System, method and apparatus for capturing kinetic energy

A kinetic energy capture system comprising:

• a rotor assembly including:
• a plurality of elongated blades, each of the plurality of elongated blades having:
• a first end;
• a second end opposite the first end;
• a span equal to a distance between the first end and the second end;
• a leading edge of the span;
• a trailing edge of the span opposite the leading edge, a chord equal to a distance between the leading edge and the trailing edge;
• a centerline passing through the center of the leading edge and the center of the trailing edge;
• and
• an airfoil shape having a coefficient of lift of greater than or equal to 1.5;
• a first end plate coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of elongated blades, the first end plate having a first end plate outer edge;
• a second end plate coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of elongated blades, wherein the plurality of elongated blades, the second end plate having a second end plate outer edge, the first end plate having a corresponding first central point, the second end plate having a corresponding second central point;
• and
• an axis of rotation extending through the first end plate and the second end plate, the axis of rotation passing through the first central point and second central point, wherein the plurality of elongated blades are arranged relative to the first end plate and second endplate such that the centerline of each of the plurality of elongated blades is a selected angle of attack from a radial line extending from the axis of rotation and the leading edge of each of the plurality of elongated blades is oriented toward the first end plate outer edge and the second end plate outer edge.

A kinetic energy capture system comprising:

• one or more wings having a high coefficient of lift in a low Reynolds number environment and which leading edge of the wing or wings faces substantially in the direction of the wind or gas passing around the wing and which produces a torque on the axle of the device;
• one or more wings which, when rotated substantially orthogonal to the direction of the wind or gas has a high coefficient of drag, which produces a torque on the axle of the device;
• a rotational structure containing one or more wings suspended around the axis by end plates which are structurally connected to the axle, which axle is suspended in the wind by bearings, which bearings are supported by a structure capable of reacting the dynamic loads imparted on the wings, and which axle and rotational axis is substantially oriented horizontal to the ground;
• an axle connected to an electrical generator, which may include a drive train between the axle and the generator;
• wings of constant cross-section, which is suitable for low cost, high volume manufacturing techniques such as extrusion or forming;
• a support structure which is secured to stabilization system including containment vessels which may contain winds or solids such that the dynamic loads on the wings are reacted by the weight of these winds or solids, the stabilization may also contain a floatation system;
• a means of deflecting the wind or gas, which impinges on, the lowermost wing when the wing is oriented substantially downward and substantially orthogonal to the direction of the wind or gas.

A kinetic energy capture system comprising:

• a rotor assembly including:
• a plurality of elongated blades, each of the plurality of elongated blades having:
• a first end;
• a second end opposite the first end;
• a span equal to a distance between the first end and the second end;
• a leading edge of the span;
• a trailing edge of the span opposite the leading edge, a chord equal to a distance between the leading edge and the trailing edge;
• a centerline passing through the center of the leading edge and the center of the trailing edge;
• and
• an airfoil shape having a coefficient of lift of greater than or equal to two;
• a first end plate coupled to the first end of each of the plurality of elongated blades, the first end plate having a first end plate outer edge;
• a second end plate coupled to the second end of each of the plurality of elongated blades, wherein the plurality of elongated blades, the second end plate having a second end plate outer edge, the first end plate having a corresponding first central point, the second end plate having a corresponding second central point;
• and;
• an axis of rotation extending through the first end plate and the second end plate, the axis of rotation passing through the first central point and second central point, wherein the plurality of elongated blades are arranged relative to the first end plate and second endplate such that the centerline of each of the plurality of elongated blades is a selected angle of attack from a radial line extending from the axis of rotation and the leading edge of each of the plurality of elongated blades is oriented toward the first end plate outer edge and the second end plate outer edge.