Airborne wind energy system with reduced input torque, better torque handling and optimized speed
OwnerLeonid Goldsteininventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An airborne wind energy conversion system with lower input torque and/or better handling of the input torque. In one embodiment it has a ground generator, and a tether pulls an elongated member which is meshed with a gear of relatively small diameter. The system achieves relatively high initial RPM and relatively low initial torque. In another embodiment a wide and thin belt unwinds from a spool, having annulus-planet relation with the gear (like in a planetary gearbox). The gear is rotationally coupled to the rotor of the generator. In another aspect, the ratio of the wing air speed to the wind speed is normally below ⅔, which was taught as the optimum since Loyd.
Claims20
A device for converting wind energy into electrical energy, comprising:
- an airborne member, adapted to harvest wind energy;
- a tether, coupled to the airborne member;
- an elongated member, coupled to the tether;
- a rotational member in contact with the elongated member;
- an electrical generator, placed at the ground or water level;
- wherein the rotor of the electrical generator is rotationally coupled to the rotational member.
A method of converting wind energy into electrical energy, comprising steps of:
- capturing wind energy with a tethered airborne member;
- converting motion of the airborne member into periodical linear motion of an elongated member at the ground;
- converting the periodical linear motion of the elongated member into rotational motion of the rotational member using frictionless contact;
- converting rotational motion of the rotor into electrical energy.
A device for converting wind energy into electrical energy, comprising:
- an airfoil, adapted to harvest wind energy by moving cross wind;
- a tether, coupled to the airfoil and to an object on the ground or in the water;
- an electronic control system for controlling the airfoil;
- wherein the strength of the tether and of the airfoil is optimized for operation with the nominal residual speed coefficient below ⅔.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.