Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080213093 | Impeller for Pumps - A rotary wheel ( | 09-04-2008 |
20080232963 | TURBINE SHROUD SEGMENT TRANSPIRATION COOLING WITH INDIVIDUAL CAST INLET AND OUTLET CAVITIES - A shroud segment of a turbine shroud of a gas turbine engine comprises a platform with front and rear legs. The platform defines a plurality of axially extending holes with individual inlets on an outer surface of the platform for transpiration cooling of the platform of the turbine shroud segment. | 09-25-2008 |
20080317597 | Domed tip cap and related method - A bucket for a turbine includes a dovetail mounting portion, a shank portion defined at a radially outer end thereof by a platform, and an airfoil portion extending radially outward of the platform. The airfoil portion has a radially outer end closed by a tip cap having a non-planar shape that reduces stress in the tip cap during use. A related method of reducing stress in a tip cap of a turbine bucket includes providing an airfoil portion of the turbine bucket with a radially outer end; and closing the radially outer end with a tip cap having a non-planar shape that reduces stress in the tip cap during use. | 12-25-2008 |
20090004004 | Rotorcraft - There is described a rotary wing aircraft comprising a fuselage ( | 01-01-2009 |
20090028702 | BLADE COOLING PASSAGE FOR A TURBINE ENGINE - A blade for a turbine engine includes structure providing spaced apart suction and pressure sides. A cooling passage includes a first passageway near the pressure side and a second passageway in fluid communication with the first passageway. The second passageway is arranged between the first passageway and the suction side. The cooling passage provides a serpentine cooling path that is arranged in a direction transverse from a chord extending between trailing and leading edges of the blade. During use, cooling fluid is supplied to the pressure side through first cooling apertures fluidly connected to the first passageway to the suction side through second cooling apertures fluidly connected to the other passage way. The first passageway is at a higher pressure that then second passageway so that cooling fluid is provided by the cooling passage to the pressure and suction sides in a balanced fashion. | 01-29-2009 |
20090028703 | Airfoil mini-core plugging devices - A turbine engine component, such as a high pressure turbine vane, has an airfoil portion and at least one coolant system embedded within the airfoil portion. Each coolant system has an exit through which a cooling fluid flows, which exit has at least one device for preventing deposits from interfering with the flow of cooling fluid from the exit. The at least one device may be at least one depression and/or at least one grill structure formed from elongated ribs. | 01-29-2009 |
20090047128 | Fully Bladed Closure For Tangential Entry Round Skirt Dovetails - A fully bladed closure design for turbine wheel with tangential entry. A set of the final three buckets including a bladed closure bucket are disposed about a wheel margin with two buckets adjacent to the bladed closure bucket secured to the wheel margin by the dovetails. The closure bucket is secured to adjacent buckets by a combination of one or more retaining keys and to the margin by one or more retaining pins. The bladed closure bucket and the adjoining faces of the adjacent buckets have flat skirts providing suppport from the retaining keys across the full axial width of the bladed closure bucket and the adjacent buckets. | 02-19-2009 |
20090074572 | COOLED GAS TURBINE GUIDE BLADE FOR A GAS TURBINE, USE OF A GAS TURBINE GUIDE BLADE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A GAS TURBINE - Described is a cooled gas turbine guide blade for a gas turbine, with a hollow blade profile which comprises an onflow edge onto which a working medium is capable of flowing, and with, for guiding a cooling medium, an onflow edge duct running inside the blade profile along the onflow edge. Furthermore, to the use of such a gas turbine guide blade and to a method for operating a gas turbine with an abovementioned gas turbine guide blade. In order to provide a gas turbine guide blade with an increased lifetime by means of the invention, it is proposed that, in the onflow edge duct, an electrical heating element be provided, which extends approximately completely over the entire length of the onflow edge duct and through which a heating current flows, before the operation of the gas turbine, for the preheating of the gas turbine guide blade. | 03-19-2009 |
20090081041 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND ENERGY PLANT - The present invention is related to a method for controlling a wind energy plant, with a nacelle disposed on a tower and with a rotor with at least one rotor blade, the blade adjustment angle of which can be adjusted by means of a blade adjustment equipment. The objective to provide a reduction of the loads acting on the plant when there is a malfunction of the blade adjustment equipment is resolved according to the present invention in that the function of the blade adjustment equipment is monitored, and when an error of the blade adjustment equipment occurs, the nacelle is rotated from an operating position into a rest position, in which there is a flow of the wind against the surface extended by the at least one rotor blade ( | 03-26-2009 |
20090097973 | ROTOR BLADE FOLDING SYSTEM - A rotor blade folding system includes a bearing housing which supports a bearing and rotor blade spindle which folds relative the rotor hub assembly about a fold axis. The rotor blade folding system essentially collapses the rotor hub to facilitate compatibility with a fairing system. By rotating the entire pitch bearing assembly, pitch lock systems are also minimized as the pitch lock system need only react a blade-feathering moment. | 04-16-2009 |
20090104033 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING A FLUID - A backpack frame for a power blower and yard treatment sprayer system is provided in one embodiment of the present invention. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. The second portion is adapted for carrying the power blower thereon and has a hollowed out section. A cavity is further defined by the hollowed out section of the second portion and defined for holding a yard treatment mixture. A supply pipe is provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second inlet end positioned externally for filling the cavity with the yard treatment mixture. A tube is also provided with a first end in communication with the cavity and a second exit end positioned externally from the frame and terminating into a flow of air defined by power blower. Lastly, the frame includes straps for attaching the frame on the back of an operator. | 04-23-2009 |
20090123282 | ROTATING MACHINE BALANCING MEMBER ASSEMBLY INCLUDING MULTIPLE INTERLOCKING BALANCING MEMBERS - A rotating machine includes a stationary member and a rotating member moveable relative to the stationary member. The rotating member includes at least one balancing member assembly receiving portion having a plurality of internal threads. The rotating machine also includes a balancing member assembly including first and second interlocking balancing members. The balancing member assembly also includes a plurality of external threads that are operatively connected to the internal threads of the balancing member assembly receiving portion. With this arrangement, the balancing member assembly provides a dynamic balance for the rotating member. | 05-14-2009 |
20090162197 | Automatic Control System and Method to Minimize Oscillation in Ceiling Fans - A fan system includes a fan and a fan rotation speed control. The speed control is operable to command the fan to rotate at a speed selected from a certain range of rotation speeds. A fan oscillation detector may be coupled with the fan to detect oscillation of the fan as the speed control is operated to rotate the fan at various speeds among the range of fan rotation speeds. The fan oscillation detector may comprise an accelerometer or other device. Oscillation amounts detected by the oscillation detector are compared against each other or against an oscillation threshold value. A programmer device identifies fan rotation speeds at which the oscillation amount exceeds the threshold or is otherwise unacceptable, and programs the fan rotation speed control to prevent an operator from being able to select those speeds at which the oscillation amount exceeds the threshold or is otherwise unacceptable. | 06-25-2009 |
20090169378 | WIND TURBINE, WIND TURBINE CONTROLLER AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine having at least one rotor blade attached to a rotor hub is provided, wherein the wind turbine further includes at least one sensor disposed at or near the rotor blade, the sensor being adapted to detect an aerodynamic condition of the rotor blade. | 07-02-2009 |
20090185900 | WIND-DRIVEN ELECTRICITY GENERATION DEVICE, METHOD OF CONTROLLING WIND-DRIVEN ELECTRICITY GENERATION DEVICE, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM - The present invention provides a wind power generation device capable of reducing collision of a flying object against a blade or bird strike. The wind power generation device includes a tower set up on the ground, a nacelle fixed to the tower, a plurality of blades rotatably fixed to the nacelle via a hub, an obstacle search device capable of detecting a flying object existing in front, on the windward side, and a blade angle controller to control the change in angle of the blade including a rotation stop position. The obstacle search device searches for the flying object continuously, and when the flying object is determined to be approaching based on the continuous searching, the blade angle controller controls to change the blades to the rotation stop position. | 07-23-2009 |
20090185901 | Wind Turbine, A Method For Damping Edgewise Oscillations In One Or More Blades Of A Wind Turbine By Changing The Blade Pitch And Use Hereof - The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a rotor including one or more pitchable blades, and detection means for detecting edgewise oscillations in one or more of said blades. The wind turbine is characterized in that the wind turbine comprises control means for changing the pitch angle of one or more of the blades if the detection means detects edgewise oscillations in one or more of the blades, hereby damping or eliminating the edgewise oscillations. The invention further relates to a method for damping edgewise oscillations in one or more blades of a wind turbine and use hereof. | 07-23-2009 |
20090214339 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR A STREAM VORTEX TRANSFORMATION - The invention relates to wind-power engineering and makes it possible to form a swirling vortex stream, to reduce a blade aerodynamic drag, to increase a stream kinetic energy and to reduce a converter power losses. The inventive method for a stream vortex transformation consists in guiding an input three-dimensional stream towards the internal concave blade surfaces ( | 08-27-2009 |
20090220339 | WIND DEFLECTOR FOR WIND TURBINE AND WIND TURBINE INCORPORATING SAME - A wind deflector for a wind turbine has a vertical wind deflecting surface movable in a circular path about the wind turbine for facing a prevailing wind direction. | 09-03-2009 |
20090232652 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ROTATING A COMPONENT OF A WIND ENERGY PLANT - The invention is related to a method for rotating a component of a wind energy plant by traversing an adjustment device, wherein the adjustment device comprises at least two adjustment drives, each one thereof having at least one electric motor, for traversing the adjustment device, and wherein during the traversing of the adjustment device, the electric motor of at least one of the at least two adjustment drives is operated at another rotational speed than the electric motor of at least one other of the at least two adjustment drives. Furthermore, the invention is related to a corresponding device. | 09-17-2009 |
20090246019 | WIND TURBINE MONITORING - A method of detecting the formation of ice on the blades of a wind turbine | 10-01-2009 |
20090246020 | Method For Damping Edgewise Oscillations In One Or More Blades Of A Wind Turbine, An Active Stall Controlled Wind Turbine And Use Hereof - A method for damping edgewise oscillations in one or more blades of a wind turbine includes the steps of detecting if one or more of the blades oscillates edgewise during operation of the wind turbine, and substantially cyclically generating a pitch angle difference between at least two of the blades. Further provided is an active stall controlled wind turbine and use hereof. | 10-01-2009 |
20090252608 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY BALANCING A BLADE - The present invention relates to a rotorcraft blade ( | 10-08-2009 |
20090257872 | Reduced-Impedance Cooling System With Variable Pitch Blade And Hot-Swappable Spare - A method of operating variable pitch fans in series to cool an operating computer system. The method comprises running a first variable pitch fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through a second variable pitch fan disposed in series with the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the second variable pitch fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. In response to detecting a failure condition of the first fan, the method includes running the second fan with blades positioned at an operational pitch to induce airflow through the computer system and through the first fan, and, simultaneously, not running the first fan with blades positioned for minimal impedance to the airflow. Preferably, the method includes locking the rotor of a fan that is not running, and locking the blades of the non-running fan in a minimal impedance position. | 10-15-2009 |
20090257873 | Method and apparatus for prediction-based wind turbine control - A method an apparatus of automatically controlling a wind turbine re provided. of: A time-series of measurement values of the aerodynamic flow property of the wind turbine rotor blade is determined; a predictive wind field model representing a structure of a wind field acting on the wind turbine rotor blade is generated based on the time-series of measurement values, and a control value is generated based on the wind-field model. | 10-15-2009 |
20090263244 | Water Turbines With Mixers And Ejectors - Turbine systems for extracting energy from water traveling relative to the turbine system can include a rotor assembly for extracting the energy, a turbine shroud having a turbine shroud inner volume within which at least a portion of the rotor assembly is disposed, and an ejector shroud having a ejector shroud inner volume within which at least a portion of the turbine shroud is disposed. The turbine shroud and the ejector shroud can each have a terminus comprising a plurality of turbine shroud mixer elements or ejector shroud mixer elements, respectively. One or more of the mixer elements and ejector shrouds comprise a mixer/ejector pump which increases the energy extraction potential of the turbine system. One or more of the turbine shroud mixer elements, ejector shroud mixer elements, and ejector shroud and turbine shroud inlets can be asymmetric about a plane passing through the axis of rotation of the rotor assembly. Methods, systems, apparatus and articles of manufacture relating to these features and others are also disclosed. | 10-22-2009 |
20090280010 | Handling System for a Wind Turbine nacelle, Method for Vertical Displacement of a Wind Turbine Nacelle and a Wind Turbine Nacelle - A handling system for a wind turbine nacelle in connection with self-loading or self-unloading of the nacelle to or from a vehicle. The system uses two or more lifting apparatus, where the lifting apparatus are engaged with lifting areas of a load carrying structure of the nacelle. The lifting areas are a part of the load carrying structure or are integrated in the load carrying structure, and where the lifting apparatus lifts by applying linear force to the load carrying structure of the nacelle. A method is also provided for vertical displacement of a wind turbine nacelle and a wind turbine nacelle prepared for self-loading or self-unloading to or from a vehicle. | 11-12-2009 |
20090285680 | COOLING CIRCUIT FOR USE IN TURBINE BUCKET COOLING - A system and a method to supply a coolant to a turbine bucket of a turbine. The system includes an extraction system configured to extract air from a main compressor airflow, a supply circuit, at least a part of which is disposed at an exterior of the gas turbine, coupled to the extraction system and configured to transport the extracted air, as an ingredient of the coolant, from the extraction system to a coolant insertion region, and a cooling system, disposed proximate to the coolant insertion region of the gas turbine and coupled to the supply circuit at a position on-board the gas turbine, the cooling system being configured to supply the turbine bucket with the coolant, including the extracted air. | 11-19-2009 |
20090285681 | WIND-OPERATED POWER GENERATOR - The invention relates to a method for converting the kinetic energy contained in horizontal currents of naturally occurring fluids that float above ground to useful mechanical energy. At least one circulating element ( | 11-19-2009 |
20090285682 | Wind Turbine With Deployable Air Deflectors - An apparatus and system for compensating for various load situations in a turbine includes the use of one or more deployable devices configured to extend an air deflector outwardly from a surface of a rotor blade. The air deflector may subsequently be retracted into the rotor blade once the load falls below a certain threshold. Mechanisms for extending and retracting the air deflector may include pneumatic, hydraulic and/or electromechanical devices. Air deflectors are generally configured to modify the air flow around the rotor blade to increase or decrease power generation, or reduce loads so that the risk of potential damage to components of the wind turbine is minimized. Deflectors may be positioned at various chordwise stations including leading-edge, mid-chord, and trailing-edge locations on the upper and lower surfaces at spanwise positions. Accordingly, a plurality of devices can be actuated to aerodynamically control rotor performance and loads based on wind conditions. | 11-19-2009 |
20090290981 | CENTRIFUGAL FORCE ACTUATED VARIABLE SPAN HELICOPTER ROTOR - A variable diameter helicopter rotor and method of using are disclosed. The variable diameter helicopter rotor includes a rotor hub operable by helicopter controls at variable revolutions per minute, and a linearly extensible rotor blade connected to the rotor hub, a linear span of the rotor blade only adjustable in response to an amount of centrifugal force generated in the rotor blade by a rotational speed of the rotor hub, an operational rotor blade to effect at least lift of the helicopter. The linearly extensible rotor blade can include telescoping inner and outer sections, and a restrictive force device positioned between the inner and outer sections. The variable diameter helicopter rotor can be used by adjusting a linear span of rotor blades connected to the rotor hub by an amount corresponding to an amount of centrifugal force generated in the rotor blades by a rotational speed of the rotor hub. | 11-26-2009 |
20090304505 | ROTOR BLADE FOR A WIND POWER STATION - Described is a rotor blade for a wind power installation having a rotor blade leading edge. A deposit sensor device is arranged in the region of the rotor blade leading edge. That deposit sensor device has a transmitter for the wireless transmission of signals by way of a transmission link and a receiver for receiving the signals wirelessly transmitted by way of the transmission link. Deposits on the surface can be detected in the region of the transmission link on the basis of the signals transmitted by way of the transmission link. | 12-10-2009 |
20090304506 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BRAKING THE ROTOR OF A WIND ENERGY PLANT - The invention relates to a method and device for braking the rotor of a wind energy plant, comprising rotor blades ( | 12-10-2009 |
20090317249 | DRAG-REDUCTION, PROPULSION, AND LIFT GENERATING SYSTEM - A motion generating system for propelling and/or lifting a craft exploiting explosive and implosive processes, whereby a propulsive or lifting force on the craft arises from two sources: generation of a stream of fluids which imparts thrust to the craft; and generation of zones of reduced pressure and density in front of and above the craft allowing the craft to be thrust forward and lifted by ambient pressure on the rear and underside of the craft. Furthermore, reduction of fluid density in front of the craft results in a reduction of frontal drag allowing the attainment of higher speeds. The motion generating system may have other applications; for example, the motion generating system may be used to propel a stream of liquid in the manner of a pump. | 12-24-2009 |
20090317250 | TURBINE AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING POWER FROM FLUID FLOW AND METHOD THEREFOR - A turbine for use with a turbine generator, the turbine including at least one turbine blade for positioning in a flowpath, a hub mounting the at least one turbine blade, and a rotatable shaft in operational communication with the hub via a hinge assembly, an axis of the hub being independent of an axis of the shaft. The hinge assembly is disposed between the shaft and the hub and configured to adjust an angle therebetween. A controller assembly is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the hinge assembly during turbine operation. In one embodiment the operational characteristic is a teeter angle of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment operational characteristic is a stiffness or damping force. Methods for using and controlling a fluid turbine are also disclosed. | 12-24-2009 |
20090324406 | BLADE FOR REDUCING THE DRAG MOVEMENTS OF SAID BLADE, AND A METHOD OF REDUCING SUCH A DRAG MOVEMENT | 12-31-2009 |
20090324407 | BLADE PROVIDED WITH A RESONATOR TO REDUCE THE DRAG MOVEMENTS OF SAID BLADE, AND A METHOD IMPLEMENTED BY SAID BLADE - Described is a blade ( | 12-31-2009 |
20100003133 | DUAL HIGHER HARMONIC CONTROL (HHC) FOR A COUNTER-ROTATING, COAXIAL ROTOR SYSTEM - A dual, counter-rotating, coaxial rotor system provides individual control of an upper rotor system and a lower rotor system. The lower rotor control system and the upper rotor control system provide six controls or “knobs” to minimize or theoretically eliminate airframe vibration. In a dual, counter-rotating, coaxial rotor system, application of a HHC system to the two rotor systems individually but located on the common axis, will yield essentially complete vibration reduction because the 6 controls will suppress the 6 loads. | 01-07-2010 |
20100003134 | Wind and wave power generation - The present invention provides a wind and wave power generation system including a platform ( | 01-07-2010 |
20100014969 | WIND TURBINE WITH BLADE PITCH CONTROL TO COMPENSATE FOR WIND SHEAR AND WIND MISALIGNMENT - A wind turbine or rotor load control compensates for moment imbalance in a wind turbine that includes a rotor having at least two variable pitch blades. The apparatus includes a conventional pitch command logic developing a nominal rotor blade pitch command signal and a moment sensor. The moment sensor can be one or more of a nacelle overturning moment sensor, and a turning moment sensor. An output of this is used as a moment signal. Conversion logic is connected to the moment signal with an output of the conversion logic being calculated individual pitch modulation commands for each of the blades. A combining logic is connected to receive the calculated individual blade pitch modulation commands and to receive a nominal pitch command. An output of the combining logic is individual combined blade pitch commands for each of the blades. The individual combined blade pitch commands are generated by modulating the nominal command signal by a respective blade pitch modulation command which includes compensation for instantaneous moment deviations of the wind turbine. | 01-21-2010 |
20100014970 | WIND TURBINE BLADE WITH LIFT-REGULATING MEANS IN FORM OF SLOTS OR HOLES | 01-21-2010 |
20100014971 | Wind Turbine With Pitch Control Arranged To Reduce Life Shortening Loads On Components Thereof - A wind turbine is presented where the operation lifetime of the main bearing is extended by relieving the main bearing by reducing the mean bending moment on the bearing by means of individual pitch control of the blades of the rotor so as to create an aerodynamic mean tilt moment on the rotor by means of aerodynamic forces on the blades, the tilt moment at least partly counteracting the bending moment caused by the overhang load forces on the main bearing from the gravitational pull on the rotor mass. | 01-21-2010 |
20100021295 | CONTROLLABLE PITCH PROPELLER WITH ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION - A propeller system includes a rotor hub which supports a multiple of propeller blades. An electrical generator is mounted between a gearbox and the rotor hub to generate electrical power to drive a pitch change system within the rotor hub. | 01-28-2010 |
20100021296 | Method and arrangement to adjust a pitch of wind-turbine-blades - A method and an arrangement for adjusting a pitch of blades being used by a wind-turbine are described. Pressure is measured at a pressure-side and at a suction side of a blade. The measured pressures are used to determine an actual angle-of-attack of a wind acting on the blade. The angle-of-attack is used to adjust the pitch of the blade of the wind-turbine. | 01-28-2010 |
20100021297 | Method For Condition Monitoring A Rotor Of A Wind Energy Plant - A method for condition monitoring a rotor of a wind energy plant includes the steps of measuring activity signals of the blades in the rotor and establishing one or more differential values between the activity signals of different blades. The one or more differential values are used for monitoring the condition of the rotor in the wind energy plant. A wind energy plant, a cluster of wind energy plants and use hereof is also contemplated. | 01-28-2010 |
20100021298 | Wind Turbine Blade Position Determination System - A system for determining the position of at least a part of a wind turbine blade by wireless transmission of a signal includes a transmitter arrangement attached to a wind turbine blade, a receiving arrangement, and at least one position calculation computer, wherein the signal is wirelessly transmitted from the at least one transmitter arrangement to the receiving arrangement, and wherein the position calculation computer calculates position indicative data on the basis of the signal received by the receiving arrangement and wherein the position indicative data indicates a position of at least a part of the wind turbine blade. | 01-28-2010 |
20100040468 | Method Of Operating A Wind Turbine, A Wind Turbine And A Cluster Of Wind Turbines - A method of operating a wind turbine above a predefined wind velocity comprising the step of operating a control parameter of the wind turbine within a tolerance band from a reference set-point curve of that control parameter. A wind turbine and a cluster of wind turbines is also contemplated. | 02-18-2010 |
20100047067 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE BLADE CONTROL SURFACE ADJUSTMENT - A system and methods for reducing vibration in a rotatable member are provided. The system includes a blade tracking sensor, a rotatable member comprising an adjustable aspect, and a control computer. The control computer is configured to determine an axial position of each blade, determine a first blade that is displaced by a greatest distance along the axis in a first direction, modify an aspect of the first blade to facilitate reducing a vibration in the rotary blade system, determine if the vibration level in the rotary blade system is reduced, and select another rotatable member to modify such that a vibration in the rotary blade system is facilitated being further reduced. | 02-25-2010 |
20100047068 | AEROENGINE - A method of operating a contra-rotating propeller engine that preferably comprises a 12 bladed front and a 9 bladed rear propeller. As is conventional, the engine is operated during at least a take-off phase, a cruise phase and an approach phase; during the cruise phase the engine operates with a generally constant propeller tip speed. The method is characterised by the step of operating the engine such that the tip speed of either or both of the propellers, during at least one of take-off, climb or approach, at least 10% greater than cruise tip speed. With a specific front to rear propeller spacing, increasing the tip speed reduces overall noise generated by the propellers. | 02-25-2010 |
20100054935 | Wind Turbine Having a Sensor System for Detecting Deformation in a Wind Turbine Rotor Blade and Corresponding Method - The invention relates to a sensor system and method for detecting deformation in a wind turbine rotor blade, and particularly to a temperature compensated system and method. A first optic fibre | 03-04-2010 |
20100054936 | VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE - A vertical axis wind turbine ( | 03-04-2010 |
20100068055 | method for dynamically lubricating a wind turbine pitch blade bearing - The method consists in determining at least one of wind turbine operating conditions or parameters related to pitch activity | 03-18-2010 |
20100068056 | BLADE PITCH CONTROL - A method of controlling blade pitch angle, comprising the steps of:
| 03-18-2010 |
20100068057 | METHOD FOR STOPPING A WIND TURBINE IN TWO STAGES - A method for stopping a pitch controlled wind turbine comprising a rotor with at least one blade ( | 03-18-2010 |
20100074748 | Method For Operating A Wind Turbine, A Wind Turbine And Use Of The Method - A method for operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a number of wind turbine blades, wherein the rotor's axis of rotation is tilted in relation to the direction of the incoming wind, includes the steps of determining the azimuth angle (A) of the blades and adjusting the pitch angle of the blades in accordance with the azimuth angle (A) to ensure a substantially constant angle of attack (AoA) during at least a full rotation of the rotor. A wind turbine and use of the method are also contemplated. | 03-25-2010 |
20100080702 | WIND TURBINE GENERATOR AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - A wind turbine generator system is provided with a nacelle supporting a wind turbine rotor, a nacelle rotation mechanism, an anemometer, and a control apparatus controlling the nacelle rotation mechanism. Said control apparatus calculates the wind direction deviation from the wind direction measured by the anemometer and the direction of the wind turbine rotor. Said control apparatus performs a yaw rotation of the nacelle by the nacelle rotation mechanism when any of conditions (1) and (2) is satisfied; the condition (1) is a condition under which a state where the absolute value of said wind direction deviation is equal to or more than a first threshold value continues for a first duration predetermined, and the condition (2) is a condition under which a state where the absolute value of said wind direction deviation is equal to or more than a second threshold value larger than said first threshold value continues for a second duration shorter than said first duration. | 04-01-2010 |
20100080703 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIND CONDITION ESTIMATION - A wind power generation system includes a wind turbine at a wind turbine location, a measuring device for providing a wind condition signal at a test location, a sensor for providing a wind condition signal at the wind turbine, and a controller. The controller is configured for receiving the wind condition signals, using a wind correlation database and the wind condition signal at the test location for providing a wind condition estimation at the wind turbine location, obtaining a difference between the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location and the wind condition estimate at the wind turbine location, and using the difference for adjusting the wind condition signal at the wind turbine location. | 04-01-2010 |
20100092288 | Pitch of Blades on a Wind Power Plant - The present invention relates to a blade for a wind power plant with an assembly face for mounting in a circular pitch bearing, whose pitch axis is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the blade, and wherein the blade comprises a root part with an approximately elliptic cross-section, in which root part the assembly face is arranged. The invention further relates to a wind power plant in general having a pitch-adjustable blade mounted in a pitch bearing such that the distance between the outermost part of the blade and the tower is increased when the leading edge of the blade is pitched up in the wind. This is accomplished in that the longitudinal axis of the blade is angled in a particular way compared to its pitch axis. The invention also relates to a meth controlling a wind power plant, including to increase the rotor area and/or increasing the distance between the outermost part of at least one blade and the tower by regulating, during operation, the pitch of a blade about a pitch axis which is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the blade. | 04-15-2010 |
20100104435 | Under water power plant - The invention relates to an underwater power plant, comprising
| 04-29-2010 |
20100111693 | WIND TURBINE DAMPING OF TOWER RESONANT MOTION AND SYMMETRIC BLADE MOTION USING ESTIMATION METHODS - A method for wind turbine tower load control includes controlling the pitch of the rotor blades in a conventional manner by a collective command component. An estimator estimates the tower resonant acceleration and the thrice-per-revolution blade imbalance acceleration. Combining logic, connected to the estimated resonant acceleration and to the estimated thrice-per-revolution (3P) acceleration provides a combined pitch modulation to damp the tower resonant motion and the thrice-per-revolution motion using collective modulation. The pitch modulation is combined with the collective command component to drive the pitch actuators. | 05-06-2010 |
20100119369 | Control Of Rotor During A Stop Process Of A Wind Turbine - A method for controlling a wind turbine rotor during a stop process by pitching the rotor blades fast, e.g. with an angular rate of 10-15°/s to a no-thrust position, after which the rotor blades are pitched to maintain the no-thrust or a thrust against the direction of the pendulum movement of the tower for a while to prevent the aerodynamic thrust from aggravating the pendulum movement of the tower. With this control strategy, the bending moments of the tower root are minimized, leading to avoidance of wind turbine tower failure, to prolongation of the life time for a wind turbine tower and the possibility of erecting wind turbine towers of less reinforcement at the tower root. | 05-13-2010 |
20100129213 | SHAPED COOLING HOLES FOR REDUCED STRESS - A gas turbine engine component having shaped cooling holes that further enhances the cooling of a desired region while reducing stress levels in and around the cooling holes is disclosed. The cooling holes are generally elliptically-shaped and diffuse from a cooling fluid supply side to a discharge side and are oriented on the turbine component to reduce stress concentrations while directing the cooling fluid to a desired surface or location. The elliptical cooling holes have openings in the surface that have high points that are concentric and planar. | 05-27-2010 |
20100135787 | PASSIVE DEICING FOR WIND TURBINE BLADES - A method of operating a wind turbine having rotor with at least one blade, includes sensing an icing hazard for the blade; and moving the at least one blade into a position to reduce the icing hazard. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135788 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING WIND TURBINE OPERATION - A method is provided for monitoring a wind turbine using a combined supervisory command and data acquisition (SCADA) and video monitoring system. The method includes receiving video data from at least one video camera, wherein the video data is related to operating conditions of the wind turbine. The method also includes storing the video data in a memory, and receiving a command from a remote monitoring server relating to at least a portion of the video data, wherein the portion of the video data is associated with at least one SCADA data point. The method also includes retrieving the portion of the video data from the memory, and transmitting the portion of the video data to the remote monitoring server for presentation to a user. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135789 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - A method for controlling operation of a wind turbine is described. The wind turbine includes a rotor having a plurality of rotor blades and an upwind wind condition measurement device. The method includes measuring a wind condition upwind from the rotor using the upwind wind condition measurement device and providing the measured wind condition to a processor. The method also includes determining a control algorithm parameter, based at least partially on the measured wind condition, that controls at least one of a wind turbine response bandwidth, a wind turbine response speed, and a wind turbine control error range. The method also includes determining a wind turbine operating command based at least partially on the control algorithm parameter and applying the wind turbine operating command to operation of the wind turbine. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135790 | WIND TURBINE BLADE WITH FOREIGN MATTER DETECTION DEVICES - A wind turbine includes a wind turbine blade and a foreign matter detection device disposed on the wind turbine blade for detecting an accumulation of foreign matter on the wind turbine blade. The detection device automatically sends an indication when a threshold level of foreign matter accumulation is detected. A wind farm control system can display a color coded live plot of all wind turbines in a wind farm system, with a indication of foreign matter accumulation for each turbine. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135791 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWERING A PITCH CONTROL SYSTEM - A pitch control system for a wind turbine having a motor including an armature, a winding, and a plurality of switching components configured to control a first current through the armature independently of a second current through the winding. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135792 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO FACILITATE MAINTENANCE ON A WIND TURBINE - A system to facilitate maintenance on a wind turbine including a control assembly positioned within a tower defining an access opening. The system includes at least one rail comprising a first rail portion and a second rail portion coupled to the first rail portion. The second rail portion extends outwardly through the access opening when coupled to the first rail portion. At least one wheel is coupled to the control assembly. The wheel is configured to engage the rail and enable movement of the control assembly along the rail to facilitate movement of the control assembly between an interior and an exterior of the tower. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135793 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - A lubrication system for a wind turbine having a control system, the lubrication system including a sump configured to collect a lubrication fluid, and at least one heating unit configured to heat the lubrication fluid based on at least one forecasted condition. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135794 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE HAVING ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL - A method for operating a wind turbine includes operatively coupling a fluid container within the wind turbine. The fluid container is in flow communication with an air distribution system at least partially defined within a blade of the wind turbine. The method further includes channeling a fluid from the fluid container into the air distribution system, and discharging the fluid from the air distribution system through at least one aperture of the air distribution system defined through an outer surface of the blade to facilitate removing debris from the air distribution system. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135795 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM - A method performed by a control system for operating a wind turbine includes operating a flow control system of the wind turbine in a first mode, and operating the flow control system in a second mode different than the first mode to facilitate removing debris from the flow control system. The second mode includes varying at least one of a velocity, a flow rate, and a direction of a fluid flow of the flow control system. | 06-03-2010 |
20100135796 | MONITORING JOINT EFFICIENCY IN WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES - A split wind turbine rotor blade includes a first rotor blade member, a second rotor blade member, a joint between the first rotor blade member and the second rotor blade member, and a joint monitoring device disposed in an area of the joint for monitoring a structural integrity of the joint. | 06-03-2010 |
20100143115 | Transfer of Kinetic Energy to and from Fluids - Method and apparatus for converting the kinetic energy of a moving fluid stream into useful work by using a parallel cascade of aerofoils or hydrofoils positioned therein. The foils may be provided with at least two degrees of freedom and adjacent foils move in antiphase. The foils are subjected to resonant oscillations, known as flutter, induced by the fluid flow. Profiled inflow and outflow ducts may be positioned upstream and downstream, and the apparatus may be enclosed in a profiled duct, to increase efficiency by altering the fluid velocity and pressure. The foils are cantilevered, supported by vertical rods but are otherwise unattached. A cascade comprised of independent foil modules, each including a foil, a power conversion module and a motion control module, may be programmed to (1) receive energy from a fluid stream to generate power, or (2) transfer energy into a fluid stream to create propulsion or pumping. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143116 | OPERATING A WIND TURBINE AT MOTOR OVER-TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS - Methods and apparatus for continuing wind turbine operation when normal wind turbine motor control is unavailable due to overheating of one or more wind turbine control motors. Technical effects of the present invention include providing an effective control strategy continuing operation during over-heating of a wind turbine control motor, such as a pitch control motor and a yaw control motor. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143117 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE NOISE CONTROL AND DAMAGE DETECTION - A system and method of providing noise control for a wind turbine are provided. The system includes at least one blade operably mounted on a wind turbine, and one or more sensors for receiving one or more signals relating to an operating characteristic of the wind turbine. A controller is configured for evaluating the signals to determine if they are outside a predetermined range. The system is configured to adjust operating characteristics and/or generate alarms if the signals are outside a predetermined range. The method includes the steps of receiving one or more signals from one or more sensors, determining if the signals are outside a predetermined range, and adjusting an operating parameter of the wind turbine or generating an alarm in response to the signals received from the sensors. The operating parameter can be adjusted to alter the amount of noise generated by the wind turbine. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143118 | Wind Turbine Aerodynamic Separation Control - The present application provides a wind turbine system. The wind turbine system may include a number of blades, a number of wind speed sensors positioned on the blades, a controller in communication with the wind speed sensors, and one or more performance adjustment, mechanisms in communication with the controller. The controller activates the performance adjustment mechanisms in response to the wind speed sensors. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143119 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING ACOUSTIC EMISSIONS OF A WIND TURBINE - A method and an apparatus for monitoring an acoustic emission of a wind turbine that includes a rotor blade. The apparatus includes at least one sensor operatively coupled to the wind turbine. The sensor is configured to detect an atmospheric condition. A control system is communicatively coupled to the sensor, and configured to control operation of the wind turbine to adjust the acoustic emission of the wind turbine based on the atmospheric condition. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143120 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIND FRICTION MONITORING - A monitoring system for at least one wind turbine includes at least one sensor disposed at the at least one wind turbine to detect wind friction at the at least one wind turbine. At least one controller is connected to the at least one wind turbine, and a monitor server is connected to the controller to change an operational status of the at least one wind turbine based on wind friction data received from the at least one sensor. A method of operation of at least one wind turbine includes continuously measuring data relative to wind friction at the at least one wind turbine via at least one sensor located thereat. The data is continuously compared to a predetermined wind friction threshold. A trend in the comparisons is evaluated, and the operational status of the wind turbine is changed via a monitor server based on a result of the comparison. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143121 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE WITH REDUCED BLADE FOULING - A method of operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine has at least one rotor blade and an active flow control (AFC) system. The at least one rotor blade has at least one aperture defined through a surface thereof, and the AFC system is configured to modify aerodynamic properties of the at least one rotor blade by ejecting gas through the at least one aperture. The method includes operating the wind turbine in a first mode, determining an environmental condition surrounding the wind turbine indicative of fouling of the AFC system, and operating the wind turbine in a second mode different than the first mode based on the environmental condition. The second mode facilitates reducing fouling of the AFC system. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143122 | ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM FOR WIND TURBINE - An active flow control (AFC) system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade having at least one manifold extending at least partially therethrough and at least one aperture defined through a surface of the at least one rotor blade. The at least one aperture is in flow communication with the at least one manifold. The AFC system includes an air intake duct configured to draw ambient air into the wind turbine, a self-cleaning air filter coupled in flow communication with the air intake duct and configured to filter the ambient air, and an AFC distribution system configured to eject the filtered air through the at least one aperture. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143123 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CLEANING AN ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL (AFC) SYSTEM OF A WIND TURBINE - An active flow control (AFC) system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The AFC system includes at least two manifolds at least partially defined within the at least one rotor blade, at least one aperture in flow communication with each manifold of the at least two manifolds, a gas supply coupled in flow communication with the at least two manifolds, and a valve system operatively coupled to the gas supply. The valve system is configured to block a gas flow to a first manifold of the at least two manifolds to redistribute the gas flow to a second manifold of the at least two manifolds. | 06-10-2010 |
