Power generator utilizing fluid flow around an airfoil
OwnerJohn A. Saavedrainventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is a power generator using fluid flow which may include intermittent fluid flow. The invention facilitates the harnessing of electric power from intermittent wind sources but may also be deployed in near constant winds. The apparatus includes airfoils that are pivotally to vertical supports. The supports are attached to power generating devices. As wind blows, the airfoils lift upward relative to the horizontal. The motion may be transferred by actuating a hydraulic cylinder. This motion pressurizes the cylinder and the pressurized hydraulic fluid may later be transferred into electric power via a hydraulic generator. The upward motion may also be transferred to a permanent magnet alternator.
Claims21
A power generating apparatus adapted for utilizing fluid flow comprising:
- a. an airfoil having a rounded leading edge and a sharp trailing edge pivotally connected to a rigid vertical support at a point between the rounded leading edge and the sharp trailing edge and biased in a rest position that is substantially horizontal relative level ground when no wind is present such that upon intermittent winds contacting the airfoil, the leading edge of the airfoil pivots upward, from the rest position and in the absence of wind returns to the rest position;
- b. a base pivotally connected to the vertical support;
- and
- c. a power generator carried by the base and adapted to actuate when the airfoil moves from the rest position in response to the gusty wind such that power is generated for use by a power consuming, a power storing, or a power transmitting device.
A power generating apparatus adapted for utilizing fluid flow comprising:
- a. a planar airfoil having a long end and a short end, the long end having an upper surface adapted for contacting fluid flow and the short end having an attached weight;
- b. a mast having a pivotal attachment to the planar airfoil at a point between the long end and the short end that is nearer the short end than the long end;
- and
- c. a power generator operably connected to the planar airfoil;
- d. wherein the planar airfoil is biased in a rest position with the long end extending generally upward relative to horizontal ground and the short end extending generally downward relative to horizontal ground such that upon impact of the fluid flow with the long end, the long end moves downward from the rest position to an operating position, pivoting about the pivotal attachment, and the short end moves upward from the rest position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.