. A means is provided for changing the density of the variable density body between the first density and the second density. Another means is provided to change the density of the variable density body back from the second density to the first density. When the density of the variable density body changes, the variable density body moves up and down within the vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Emory Grant Peacock
  • Patent number: 7299628
    Abstract: An waterwheel (6) using a spiral pump (1) which is attached to a scoop assembly (3) which runs the air and fluid to a separator tank (9), which then allows the air to an air turbine (15) and the fluid to a hydro turbine (16) will produce pressure which will turn the turbines listed which in turn will rotate an electrical generator producing electricity. This system changes the flow of the river in to rotation movement, which produces pressure, which produces mechanical rotational movement to turn a generator, which generates electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: Dennis Buller
  • Patent number: 7299627
    Abstract: Method and assembly for extracting energy from a flowing fluid. It is proposed to regard all devices of the assembly together as one flow body. In particular those devices on the upstream side of the assembly are set such that they exert lateral (horizontal and/or vertical) forces on the fluid flow, as a result of which flows are produced that guide fast fluid through the energy-extracting devices and guide slow fluid precisely away therefrom. The assembly includes a wind farm and the devices that generate the lateral forces are a type of vortex generators for the atmospheric boundary layer; more particularly they are horizontal or vertical wind turbines positioned at an angle to the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland
    Inventors: Gustave Paul Corten, Koert Lindenburg, Pieter Schaak
  • Patent number: 7281371
    Abstract: A compressed air pumped hydro energy storage and distribution system includes a first reservoir of water and a second reservoir of air and water. An air pressure source, connected to the second reservoir, develops a pressure head in the second reservoir. A pump/turbine-motor/generator, received by the first reservoir, is connected to a regional energy grid. During peak demand periods, the pressure head forces water through the pump/turbine-motor/generator to generate power, delivered to the grid. During low demand periods, the pump/turbine-motor/generator pumps water back to the second reservoir, regenerating the pressure head. A third air reservoir interconnected with the second reservoir and a gas turbine generator can be used to generate power during peak demand periods. The reservoirs can be tunnels or abandoned mines, reinforced and sealed by pressure grouting and/or an internal liner, maintained well beneath the earth's surface and intersecting the path of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: EBO Group, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Heidenreich
  • Patent number: 7257946
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a buoyancy pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The buoyancy pump includes a buoyancy block that reciprocally moves in response to wave motion to pump an operating fluid that is delivered to a turbine to produce electricity. The buoyancy block is preferably sized such that a diameter of the buoyancy block is no less than about one-sixth a wavelength and no greater than about one wavelength of an average wave for a region in which the buoyancy pump is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Independent Natural Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Welch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7254944
    Abstract: An energy storage system in which a renewable power production facility, such as one having a wind energy collector, is used to power a compressor situated adjacent a wellbore. During periods of non-peak load on the electric power grid, the compressor is used to compress atmospheric gases and transfer these gases to a subterranean zone, where the gases are stored. During peak load periods, pressurized gases are allowed to flow from the subterranean zone, through the wellbore and to the surface. At the surface, the gases may be processed to remove residual hydrocarbons, and heated. Heat may be provided by combustion of the hydrogen output of an electrolyzer. The gases are then used to power a electric power production device which delivers alternating current to the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Ventoso Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Steven J Goetzinger, Terry L Brittenham, David W. Watson, Md L Alam
  • Patent number: 7239035
    Abstract: An integrated, wind-pumped hydro power generation system includes at least one wind turbine generator device configured to generate output power for a common bus, and at least one hydro generator device configured to generate output power for the common bus. The hydro generator device is powered by water flow. The wind turbine generator device and the hydro generator device include corresponding local controls associated therewith, and a set of supervisory controls is in communication with the common bus and each of the local controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Luis Jose Garces, Yan Liu, Sumit Bose
  • Patent number: 7199486
    Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy includes a drawtube and an airflow turbine capable of converting an airflow through the drawtube into rotational mechanical energy. The drawtube includes a tubular member with first and second open ends and a substantially planar leading edge member positioned in front of the first open end. As an airflow passes over the drawtube, a reduced pressure region results adjacent to the leading edge. The reduced pressure region in combination with counter-rotating eddies, or vortices, formed by the leading edge cause air to be drawn out of the first open end of the tubular member establishing an internal airflow which drives the turbine or other energy conversion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Inventor: John E. Roskey
  • Patent number: 7188471
    Abstract: A submersible power plant 10 comprises a submersible enclosure 12 having at least one intake valve 16 for admitting water at high pressure from the surrounding sea into and air space in the enclosure. An air shaft from the air space 96 is in communication with the atmosphere for maintaining the air space at approximately one atmosphere. A pump for evacuating water collected in the enclosure includes a buoy 62 responsive to ocean swells. A piston shaft 58 connected to the buoy reciprocates in the center bore 60 of a vertical column 52 extending upward from the bottom of the enclosure. As the piston shaft rises inflow valves 72 admit water in the enclosure into a valve housing 70 in communication with the center bore. As the piston shaft falls water is discharged from the valve housing into the sea through a discharge valve 80 in the bottom of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: William Don Walters
  • Patent number: 7183664
    Abstract: A wind turbine system includes a variable blade assembly including adjustable sails and wing shaped masts expanding the wind velocity capture envelope. The blade assembly turns a hydraulic pump, which pressurizes fluid and stores the pressurized fluid in a chamber in the support tower. Pressurized fluid is directed via an electronically controllable proportioning valve to a hydraulic motor which is coupled to an electric generator. A computer control module operates the proportioning valve regulating pressure to the hydraulic motor, maintaining generator rotational speed, and providing consistent output frequency to the power grid. Stored energy in the high pressure tank is used to continue generator operation after the winds cease, allowing early warning notification to the power management system of impending power loss. Residual pressure maintained in the high pressure tank allows restart operations via hydraulic pressure rather than power grid energy drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Frank McClintic
  • Patent number: 7171806
    Abstract: A plant that includes free-floating wave energy aggregates units for converting wave energy to another energy form. A plurality of smaller single units of wave energy aggregates is placed in a flexible grid construction. The plurality of smaller single units is connected to the grid construction in a manner so that it is fixed in a horizontal direction but flexible and capable of independent movement in a vertical direction. Advantageously, the plurality of smaller single units of the aggregate unit is placed in two staggered parallel rows arranged to take up a minimum amount of space without the plurality of smaller single units hitting each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventors: Akbar Asif, Erik Skaarup
  • Patent number: 7155912
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy storing method and apparatus for use by end-users of energy, such as commercial property owners and operators. The system differs from past systems, insofar as it is not intended to be used by and in connection with energy suppliers, such as large utility and power supply plants and grids. The system preferably relates to the manner in which an end-user of energy can implement energy and costs savings, by using energy storage and time-shifting methods, to control and regulate the consumption of energy in a manner that achieves a cost savings over a period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Ben M. Enis, Paul Lieberman