20100143124 | WIND TURBINE YAWING SYSTEM - In order to prevent minor deviations from expected operation in a yawing system before they lead to larger deviations, there is in accordance with a method aspect of the invention disclosed monitoring and determining deviation from an expected operation in a yawing system of a wind turbine. The method includes inputting a rotation angle input to at least one of a plurality of yaw motors, sensing an angular output of at least one of the plurality of yaw motors, receiving the rotation angle input to the at least one of the plurality of yaw motors in a signal processor, receiving the angular output of the at least one of the plurality of yaw motors, comparing at least two of the received signals, and/or comparing a mathematical relation of two of the received signals with a reference, and hereby determining whether there is any deviation from the expected operation. | 06-10-2010 |
20100150716 | CYCLICAL WAVE ENERGY CONVERTER - Systems and methods use cyclical propellers with dynamic blade angle control to extract power from waves. A control system for such implementations can adapt pitching schedules for the blades of the cyclical propellers for efficient energy extraction and/or to control reactive forces. The cyclical propellers may be installed on the floor of a body of water or other liquid, on a submarine, or on a surface float, and blades may extend vertically or horizontally depending on the character of the waves. Several cyclical propellers can be combined into a single unit operated to minimize net reactive force or torque, to propel the unit horizontally or vertically, and/or to stabilize the unit. Such units can be installed with minimal or no moorings. | 06-17-2010 |
20100158686 | Turbine blade assembly including a damper - A damper for a turbine rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The damper may have a forward plate. The damper may further have an aft plate including a larger surface area than the forward plate. The aft plate may have at least one aperture for regulating a flow of through the aft plate. The damper may also have a longitudinal structure connecting the forward plate and the aft plate. | 06-24-2010 |
20100178167 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A ROTARY WING AIRCRAFT - The invention relates to a method for controlling a rotary wing aircraft with at least one main rotor, comprising a rotor head and rotor blades ( | 07-15-2010 |
20100183440 | METHOD FOR THE OPERATION OF A WIND POWER PLANT - The invention concerns a method for operating a wind power plant (WEA), preferably before or during the performance of maintenance work on the wind power plant (WEA), wherein —at least one physical condition of the surroundings outside the wind power plant (WEA) induced by wind movement outside the wind power plant (WEA) is detected as an external physical condition, and/or at least one physical condition of a component of the wind power plant (WEA) influenced by wind movement outside the wind power plant (WEA) is detected as an internal physical condition; —the at least one external physical condition and/or at least one internal physical condition are evaluated; —the at least one external physical condition is compared with a predetermined reference value for the external physical condition, and/or the at least one internal physical condition is compared with a predetermined reference value for the internal physical condition; —depending on the comparison at least one warning message is generated, in particular a maintenance warning message. | 07-22-2010 |
20100189560 | Method for De-Icing A Blade Of A Wind Turbine, A Wind Turbine And Use Thereof - A method for de-icing a blade of a wind turbine after the wind turbine has been idle for a period of time. The method includes the steps of creating a controlled acceleration condition of the blade, and subsequently creating a controlled deceleration condition of the blade, whereby ice is shaken off the blade. A wind turbine including a rotor including at least one blade, and de-icing means for de-icing the blade wherein the de-icing means includes actuating means of the wind turbine and wherein the de-icing means further includes control means for performing a method according to any of claims | 07-29-2010 |
20100196156 | Control Of Rotor During A Stop Process Of A Wind Turbine - A method for controlling a pitch angle of blades of a wind turbine rotor during an emergency stop process of the rotor from an operating state, includes the steps of: (i) continuously determining a measure of an angular acceleration of the rotor, (ii) initiating pitching of the rotor blades and continuing pitching until a time (t | 08-05-2010 |
20100202881 | DOWNWIND POWER PLANT, AND A METHOD FOR OPERATING A DOWNWIND POWER PLANT - The present invention concerns a downwind power plant ( | 08-12-2010 |
20100209242 | Rotor Hub Vibration Attenuator - A vibration attenuator for an aircraft has at least one weight mounted in a rotating system of a rotor hub of the aircraft, each weight being rotatable about an axis of rotation of the hub relative to the hub and to each other weight. Drive means are provided for rotating each weight about the axis of rotation at a selected speed for creating oscillatory shear forces that oppose and attenuate rotor-induced vibrations having a selected frequency. | 08-19-2010 |
20100209243 | Monitoring of Blade Frequencies of a Wind Turbine - A method for monitoring blade frequencies of a wind turbine and a monitoring system for performing the method are provided. An accelerometer or G-sensor is placed into a nacelle of a wind turbine and thereby measuring the vibrations of the nacelle. To extract the vibration signals originating from each blade, the vibration signals are combined with the measuring signals from the azimuth angle sensor (rotating angle), which is normally used for pitch control. To further extract each blade frequency a Fast Fourier Transformation is used on the modulated G-sensor signals. To further monitor a severe and alarming change in each blade frequency, each blade frequency is compared to the other blade frequencies and an alarm is set when a given level is reached. | 08-19-2010 |
20100209244 | REMOTELY CONTROLLED AND ELECTRONICALLY OPERATED VARIABLE-PITCH SAILBOAT PROPELLER - Embodiments of the present invention may provide a propeller system for propelling a vessel. The propeller system may comprise a propeller body operable to connect to a drive shaft of the vessel; a propeller shaft extending out of the propeller body, the propeller shaft operable to be driven by the drive shaft and further operable to rotate about its longitudinal axis, wherein if the propeller shaft is in a first position within the propeller body, the propeller shaft is rotatable about its longitudinal axis only when torque transmitted from the drive shaft causes the propeller shaft to rotate; a propeller blade disposed outside of the propeller body and connected to the propeller shaft, the propeller blade operable to rotate according to the propeller shaft; and a radio receiver situated within the propeller body operable to receive a signal, that, upon receiving the signal, is further operable to allow the propeller shaft to move from the first position to a second position within the propeller body, thereby allowing the propeller blade to freely rotate according to water currents that cause the propeller blade to rotate to a position that minimizes drag of the propeller blade against the water currents. | 08-19-2010 |
20100209245 | GEARLESS PITCH CONTROL MECHANISM FOR STARTING, STOPPING AND REGULATING THE POWER OUTPUT OF WIND TURBINES WITHOUT THE USE OF A BRAKE - Apparatuses and methods for controlling pitch angle of the wind turbine blades are disclosed. The pitch angle of all the blades can be controlled by a “spider” that moves substantially perpendicularly with respect to a plane of the turbine blades rotation. The turbine blade bearings are connected with the spider by the linkage arms. The turbine blade bearings have an axis of rotation that is substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the respective turbine blades. The actuating mechanism for moving the spider can be a combination of a hydraulic piston installed inside a hollow driveshaft (to move the spider in one direction) and a spring (to move the spider in another direction). An onboard controller can receive a turbine generator output signal to decide whether the turbine is overloaded or underloaded, and if so, the onboard controller can instruct a hydraulic system to add or remove fluid from the hollow driveshaft. Therefore, the power produced by the generator is adjusted up or down by the spider's adjustment of the turbine blade pitch angle. | 08-19-2010 |
20100209246 | YAW CONTROLLER FOR DOWNWIND WIND TURBINES - Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for the wind turbine yaw control. A wind turbine bedplate is rotateably mounted on a stationary tower. The bedplate is connected to a yaw encoder, which provides angular position of the bedplate with respect to the stationary tower. A wind vane, which can be attached to the bedplate, is connected to a wind vane encoder. The yaw encoder and wind vane encoder send data to a turbine controller. When the bedplate orientation differs from the average wind direction by a predetermined amount, a yaw brake that keeps the bedplate in place is released in a controllable fashion, such that some amount of friction between the brake pads and the stationary disk remains. Consequently, the bedplate will controllably rotate to align itself with the newly established average wind vector, thus aligning the turbine blade rotation plane substantially perpendicularly against the average wind vector. When the bedplate arrives to its new position, as determined by the yaw encoder reading, the yaw brake can be fully applied again to fix the bedplate at its new position. | 08-19-2010 |
20100226772 | Blade control system - A wind turbine system for blade control which employs means for adjusting the pitch and yaw of the blades rotating about an axis and the resulting speed of the blades powering a wind turbine. The control system selectively resists movement of said blades to a different incline position based on a comparison of the measured rotational speed with a target speed value, the target speed value being determined based on an energy output level for said turbine. The control system includes at least one adjustable hydraulic actuator for movement of said blades to a different incline position. | 09-09-2010 |
20100247310 | INTENTIONALLY MISTUNED INTEGRALLY BLADED ROTOR - A frequency mistuned integrally bladed rotor (IBR) for a gas turbine engine comprises a hub and a circumferential row of blades of varying frequency projecting integrally from the hub. Each blade in the row alternate with another blade having a different pressure surface definition but similar suction surface, leading edge and trailing edge definitions. | 09-30-2010 |
20100254812 | WIND TURBINE WITH VARIABLE AREA PROPELLER BLADES - An apparatus and method for reducing wind turbine damage includes a propeller having a plurality of blades projecting radially from a hub. The blades may be adjustably combined to form variable cross-sections that either increase or decrease propeller rotation speed dependent on wind speed and weather conditions. | 10-07-2010 |
20100266403 | HIGH-EFFICIENCY WINDMILL - A high-efficiency windmill includes an inner rotor having propellers for capturing wind blowing along a wind direction to push the inner rotor about an axis, and an outer rotor rotatable about the same axis independently of the inner rotor radially exteriorly of the inner rotor. The outer rotor is self-positionable in a rotor position about the axis in response to the wind direction. The outer rotor has an airfoil-shaped vane having a forward surface generally facing the wind in the rotor position, and a rear surface generally facing away from the wind in the rotor position. The rear surface creates a negative pressure zone by accelerating the wind across the rear surface. At least one of the propellers adjacent the airfoil-shaped vane in the rotor position is pulled by the negative pressure zone to assist the wind in pushing the propellers about the axis. | 10-21-2010 |
20100266404 | Balancing a Ram Air Turbine - A method of balancing a ram air turbine that has a turbine shaft with a turbine shaft axis, a rotor attached to the shaft, rotor blades attached to the rotor that move between a fine pitch and coarse pitch position, a spring-loaded governor for controlling the position of the blades that has its springing retained by a stationary outer spring seat and a movable inner yoke plate that slides on the turbine shaft and whose position determines blade pitch, comprises the steps of: pulling the yoke plate toward the spring seat to displace the yoke plate toward the spring seat sufficiently to cause the rotor blades to assume a desired degree of pitch; spinning the turbine shaft at a desired rotational speed; balancing the rotor to minimise vibration of the rotor with the desired rotor blade pitch and turbine shaft speed; and releasing the pull of the yoke plate toward the spring seat. | 10-21-2010 |
20100272568 | Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Thermally Isolating a Turbine Rotor Wheel - Embodiments of the invention can provide systems, methods, and an apparatus for thermally isolating a turbine rotor wheel. According to one embodiment, a method for thermally isolating a turbine rotor wheel can be provided. The turbine rotor wheel can include a pair of blade posts, or shanks, supporting respective turbine rotor blades such that a shank cavity is formed between respective blade posts. To thermally isolate the turbine rotor wheel, at least one seal operable to partition the shank cavity into an upper region and a lower region can be provided. In addition, this seal can be inserted within the shank cavity to partition the shank cavity into an upper region and a lower region. In doing so, cooling air flow can be divided between the upper region and the lower region so that the lower region can be maintained at a lower temperature than the upper region. | 10-28-2010 |
20100290905 | Wind Turbine Control Method - A method of controlling a wind turbine, where a control signal for a controllable parameter of the wind turbine is determined repeatingly at successive time steps, and a control history including respective control values derived from or included in past control signals is stored. These control values stored in the control history are then used to determine an alert parameter for the controllable parameter, the alert parameter being a function of the variations of the control signals over time. The wind turbine is then controlled according to the most recent control signal only if the alert parameter is below an alert threshold, and otherwise according to a modified control strategy. The control method may be performed on pitch reference signals for controlling the individual and/or collective pitch of the blades. The invention further relates to a control system configured to perform the above control method, and a wind turbine comprising such system. | 11-18-2010 |
20100303622 | METHOD FOR THE EMERGENCY BRAKING OF A WIND POWER PLANT AND A WIND POWER PLANT WITH A ROTOR BLADE PITCH CONTROL FOR EMERGENCY BRAKING - Method for the emergency braking of a wind power plant, in which at least one rotor blade of the wind power plant is adjusted into its feathering position, wherein a first phase, in which the at least one rotor blade is adjusted with a first speed, and a second phase, in which the at least one rotor blade is adjusted as of a predetermined first blade pitch angle with a second speed, which is increased until a maximum speed is reached and/or until a second determined blade pitch angle is reached. | 12-02-2010 |
20100310367 | Impingement cooling of a turbine airfoil with large platform to airfoil fillet radius - A method of impingement cooling a turbine airfoil with a large platform to airfoil fillet radius which includes coring the airfoil fillet such that the fillet wall is maintained at a minimum thickness. An impingement tube is used which follows the fillet contour as it transitions from airfoil to platform and supplies impingement air to the airfoil walls. The air subsequently flows across the airfoil internal wall and finally exits the airfoil through airfoil holes to provide film cooling to the airfoil fillet. | 12-09-2010 |
20100310368 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR DRIVING A PROPELLER PITCH CHANGE MECHANISM - A system adjusts the pitch of a variable pitch propeller having a non-rotating side and a rotating side. The rotating side of the propeller has a hub, a propeller blade mounted to the hub, a propeller shaft that rotates the hub and propeller blade, and an actuation system. The actuation system has a screw and a piston. A motor has a non-rotating component in communication with the non-rotating side of the propeller and a rotating component in communication with the actuation system. When the motor increases speed, the screw rotates and the piston moves laterally in a first axial direction to decrease the pitch of the propeller and, when the motor decreases speed, the screw rotates and the piston moves laterally in a second axial direction to increase the pitch of the propeller. | 12-09-2010 |
20100310369 | PITCH CHANGE ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR A COUNTER-ROTATING PROPELLER - A system for adjusting the pitch of a counter-rotating propeller has a propeller shaft, a forward propeller driven by the propeller shaft, and an aft propeller connected with the forward propeller. The forward propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and an actuator connected with an end of the blades. The aft propeller has a hub, blades mounted within the hub, and a cam assembly connected with an end of the blades. The actuator of the forward propeller has a forward end and an aft end, wherein the aft end is connected with the cam assembly of the aft propeller. Thus, when the actuator moves in an axial direction, the cam assembly moves relative to the actuator and the pitch of the forward propeller blades and the pitch of the aft propeller blades are simultaneously adjusted. | 12-09-2010 |
20100310370 | TURBINE WITH VANES AND TETHERS THAT ADJUST TO THE WIND - A turbine with vanes and tethers that adjust to the wind includes: an axle, adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the airflow; a radial spar attached to the axle; a vane rotatably attached to the spar; and a positioning element to limit the vane from rotating substantially more than a perpendicular angle away from the spar. The device retains the vane in a position that utilizes the airflow to rotate the axle. The positioning element is a tether attached to the distal point of the vane. | 12-09-2010 |
20100310371 | DRIVE CONTROL AND REGULATION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A HYBRID HELICOPTER - The present invention relates to a control and regulation method for a rotorcraft having at least one variable-pitch propulsive propeller and at least one power source for driving the propeller(s), said method consisting in generating at least one mean pitch setpoint βtcl for the propeller(s) as a function of a thrust variation control order Tcl, wherein the method consists in defining a plurality of operating modes, including:
| 12-09-2010 |
20100322766 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING ENERGY PRODUCTION THEREIN - A method for optimizing energy production in a wind turbine includes pitching a plurality of rotor blades to a full operational angle, and utilizing an active flow control device in accordance with a generator speed and a rotor blade pitch setting to facilitate maintaining a predetermined generator rated power level. | 12-23-2010 |
20100322767 | Turbine Blade Having Platform Cooling Holes - A turbine blade having a plurality of cooling holes which extend from an outside edge of the platform to a cooling passage formed within the turbine blade and a method of limiting the formation of cracks in the platform of the blade are provided. The plurality of cooling holes in the platform are formed at an approximate angle of 45° to the outside edge of the platform and are formed at the approximate mid-point of the thickness of the platform. The cooling holes are generally cylindrical in shape and have a diameter of approximately 50% of the platform thickness. | 12-23-2010 |
20100329862 | Cooling Hole Exits for a Turbine Bucket Tip Shroud - A turbine bucket for a gas turbine engine is described herein. The turbine bucket may include an airfoil, a tip shroud positioned on a tip of the airfoil, and a number of cooling holes extending through the airfoil and the tip shroud. One or more of the cooling holes may include a length of narrowing diameter about the tip shroud and a length of expanding diameter about a surface of the tip shroud. | 12-30-2010 |
20100329863 | METHOD FOR REDUCING TIP RUB LOADING - A method for reducing tip rub loads in a rotor blade is described having the steps of selecting a location of contact between the rotor blade and a static structure; selecting a location on the blade for incorporating a tip-cutter; selecting a cutter-profile for the tip-cutter; and incorporating the tip-cutter on the selected location on the blade such that tip-cutter is capable of removing a portion of the static structure during a tip rub such that tip rub loads are facilitated to be reduced. | 12-30-2010 |
20100329864 | PLACEMENT OF STRAIN SENSORS IN WIND TURBINE BLADE - A method of monitoring strain on a wind turbine blade that has several structural components comprises locating at least three strain sensors ( | 12-30-2010 |
20110008166 | HYDRAULIC STATION AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRESSURE IN A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM OF A WIND TURBINE - A hydraulic station in a hydraulic system of a wind turbine includes a tank for storing working fluid, first and second pumps fluidly connected to the tank, first and second flow paths extending from the respective first and second pumps to a hydraulic circuit, and first and second relief valves in fluid communication with the respective first and second flow paths. The first pump and first relief valve are controlled based on maintaining pressure of the working fluid in the hydraulic circuit between a first minimum limit and first maximum limit. If the pressure falls below the first minimum limit, the second pump and second relief valve are controlled in addition to the first pump and first relief valve, with the control then based on a second maximum limit and second minimum limit. | 01-13-2011 |
20110014046 | SYSTEM OF COUNTER-ROTATING PROPELLERS WITH A FEATHERING DEVICE FOR PROPELLER BLADES - A system of counter-rotating propellers for an aircraft turbine engine including a first and a second propeller, each including a stalling control system for the blades, a rotating actuating mechanism for sliding an element to move the angle of attack of the blades, and a disengaging mechanism for rigidly fixing in rotation the rotating actuating mechanism. The system is designed so that when the disengaging mechanism is engaged, a relative rotation speed is created between the elements and the associated rotating actuating mechanism thereof, bringing the blades into a neutral position thereof for feathering. | 01-20-2011 |
20110027079 | Method and Apparatus for Capturing Wind to Produce Electrical Power - A blade system and method of use for a wind turbine to produce electrical power. The system has a vertical rotor shaft coupled to an anchor pad and supports a horizontal blade arm. A blade assembly having a rotatable flap is coupled to the blade arm. The flap captures the wind which causes the rotor shaft to rotate and generates electrical power from an electrical generator. | 02-03-2011 |
20110027080 | Impeller Cover and Method - Method and impeller cover for protecting an impeller from damage. The impeller cover includes a removable body having a first face and a second face opposing the first face, the second face being configured to match a front face of the impeller of the compressor, and further having a frontal portion covering an entire frontal portion of the impeller of the compressor, and a fixing mechanism connected to the removable body and being configured to fix the impeller cover to the impeller of the compressor. The impeller cover is disposable. | 02-03-2011 |
20110027081 | HELICOPTER HUB MOUNTED VIBRATION CONTROL AND CIRCULAR FORCE GENERATION SYSTEMS FOR CANCELING VIBRATIONS - A rotary wing aircraft including a vehicle vibration control system. The vehicle vibration control system includes a rotating hub mounted vibration control system, the rotating hub mounted vibration control system mounted to the rotating rotary wing hub with the rotating hub mounted vibration control system rotating with the rotating rotary wing hub driven to rotate about a rotating hub center Z axis by a gear box transmission. The vehicle vibration control system includes a rotary wing aircraft member sensor for outputting rotary wing aircraft member data correlating to the relative rotation of the rotating rotary wing hub member rotating about the rotating hub center Z axis relative to the nonrotating body, a first nonrotating body vibration sensor outputting first nonrotating body vibration sensor data correlating to vibrations. The helicopter vibration control system includes at least first and second nonrotating body circular force generators, the nonrotating body circular force generators fixedly coupled with the nonrotating helicopter body proximate the transmission and oriented relative to the rotating hub center Z axis, and a distributed force generation data communications network link, the distributed force generation data communications system network link linking together the nonrotating body circular force generators and the rotating hub mounted vibration control system wherein the rotating hub mounted vibration control system and the nonrotating body circular force generators are controlled to produce rotating forces wherein the vibration sensed by the at least first nonrotating body vibration sensor is reduced. | 02-03-2011 |
20110027082 | METHOD OF REDUCING OR EVEN ELIMINATING THE VIBRATION OF A ROTORCRAFT LIFT AND PROPULSION ROTOR, AND AN AIRFOIL ASSEMBLY AND A ROTOR IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD - The present invention relates to a method of reducing the vibration of a lift and propulsion rotor ( | 02-03-2011 |
20110033291 | ENERGY TRANSFER SYSTEM - A system comprises an enclosure comprising an interior, a drive shaft opening, and a first auxiliary drive shaft opening. A drive gear is disposed within the enclosure. A first auxiliary gear is disposed within the enclosure. The enclosure aligns the drive gear and the first auxiliary gear such that the drive gear is configured to drive the first auxiliary gear. The drive gear couples to an end of a drive shaft. The first auxiliary gear couples to a first end of a first auxiliary drive shaft. The drive shaft extends from the interior through the drive shaft opening. The first auxiliary drive shaft extends from the interior through the first auxiliary drive shaft opening. | 02-10-2011 |
20110033292 | ENERGY ABSORBING FAN BLADE SPACER - A gas turbine engine fan section is disclosed that includes a hub. Circumferentially spaced fan blades are supported on the hub. A spacer is arranged between adjacent fan blades and is operatively supported by the hub. The spacer is configured to be collapsible in response to a fan blade load exerted on the spacer in excess of a threshold load. The spacer is generally rigid at fan blade loads below the threshold load. | 02-10-2011 |
20110038726 | INDEPENDENT VARIABLE BLADE PITCH AND GEOMETRY WIND TURBINE - A variable blade pitch wind turbine and method of passively varying the blade pitch is presented. Each blade of the turbine rotor can individually and passively rotate about a respective blade axis to continuously vary the pitch of the blades to adjust to the ever changing wind speed and direction without active controls or other mechanical or electrical induced inputs to force rotational movement of the blades. Sections of each blade can respectively rotate to change the blade twist. In one example, a second rotor is used to increase the electrical generation and efficiency of the blade turbine. | 02-17-2011 |
20110038727 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESSURE ADAPTIVE MORPHING STRUCTURE - A method and apparatus for a novel adaptive aerostructure is presented that relies on certified aerospace materials and can therefore be applied in conventional passenger aircraft. This structure consists of a honeycomb material which cells extend over a significant length perpendicular to the plane of the cells. Each of the cells contains an inelastic pouch (or bladder) that forms a circular tube when the cell forms a perfect hexagon. By changing the cell differential pressure (CDP) the stiffness of the honeycomb can be altered. Using an external force or the elastic force within the honeycomb material, the honeycomb can be deformed such that the cells deviate from their perfect-hexagonal shape. It can be shown that by increasing the CDP, the structure eventually returns to a perfect hexagon. By doing so, a fully embedded pneumatic actuator is created that can perform work and substitute conventional low-bandwidth flight control actuators. It is shown that two approaches can be taken to regulate the stiffness of this embedded actuator. | 02-17-2011 |
20110044811 | WIND TURBINE AS WIND-DIRECTION SENSOR - A method of wind turbine control includes determining wind tangential velocity, averaged over a rotor swept plane, from an instantaneous measurement of a rotor azimuth angle and a rotor teeter angle. | 02-24-2011 |
20110044812 | AIRFOIL WITH FLOW DEFLECTOR - An airfoil comprising a high pressure surface; a low pressure surface; a leading edge where the high and low pressure surfaces meet at the front of the airfoil; and a trailing edge where the high and low pressure surfaces meet at the back of the airfoil. A porous flow deflector extends from the low pressure surface. The porous flow deflector is attached to the low pressure surface at a position which is closer in a chord-wise sense to the leading edge than to the trailing edge. That is, the percentage chord distance between the leading edge and the position where the flow deflector is attached is less than 50%. The porous flow deflector comprises a plurality of flow deflection members each spaced progressively further from the low pressure surface in a direction away from the low pressure surface, and each flow deflection member is angled down to the rear relative to a local tangent of the low pressure surface. The porous flow deflector deflects air towards the low pressure surface as it passes through the porous flow deflector. | 02-24-2011 |
20110044813 | BLADE PITCH LOCK DEVICE - A locking device for locking a turbine blade of a wind power plant at a predetermined pitch angle, which wind power plant includes a rotor hub and at least one turbine blade where the blade root of the at least one turbine blade is connected to the rotor hub through a pitch bearing so that the pitch angle of the at least one turbine blade is adjustable by turning of the at least one turbine blade about its longitudinal axis relative to the rotor hub and wherein the device for locking the turbine blade includes a mechanical snap-in mechanism which in a locked position prevents the at least one turbine blade from turning about its longitudinal axis thus fixating the at least one turbine blade in the predetermined pitch angle. | 02-24-2011 |
20110052391 | INDEPENDENT CONTROL OF SHORTENING LINES IN AN AERODYNAMIC WING - The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercraft, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing and coupled to the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of lines, particularly steering lines and/or fixing lines, a tractive cable, wherein a first end of the tractive cable is connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable is connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates a lifting force in the direction of the traction cable when the air stream direction is about perpendicular to the tractive cable, a plurality of reefing lines located across the aerodynamic wing for increasing and decreasing the lifting force by changing the shape and/or dimension of the aerodynamic wing. According to a first aspect of the invention, such an aerodynamic wind propulsion device is provided, characterized by a guiding arrangement for guiding the reefing lines, wherein at least two of the reefing lines are guided by the guiding arrangement such that said at least two reefing lines can be controlled and/or activated, particularly hauled in and veered out, independently from each other, in particular during starting and landing manoeuvres. | 03-03-2011 |
20110052392 | METHOD OF FLIGHT IN AN EXPANDED SPEED RANGE USING THRUST VECTORING PROPELLERS - The invention relates to aeronautical engineering, in particular to methods of flight due to creating of forces on air propellers, namely using thrust vectoring of direction and amount of force created by air propellers of opposite rotation with the axis, mainly in the direction of flight, in the expanded range of speeds, from 50 m/s to high near-sonic speed of flight. The invention may be applied for horizontal flight and maneuvering in flight on vertical take-off aircrafts using rotation of main rotors from the vertical stand of rotor axes during the take-off to almost horizontal position of rotor axes in horizontal flight, thus both the rotation of rotors and the change of position of an aircraft together with its rotors may be applied, and it may be also used in the horizontal take-off aircrafts with almost horizontal position of axes during the horizontal flight, including the planes with airscrew propellers. | 03-03-2011 |
20110052393 | CONTROLLABLE MAGNETIC SYSTEMS - This invention relates to methods and devices for propulsion through a fluid, in particular at low Reynolds number. We describe a method of propelling one of a magnetic device and a fluid relative to the other, the magnetic device comprising a pair of magnetic moments linked by an elastic coupling element, one of said moments having a greater resistance to a change in orientation due to an external applied magnetic field than the other, the method comprising applying an elliptical or ellipsoidal rotating magnetic field to the device to cause a change in mutual attraction or repulsion between said magnetic moments to thereby change a physical configuration of said device, propelling said device relative to said fluid. | 03-03-2011 |
20110058943 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BRAKING THE ROTOR OF A WIND ENERGY PLANT - The invention relates to a method and device for braking the rotor of a wind energy plant, comprising rotor blades ( | 03-10-2011 |
20110058944 | Hybrid Multi-Element Tapered Rotating Tower - The specification discloses a rotating turbine tower. The tower rotates to maintain the turbine facing into the wind. This allows structure optimization. The tower structure is comprised of a leading edge and a trailing edge, with joining panels between the edge structures. The tower edges are the main structural components of the tower. The separation of the edges tapers to follow the bending moment on the tower, reducing the need to taper material thickness. The tapering shape of the tower structure matches the primary edgewise moment distribution. The tower can be assembled on site from components, thereby facilitating transportation to the tower site. The material properties and shape can be selected based upon the tower maintaining a near constant orientation with the wind. This can save weight and costs. The tower architecture can be of differing shapes such as a triangle or a structure tapering at each end. | 03-10-2011 |
20110064573 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING A MONITOR SET POINT LIMIT FOR A WIND TURBINE - A method for controlling operation of a wind turbine is described. The wind turbine includes a rotor having a plurality of rotor blades. The method includes measuring an atmospheric condition associated with the environment surrounding the wind turbine, providing the measured atmospheric condition to a processor, and determining at least one monitor set point limit based at least partially on the measured atmospheric condition. The method also includes applying the at least one monitor set point limit to wind turbine operation. | 03-17-2011 |
20110064574 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTRACTING FLUID MOTION ENERGY - An apparatus for extracting fluid motion energy, comprising one or more blades. Each blade comprising one or more vanes. Each vane having an exposed area. The exposed area when impinged by fluid motion, that is generally in the direction of the movement of a blade, is larger than the exposed area when not impinged by fluid motion. And the exposed area when impinged by fluid motion, that is generally opposing the direction of the movement of the blade, is smaller than the exposed area when not impinged by fluid motion. | 03-17-2011 |
20110070082 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE COMPONENT COOLING SCHEME - A method of cooling a gas turbine engine component includes creating a cooling channel within a platform of the component, communicating cooling air into the cooling channel to cool the platform, and recycling the cooling airflow used to cool the platform by communicating the cooling airflow from the cooling channel into the airfoil to cool the airfoil. | 03-24-2011 |
20110076142 | METHOD FOR REDUCING VIBRATIONS IN WIND TURBINES AND WIND TURBINE IMPLEMENTING SAID METHOD - A method is presented that reduces vibrations of a wind turbine in a situation where yawing of a wind rotor of said wind turbine is at least temporarily not possible. The method includes adjusting a first pitch angle of a first rotor blade and a second pitch angle of a second rotor blade such that the first and second pitch angles differ by at least 30 degrees. | 03-31-2011 |
20110076143 | SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING PROPELLER BLADE PITCH IN AN AIRCRAFT TURBOSHAFT ENGINE - A system for controlling pitch of a propeller blade of a turboshank engine, including two automatic locking members making it possible, depending on their controlled position, to lock rotation of a blade root in both directions of rotation, or to allow the rotation of the blade root support in either of the two directions. | 03-31-2011 |
20110085905 | TURBOMACHINE ROTOR COOLING - A rotor of a turbomachine includes a rotor drum located at a central axis and a plurality of buckets secured to the rotor drum. A rotor shell extends between axially adjacent buckets of the plurality of buckets and is secured to and supported by the plurality of buckets defining a cooling passage between the rotor drum and the rotor shell. A low pressure sink is located at an upstream end of the rotor receptive of a coolant flow through the cooling passage. A method of cooling a rotor of a steam turbine includes locating a rotor shell radially outboard of a rotor drum defining a cooling passage therebetween. A flow of steam is urged from a downstream portion of the steam turbine through the cooling passage toward a low pressure sink located at an upstream end of the steam turbine thereby cooling the rotor. | 04-14-2011 |
20110091321 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING WIND TURBINE OPERATION - Systems and methods for monitoring wind turbine operation are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment includes processing sensor data received from at least one strain gauge located on a wind turbine shaft, with a processor located on the wind turbine shaft. In particular embodiments, the method can further include providing power for the at least one strain gauge and the processor via a non-contact link between a first component located on the wind turbine shaft and second component off the wind turbine shaft. In further particular embodiments, the method can still further include receiving data from the processor corresponding to bending moments at the wind turbine shaft, and automatically identifying load remediation solutions for the wind turbine, based at least in part on the data received from the processor. | 04-21-2011 |
20110103950 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A CONTROLLED FLOW OF FLUID TO OR FROM A WIND TURBINE BLADE SURFACE - A wind turbine blade system having a blade rotatably attached to a rotor of a wind turbine. The system further includes a controller and one or more openings disposed along at least one surface of the blade and a fluid moving device arranged and disposed to provide a fluid to or from the one or more openings. A controlled amount of the fluid is provided to the one or more openings. The amount of fluid is determined by the controller. A wind turbine and a method for operating a wind turbine are also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110103951 | FRANCIS-TYPE HYDRAULIC TURBINE WHEEL EQUIPPED WITH A TIP-FORMING MEMBER, AND METHOD OF REDUCING FLUCTUATIONS USING SUCH A WHEEL - This wheel comprises a plurality of vanes ( | 05-05-2011 |
20110103952 | WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE WITH VARIABLY ACTUATABLE POROUS WINDOW - A wind turbine blade includes a porous window defined in the suction side of the blade. The porous window includes a plurality of holes defined therein. An air manifold within the internal cavity of the blade is in airflow communication with the porous window. An inlet air passage in the pressure side of the blade is in communication with the air manifold. A deployable cover member is configured adjacent the porous window and is variably positionable from a fully closed position wherein airflow through the holes in the porous window is blocked to a fully open position wherein airflow is established through the holes in the porous window. | 05-05-2011 |
20110116923 | BLADE FOR A ROTOR OF A WIND OR WATER TURBINE - The present invention relates to a blade for a rotor of a wind turbine, which rotor comprises a hub, from which hub at least one blade extends substantially radially, which blade comprises a root area closest to the hub, which blade comprises a transition area away from the hub, which blade further comprises at least a first airfoil. The scope of the invention can be fulfilled by blades comprising at least one longitudinal channel, which channel has an inlet opening in the front of the airfoil, which channel has an outlet opening at the backside of the air foil, which channel opening area is decreasing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. Hereby, it is achieved that in the channel there is an increasing speed of the air which is flowing through that channel which will lead to increasing the power produced from the wind surrounding the blade. | 05-19-2011 |
20110116924 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DRIVING BLADE WITH RESPECT TO THE WIND DIRECTION, IN PARTICULAR IN A WIND AND WATER ENGINE WITH AN AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO THE WIND DIRECTION AND A WIND ENGINE HAVING AN AXIS PERPENDICULAR TO THE WIND DIRECTION WITH A DRIVING BLADE CONTROLLED WITH RESPECT TO THE WIND DIRECTION - In a method for controlling a driving blade ( | 05-19-2011 |
20110116925 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ENERGY EXTRACTION - An apparatus and method for extracting energy for a tidal stream in a body of the water are described. The apparatus comprises a body located in a tidal stream, a generator; and a line coupled to the generator such that relative movement between the line and the generator drives the generator. In one configuration, the body comprises a drag surface oriented substantially in the direction of the tidal stream and has at least one formation for promoting a drag force on the body. The drag force causes movement of the body with the tidal stream, which results in relative movement of the line and generator to drive the generator. | 05-19-2011 |
20110123330 | ANTI-NOISE WIND TURBINE - Anti-noise wind turbine. A wind turbine ( | 05-26-2011 |
20110123331 | Wind speed dependent adaptation of a set point for a fatigue life of a structural component of a wind turbine - A method for controlling an operation of a wind turbine with at least one structural component is provided. A fatigue life time consumption of the structural component is scheduled. A current velocity of a wind which is driving the wind turbine is determined. A current set point value for the fatigue life time consumption of the structural component based on the scheduled fatigue life time consumption of the structural component is specified and a maximum set point value for the fatigue life time consumption of the structural component based on the determined current wind velocity is specified. The wind turbine is operated depending on the specified current set point value and/or on the specified maximum set point value such that a mechanical load acting on the structural component is controlled. A machine load control system and a wind turbine are also provided. | 05-26-2011 |
20110129340 | Fluid Circulation System - A fluid circulation system wherein circulation is caused within a body by establishing a ring vortex within the fluid generated by an impeller designed in accordance with the Golden Section or Phi Geometry. | 06-02-2011 |
20110129341 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR REDUCING VIBRATION IN A ROTARY SYSTEM OF AN AIRCRAFT, SUCH AS A ROTOR OF A HELICOPTER - A method for reducing vibration in a rotary system ( | 06-02-2011 |
