# US 2021/0172425 A9 · Tensioned Support Ring for Wind and Water Turbines > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2021/0172425 A9 - Document ID: US20210172425A9 - Status: Published application - Kind: A9 - Application number: 16/020,065 - Filed: 2018-06-27 - Published: 2021-06-10 - Earliest claimed: 2017-06-27 - Inventors: James Kevin Rothers - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20210172425A9 ## CPC - F03D 1/0658: {Arrangements for fixing wind-engaging parts to a hub} - F03D 13/20: Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors - F03B 17/061: {with rotation axis substantially in flow direction} - F03D 1/0608: {characterised by their aerodynamic shape} - F03D 1/0691: {of the hub} - F03D 7/0224: {Adjusting blade pitch} - F03D 9/25: the apparatus being an electrical generator (F03D9/22 takes precedence) - F05B 2210/16: Air or water being indistinctly used as working fluid, i.e. the machine can work equally with air or water without any modification - F05B 2240/2211: of the multibladed, low speed, e.g. "American farm" type - F05B 2240/93: on a structure floating on a liquid surface - F05B 2260/4021: through belt drives - Y02E 10/20: Hydro energy - Y02E 10/72: Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction - Y02E 10/727: Offshore wind turbines - F03D: WIND MOTORS - F03B: MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS (positive-displacement engines for liquid F03C; machines for liquids and gases F01; positive-displacement machines for liquids F04, rotary fluid gearing of the hydrokinetic type F16H41/00) - F05B: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G - Y02E: REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION ## Abstract It is a general object of the present invention to provide a new and less expensive method of creating a horizontal axis wind turbine for electrical power generation. This approach is based on a tensioned support ring in the shape of a regular polygon. This support ring is well suited to the construction of large wind turbines because it is very light, strong, and cost efficient to create. Also provided are two types of rotor supporting tower structures including a wheeled version for land use and another that floats on water. Additionally, a method of using the support ring to generate electrical power from underwater currents. Further provided is a rope drive method of transmitting energy from the support ring to a generator below. Finally, two methods of controlling blade pitch. Both methods have similar automatic feathering systems to protect against excessive rotational speeds. ## Claims ### Claim at position 1 1: A tensioned support ring in the shape of a regular polygon, comprising: five or more ridged tube segments of equal length; elbow fittings joined with the rigid tube segments to form a regular polygon shaped ring structure; spokes connected between the elbow fittings and an axle with means of expansion; wherein the axle is positioned inside the ring structure in a central location and wherein the axle is positioned perpendicular to a plane of the ring structure; and a means of securing at least two spokes to each elbow fitting, wherein one of the at least two spokes is connected to a first end of the axle and another of the at least two spokes is connected to a second end of the axle, wherein as the axle is expanded, it creates increasing tension in each spoke, whereby compressing the elbow fittings against the tube segments thereby creating a strong, stable light weight structure. ### Claim at position 2 (depends on 1) 2: The tensioned support ring of claim 1, wherein one side of each spoke is extending out of the elbow and is bent towards the first end of the axle where it is connected, and another other side of each spoke is extending from another side of the elbow is bent towards the second end of the axle where it is connected. ### Claim at position 3 3: A tensioned support ring in the shape of a regular polygon comprising: five or more ridged tube segments of equal length; elbow fittings joined with the rigid tube segments to form a regular polygon shaped ring structure; spokes connected between the elbow fittings and an axle with means of expansion wherein the axle is positioned inside the ring structure in a central location and the axle is positioned perpendicular to a plane of the ring structure; wherein the spokes are positioned outside of the ring structure such that one end of each spoke is connected to a first end of the axle while another end of each spoke is connected to a second end of the axle; wherein a center portion of each spoke is positioned at a center portion of a corner edge of each elbow, wherein while the axle is expanded, the spokes begin to tighten against the elbows, wherein the elbows have a groove therein so that each spoke, under tension, cannot slip to one side or another, and therefore all spokes remain at outermost corners of the ring structure; and as the axle is further expanded, it creates increasing tension in each spoke which compresses the elbows against the tube segments, thereby creating a strong stable light weight structure. ### Claim 4 (canceled) ### Claim at position 5 (depends on 9) 5: The tensioned support ring of claim 9, wherein the plurality of drive hooks attach to the ring structure so that the plurality of drive hooks lie on a plane and, in combination, serve the function of a large pulley that is capable of driving the belt for powering the generator. ### Claim at position 6 (depends on 1) 6: The tensioned support ring of claim 1, farther comprising a plurality of blades connected to the axle and extending outwards therefrom. ### Claim at position 7 (depends on 6) 7: The tensioned support ring of claim 6, wherein the plurality of blades are positioned at least partially interior of the ring structure and at least partially exterior of the ring structure. ### Claim at position 8 (depends on 1) 8: The tensioned support ring of claim 1, farther comprising: a belt connected to the ring structure; at least one pulley connected to the belt; and at least one generator connected to the belt, wherein rotational movement of the ring structure is transferred to die at least one generator through the at least one belt. ### Claim at position 9 (depends on 8) 9: The tensioned support ring of claim 8, further comprising a plurality of drive hooks connected to the ring structure, wherein the drive hooks interface between the ring structure and the at least one pulley. ### Claim at position 10 (depends on 3) 10: The tensioned support ring of claim 3, further comprising a plurality of blades connected to the axle and extending outwards therefrom. ### Claim at position 11 (depends on 10) 11: The tensioned support ring of claim 10, wherein the plurality of blades are positioned at least partially interior of the ring structure and at least partially exterior of the ring structure. ### Claim at position 12 (depends on 3) 12: The tensioned support ring of claim 3, further comprising: a belt connected to the ring structure; at least one pulley connected to the belt; and at least one generator connected to the belt, wherein rotational movement of the ring structure is transferred to the at least one generator through the at least one belt. ### Claim at position 13 (depends on 12) 13: The tensioned support ring of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of drive hooks connected to the ring structure, wherein the drive hooks interface between the ring structure and the at least one pulley. ### Claim at position 14 14: A system of getting power from a wind ring, the system comprising: a wind ring formed from: a plurality of ridged tube segments of equal length; elbow fittings joined with the rigid tube segments; and spokes connected between the elbow fittings and an axle with means of expansion, wherein the axle is positioned inside the wind ring in a central location and wherein the axle is positioned perpendicular to a plane of the wind ring; a plurality of blades connected to the axle and extending outwards therefrom; a belt connected to the wind ring; at least one pulley connected to the belt; and at least one generator connected to the belt, wherein rotational movement of the wind ring is transferred to the at least one generator through the at least one belt. ### Claim at position 15 (depends on 14) 15: The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of blades is positioned at least partially interior of the wind ring and at least partially exterior of the wind ring.