Distributed powertrain for high torque, low electric power generator
US6304002A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P80/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Wind or water currents turn a power generator rotor. A torque-dividing gearbox is coupled to an input shaft driven by the rotor. The torque-dividing gearbox has a plurality of output shafts located around a perimeter of the input shaft. A number of torque-reducing gearboxes are each coupled to a respective one of the output shafts, each one of the torque-reducing gearboxes driving a generator. In one design the torque-reducing gearboxes and generators are held stationary and the torque-dividing gearbox includes a bull gear turned by the input shaft. Each one of the output shafts is connected to a gear that engages the bull gear teeth. Alternatively, the torque-reducing gearboxes and generators rotate with the input shaft. The torque-dividing gearbox includes a stationary ring gear having ring gear teeth around an inner circumference. Each of the output shafts is connected to a gear that engages the ring gear teeth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.