Magnus force fluid flow energy harvester
US7986054B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 1, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/74
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy harvester capable of providing motion from fluid flow includes a Magnus rotor defined by a cylinder driven by a motor causing the cylinder to rotate so that lift is created by the fluid flowing past the cylinder. A channel or system may be provided to direct the fluid flow to the cylinder. The rotating cylinder configuration is integrated into a mechanical device which is designed to transfer the lift into a mechanical motion to drive a generator. The mechanical motion due to the created lift is reversed by using a stalling mechanism and counter balanced mechanism. This creates a bidirectional motion which can be captured and used to drive a generator. The device can be utilized in either air or hydraulic environments. A modification of the energy harvester can be configured to utilize the electricity generate to produce hydrogen for use in fuel cells or for combustion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.