Abrégé

A wind turbine is provided. The turbine includes a support having an axis of rotation, a generator, a plurality of blades rotatably mounted on the support about the axis of rotation, the blades being moveable between a retracted position generally parallel with the axis of rotation and a fully deployed position generally perpendicular with the axis of rotation, the blades being connected to the generator such that rotation of the blades in a direction induced by wind causes the generator to produce electricity, and the provision of electricity to the generator rotates the blades, and a controller connected to the generator and configured to deliver a flow of current to the generator that is sufficient to move the blades from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position and insufficient to move the blades all the way to the fully deployed position. The flow of current induces rotation of the blades in the direction induced by wind, which creates a centrifugal force that moves the blades from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position. As the blades move from the retracted position, the blades have increasing exposure to ambient wind to receive additional rotational force from ambient wind, and the additional rotational force being sufficient to, either alone or in combination with the flow of current, move the blades into the fully deployed position.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 7/02 - Commande des mécanismes moteurs à vent les mécanismes moteurs à vent ayant l'axe de rotation sensiblement parallèle au flux d'air pénétrant dans le rotor
• F03D 1/06 - Rotors

Abrégé

A wind turbine is provided. The turbine includes a support having an axis of rotation, a generator, a plurality of blades rotatably mounted on the support about the axis of rotation, the blades being moveable between a retracted position generally parallel with the axis of rotation and a fully deployed position generally perpendicular with the axis of rotation, the blades being connected to the generator such that rotation of the blades in a direction induced by wind causes the generator to produce electricity, and the provision of electricity to the generator rotates the blades, and a controller connected to the generator and configured to deliver a flow of current to the generator that is sufficient to move the blades from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position and insufficient to move the blades all the way to the fully deployed position. The flow of current induces rotation of the blades in the direction induced by wind, which creates a centrifugal force that moves the blades from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position. As the blades move from the retracted position, the blades have increasing exposure to ambient wind to receive additional rotational force from ambient wind, and the additional rotational force being sufficient to, either alone or in combination with the flow of current, move the blades into the fully deployed position.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 7/02 - Commande des mécanismes moteurs à vent les mécanismes moteurs à vent ayant l'axe de rotation sensiblement parallèle au flux d'air pénétrant dans le rotor
• F03D 1/06 - Rotors

Abrégé

A wind turbine is provided. The turbine includes a support having an axis of rotation, a generator, a plurality of blades rotatably mounted on the support about the axis of rotation, the blades being moveable between a retracted position generally parallel with the axis of rotation and a fully deployed position generally perpendicular with the axis of rotation, the blades being connected to the generator such that rotation of the blades in a direction induced by wind causes the generator to produce electricity, and the provision of electricity to the generator rotates the blades, and a controller connected to the generator and configured to deliver a flow of current to the generator that is sufficient to move the blades from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position and insufficient to move the blades all the way to the fully deployed position. The flow of current induces rotation of the blades in the direction induced by wind, which creates a centrifugal force that moves the blades from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position. As the blades move from the retracted position, the blades have increasing exposure to ambient wind to receive additional rotational force from ambient wind, and the additional rotational force being sufficient to, either alone or in combination with the flow of current, move the blades into the fully deployed position.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 7/02 - Commande des mécanismes moteurs à vent les mécanismes moteurs à vent ayant l'axe de rotation sensiblement parallèle au flux d'air pénétrant dans le rotor
• F03D 1/06 - Rotors

Abrégé

A system for converting water turbulence into electricity. The system comprises a plurality of buoys; each buoy being connected to at least one adjacent buoy by at least two generators; each of the buoys being connected to at least one adjacent one of the buoys by at least two generators, each of the generators having an adjustable length and adapted to generate electricity in response to a change in length; each of the at least two generators being connected to each of the buoys at either (a) different heights of the buoy, or (b) different angles to the buoy; wherein when deployed in water movement of one of the buoys induces changes in length of at least some of the generators connected to the one of the buoys.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/14 - Utilisation de l'énergie des vagues
• F03B 13/16 - Utilisation du mouvement relatif entre un élément déplacé par les vagues et un autre élément
• F03B 13/20 - Utilisation du mouvement relatif entre un élément déplacé par les vagues et un autre élément les deux éléments étant mobiles par rapport au fond ou au bord de la mer

Abrégé

A platform for extracting energy from flowing fluid is provided. The platform includes: first and second lateral side members, the first lateral side member having an internal cavity; a fluid turbine disposed between and below the lateral side members; a support connecting each side member to the turbine; and a pump adapted to change buoyancy of the first lateral side member by pumping fluid from an external fluid environment into or out of the first lateral side member. Changes in buoyancy of the first lateral side member offsets torque from rotation of the fluid turbine.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées
• B63B 1/10 - Caractéristiques hydrodynamiques ou hydrostatiques des coques ou des ailes portantes tirant la portance principalement du déplacement liquide à coques multiples
• B63B 1/12 - Caractéristiques hydrodynamiques ou hydrostatiques des coques ou des ailes portantes tirant la portance principalement du déplacement liquide à coques multiples les coques étant reliées rigidement les unes aux autres
• B63B 35/34 - Pontons
• F03B 13/00 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil
• F03B 13/10 - Ensembles fonctionnels immergés comportant génératrices ou moteurs électriques
• F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées

