Natural Power Concepts, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140203564 | PLATFORM FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM FLOWING FLUID USING GENERALLY PROLATE TURBINE - A platform-like device for generating electricity from moving fluids has two has at least two fluid turbines coupled to one another through a frame. The fluid turbines are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. The fluid turbines also provide buoyancy for the platform so that the platform is self supporting in the water. The fluid turbines preferably have helicoid flights (screw-like threads) mounted to generally prolate casings. The fluid turbines preferably connect to electric generators through belt, chain-drive, or other transmission systems. The platform may additional support a wind turbine. | 07-24-2014 |
20130076038 | PLATFORM FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM FLOWING FLUID USING GENERALLY PROLATE TURBINE - A platform-like device for generating electricity from moving fluids has two has at least two fluid turbines coupled to one another through a frame. The fluid turbines are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. The fluid turbines also provide buoyancy for the platform so that the platform is self supporting in the water. The fluid turbines preferably have helicoid flights (screw-like threads) mounted to generally prolate casings. The fluid turbines preferably connect to electric generators through belt, chain-drive, or other transmission systems. The platform may additional support a wind turbine. | 03-28-2013 |
20100230965 | System and method for generating electricity using grid of wind and water energy capture devices - A system for maintaining buoyant, energy-capture devices in general relative position in water in the presence of surface waves allows heeling of the energy capture devices while preventing collision. The system includes a grid of structural members that resists compression while permitting limited relative surface displacement between the first and second energy-capture devices. The structural members may be partially compressible and provide a restoring force, and they may allow heeling. Electricity from wave energy capture devices is combined in a way that smoothes variations inherent in wave action. Electricity from wind energy capture devices is combined with energy from wave energy capture devices for transmission to shore. | 09-16-2010 |
20100148512 | Apparatus for generating electricity from flowing fluid using generally prolate turbine - An apparatus for generating electricity from a moving liquid has a generally oblate casing and a generally helicoid working member adapted to convert energy of a flowing fluid into rotation of the casing. A rotor-like element of an electrical generator is coupled to the rotating casing. A stator like element of an electrical generator is coupled to a stabilizing element. The stabilizing element may be a fin, a counter-rotating turbine, or another structure that develops torque from the moving liquid. | 06-17-2010 |
20100143131 | Folding blade turbine - A turbine has airfoils that are configured to extract work from a prevailing fluid flow. An actuator causes the airfoils to pivot or fold between a first position with their spans substantially normal to the flow direction and a second position with their spans substantially parallel to the flow direction, or any position in between. The variable geometry allows the airfoils to be sized for relatively light winds and to remain operational in relatively high winds without damage. Under extreme conditions the airfoils may be folded completely for safety. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140951 | Rimmed turbine - A wind power extraction device has a rotor with a hub and a rim coupled to the hub through a plurality of blades. The blades rotate the rotor about an axis of rotation passing through the hub in response to a wind moving generally parallel to the axis of rotation. A mount coupled to the rotor extends and retracts the rotor between a first configuration aligning the rotor axis of rotation substantially horizontally, and a second configuration aligning the rotor axis of rotation substantially vertically. The device may have components of an electric generator mounted in or near the rim. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140950 | Decorative wind turbine having flame-like appearance - A wind turbine has a visual envelope suggestive of a flame. The turbine has a rotor adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to a direction of a prevailing wind. The visual envelope is curvilinear, generally wider toward the root end, and narrower near the tip. A power take off device converts rotation of the rotor into a useful and preferably transmissible form of energy. | 06-10-2010 |
20100140942 | Platform for generating electricity from flowing fluid using generally prolate turbine - A platform-like device for generating electricity from moving fluids has two has at least two fluid turbines coupled to one another through a frame. The fluid turbines are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. The fluid turbines also provide buoyancy for the platform so that the platform is self supporting in the water. The fluid turbines preferably have helicoid flights (screw-like threads) mounted to generally prolate casings. The fluid turbines preferably connect to electric generators through belt, chain-drive, or other transmission systems. The platform may additional support a wind turbine. | 06-10-2010 |
20100135768 | Column structure with protected turbine - A turbine system includes a turbine positioned so that its blades are exposed during at least part of their rotation to a region of fluid flow accelerated by a columnar structure, such as a building or a bridge pylon. A protective casing moves to isolate the turbine blades from the fluid flow, thereby protecting the turbine from overpowering conditions. Upwind and downwind fairings may be used when retrofitting pre-existing buildings. Turbines may be positioned on opposing sides of a building. Multiple turbine modules may be positioned in line along peripheries of a building. Turbines may be mounted on in-water structures, such as buoys. | 06-03-2010 |