20110135465 | Methods and Systems For Providing Variable Mechanical Brake Torque - A brake system is provided for controlling a rotational speed of a drivetrain for a wind turbine. The drivetrain is coupled to a rotor shaft and a generator rotor shaft. The brake system includes a mechanical brake operatively coupled to the drivetrain. The mechanical brake includes a brake caliper and a brake disc coupled to the drivetrain. A sensor is configured to detect a parameter of the wind turbine. A controller is configured to actuate the brake caliper to apply a braking force on the brake disc. The controller is configured to control the mechanical brake based on the parameter to adjust a brake torque generated by the braking force. | 06-09-2011 |
20110135466 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING WIND TURBINE BLADE DEFLECTION - A system is disclosed for monitoring and controlling the deflection of turbine blades of a wind turbine. The system includes a passive position detecting apparatus and a controller. The passive position detecting apparatus may be configured to acquire and transmit data relating directly to a position of at least one of the turbine blades. The controller may be configured to receive the data from the passive position detecting apparatus and compare such data to a known position reference to determine turbine blade deflection. | 06-09-2011 |
20110135467 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DEICING AND PREVENTION OR DELAY OF FLOW SEPARATION OVER WIND TURBINE BLADES - A system for deicing a wind turbine blade includes an electrically powered active plasma actuator applied to a desired portion of a wind turbine blade. The activated plasma actuator energizes the air in the vicinity of the plasma actuator to increase the surface temperature of the wind turbine blade in the vicinity of the plasma actuator sufficiently to reduce or eliminate the collection of ice on a desired portion of the wind turbine blade. | 06-09-2011 |
20110135468 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING A STRUCTURAL HEALTH OF A WIND TURBINE - A method for monitoring a structural health of a wind turbine. The method includes transmitting, from a sensor to a controller, at least one monitoring signal indicative of a structural discontinuity, the sensor operatively coupled to a structural component of the wind turbine. A first notification signal is transmitted from the controller to a user computing device upon receiving the monitoring signal. | 06-09-2011 |
20110135469 | METHOD FOR MEASURING A ROTATIONAL POSITION OF A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE AND MEASURING DEVICE - The present disclosure is related to a method and a measuring device adapted for determining a rotational position of at least one rotor blade of a wind turbine. The method includes a step of measuring a gravity induced blade moment of the at least one rotor blade. Then, an actual rotational position of the rotor blade is determined from the measured gravity induced blade moment. | 06-09-2011 |
20110135470 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A VARIABLE-SPEED WIND TURBINE AND THE WIND TURBINE - A method for operating a wind turbine with a variable speed rotor, a control system and a safety system, including the steps of initiating a braking procedure of the rotor of the wind turbine by the control system when the rotational speed of the rotor exceeds a first threshold value (n | 06-09-2011 |
20110142619 | Wind Turbine, Control System, And Method For Optimizing Wind Turbine Power Production - A wind turbine includes a generator and a control system. The control system is configured to determine whether a predefined amount of turbulence will be induced to the wind turbine by a wake zone created by a wind turbine upstream thereof. The control system is also configured to adjust at least one constraint of the wind turbine to a first setting if the amount of turbulence is greater than the predefined amount, the constraint affecting power produced by the generator, and to adjust the constraint of the wind turbine to a second setting if the amount of turbulence is not greater than the predefined amount. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142620 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF A WIND TURBINE - A method for operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor including at least one rotor blade and a pitch drive system coupled to the at least one rotor blade. The pitch drive system is adapted for pitching the rotor blade. The method includes: determining an actual value of a first variable indicative of an overspeed state of the wind turbine; determining an actual value of a second variable of the wind turbine correlated to the rate of change over time of the first variable; and, estimating an occurrence of an overspeed state of the wind turbine from at least the determined actual values of the first and second variables. The pitch drive system pitches the rotor blade for aerodynamically braking the rotor based on the result of the estimation. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142621 | Method and System For Monitoring Wind Turbine - A monitoring system for a wind turbine includes at least one acoustic sensor configured to measure an acoustic emission generated by at least one component of the wind turbine, and a control system configured to calculate at least one wear characteristic of the component based on the measured acoustic emission. The wear characteristic includes at least one of a current amount of wear on the component, a rate of wear on the component, and a predicted amount of wear on the component. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142622 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine including a wind rotor shaft, a rotary encoder for measuring the azimuth angle of the wind rotor shaft, wherein the wind turbine further includes at least one impulse generating device including at least one first part and at least one second part, wherein the at least one first part is rotating with the wind rotor shaft and the least one second part is disposed stationary with respect to the wind rotor shaft such that the at least one first part moves by the at least one second part; wherein the method includes: encoding the azimuth angle of the wind rotor shaft by the rotary encoder into a rotation value; generating an impulse when one of the at least one first part moves by one of the at least one second part of the impulse generating device; comparing the rotation value at the time of a detected impulse with a reference value. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142623 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DISTRIBUTING AIR WITHIN A WIND TURBINE - An air distribution system for use with a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a nacelle that is coupled to a tower and a rotor that is rotatably coupled to the nacelle with a rotor shaft. The rotor includes at least one rotor blade that is coupled to a hub. The air distribution system includes a conduit that is defined within the rotor shaft. The conduit provides flow communication between the nacelle and the rotor. An air-flow control assembly is coupled in flow communication with the conduit. The air-flow control assembly is configured to selectively channel air from the nacelle to the rotor and from the nacelle to ambient air. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142624 | Active Control Of A Wind Turbine Blade - A method and system for increasing power production of a wind turbine including a rotor, at least one rotor blade coupled to the rotor, at least one sensor, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. A flow parameter of the rotor blade is detected, and operation of the wind turbine is controlled to reduce a flow separation at the rotor blade based at least partially on the flow parameter of the rotor blade. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142625 | WATER TURBINE - A turbine for use in extracting energy from within a water flow comprises: an array of turbine blades formed and arranged for rotation, in use, about an axis substantially normal to the direction of water flow; wherein at least one turbine blade of the array is formed to be adjustable, in use, from a first, driving, configuration when moving with the direction of water flow, to a second, return, configuration when moving against the direction of water flow, and wherein the surface area of the turbine blade presented to the direction of water flow is reduced when in the return configuration. | 06-16-2011 |
20110150645 | Optimization of Downstream Open Fan Propeller Position - A method and apparatus for controlling a propeller of a contra-rotation open fan (CROF) engine of an aircraft. A diameter of the propeller is set to be at a first diameter during at least a portion of a first flight condition of the aircraft. The diameter of the propeller is set to be at a second diameter, different from the first diameter, during at least a portion of a second flight condition of the aircraft. | 06-23-2011 |
20110150646 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ROTOR ASSEMBLY - A rotor assembly includes a rotor shaft rotatable about a rotor axis and a plurality of rotor blades operably connected to the rotor shaft. A rotor control assembly has a plurality of substantially concentric control tubes extending through the rotor shaft. Each control tube of the plurality of control tubes is operably connected to a rotor blade of the plurality of rotor blades such that movement of one or more of the control tubes of the plurality of control tubes along the rotor axis effects a pitch change in one or more rotor blades of the plurality of rotor blades. A method of controlling pitch of a plurality of rotor blades of a rotor assembly includes locating a plurality of concentric control tubes inside of a rotor shaft of the rotor assembly capable of changing a pitch of one or more of the rotor blades. | 06-23-2011 |
20110150647 | Detection of Deformation of a Wind Turbine Blade - An arrangement for detecting bending deflection of a wind turbine blade is provided. The arrangement for the wind turbine includes a radio transmitter and a linear antenna array assigned to the radio transmitter. The radio transmitter is mounted on the blade tip and emits a signal. The antenna array is mounted on the rotor of the wind turbine in a co-rotating manner and receives the signal. On the basis of the transit times of the signal from the rotor to the individual antennas of the array, the position of the radio transmitter relative to the array is determined. In the event of blade deflection, for example when a high wind load is present, the relative position changes which is detected by the arrangement. | 06-23-2011 |
20110158804 | Exchange of momentum wind turbine vane - An exchange of momentum wind turbine vane having a large area for exchange of momentum which is made rigid with buckleable wing columns capable of automatic self-feathering the vane to protect it from damaging high-speed wind. The large vane area provides very low windspeed startup. In the preferred embodiment the vane is plastic and very inexpensive to manufacture. Four embodiments are described and shown. | 06-30-2011 |
20110158805 | PITCH CONTROL SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a pitch control system for operating the blade pitch of the rotor blades of a wind turbine generator. A method is disclosed wherein a command signal or pitch demand is applied to the blade pitch system of the rotor blades and the resulting response signal or pitch response is received. The received pitch response is compared to a reference and a signal indicative of a pitch system fault may be generated if a difference between the response signal and the reference is detected as being larger than a preset criterion. The deviating behaviour of a blade pitch system can thereby be detected which enables a testing or monitoring of the condition of the pitch system of the rotor blades of a wind turbine generator. | 06-30-2011 |
20110164975 | WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES INCLUDING CONTROLLABLE DEPRESSIONS - A wind turbine system is provided. The wind turbine system includes multiple rotor blades operationally coupled to a control system, at least one of the rotor blades including an active surface fabricated on the rotor blades, wherein the control system is configured to generate control signals for formation of one or more depressions at an optimal frequency and at a number of optimal locations on the active surface based upon multiple wind flow parameters, and transmit the control signals to the rotor blades for the formation of the one or more depressions at the optimal frequency and at the number of optimal locations on the active surface. | 07-07-2011 |
20110164976 | ACTIVE ROTOR BLADE CONTROL EFFECTOR SYSTEM FOR A ROTARY-WING AIRCRAFT - A helicopter includes an airframe, and a rotor system mounted to the airframe. The rotor system includes a plurality of rotor blades. Each of the plurality of rotor blades includes a root portion that extends to a tip portion through an airfoil portion. The airfoil portion includes first and second surfaces. An effector is mounted within the airfoil portion of at least one of the plurality of rotor blades. The effector includes a first end portion that extends to a second end portion through an intermediate portion, and a flap arranged at the second end portion. The effector is selectively actuated to shift from a first, stowed, position wherein the flap is positioned within the at least one rotor blade to a second, deployed, position, wherein flap projects through at least one of the first and second surfaces of the at least one rotor blade. | 07-07-2011 |
20110171021 | Double-Stacked Blade Ceiling Fan And Method Of Operation And Method Of Circulating Air - An embodiment of a ceiling fan assembly has a motor rotatably mounted to a shaft and adapted to be mounted to an extent of a substantially planar support surface. A first set of fan blades are connected to the motor and a second set of fan blades are connected to the shaft a predetermined distance below the extent of the substantially planar support surface, the motor, and the first set of fan blades. A method of circulating air comprises driving the motor to drive the first set of blades in a first rotational direction about the shaft. Simultaneously, responsive to the air flow generated by the rotation of the first set of blades in a first rotational direction, the second set of blades rotates in a second rotational direction about the shaft, opposite the first rotational direction. | 07-14-2011 |
20110171022 | WIND TURBINE WITH A YAW SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE YAW ADJUSTMENT OF A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine comprising a tower and a nacelle which is rotatably mounted on the tower and whose alignment is adjustable by means of a yaw system, wherein the yaw system has at least one adjusting drive, a rotatable yaw bearing, at least one brake disk and at least two brake units which can exert a braking torque on the brake disk, wherein the at least one of the brake units has a first brake pad with a first coefficient of friction, and at least one of the brake units has a second brake pad with a second coefficient of friction, wherein the first and the second coefficient of friction are different from each other. | 07-14-2011 |
20110171023 | AIRFOIL INCORPORATING TAPERED COOLING STRUCTURES DEFINING COOLING PASSAGEWAYS - A gas turbine engine ( | 07-14-2011 |
20110171024 | REINFORCED WIND TURBINE BLADE - The present invention relates to a reinforced blade for a wind turbine, particularly to a blade having at least one elongated reinforcing member connected inside the shell for increasing the strength of the blade, each of the at least one elongated reinforcing member having a first end and a second end and extending in a longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end and wherein the first end is connected to the upper part of the shell and the second end is connected to the lower part of the shell thereby decreasing peeling and shear stresses in the trailing edge of the blade. | 07-14-2011 |
20110171025 | Wind Turbine Blade and Turbine Rotor - Wind turbine rotors and wind turbine blades having the startup capability of a drag-type turbine and the increased tip speed of a lift-type turbine are provided. The rotor includes a plurality of elongated blades, each of the blades having a first portion mounted to a mast at a first radial distance from the mast and a second portion mounted to the mast at a second radial distance from the mast, less than the first radial distance. Each blade includes a first chord length, a second chord length, and a third chord length between the first and second chord length. The third chord length is less than the first chord length and less than the second chord length. The blades may be helical. Aspects of the invention provide a self-starting, Darrieus-type rotor for enhanced wind energy capture. | 07-14-2011 |
20110182730 | WIND TURBINE BLADE WITH DAMPING ELEMENT FOR EDGEWISE VIBRATIONS | 07-28-2011 |
20110182731 | WIND TURBINE BLADE AND WIND TURBINE GENERATOR HAVING THE SAME - A wind turbine blade has a blade body | 07-28-2011 |
20110189014 | GAS TURBINE AND METHOD FOR VARYING THE AERODYNAMIC SHAPE OF A GAS TURBINE BLADE - A gas turbine and a method for varying the aerodynamic shape of a blade of the gas turbine is disclosed. The blade has a coating made of a shape-memory alloy. Hot air is transported via channels to the coated blade in order to cause a phase change in the coating and an aerodynamic shape change to the blade. | 08-04-2011 |
20110194934 | Rotor Hub Vibration Attenuator - A vibration attenuator for an aircraft has at least one weight mounted in a rotating system of a rotor hub of the aircraft, each weight being rotatable about an axis of rotation of the hub relative to the hub and to each other weight. Drive means are provided for rotating each weight about the axis of rotation at a selected speed for creating oscillatory shear forces that oppose and attenuate rotor-induced vibrations having a selected frequency. A vertically oriented vibration attenuator is configured to oppose and attenuate vertical rotor induced oscillatory forces that would otherwise travel vertical down the rotor mast and into the airframe. | 08-11-2011 |
20110200433 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PROPELLER PITCH CONTROL - This invention relates to a method and a Propeller Pitch Control Arrangement, comprising a propeller hub ( | 08-18-2011 |
20110206506 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING AN ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM TO MANIPULATE A BOUNDARY LAYER ACROSS A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE - An active flow control system for manipulating a boundary layer of air across a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade has at least one sidewall defining a cavity therein. The sidewall extends between a leading edge and an axially spaced trailing edge. The active flow control system includes an air discharge assembly that is coupled to the sidewall. The air discharge assembly is configured to selectively discharge air from within the wind turbine rotor blade into the boundary layer. An air suction assembly is coupled to the sidewall and to the air discharge assembly. The air suction assembly is configured to channel air from the boundary layer to the air discharge assembly. | 08-25-2011 |
20110206507 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANIPULATING A BOUNDARY LAYER ACROSS A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE - An air distribution system for manipulating a boundary layer of air across a wind turbine rotor blade. The wind turbine rotor blade includes at least one sidewall that defines a cavity therein. The sidewall extends between a leading edge and an axially-spaced trailing edge, and defines a chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The air distribution system includes a plurality of bleed flow assemblies that are positioned within the rotor blade and are configured to discharge air into the boundary layer to reduce a separation of the boundary layer from the rotor blade. Each bleed flow assembly of the plurality of bleed flow assemblies includes a bleed flow conduit that is coupled to an inner surface of the sidewall and is oriented with respect to the chordwise axis between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The bleed flow conduit is configured to channel air through the rotor blade. An inlet aperture is defined through the bleed flow conduit and through the sidewall to channel air into the bleed flow conduit. An outlet aperture is defined through the bleed flow conduit and through the sidewall to discharge air from the bleed flow conduit and into the boundary layer. | 08-25-2011 |
20110206508 | Method And Device For Improving Performances Of An Aircraft Comprising At Least One Propeller Engine Without Propeller Fairing - Method and device for improving performance of an aircraft comprising at least one propeller engine without propeller fairing. | 08-25-2011 |
20110211950 | Method of dynamic energy-saving superconductive propeller interaction with a fluid medium - In a propeller system a process of dynamic energy-saving superconductive propeller interaction with a fluid medium comprises providing a perforation on the working blade surfaces having the different pressures, with an element possibility of the dynamic fluid medium flow connection between said blade perforations; and modulating a value of said connection of the blade so-called “breathing surfaces” in dependence on a change of a value of at least one controlled characteristic influencing a dynamic energy efficiency of a propeller process such that a dynamic structure-energetically optimization of said modulated surface-energy interaction is provided. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211951 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR OPERATION OF AN OFF-SHORE WIND TURBINE - A method for operating an off-shore wind turbine and a wind-turbine is provided. The off-shore wind turbine is at least temporarily situated in water and includes a rotor with at least one rotor blade and a pitch drive system coupled to the at least one rotor blade. The pitch drive system is adapted for pitching the at least one rotor blade, wherein the wind turbine further includes a wind turbine control. The method includes determining at least one of a water condition; in dependence of the outcome of the determining, defining peak shaver settings; and pitching the at least one rotor blade according to the peak shaver settings. Furthermore, the wind turbine has a sensor adapted for measuring one of the water current speed, the water current direction and the water level at or close to the wind turbine. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211952 | ROTOR BLADE FOR WIND TURBINE - A rotor blade for a wind turbine and a method for reducing rotor blade noise are disclosed. The rotor blade includes a body having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root, the surfaces further defining an interior. The rotor blade further includes at least one purge conduit defined in the tip and configured for exhausting air from the interior such that the air generally reduces noise at the tip. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211953 | Concentric Rotor Control System - A rotor control system including a collective control rod positioned internal to a rotor shaft, the rotor shaft for imparting torque to rotor blades; and a cyclic control rod positioned internal to and concentric with the collective control rod. | 09-01-2011 |
20110211954 | LIFT DEVICE FOR ROTOR BLADE IN WIND TURBINE - A lift device for a rotor blade and a method for increasing the lift of a rotor blade for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade has exterior surfaces defining a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The lift device includes a first aerodynamic surface configured for mounting to the pressure side of the rotor blade, and a second opposing aerodynamic surface configured to interact with wind flowing past the lift device. The lift device has a generally increasing cross-sectional area in a flow direction of the wind. The lift device is configured to increase the lift of the rotor blade. | 09-01-2011 |
20110223017 | Wind Power Generation System - Methods and apparatus for a wind power generation system which may include at least one wind responsive turbine; at least one mechanical connection; at least one rotational movement element configured to be responsive to a mechanical connection; at least one coupler which in various embodiments may be coordinated with at least one generator and that may control the generation of an electrical output at a constant generator RPM. | 09-15-2011 |
20110223018 | Control System, Wind Farm, And Methods Of Optimizing The Operation Of A Wind Turbine - A control system for a wind turbine configured to generate an acoustic emission during operation includes a communication device. The communication device is configured to receive at least one penalty notification identifying a penalty to be assessed based on the acoustic emission generated. The control system also includes a processor coupled to the communication device. The processor is configured to calculate an acoustic emission level to be generated by the wind turbine based on the penalty and based on at least one of a power generated by the wind turbine and an economic value attributed to the wind turbine, and adjust at least one characteristic of the wind turbine to cause the wind turbine to operate at the calculated acoustic emission level. | 09-15-2011 |
20110223019 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING PARTICLES IN A WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE - A particle trap for collecting loose particles includes a container having an enclosure and at least one opening, and a feed hopper, wherein the feed hopper is connected to the at least one opening of the container, and wherein the particle trap is adapted for collecting particles moving in a direction of an opening of the feed hopper. Further, a method for collecting particles inside a wind turbine rotor blade is disclosed. | 09-15-2011 |
20110223020 | PROPELLER ARRANGEMENT - A propeller arrangement has a first propeller assembly providing a row of first propellers, and a second propeller assembly, rearward of the first propeller assembly, providing a row of second propellers. The first and second propellers are radially extendable and retractable. The propeller arrangement further has a control system for controlling the extension and retraction of the first and second propellers. The control system is arranged such that when the propellers of one of the first and second propeller assemblies extend, the propellers of the other of the first and second assemblies retract. | 09-15-2011 |
20110223021 | WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE - A wind turbine rotor blade is provided with a mechanism for modifying the camber of the blade. The mechanism acts over a region of the blade surface, the region including a portion of the trailing edge of the blade. Modifying the camber of the blade can increase the lift on the blade and thus the mechanism can be used to optimise blades for operation at high altitude sites where, for example, air density is lower than at sea level. Blades can be produced to the same design and then optimised for operation at differing air densities. The mechanism may be actuated mechanically or hydraulically. In the latter case the mechanism may be operated from the hub of a wind turbine. | 09-15-2011 |
20110229318 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MAXIMIZING ENERGY EXTRACTION FROM MOVING FLUIDS - A fundamental departure from previous methods of extracting energy from moving fluids—increasing by several orders of magnitude the quantities of energy extracted over currently used methods and systems: A part of a moving mass of fluid, or large aggregate thereof, are permitted to flow into encapsulation; the entire flowing mass is then decelerated to zero, or nearly zero velocity, with the entire original level of energy of the moving fluids transferred to the encapsulating/decelerating means or directly to energy users. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229319 | CONTROLLING BLADE PITCH ANGLE - A method and arrangement of controlling blade pitch angle of a set of rotor blades. The method comprises providing a target blade pitch angle to a controller mounted on the rotor; measuring the speed of rotation of the rotor using a rate gyro mounted on the rotor; calculating the blade pitch angle required to match the target blade pitch angle by summing the target blade pitch angle and the measured rotational speed; and actuating the blades to the calculated blade pitch angle. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229320 | WIND TURBINE BLADE WITH DEVICE FOR MODIFYING THE BLADE AERODYNAMIC SURFACE - The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade comprising at least one device for modifying the aerodynamic surface or shape of the blade. The device is connected to a drive system for operating the device, and the drive system is arranged such that it is drivable by a pressure difference across the drive system. In one embodiment of the invention the wind turbine blade further comprises a number of conduits guiding a flow of air between an outer surface of the wind turbine blade and the drive system. The invention further relates to a method for operating an aerodynamic device for modifying the aerodynamic surface or shape of a wind turbine blade comprising the steps of exploiting a pressure difference across a drive system, inside or around the wind turbine blade in providing operating power for operating said device. | 09-22-2011 |
20110229321 | VORTEX DYNAMICS TURBINE - The invention relates to the use of Air and Hydro Turbines for power generation. It seeks to enhance the energy-capturing potential of air/water turbines, and hence expand the geography where they can be used. It is mainly represented by a device consisting of a vortex generator and a vortex accelerator. This vorticity device operates in a combination of 2 modes: (1) Control airfoil circulation at the blade tips and hence control or alleviate the aerodynamic loading on the turbine blades. (2) Induce suction that can be used to transfer momentum to the flow close to the surface of the blade. Specifically, the generated suction drives secondary fluid flow, which is used to enhance the aerodynamic characteristics of the turbine blades/wings, by doing the following: (1) Suppressing adverse pressure gradients, (2) Suppressing the stall or separation bubble, (3) Laminarize the flow over the blade or wing. | 09-22-2011 |
20110236206 | GAS TURBINE BUCKET WITH SERPENTINE COOLED PLATFORM AND RELATED METHOD - A cooling circuit for a turbine bucket having a shank, a platform and an airfoil. The cooling circuit includes a first cooling passage extending from an inlet located at a radially inward end of the shank and adapted to communicate with a turbine wheel-space, the first cooling passage, in use, supplying cooling air to a serpentine cooling circuit extending within and across at least one region of the platform. The serpentine cooling circuit connects with a separate internal cooling circuit in the airfoil, such that the cooling air used to cool the platform is re-used in the airfoil cooling circuit. | 09-29-2011 |
20110236207 | Rotor Platform of Aerodynamic Force and Method of Aerodynamic Force Generation - Rotor platform of aerodynamic force is meant for generating aerodynamic lift force in horizontal position and aerodynamic transverse force in vertical position, with further practical implementation as a robust power installation of transport vehicle facilities. | 09-29-2011 |
20110243729 | DEVICE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF A ROTOR BLADE, WIND ENERGY CONVERTER, AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING A ROTOR BLADE - Some general aspects of the invention provide a device ( | 10-06-2011 |
20110243730 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING DEFLECTION OF A WIND TURBINE SHAFT - A system and a method for measuring deflection of a shaft in a wind turbine and adjusting a pitch angle of a rotor blade in the wind turbine based on the determined deflection are described. The system includes an emitter, a receiver, and a controller. The emitter is positioned adjacent a first portion of the shaft and is configured to emit photons. The receiver is positioned adjacent a second portion of the shaft and is configured to receive photons emitted from the emitter and determine a location on the receiver where the photons strike the receiver. The controller is communicatively coupled to the receiver and is configured to determine deflection of the shaft based on the location on the receiver where the photons strike the receiver. The controller is also configured to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blade based on the determined deflection of the shaft to reduce deflection of the shaft. | 10-06-2011 |
20110243731 | ELASTOMERIC BEARING SYSTEM MOTION LIMITER - The invention relates to a backing plate used for an elastomeric bearing system, the backing plate comprising a plate which defines an at least partial annulus about an axis, a motion limiter and a redundant pivot which extend from the plate so as to respond to a retainer plate disbond. | 10-06-2011 |
20110250068 | METHOD AND MEANS FOR ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF WATER TURBINES - A water turbine with a rotatable turbine wheel having a wheel disc, buckets fixed to the wheel disc, and nozzle expelling a water jet on the bucket. The rotatable wheel and the nozzle are arranged in a casing with a water outlet. The interior of the casing reduces splash back of discharging water and detrimental water spray on the rotatable wheel. An energy damping device is attached on stationary, water splash exposed parts inside the turbine casing to dissipate energy from water of high velocity leaving the buckets and dense pulverised water mist. | 10-13-2011 |
20110255967 | ACTIVE FORCE GENERATION/ISOLATION SYSTEM EMPLOYING MAGNETO RHEOLOGICAL FLUID (MRF) - A system for reducing vibrations in a rotating system uses a variable viscosity medium that is redistributed in a housing connected to the rotating system. Specifically, the medium is responsive to a control signal that is generated as a function of rotational speed of the rotational system. The control signal activates a triggering device that promotes a change in viscosity of the medium such that it is distributed within the housing in a manner that reduces vibratory loads. | 10-20-2011 |
20110262272 | TILT ADJUSTMENT SYSTEM - A wind energy system is provided with said wind energy system including a hub pivotable about a rotation axis, a first bearing connected to said hub, a tapered adapter, a second bearing connected to said first bearing by said adapter, wherein said first and second bearings and said adapter are arranged such that the tilt angle of said rotation axis of said hub is adjustable. Further, a tilt adjustment system for a wind energy system and a method for operating a wind energy system is provided. | 10-27-2011 |
20110268568 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE YAW OF A NACELLE OF A WIND ENERGY SYSTEM - The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic pressure system for providing fluid pressure to actuate at least one hydraulic yaw motor for adjusting the yaw of a nacelle of a wind energy system independently of electrical power. The hydraulic pressure system includes a connection portion connectable to a main drive train of the wind energy system, the main drive train transmitting kinetic energy generated by wind energy. The hydraulic pressure system is adapted to be driven by the kinetic energy of the main drive train via the connection portion to provide the fluid pressure. The present disclosure further relates to a hydraulic yaw adjustment system for adjusting the yaw of a nacelle of a wind energy system independently of electrical power, the hydraulic yaw adjustment system including the hydraulic pressure system. The present disclosure further relates to a wind energy system including the hydraulic yaw adjustment system, to a non-electrical control system, and to a method of adjusting the yaw of the nacelle of the wind energy system independently of electrical power. | 11-03-2011 |
20110268569 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE, AND WIND TURBINE ARRANGEMENT - The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine, the wind turbine including at least one movable portion which is movable during operation of the wind turbine and at least one movable portion device including at least one of a movable portion transmitter or a movable portion receiver, the movable portion transmitter or the movable portion receiver being disposed at the least one movable portion; the method including: at least one of sending to or receiving from at least three reference points at least one signal by at least one of the movable portion transmitter or movable portion receiver; and determining at least one operational parameter of the wind turbine depending on at least one characteristic of the at least one received signal. Further the present disclosure relates to a wind turbine arrangement and a system for controlling a wind turbine, comprising a controller of the wind turbine and a movable portion. | 11-03-2011 |
20110280722 | Wind turbine - A wind turbine for power generation is provided. The wind turbine includes a power generating unit and a rotor having a plurality of blades. To control power output of the wind turbine, the blades are capable of being pitched by a blade pitch adjusting device. The wind turbine also includes a pitch control unit for controlling the blade pitch adjusting device. Furthermore, the wind turbine includes a load determining device for determining the blade load from the pitch activity of the blades. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280723 | DE-ICING AND/OR ANTI-ICING OF A WIND TURBINE COMPONENT BY VIBRATING A PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL - A system for de-icing and/or for avoiding an icing of a component of a wind turbine is provided. The system includes a vibrator. The vibrator includes a piezoelectric material and which is adapted to be mounted to at least to a portion of the component, and an electric generator, which is adapted to supply an electric signal to the vibrator, wherein the electric signal causes the vibrator to vibrate and to transfer vibrational energy to at least a surface portion of the component. A corresponding method for de-icing and/or for avoiding an icing of a component of a wind turbine is also provided. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280724 | METHOD FOR OPERATING MECHANICAL EMERGENCY BRAKE FOR WIND TURBINES - A method for operating a mechanical emergency brake for a wind turbine is disclosed. The method includes providing a mechanical emergency brake for a wind turbine comprising a spring energy storage; measuring a variable indicative of a holding torque of a pitch drive motor; comparing said measured value of said variable with a desired value of said variable; and shutting down said wind turbine if the comparison of said actual with said desired value reveals that the wind turbine is in a fault condition. | 11-17-2011 |
20110280725 | Long Term Rotor Parking on a Wind Turbine - A method for locking a rotor of a wind turbine in a long term parking state is disclosed. The method may include applying rotor brakes, enabling a long term parking configuration of the rotor and providing an emergency feather response for protecting the wind turbine against faults. | 11-17-2011 |
20110286841 | COUNTER-ROTATING OPEN-ROTOR (CROR) - A method of controlling a Counter-Rotating Open-Rotor (CROR) includes measuring a speed of a first rotor and deriving a speed of a second rotor and controlling a pitch of the first rotor and the second rotor. | 11-24-2011 |
20110286842 | COUNTER-ROTATING OPEN-ROTOR (CROR) - A method of controlling a Counter-Rotating Open-Rotor (CROR) includes mechanically linking a pitch change system of a first rotor with a pitch change system of a second rotor and commanding a Blade Angle (Beta1 commanded) of the first rotor such that a Blade Angle (Beta2 Actual) of the second rotor is a function of the commanded Blade Angle (Beta1 commanded) to provide a linear relationship between an actual Blade angle (Beta1 Actual) and Beta1 commanded of the first rotor and a non-linear relationship between Beta2 Actual and Beta1 commanded. | 11-24-2011 |
20110293417 | WIND TURBINE GENERATOR HAVING A DETECTION UNIT FOR DETECTING FOREIGN OBJECT INSIDE ROTOR AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - In order to provide a wind turbine generator and an operation method of the wind turbine generator which is not subjected to damages caused by foreign objects inside a rotor hub, the wind turbine generator comprises blades, a rotor hub to which the blades are fixed, a rotating shaft such as a main shaft and a coupling being connected to the rotor hub and rotating with the rotor hub, a FO detection sensor arranged inside the rotor hub for detecting a foreign object inside the rotor hub, a brake device such as a pitch control unit and a parking brake for stopping the rotation of the rotating shaft, and a controller for controlling the brake device to stop the rotation of the rotating shaft when the FO detection sensor detects the foreign object. | 12-01-2011 |
20110293418 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WIND TURBINE - In a conventional technique, a shutdown sequence indicating a sequential operation from a start of the feathering of a wind turbine to the stop is started in response to an alert signal caused by an external factor. In the present invention, when the alert is called off during the shutdown sequence, the shutdown sequence is stopped, and the recovery control by which the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade is controlled toward the fine state is performed. By such a control, the stop period of the wind turbine under the shutdown can be shortened, so that the decrease in the operating rate of the wind farm can be suppressed. | 12-01-2011 |
20110293419 | System and Methods for Wind Energy Recapture From a Non Natural Wind Source - The present invention relates to a system and method for harvesting wind energy from air exhausted by other systems. Ventilation and heat exchange systems force air movement using fans. Exhaust airflow may also be the result of a combustion system. The exhaust air is generally wasted as it is diffused back to the atmosphere. Significant energy may be recovered from this exhaust air using relatively small turbines inserted into the airflow. Careful positioning of the turbine maximizes the recovery efficiency. | 12-01-2011 |
20110299985 | Apparatus For Harvesting Energy From A Body Of Water And A Method - The invention relates to a device for harnessing energy from a body of water, which device
| 12-08-2011 |
20110305568 | PITCH CONTROL OF A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine control system suitable for minimising actuation of pitch actuators is disclosed. The control system uses an error gain schedule in full load control for reducing pitch actuation when the difference between the rotor speed and the reference rotor speed is not critical for the load of wind turbine components. The error gain schedule may be a nonlinear function which reduces the gain for low rotor speed errors. The use of the error gain schedule may reduce wear of the pitch actuators and may improve reduction of structural oscillations since focus removed from tracking the rotor speed reference when the speed error is low. | 12-15-2011 |
20110311358 | Blade Retainment System - A blade retention system for retaining a foot of a turbine blade in a shoe of a turbine disc of a turbine wheel includes: a hook on a heel end of the blade foot that protrudes from a bottom of the blade foot to engage a heel end of the turbine disc shoe; and a compound fillet that engages the hook with the bottom of the blade foot. | 12-22-2011 |
20110311359 | YAW SYSTEM FOR A WINDMILL - The present invention relates to a yaw system | 12-22-2011 |
20110318178 | Wind Turbine Yaw System and Method of Controlling the Same - A wind turbine yaw system is provided that includes a yaw gear, at least two pinion gears, and at least two drive units, each of which is associated to one of the pinion gears for driving that pinion gear. The yaw system also includes a control system with a controller for generating a drive unit control signal for each drive unit for controlling the respective drive unit according to a reference signal having a desired operational parameter value for the respective drive unit, so as to realize the desired operational parameter value in the respective drive unit. The control system includes a feedback loop for each drive unit feeding a drive unit feedback signal including at least the actual value of one operational parameter of the respective drive unit back to the controller. The controller generates the drive unit control signals based on the reference signal and the feedback signals. | 12-29-2011 |
20120009062 | Load Mitigation During Extreme Yaw Error on a Wind Turbine - A method for mitigating loads on a wind turbine in yaw error events is disclosed. The method may include determining a yaw error and a speed of the wind turbine and determining a magnitude of de-rating of the wind turbine based upon magnitudes of the yaw error and the speed. The method may further include reducing power output of the wind turbine based upon the magnitude of de-rating. | 01-12-2012 |
20120014791 | VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE - The present disclosure relates to a turbine including a central axis, a variable pitch blade, and a frame link operably coupled with the central axis and the blade, the blade configured such that as the blade rotates about the central axis, the blade may be pivoted relative the frame link from a first position to a second position. The present disclosure also relates to a method for reducing the negative torque on a wind turbine including providing a turbine having variable pitch blade for rotation about a central axis, the blade operably coupled with the central axis via a frame link, and positioning the blade, frame link, and central axis, such that the blade is pivoted relative the frame link from a first position to a second position so as to reduce negative torque on the central axis caused by the blade heading generally into oncoming wind. | 01-19-2012 |
20120020786 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REDUNDANT TURBINE CONTROL - A method and system for redundant turbine control is provided. The method includes classifying first and second turbine control units (TCUs) as a primary and secondary TCUs and receiving, in parallel, monitored data from a wind turbine at both the primary TCU and secondary TCU. The primary TCU periodically calculates state information based on received monitored data and any previously calculated state information, and communicates the state information from the primary TCU to the secondary TCU after each computation cycle. The secondary TCU stores the state information into memory while the primary TCU sends control messages to the wind turbine. | 01-26-2012 |
