Abstract:
A blade for a rotor of a wind energy turbine includes opposite upper and lower faces, opposite leading and trailing edges connecting the upper and lower faces, means for generating pressurized air, and at least one air outlet opening in fluid communication with the pressurized air generation means and arranged on at least one of the upper face, the lower face and the trailing edge for discharging the pressurized air into the air around at least one of the upper and lower faces and the leading and trailing edges.
Abstract:
The performance of a turbine in a duct having a convergent and a divergent surface is enhanced by controlling the fluid flow pattern along the inner duct surface. For this purpose a free rotor redistributes part of the inner fluid stream through a ring into the outer stream to prevent premature separation of the inner stream from the divergent duct surface. The turbine and rotor are driven by distinct fluid streams that are separated by a duct.
Abstract:
A vertical axis wind turbine system having a vertical mast with one or more turbine units supported thereon. The turbine units are of modular construction for assembly around the foot of the mast; are vertically moveable along the height of the mast by a winch system; and are selectively interlocking with the mast to fix the turbine units in parked positions. The turbine system and each turbine unit includes a network of portals and interior rooms for the passage of personnel through the system, including each turbine unit. The electrical generators, and other sub-components, in the turbine units are of modular construction that permits the selective removal and replacement of component segments, including the transport of component segments through the portals and interior rooms of the turbine system while the turbine units remain supported on the mast. The electrical generators are also selectively convertible between AC generators and DC generators.
Abstract:
A vertical axis wind turbine system having a vertical mast with one or more turbine units supported thereon. The turbine units are of modular construction for assembly around the foot of the mast; are vertically moveable along the height of the mast by a winch system; and are selectively interlocking with the mast to fix the turbine units in parked positions. The turbine system and each turbine unit includes a network of portals and interior rooms for the passage of personnel through the system, including each turbine unit. The electrical generators, and other sub-components, in the turbine units are of modular construction that permits the selective removal and replacement of component segments, including the transport of component segments through the portals and interior rooms of the turbine system while the turbine units remain supported on the mast. The electrical generators are also selectively convertible between AC generators and DC generators.
Abstract:
Described herein is essentially a high-efficiency, hybrid fluid-aeolipile. In operation, this hybrid device is placed in the stream of a moving fluid, preferably air. Energy is extracted from the fluid stream by directing a portion of the stream through and, optionally, around the device. As the fluid-flow moves through the device, it is directed into nozzles. These nozzles, which are free to pivot in a cyclical manner, employ the established phenomenon of “nozzle-effect” to accelerate the velocity of the air-flow passing through them, which is ultimately ejected from each nozzle tip, producing thrust. This thrust, amplified by nozzle-effect, drives the nozzles to pivot around a shared axis. The wind energy, thereby converted into cyclical motion, that may be used to perform useful work, is converted with greater efficiency, than is possible in conventional blade-type wind turbines.
Abstract:
A blade for use in a wind turbine comprises a pressure side and suction side meeting at a trailing edge and leading edge, the pressure side having a pressure side surface and the suction side having a suction side surface, the pressure side surface and suction side surface for providing lift to the turbine blade upon the flow of air from the leading edge to the trailing edge and over the pressure side and suction side surfaces, the pressure side and suction side extending from a root portion to a tip portion of the turbine blade. In some situations, the root portion is non-aerodynamic. The aerodynamics of such a blade is improved with the aid of pneumatic blowing through one or more blown passages for providing pressurized air (or other fluid) to a suction side and/or pressure side of the blade.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a light floating flue consisting of a wall of fibre-reinforced film which rotates about its axis to balance the reduced pressure in the flue with the centrifugal force on the gases in the flue and with the flue wall. The flue floats due to the friction with the rising air, the upward force of the lighter gases, optionally a zeppelin and balloon-like bodies filled with helium or hydrogen. In order to prevent bending moments on the flue, the flue is attached to the base of the tower by means of a tillable bearing.
Abstract:
A rotor for a wind energy turbine includes a hub defining an inner space and at least one rotor blade defining an inner space and having a tip and a root attached to the hub. The inner spaces of the hub and the at least one rotor blade are in fluid communication. The rotor further includes air flow means for causing air to flow out of the hub and into the at least one rotor blade.
Abstract:
A wind turbine blade system having a blade rotatably attached to a rotor of a wind turbine. The system further includes a controller and one or more openings disposed along at least one surface of the blade and a fluid moving device arranged and disposed to provide a fluid to or from the one or more openings. A controlled amount of the fluid is provided to the one or more openings. The amount of fluid is determined by the controller. A wind turbine and a method for operating a wind turbine are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An air jet spoiler arrangement is provided for a Darrieus-type vertical axis wind-powered turbine. Air is drawn into hollow turbine blades through air inlets at the ends thereof and is ejected in the form of air jets through small holes or openings provided along the lengths of the blades. The air jets create flow separation at the surfaces of the turbine blades, thereby inducing stall conditions and reducing the output power. A feedback control unit senses the power output of the turbine and controls the amount of air drawn into the air inlets accordingly.