Linear motion wind driven power plant
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Corporation
InventorHeinz A. Gerhardt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A linear motion wind driven power plant utilizes a closed-loop track having a plurality of carriages configured to move thereabout. At least one sail is formed to each of the carriages so as to be rotatable 360 degrees of azimuth. At least one electrical power generator generates electrical power from the movement of the carriages around the track. A sail assembly is defined by the sail, a sensor system for sensing lift generated by the action of the wind upon the sail, and a controller which causes the sail to turn to a position wherein the sensed lift of the sail is approximately maximized.
Claims24
A linear motion wind driven power plant comprising:
- a) a closed-loop track;
- b) a plurality of carriages configured to move around said track;
- c) at least one electrical power generator generating electrical power from the movement of said carriages around said track;
- and
- d) each of the carriages comprising a sail assembly, the sail assembly comprising:
- i) a sail turnable about a vertical axis thereof;
- ii) a sensor system for sensing lift provided by an action of wind upon the sail;
- and
- iii) a controller causing said sail to turn to a position wherein the sensed lift of the sail is approximately maximized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.