20120020787 | COOLED BLADE FOR A GAS TURBINE - A cooled blade for a gas turbine includes a blade airfoil extending between leading and trailing edges in a flow direction and on suction and pressure sides is delimited by a wall, which include an interior space in which cooling air flows towards the trailing edge in the flow direction and discharges to the outside in the region of the trailing edge. The pressure-side wall terminates at a distance in front of the trailing edge in the flow direction, forming a pressure-side lip, such that the cooling air discharges from the interior space on the pressure side. Multiple ribs subdivides the interior space, parallel to the flow direction, into a plurality of parallel cooling passages which create a high pressure drop and in which turbulators are arranged for increasing cooling. Before the outlet, multiple flow barriers are provided in the cooling air flow path, distributed transversely to the flow direction. | 01-26-2012 |
20120020788 | WIND ENERGY SYSTEM - Wind energy systems comprise a wind accelerator having a support assembly and an outer structure surrounding the support assembly. The wind accelerator has a front region and a rear region. The rear region is substantially wider than the front region, and the outer structure tapers from the rear region to the front region. One or more turbines are mounted on the support assembly at or near the rear region of the wind accelerator or at or near the widest point of the wind accelerator. | 01-26-2012 |
20120027585 | SYSTEM FOR ACTIVELY MONITORING WEAR ON WIND TURBINE BRAKE PADS AND RELATED METHODS - A system for monitoring wear on a brake pad of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a brake assembly having a brake pad and a moveable component. The brake pad may be configured to engage a friction surface of the wind turbine. The movable component may be configured to move relative to the friction surface as the brake pad wears. Additionally, the system may include a sensor at least partially mounted within the brake assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect a position of the movable component relative to the sensor or a position of the friction surface relative to the sensor. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027586 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING WIND TURBINE THRUST - A wind turbine and methods for controlling wind turbine thrust are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes measuring a tilt angle of a wind turbine in a loaded position using a measuring device. The wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle mounted on the tower, a rotor coupled to the nacelle, and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the rotor. The method further includes comparing the tilt angle to a predetermined tilt angle for the wind turbine and, if the tilt angle exceeds the predetermined tilt angle, adjusting a pitch of at least one of the plurality of rotor blades such that the tilt angle is less than or equal to the predetermined tilt angle. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027587 | WIND TURBINE TORQUE-SPEED CONTROL - The present subject matter relates to methods and systems for operating a wind turbine that, in some embodiments may include a gearbox. The wind turbine is provided with a blade having an adjustable pitch angle and the tip speed ratio (TSR) of the blade is monitored. In operation, the method and system is configured to increase the pitch angle of the blade concurrently with an increase in TSR to maintain turbine operation within an identified high power coefficient (Cp) operational region for the blade. TSR may be monitored by monitoring one of the velocity of the tip of the blade, wind speed, the rotational speed of the blade, or the rotational speed of a component within the gearbox. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027588 | ROOT FLAP FOR ROTOR BLADE IN WIND TURBINE - A rotor blade assembly and a method for reducing the separation region of a rotor blade for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes a flap extending in the generally span-wise direction from the root towards the tip. The flap includes an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface conformingly mounted to at least one of the pressure side, the suction side, or the trailing edge, the outer surface and at least one of the pressure side or the suction side defining a generally continuous aerodynamic surface. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027589 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL OF ASYMMETRIC LOADING OF A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine ( | 02-02-2012 |
20120027590 | NOISE REDUCER FOR ROTOR BLADE IN WIND TURBINE - A rotor blade assembly and a method for reducing the noise of a rotor blade for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade has surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes a noise reducer configured on a surface of the rotor blade, the noise reducer including a plurality of noise reduction features. Each of the plurality of noise reduction features includes a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a first portion mounted to one of the pressure side or the suction side and a second portion configured to interact with wind flowing past the other of the pressure side or the suction side. The second surface interrupts an aerodynamic contour of the one of the pressure side or the suction side. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027591 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING THE AMPLITUDE MODULATION OF NOISE GENERATED BY WIND TURBINES - In one aspect, a method for controlling the amplitude modulation of the noise generated by wind turbines is generally disclosed. The method may include determining a sound characteristic of a turbine sound wave generated by a wind turbine and generating an additive sound wave based on the sound characteristic such that a resultant sound wave is produced having a peak-to-peak amplitude that is smaller than a peak-to-peak amplitude of the turbine sound wave. | 02-02-2012 |
20120027592 | METHODS FOR CONTROLLING THE AMPLITUDE MODULATION OF NOISE GENERATED BY WIND TURBINES - In one aspect, a method for controlling the amplitude modulation of noise generated by a wind turbine is disclosed. The method may generally include determining an angle of attack of a rotor blade of a wind turbine and maintaining the angle of attack at a substantially constant value during rotation of the rotor blade in order to reduce the amplitude modulation of the noise generated by the wind turbine. | 02-02-2012 |
20120034079 | Harnessing Flowing Fluids to Create Torque - An apparatus and method for producing high output and low cost/time, sustainable energy (e.g., wind or water) via natural currents that is environmentally friendly and includes a gravity-assisted equalizing control system is provided. Wings with a large surface area can be included in the design, as well as an optional counterbalance system that synchronizes the wings' position and speed with a mechanical leverage point on the body of the device. When a fluid flows past wings of the device, the fluid flow induces motion in the wings, which causes a shaft to move, creating torque at the generator. The outcome is a coordination of harmonizing the wings pitch angle to the natural frequency of a fluids specific velocity. The device can adapt itself to the velocity of the surrounding fluid through a rotational sweeping control system that produces a more streamlined profile to maximize reliability. | 02-09-2012 |
20120034080 | ACTUATION MECHANISM FOR A CONVERTIBLE GAS TURBINE PROPULSION SYSTEM - A method of powering a rotary-wing aircraft includes selectively coupling and uncoupling a first power turbine to change a power distribution between the rotor system and the secondary propulsion system. | 02-09-2012 |
20120045327 | Fluid-Working Machine with Multi-Lobe Ring Cam - A fluid-working machine for a renewable energy generation device, the fluid-working machine comprising a ring cam and a plurality of working chambers, the ring cam having an annular working surface extending around an axis of rotation of the ring cam, the annular working surface defining a plurality of waves, each working chamber having a piston, each piston in operative engagement with the ring cam working surface, the ring cam and working chambers being mounted to rotate relative to each other, cycles of working chamber volume being thereby coupled to rotation of the ring cam relative to the working chambers, characterised in that the individual waves of the ring cam working surface have an asymmetric profile. | 02-23-2012 |
20120045328 | POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - A wind turbine transmission system includes a rotor, at least one hydraulic pump coupled to the rotor, a branch manifold, a plurality of hydraulic motors, and a plurality of generators each coupled to at least one of the plurality of hydraulic motors. The branch manifold includes a trunk portion defining a main flow path connected to an outlet port of the hydraulic pump and a plurality of branch portions each defining a branch flow path extending from the main flow path and connected to an inlet port of at least one of the hydraulic motors to provide fluid communication between the hydraulic pump and the plurality of hydraulic motors. | 02-23-2012 |
20120045329 | METHOD FOR CIRCULATION CONTROLLED VERTICAL AXIS AND TURBINES - A method of controlling a vertical axis wind turbines using circulation control is presented. The comprising monitoring environmental conditions and the vertical axis wind turbine to determine a current system state, and selectively blowing air through a blowing slot of a blade of the vertical axis wind turn based on the current system state to achieve a desired system state. | 02-23-2012 |
20120045330 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING PHYSICAL STRUCTURES - A system for controlling a wind turbine is disclosed. A system includes a light source and a beam scanner to scan the light pulses over the wind turbine. The system further receives backscattered light pulses and subsequently, provides a signal corresponding to the light pulses. The system adjusts a threshold of the signal based on a normalized value of a detected peak value of the signal. The system associates a time of flight with each of the received backscattered light pulse. The system generates an image of the wind turbine based on the time of flight associated with the light pulses and subsequently, compares the generated image with at least one known image of the wind turbine. The system generates a health profile of the wind turbine based on the comparison and subsequently, change one or more parameters of the wind turbine based on the health profile. | 02-23-2012 |
20120057976 | Downwind Type Wind Turbine - A downwind type wind turbine having a transformer stored in a support post or in a nacelle includes the nacelle which supports a rotor and stores therein a generator, a support post which supports the nacelle and a main transformer disposed between the generator and an electric power system and the main transformer is stored in the nacelle or in the support post. | 03-08-2012 |
20120063895 | ELECTRONIC MODULE AND METHOD USED FOR FITTING A LIGHT BEACON ON THE BLADE TIP - The electronic module ( | 03-15-2012 |
20120070279 | CYCLIC BLADE SPEED CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A blade speed control apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a rotor assembly a first blade assembly movably attached to the rotor assembly at a first initial position, a second blade assembly movably attached to the rotor assembly at a second initial position, and a movement mechanism configured to move the rotor assembly in a first lateral direction along a y-axis such that a first angle exists between the first blade assembly with said respect to the second blade assembly. The movement mechanism is configured to move a portion of the rotor assembly in a first lateral direction along a y-axis such that a first angle exists between the first blade assembly with said respect to the second blade assembly. The first angle does not comprise an angle of 180 degrees. | 03-22-2012 |
20120070280 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A WIND TURBINE AND METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE BASED ON MONITORING A BEARING - A method of operating a wind turbine having a bearing assembly, a shaft received therein, and at least one sub-system capable of altering a dynamic state of the wind turbine includes monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft; comparing the at least one parameter to a threshold criteria; and when the at least one parameter meets the threshold criteria, altering the dynamic state of the wind turbine to reduce the load on the shaft; and/or altering the state of the bearing assembly to better accommodate the load on the shaft. A control system for the wind turbine includes a controller operatively coupled to the bearing assembly and the at least one sub-system, and at least one sensor for monitoring at least one parameter indicative of a load on the shaft. The controller signals the sub-system or the bearing assembly when the threshold criteria is met. | 03-22-2012 |
20120070281 | METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine is operated with a blade in which a transition region is provided between a root region with a substantially circular or elliptical profile closest to a hub and an airfoil region with a lift generating profile furthest away from the hub. The transition region has a base part with an inherent non-ideal aerodynamic design so that a substantial longitudinal part of the base part without flow altering devices at a design point deviates from a target axial induction factor. A pitch of the blade and a rotational speed are adjusted to meet the target axial induction factor of the second longitudinal segment, and flow altering devices are provided so as to meet the target axial induction factor of the first longitudinal segment. | 03-22-2012 |
20120076651 | Method of and device for determining a mass condition of a rotor of a wind turbine, and method of operating a wind turbine - A method of determining a mass condition of a rotor of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method includes initiating a change of a quantity value of a quantity acting on the rotor, measuring a change of another quantity value of another quantity representative of a momentum of the rotor during a time interval, and determining the mass condition of the rotor based on the determined change of the another quantity value in relation with the initiated change of the quantity value. | 03-29-2012 |
20120076652 | WIND TURBINE ACTIVE DAMPING ARRANGEMENT - A wind turbine active damping arrangement for damping forces exerted on a component connected to a main shaft of a wind turbine is proposed. The damping arrangement comprises a smart fluid damper and a control device for controlling a field generator of the smart fluid damper to control the extent of damping according to a performance parameter of the wind turbine. The smart fluid damper comprises a closed chamber containing a smart fluid and a piston. The piston travels along a direction in the chamber and comprises a channel through which the smart fluid can flow. The smart fluid damper comprises a field generator for generating a field across the smart fluid and an input for a field generator control signal for controlling the field generator to alter the field according to the performance parameter of the wind turbine. | 03-29-2012 |
20120082547 | EFFICIENT WIND TURBINE BLADES, WIND TURBINE BLADE STRUCTURES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE, ASSEMBLY AND USE - Wind turbine systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a wind turbine blade having an inner region that has an internal load-bearing truss structure, and an outer region that has an internal, non-truss, load-bearing structure. In particular embodiments, the truss structure can include a triangular arrangement of spars, and/or can include truss attachment members that connect components of the truss without the use of holes in the spars. Spars can be produced from a plurality of pultruded composite members laminated together in longitudinally extending portions. The longitudinally extending portions can be connected at joints that interleave projections and recesses of each of the spar portions. The blades can include fan-shaped transitions at a hub attachment portion, formed by laminated layers and/or a combination of laminated layers and transition plates. | 04-05-2012 |
20120087792 | EMERGENCY FEATHER RATE LIMIT WITH PROPORTIONALITY TO OPERATING PITCH ANGLE AND ENERGY STORAGE VOLTAGE - A system and method are disclosed for an emergency feathering control of a wind turbine during emergency feathering of the turbine blades that is independent of a turbine control and pitch control unit. A variable pitch rate controller generates commands to drive an AC servo motor for blade feathering. A first pitch rate is obtained with a back-up storage unit, such as a super capacitor. The commands from the controller vary the pitch rate of the blades during feathering in an emergency to a second pitch rate that is different from the first pitch rate. | 04-12-2012 |
20120093644 | System and Method for Generating Energy from a Streaming Fluid - A system for generating energy from a streaming fluid having a mean streaming direction, comprising a generator and an assembly arranged to be entrained in the streaming fluid and which is moveably connected to a fixed point upstream of the assembly, wherein a generator is arranged to generate energy from movement of the assembly, parallel to and in the same direction as the mean streaming direction, against the fixed point, wherein the assembly comprises at least two interconnected blades, their surfaces extending substantially perpendicular across the mean streaming direction, wherein each of the blades has a conical cross section and a second blade extends at a distance downstream and staggered in a direction perpendicular to the mean streaming direction with respect to a first blade. | 04-19-2012 |
20120093645 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PITCHING A ROTOR BLADE IN A WIND TURBINE - A system and method for pitching a rotor blade in a wind turbine are disclosed. The method includes collecting in an individual pitch controller for the rotor blade a pitch offset angle relative to a collective pitch angle. The method further includes determining a synchronized pitch offset angle. The method further includes, after an emergency condition occurs, pitching the rotor blade towards the synchronized pitch offset angle. | 04-19-2012 |
20120107116 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DAMPING MOTION OF A WIND TURBINE | 05-03-2012 |
20120107117 | WIND TURBINE AND A BLADE FOR A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine with a rotor mounted on a hub section, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of blades, at least one of which comprises a main blade section, which is optionally pitchable, and an auxiliary blade section mounted to the hub section. The auxiliary blade section is arranged in the area of a leading edge or of a trailing edge of the main blade, so that each blade is thereby provided with a leading edge slat or a trailing edge flap formed by the auxiliary blade section to increase the planform area of the blade and increase aerodynamic lift. A control method for a wind turbine controls a main blade section and an auxiliary blade section to provide different angles of attack to reduce undesired loads at sudden extreme changes of wind speed, e.g. during idling of the wind turbine. In a separate aspect, the invention provides a wind turbine having a blade with a non-pitchable leading edge slat, which extends at most 40% of the radius of the rotor in a longitudinal direction of the blade. | 05-03-2012 |
20120114480 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COOLING A TURBINE BUCKET - A turbine bucket includes an airfoil, a platform adjacent to the airfoil, and a shank adjacent to the platform. The shank defines a shank cavity, and a divider in the shank cavity creates a pressure differential across the shank cavity. A method for cooling a turbine bucket includes directing a fluid to a forward shank cavity and creating a pressure differential between the forward shank cavity and an aft shank cavity. | 05-10-2012 |
20120114481 | WIND TURBINE AND CONTROL METHOD OF A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine includes a rotor and a main shaft, wherein the main shaft is coupled to the rotor for transforming wind energy into kinetic energy of rotation of the main shaft. The main shaft is mechanically coupled to a main generator of the wind turbine, wherein the main generator transforms kinetic energy of rotation into electrical energy. Further, a brake system is provided which has an energy recovery arrangement for recovering at least part of the kinetic energy of the rotation of the main shaft when a rotational speed of the rotor is reduced by the brake system. | 05-10-2012 |
20120114482 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE WITH REDUCED BLADE FOULING - A method of operating a wind turbine having at least one rotor blade and an active flow control (AFC) system is provided. The at least one rotor blade has at least one aperture defined through a surface thereof, and the AFC system is configured to modify aerodynamic properties of the rotor blade by ejecting gas through the aperture. The method includes operating the wind turbine in a normal mode, determining whether an estimated insect density value surrounding the wind turbine is above an insect density threshold value based on a measured environmental condition, and changing a mode of the wind turbine from the normal mode to a cleaning mode different than the normal mode based on the estimated insect density value. The cleaning mode includes adjusting at least one operation parameter of the wind turbine based on the estimated insect density value such that fouling of the aperture is reduced. | 05-10-2012 |
20120114483 | Microprocessor system for controlling rotor pitch - A rotor blade is used in combination with a submersible electrical generator for generating electricity to be put into the grid, where the pitch of the rotor blade is controlled by a microprocessor. The microprocessor controls a radio frequency transmitter which emits signals to a receiver which controls a hydraulic value. The hydraulic valve controls a push-pull arrangement which through a right angle gear and pitch adjustment axial adjust the rotor pitch according to pre-programmed conditions stored in the microprocessor. | 05-10-2012 |
20120121412 | BLADE FOLD SYSTEM MONITORING - A rotor blade fold system for an aircraft includes one or more actuators operably connected to one or more blade components of one or more rotor blades of the aircraft. One or more sensors are located at the one or more rotor blades and are configured to sense operation of the one or more blade components. A fold control system is configured to monitor output from the one or more sensors and is capable of stopping operation of the blade fold system, via communication with the one or more actuators, if the one or more blade components are not operating within predetermined limits. | 05-17-2012 |
20120121413 | System And Method For Damping Vibrations In A Wind Turbine - The invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a substantially tubular tower structure and one or more vibration damping systems. At least one of the one or more vibration damping systems include a plurality of bracing elements and a damping element. One of the bracing elements is connected to the tower structure. The bracing elements and damping element are linked in such a way that a local displacement of the tower structure causes an increased displacement of the damper along its longitudinal axis. The invention further provides a method of damping vibrations in a wind turbine tower using one or more toggle-brace vibration damping systems and a using a toggle-brace vibration damping system for damping vibrations in a wind turbine. | 05-17-2012 |
20120128487 | REMOTE SHAFT DRIVEN OPEN ROTOR PROPULSION SYSTEM WITH ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION - A system for aircraft propulsion is disclosed herein. The system includes a power plant. The system also includes an open rotor module operable to rotate. The open rotor module has a plurality of variable-pitch blades. The system also includes a first linkage extending between the power plant and the open rotor module. The first linkage is operable to transmit rotational power to the open rotor module for rotating the plurality of variable-pitch blades. The system also includes an actuator operable to change a pitch of the plurality of variable-pitch blades. The system also includes a generator operable to generate electric power. The system also includes a second linkage extending between the power plant and the generator. The second linkage is operable to transmit rotational power to the generator. The generator is operable to convert the rotational power to electrical power. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the actuator to vary a pitch of the plurality of variable-pitch blades. The controller is also operably coupled to the power plant to adjust a power output. The controller is also operably coupled to the generator to determine demand on the generator. The controller is also operable to vary the pitch of the plurality of variable-pitch blades based at least in part on the demand on the generator. | 05-24-2012 |
20120134800 | PROPELLER PITCHLOCK UN-LOCKING DEVICE - A propeller system includes a plurality of propeller blades and a pitch lock mechanism operably connected to the plurality of propeller blades. The pitch lock mechanism includes a pitch lock chamber and a pitch lock piston located in the pitch lock chamber biased toward a locked position when there is insufficient pressure in the pitch lock chamber thereby locking the pitch of the plurality of propeller blades. The propeller system includes a pitch unlock mechanism including a pitch unlock housing and a pitch unlock piston disposed in the pitch unlock housing. A fitting extends through the propeller system to the pitch unlock housing and introduction of fluid flow into the pitch unlock housing through the fitting urges the pitch unlock piston into contact with the pitch lock piston to overcome the bias of the pitch lock piston thereby unlocking the pitch of the plurality of propeller blades. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134801 | BLADE PITCH CONTROLLER, WIND TURBINE GENERATOR, AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING BLADE PITCH - A hydraulic cylinder is coupled to blades of a wind turbine generator and actuated to change a pitch angle of the blade. A variable displacement hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic oil to the hydraulic cylinder, and a discharge pressure of the pump does not follow a load pressure. When the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump becomes a set pressure, a pressure control valve is opened to change a discharge amount of the hydraulic pump, and to make the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump to be a pressure smaller than a cut off pressure. Further, a setting control unit sets the set pressure based on the hydraulic pressure that the hydraulic cylinder requires such that the set pressure becomes a minimum pressure required to change the pitch angle to a predetermined angle by the hydraulic cylinder. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134802 | WIND TURBINE BLADE CONTROL - A wind turbine variable is controlled by detecting air flow conditions in front of the leading edge of the blade. One or more Laser Doppler Anemometers are mounted on or incorporated into the blade to determine air flow velocity in the region in front of the leading edge of the blade. The measured flow conditions may be used to control the position of a control surface such as a trailing edge flap or the rotor speed. The LDAs may comprise lasers of different frequencies to enable more than one component of flow velocity to be measured. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134803 | METHOD FOR SHUT DOWN OF A WIND TURBINE HAVING ROTOR BLADES WITH FAIL-SAFE AIR BRAKES - A method for shutdown of a wind turbine having one or more wind turbine blades includes detecting an operational condition of the wind turbine that calls for an expedited or emergency shutdown of the wind turbine by means other than normal pitch control shutdown. Upon detection of the operational condition, one or more air brake flaps configured on each of the turbine blades is deployed by removing power to a fail-safe actuator operatively coupled to each of the air brake flaps. The fail-safe actuator is configured to hold the respective air brake flap at a retracted position relative to a suction side of the turbine blade in a powered state of the fail-safe actuator and to release the air brake flap for automatic deployment to an open position upon loss of power to the fail-safe actuator. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134804 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DEICING WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES WITH INDUCED TORQUE - A method and associated system are provided for deicing turbine blades of a wind turbine, wherein rotational torque from a rotor hub on which the turbine blades are mounted is transmitted to a generator. The method and system include detecting conditions that are indicative of ice formation on a wind turbine blade. In response to detected icing conditions, generator torque is modulated so as to induce upstream vibrations in the turbine blades to shake loose ice that may have formed on the turbine blades. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134805 | SPLIT LOAD PATH GEARBOX - A gearbox for a wind turbine, comprising a first planetary gear set; and a second planetary gear set having the same transmission ratio as the first planetary gear set; and, a load splitter to split the torque between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set, wherein the load splitter is adapted to provide slip for absorbing deviations in the rotational position between the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set; and, wherein the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set are coupled in a split load arrangement for transmitting torque from a rotor shaft to a high speed shaft. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134806 | WIND TURBINE AND A METHOD FOR PITCHING A BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine includes at least one wind turbine blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a blade and a pitch bearing arranged between the blade and a hub of the wind turbine, the blade assembly further including two or more hydraulic pitch cylinders for pitching the blade in relation to the hub. The two or more hydraulic pitch cylinders are arranged to expand in the same angular direction around the rotational axis of the pitch bearing. A method for pitching a blade of a wind turbine includes connecting a first end of the hydraulic pitch cylinders directly or indirectly to the hub; connecting a second end of the hydraulic pitch cylinders directly or indirectly to the blade; and expanding or contracting the hydraulic pitch cylinders in the same angular direction in relation to the rotational axis of the pitch bearing. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134807 | METHOD FOR PREVENTING ROTOR OVERSPEED OF A WIND TURBINE - A method for preventing a possible overspeed of a wind turbine rotor with at least one rotor blade is provided. The method includes detecting a yaw misalignment of the rotor, and imposing a restriction on changes of a pitch angle towards a feathered position of the at least one rotor blade after detecting the yaw misalignment. Further, a wind turbine having a rotor and a control system configured to prevent a possible overspeed of the rotor is provided. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134808 | WIND TURBINE OIL LUBRICATION PUMP - According to the present disclosure, a pressurization system for use in a wind turbine, the wind turbine including at least one rotor blade to capture wind energy and a shaft for transferring the wind energy to a generator is provided. The pressurization system includes at least one pressurizer that is adapted to be powered by the kinetic energy of the shaft and to provide a pressurized fluid to at least one hydrostatic bearing. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134809 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING LOADS TRANSMITTED THROUGH A BLADE ROOT OF A WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE - In one aspect, a system for detecting loads transmitted through a blade root of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is disclosed. The system may include a root attachment assembly configured to couple the blade root to a hub of the wind turbine. The root attachment assembly may include a barrel nut mounted within a portion of the blade root and a root bolt extending from the barrel nut. In addition, the system may include a sensor associated with the root attachment assembly. The sensor may be configured to detect loads transmitted through at least one of the barrel nut and the root bolt. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134810 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND/OR CONTROLLING LOADS IN A WIND TURBINE - A system for detecting loads in a wind turbine is disclosed. In one aspect, the system may generally include a shaft and first and second pillow blocks receiving portions of the shaft. The second pillow block may be spaced axially apart from the first pillow block. Additionally, the system may include at least one sensor configured to indirectly detect loads transmitted through at least one of the first pillow block and the second pillow block. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134811 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND/OR CONTROLLING LOADS IN A WIND TURBINE - A system for detecting loads in a wind turbine is disclosed. In one aspect, the system may generally include a shaft, first and second pillow blocks receiving portions of the shaft and a bedplate supporting the first and second pillow blocks. The second pillow block may be spaced axially apart from the first pillow block. Additionally, the system may include at least one sensor configured to directly or indirectly detect loads transmitted through the bedplate. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134812 | APERTURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR USE WITH A FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM - An active flow control system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one blade. The active flow control system includes an air distribution system at least partially defined within said at least one blade. The air distribution system includes at least one aperture defined through the at least one blade. An aperture control system is in operational control communication with the air distribution system. The aperture control system includes an actuator at least partially positioned within the at least one blade and configured to control a flow of air discharged through the at least one aperture. | 05-31-2012 |
20120134813 | ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SYSTEM TO REDUCE IMBALANCE - A control system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor, a blade coupled to the rotor, a sensor configured to obtain a measurement of the wind turbine, and an active flow control system at least partially defined within the blade. The control system is configured to operate the active flow control system in a first mode, receive a signal from the sensor indicating a load imbalance on the rotor, and change an operation of the active flow control system from the first mode to a second mode based on the signal. The second mode is configured to reduce the load imbalance on the rotor. | 05-31-2012 |
20120141267 | Wind turbine blade automatic pitch control using centrifugal force - A method and related apparatus to control pitch angle of the blade of any horizontal axis wind turbines (wind generators or wind mills), which employs only the centrifugal force of the blade assembly including the blades and the moving parts of the patented apparatus. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141268 | ROTOR BLADE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING LOADING CAPABILITY OF ROTOR BLADE - A rotor blade assembly and a method for adjusting a loading capability of a rotor blade are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade further defines a span and a chord. The rotor blade assembly further includes a spoiler assembly operable to alter a flow past a surface of the rotor blade. The spoiler assembly is incrementally deployable from the surface along one of a length or a width of the spoiler assembly. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141269 | EXTENSION FOR ROTOR BLADE IN WIND TURBINE - A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine and a method for increasing a loading capability of a rotor blade within a maximum load limit for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes an extension connected to a surface of the rotor blade, the extension having at least one design characteristic configured for increasing a loading capability of the rotor blade within a maximum load limit for the wind turbine. The design characteristic is one of extension length, extension width, extension curvature, span-wise extension location, chord-wise extension location, or extension angle with respect to a chord line of the rotor blade. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141270 | DRIVETRAIN AND METHOD FOR LUBRICATING BEARING IN WIND TURBINE - A drivetrain for a wind turbine and a method for lubricating a bearing in a drivetrain of a wind turbine are disclosed. The drivetrain includes a rotatable component and a bearing surrounding the rotatable component. The drivetrain further includes a lubrication passage in fluid communication with the bearing for providing lubrication fluid thereto, and a drainage passage in fluid communication with the bearing for removing lubrication fluid therefrom. Further, the drivetrain includes a dry sump in fluid communication with the drainage passage. The dry sump includes a pump operable to flow lubrication fluid from the drainage passage. | 06-07-2012 |
20120148400 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AN EPHEMERAL EVENT ON A VANE IMPELLER OF AN AIRCRAFT ENGINE - The invention relates to a method and a system for monitoring an ephemeral event on a vane impeller ( | 06-14-2012 |
20120148401 | BLADE DISK ARRANGEMENT FOR BLADE FREQUENCY TUNING - A gas turbine engine and a method of tuning a rotor in the gas turbine engine wherein the rotor includes an array of blades extending from a rotor hub each having an airfoil mounted to a blade platform. The method includes adding or removing material from bladed rotor projections to alter the mass of the rotor and change the frequency of the respective airfoil. | 06-14-2012 |
20120148402 | Method for Operating a Pitch-Controlled Wind Turbine - Method for operating a pitch-controlled wind turbine, in which a set-point value for the generator torque (M) is prescribed in dependence upon a rotational speed (n) of the generator or of the rotor. A transition point (n | 06-14-2012 |
20120148403 | COUNTER-ROTATING VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE ASSEMBLY - A vertically-oriented, counter-rotating wind turbine assembly is disclosed. The assembly can include two or more wind turbines, and each adjacent pair of wind turbines is configured to rotate oppositely. The wind turbines are separated by supporting plates, and include a rotor and a stator, respectively. The relative rotation of the rotor and stator generates electricity. The wind turbines are supported above and below by levitation and compression bearings, respectively. A motor can initiate rotation of the wind turbines when the ambient wind is below a break-in speed and above a steady state speed. | 06-14-2012 |
20120148404 | ROTOR BLADE ATTACHMENT - A rotor blade attachment, in particular of a wind power plant, for the connection of a rotor blade with an attachment device, including a transverse pin and a connecting device, which can be brought together to establish an operative connection, wherein the connecting device defines a longitudinal axis. The rotor blade attachment is characterized in that the transverse pin in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the connecting device has a higher bending stiffness than transversally to the longitudinal axis. An alternative rotor blade attachment is characterized in that the transverse pins are arranged in at least two rows, wherein at least a first row is arranged closer to the blade-root-side end of the rotor blade than at least a second row. | 06-14-2012 |
20120156032 | DYNAMIC CROSS-SECTION FLUID ENERGY CAPTURE - A system comprises a main shaft configured to rotate about a main shaft axis, the main shaft comprising a hub. A first axle couples to the hub and rotates about a first axle axis in a first range of motion. A first wing couples to the first axle wherein the first range of motion orients the first wing within a range of attitudes bounded by and including a first attitude and a second attitude. The first attitude presents a first cross sectional surface area relative to a predetermined fluid flow direction and the second attitude presents a second cross sectional surface area relative to the predetermined fluid flow direction. The first cross sectional surface area is larger than the second cross sectional surface area. A second axle couples to the hub and rotates about a second axle axis in a second range of motion. The second axle axis is parallel to first axle axis and a second wing couples to the second axle. The second range of motion orients the second wing within a range of attitudes bounded by and including the first attitude and the second attitude and the first range of motion and the second range of motion orient the second wing at a first angle relative to the first wing. | 06-21-2012 |
20120156033 | HELICOPTER ROTOR CONTROL SYSTEM - A rotor control system operatively linked to a plurality of rotor blades includes a swashplate assembly having a stationary member and a rotating member. A blade attachment member is operatively connected to the plurality of rotor blades and a control horn is operatively connected to the blade attachment member and one of the plurality of rotor blades. At least one hydraulic actuator member is operatively coupled to the control horn and at least one hydraulic actuator element is operatively coupled to the swashplate assembly and the at least one hydraulic actuator member. The at least one hydraulic actuator member transmits control signals from the swashplate assembly to the one of the plurality of rotor blades through the at least one hydraulic actuator member. | 06-21-2012 |
20120156034 | APPARATUS FOR HARVESTING ENERGY FROM A GEARBOX TO POWER AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE AND RELATED METHODS - Apparatus and methods for monitoring component health in a gearbox of a power generation system. A gearbox has a gear set with relatively-movable components, an armature attached to one of these components, and a magnet attached to another of these components. The armature is subjected to a changing magnetic field from the magnet that generates electrical energy. An electrical device for monitoring component health is inside the gearbox and is powered by the electrical energy received from the armature. | 06-21-2012 |
20120156035 | BLADE ARRANGEMENT FOR A GAS TURBINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A BLADE ARRANGEMENT - A blade arrangement is provided for a gas turbine, in which blade leaves, having a leading edge and a trailing edge and also a pressure side and a suction side, are assembled sealingly with platforms configured as separate components. A peripheral sealing arrangement is provided between the blade leaves and the associated platforms, which seals off an interspace between the blade leaves and platforms against hot gas flowing around the blade leaves. A directed site-dependent supply of cooling air for purging the sealing arrangement is provided on a side of the sealing arrangement which faces away from the hot gas. A method of operating the above blade arrangement is also provided. The method includes supplying cooling air for purging the sealing arrangement at a pressure which decreases from the leading edge of the blade leaves to the trailing edge. | 06-21-2012 |
20120156036 | System And Method For Damping A Wind Vane - A system for damping a wind vane includes a damping assembly configured to utilize eddy currents to dampen rotational motion of at least a portion of the wind vane. The damping assembly may provide damping of the wind vane to accommodate for sudden changes in wind speed and/or direction while allowing the wind vane to maintain accurate measurements and response in low wind conditions. The damping assembly may reduce the wind vane's susceptibility to oscillation, thereby improving accuracy of the wind vane. | 06-21-2012 |
20120171034 | WIND TURBINE - FLOATING PLATFORM ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR ORIENTING SAID ASSEMBLY DESCRIPTION - The invention allows orientation of the platform ( | 07-05-2012 |
20120177491 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING MATERIAL DEFECTS IN ROTOR BLADES OF COMBUSTION TURBINE ENGINES - A system for detecting defects in a turbine rotor blade of a combustion turbine engine. The system may include: a turbine rotor blade that includes an insulator coating; a first electrode that is electrically connected to the turbine rotor blade; a second electrode that resides in proximity to the turbine rotor blade; means for inducing a voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode; and means for detecting current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode. | 07-12-2012 |
20120183398 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLOW THROUGH A ROTOR - A system for controlling flow through a rotor includes an inlet port in the rotor and an outlet port in the rotor. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. A variable orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports. A method for controlling flow through a rotor includes diverting a process fluid and flowing the diverted process fluid through a fluid passage in the rotor. The method further includes reducing the flow of the diverted process fluid through the fluid passage in the rotor. | 07-19-2012 |
20120183399 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BALANCING WIND TURBINES - A method for balancing blades of a wind turbine comprises several steps. First, vibration sensor readings are taken while wind turbine blades are in a pre-balancing configuration. These vibration sensor readings are used to determine initial blade imbalance. Next, vibration sensor readings are taken while wind turbine blades are in a first and a second pitch offset configuration. These vibration sensor readings are used to determine system response to the first and second pitch offset configurations. A correction pitch configuration is determined from the initial blade imbalance and the system response. Finally, blades of the wind turbine are pitched according to the correction pitch configuration. | 07-19-2012 |
