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#Post#: 115--------------------------------------------------
PTEROFIN
DIR By: AGelbert
Date: October 19, 2013, 9:31 pm
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Harnessing Flowing Fluids to Create Torque
US 20120034079 A1
HTML http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTwY22E_Lvc&feature=player_embedded
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/>
Abstract
An apparatus and method for producing high output and low
cost/time, sustainable energy (e.g., wind or water) via natural
currents that is environmentally friendly and includes a
gravity-assisted equalizing control system is provided.
Wings with a large surface area can be included in the design,
as well as an optional counterbalance system that synchronizes
the wings' position and speed with a mechanical leverage point
on the body of the device. When a fluid flows past wings of the
device, the fluid flow induces motion in the wings, which causes
a shaft to move, creating torque at the generator.
The outcome is a coordination of harmonizing the wings pitch
angle to the natural frequency of a fluids specific velocity.
The device can adapt itself to the velocity of the surrounding
fluid through a rotational sweeping control system that produces
a more streamlined profile to maximize reliability.
SUMMARY
In various embodiments, a device and method for harnessing
flowing fluids provides usable power to homes and businesses,
such as those adhering to structure height or environmental
restrictions. The device comprises one or more wings that pivot
around a central axis attached to a generator, which can be a
generator capable of generating usable power, such as
electricity or pumping water, or can be a coupler capable of
connecting to a generator. The wings are also attached to a
control system that is configured for orienting the wing in
response to both the position of the wing about the central axis
and a speed of the flowing fluid.
In one implementation, the device is mounted on a base that
positions the device partially underground. Alternatively, the
device is mounted on a base similar to a telephone poll or a
typical windmill tower. The connecting point of the structure to
the device may be a bearing capable of rotating the device. The
mounting system may then come forward, or into the direction
that natural current is coming from, keeping the center of
gravity of the project over the bearings previously mentioned.
In one implementation, the one or more wings oscillate through
an arc about the central axis. In one such implementation, the
control system reorients the wing according to the speed of the
fluid flow and the position of the wing in the arc to maximize
efficiency and reliability.
In another implementation, the one or more wings rotate around
the central axis. In such an implementation, the control system
reorients the wing according to the speed of the fluid flow and
the position of the wing in its rotation to maximize efficiency
and reliability.
In various embodiments, a rudder is attached to the central
axis. This rudder remains fixed in position while the wings
pivot. As the fluid flows past the rudder, it reorients the
device on the base to face maximally into the fluid flow
In various embodiments, the control system is a
counterweight-based apparatus. As the wings pivot around the
central axis, the counterweight-based apparatus orients the
wings with the assistance of a weight and gravity.
In various embodiments, the control system is a spring-based
apparatus. As the wings pivot around the central axis, the
spring-based apparatus orients the wings with the assistance of
springs.
In various embodiments, the control system is a
fluid-resistance-based apparatus. As the wings pivot around the
central axis, the fluid-resistance-based apparatus orients the
wings based on resisting the speed of the fluid flow.
In various embodiments, the wing is hinged at the shaft. This
allows the wing to fold towards the shaft in response to debris
in the fluid flow, high fluid flow speeds, or an action by the
control system.
The various embodiments provide a mechanism for high output and
low cost/time, sustainable energy (e.g., wind or water) via
natural currents in a design that is easier to manufacture than
most carbon fiber or fiberglass windmill blades at a lower price
with a smaller carbon footprint. The design is more
environmentally friendly, causing very little harm to the
animals or ecosystem, and has a far greater overall energy
output than existing technology, as it moves slower than
windmills and utilizes cubic area/surface area to be converted
into electricity.
In addition, it has a much lower minimal amount of natural
energy currents necessary for the device to run on, and its
improved reliability and resistance to damage from unpredictable
weather conditions reduces cost over time.
The device mimics a bird's wing as it flaps through the air or a
fish's fin as it propels itself through the water, given the
nature and properties of the natural energy current, and is
scalable to any size. The device can also be organized in wind
or water farms to maximize efficiency per square acre of land in
use. The device can be built half way underground, or mounted on
an above-ground structure (e.g., a tall, narrow circular
structure, similar to a telephone poll or typical windmill
tower).
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