Fluid energy converting method and apparatus
US4347036A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 16, 1979 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/70
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
There is disclosed a method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by means of a cascade of thin airfoils positioned therein. In one embodiment, the airfoils are provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent airfoils are movable out of phase. The airfoils are subjected to the aerodynamically induced oscillations caused by the aeroelastic phenomenon known as flutter and the oscillatory movement is then harnessed to do useful work. In an alternate embodiment, a cascade of airfoils is mechanically oscillated within a moving fluid stream to increase the propulsion of the fluid. Where the fluid is a liquid, the cascade includes a plurality of hydrofoils.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.