Fixed and pitching blades, spar shaft, bearings and materials for marine current turbine
US12012924B2 · kind B2 · utility
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19Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 7, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 7, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/72
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A marine current turbine rotor comprises a hub and fixed and two or more pitchable blade sections configured to reduce bending moment loads on the pitch bearings and enable the use of non-standard, low-cost structural materials for the hub, blades, and pitch shaft. A submersible pitch drive mechanism or linkage in the hub rotates the pitch shaft to cause the pitchable blade section to move to a specified pitch position. The hub cavity is configured to be “wet” without the expense and maintenance requirement of seals to prevent water intrusion, utilizing water-lubricated pitch bearings.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.