20120189442 | Wind turbine with a braking device and method for braking at least one drive train component of a drive train, and use of a braking device for braking at least one drive train component of a drive train of a wind turbine - A braking device and method are provided for a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a rotor, a generator and a drive train having one or more components. The drive train is connected to the generator for obtaining electrical energy from rotation of the drive train. The wind turbine further includes a braking device for braking at least one drive train component of the drive train. The braking device includes a wedge brake. | 07-26-2012 |
20120189443 | Methods and systems for determining a pitch angle offset signal and for controlling a rotor frequency of a rotor of a wind turbine for speed avoidance control - A method for determining and applying a pitch angle offset signal for controlling a rotor frequency of a rotor of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a motion quantity indicative of a motion of the rotor and determining the pitch angle offset signal based on the motion quantity such that the pitch angle offset signal is adapted to be used for adjusting a blade pitch angle of a rotor blade mounted at the rotor for controlling the rotor frequency in order to reduce a time span during which the rotor is in a critical motion region. A corresponding system and a method for controlling a rotor frequency are also disclosed. | 07-26-2012 |
20120201674 | COOLING MODULE DESIGN AND METHOD FOR COOLING COMPONENTS OF A GAS TURBINE SYSTEM - A cooling arrangement in a gas turbine system ( | 08-09-2012 |
20120201675 | WIND TURBINE AND AN ASSOCIATED CONTROL METHOD - A two-bladed partial-pitch wind turbine and a method of controlling such a wind turbine during high wind conditions are described. The turbine is operable to pitch the outer sections of the turbine rotor blades during extreme wind conditions (i.e. high wind loads) such that the outer blade sections are substantially orthogonal to the inner blade sections. This arrangement acts to reduce the extreme thrust loading experienced by the wind turbine structure during severe gusts (e.g. during hurricane or typhoon conditions), and accordingly reduces the risk of damage to the wind turbine in such conditions. | 08-09-2012 |
20120201676 | WIND ENERGY SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE - Systems and methods to generate power using wind and controlled air movement and related structures to more cost effectively produce energy and protect system components. | 08-09-2012 |
20120207597 | METHOD FOR POSITIONING A HYDRAULIC ACCUMULATOR ON A WIND-POWERED ELECTRIC GENERATOR - A method of minimizing the flow of hydraulic fluid within a hydraulic accumulator mounted in the rotating hub of a wind turbine comprises mounting the accumulator within the hub such that the longitudinal axis of the accumulator is substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the hub. | 08-16-2012 |
20120207598 | SYSTEM FOR VARYING THE ANGLE OF ATTACK OF THE BLADES OF AN AIRCRAFT TURBINE ENGINE PROPELLER, USING A BRUSHLESS ELECTRIC MOTOR - A system for varying an angle of attack of blades of an aircraft turbine engine propeller, including an axial flow brushless motor including a stator including coils, and a rotor including permanent magnets. The rotor is mounted axially movable between a locked position in which it is secured in rotation with a rotary hub of the propeller, and an unlocked position in which its rotation relative to the hub along the axis of rotation of the propeller causes a variation of the angle of attack of the blades via a mechanical connecting mechanism. | 08-16-2012 |
20120207599 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BALANCING AN IMPELLER ASSEMBLY - An impeller assembly including a motor that rotationally drives an impeller is balanced. The impeller assembly is balanced without physically indexing the impeller to determine the rotational position of the impeller while impeller is rotated. For example, the system does not employ an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor (e.g., a Hall sensor), a mechanical indexing sensor, and/or other sensors that physically index the impeller. | 08-16-2012 |
20120207600 | FLOATING VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE MODULE SYSTEM AND METHOD - The disclosure provides a wind energy system with one or more floating modules having at least two vertical wind turbines mounted thereon. A multipoint mooring system couples the floating module to a seabed, the mooring system having at least two mooring points with at least two lines positioned at location s around the floating module with the wind turbines. A rotation system is coupled to the floating module and adapted to twist the floating module relative to wind direction while the multipoint mooring system is coupled between the seabed and the floating module. The rotation system can include induced gyroscopic torque from counter-rotating wind turbines and a self-adjusting induced gyroscopic torque differential from varying wind directions. Other rotation systems can include winches and translating assemblies that can be activated to tighten or loosen mooring lines in the multipoint mooring system coupled to the floating module in a catenary manner. | 08-16-2012 |
20120219417 | DISC ROTOR RETRACTION SYSTEM - A disc rotor blade retraction system includes a main blade spar incorporating a hydraulic cylinder and having a screw thread, A ball screw is concentrically carried within the main blade spar and is operably connected to a ball nut which has an outboard end connected to an intermediate spar with a hydraulic piston received for reciprocation in the hydraulic cylinder. A first geared actuator engages the ball screw and a second geared actuator engages the main blade spar screw thread. A hydraulic fluid accumulator providing pressurized hydraulic fluid is connected to an outboard end of the hydraulic cylinder and a controller actuates the first and second geared actuators. | 08-30-2012 |
20120219418 | GPS AUTOMATED TRACKING OF MOBILE MONITORING UNITS - A method of monitoring a wind turbine, including the steps of: attaching a condition monitoring (CM) module to a wind turbine; determining the location of the CM module based on information received at the wind turbine by the CM module; monitoring operational parameters of the wind turbine using the CM module; and transmitting the operational parameters to the central facility. | 08-30-2012 |
20120230820 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR DETECTING A BLADE PITCH ANGLE UNBALANCE OF A ROTOR BLADE SYSTEM OF A WIND TURBINE - A method is provided for detecting a blade pitch angle unbalance of a rotor blade system of a wind turbine, the rotor blade system rotating around a rotor rotation axis. The method includes yawing the rotor rotation axis about a yawing axis transverse to the rotor rotation axis. The method also includes obtaining a load signal indicative of a load due to the yawing. The method further includes analyzing the load signal regarding a frequency component of the load signal, and detecting the blade pitch angle unbalance based on the analyzed load signal. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230821 | WIND POWER PREDICTION METHOD OF SINGLE WIND TURBINE GENERATOR - The present invention discloses a wind power prediction method for a single wind turbine generator, comprising: extracting a plurality of data fragments, each of which has a length of L, from a historical database to determine a feature fragment core library before a current time point T, wherein L is an integer greater than or equal to one; clustering the feature fragment core library to form w cluster subsets and w cluster centers with the adoption of a clustering algorithm, wherein w is an integer greater than or equal to one; and determining power P (T+1) at a time-point T+1 to be predicted according to the w cluster centers and a center of a current time fragment, the current time fragment representing a time period from time point T-Z to time point T, wherein Z is a step number and 1≦Z≦L. | 09-13-2012 |
20120230822 | CEILING FAN APPARATUS AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREFOR - The invention comprises a ceiling fan method and apparatus configured to aid in distribution of air within a space. Optional ceiling fan elements include one or more of: coupling the ceiling fan to a cool air line from an air conditioner, curvature of fan blades on the ceiling fan, cuts and/or apertures leading through the fan blades, cool air distribution lines within the fan blades, and air flow boosters incorporated in the fan blades. | 09-13-2012 |
20120237346 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ALLEVIATING THE LOADS GENERATED IN WIND TURBINES BY WIND ASYMMETRIES - A method for alleviating rotor asymmetric loads in a variable-speed wind turbine having pitch and torque control means comprising the following steps: providing a control law that determines the pitch to be applied individually to each wind turbine blade for counteracting rotor asymmetric loads (such as wind shear, upflow, yaw misalignment) using wind speed and wind direction measurements at the wind turbine, values of the wind features that cause rotor asymmetric loads and configuration parameters of the wind turbine (whether real-time values or statistical values at the wind turbine site), said pitch to be added to the collective pitch θ | 09-20-2012 |
20120243988 | PORT PURGING AND DEICING SYSTEM - An active sensing system for wind turbines is described. The sensing system may include a plurality of ports, a local sensing device and a load mitigation device and may be operably coupled to a control system. The plurality of ports, local sensing device, and load mitigation device may be operably coupled and configured to monitor air pressure on wind turbine blades, determine if proper sensing operation is occurring, and eradicate an obstruction if proper sensing operation is being prevented by the obstruction. Associated methods performing the sensing and eradication of the obstruction including purging and deicing are disclosed. Wind turbines and wind turbine blades with the active sensing system are also described. | 09-27-2012 |
20120243989 | WIND TURBINE LOAD MITIGATION DEVICE AND PORT CONFIGURATION - An active sensing system for wind turbines is described. The sensing system may include a plurality of ports, a local sensing device and a load mitigation device and may be operably coupled to a control system. The plurality of ports, local sensing device, and load mitigation device may be operably coupled and configured to monitor air pressure on wind turbine blades, determine if proper sensing operation is occurring, and eradicate an obstruction if proper sensing operation is being prevented by the obstruction. Associated methods performing the sensing and eradication of the obstruction including purging and deicing are disclosed. Wind turbines and wind turbine blades with the active sensing system are also described. | 09-27-2012 |
20120251316 | INDEPENDENT BLADE PITCH CONTROL - A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to detect direction and speed of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the detected direction and speed of the inflow of wind. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal. | 10-04-2012 |
20120257967 | METHOD AND CONTROLLER FOR GENERATING A BLADE PITCH ANGLE CONTROL SIGNAL AND WIND TURBINE COMPRISING THE CONTROLLER - A method for generating a blade pitch angle control signal for controlling a blade pitch angle of a rotating rotor blade for damping a rotor blade vibration, in particular an edgewise rotor blade vibration, of the rotating rotor blade is disclosed. The blade pitch angle control signal is generated such that it varies in accordance with a rotor blade vibration motion. A controller and a wind turbine are also disclosed. | 10-11-2012 |
20120257968 | WIND POWER PLANT CONTROLLER FOR AVOIDING COMMON CAUSE SHUTDOWN - A wind power plant comprising a plurality of wind turbines, the power plant further comprising: a power plant controller connected to at least a first and a second of the plurality of wind turbines; the power plant controller comprising means for detecting a shutdown of the first wind turbine in response to current wind conditions; the power plant controller further comprising means to control the second wind turbine such that an operating parameter of the second wind turbine is modified in response to a detection of a shutdown of the first wind turbine in response to current wind conditions. | 10-11-2012 |
20120263590 | ROTARY WING BLADE, ROTOR COMPRISING AT LEAST TWO OF SUCH BLADES AND METHOD TO IMPLEMENT SUCH A ROTOR - The present disclosure is directed to a rotary wing rotor comprising one or more blades. Each blade has a torsion frequency around its span being substantially equal to a rotation frequency (Ω) of the rotor; torsion means twist to the rotation frequency of the rotor, in synchronization with said rotation; and comprising a material configured to dampen the torsion resonance, so as to avoid the resonance divergence. | 10-18-2012 |
20120269625 | SYSTEM TO COOL THE NACELLE AND THE HEAT GENERATING COMPONENTS OF AN OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE - A system to cool the air inside a nacelle and the heat generating components housed in the nacelle of an offshore wind turbine is presented. An upper cooling circuit is disposed in the nacelle. A reservoir is disposed below the upper cooling circuit and has a lid that freely rotates about a vertical axis of the reservoir along with an inlet and an outlet pipe of the upper cooling circuit as the nacelle yaws, the vertical axis of the reservoir being coincident with a yaw axis of the nacelle. A lower cooling circuit is disposed below the reservoir. Coolant is circulated through the upper cooling circuit using a cooling pump disposed between the nacelle and the upper cooling circuit. The upper cooling circuit carries heat from the heat generating components and from the air inside the nacelle to the reservoir. The lower cooling circuit carries heat from the reservoir to the bottom of the tower and dissipates the heat to the sea water through a heat exchanger that is cooled by the sea water. | 10-25-2012 |
20120269626 | AIRCRAFT PROPELLER BALANCING SYSTEM - An aircraft system and method with a first counterweight rotating balancing rotor mass concentration, and a second counterweight rotating balancing rotor mass concentration to balance a first aircraft propeller. The system includes an inboard electromagnetic coil driver with a first inboard electromagnetic coil, and a second inboard electromagnetic coil, the inboard electromagnetic coil driver and the first counterweight balancing rotor and the second counterweight balancing rotor centered around the aircraft propeller shaft rotating machine member. The system/method utilizes a first control system controller to control the coils and position the mass concentrations to balance the first aircraft propeller. The system/method includes a third counterweight rotating balancing rotor mass concentration, and a fourth counterweight rotating balancing rotor mass concentration to balance a second aircraft propeller which positioned and controlled by a second control system controller. | 10-25-2012 |
20120275918 | LOCKING SPACER ASSEMBLY FOR A TURBINE ENGINE - A locking spacer assembly for filling a void between adjacent components in a turbine engine. In at least one embodiment, the locking spacer assembly may be configured to be inserted between adjacent turbine blades in a disc groove in a turbine blade stage assembly. The locking spacer assembly may be formed from radially inward and outward supports coupled together with a locking device. The inward and outward supports establish the desired spacing between adjacent blade supports. The locking device may include components that prevent the locking device from accidentally loosening during use. | 11-01-2012 |
20120282090 | HYDRAULIC CYCLIC BLADE SPEED CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD - A hydraulic blade speed control apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a rotor assembly comprising a shaft; a first blade assembly pivotably attached to the shaft at a first initial position; a second blade assembly pivotably attached to the shaft assembly at a second initial position opposite to the first initial position; and a hydraulic movement mechanism. An initial angle of 180 degrees exists between the first blade assembly with said respect to the second blade assembly. The rotor assembly is configured to rotate the first blade assembly and the second blade assembly in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction. The hydraulic movement mechanism is configured to pivotably move the first blade assembly in different angular positions with respect to the rotor assembly and the second blade assembly. | 11-08-2012 |
20120282091 | Method and computing module for determining pitch angle adjustment signals of a wind turbine based on the maximum rotational speed - A method and corresponding arrangement are provided for determining pitch angle adjustment signals for adjusting a pitch angle of a rotor blade connected to a rotation shaft of a wind turbine. The method includes obtaining a first maximal speed signal indicative of a first desired maximal rotational speed of the rotation shaft. The method also includes deriving a first pitch angle adjustment signal based on the first maximal speed signal. The method further includes obtaining a second maximal speed signal indicative of a second desired maximal rotational speed of the rotation shaft different from the first desired maximal rotational speed of the rotation shaft. Further, the method includes deriving a second pitch angle adjustment signal based on the second maximal speed signal. The second pitch angle adjustment signal is different from the first pitch angle adjustment signal. | 11-08-2012 |
20120282092 | METHOD AND DEVICES FOR COMPACT FORCED VELOCITY TURBINES - Betz's law establishes an efficiency limit of 0.59 for wind turbines. Increasing turbine output power requires making the blades larger thereby increasing the radius of the turbine, which increases power by that factor squared, or by increasing the velocity of the air which increases the power according to that factor cubed. It would be beneficial to provide a wind turbine that overcame some of the disadvantages of prior art horizontal and vertical turbines including but not limited to, installation infrastructure, operation in non-laminar flow environments, operation over a wider range of air velocities, operation in low air velocity that defines many regions of the world and continental United States, and capable of supporting installations over a wide range of instances from discrete residential/commercial installations to large wind farms as well as providing increased output power through increased air velocities generated within the turbines. | 11-08-2012 |
20120282093 | WIND TURBINE AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL METHOD - A method for controlling the position of blades of a two-bladed wind turbine when extreme conditions are detected or forecast for the wind turbine. When extreme conditions are detected or forecast, the wind turbine blades are positioned in a horizontal arrangement, and actively yawed such that a tip of one of the wind turbine blades points into the wind direction. The blades are yawed such as to actively follow the changing wind direction, resulting in a reduced surface area of the blades exposed to the extreme wind forces, due to the spear-like arrangement of the turbine blades. This reduced surface area provides for a reduction in the extreme loads which may be experienced by the wind turbine in such extreme wind conditions. | 11-08-2012 |
20120288371 | WIND TURBINE AND AN ASSOCIATED CONTROL METHOD - A partial pitch wind turbine and an associated control method are described wherein the wind turbine blade comprises an inner blade section designed as a stall-controlled blade and an outer blade section designed as a pitch-controlled blade. During operation of the wind turbine, the outer blade sections are pitched out of the wind to reduce the lift force generated in the outer blade sections, thereby reducing the blade root moments due to reduced moment arms. Meanwhile, the inner blade sections continually produce increasing power output for increasing wind speed, thereby allowing for nominal power output to be maintained while effectively de-rating the outer blade sections. | 11-15-2012 |
20120294714 | WIND TURBINE AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL METHOD - A method for controlling a two-bladed pitchable swept-blade wind turbine in extreme wind conditions is described, wherein when extreme conditions are detected or forecast for the wind turbine, the wind turbine blades are pitched such that they will passively align in a substantially horizontal arrangement. The blades can be yawed such that a tip of one of the wind turbine blades points into the wind direction, resulting in a reduced surface area of the blades exposed to the extreme wind forces. This reduced surface area provides for a reduction in the extreme loads which may be experienced by the wind turbine in such extreme wind conditions. | 11-22-2012 |
20120294715 | WIND TURBINE AND WIND TURBINE BLADE - A method for controlling a two-bladed pitchable swept-blade wind turbine in extreme wind conditions is described, wherein when extreme conditions are detected or forecast for the wind turbine, the wind turbine blades are pitched such that they will stabilise in a substantially horizontal arrangement. The blades can be yawed such that the tip ends of the wind turbine blades point in the same direction towards the surface level, thereby lowering the centre of mass of the rotor assembly of the wind turbine blades and the rotor hub. The lower centre of mass of the assembly results in the stabilisation of the blades in a substantially horizontal position, resulting in a reduced surface area of the blades exposed to the extreme wind forces. This reduced surface area provides for a reduction in the extreme loads which may be experienced by the wind turbine in such extreme wind conditions. | 11-22-2012 |
20120294716 | PITCH DRIVE DEVICE FOR A WIND POWER OR HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION - A pitch drive device for a wind power or hydroelectric power station having a synchronous motor and a motor operation switchover unit for switching between a normal operation and emergency operation modes. To do so, the synchronous motor is operable in normal operation with three-phase AC and in emergency operation with DC. A method for operating a pitch drive device of this type is also disclosed. | 11-22-2012 |
20120301293 | ANTI-OSCILLATION APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUE FOR SECURING WIND TURBINE BLADES AGAINST OSCILLATIONS - The invention relates to a method of operating a wind turbine ( | 11-29-2012 |
20120301294 | TURBINE BLADE FOR A WATER TURBINE WITH BI-DIRECTIONAL FLOW - The invention relates to a turbine blade for a water turbine, comprising, at least over part of its length, a curved profiled element having a median line created point-symmetrically in relation to a point of symmetry on the chord of the profiled element, half-way down, in such a way as to form an S-shaped curve. The median line splits the profiled element into a first side and a second side. The invention is characterised in that the turbine blade comprises an overflow device between the first side and the second side of the profiled element. | 11-29-2012 |
20120301295 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND ENERGY INSTALLATION - A method for operating a wind energy installation ( | 11-29-2012 |
20120301296 | FLOW CONTROL ON A VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE (VAWT) - A control system is presented for controlling operation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) for generating energy from an incoming fluid flow. The control system comprises at least one flow affecting arrangement associated with at least one blade of the VAWT and a control unit connected to said flow affecting arrangement, the flow affecting arrangement comprising two flow affecting units located in two opposite sides of the blade respectively at a leading edge thereof, each flow affecting unit being operable for creating a blowing jet at the respective side of the blade thereby inducing an increase in a fluid flow momentum, the control unit being configured and operable for selectively activating the flow affecting units in alternating fashion according to a predetermined time pattern to oscillate the blowing jet at the opposite sides of the blade. | 11-29-2012 |
20120308383 | COOLING AND CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN OFFSHORE WIND TURBINE - A system and method to cool the air inside the nacelle and the heat generating components, particularly of an offshore wind turbine is presented. The ambient air first enters an air handling unit near the tower bottom where the airborne water droplets and salt particles are removed. The clean air is then compressed adiabatically, thus increasing the dew point temperature of the water vapor in the air. The high pressure, high temperature air from the compressor is then cooled and dehumidified in a sea water-to-air heater exchanger or an air-to-air heat exchanger. The high pressure air from the heat exchanger then enters the turbine at the tower bottom and flows up to the nacelle where it is allowed to expand adiabatically in a duct. The duct helps direct the resulting cold air over the heat generating components. The cold air can also used to cool these components internally. The warm air ultimately exits the nacelle at the rear top. | 12-06-2012 |
20120315139 | COOLING FLOW CONTROL MEMBERS FOR TURBOMACHINE BUCKETS AND METHOD - A turbomachine bucket includes a base portion having a first end that extends to a second end, and an airfoil portion extending from the first end of the base portion. The airfoil portion includes a first end section that extends to a tip section. A plurality of cooling channels extend through the turbomachine bucket from the first end of the base portion to the tip portion, and a cooling flow control member is arranged in one of the plurality of cooling channels. The cooling flow control member creates at least a partial flow restriction in the one of the plurality of cooling channels to modify cooling flow passing through the turbomachine bucket. | 12-13-2012 |
20120315140 | PASSIVE CONVERTER - The invention describes a method for maximum power point tracking approximation and speed control of a wind turbine using an AC-DC converter consisting of “passive” components only. The proposed system only uses passive electrical components or semiconductors such as inductors, capacitor or diodes. In the proposed concept this is done by designing an electric circuit so that it loads the generator output in such a way as to realize a pre-defined torque-frequency characteristic. By carefully choosing the values of the different components, the circuit can be tuned to fit an ideal torque-frequency curve. This torque characteristic is close to the maximum-power tracking control law up to the rated rotor speed, and steeply rises beyond that speed in order to maintain the rotor speed within a certain range and prevent turbine runaway. | 12-13-2012 |
20120321461 | Gas Turbine Bladed Rotor For Aeronautic Engines And Method For Cooling Said Bladed Rotor - A bladed rotor of a gas turbine for aeronautic engines is cooled by making an air mass flow through a plurality of passages, each one defined by a turbine disk on one side and by a root of a corresponding blade coupled to this turbine disk on the other, the incoming air of each passage being subdivided into two or more airflows and each flow being directed towards the turbine disk in a predefined direction. | 12-20-2012 |
20120321462 | WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE WITH STALL COMPENSATION - An improved wind turbine blade design is disclosed. The wind turbine blade includes a plurality of pivotable blade segments. Each blade segment has a leading edge segment and a trailing edge segment. At least one sensor is configured to measure a performance condition associated with the blade segment. An actuator is configured to pivot the blade segment to change an angle of attack based on the performance condition. | 12-20-2012 |
20120321463 | METHOD OF OPTIMIZING THE POWER RECOVERED BY A WIND TURBINE BY REDUCING THE MECHANICAL IMPACT ON THE STRUCTURE - A method of optimizing the power recovered by a wind turbine by reducing the mechanical impact on the structure is disclosed. A first angle of inclination of the blades allowing the recovered power to be optimized is determined. The aerodynamic force produced on the nacelle when the blades are directed with a first angle is determined. A second angle of inclination of the blades allowing obtaining an aerodynamic force setpoint value is then determined by inverting the aerodynamic force model and using a wind velocity measurement, a rotor velocity measurement and the aerodynamic force setpoint value. Finally, the blades are directed to the second angle. | 12-20-2012 |
20120321464 | Method for acoustically monitoring a wind turbine, acoustic monitoring system for a wind turbine and re-equipment kit - A method for acoustically monitoring a wind turbine, in particular for monitoring the existence of loose objects inside the wind turbine is provided. A sound generated in a rotating part of the wind turbine is monitored during operation of the wind turbine which sound is analyzed with respect to specific parameter values of the sound within at least one specific frequency range and if such specific parameter values are detected, a signal for possible further actions is generated. An acoustic monitoring system for a wind turbine and a re-equipment kit are also disclosed. | 12-20-2012 |
20120328432 | NOISE REDUCTION IN A TURBOMACHINE, AND A RELATED METHOD THEREOF - An apparatus includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades disposed downstream relative to the first set of blades. The first set of blades includes a first subset of blades, wherein each blade among the first subset of blades comprises one or more first geometric parameters. The second set of blades includes a second subset of blades, wherein each blade among the second subset of blades comprises one or more second geometric parameters different from the one or more first geometric parameters. | 12-27-2012 |
20120328433 | Method For Balancing A Propulsive System Having Non-Hull Contra-Rotating Propellers - According to the invention, at least one of the counterweights ( | 12-27-2012 |
20130004311 | Rotor Hub for Use with High-Inertia Blades - A rotor hub has a yoke with radial arms allowing flapping of connected blades about a flap axis. A grip is rigidly attached to each blade, and a lead-lag bearing connects each grip to one of the arms, the bearing defining a lead-lag axis outboard of the flap axis. Each arm has a pair of straps located on opposite sides of the rotor plane for transferring centrifugal force from the blades to the central portion of the yoke. A pair of lead-lag dampers is provided for each grip, the dampers of each pair being located on opposite sides of the rotor plane and connecting an inboard end portion of the grip to the adjacent strap. In-plane motion of a blade causes rotation of the attached grip about the lead-lag axis, causing opposite motion of an inboard end portion of the grip. The dampers act to oppose rotation of the grip. | 01-03-2013 |
20130004312 | WIND TURBINE AND AN ASSOCIATED YAW CONTROL METHOD - A method of controlling the yawing of two-bladed wind turbine is described. The yaw speed of the turbine is increased when the wind turbine rotor blades are in a substantially vertical position, and the yaw speed may be reduced when the blades are substantially horizontal. By modulating the yaw rate based on the rotational angle of the blades, the effect of the yaw moments on the wind turbine structure is reduced, and the wind turbine may be designed to take into account such reduced forces. | 01-03-2013 |
20130011257 | POWER GENERATING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method is provided for generating power comprising the steps of:
| 01-10-2013 |
20130017083 | Excessive Wind Portal for Wind TurbinesAANM Graham; John F.AACI AustinAAST TXAACO USAAGP Graham; John F. Austin TX USAANM Paden; Jonathan A.AACI AustinAAST TXAACO USAAGP Paden; Jonathan A. Austin TX US - Systems and methods for reducing wind pressure on wind turbine blades by selectively opening excessive wind portals in the turbine blades. One embodiment comprises a wind turbine system in which each of the turbine's blades has a portal therethrough that is opened or closed by a movable panel. Each panel is connected on one edge to the corresponding blade at the edge of the portal. Hook-and-loop material (Velcro) is attached to the edges of each portal and panel, allowing the panels to alternately open and then close the portals over a series of high wind events. Excessive wind pressure forces the panels to be released, opening the portals. Gravity or reversed wind direction with respect to the blade can be used to reseal the panels. | 01-17-2013 |
20130017084 | HIGH EFFICIENCY VERICAL AXIS WIND TURBINEAANM Anderson; ClaudeAACI Arden HillsAAST MNAACO USAAGP Anderson; Claude Arden Hills MN US - A vertical axis wind turbine having a rotor assembly within a support structure supporting a rotor assembly. A directional vane repositions a guide track to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to changes in the wind direction. A blade is rotatably connected to a strut extending from a rotatable shaft. The blade pitch is controllable with a guide pin positioned substantially near the trailing edge of the blade. The guide pin follows a guide track resulting in a blade pitch that may change as the blade rotates through a revolution. Multiple guide tracks may be used to change the blade pitch pattern at a given position as a result of varying operating conditions such as wind velocity. Using guide track pitch control, the drag and lift forces can be optimized for improved starting torque as well as improved lift and reduced drag under high wind velocity conditions. | 01-17-2013 |
20130022461 | MINIMAL-ACOUSTIC-IMPACT INLET COOLING FLOW - An impeller shroud for a mechanical system has a hyperboloid shape with a rim at the air-inlet end. The face of the inlet rim is perpendicular to the flow direction. A plurality of slots through which air is allowed to pass is disposed symmetrically about the rim. A plurality of solid areas extends along the circumference of the rim between the adjacent slots. The ratio of the sum of the plurality of slots in degrees and the sum of the solid areas in degrees disposed about the rim is between 3:1 and 11:1. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022462 | ENERGY-EFFICIENT WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SCHEME FOR WIND TURBINES - A method of operating a wind turbine includes providing a wind turbine having a plurality of blades. A respective sensor is attached to each of the blades. First measurements of a structural characteristic of each of the blades are repeatedly taken by use of the sensors. A tolerance band is established for the measurements. Signals indicative of the first measurements are wirelessly transmitted only if the first measurements are outside of the tolerance band. The transmitted signals are received at a controller. An actuator signal is sent from the controller to at least one actuator associated with the blades. The sending is in response to the receiving of the transmitted signals. At least one of the blades is actuated dependent upon the actuator signal. The actuating is performed by the at least one actuator. Second measurements of the structural characteristic of each of the blades are repeatedly taken by use of the sensors after the actuating step. The wirelessly transmitting, receiving, sending and actuating steps are repeated for the second measurements. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022463 | TURBINE BLADES AND SYSTEMS WITH FORWARD BLOWING SLOTS - A blade for use in a wind turbine comprises a pressure side and suction side meeting at a trailing edge and leading edge. The pressure side and suction side provide lift to the turbine blade upon the flow of air from the leading edge to the trailing edge and over the pressure side and suction side. The blade includes one or more openings at the suction side, in some cases between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The one or more openings are configured to provide a pressurized fluid towards the leading edge of the blade, in some cases at an angle between about 0° and 70° with respect to an axis oriented from a centerline of the blade toward the leading edge. | 01-24-2013 |
20130022464 | Control of a wind turbine, rotor blade and wind turbine - A wind turbine rotor blade is equipped with an air chamber and equipped via the air chamber to route a modulation beam out of the rotor blade such that the air current along the rotor blade is changed. Thereby the laminar current is changed into a turbulent current on the one hand and its detachment and on the other hand its recreation is achieved in order to produce the laminar current. The control may occur via electrostatic actuators via a learnable control strategy based on neural forecasts, which take the complexity of the non-linear system into account and allow for the plurality of influencing factors. The stress on the rotor blades may be reduced, resulting in longer service life and reduced maintenance costs, a higher level of efficiency or quieter operation. | 01-24-2013 |
20130028733 | Wind turbine having flow-aligned blades - A wind turbine blade is configured such that the lift force from the blade airfoil is always normal, or nearly normal, to the shaft torque. This condition maximizes energy conversion. This objective may be achieved by a) having the airfoil chord always aligned to the actual wind direction (subject only to small angle of attack variations), and b) slowing the turbine rotation rate so that no blade twist is needed. As a result, blade tip speed due to shaft rotation is less than the wind speed, and preferably much less. This low tip speed eliminates any hazard to birds. The lift force from the blade airfoil directly drives the torque on the shaft, so the control problem simplifies to adjusting the blade angle of attack to keep the lift constant across varying wind speeds. | 01-31-2013 |
20130028734 | MAGNETIC ACTIVE FLAP - The present invention relates to a wind turbine blade for a rotor of a wind turbine having a substantially horizontal rotor shaft and a hub connected to the rotor shaft, the blade extending in a substantially radial direction from the hub, when mounted to the hub, wherein the blade comprises: a profiled contour comprising a pressure side and a suction side and a leading edge and a trailing edge connecting the pressure side and the suction side, a lift regulating device, and an operation device comprising an electromagnet configured to operate the lift regulating device between a first state and a second state. The lift regulating device comprises a magnetisable material. | 01-31-2013 |
20130028735 | BLADE COOLING AND SEALING SYSTEM - A cooled component for a gas turbine engine, for example a turbine rotor blade, is provided. The component has an internal cooling flow passage. Cooling air is passed through the internal cooling flow passage to remove heat from the component and thereby reduce its temperature. The cooling air is bled from the internal cooling passage after it has passed through a portion of the passage into an internal bleed flow passage. This bled air is then used in a seal. Thus, some of the cooling air that enters the internal cooling flow passage is used both to cool the component and to form a seal, for example with another component. | 01-31-2013 |
20130028736 | METHOD FOR LUBRICATING AT LEAST ONE BEARING OF A WIND TURBINE - A method for lubricating a bearing of a variable-pitch wind turbine is disclosed. The electrical capacitance and/or resistance of the bearing is measured and the state of lubrication of the bearing by is determined from the measurement. The bearing is lubricated when state of lubrication indicates that the bearing is insufficiently lubricated. A variable-pitch wind turbine is using the method is also disclosed | 01-31-2013 |
20130034439 | Method for lubricating at least one blade pitch bearing of a wind turbine - A method for lubricating at least one blade pitch bearing of a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor hub with a number of rotor blades, with each rotor blade being supported to the rotor hub by at least one blade pitch bearing. At least one rotor blade is pitchable and a rotor blade pitch control device adapted to control pitching of the at least one rotor blade. The state of lubrication of at least one blade pitch bearing by a lubrication detection device generating at least one lubrication information signal indicating a degree of lubrication of the at least one blade pitch bearing by measuring the electrical capacitance and/or resistance of the at least one blade pitch bearing. A rotor blade lubricating device is actuated to perform at least one action to lubricate the at least one blade pitch bearing, if the lubrication information signal indicates that the at least one blade pitch bearing is not sufficiently lubricated. | 02-07-2013 |
20130039758 | TURBINE AIRFOIL AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING A TEMPERATURE OF A TURBINE AIRFOIL - According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine airfoil includes a platform and a blade extending from the platform. The airfoil also includes a slot formed in a slashface of the platform, the slot being configured to receive a pressurized fluid via passages and configured to direct the pressurized fluid to a selected region of the turbine airfoil to improve airfoil life. | 02-14-2013 |
20130039759 | DE-ICING SYSTEM FOR MODULAR COUNTER ROTATING PROPELLER - A disclosed example self-contained counter rotating turbo prop system includes a power generating system that produces electric power for a de-icing system. A bearing/generator assembly includes a plurality of permanent magnets and coil assemblies separated by an air gap. Relative rotation between first and second parts of the bearing/generator assembly provides for the generation of electric power utilized to drive the heating elements mounted to the propeller blades. | 02-14-2013 |
20130039760 | OIL MIST SEPARATION IN GAS TURBINE ENGINES - A rotor stage is provided which comprises a shank passage for separating liquid from secondary air system (SAS) air. The shank passage is formed between a radially outer surface of a disc post, a radially inner surface of one or more blade platforms, and the shanks of two neighbouring blades. In use, | 02-14-2013 |
20130045098 | Cyclic Pitch Control System for Wind Turbine Blades - In a wind turbine, an open loop control algorithm for incrementally or positively adjusting the pitch angles of individual rotor blades may be used to increase spacing between the base of the turbine tower and an approaching blade tip. As each rotating blade passes in front of the tower base, a minimum clearance distance may be assured to avoid blade tip strikes of the base. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the control algorithm, as each blade approaches the tower base, it may be feathered to reduce its power loading, and to facilitate increased clearance beyond the normal unloading or feathering produced by the so-called tower shadow effect. To offset resultant loss of torque, the remaining blades may be correspondingly pitched toward power, i.e. into the wind, to balance and/or smooth out the overall rotor torque curve, and thus to avoid torque ripples. | 02-21-2013 |
20130045099 | Compound Rotating Handle - A paddle apparatus for standup paddling of surfboards or like water craft, having a plurality of hand grip portions rotatably mounted relative to the paddle shaft, and a means of paddling whereby the operator can ergonomically paddle with greater power and control on either side of the water craft without breaking either hand grip. A further improvement includes using the handgrip in the position perpendicular to the paddle shaft to determine the blade position by feel and steer with greater torque. An alternative embodiment includes rotation of the grip itself, further reducing the twisting of the wrists and other joints. | 02-21-2013 |
20130052008 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE AIRFOIL BAFFLE - An airfoil includes an airfoil wall having an exterior airfoil surface and an interior surface. The interior surface provides an airfoil cavity. A baffle is arranged in the airfoil cavity and provides a baffle wall having first and second portions spaced from one another on first and second sides. A tube interconnects the first and second portions and is configured to convey fluid through the tube between the first and second sides. The airfoil is cooled by supplying cooling fluid to a baffle arranged within an airfoil. The cooling fluid is passed through baffle cooling holes to a gap between the baffle and airfoil to cool an interior surface of the airfoil. A portion of cooling fluid is conveyed from one gap location to another gap through a tube in the baffle. Another portion of the cooling fluid is passed through film cooling holes in the airfoil. | 02-28-2013 |
20130052009 | BUCKET ASSEMBLY TREATING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING BUCKET ASSEMBLY - A bucket assembly and a method for treating a bucket assembly are disclosed. The bucket assembly includes a platform, the platform defining a platform cooling circuit, and an airfoil extending generally radially outward from the platform, the airfoil defining an airfoil cooling circuit. The bucket assembly additionally includes a lower body portion extending generally radially inward from the platform, the lower body portion defining a root and a cooling passage extending from the root, the cooling passage in fluid communication with the airfoil cooling circuit. The bucket assembly further includes a transfer passage defined between and in fluid communication with the airfoil cooling circuit and the platform cooling circuit such that a cooling medium may flow from the airfoil cooling circuit through the transfer passage to the platform cooling circuit. | 02-28-2013 |
20130052010 | Method to control the operation of a wind turbine - A method to control the operation of a wind turbine is provided. According to the method a sound of a bat in the area of the wind turbine is detected. According to the detected sound of the bat in the area of the wind turbine a parameter for the operation of the wind turbine is set. | 02-28-2013 |
20130052011 | ADVANCED WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A TURBINE - An advanced warning system for a turbine, the system comprising: one or more near-field and far-field sensors locatable remotely from the turbine and upstream of the turbine; a communication link between the turbine and the one or more near-field and far-field sensors for transmitting data from the one or more near-field and far-field sensors to the turbine; and a controller for adjusting operational settings of the turbine, wherein, in use, the controller adjusts the operational settings as a function of the received data from the one or more near-field and far-field sensors. | 02-28-2013 |
