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US 2014/0112779 A1Published application
Features for flag-type power generation
AssigneeCalifornia Institute of Technology
InventorsMorteza Gharib, Julia Cosse, Daegyoum Kim
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Flag-type wind and/or water power generation features are described. Fluid-filled embodiments are described. The fluid may be employed for pumping effect and/or dynamic physical property change. Leading-edge and trailing-edge mounted flag architectures are described with various applications including flapping flag arrays and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs).
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a flag comprising at least two opposing layers, the layers connected to one another to form at least one chamber between the layers with at least one channel in fluid communication with the chamber;
- a mount, the flag secured to the mount so that bending of the flag is required for movement in fluid flow;
- and
- a pump in fluid communication with the at least one channel for pressurizing the chamber.
1 more element
A method comprising:
- flexing a flag in fluid flow to generate power;
- the flag comprising at least two opposing layers, the layers connected to one another to form at least one chamber between the layers;
- and
- altering a property of the flag by pressurizing the chamber to enhance power generation.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.