Fluid energy collection system
US5285112A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/74
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An efficient fluid energy collection and conversion system which has energy collectors that travel both upstream and downstream in a fluid stream. Energy collectors are mounted on a rotatable hub; during each rotation, the energy collectors travel through a downstream portion and an upstream portion of the fluid. The energy collectors' shape is changed to increase their drag while traveling downstream in the fluid stream to collect energy, and their shape is changed to decrease their drag while traveling upstream in the fluid stream to conserve energy. The energy collectors' shape are changed either passively by the pressure of the fluid stream, or actively, by computer control using servos, hydraulics, gears, pulleys, or the like. The system is adjustable to varying wind conditions. Some, or all, of the collectors are deactivated when less energy collection is desired such as during very high wind conditions. Likewise, all the energy collectors are activated when the winds are light. The energy collected from the fluid stream is converted into electrical power or used for other purposes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.