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US 8,933,578 B2Granted
Magnet configurations for magnetic levitation of wind turbines and other apparatus
AssigneeRegenedyne LLC
InventorsCheong S. Choi, Michael Anthony Jenkins
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A wind turbine having one or more magnets for reducing friction between the turbine support and a turbine rotor. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines. The magnet configuration employs a ring of cylindrically-shaped magnets at the bottom and opposed by a corresponding number of generally rectangular-shaped magnets. Bearing magnets are also employed for axial stabilization.
Claims25
A wind turbine, comprising:
- a turbine rotor;
- a turbine support;
- one or more blades coupled to the turbine rotor, the one or more blades configured to move the turbine rotor relative to the turbine support;
- a magnet set located between the turbine support and the turbine rotor,
- where a lower set of magnets have a generally cylindrical shape and disposed in a ring about the turbine support, and an upper set of magnets having a generally rectangular shape,
- each of said rectangular-shaped magnets substantially aligned above a respective cylindrically-shaped magnet,
- wherein said lower set of magnets are affixed to said turbine support, and
- wherein said upper set of magnets are affixed to said turbine rotor;
- a space defined between at least a portion of the turbine rotor and a portion of the turbine support, wherein the space is created by the magnet set in opposition;
- and
- one or more generators configured to generate electric power from the movement of the turbine rotor.
8 more elements
A wind turbine, comprising:
- a turbine rotor;
- a turbine support;
- one or more blades coupled to the turbine rotor, the one or more blades configured to move the turbine rotor relative to the turbine support in response to wind engaging the one or more blades;
- a magnet set located between the turbine support and the turbine rotor, where a lower set of magnets have a generally cylindrical shape and disposed in a ring about the turbine support, and an upper set of magnets having a generally rectangular shape, each of said rectangular-shaped magnets aligned above a respective cylindrically-shaped magnet,
- wherein said lower set of magnets are affixed to said turbine support, and
- wherein said upper set of magnets are affixed to said turbine rotor;
- and
- one or more generators configured to generate electric power in response to the relative movement between the turbine rotor and the turbine support frame.
5 more elements
A method for generating electricity, comprising:
- lifting a vertical turbine rotor off of a turbine support using one or more sets of magnets in opposition, thereby reducing the friction between the vertical turbine rotor and the turbine support;
- engaging one or more blades coupled to the vertical turbine rotor with wind;
- rotating the vertical turbine rotor relative to the turbine support as the one or more blades engage the wind;
- and
- converting the mechanical energy of the moving vertical turbine rotor into electric power using a generator,
- wherein said one or more sets of magnets in opposition include a lower set of magnets having a generally cylindrical shape and disposed in a ring about and affixed to the turbine support, and an upper set of magnets having a generally rectangular shape and affixed to said turbine rotor.
3 more elements
A method for generating electricity, comprising:
- coupling a set of dipolar magnets to a turbine rotor and a turbine support;
- reducing a friction force between the turbine rotor and the turbine support when using the set of dipolar magnets to create a space between the turbine rotor and turbine support;
- and
- converting the mechanical energy of the moving turbine rotor into electric power using a generator,
- wherein said set of dipolar magnets include a lower set of magnets having a generally cylindrical shape and disposed in a ring about and affixed to the turbine support, and an upper set of magnets having a generally rectangular shape and affixed to said turbine rotor, said lower and upper sets of said dipolar magnets being in opposition.
2 more elements
A vertical wind turbine, comprising:
- a turbine rotor, the turbine rotor comprises:
- a central axis;
- a top;
- and
- a bottom, wherein the top and the bottom extend radially away from the central axis;
- a turbine support, the turbine support comprises:
- a support shaft located within the central axis;
- and
- a base, the base further comprises a platform located substantially under the bottom of the turbine rotor;
- stabilization magnets located between an exterior of the support shaft and an interior of the central axis, the stabilization magnets configured to maintain a space between the support shaft and the central axis;
- a levitation magnet set located between the platform and the bottom of the turbine rotor, where a lower set of magnets have a generally cylindrical shape and disposed in a ring about and affixed to the turbine support, and an upper set of magnets having a generally rectangular shape and affixed to said turbine rotor, each of said rectangularly-shaped magnets aligned above a respective cylindrically-shaped magnet,
- the levitation magnet set creating a magnetic field to lift the turbine rotor off of the platform in order to reduce friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support;
- one or more blades coupled to the turbine rotor, the one or more blades configured to move the turbine rotor relative to the turbine support;
- and
- a generator configured to convert mechanical power of the moving turbine rotor into electric power.
12 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.