Abrégé

A device for extracting energy from flowing fluid is provided. First and second buoyant lateral side members are provided. A fluid turbine is disposed between and below the lateral side members. At least one support extends from each side member to the turbine. At least one adjustable length support connects to the first and second side members, the at least one adjustable length support being adjustable between a minimum length and a maximum length. When a length of the adjustable length support adjusts toward the minimum length the first and second side members move closer together to thereby lower the turbine relative to the lateral side members. When the length of the at least one adjustable length support adjusts toward the maximum length the first and second side members move away from each other to thereby raise the turbine relative to the lateral side members.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/10 - Ensembles fonctionnels immergés comportant génératrices ou moteurs électriques
• B63B 1/14 - Caractéristiques hydrodynamiques ou hydrostatiques des coques ou des ailes portantes tirant la portance principalement du déplacement liquide à coques multiples les coques étant reliées élastiquement les unes aux autres
• B63B 38/00 - Navires ou structures flottantes analogues non prévus ailleurs
• E02B 9/08 - Installations pour l'utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
• F02N 11/04 - Démarrage des moteurs au moyen de moteurs électriques les moteurs étant associés avec des générateurs de courant
• F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
• F03B 13/22 - Utilisation de l'écoulement de l'eau résultant du mouvement des vagues, p. ex. pour entraîner un moteur hydraulique ou une turbine

Abrégé

A wind turbine assembly is provided. The assembly includes a support structure and a wind turbine mounted on the support structure. The wind turbine includes a front face with blades defining a surface area to engage incoming wind, a roll axis about which the wind turbine can rotate in response to incoming wind to drive an electric generator, where the support, structure defines a horizontal tilt axis about which the wind turbine can pitch forward and backward. The tilt axis divides the surface area of the wind turbine into upper and lower portions of unequal size, such that incoming wind on the front face of the wind turbine applies unequal force to the upper and lower portions of the surface area of the wind turbine to induce pitch of the wind turbine about the tilt axis.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 7/02 - Commande des mécanismes moteurs à vent les mécanismes moteurs à vent ayant l'axe de rotation sensiblement parallèle au flux d'air pénétrant dans le rotor

Abrégé

A wind turbine is provided. The turbine includes a support having an axis of rotation, a generator, a plurality of blades rotatably mounted on the support about the axis of rotation, the 5 blades being moveable between a retracted position generally parallel with the axis of rotation and a fully deployed position generally perpendicular with the axis of rotation, the blades being connected to the generator such that rotation of the blades in a direction induced by wind causes the generator to produce electricity, and the provision of electricity to the generator rotates the blades, and a controller connected to the generator and configured to deliver a flow of current to 10 the generator that is sufficient to move the blades from the retracted position toward the fully deployed position and insufficient to move the blades all the way to the fully deployed position.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 7/04 - Commande automatiqueRégulation

Abrégé

A system for maintaining buoyant, energy-capture devices in general relative position in water in the presence of surface waves allows heeling of the energy capture devices while preventing collision. The system includes a grid of structural members that resists compression while permitting limited relative surface displacement between the first and second energy-capture devices. The structural members may be partially compressible and provide a restoring force, and they may allow heeling. Electricity from wave energy capture devices is combined in a way that smoothes variations inherent in wave action. Electricity from wind energy capture devices is combined with energy from wave energy capture devices for transmission to shore.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 9/00 - Adaptations des mécanismes moteurs à vent pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des mécanismes moteurs à vent avec les appareils qu’ils entrainentMécanismes moteurs à vent spécialement adaptés à l’installation dans des endroits particuliers
• F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
• F03B 13/16 - Utilisation du mouvement relatif entre un élément déplacé par les vagues et un autre élément
• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées
• F03D 7/00 - Commande des mécanismes moteurs à vent
• F03B 15/00 - Commande

Abrégé

An apparatus for generating electricity from a moving liquid has a generally oblate casing and a generally helicoid working member adapted to convert energy of a flowing fluid into rotation of the casing. A rotor-like element of an electrical generator is coupled to the rotating casing. A stator like element of an electrical generator is coupled to a stabilizing element. The stabilizing element may be a fin, a counter-rotating turbine, or another structure that develops torque from the moving liquid.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
• F03B 13/22 - Utilisation de l'écoulement de l'eau résultant du mouvement des vagues, p. ex. pour entraîner un moteur hydraulique ou une turbine
• F03B 13/26 - Utilisation de l'énergie des marées

