US 8,791,585 B2 · Power systems

Abstract

A power system comprises a tension harnessing arrangement to harness tension in a tether connected between a tensioning arrangement and storage means. The tension harnessing arrangement of the system comprises at least one first capstan roller arranged in a predetermined configuration. The tether tensioningly abuts at least a portion of the periphery of the first capstan rollers such that there is substantial contact between the tether and the first capstan rollers, thereby engaging the first capstan rollers to generate rotational energy. Alternatively, second capstan rollers engage with the first capstan rollers. At least one converter functionally co-operates with the first capstan rollers, either directly or via the second capstan rollers, for converting the rotational energy to energy in a transmissible form, storage form dissipative form, or a combination thereof.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A power system comprising:

a tether having a first end and a second end, the tether connected at said first end to a tensioning arrangement adapted to regulate tension in the tether, and a storage means at said second end;
a tension harnessing arrangement comprising at least one first capstan roller arranged in a predetermined configuration, the tether tensioningly abutting at least a portion of the periphery of said at least one first capstan roller such that there is substantial contact between the tether and said at least one first capstan roller, thereby engaging said at least one first capstan roller to generate rotational energy;
and
at least one converter functionally co-operating with said at least one first capstan roller for converting said rotational energy to at least one of a transmissible form, storage form and dissipative form of energy.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Power systems

Life of this patent

Power systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20