Wind powered device
AssigneeSyracuse University
InventorsPaul M. Pelken, Thong Dang
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A light fixture including a turbine generator having one or more vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for generating energy and a plate located above and/or below each turbine for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. The plate is aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the turbine and provide a strong wind current. The turbine generator is incorporated into a light fixture to provide self-sustaining light energy. Solar panels may be provided in conjunction with the turbine generator to provide an additional source of energy and a controller is included to manage the flow of electricity and ensure that the light fixture is powered during periods of darkness.
Claims8
A light fixture comprising:
- at least one vertical-axis wind turbine adapted to generate electricity for powering said light fixture;
- at least a first plate and a second plate positioned above and below said at least one turbine, respectively;
- a light assembly comprising at least one light emitting member;
- a solar panel adapted for collecting solar radiation and converting said solar radiation into electricity for powering said light fixture;
- a power storage unit for storing electricity generated by said solar panel and said turbine;
- a controller interconnected to said turbine, said solar panel, said power storage unit, and said light assembly, where said controller is programmed to control the flow of electricity between said turbine, said solar panel, said power storage unit, and said light assembly;
- one or more support fins supporting said plates above and below said at least one turbine;
- wherein each of the series of plates comprises a thick central region and a thin peripheral region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.