20130058784 | PITCH LOCK SYSTEM - A pitch lock system for a wind turbine with a rotor having at least one pitchable or at least partially pitchable blade connected to the rotor at a interface, the blade having an outer blade part and an inner blade part, the blade parts being interconnected at an interface, having a pitch bearing construction with a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring for pitching at least a part of the blade in relation to the rotor. The pitch lock system has a movable toothed segment for interacting with at least one toothed element, and where the pitch lock system further includes an actuator for activating and moving the movable toothed segment into engagement with the toothed element, and thus, locking the pitch bearing construction and thus locking the pitch bearing in the actual position. | 03-07-2013 |
20130058785 | VIBRATION DAMPER FOR ROTATING PARTS - A rotating element for a rotating machine, in particular for a turbine machine, is provided with a vibration damper for vibrations of the rotating element during operation of the machine. The vibration damper includes a closed cavity in the body of the rotating element. In the closed cavity there is located a movable solid damping body as well as a damping medium. The damping medium is based on a metal which is in liquid state at the operation temperature where damping is desired. It furthermore relates to turbo machines equipped with such rotating elements as well as to uses of liquid metal for such vibration dampers. | 03-07-2013 |
20130071244 | WIND TURBINE WITH A CENTRIFUGAL FORCE DRIVEN ADJUSTABLE PITCH ANGLE AND CABLES RETAINING BLADES IN A HUB - A wind turbine includes rotor blades pivotably mounted in a gondola such that the pitch of the blades is adjustable, and pitch adjustment mounted coaxially and pivotably on the rotor axle such that the pitch adjustment are rotatable relative to that axle. The gondola is furthermore connected via torsion positioning to the axle, such that it can rotate relative to the pitch adjustment to adjust the pitch of the rotor blades. The wind turbine may also include a cable for each rotor blade, which are each with one end connected to the blade and with their opposite end to the rotor axle, such that the blades are supported by the cables against movement in the radially outward direction. | 03-21-2013 |
20130078092 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ROTATION SPEED OF A VERTICAL AXIS WINDMILL BY USING ROTATING CENTRIFUGAL FORCE OF ROTOR BLADES - A method for controlling rotation speed of a vertical axis windmill by using rotating centrifugal force of blades comprises the steps of a. forming the rotor blades; b. rotation of the rotor blades; and c. lift control. A device for controlling rotation speed of the vertical axis windmill comprises a plate mounted on each of the rotor blades, then an elastic lift control device provides an elasticity to press the plate against the rotor blades, and the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the vertical axis windmill counteracts the elasticity, so as to create an automatically adjustable, passively controlled and durable windmill. | 03-28-2013 |
20130078093 | METHOD FOR DE-ICING THE BLADES OF A WIND TURBINE AND A WIND TURBINE WITH A DE-ICING SYSTEM - The invention refers to a method for de-icing a blade of a wind turbine. The de-icing is carried out by means of stalling the wind turbine and at least to a position where enough turbulence is created to induce vibrations in the blade allowing ice to break off. | 03-28-2013 |
20130084179 | VARIABLE VANE ANGULAR POSITION SENSOR - A variable vane control system for use with a gas turbine engine includes an actuator, a mechanical linkage assembly, and a vane position sensor. The gas turbine engine has a plurality of variable vanes each having an airfoil disposed in a gas flow path of the gas turbine engine. The plurality of variable vanes includes a first variable vane. The mechanical linkage assembly operably connects the actuator to at least the first variable vane. The vane position sensor is connected to one of the first variable vane or a portion of the mechanical linkage assembly proximate the first variable vane for sensing angular position of the first variable vane. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084180 | Fan With Power Deployed Fan Blade - A rotating fan with a transmission mechanism and a blade deployment mechanism. In an energized state, an electromagnetic coil generates a magnetic force that causes a clutch plate to be in contact with a contact surface, thereby engaging a planetary gear system. In a de-energized state, the clutch plate is not in contact with the contact surface, thereby disengaging the planetary gear system. In a deployed configuration, a drive link activated by the planetary gear system rotates a blade link to cause a fan blade to pivot. The result is that the fan blade tip is farther from the motor shaft than the fan blade root. In a retracted configuration, the drive link rotates the blade link to cause the fan blade to pivot and retract. The result is that the fan blade tip is equidistant from the motor shaft as the fan blade root. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084181 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING FANS - A fan test system includes a control module. The control module includes a temperature-speed table storing standard speeds at different temperatures of a fan, a counter loaded with a default value, and a fan speed control unit setting the time interval for obtaining the actual speed of a fan corresponding to a certain temperature. The fan speed control unit obtains the actual speed of the fan at every interval time, and determines whether the speeds obtained at predetermined continuous interval times are equal. The fan speed control unit obtains the standard speed of the fan according to the certain temperature if the speeds are equal. It indicates the fan is qualified in response to the actual speed being equal to the standard speed. | 04-04-2013 |
20130084182 | WIND ENERGY INSTALLATION AZIMUTH OR PITCH DRIVE - There is provided a wind power installation azimuth or pitch drive having a travelling wave drive. | 04-04-2013 |
20130089421 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE AIRFOIL TIP RECESSES - A gas turbine engine airfoil extending from an airfoil base to an airfoil tip at a free end of the airfoil and from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the airfoil has at least one recess extending into and circumferentially completely through the airfoil tip and located inwardly of the leading and trailing edges. The recess is located in an area of the airfoil tip subject to high tip vibratory stress and or rubs and may be a circular scallop having a scallop radius and a maximum depth of a few mills in a range of about 0.005-0.01 inches as measured from a nominal tip edge without the recess. The airfoil may be on a radial blade, a stator vane, or an impeller blade. An annular tip seal may surround a plurality of such airfoil tips with an airfoil tip clearance therebetween. | 04-11-2013 |
20130094958 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLOW THROUGH A ROTOR - One embodiment of the present invention is a system for controlling flow through a rotor. The system includes an inlet port in the rotor and an outlet port in the rotor. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet port. A fixed orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports. A variable orifice is disposed in at least one of the inlet or outlet ports in a separate location from the fixed orifice. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094959 | ROTOR BLADE COMPONENT COOLING - A rotor blade for a rotary wing aircraft includes a component bay located substantially enclosed in the rotor blade and one or more components positioned in the component bay. An airflow is located at the component bay and an airflow outlet is located at the component bay radially outboard of the airflow inlet. The airflow inlet and airflow outlet allow a continuous airflow through the component bay via centrifugal forces of rotation of the rotor blade, the continuous airflow cooling the one or more components disposed at the component bay. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094960 | ESTIMATION OF WIND PROPERTIES USING A LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING DEVICE - Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for determining a property of wind approaching a wind turbine. A light detection and ranging equipment may emit pulsed radiation into oncoming wind to detect properties of the wind at a plurality of predefined locations. A property of the wind approaching the wind turbine may be determined based on the property of wind measured at at least two predefined locations. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094961 | ESTIMATION OF WIND PROPERTIES USING A LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING DEVICE - Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and apparatus for determining a property of wind approaching a wind turbine. A light detection and ranging equipment may be used to determine a property of the wind at a plurality of locations ahead of a turbine. A wind flow model may be used to determine the property of wind expected at the rotor of the wind turbine based on the readings of the light detection and ranging device. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094962 | System and Method for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine - A system and method for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is described which can provide the basis for a new and improved wind turbine design suitable for a range of different power classes such as from 4 kilowatts to 10 megawatts. A vertical blade of chord length C is attached to a central hub via a main support strut of chord length C. The main support strut comprises two sections: a blade-support-section and a counterweight-support-section. Both the blade-support-section and the counter-weight-support-section have a blunt leading edge and a tapered trailing edge with the profile reversing either side of the hub axis. Two control struts comprising aerodynamic profiles support the blade wherein one control strut connects to the upper surface of the main support strut and the other control strut connects to the lower surface of the main support strut hub. The main support strut and the control struts provide lift to the wind turbine and reduce drag. The vertical blade and the main support strut comprise an integrated differential strain gauge, which is linked to a central controller and provides real time data on the integrity of the blade and strut. | 04-18-2013 |
20130094963 | DISTRIBUTED PROPULSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROL - This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling power distribution in an electrical aircraft propulsive system having at least one electrical propulsion unit which includes a plurality of rotatable blades, each blade having an adjustable pitch; a pitch adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pitch of the blades; at least one electrical machine electrically connected to the electrical propulsion unit so as to provide electrical power when in use; and, a control system, the method comprising the steps of: determining the required propulsion; determining whether the propulsive units are delivering the required propulsion; and, adjusting the pitch angle of the blades of at least one propulsive unit so as to increase or decrease the propulsion provided by that propulsive unit. | 04-18-2013 |
20130101413 | WIND TURBINE WITH AIR DENSITY CORRECTION OF PITCH ANGLE - A method of controlling the pitch angle of a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor having at least one rotor blade. A pitch angle of the at least one rotor blade can be variably set. The method includes setting the pitch angle of the at least one rotor blade as a function of the determined air density. | 04-25-2013 |
20130101414 | ROTOR BLADE DE-ICING - A rotor blade ( | 04-25-2013 |
20130108441 | TURBINE BUCKET ANGEL WING FEATURES FOR FORWARD CAVITY FLOW CONTROL AND RELATED METHOD | 05-02-2013 |
20130108442 | VARIABLE-GEOMETRY FAN AND METHOD FOR CONTROL THEREOF | 05-02-2013 |
20130108443 | METHODS FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE | 05-02-2013 |
20130115081 | HIGH SOLIDITY AND LOW ENTRANCE ANGLE IMPELLERS ON TURBINE ROTOR DISK - According to an embodiment disclosed herein, an apparatus for cooling a rotating part having cooling channels therein, the rotating part attaching to a disk rotating about an axis, the disk having a conduit for feeding a cooling fluid to the cooling channel is described. The apparatus has a first impeller rotating with the disk and in register with the conduit and an outer periphery of the disk, the impeller directing the cooling flow to the conduit. | 05-09-2013 |
20130115082 | INDEPENDENT BLADE PITCH CONTROL - A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to detect direction and speed of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the detected direction and speed of the inflow of wind. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal. | 05-09-2013 |
20130115083 | TURBINE ENGINE HAVING TWO UNDUCTED PROPELLERS - A turbine engine including two outer coaxial counter-rotating unducted propellers, of an upstream propeller and a downstream propeller, respectively. The blades of the downstream propeller are retractable in the lengthwise direction thereof so as to reduce the diameter of the propeller. The reduction in the diameter of the downstream propeller makes it possible to reduce noise caused by vortices generated by the upstream propeller. | 05-09-2013 |
20130121825 | CALLIBRATION OF WIND TURBINE SENSOR - A method is disclosed for calibrating a wind turbine sensor placed on a component of a wind turbine and where the wind turbine is of the type having a rotor with at least one pitchable wind turbine blade. The method comprises pitching one or more of the blades according to a predetermined pitch movement and detecting the response signal from the wind turbine sensor at least partly caused by the pitch movement. From this is then determined a characteristic sensor response value which upon comparison to a predetermined sensor calibration parameter forms the basis for a calibration of the wind turbine sensor if needed. The characteristic sensor response value may be determined from the pitch movement having been performed a number of times over a longer period of time. | 05-16-2013 |
20130129507 | Composite Propeller Spar - A method and apparatus comprising a composite spar. The composite spar has a root section and a main section. The root section is closed and has a shape configured to be connected to a blade retention system. The main section has an open channel. The composite spar is configured for placement inside of a blade. | 05-23-2013 |
20130129508 | WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine | 05-23-2013 |
20130136594 | WIND TURBINE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A wind turbine is provided with a rotor rotatable about a rotor axis and having a plurality of blades rotatably fitted to a hub about a blade axis and a plurality of pitch actuators configured to adjust the pitch angles of the blades; a brake controlled by a brake actuator configured to arrest the rotor; a rotating electric machine connected to the rotor; an inverter configured to control the rotating electric machine; and a control system including a plurality of image reflection measuring devices configured to detect the deformations of each blade and configured to emit control signals configured to selectively control at least one of pitch actuators; the brake actuator; and the inverter as a function of the deformations retrieved. | 05-30-2013 |
20130136595 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - A method for operating a wind turbine is provided. At least one temperature information indicating the temperature of at least one component of the wind turbine is generated. The temperature information is used for determining at least one material property information indicating at least one component specific, temperature dependent mechanical property of the respective component. At least one operational parameter of the wind turbine is adjusted in consideration of the at least one material property information. | 05-30-2013 |
20130136596 | BLADE-PITCH CONTROL SYSTEM WITH FEEDBACK SWASHPLATE - A blade-pitch control system for controlling a pitch angle of blades on a rotor has an input swashplate assembly having non-rotating and rotating portions, the rotating portion being operably connected to blade grips. A feedback swashplate assembly has non-rotating and rotating portions, the rotating portion being connected to the yoke for movement with the yoke during flapping of the yoke. Linear actuators connect the non-rotating portion of the input swashplate assembly to the non-rotating portion of the feedback swashplate assembly. Motion of the yoke during flapping causes a corresponding motion of the feedback swashplate assembly and input swashplate assembly for providing selected pitch-flap coupling between flapping motion of the yoke and pitch motion of the grips. | 05-30-2013 |
20130142649 | COOLED TURBINE BLADE AND METHOD FOR COOLING A TURBINE BLADE - A cooled turbine blade comprises a root for fixing the blade to rotor, an airfoil extending along a radial axis from the root, and a tip shroud disposed at a radially outward end of the airfoil. The tip shroud extends in a circumferential direction from the airfoil and defines, within itself, a core plenum and a peripheral plenum. The airfoil defines an aft airfoil cooling passage that extends radially through the airfoil proximate a trailing edge portion of the airfoil. The airfoil also defines an aft cooling inlet for providing an aft stream of cooling fluid to the aft airfoil cooling passage. The airfoil also defines at least one aft cooling exit for discharging the aft stream of cooling fluid from the aft airflow cooling passage to the peripheral plenum. The tip shroud defines at least one peripheral plenum vent for discharging the aft stream of cooling fluid. | 06-06-2013 |
20130149144 | WINDMILL - A windmill structure for converting wind energy to electrical energy comprises a thrust holding foundation having a plurality of holes for fixing the windmill structure on a ground surface. A tower consists of a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end of the tower is positioned at a middle portion of the foundation. A plurality of wind-engaging blades extended from the top end of the tower. A plurality of concave panels with larger surface area may be used as the plurality of wind-engaging blades. A plurality of supporting structures is utilized for attaching the plurality of wind-engaging blades on the top end of the tower and a power generator molded at one end of the tower. The arrangement of the plurality of wind-engaging blades facilitates to attain maximum rotation with minimal wind energy thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the windmill structure. | 06-13-2013 |
20130149145 | WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a wind turbine, comprising a tower, a nacelle, at least one blade with a tip end and a root end and monitoring means for monitoring the surface condition of the blade, wherein said monitoring means are located at the tower or at the nacelle and wherein said monitoring means are adapted to monitor the surface condition of at least substantially one entire side of the blade from its tip end to its root end. | 06-13-2013 |
20130149146 | SHUFFLING CALIPER YAW ACTUATOR AND BRAKE SYSTEM - A yaw actuation and braking system and method for controlling a yaw position of a wind turbine nacelle with respect to a tower. A brake rotor may be rigidly connected to one of the tower and the nacelle. A first brake caliper may be disposed to selectively close upon the brake rotor. A first linear actuator may be coupled between the first brake caliper and the other of the tower and the nacelle. | 06-13-2013 |
20130156575 | Blade-Pitch Control System with Feedback Lever - The present application includes a blade-pitch control system for controlling a pitch angle of each of a plurality of blades on an aircraft rotor. A feedback lever associated with each blade is pivotally mounted to the rotating portion of a swashplate assembly. A pitch link connects an output arm of a lever to a pitch horn of a corresponding blade, and a feedback link connects the input arm of the lever to a yoke. Flapping motion of the yoke causes motion of the feedback link, and this motion causes corresponding rotation of the lever. Rotation of the lever causes motion of the pitch link, which changes the pitch angle of the attached blade. This provides for selected pitch-flap coupling between flapping motion of the yoke and pitch motion of the blades. | 06-20-2013 |
20130156576 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Electromechanical Device Performance and Reliability - Methods and apparatus for monitoring air cooling fans including, by way of non-limiting examples, the determination of an upper and lower boundary limit of acceptable fan operation, sends a control signal to a fan being monitored, measures the fan rotation rate or fan power consumption subsequent to sending the control signal; and issues an alarm if the measured fan rotation rate is above the upper boundary limit or below the lower boundary limit. | 06-20-2013 |
20130156577 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - A method of controlling a wind turbine is provided. The method includes the steps of obtaining a number of operating values relevant to a wind turbine, calculating a thrust setpoint on the basis of the operating values, and controlling a wind turbine according to a thrust setpoint. A wind park controller, a wind turbine controller, and a wind park are also provided. | 06-20-2013 |
20130164129 | Hub Assembly with Grease Lubricated Roller Bearing and Tension-Torsion Strap - A rotary system and method to control feathering and centrifugal forces of a rotor blade during flight. The rotary system having a hub assembly, which includes a hollow yoke arm to receive a spindle section of the rotor blade. A tension-torsion strap extends through the hollow yoke arm and couples the rotor blade and the hub assembly. The method includes allowing the spindle section of the rotor blade to pivot within the hollow yoke arm and controlling rotational and centrifugal movement of the rotor blade with the tension-torsion strap. | 06-27-2013 |
20130164130 | STIRLING ENGINE WITH FLAPPING WING FOR AN EMISSION-FREE AIRCRAFT - Aircraft with an emission-free drive and method for emission-free driving of an aircraft. The aircraft includes a drive device, having a flapping wing device, structured and arranged to generate thrust, a lift device structured and arranged to generate lift, and a heat engine, having at least one flat-plate Stirling engine drivable by solar thermal radiation, structured and arranged to convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to drive the drive device. The flapping wing device includes at least one flapping wing, which is pivotable transverse to a flight direction, | 06-27-2013 |
20130164131 | FLUID ELASTOMERIC DAMPER ASSEMBLY INCLUDING INTERNAL PUMPING MECHANISM AND CONTROL VALVE - A rotary wing system with a rotating blade and a fluid damper with a damper fluid in a first variable volume chamber and a second variable volume chamber, with a fluid damping flow valve controlled conduit and a fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly between the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber. The fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly has a fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly control valve for obstructing a damper fluid flow through the fluid damping flow valve controlled conduit. A working of the first variable volume chamber and the second variable volume chamber by rotary wing motions actuates the opening of the fluid flow pressure sensing control valve assembly control valve that obstructs the damper fluid flow through the fluid damping flow valve controlled conduit. | 06-27-2013 |
20130170981 | METHOD FOR ROBUST WIRELESS WIND TURBINE CONDITION MONITORING - A wind turbine condition monitoring system and method are disclosed where the wind turbines include a tower, a gearbox coupled to the tower, and turbine blades coupled to the gearbox. The monitoring system includes blade sensors coupled to the blades, a hub node coupled to the gearbox and a controller. The controller is in communication with the hub node and blade sensors, and determines blade positions based on blade sensor readings. The blade sensors and hub node can include multi-axis accelerometers. The controller can wirelessly communicate with the blade sensors directly or through the hub node. Using position information, shadowing areas with obstructed communication can be avoided, node separation can be accounted for to reduce power requirements and/or interference from multiple transmitters can be avoided during node communications. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170982 | TURBINE AND METHOD FOR SEPARATING PARTICULATES FROM A FLUID - According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine airfoil includes a first cavity inside the turbine airfoil configured to receive a fluid and a second cavity inside the turbine airfoil. The turbine airfoil also includes a passage inside the turbine airfoil that provides fluid communication between the first and second cavities, wherein the passage includes a curved portion configured to separate particulates from the fluid as the fluid flows through the passage. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170983 | TURBINE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR REDUCING FLUID FLOW BETWEEN TURBINE COMPONENTS - According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes a stator and a rotor adjacent to the stator. The turbine assembly also includes a passage formed in a projection from the rotor to form a fluid curtain between the rotor and stator, wherein the fluid curtain reduces a flow of fluid into a hot gas path. | 07-04-2013 |
20130170984 | Last Stage Blade Design to Reduce Turndown Vibration - A turbine bucket includes a bucket airfoil having a cross-section in an airfoil shape. The bucket is twisted from a root end to a tip end. A degree of twist defines an accumulated angular offset of the tip end in a range of 10-15° relative to a tangential direction, thereby reducing excess negative incidence by 15-20° relative to the tangential direction. | 07-04-2013 |
20130177414 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE CLEARANCE AT THE BLADES TIPS OF A TURBINE ROTOR - A system and method for controlling clearance between tips of moving blades of an aeroplane gas-turbine engine and a turbine shroud of an outer casing surrounding the blades. The method includes controlling, according to an operating speed of the engine, a valve positioned in an air duct opening at a stage of the compressor of the engine and leading into a control housing positioned around the outer surface of the turbine shroud and supplied with air coming only from the compressor stage. The valve is opened to cool the turbine shroud during a high-speed phase corresponding to takeoff and climb phases of an aeroplane propelled by the engine and during a nominal-speed phase following the high-speed phase and corresponding to a cruise phase of the aeroplane. | 07-11-2013 |
20130177415 | System and Method for Variation of the Pitch Angle Position of Rotor Blades of a Wind Energy Installation - A system for variation of the pitch angle position of rotor blades of a wind energy installation includes drive units, closed-loop control devices, and system control connections. The drive units are in each case individually associated with the rotor blades. The closed-loop control devices are in each case individually associated with the drive units. The system control connections are switchable by switching means. By way of the system control connections, in the event of a failure or a malfunction of at least one closed-loop control device a drive unit which is associated with the at least one closed-loop control device is operated in parallel with and at the same time as another drive unit, by means of a closed-loop control device which is associated with the other drive unit. | 07-11-2013 |
20130177416 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAID WIND TURBINE WHEREIN A RISK OF ICING IS DETERMINED ON THE BASIS OF METEOROLOGICAL DATA - A method for operating a wind turbine includes detecting a surface temperature of a component of the wind turbine and determining a risk of icing of the component of the wind turbine. A frost or dew point temperature of the ambient air is determined and a difference between the surface temperature and the frost or dew point temperature is evaluated during the determination of the risk of icing. | 07-11-2013 |
20130177417 | ICE DETECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIND TURBINE BLADES - The invention provides a method and system of detecting ice or other foreign matter on a wind turbine blade or damage to a wind turbine blade. The method in one aspect comprises: measuring twisting torque on the blade about its longitudinal axis to provide a detected torque signal; comparing a value based on the detected torque signal with a comparison value, the comparison value derived from one or more measured parameters having a predetermined relationship with the twisting torque about the longitudinal axis of the blade when the blade is operating under normal operating conditions; and determining that ice or other foreign matter is on the blade or that the blade is damaged if the value based on the detected torque signal differs from the comparison value by more than a predetermined amount. Wind turbine blades are designed such that any change in the shape of the blade reduces twisting torque on the blades significantly. Torque about the longitudinal axis of the blade can therefore be used as a sensitive indicator of ice on the blade and of damage to the blade. | 07-11-2013 |
20130177418 | METHOD FOR ADJUSTING THE ROTATIONAL SPEED OF A WIND TURBINE AND WIND TURBINE - A method for operating a wind turbine ( | 07-11-2013 |
20130183151 | Calibration of Blade Load Sensors - A method of calibrating one or more load sensors of a blade of a wind turbine, said wind turbine comprising a main generator, a power electronic converter connected with the main generator, and a rotor operationally connected with the main generator and carrying the blade. The method comprises acting on the power electronic converter to operate the main generator as motor to set the blade in at least one predetermined condition. The method further comprises measuring loads in the predetermined condition using the load sensors of the blade and calibrating the blade load sensors taking into account the measured loads. | 07-18-2013 |
20130189097 | TURBOMACHINE INCLUDING A BLADE TUNING SYSTEM - A turbomachine includes a compressor portion, a turbine portion operatively connected to the compressor portion, a combustor assembly fluidly connected to each of the compressor portion and the turbine portion, a blade element including a base portion, an airfoil portion, and a natural frequency generated during rotation of the blade element. The blade element is rotatably mounted within one of the compressor portion and the turbine portion, and a blade tuning member rotatably mounted in the one of the compressor portion and the turbine portion. The blade tuning member is configured for engagement with the blade element to alter the natural frequency. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189098 | System and Method of Harvesting Power with a Rotor Hub Damper - The system and method of the present application relate to a lead/lag damper for a rotorcraft. The lead/lag damper is configured to harvest power from the lead/lag oscillatory motions of rotor blades with an electromagnetic linear motor/generator. Further, the lead/lag damper is configured to treat the lead/lag motions with the electromagnetic linear motor/generator. The system and method is well suited for use in the field of aircraft, in particular, helicopters and other rotary wing aircraft. | 07-25-2013 |
20130189099 | Fluid Turbine Lightning Protection System - A fluid turbine lightning protection system includes at least one air termination device, formed at least in part of an electrically conductive material, that can be positioned on a shroud of a fluid turbine and placed in electrical communication with a down conduction system. The down conduction system is in electrical communication with an earth-termination system configured to dissipate electricity transferred thereto to the ground. The at least one air termination device is configured to intercept a lightning strike and direct it through the down conduction system, the earth-termination system, and into the ground. The at least one air termination device may be positioned on a turbine shroud based on a “Rolling Sphere” derivation wherein the “Rolling Sphere” derivation is derived from the equation r=10·I | 07-25-2013 |
20130189100 | WIND TURBINE COMPRISING A DETUNER - A wind turbine comprises a wind-driven rotor for converting wind energy to a mechanical driving force, a power converter for converting the driving force to exploitable power, and a drive train for rotatably transmitting the driving force from the wind-driven rotor to the power converter. The drive train includes: at least one rotatable driving element configured to provide at least one torsional resonance frequency in the drive train; a first detuner having at least one first mass element with a first mass inertia and at least one first elastic element with first elastic properties; and a second detuner having at least one second mass element with a second mass inertia and at least one second elastic element with second elastic properties. The first and second mass elements and first and second elastic elements are arranged to rotate during operation of the wind turbine. The torsional resonance frequency is influenced by the first and second mass inertias and the first and second first elastic properties. | 07-25-2013 |
20130195650 | Gas Turbine Pattern Swirl Film Cooling - A turbine airfoil includes a blade having a leading and trailing edges and an internal cooling circuit, and a plurality of film holes extending between the internal cooling circuit and an exterior of the blade. The plurality of film holes are shaped to generate a swirling flow exiting the film holes adjacent the leading edge to thereby enhance local convection and provide an insulating barrier to gaspath flow. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195651 | VARIABLE VANE DAMPING ASSEMBLY - A variable vane damping assembly includes an inner bushing and an outer bushing. The inner bushing comprises an elastomeric material. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195652 | Modal Tuning for Vanes - A vane having a cambered airfoil body is frequency-tuned via a number of cavities formed in a surface of the vane. At least some of the cavities are filled with a nonmetallic filler material, and the remainder of the cavities are left unfilled. A cover is affixed to the vane so as to cover at least the unfilled cavities. In an embodiment, the filling and covering of cavities is performed in a manner that excludes the frequency modes of the guide vane from a precluded band, e.g., an engine excitation band. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195653 | WIND TURBINE AND VIBRATION DAMPING METHOD THEREOF - There are provided a TMD adjusted to damp vibration in a natural frequency of a wind turbine, an AVC adjusted to damp vibration in a variable frequency of turbulent wind flowing into the wind turbine and/or a frequency of a rotation speed of a wind-turbine blade, and a pitch-angle control portion provided with a correction portion which adjusts a damping frequency of the AVC. The AVC is configured to obtain the damping force by changing the pitch angle of the wind-turbine blade. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195654 | Device and Method for Reducing Loads - A device for reducing loads in a drive train of a wind turbine includes a machine support. The wind turbine includes a sensor means, a controllable damper means, an actuating means. The sensor means is configured to detect at least one variable characterizing vibrations and/or misalignments in the drive train. The controllable damper means is configured to produce at least one adjusting torque which compensates at least one torque associated with the load in the drive train. The actuating means is configured to actuate the damping means based on the at least one variable detected by the sensor means. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195655 | BLADE TIP TO SHROUD CLEARANCE FOR SHROUDED FLUID TURBINES - Shrouded fluid turbines having features for setting, adjusting or controlling a blade tip-shroud clearance are described. Also described are methods for setting, adjusting or controlling a blade tip-shroud clearance in a shrouded fluid turbine. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195656 | Wind turbine, transport system and methods of operating, maintenance and construction of a wind turbine - Disclosed is a wind turbine with a nacelle and a rotor. The rotor includes a number of blades and a hub, the nacelle and the hub being connected with each other in an interface region so that a drive train extends from the hub into the nacelle. The wind turbine further includes a transport system for transporting hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluid from the nacelle into the hub. The transport system includes a rotary unit as a connection through which the fluid passes a part of which rotary unit rotates in operation together with the hub which rotary unit is positioned in the interface region. Further disclosed is a transport system and methods of operating, maintenance and construction of such wind turbine. | 08-01-2013 |
20130195657 | WIND TURBINE SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF BLADE ICING - The invention relates to a method for detecting icing and other loadings on blades of wind turbines. Advantageously, the method utilizes existing wind turbine actuators, for example pitch actuators, far excitation of blade vibrations. Vibration sensors on the blade such as strain sensors or accelerometers measure the blade vibrations excited in response to the actively excised vibrations. By comparing the measured response with previously obtained reference responses, it is possible to determine if blade icing is present. | 08-01-2013 |
20130202434 | Methods and Apparatuses for Non-Model Based Control for Counter-Rotating Open-Rotor Gas Turbine Engine - A simple, robust and systematic control solution for open rotor control with a differential gearbox is disclosed. When the two counter rotating rotors of a CROR engine are conditioned by the differential gearbox, the two rotors speeds are coupled for given input torque. The solution provided by the current disclosure mathematically decouples these two rotors by transforming the original individual actuator input and speed output into differential & average input and output. Because the newly formed control system representation of the plant has decoupled input/output mapping, it follows that the simple SISO control can be applied. Furthermore, the current control solutions allow a simple and well-coordinated speed phase synchronizing among the four rotors on a two-engine vehicle. | 08-08-2013 |
20130209252 | System and Method of Actuating a Swashplate for Main Rotor Control - The main rotor control system includes a rise/fall swashplate assembly that is coupled to three triplex actuators. The swashplate assembly is configured to provide full collective and cyclic pitch controls. Each triplex actuator includes three piston/cylinder assemblies in parallel. Selective actuation of each triplex actuator is controlled by a fly-by-wire system in conjunction with three flight control computers and three hydraulic power packs. Integrated three function valves can be associated with an individual manifold for each piston/cylinder assembly of each triplex actuator, the integrated three function valve be configured to insure safe operation of the triplex actuator during a failure of a certain piston/cylinder assembly. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209253 | TURBINE ASSEMBLY - According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes an airfoil extending from a blade and a dovetail located on a lower portion of the blade, wherein the dovetail has a dovetail contact surface. The turbine assembly also includes a member with a slot configured to couple to the airfoil via the dovetail, the slot having a slot contact surface to contact the dovetail contact surface, wherein the dovetail contact surface is reduced by a relief to alter a fundamental frequency of an assembly of the blade and member. | 08-15-2013 |
20130209254 | Method and Device for Preventing a Lateral Oscillation of a Wind Power Installation - A method for preventing a lateral oscillation of a tower of a wind power installation having at least two rotor blades with adjustable attitude angles includes determining a manipulated variable for setting the attitude angles on the basis of information about a pitch torque and a yaw torque of the head of the tower. In this context, a counteracting torque is generated which counteracts the pitch torque and the yaw torque without exciting a lateral oscillation of the tower if the attitude angles are set on the basis of the manipulated variable. | 08-15-2013 |
20130216378 | Passive Governor for Windpower Applications - A wind turbine with a passive pitch control system is disclosed. The wind turbine comprises a tower with a nacelle mounted to the tower. A hub is rotatably mounted to the nacelle. The hub has a plurality of blades extending therefrom with each blade rotatable around a longitudinal axis of each blade. A pitch control system is operatively associated with each blade. The pitch control system controls the pitch of each blade around the blade's longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the pitch control system comprises a flyweight governor and a preloaded spring biased against each other. | 08-22-2013 |
20130224017 | MISSION ADAPTIVE ROTOR BLADE - A rotor assembly for a rotary wing aircraft includes a plurality of rotor blades operably connected to a rotor shaft. Two or more active adaptive devices are located at one or more rotor blades of the plurality of rotor blades. The one or more active adaptive devices are operably connected to an aircraft flight control system such that, when activated, the one or more active adaptive devices change one or more operational characteristics of the rotor assembly. A method of operating a rotor assembly of a rotary wing aircraft includes rotating a plurality of rotor blades about a rotor shaft. Two or more active adaptive devices located at one or more rotor blades of the plurality of rotor blades are activated and change one or more operational characteristics of the rotor assembly. | 08-29-2013 |
20130224018 | ULTRASONIC SOUND EMITTING DEVICES FOR WIND TURBINES - A rotor blade for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade may generally include a body extending between a blade root and a blade tip. The body may include a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. In addition, the rotor blade may include a nozzle mounted on or within the body. The nozzle may include an inlet, an outlet and a converging section between the inlet and the outlet. The converging section may be configured to accelerate a flow of air through the nozzle such that an ultrasonic sound emission is produced. | 08-29-2013 |
20130224019 | TURBINE COOLING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A turbine blade of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The blade may comprise a first cooling passage and a second cooling passage, where the second cooling passage may be located adjacent a leading edge of the blade. The blade may further comprise at least one slot formed in a partition disposed between the first and second cooling passages, and at least one turbulator disposed within the second passage and downstream the at least one slot. | 08-29-2013 |
20130230394 | Turbine Bucket with Pressure Side Cooling - The present application provides a turbine bucket for use with a gas turbine engine. The turbine bucket may include a platform, an airfoil extending from the platform, and a number of cooling circuits extending through the platform and the airfoil. One of the cooling circuits may be a serpentine cooling channel positioned within the platform. | 09-05-2013 |
20130230395 | BLADE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A blade speed control system is disclosed and applied to a generator and a blade. A control method of the blade speed control system includes: setting the blade speed control system to a first mode; detecting a voltage value and a current value of the generator by a processing unit; generating a modulated signal according to the voltage value and the current value by the processing unit; switching the blade speed control system to a second mode by the processing unit; and adjusting the current value according to the modulated signal by a control unit. | 09-05-2013 |
20130230396 | WIND TURBINE GENERATOR, ACTIVE DAMPING METHOD THEREOF, AND WINDMILL TOWER - A wind turbine generator, an active damping method thereof, and a windmill tower in which vibrations of the wind turbine generator itself or the windmill tower can be reduced at low cost are provided. The acceleration is detected with an accelerometer attached to the nacelle. In an active damping unit, a pitch angle of windmill blades for generating a thrust is calculated on the basis of the acceleration, and the pitch angle is output as a blade-pitch-angle command δθ* for damping. In a pitch-angle control unit, a pitch angle of the windmill blades for controlling the output, and the pitch angle is output as a blade-pitch-angle command θ* for output control. The blade-pitch-angle command δθ* for damping is combined with the blade-pitch-angle command θ* for output control using a subtracter. The pitch angle of the windmill blades is controlled on the basis of the resulting blade-pitch-angle command after combining. | 09-05-2013 |
20130230397 | Fan Control Device and Fan Control Method and Cooling System Thereof - The present invention discloses a fan control device for controlling a fan. The fan control device includes a barometer, for measuring an atmospheric pressure of an operating environment of the fan, and a maximum rotating speed setting unit, for setting a maximum operable rotating speed of the fan according to the atmospheric pressure. | 09-05-2013 |
20130230398 | PADDLE FOR WATER SPORTS - A paddle includes a paddle shaft having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. A first paddle blade is coupled with the first end and includes front and back faces. A second paddle blade is coupled with the second end and also includes front and back faces. A first grip is coupled to the second paddle blade front face remote from the paddle shaft second end while a reinforcing spine is provided to the second paddle blade back face. A method is also disclosed. | 09-05-2013 |
