Power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices
US9863313B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/728
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Various examples are provided for power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices. In one example, among others, a vortex generation system includes an array of hybrid vanes comprising a first vane section in a surface momentum boundary layer and a second vane section above the first vane section. The first vane section is configured to impart a first angular momentum on the preheated air in the surface momentum boundary layer and the second vane section is configured to impart a second angular momentum on preheated air drawn through the second vane section. In another embodiment, a method for power extraction from a buoyancy-induced vortex includes imparting angular momentum to preheated boundary layer air entrained by a thermal plume to form a stationary columnar vortex. The angular momentum can be imparted to the preheated boundary layer air at a plurality of angles by an array of hybrid vanes distributed about the thermal plume.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.