Abrégé

A wind turbine has a visual envelope suggestive of a flame. The turbine has a rotor adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a direction of a prevailing wind. The visual envelope is curvilinear, generally wider toward the root end, and narrower near the tip. A power take off device converts rotation of the rotor into a useful and preferably transmissible form of energy.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 3/06 - Rotors
• F03D 11/00 - Détails, parties constitutives ou accessoires non couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe ou présentant un intérêt autre que celui visé par ces groupes

Abrégé

A wind power extraction device has a rotor with a hub and a rim coupled to the hub through a plurality of blades. The blades rotate the rotor about an axis of rotation passing through the hub in response to a wind moving generally parallel to the axis of rotation. A mount coupled to the rotor extends and retracts the rotor between a first configuration aligning the rotor axis of rotation substantially horizontally, and a second configuration aligning the rotor axis of rotation substantially vertically. The device may have components of an electric generator mounted in or near the rim.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 1/06 - Rotors
• F03D 11/00 - Détails, parties constitutives ou accessoires non couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe ou présentant un intérêt autre que celui visé par ces groupes
• F03D 11/02 - Transmission de la puissance, p.ex. en utilisant des aubes d'aspiration creuses

Abrégé

A turbine system includes a turbine positioned so that its blades are exposed during at least part of their rotation to a region of fluid flow accelerated by a columnar structure, such as a building or a bridge pylon. A protective casing moves to isolate the turbine blades from the fluid flow, thereby protecting the turbine from overpowering conditions. Upwind and downwind fairings may be used when retrofitting pre-existing buildings. Turbines may be positioned on opposing sides of a building. Multiple turbine modules may be positioned in line along peripheries of a building. Turbines may be mounted on in-water structures, such as buoys.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 9/00 - Adaptations des mécanismes moteurs à vent pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des mécanismes moteurs à vent avec les appareils qu’ils entrainentMécanismes moteurs à vent spécialement adaptés à l’installation dans des endroits particuliers
• F03D 3/04 - Mécanismes moteurs à vent avec axe de rotation sensiblement perpendiculaire au flux d'air pénétrant dans le rotor comportant des moyens fixes de guidage du vent, p. ex. par aubages ou canaux directeurs
• F03D 11/02 - Transmission de la puissance, p.ex. en utilisant des aubes d'aspiration creuses

Abrégé

A turbine has airfoils that are configured to extract work from a prevailing fluid flow. An actuator causes the airfoils to pivot or fold between a first position with their spans substantially normal to the flow direction and a second position with their spans substantially parallel to the flow direction, or any position in between. The variable geometry allows the airfoils to be sized for relatively light winds and to remain operational in relatively high winds without damage. Under extreme conditions the airfoils may be folded completely for safety.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 1/06 - Rotors
• F03D 11/00 - Détails, parties constitutives ou accessoires non couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe ou présentant un intérêt autre que celui visé par ces groupes
• F03D 11/02 - Transmission de la puissance, p.ex. en utilisant des aubes d'aspiration creuses

Abrégé

An articulated erection structure is disclosed for use in mobilizing a wind energy extraction device. The wind turbine has blades capable of being disposed in side-by-side, parallel alignment for transportation. The erection structure has a mast that can be configured in a horizontal orientation for transportation with the turbine generator lowered, and reconfigured for power-generating operations in a vertical orientation with the turbine raised. The turbine generator may be mounted with an erection structure to a variety of transportation platforms, such as on a self-propelled vehicle, towed trailer, or transportation pallet. A hybrid system may integrate photovoltaic cells in addition to a wind energy extraction device.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03D 11/00 - Détails, parties constitutives ou accessoires non couverts par les autres groupes de la présente sous-classe ou présentant un intérêt autre que celui visé par ces groupes
• F03D 11/04 - Structures de montage
• B60P 3/00 - Véhicules adaptés pour transporter, porter ou comporter des charges ou des objets spéciaux
• F03D 1/00 - Mécanismes moteurs à vent avec axe de rotation sensiblement parallèle au flux d'air pénétrant dans le rotor

Abrégé

A platform-like device for generating electricity from moving fluids has two has at least two fluid turbines coupled to one another through a frame. The fluid turbines are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. The fluid turbines also provide buoyancy for the platform so that the platform is self supporting in the water. The fluid turbines preferably have helicoid flights (screw-like threads) mounted to generally prolate casings. The fluid turbines preferably connect to electric generators through belt, chain-drive, or other transmission systems. The platform may additional support a wind turbine.

Classes IPC  ?

• F03B 13/12 - Adaptations des "machines" ou machines motrices pour une utilisation particulièreCombinaisons des "machines" ou machines motrices avec les appareils entraînés ou qu'ils entraînentCentrales électriques ou ensembles machine-appareil caractérisés par leur utilisation de l'énergie des vagues ou des marées
• F03B 3/12 - AubesRotors portant les aubes
• F03B 13/22 - Utilisation de l'écoulement de l'eau résultant du mouvement des vagues, p. ex. pour entraîner un moteur hydraulique ou une turbine
• B63B 35/44 - Constructions, magasins, plates-formes de forage ou ateliers flottants, p. ex. portant des appareils séparateurs huile-eau