Wind-powered electric generator with base-mounted generator
AssigneeLook for the Power, LLC
InventorJohn A. Saavedra
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Horizontal axis wind turbines are provided that have a rotor including a hub having at least one blade extending therefrom. A first rotatable member is coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate in relation to wind-induced rotation of the rotor. A tower supports the rotor and has a base. A second rotatable member is spaced from the first rotatable member toward the base of the tower. An endless member engages the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member to convey a rotational force therebetween. An electrical generator is coupled to the second rotatable member.
Claims17
A horizontal axis wind turbine comprising:
- a rotor including a hub having at least one blade extending therefrom;
- a first rotatable member coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate in relation to wind-induced rotation of the rotor;
- a tower connected to and supporting the rotor and having a base;
- a second rotatable member spaced from the first rotatable member toward the base of the tower;
- an endless member engaging the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, the endless member configured to convey a rotational force between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member;
- and
- an electrical generator coupled to the second rotatable member;
- a first housing enclosing the first rotatable member and configured only to protect the first rotatable member from the elements;
- and
- a second housing enclosing the second rotatable member and the electrical generator and configured only to protect the second rotatable member and the electrical generator from the elements;
- wherein the second housing is spaced apart from the first housing.
A horizontal axis wind turbine comprising:
- a rotor including a hub having a plurality of blades extending therefrom;
- a first rotatable member coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate in relation to wind-induced rotation of the rotor;
- a tower connected to and supporting the rotor and having a base affixed to a surface, the surface configured to rotate the tower, thereby allowing the rotor to point in a desired direction;
- a second rotatable member spaced from the first rotatable member toward the base of the tower;
- an endless member engaging the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, the endless member configured to convey a rotational force between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member;
- and
- an electrical generator coupled to the second rotatable member by a transmission, the transmission configured to rotate the second rotatable member and an input shaft of the electrical generator at different speeds, the electrical generator proximate the base of the tower and supported by the surface;
- a first housing enclosing the first rotatable member and configured only to protect the first rotatable member from the elements;
- and
- a second housing enclosing the second rotatable member and the electrical generator and configured only to protect the second rotatable member and the electrical generator from the elements;
- wherein the second housing is spaced from the first housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.