20130230399 | MAGNUS-ROTOR - The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a carrier, and a rotary body mounted rotatably to the carrier, as well as a drive device for driving the rotary body. The carrier has at least one opening which connects an internal space in the carrier with an external space in such a way that air can pass through between those two spaces. The invention further concerns a method of cooling elements of a Magnus rotor, a method of heating a rotary body of a Magnus rotor and a ship. | 09-05-2013 |
20130230400 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE DURING A FAULT - A method and a system for operating a wind turbine ( | 09-05-2013 |
20130236306 | TOROIDAL AUGMENTED WIND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM USING A MODIFIED AND INTEGRATED VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE ROTOR AND GENERATOR ASSEMBLY - A wind power generating system in which a plurality of stationary modules form a toroidal shaped tower that accelerates wind passing around and between the modules due to the Bernoulli Effect. Between the modules are located a plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotors with an integrated generator system that in combination forms an integrated rotor and generator assembly connected to a rotatable yaw platform via an improved support arm. The rotor and generator assemblies act independently of each other to accommodate different wind conditions at different altitudes and to provide partial production to significantly enhance overall wind production. | 09-12-2013 |
20130236307 | ROTOR BLADE PITCHING ARRANGEMENT - A rotor blade pitching arrangement for a two-part rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided. The arrangement has a bearing realised to connect a tip blade part of the two-part wind turbine rotor blade to a main blade part of the two-part wind turbine rotor blade such that the tip blade part is rotatable relative to the main blade part about an axis of rotation. The arrangement has a pitch angle adjusting device for obtaining a specific pitching angle of the tip blade part to increase and decrease a rotational speed of a rotor of the wind turbine. | 09-12-2013 |
20130236308 | WIND TURBINE HAVING A HEAT TRANSFER SYSTEM - A method of starting up wind turbine ( | 09-12-2013 |
20130236309 | METHOD FOR REDUCING OSCILLATIONS IN OFFSHORE WIND TURBINES - The invention relates to a method of reducing oscillations in an offshore wind turbine comprising one or more thrusters, the method comprising determining an oscillation of the offshore wind turbine and operating the one or more thrusters such that the oscillation is reduced. The invention further relates to an offshore wind turbine comprising one or more underwater thrusters, oscillation determination system for determining an oscillation of the wind turbine and a control system for operating the underwater thrusters in response to signals received from the oscillation determination system. | 09-12-2013 |
20130243590 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THRUST ON A WIND TURBINE - Systems and methods for determining thrust on a wind turbine are disclosed. In one aspect, a system is described that can be comprised of a wind turbine comprising a rotor, wherein one or more rotor blades of the wind turbine are affixed to the rotor; and one or more sensors located on or within the rotor, wherein the one or more sensors measure deflection of the rotor. In one aspect, the measured deflection is correlated with thrust on the wind turbine and the measured thrust can be used to determine at least in part a pitch angle for at least one of the one or more rotor blades during peak shaving. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243591 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE AIRFOIL COOLING CIRCUIT - An airfoil for a gas turbine engine according to one exemplary embodiment includes an airfoil body that extends between a leading edge and a trailing edge. A cooling circuit can be defined within the airfoil body. The cooling circuit can include at least one trip strip disposed within a cavity of the cooling circuit between a leading edge inner wall and a first rib. The at least one trip strip can include an increasing height in a direction from the first rib toward the leading edge inner wall. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243592 | MAGNUS ROTOR - The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a carrier arranged in the interior of the Magnus rotor, a rotor which rotates about the carrier in operation of the Magnus rotor, a plate which horizontally closes off the rotor, and a bearing which carries the rotor on the carrier. The rotor has at least one opening in the plate. The carrier has at least one fixing point for lifting the Magnus rotor by means of at least one fixing means and a lifting apparatus. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243593 | MAGNUS ROTOR - The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a carrier arranged in the interior of the Magnus rotor, a rotor which in operation of the Magnus rotor rotates about the carrier, a bearing which carries the rotor on the carrier and a heating device provided for producing heated air in the interior of the carrier. The carrier has at least one opening at its outside, which connects the internal space in the carrier to the intermediate space between the carrier and the rotor in such a way that air can pass through between those two spaces. | 09-19-2013 |
20130243594 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING LOADS OF A WIND TURBINE BLADE - Method and blade monitoring system for monitoring bending moment of a wind turbine blade. The method comprises obtaining a first sensor set signal indicative of a first bending moment at a first sensor position different from the tip end along the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine blade, and estimating a bending moment at a first estimation position along the longitudinal axis based on the first sensor set signal, wherein the first sensor position is different from the first estimation position along the longitudinal axis. The blade monitoring system comprises a processing unit and an interface connected to the processing unit, the processing unit being configured for performing the method. | 09-19-2013 |
20130259681 | ENHANCED PERFORMANCE ROTORCRAFT ROTOR BLADE - An enhanced performance rotorcraft rotor blade system and methods are presented. A rotor blade comprises an inboard blade portion, and at least one controllable surface coupled to the inboard blade portion. The at least one controllable surface is operable to improve a lift of the inboard blade portion by altering an angle of attack of the inboard blade portion independent of the rotor blade. | 10-03-2013 |
20130259682 | METHOD OF ROTOR-STALL PREVENTION IN WIND TURBINES - A method for operating a wind turbine is based on providing a wind turbine that includes a control system programmed to adjust a blade pitch angle of one or more rotor blades without knowledge of rotor blade efficiency. A blade pitch angle of one or more rotor blades is adjusted in response to the current conditions experienced by the wind turbine to provide a blade pitch angle that is greater than or equal to a blade pitch angle necessary to maintain a predetermined minimum rotor stall margin according to modeled aerodynamic performance of the rotor blades such that continuous operation of the wind turbine is maintained without transitions to the stalled mode. | 10-03-2013 |
20130259683 | RAM AIR TURBINE BIASING ASSEMBLY - An example ram air turbine biasing assembly includes a support member that holds a biasing member. The biasing member biases a component of a ram air turbine. The support member includes a step that limits movement of the component toward the biasing member. | 10-03-2013 |
20130259684 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ATTENUATING NOISE IN A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine having an attenuating unit is presented. One embodiment of the wind turbine includes a tower and a power unit disposed at a first end of the tower. The wind turbine further includes the attenuating unit that is operatively coupled to at least one of the tower and the power unit and configured to attenuate at least the portion of the vibrational bending waves having a frequency above a threshold frequency to reduce the tonal noise of the wind turbine. | 10-03-2013 |
20130259685 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PURGING A GAS TURBINE ROTOR - A rotor wheel for a gas turbine rotor has a first side having a plurality of curved paddles separated by a plurality of curved slots and a second side having a plurality of radial paddles separated by a plurality of radial slots. A method of purging a rotor of a gas turbine includes providing a flow of compressed air between adjacent rotor wheels of the rotor in a radially downward direction on a first side of each wheel and in a radially upward direction on a second side of each wheel; passing the flow through a curved slots on the first side of each rotor wheel; and passing the flow through radial slots on the second side of each rotor wheel. | 10-03-2013 |
20130259686 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - A method includes obtaining at least one operational parameter value and at least one environmental parameter value associated with a wind turbine, predicting a future speed of the wind turbine based upon the at least one operational parameter value and the at least one environmental parameter value, determining whether the predicted future speed of the wind turbine exceeds a threshold speed, and if the predicted future speed of the wind turbine exceeds the threshold speed, controlling the wind turbine so that an actual future speed of the wind turbine does not exceed the threshold speed. | 10-03-2013 |
20130259687 | TURBOMACHINE THERMAL MANAGEMENT - An example turbomachine assembly includes, among other things, a nose cone of a turbomachine. The nose cone provides an aperture that communicates air to an interior of the nose cone. | 10-03-2013 |
20130259688 | PITCH LOCK SYSTEM - A pitch lock system for a wind turbine with a rotor, at least one pitchable blade and a interface having a pitch bearing system with a first bearing ring, a second bearing ring and a pitch drive installed at a support plate at a structural part connected to the first bearing ring and interacting with teeth on a toothed element, where the toothed element is in fixed connection with the second bearing part. The pitch lock system has at least a base plate and an arrangement for fastening the base plate indirectly to the first bearing ring and a locking pawl that can be fasten to the base plate with an element on the locking pawl interacting with the toothed element. | 10-03-2013 |
20130266441 | FLEXIBLE FLAP ARRANGEMENT FOR A WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE - A flap arrangement for a wind turbine rotor blade, which includes a leading edge, a trailing edge and a chord line between the leading edge and the trailing edge, is described. The flap arrangement includes a support portion and a flap portion which is passively moveable with respect to an angle between a surface normal of a surface of the flap portion and the chord line. The support portion and the flap portion are positioned relatively to each other such that the support portion provides a limit to the movement of the flap portion. Also described are a wind turbine rotor blade including the flap arrangement and a method of enhancing the aerodynamic performance of a blade. | 10-10-2013 |
20130266442 | PADDLE - A paddle has a first shaft portion with a handle and a second shaft portion with a blade. The first and second shaft portions are telescopically engageable to provide a variable length paddle shaft. The shaft portions include engager connection features and engageable connection features that cooperate for selectively securing the handle and the blade in at least two different rotational orientations. The shaft portions also include two 90-degree offset locking cams that rotate between locked and unlocked conditions. | 10-10-2013 |
20130272873 | Actuator for Use in a Rotor Blade - A rotor blade includes an actuator comprising an electric motor having a rotary drive shaft, a bearing for mounting the rotary drive shaft along an axis extending along the length of the rotor blade, and a lubrication system for lubricating the bearing. The lubrication system includes a sump closer to the tip of the blade than the bearing, and a pump for pumping lubricant from the sump to the bearing. | 10-17-2013 |
20130272874 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A BENDING ANGLE OF A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE SYSTEM - A method for determining a bending angle of a rotor blade of a wind turbine system includes step of reading in an acceleration signal which represents an acceleration of the rotor blade acting essentially perpendicularly with respect to a rotor plane. In addition, the method includes a step of determining the bending angle of the rotor blade of the wind turbine using the acceleration signal. | 10-17-2013 |
20130272875 | WIND TURBINE WITH ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - A wind turbine includes at least one blade ( | 10-17-2013 |
20130272876 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD TO ROTATE THE HUB OF A WIND TURBINE - An arrangement and a method of rotating a hub of a wind turbine are provided. A wind turbine includes a hub mounted to a nacelle, whereby the hub is rotatable around an axis of rotation in respect to the nacelle. A rotor blade is arranged at the hub that leads to a torque around the axis of rotation of the hub. A counter weight is attached to the hub, whereby the counter weight has a mass that leads to a counter-torque around the axis of rotation. The counter-torque interacts with the torque during the installation of a second rotor blade to the hub. The counter weight is mounted to the hub by a mechanical arrangement that is rotatable in respect to the hub around the axis of rotation of the hub. The mechanical arrangement and the counter weight are rotatable in respect to the hub into a certain predetermined position. | 10-17-2013 |
20130272877 | WIND TURBINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A measurement system is provided for a wind turbine having a plurality of rotor blades mounted to a spinner at the front of a nacelle and arranged to rotate in a rotor plane. The measurement system includes a measuring device for determining a pressure at a number of pressure measurement points. The pressure measurement points are arranged in front of the rotor plane, an analysis module for generating a control signal on the basis of the pressure measurements, and output means for issuing the control signal to a controller of the wind turbine. | 10-17-2013 |
20130272878 | System, Device, and Method for Adjusting Wind Turbine Component Workload - A system, a device and a method for controlling an operation of a wind turbine ( | 10-17-2013 |
20130280064 | WIND TURBINE WITH ADJUSTABLE DAMPER - A wind turbine is provided, comprising a rotor arranged at a nacelle, the nacelle supported by a tower, and a damper including a movable mass. The damper is adapted for variably adjusting a frequency response of the wind turbine. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280065 | PROPELLER BLADE PITCH ACTUATION SYSTEM - A propeller blade pitch actuation system includes a propeller control module (PCM), a PCM drain line, a first drain line, a drain line restriction, a second drain line, and a valve. The PCM drain line connects to the PCM to drain hydraulic fluid. The first drain line is downstream of the PCM drain line and the drain line restriction is downstream of the first drain line. The second drain line is downstream of the PCM drain line. The valve includes a first valve position and a second valve position. The first valve position connects the PCM drain line to the first drain line and the second valve position connects the PCM drain line to the second drain line. Hydraulic pressure of the first drain line between the valve and the drain line restriction is greater than hydraulic pressure of the second drain line. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280066 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE IN NOISE REDUCED OPERATION MODES - According to the present disclosure, a method of operating a wind turbine including operating the wind turbine in a noise reduction mode based on at least one set point of a wind turbine parameter such that noise produced by said wind turbine remains below a predefined noise emission level, obtaining an actual air density related value, and applying a correction factor to the at least one set point of a wind turbine parameter is provided. The correction factor is determined in dependence of said actual air density related value. | 10-24-2013 |
20130280067 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - A method of controlling a wind turbine rotor blade, the blade comprising a pitch axis about which the blade can be pitched, and a flap movable to alter the aerodynamic profile of the blade, the method comprising the steps of: providing a pitch angle request (θ) to a pitch actuator; determining an initial flap angle request (β_flap); providing a decoupled flap angle request (β) to a flap actuator; herein the decoupled flap angle request (β) is calculated from the pitch angle request (θ) and the initial flap angle request (β_flap) such that the decoupled flap angle (β) provided to the flap actuator does not counteract the pitch angle request (θ); and pitching the blade according to the pitch angle request (θ) and moving the flap according to the decoupled flap angle request (β). | 10-24-2013 |
20130280068 | METHOD FOR DAMPING A GAS-TURBINE BLADE, AND VIBRATION DAMPER FOR IMPLEMENTING SAME - A turbine wheel with optimal-mass dampers to dampen a predetermined resonance in context of vibration of a turbine, particularly a low-speed turbine, while assisting in flexibility of adapting to bearing surfaces of recesses of the dampers, by separating mass and flexibility functions by a flexible portion for clamping against the platform, and a mass portion for controlling frictional forces. A damper includes a plate and a counterweight. The plate is stamped from a metal sheet that is substantially thinner than that of the counterweight. The plate includes a wall configured to flexibly contact a platform of the blade of the wheel, while at least partially surrounding a surface of the counterweight. The damper can be used in particular for a wheel of a turbine of a turbine engine, of a fan, or of a BP compressor having mounted blades. | 10-24-2013 |
20130287567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING THE LIKELIHOOD OF A TOWER STRIKE WHERE A ROTOR BLADE STRIKES THE TOWER OF A WIND TURBINE - A system for identifying the likelihood of a wind turbine rotor blade striking a wind turbine tower comprises a device for sensing bending of a wind turbine rotor blade and a device for sensing bending of a wind turbine tower. In a preferred embodiment Long Period Grating (LPG) sensors are used to measure bending of the tower. Preferably a plurality of LPG sensors is provided along the length of the blade. In one embodiment at least one of the LPG sensors comprises two sensing elements arranged to sense in perpendicular directions. In another embodiment a plurality of LPG sensors are provided each on different sides of the wind turbine tower. A processor uses the sensed blade and tower bending to determine whether the distance between the blade and the tower will be below a predetermined minimum value. If the distance is determined to be below the predetermined minimum value a controller may be used to adjust a wind turbine variable to reduce loading on the blade and thereby reduce the likelihood of a tower strike. | 10-31-2013 |
20130287568 | SUPERVISION OF CONTROLLER INSTABILITY IN A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine including a controller configured to periodically enter an Eigen frequency detection mode in which the controller gain is incremented in a controlled manner to detect the Eigen frequencies. During normal operations, the controller output may be monitored to detect the Eigen frequency which, if detected, may allow damage control operations to be undertaken. | 10-31-2013 |
20130294911 | METHOD OF REDUCING A STRUCTURAL UNBALANCE IN A WIND TURBINE ROTOR AND DEVICE FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD - Disclosed is a method of reducing a structural unbalance in a wind turbine rotor with pitch control and a control device for performing. A frequency component is detected resulting from the structural unbalance in the wind turbine rotor on the basis of the rotor speed signal. The multiplying the frequency component signal is multiplied by a complex correction factor. Individual pitch angle offsets are establishing for each blade of the rotor based on the magnitude and the phase and complex correction factor. Individual pitch angle offset are added to the respective pitch angles of the blades of the rotor. | 11-07-2013 |
20130302161 | CONTROLLER OF WIND TURBINE AND WIND TURBINE - Techniques for operating a wind turbine are described herein. In an example, a wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle coupled to the tower, a rotor rotatably coupled to the nacelle, at least one blade coupled to the rotor and configured to rotate about a pitch axis, and a controller to operate the wind turbine based on predicted wind speed values. The controller includes a twist determination module to determine a blade-twist value, wherein the blade-twist value is indicative of an actual blade-twist of a rotor blade during operation of the wind turbine. The controller may further include a wind speed determination module to determine at least one wind speed value indicative of a wind speed using the blade-twist value. | 11-14-2013 |
20130302162 | BLADE TIP HAVING A RECESSED AREA - An example blade assembly includes, among other things a blade tip having a pressure side and a suction side, and a plurality of grooves within the blade tip. At least one of the grooves has a contour that is different than both a contour of the pressure side and a contour of the suction side. | 11-14-2013 |
20130302163 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING TURBINE ROTORS - Connecting rotors in rotary machines, particularly turbines, is generally described. Some aspects of the invention provide for a simplified attachment rotors to each other and/or other components of a turbine assembly, such as, drive shaft, using friction fit. | 11-14-2013 |
20130309088 | Method for Protecting Wind Turbine Equipment in Fire Event - A method for protecting wind turbine equipment in a fire event is disclosed. The method may include providing a wind turbine and a fire detection and suppression system capable of detecting a fire within the wind turbine, the fire detection and suppression system further capable of generating and communicating a fire signal to the wind turbine, the fire signal including a location of the fire within the wind turbine and taking one or more actions by the wind turbine in response to the fire signal, the one or more actions dependent upon the location of the fire within the wind turbine. | 11-21-2013 |
20130309089 | SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY ACTIVE SPARS FOR BLADE TWIST - A system for changing a shape a structural spar includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of adjoining structural strips axially aligned to form the structural spar. At least one of the structural strips is formed from a shape memory alloy. The system also includes a temperature control system to control a temperature of the at least one shape memory alloy strip. Heat applied to the at least one shape memory alloy strip causes the structural spar to twist or bend. | 11-21-2013 |
20130309090 | WIND TURBINE HAVING HELIPLATFORM ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A wind turbine for generating electrical energy may include a tower, a nacelle at the top of the tower, and a rotor coupled to a generator within the nacelle. The wind turbine further includes a cooler including a spoiler and at least one cooler panel projecting above a roof of the nacelle. A heliplatform includes a support structure extending from the nacelle and at least partially integrated with the cooler. The wind turbine may also include a crane coupled to the nacelle and configured to move between a first stowed position underneath the nacelle roof and a second operational position. In the operational position, the crane is selectively positionable over the heliplatform. A method of using the wind turbine and crane is also disclosed. | 11-21-2013 |
20130323050 | Electrohydraulic Propeller Governor - A propeller governor for controlling blade pitch of a variable pitch propeller has a hydraulic control circuit coupled to the propeller to change blade pitch in response to hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic control circuit has a first pressure path configured to adjust blade pitch within a first range of blade pitch, and a second, different pressure path configured to adjust blade pitch within a second range of blade pitch. An electrohydraulic servo valve of the governor is configured to adjust hydraulic pressure in the first pressure path to adjust blade pitch within the first range and to adjust hydraulic pressure in the second pressure path to adjust blade pitch within the second range. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323051 | WIND TURBINE GENERATOR AND VALVE FUNCTION CHECKING METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE GENERATOR - An object is to facilitate checking of functional normality of a pilot check valve. A wind turbine generator includes a pilot check valve for restricting a flow of hydraulic oil relative to each oil hydraulic cylinder for changing a pitch angle of each blade, and the pilot check valve functions for fixing the pitch angle of the blade to a feather position in a state in which rotation of the blade is stopped. The function of the pilot check valve may be hindered. The wind turbine generator detects an operation state of the blade during a process of changing the pitch angle of the blade from the feather position to a fine position, and compares the detected operation state of the blade to an operation state of the blade when the pilot check valve functions normally, to determine whether or not there is any abnormality in the pilot check valve. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323052 | RETAINING RING - A retaining ring assembly for a gas turbine engine. The retaining ring assembly may include a discontinuous ring member having first and second portions of reduced cross-sectional area. The second portion may be configured to overlap the first portion. Further, the first and second portions may each include a transition portion configured to transition from a main portion of the ring member to a respective one of the first and second portions. Also, each transition portion may include a rounded fillet extending along the length of the transition portion. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323053 | SHROUD FOR PRE-TWISTED AIRFOILS - A method and a blade for a turbine or, more generally a turbomachine, are described with the blade having at a top end a shroud segment designed to engage with shroud segments of adjacent blades in an ring-shaped assembly at least partly by means of assembling the blades with the shroud segment having a central indentation along an engaging face. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323054 | CONTROL SYSTEM FOR AN AXIAL FLOW TURBINE - The invention relates to an axial flow turbine and method of operating thereof. The turbine comprises a last stage of rotating blades located towards a downstream end of the turbine having a distal region at an end of the airfoil of the blades. A monitoring control system has at least one sensor in the distal region of at least one last stage blade for measuring at least one physical property of the airfoil and a control element that is capable of influencing at least one physical property of the distal region. The control system further includes a controller that adjusts the control element based on at least measured physical property so by controlling the at least one physical property. | 12-05-2013 |
20130323055 | ADJUSTMENT DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING AN ANGLE OF INCIDENCE OF A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND POWER PLANT - The invention concerns an adjusting device for adjusting the pitch angle of a rotor blade of a wind power installation including an adjusting motor for moving the rotor blade through the pitch angle, an actuating unit for actuating the adjusting motor with electric current, wherein the actuating unit is connected to an electric power supply network, and an emergency power supply device for supplying and actuating the adjusting motor with electric current in the event of a failure of the electric power supply network, wherein the emergency power supply device has an electric storage means for storing electric energy to provide the electric current for actuation of the adjusting motor and wherein the actuating unit is adapted to charge up the electric storage means of the emergency power supply device with electric energy. | 12-05-2013 |
20130336786 | Automatic Inspection of a Lightning Protection System on a Wind Turbine - A system and method for automatically inspecting a lightning protection system on a wind turbine is disclosed. The system and method may include a wind turbine having a plurality of blades mounted to a hub, a lightning receptor on each of the plurality of blades, a lightning protection system extending from each of the lightning receptor to an earth grounding grid and a conductor that is part of a testing system extending from at least inside the hub, through the inside of at least one of the plurality of blades and connecting to the lightning receptor, the conductor completing a circuit extending from the lightning receptor to the earth grounding grid. A test current signal may be introduced into the testing system for a leg of the lightning protection system to be tested and an electrical continuity in the circuit using the test current signal may be determined. | 12-19-2013 |
20130343887 | Variable Speed Friction Wheel Drive Train for Wind Turbines - A variable speed ratio speed increaser drive train for a wind turbine is disclosed. The drive train may include at least one drive wheel adapted to receive mechanical energy from a main shaft of the wind turbine and capable of rotating at a variable input rotational speed and at least one driven wheel in at least indirect contact with the at least one drive wheel, the at least one driven wheel capable of at least indirectly translating against the at least one drive wheel to vary a speed ratio of the drive train to provide a constant output rotational speed. | 12-26-2013 |
20130343888 | WIND TURBINE AND A METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - The invention provides a wind turbine comprising a rotatable drive train including at least one bearing ( | 12-26-2013 |
20140003936 | Systems and Methods to Reduce Tower Oscillations in a Wind Turbine | 01-02-2014 |
20140003937 | COMPONENT AND A METHOD OF COOLING A COMPONENT | 01-02-2014 |
20140003938 | STALL DETECTION OF WIND TURBINE BLADES | 01-02-2014 |
20140003939 | LOAD SHAPE CONTROL OF WIND TURBINES | 01-02-2014 |
20140010650 | TIP LEAKAGE FLOW DIRECTIONALITY CONTROL - A turbine airfoil comprises a suction sidewall, a pressure sidewall, a tip wall, and a tip leakage control channel. Each sidewall extends spanwise from an airfoil base and chordwise between a leading edge and a trailing edge. The tip wall extends chordwise from the leading edge to the trailing edge and joins respective outer spanwise ends of the suction and pressure sidewalls. The tip leakage control channel has an inlet and an outlet recessed into an outer surface of the tip wall. An inlet of the channel begins proximate a junction of the airfoil pressure sidewall and the tip wall. An outlet of the channel terminates at a recessed portion of the junction of the tip wall and the suction sidewall. | 01-09-2014 |
20140010651 | WIND TURBINE AND LOCKING METHOD - A method of locking a rotor of a wind turbine, the method including positioning of the rotor in a locking position; applying a rotor lock; forcing the rotor to turn in a first direction; and, applying a rotor brake. | 01-09-2014 |
20140017079 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO ACTIVELY PITCH TO REDUCE EXTREME LOADS ON WIND TURBINE - The present invention relates to a method of controlling an idling wind turbine in which wind condition data and wind turbine position data are collected by a sensor system, a control system computes an optimal pitch angle for a rotor blade of the wind turbine, and a pitching system continuously turns the rotor blades in the same direction in multiples of 360 degrees. The present invention further relates to a wind turbine with a sensor system including a wind sensor that measures wind condition data in the vicinity of the wind turbine, and a control system including a computer that executes a control algorithm and processes sensor input from the sensor system to compute an optimal pitch angle value for a rotor blade on the hub. This allows pitching the rotor blade into angle in which the mechanical loads of that rotor blade are reduced to a minimum when idling. | 01-16-2014 |
20140017080 | WIND TURBINE, WIND FARM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING POWER - Exemplary embodiments concern a wind turbine having a horizontal axis and at least one rotor blade, which in regular operation at a wind speed of more than 4 m/s always comprises a static thrust coefficient c | 01-16-2014 |
20140017081 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING PITCH SYSTEMS OF A WIND TURBINE - A method is provided for controlling the pitch systems of a plurality of pitch systems of a wind turbine. The method includes generating a main pitch control signal for the pitch systems on the basis of a performance parameter of the wind turbine and generating a distinct auxiliary pitch control signal for each individual pitch system of the plurality of pitch systems. The method further includes adding an auxiliary pitch control signal to the main pitch control signal to give a combined pitch control signal for a pitch system. The method then includes controlling that pitch system in response to that combined pitch control signal wherein an auxiliary pitch control signal is suppressed when a pitch activity value and/or a pitch variation value is below a predefined threshold. | 01-16-2014 |
20140017082 | BLADE PITCH SYSTEM WITH A DUAL WINDING ACTUATOR - In a first aspect, the present invention provides a blade pitch system for a wind turbine, comprising at least one multi winding motor comprising a main independent set of control windings and at least one auxiliary independent set of control windings; and at least a main independent power electronic converter for controlling the main independent set of control windings, and an auxiliary independent power electronic converter for controlling the auxiliary independent set of control windings. | 01-16-2014 |
20140023497 | COOLED TURBINE BLADE TIP SHROUD WITH FILM/PURGE HOLES - A cooled turbine blade shroud with purge holes located proximate regions of the tip shroud cooling cavity that experience cooling air flow recirculation or stagnation. The purge holes may be oriented radially from the cooling cavity to a surface, such as the outer top surface and/or inner/bottom surface, of the tip shroud, and may provide improved heat transfer and consequent cooling and enhanced tip shroud life. | 01-23-2014 |
20140023498 | ROTATING STALL DETECTION USING OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF BLADE UNTWIST - Systems and methods are provided for real-time detection of the onset of stall in turbomachinery, such as compressor stall. The methods are capable of detecting and analyzing time of arrival of the chord of the blade at a sensor array to provide an indication of the onset of compressor stall. Systems for detecting the onset of compressor stall include: light sources; a plurality of linearly arranged optical fibers for transmitting light from the light sources and for receiving transmitted light reflected from a blade; a detector for measuring intensity of the reflected light; and a processor for analyzing the intensity of the reflected light to determine blade twist angle and from the blade twist angle identify onset of compressor stall. The invention can prevent the needless loss of life and assets caused by compressor stall that may lead to unexpected catastrophic failure of an engine. | 01-23-2014 |
20140023499 | PROPELLER OPERATION - A method of and apparatus for operating a propeller, the propeller moving through a fluid, the method including: measuring a value of a property of the fluid (e.g. a parameter related to the density of the fluid); measuring a value of a parameter, the parameter related to one or more forces applied to the propeller (e.g. a torque applied to the propeller) or derived at least in part from the action of the propeller (e.g. a thrust produced by the action of the propeller, a drag produced by the action of the propeller, or a velocity produced by the action of the propeller); and controlling the propeller depending on a function of the measured value of the property of the fluid and the measured value of parameter. The propeller may be a propeller on an aircraft. | 01-23-2014 |
20140030089 | WIND TURBINE LIFETIME ESTIMATOR - A method of operating at least one wind turbine is described, comprising: determining a plurality of stress events of at least one component of the at least one wind turbine; determining at least one accumulated stress from at least two of the plurality of stress events; determining at least one residual lifetime based at least partially on the at least one accumulated stress. | 01-30-2014 |
20140030090 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING TOWER CLEARANCE IN A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine control system includes a detecting unit for adjusting a reference nodding moment of a wind turbine rotor based on at least one of an aerodynamic thrust on the wind turbine rotor and a speed of wind; a compensating unit for determining a physical nodding moment of the wind turbine rotor, comparing the physical nodding moment with the reference nodding moment, and using the comparison to compute a pitch angle command for at least one wind turbine blade; and a driving unit for changing a pitch of the at least one blade based on the pitch angle command to control the physical nodding moment of the wind turbine rotor. | 01-30-2014 |
20140030091 | CONTROL METHOD AND CONTROL SYSTEM OF FAN - A control method of a fan comprises steps of detecting a rotational speed of a blade and a rotor position of the blade; generating a control signal according to the rotational speed and a predetermined rotational speed; obtaining a Back-EMF waveform according to the control signal, the rotational speed, the rotor position and a waveform; adjusting the phase of the Back-EMF waveform; and outputting a switch control signal. | 01-30-2014 |
20140030092 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING ROTATING BLADE HEALTH - A method and system for establishing sets of blade frequency values for each rotating blade of a rotor assembly at two or more different points in time and determining an indication of blade health from the change in the blade frequency values is provided. Blade frequency values are determined by receiving measurements of vibratory responses from blade monitoring equipment ( | 01-30-2014 |
20140037446 | Rotor ice protection systems and methods - A method for managing icing conditions on a rotary aircraft via one or more ice protection controllers. The method includes steps for receiving an icing condition signal from an icing rate sensor at an ice protection controller, determining, in response to the icing condition signal, a de-icing signal based at least in part a liquid water content (LWC). The method further includes steps for transmitting, via a digital communication bus disposed in at least part of a slip ring assembly, the de-icing signal to a upper distributor to cause the upper distributor to transmit power to one or more heating elements for a respective rotor blade. | 02-06-2014 |
20140037447 | WIND TURBINE YAW CONTROL - A method for operating a wind farm is provided. The method includes determining a wind condition, determining a wake-effect between at least two wind turbines forming at least a sub-set of the wind farm, each of the at least two wind turbines having a yaw system, and determining a desired yaw angle setpoint for each of the at least two wind turbines so that a total power production of at least the sub-set is expected to be increased compared to independently operating the yaw systems of each of the at least two wind turbines. Furthermore, a wind farm is provided | 02-06-2014 |
20140037448 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING ROTOR IMBALANCE ON A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine includes multiple blades, multiple Micro Inertial Measurement Units (MIMUs) for sensing parameter signals of the blades, and a control system. The control system includes a blade bending moment calculation unit, a blade bending moment error signal calculation unit, and a pitch angle compensation command calculation unit. The blade bending moment calculation unit is used for calculating blade bending moment values of the blades based at least on the sensed parameters. The blade bending moment error signal calculation unit is used for calculating blade bending moment error signals of the blades based on the calculated blade bending moment values of the blades and multiple blade bending moment commands. The pitch angle compensation command calculation unit is used for calculating pitch angle compensation commands of the blades based on the calculated blade bending moment error signals to adjust pitch angles of the blades respectively. | 02-06-2014 |
20140037449 | Power Plant for Obtaining Energy from a Flow of a Body of Water, and Method for the Operation Thereof - A power plant for obtaining energy from a flow of a body of water with a varying main incident flow direction, comprising a rotating unit with an axial turbine assigned an axis of rotation and comprises at least one rotor blade, the rotor blade is fastened in a rotationally conjoint manner to a rotor head of the rotating unit, and the rotor blade has at least over a partial region of the longitudinal extent thereof, a profile which can be impinged on by flow bidirectionally for windward and leeward operation. A rotary device is provided for a power plant component for adjusting a relative angle between the axis of rotation and the main flow direction, wherein the rotary device is assigned a first stop and a second stop which limit the range of movement of the rotary device to a range of angle of rotation of less than 180°. | 02-06-2014 |
20140044541 | INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR EXPLOITING WIND ENERGY - The invention relates to the field of methods and floating platforms for exploiting wind energy offshore. In particular, the invention provides a floating platform ( | 02-13-2014 |
20140050579 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BRAKING A WIND TURBINE ROTOR AT AN OVERSPEED CONDITION - A system and method for braking a wind turbine includes monitoring rotation of the wind turbine generator rotor. A braking torque is applied to reduce the rotational speed of the rotor at a first setpoint rotational speed. The braking torque is proportionally increased as the rotational speed of the rotor increases beyond the first detected setpoint rotational speed up to a maximum braking torque. | 02-20-2014 |
20140050580 | WIND TURBINE WITH ACTUATING TAIL AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A horizontal axis wind turbine assembly adapted for use atop a tower includes a frame, a yaw shaft assembly coupling the frame to the tower, an alternator secured to the frame, a shaft coupled to the alternator to produce electrical power, a rotor hub coupled to the shaft, a plurality of blades secured to the rotor hub, and a tail assembly rotatably coupled about a vertical axis to the frame. The tail assembly is operable to move to a first, straight position aligned with the horizontal axis, and a second position rotated an angle θ from the horizontal axis. An actuator is secured to the frame and is adapted to rotate the tail assembly the angle θ from the horizontal axis. | 02-20-2014 |
20140050581 | EROSION PROTECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An erosion protection system and method applicable to foils or aerodynamic surfaces. Single element erosion protective elements having joggles are provided, each single element being alignable with the next to provide a contiguous erosion protection layer. | 02-20-2014 |
20140056705 | LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE - A load control system for a wind turbine and a method for controlling wind turbine loading are provided. The system includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a light source mounted to a rotor shaft and configured to emit a light, and a sensor mounted to the rotor shaft and configured to sense the light and measure a location of the light in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly. | 02-27-2014 |
20140056706 | OPERATING A WIND TURBINE WITH MULTIPLE TEMPERATURE SENSORS - A method of operating a wind turbine and a wind turbine employing this method are provided. The method includes measuring an operating temperature in a plurality of components of the wind turbine yielding a plurality of measured operating temperatures. Each measured operating temperature is subtracted from a predefined maximum allowable operating temperature for the corresponding component of the wind turbine thereby yielding a plurality of operating temperature margins. A minimum operating temperature margin among the plurality of operating temperature margins is determined and at least one operating parameter of the wind turbine is set in accordance with the minimum operating temperature margin. | 02-27-2014 |
20140064960 | ACTUATION SYSTEM FOR AN ACTIVE ELEMENT IN A ROTOR BLADE - In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, an actuation system is configured for actuation of an airfoil member with a flap mechanism. The actuation system can include an upper drive tape and a lower drive tape, each partially wrapped around a first bearing and second bearing. An inboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. Similarly, an outboard frame can be actuated by at least one linear actuator. The inboard frame is coupled to the upper drive tape, while the outboard frame is coupled to the lower drive tape. An actuation of the inboard frame and outboard frame in a reciprocal manner acts move a flap input lever reciprocally upward and downward. A flap mechanism is configured to convert the movement of the flap input lever into rotational movements of the airfoil member. | 03-06-2014 |
