Tethered autonomous air vehicle with wind turbines
US8109711B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 7, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A wind turbine energy conversion device that can take advantage of the higher speed and more persistent winds at higher altitudes is hereinafter disclosed. The wind turbine energy conversion device includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) connected to one end of a tether (which may include multiple shorter tethers), the other end being connected to a terrestrial anchorage point. The UAV flies at altitudes where wind speeds can reach 40 mph or higher. The UAV comprises a flying wing with one or more trailing wind power turbines and flies airborne maneuvers designed to increase relative wind speed up to about four times the true wind speed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.