Lighter than air wind energy conversion system
OwnerWilliam R. Benoitinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A lighter-than-air (LTA) wind energy conversion system (WECS) wherein the LTA envelope carries a main rotor and electrical generator to take advantage of high wind speeds available at high altitudes. The LTA envelope is tethered to a ground based mooring system designed to provide self-orientation for the LTA envelope. In a preferred embodiment, heavy mechanical transmissions are eliminated by providing a hollow bladed main rotor which drives an induction turbine positioned within a substantially linear duct which is, in turn, preferably located along the longitudinal axis of the LTA envelope. The output of the induction turbine is coupled to an electrical generator whose output is, in turn, transmitted to the ground via the tethering system.
Claims17
Apparatus, which comprises:
- a lighter than air structure;
- means supported by said lighter than air structure for generating electricity, said means including a main rotor adapted to be rotated by the wind, a turbine in fluid communication with said main rotor, and an electrical generator coupled to said turbine;
- and
- means connected between said lighter than air structure and the ground for tethering said structure and for delivering electricity from said generator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.