20140064961 | METHOD FOR BACKING UP AND RECOVERING BLADE ZERO POINT OF PITCH DRIVE SYSTEM FOR WIND TURBINE AND PITCH DRIVE SYSTEM FOR WIND TURBINE - A pitch drive system for a wind turbine includes a pitch drive motor, a first position detector, a driver, a second position detector, and a controller. When the blades rotate to a mechanical zero position, a position value detected by the first position detector is a first zero point position value. The driver is operable to store the first zero point position value. When the blades rotate to the mechanical zero position, a position value detected by the second position detector is a second zero point position value. The controller is operable to store the second zero point position value. When a corresponding back up command is received, the first zero point position value stored in the driver is backed up into the controller, and the second zero point position value stored in the controller is backed up into the driver respectively. | 03-06-2014 |
20140064962 | ELECTROMECHANICAL LINEAR ACTUATOR FOR IN BLADE ROTOR CONTROL - A rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade and a movable trim tab located along a span of the rotor blade. A linear positioner is located inside the rotor blade and operably connected to the trim tab to move the trim tab thereby reducing rotor blade vibration. A method for reducing vibration of a rotor assembly includes energizing a linear positioner located inside a rotor blade of the rotor assembly and moving an output piston of the linear positioner. A trim tab located at the rotor blade is moved to a selected trim tab angle relative to the rotor blade by the output piston, and the linear positioner is deenergized thereby locking the trim tab at the selected trim tab angle. | 03-06-2014 |
20140064963 | Wind Turbine System, an Assembling Method of a Wind Turbine System, an Inspecting Method of a Wind Turbine System, and an Operation Method of a Wind Turbine System - A wind turbine system includes blades which rotate by receiving wind, a nacelle which supports the blades and rotates with the blades, a main shaft for transmitting torque which is connected to the hub and is rotated by the rotation of the hub, and a generator which generates electricity using rotating energy of the main shaft, wherein the main shaft is connected to the hub inside the hub in the axial direction of the main shaft. | 03-06-2014 |
20140072428 | WIND TURBINE SYSTEM WITH INFLATABLE ROTOR ASSEMBLY - A wind turbine assembly comprising an inflatable rotor assembly. | 03-13-2014 |
20140072429 | CIRCUITS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATING SENSING AND HEATING FUNCTIONS - Embodiments relate to integrated circuits, systems and methods for combined sensing and heating functions in structures suitable for use in deicing, heating and other applications. In an embodiment, an integrated circuit is coupled to a heating element and configured to control operation of the heating element to provide heat as well as to utilize the heating element as at least part of a sensing structure to sense the presence of ice, water or air on or near the heating element. In embodiments, the heating element comprises a conductive polymer structure, and the presence of ice, water or air is sensed based on a capacitance, impedance or other spectroscopy of the structure sensed and analyzed by integrated circuitry coupled to the structure. | 03-13-2014 |
20140079547 | ROTOR ASSEMBLY AND REFIT METHOD - A method of coupling at least two sections of a rotor designed to carry the rotating parts of a turbine for the generation of electrical power for a public grid and a modified rotor is described with a coupling of increased diameter exceeding the nominal diameter of the rotor, with the step of removing mass from an volume lying exclusively within the interior of the sections when coupled such that the lateral critical speed of the coupling is moved away from the normal operating speed of the rotor | 03-20-2014 |
20140086742 | TURBOMACHINE ROTOR GROOVE - An example turbomachine rotor provides a groove that is annular and is configured to receive a root of an airfoil, the groove having a radial cross-sectional area. A ratio of the radial cross-sectional area of the groove to a radial cross-sectional area of the root received within the annular groove is from 2 to 5. | 03-27-2014 |
20140086743 | METHOD AND COOLING SYSTEM FOR COOLING BLADES OF AT LEAST ONE BLADE ROW IN A ROTARY FLOW MACHINE - A method and a cooling system for cooling blades of at least one blade row in a rotary flow machine includes an axial flow channel which is radially limited on the inside by a rotor unit and at the outside by at least one stationary component, the blades are arranged at the rotary unit and provide a shrouded blade tip facing radially to said stationary component. Pressurized cooling air is fed through from radially outside towards the tip of each of said blades in the at least one blade row, and the pressurized cooling air enters the blades through at least one opening at the shrouded blades' tip. | 03-27-2014 |
20140099201 | Energy Recovery of Accelerating Slipstream - One embodiment comprising a motoring propeller ( | 04-10-2014 |
20140099202 | TURBOMACHINE PROPELLER BLADE SETTING DEVICE - The main subject matter of the invention is a device ( | 04-10-2014 |
20140099203 | MECHANICAL AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS OF A VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE - In an embodiment, a vertical axis wind turbine may be constructed to better survive wear and tear while being more energy efficient. A turbine blade may capture air movement to generate power. A blade arm may hold the turbine blade parallel to a rotating shaft. The blade arm may transmit torque from the turbine blade to the rotating shaft to drive a rotor of an electrical power generator. A moment-free connector may connect the turbine blade to the blade arm to transmit a stress maxima to a structural strongpoint of the turbine blade away from the moment-free connector. | 04-10-2014 |
20140112777 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING WAKE LOSSES IN A WINDFARM - A system for mitigating wake losses in a windfarm is disclosed. The system may include a first horizontal axis wind turbine configured to rotate in a first direction and a second horizontal axis wind turbine positioned adjacent to the first horizontal axis wind turbine. The second horizontal axis wind turbine configured to rotate in a second direction, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction. | 04-24-2014 |
20140112778 | FLEXIBLE BLADES FOR WIND TURBINE DESIGN - Flag-type wind and/or water power generation features are described. Fluid-filled embodiments are described. The fluid may be employed for pumping effect and/or dynamic physical property change. Leading-edge and trailing-edge mounted flag architectures are described with various applications including flapping flag arrays and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). | 04-24-2014 |
20140112779 | FEATURES FOR FLAG-TYPE POWER GENERATION - Flag-type wind and/or water power generation features are described. Fluid-filled embodiments are described. The fluid may be employed for pumping effect and/or dynamic physical property change. Leading-edge and trailing-edge mounted flag architectures are described with various applications including flapping flag arrays and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). | 04-24-2014 |
20140112780 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one blade having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge that define an airfoil-shaped profile. The pressure side has a morphable region. The wind turbine also includes a control system configured to activate the morphable region to alter the airfoil-shaped profile and reduce negative lift generated by the blade when the blade is oriented at a negative lift angle. | 04-24-2014 |
20140119914 | LOAD CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - Load control systems and methods for shafts are provided. The load control system includes a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of ultrasonic probes mounted to the shaft, each of the plurality of ultrasonic sensors configured to produce an ultrasonic wave on the shaft. The sensor assembly further includes a plurality of receivers mounted to the shaft, each of the plurality of receivers configured to sense the ultrasonic wave produced by one of the plurality of ultrasonic probes. The load control system further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to measure a travel time of the ultrasonic wave produced by each of the plurality of ultrasonic probes. | 05-01-2014 |
20140119915 | WIND TURBINE WITH AN OFFSET SUCTION SIDE - Wind turbine having a wind turbine tower, a nacelle provided on the wind turbine tower, a rotor hub rotatably mounted to the nacelle, and one or more wind turbine blades having a root end to be mounted to the rotor hub, a tip end, and pressure and suction sides connected to each other via a leading edge and a trailing edge. The wind turbine blade has a plurality of cross-sectional profiles arranged according to the surface of the suction side so that the surface of the suction side forms a line having a predetermined curvature which curves towards the pressure side of the wind turbine blade and/or forms an approximately straight line along at least part of the relative length. The line crosses each cross-sectional profile in that point on the pressure side where the maximum relative thickness of that profile perpendicular relative to its chord line is measured. | 05-01-2014 |
20140127013 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE AIRFOIL COOLING CIRCUIT - A component for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil that extends between a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side wall and a suction side wall. A cooling circuit is disposed inside of the airfoil. The cooling circuit includes a first core cavity that radially extends inside of the airfoil. A first axial skin core is in fluid communication with the first core cavity at a first location of the first axial skin core and a second core cavity is in fluid communication with the first axial skin core at a second location of the first axial skin core. | 05-08-2014 |
20140127014 | SAFETY CHAIN AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - A blade adjusting device for a wind turbine is connected to a plant safety chain and can open and close the plant safety chain by activating a switch. If a fault is detected in one of the blade adjusting devices, the respective control unit can open the plant safety chain. By opening the safety chain, a signal is sent to the blade adjusting devices, and so all the blade adjusting devices initiate a synchronous safety operation of at least two rotor blades when the signal is received. | 05-08-2014 |
20140133979 | Constant Velocity Joint with Control Mechanism - According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and a control mechanism. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The control mechanism is adapted to constrain the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133980 | Blade-Pitch Control System with Indexing Swashplate - The present application includes a blade-pitch control system with an indexing swashplate. A swashplate assembly has a non-rotating portion and a rotating portion and an indexing portion of the mast. The swashplate assembly is translatably affixed to the indexing portion. A pitch link connects the rotating portion of the swashplate assembly to each blade. Translation of the swashplate assembly along the indexing portion causes a change in pitch of the blades and a corresponding indexing of the rotating portion of the swashplate assembly relative to the mast, the indexing causing a change in an angular orientation of each pitch link, thus providing for selected pitch-flap coupling between flapping motion of the yoke and pitch motion of the blades. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133981 | EARLY DETECTION OF WIND TURBINE DEGRADATION USING ACOUSTICAL MONITORING - Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring wind turbines, generally comprising a microphone for picking up acoustic emissions from a wind turbine and outputting a signal corresponding to the emissions; a filter for splitting the signal into a plurality of signals according to a plurality of frequency bands; and a processor for processing the plurality of signals and generating sound level data corresponding to at least a subset of the frequency bands. The system compares the sound level data with a sound threshold and generates an alarm signal when the sound level data exceeds the sound threshold. Alternatively, the system may include different thresholds corresponding to the different frequency bands, and an alarm can be generated when one or more of the different thresholds are exceeded by the different signals in the different frequency bands. | 05-15-2014 |
20140133982 | PROPULSION DEVICE HAVING UNDUCTED COUNTER-ROTATING AND COAXIAL ROTORS - A propulsion device including an unducted upstream propeller and a counter-rotating and coaxial downstream propeller. At least one blade of the upstream propeller is configured to generate a corotating secondary vortex for acting upstream of the downstream propeller to destabilize a blade tip vortex of the same at least one blade. | 05-15-2014 |
20140140841 | TURBINE BUCKET SHROUD ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING TURBINE BUCKET INTERACTION WITH AN ADJACENT TURBINE BUCKET - A turbine bucket shroud arrangement for a turbine system includes a contact region of a tip shroud, wherein the contact region is in close proximity to an adjacent tip shroud. Also included is a negative thermal expansion material disposed proximate the contact region, the contact region comprising a first volume during a startup condition and a shutdown condition of the turbine system and a second volume during a steady state condition of the turbine system, wherein the second volume is less than the first volume. | 05-22-2014 |
20140140842 | MITIGATING WIND TURBINE BLADE NOISE GENERATION IN VIEW OF A MINIMUM POWER GENERATION REQUIREMENT - Described embodiments include a wind turbine system. In this embodiment, the system includes a wind turbine including a rotor blade having a controllable feature and attached to a rotor hub drivingly coupled to an electric generator. The controllable feature is configured if activated to decrease a noise generated by the rotor blade and correspondingly to decrease electric power generated by the electric generator. The wind turbine system includes a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of present or possible future noise generation state of the rotor blade. The wind turbine system includes a noise manager circuit configured to select a noise mitigation measure responsive to the detected parameter and in compliance with a minimum electric power generation requirement assigned to the wind turbine. The wind turbine system includes a control circuit configured to activate the controllable feature in response to the selected noise mitigation measure. | 05-22-2014 |
20140140843 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING WIND TURBINES FROM EXTREME EVENTS - A wind turbine has a Lidar device to sense wind conditions upstream of the wind turbine. Wind speed signals from the wind turbine are processed to detect an extreme operating gust. The detection is performed by differentiating the axial wind velocity and filtering for a period of time. On detection of extreme operating gust the system controller takes necessary evasive action which may include shutting down the turbine or varying the blade pitch angle. | 05-22-2014 |
20140140844 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE AND RELATED SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a method for controlling a wind turbine comprising a pitch of one or more blades and collecting first data indicative of a dynamic condition of the first wind turbine blade and a rotor, the first data comprising rotor data and first deflection data, the rotor data indicative of the azimuth position and rotational velocity of the rotor in a rotor plane perpendicular to the rotor axis, and the first deflection data indicative of the position, speed and acceleration of one or more parts of the first wind turbine blade. The method comprises calculating an expected tower clearance distance at a later time of tower passage for the first blade based on the first data including acceleration of one or more parts of the first blade, and performing measures to prevent tower collision, if the expected tower clearance distance fulfills a collision risk criterion. | 05-22-2014 |
20140147272 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SERVICING WIND TURBINE COMPONENTS THROUGH A LOWER PORTION OF A TOWER - A wind turbine tower ( | 05-29-2014 |
20140147273 | Wind Turbine - A wind turbine having a speed control system. The wind turbine has a control system using weights positioned on its rotating blades. The blades are biased such that the blades are kept open during normal operation and closed when a pre-selected rotational is exceeded. | 05-29-2014 |
20140154073 | APPARATUS HAVING ENGINEERED SURFACE FEATURE AND METHOD TO REDUCE WEAR AND FRICTION BETWEEN CMC-TO-METAL ATTACHMENT AND INTERFACE - An apparatus having reduced wear and friction between CMC-to-metal attachment and interface of the apparatus, including a CMC component having a surface. The CMC component surface is configured for sliding contact with a surface of a metal component, the sliding contact resulting in formation of debris along the contacting surfaces. The surface of the CMC component has an engineered surface feature formed therein to substantially prevent an accumulation of debris along the contacting surfaces. | 06-05-2014 |
20140154074 | Apparatus, System, and Method for Pitching and Twisting a Blade of a Rotorcraft - A method and apparatus for moving a blade of a rotorcraft. The method comprises operating the rotorcraft and applying a torque to an elongate member connected to a tip portion of the blade during operation of the rotorcraft using a tip actuation mechanism that is external to the blade and associated with the elongate member such that the tip portion of the blade rotates about an axis through the blade. | 06-05-2014 |
20140154075 | POWER PRODUCTION OF WIND TURBINES - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to wind turbine generators, and more specifically to improving power production in wind turbine generators. A rotor plane of the wind turbine may be divided into a plurality of sections. A characteristic of wind associated with each section may be determined. An optimal pitch angle may be determined for each section based on the associated wind characteristic. A pitch controller may adjust the pitch angle of a blade to the optimal pitch angle as the blade sweeps through the section. | 06-05-2014 |
20140161609 | FAN CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fan control system includes a sensor and a controller to control a fan. The controller obtains an actual temperature value sensed by the sensor. The controller speeds up the fan with a first predetermined value, in response to the actual temperature value being between a first and second trigger value, and speeds up the fan with a second predetermined value greater than the first predetermined value, in response to the actual temperature value being greater than the second trigger value. | 06-12-2014 |
20140161610 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR REDUCING A PITCHING MOMENT WHICH LOADS A ROTOR OF A WIND POWER PLANT - A method for reducing a pitching moment that loads a rotor of a wind power plant includes determining a manipulated variable in order to set an azimuth angle of the wind power plant. A horizontal oblique incoming flow against the rotor is brought about by a wind acting on the rotor by use of the azimuth angle so as to reduce a portion of the pitching moment that is caused by vertical wind shear acting on the wind power plant. | 06-12-2014 |
20140169961 | PROPELLER ROTOR BALANCING SYSTEM - A propeller rotor has a hub mounting a plurality of blades and a drive shaft for driving the hub and the blades about a central axis. A motor to change its position is operably connected to drive at least one counterweight. A sensor senses vibration on the propeller rotor and communicates with a controller. The controller controls the motor to change a position of the counterweight in response to a sensed imbalance. A method of operating a propeller rotor is also disclosed. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169962 | TURBINE BLADE WITH INTEGRATED SERPENTINE AND AXIAL TIP COOLING CIRCUITS - An air cooled turbine blade including leading and trailing edges, and pressure and suction side walls extending between the leading and trailing edges. Leading and trailing edge cooling circuits extend spanwise adjacent to the leading and trailing edges, respectively. A forward flow mid-section serpentine cooling circuit extends spanwise and is located between the leading and trailing edge cooling circuits. An axial tip cooling circuit extends in the chordal direction and is located between a tip cap of the blade and the serpentine cooling circuit at an outer end of the serpentine cooling circuit. The axial tip cooling circuit has a forward end receiving cooling air from a final channel of the serpentine cooling circuit and discharges the cooling air adjacent to the trailing edge. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169963 | DIRECT ORIENTATION VECTOR ROTOR - A direct orientation vector rotor (DOVER) for use on rotary wing aircraft includes a gear set for multidirectional rotor orientation based on the spherical coordinate system; an inclination mechanism, wherein the rotor is moved from the 0° horizontal position to an inclined position; a rotational turret, wherein the rotor is moved along the azimuth and wherein the inclination mechanism is housed; and a motion-adapted gear lubrication housing. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169964 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING LOADS DURING YAW ERROR ON A WIND TURBINE - A control system for mitigating loads on a wind turbine comprising a plurality of blades in yaw error events includes a yaw error calculation unit for calculating a yaw error of the wind turbine, a pitch angle reference command calculation unit for calculating a plurality of pitch angle reference commands respectively corresponding to the plurality of blades at least based on the calculated yaw error, and a controller for producing a plurality of pitch commands at least based on the plurality of pitch angle reference commands, to respectively regulate the pitch angles of the plurality of blades. | 06-19-2014 |
20140169965 | WIND TURBINE AND THE OPERATION METHOD OF THE SAME - An operating method for a two-bladed wind turbine which comprises a rotor including two blades and a hub to which the two blades are coupled, the operating method includes a pitch-angle adjusting step of adjusting pitch angles of the two blades such that chords of the two blades are substantially parallel to a perpendicular direction to a rotational plane of the rotor during violent wind and a rotor holding step of holding the rotor at an azimuth angle such that the two blades are substantially parallel to a horizontal direction during the violent wind. | 06-19-2014 |
20140178195 | Method and System for Shutting Down a Wind Turbine - A method and system for shutting down a wind turbine is presented. The method includes determining one or more pitch positions for one or more rotor blades of the wind turbine such that a sum of potential energy and kinetic energy in the wind turbine is minimized. The method further includes pitching the one or more rotor blades from an operating position to the determined pitch positions. | 06-26-2014 |
20140178196 | TURBOMACHINE WITH CLAMP COUPLING SHAFT AND ROTOR HUB TOGETHER - A turbomachine includes a rotor hub that has a central opening there through. A shaft extends through the central opening. A clamp is coupled with the shaft and the rotor hub such that the rotor hub is rotatable with the shaft. | 06-26-2014 |
20140178197 | CONTROL METHOD FOR A WIND TURBINE - A method of controlling a wind turbine comprising blades attached to a rotor hub for rotation in a rotor plane and a control system for individually pitching the blades relative to the hub. The method comprises dividing the rotor plane into a number of sectors, determining the individual sectors for each blade during the rotation by means of an azimuth angle sensor, and obtaining blade sensor data from a blade sensor on an individual blade relating to a sector, and comparing the obtained data with data relating to the same sector and representing blade sensor data on other blades. When an event is detected in a given sector, an individual pitch contribution is determined in the sector, and the blades are then pitched according to this individual pitch contribution for that given sector at least partly during passage of the sector. | 06-26-2014 |
20140178198 | ROTOR BLADE ROOT SECTION WITH COOLING PASSAGE AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING COOLING FLUID TO A ROTOR BLADE - A root section of a rotor blade for interacting with working fluid upon rotating the rotor blade is provided. The root section includes a curved cooling passage for guiding a cooling fluid within the root section. A cooling fluid entry plenum has an entry aperture for introducing the cooling fluid into the cooling passage. A platform is located at a radially outer end of the root section. The curved cooling passage penetrates through the platform, and the following condition is satisfied at least in a portion of a radial extent of the cooling passage: 0.25*dr06-26-2014 | |
20140178199 | System and Method for Linkage Length Adjustment - A rotor system has a rotor, an axis of rotation about which the rotor may be rotated, a linkage system having a first adjustable length portion and a second adjustable length portion, wherein the second adjustable length portion is configured to provide a relatively finer adjustment of an overall effective length of the linkage system as compared to the first adjustable length portion and wherein the rotor is configured to rotate about the axis in response to changing the overall effective length of the linkage system. | 06-26-2014 |
20140186175 | EXTENSION TIP SLEEVE FOR WIND TURBINE BLADE - A wind blade is provided. The wind blade includes a body having an aerodynamic contour extended between a blade root and a blade tip. The wind blade also includes an extension tip sleeve arranged over the blade tip. The extension tip sleeve further includes a first portion having an extension blade and one or more structural ribs arranged on a pressure side of the wind blade. The extension tip sleeve also includes a second portion having a support structure located on a suction side of the wind blade. Furthermore, the wind blade includes a fairing having an airfoil shape for covering the one or more structural ribs, and the support structure of the extension tip sleeve. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186176 | METHOD OF DETECTING A DEGREE OF YAW ERROR OF A WIND TURBINE - A method of determining a degree of yaw error of a wind turbine is provided. The method includes obtaining wind pressure measurement values from in front of the rotor plane, which wind pressure measurement values exhibit a periodic nature related to a rotation of a spinner of the wind turbine, performing a signal processing step to process the wind pressure measurement values to determine a phase offset of the wind pressure measurement values relative to an angular reference, and deriving a yaw error angle from the phase offset. A method of establishing a relationship between a phase offset of wind pressure measurement values and a degree of yaw error of a wind turbine, a yaw error determination unit, and a wind turbine are also provided. | 07-03-2014 |
20140186177 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND POWER PLANT - A method for operating a wind power plant having at least one rotor blade, the blade angle of which can be adjusted. The wind power plant is operated with a predefinable reduced energy output set point. To determine the potential output, at least one predefinable operating parameter of the wind power plant is measured and is applied to at least one stored characteristic curve for the reduced energy output set point. The actual energy output is determined and the loss in the output is formed from the difference between the potential output and the actual energy output. | 07-03-2014 |
20140193253 | Propeller Blade With Relatively Movable Counterweight - A propeller rotor has a hub mounting a plurality of blades. A counterweight is movably mounted on the blade. A pitch change mechanism for changing an angle of incidence of an airfoil is associated with each of the blades. The counterweight twists the blades toward an increased pitch direction should the pitch change mechanism fail. A stop member stops rotation of the counterweight as the blade moves to a feather position. | 07-10-2014 |
20140193254 | METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING THE OPERATION OF A WIND TURBINE - A method for optimizing the operation of a wind turbine having a rotor with at least one rotor blade, a tower, and a wind turbine controller, comprises determining a first load status of the wind turbine based on metereological data acquired by sensors, including a turbulence intensity; determining a second load status of the wind turbine based on mechanical loads on at least one wind turbine component; and increasing a load of the wind turbine, if the determined first and second load status of the turbine are within selectable load limits. A wind turbine implementing the method is also disclosed. | 07-10-2014 |
20140193255 | Apparatus for Manipulating a Wind Turbine Blade and Method of Blade Handling - Apparatus for manipulating a wind turbine blade and method of blade handling An apparatus for manipulating a wind turbine blade having fixed lifting points ( | 07-10-2014 |
20140205452 | WIND TURBINE BLADE - A rotor blade including a blade root, an aft-swept portion, and straight portion. The blade root defines a pitch axis for the rotor blade. The aft-swept portion is at an end of the rotor blade opposite the blade root. The straight portion is between the blade root and the aft-swept portion. The straight portion includes a straight portion elastic axis and a straight portion center of pressure. The straight portion elastic axis is parallel to the pitch axis. The straight portion center of pressure is spaced apart from the pitch axis in a forward direction. | 07-24-2014 |
20140219793 | HEALTH MONITORING FOR HOLLOW BLADES - A system for detecting a defect in a hollow blade includes a pressure sensor mounted within a cavity of the hollow blade, wherein the pressure sensor measures a pressure within the cavity and provides an output indicative of measured pressure; and a controller to receive the output from the pressure sensor, wherein the controller indicates a defect in the hollow blade based upon the received output. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219794 | BORE CAVITY THERMAL CONDITIONING SYSTEM - A gas turbine engine includes a rotor having at least one rotor bore cavity and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is fluidically connected to a conditioning air source and to the rotor bore cavity for flowing air from the conditioning air source to the rotor bore cavity. The heat exchanger is also fluidically connected to a hot fluid source and a cool fluid source for selectively heating and cooling conditioning air flowing to the rotor bore cavity. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219795 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIND TURBINE NOISE REDUCTION - A method for operating a horizontal axis wind turbine is provided, the wind turbine including: a rotor including a rotor blade, wherein the rotor is rotatably coupled to a nacelle, and the rotor is rotatable about a horizontal rotor axis extending through the nacelle, and the nacelle is rotatably coupled to a tower, the nacelle rotatable in a yaw plane about a yaw axis. The method includes determining a wind direction; determining a yaw angle setting, wherein the yaw angle setting deviates from an alignment of the rotor axis and the wind direction in the yaw plane; yawing the nacelle to the yaw angle setting; and operating the wind turbine for example to generate electricity. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219796 | WIND TURBINE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING A THRUST SENSOR - A wind turbine control system comprising a thrust sensor and a braking system. The system allows an increase in wind speed to be detected instantaneously and corrective action to be initiated. The system comprises additional features such as deceleration control. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219797 | PARTIAL PITCH WIND TURBINE WITH FLOATING FOUNDATION - The present invention relates a wind turbine comprising a wind turbine tower with a nacelle provided on the top to which a rotor hub with one or more wind turbine blades is rotatably mounted so that they form a rotor plane. A floating foundation having a upper section is mounted to the bottom of the wind turbine tower, wherein the foundation has a buoyant body configured to be installed at an offshore position having a water depth of about 40 m or more. The wind turbine blade comprises an inner blade section coupled to an outer blade section by a pitch junction in which a pitch mechanism is coupled to a pitch control system configured to regulate the pitch of the outer blade section relative to the inner blade section at wind speeds above a first wind speed. This allows the pitching to be used to counteract the tilting of the wind turbine caused by the different thrusts acting on the structure. This allows for a more linear control of the bending moment induced in the structure, since the blade sections provides a more constant thrust acting on the rotor hub which in turn allows the large negative damping loads and stresses introduced in the wind turbine to be eliminated. | 08-07-2014 |
20140219798 | DE-ICING APPARATUS AND A METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A propeller assembly comprises two or more blade elements each comprising two or more blade element portions arranged sequentially radially along the blade element. Each of the two or more blade element portions that are radially equi-positioned along corresponding ones of the two or more blade elements together form a blade element portion array. | 08-07-2014 |
20140234102 | RADIAL FLUID DEVICE WITH VARIABLE PHASE AND AMPLITUDE - According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device comprises a cylinder block, first and second pluralities of pistons, a first cam disposed about the first plurality of radially extending cylinders, and a second cam disposed about the second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The direction of rotation of the second cam is independent of the direction of rotation of the first cam. | 08-21-2014 |
20140241878 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE BASED ON IDENTIFIED SURFACE CONDITIONS OF THE ROTOR BLADES - In one aspect, a method for controlling a wind turbine based on an identified surface condition of a rotor blade may include monitoring an operating parameter of the wind turbine to obtain parameter data related to the operating parameter as an operating input of the wind turbine changes, analyzing the parameter data to identify a roughness state of the rotor blade and performing a corrective action in response to the identified roughness state. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241879 | Method and Apparatus for Braking a Wind Turbine in Case of Emergency - The invention is based on the problem of creating an additional device to act as a “secondary emergency device” in the case that one or more standard emergency devices fail to adjust the blade angle of one or multiple rotor blades into a position of power limitation. The method of braking a wind turbine in an emergency by adjusting the rotor blades for wind turbines with power control via the principle of pitch control or active stall control and of holding the position of a rotor blade for each rotor blade with at least one actuator and at least one holding brake is a redundant measure for an emergency. This enables one or more holding brakes to open depending on the rotor-blade direction that is required and to close or to be kept closed when an adjustment of a rotor-blade direction is not desired. | 08-28-2014 |
20140241880 | METHOD FOR RETROFITTING VORTEX GENERATORS ON A WIND TURBINE BLADE - A method of retrofitting vortex generators on a wind turbine blade is disclosed, the wind turbine blade being mounted on a wind turbine hub and extending in a longitudinal direction and having a tip end and a root end, the wind turbine blade further comprising a profiled contour including a pressure side and a suction side, as well as a leading edge and a trailing edge with a chord having a chord length extending there between, the profiled contour, when being impacted by an incident airflow, generating a lift. The method comprises identifying a separation line on the suction side of the wind turbine blade, and mounting one or more vortex panels including a first vortex panel comprising at least one vortex generator on the suction side of the wind turbine blade between the separation line and the leading edge of the wind turbine blade. | 08-28-2014 |
20140248147 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING WIND FROM AN AIRCRAFT INTO ELECTRICAL POWER - A system for generating energy from wind induced by an aircraft is provided. The system includes one or more wind turbines configured to generate electrical power by capturing wind induced by the aircraft. Each of the one or more wind turbines include a rotor mounted for rotation about an axis, and a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248148 | WIND TURBINE NOISE CONTROL METHODS - A wind turbine having at least one trailing edge control surface ( | 09-04-2014 |
20140248149 | ROTOR/WING AIRCRAFT INCLUDING VECTORABLE NOZZLE - A method of operating an aircraft having a rotor/wing assembly and a nozzle comprises vectoring the nozzle into a position for creating vertical thrust, and using the rotor/wing assembly and the nozzle together to create vertical thrust during a rotary mode of operation. | 09-04-2014 |
20140248150 | Constant Velocity Joint with Spring Rate Control Mechanism - According to one embodiment, a constant velocity (CV) joint includes a first yoke, a second yoke, and three bearings. The first yoke is configured to be rotatably coupled to an input device about a first axis and configured to receive the input device through a first opening. The second yoke is rotatably coupled to the first yoke about a second axis and rotatably coupled to an output device about a third axis. The first bearing is disposed about the first axis adjacent to the first yoke, the second bearing is disposed about the second axis adjacent to the first yoke or the second yoke, and the third bearing disposed about the third axis adjacent to the second yoke. The first and third bearings torsionally constrain movement the first yoke and the second yoke so as to achieve a substantially CV characteristic between the input device and the output device. | 09-04-2014 |
20140255184 | System and Method for Reducing Rotor Blade Noise - A rotor blade includes an active flap and an airflow disturber configured to selectively alter airflow across the active flap. | 09-11-2014 |
20140255185 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ALLEVIATING LOADS IN OFF-SHORE WIND TURBINES - Control methods and systems of a wind turbine belonging to an off-shore wind park that use, in case of malfunction of the load measuring system, one of the following pitch vectors for the calculation of the individual pitch command of each blade:
| 09-11-2014 |
20140255186 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RE-INDEXING A PITCH BEARING OF A WIND TURBINE - A method and system for re-indexing a pitch bearing of a wind turbine includes: installing a plurality of first mounts to the fixed outer race of the pitch bearing; positioning the rotor blade to a downwardly-oriented; installing a hydraulic system; pressurizing the hydraulic system so as to support the weight of the rotor blade with the hydraulic system; detaching the rotor blade from the pitch bearing; lowering the rotor blade a predetermined vertical distance from the hub; installing a plurality of second mounts to the rotor blade; attaching a plurality of supports between the first mounts and the second mounts; transferring the weight of the rotor blade from the hydraulic system to the plurality of supports; disengaging the hydraulic system; and re-indexing the pitch bearing so as to engage a new set of pitch bearing teeth. | 09-11-2014 |
20140255187 | ATTACHMENT FEATURE OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE BLADE HAVING A CURVED PROFILE - An airfoil member is disclosed having an attachment feature such as a fir tree or dovetail design that includes a curved profile formed from a combination of curves. In one embodiment, the curved profile can be a compound curve formed by a forward curve and a rearward curve that are joined at a point of common tangency. In another embodiment, the curved profile can include curves that do not meet at a common tangency. A cut out can be formed in the curved profile. In some forms, the cut out is formed on a pressure face of the attachment feature. | 09-11-2014 |
20140255188 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE AIRFLOW MEMBER HAVING SPHERICAL END - A gas turbine engine airflow member is disclosed having spherical interface shapes at a tip end and a hub end. In one embodiment, the airflow member is a fan blade. The spherical interface shapes can be convex or concave. In one form, the tip end spherical shape is axially shifted aft relative to a hub end. The tip end can include relatively little forward portion in an expanding flow path with predominant portion of the tip end in a contracting flow path. Such a configuration can occur with a midpoint and trailing edge located in the contracting flow path. A center of gravity of a swept airflow member having spherical end shape can be located on a pivot axis of the airflow member. Divot depressions can be provided to permit concave flow path shapes. | 09-11-2014 |
20140255189 | INFLATABLE AIRFOIL SYSTEM HAVING REDUCED RADAR AND INFRARED OBSERVABILITY - A method and apparatus for operating an airfoil system. A gas may be generated. The gas may be sent into an inflatable airfoil system comprising an inflatable air foil and a section. The inflatable airfoil may have an inner end and an outer end in which the inflatable airfoil may be comprised of a number of materials that substantially pass electromagnetic waves through the inflatable airfoil. The section may have a number of openings in which the inner end of the inflatable airfoil may be associated with the section. The section may be configured to be associated with a fuselage. The number of openings may be configured to provide communications with an interior of the inflatable airfoil. The section with the number of openings may be configured to reduce reflection of the electromagnetic waves encountering the section. | 09-11-2014 |
20140271178 | Fan Blades for Gas Turbine Engines with Reduced Stress Concentration at Leading Edge - A light weight fan blade for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The disclosed fan blade has an increased chord length at a transition section between the inner edge or single tooth attachment portion of the fan blade that connects to the rotor disk and the airfoil. Increasing the chord length at the transition section substantially reduces the stress concentration when the fan blade is operated under normal operating conditions. Reducing the stress concentration enables engineers to design lighter fan blades and larger fan blades for larger gas turbine engines. By increasing the size of gas turbine engines, additional thrust can be provided without adding additional engines to the aircraft. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271179 | Blade Safety Mechanism for Open Rotor Engine System - A method and apparatus for safely handling an undesired blade event in an open rotor engine system. In one illustrative embodiment, an occurrence of an undesired blade event in an open rotor engine system is detected. Electrical energy is allowed to flow into a conductor embedded in the blade in response to the undesired blade event. The conductor is vaporized when the electrical energy flowing through the conductor heats the conductor to a temperature above a selected threshold. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271180 | Gimbaled Tail Rotor Hub with Spherical Elastomeric Centrifugal Force Bearing for Blade Retention and Pitch Change Articulation - A rotor hub comprises a gimbal assembly and an elastomeric centrifugal force bearing. The gimbal assembly is configured to transfer rotational movement of a mast to the rotor hub and to enable the rotor hub to flap relative to the mast. The elastomeric centrifugal force bearing is configured to withstand centrifugal force of a rotor blade when the mast is rotated and is configured to accommodate pitch changes of the rotor blade. A method comprises designing a gimbal assembly that enables a tail rotor hub to flap relative to a tail rotor mast. A centrifugal force bearing is selected that enables tail rotor blades to withstand centrifugal force and that allows for tail rotor blade pitch change articulation. Then, instructions are provided to use the gimbal assembly and the centrifugal force bearing in an in-plane tail rotor assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271181 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING LOADS ACTING ON A WIND TURBINE IN RESPONSE TO TRANSIENT WIND CONDITIONS - A method for reducing loads acting on a wind turbine in response to transient wind conditions is disclosed. The method may generally include determining an actual value for a blade parameter of a rotor blade of the wind turbine using a first sensor associated with the rotor blade, monitoring a secondary operating parameter of the wind turbine using a second sensor, determining a predicted value for the blade parameter based on the secondary operating parameter, comparing the actual value to the predicted value and performing a corrective action to reduce the loads acting on the wind turbine if the actual value differs from the predicted value by at least a differential threshold. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271182 | SOFT IN-PLANE AND STIFF OUT-OF-PLANE ROTOR SYSTEM - A rotor assembly includes a yoke operably associated with a rotor blade. The yoke includes a first device and a second device that attach the rotor blade to the yoke. The first device is configured to allow transverse movement of the rotor blade about a chord axis and rotational movement about a pitch-change axis. The second device is configured to allow rotational movement of the rotor blade solely about the pitch-change axis. The method includes rotating rotor assembly about a first plane of rotation, while retaining a relatively stiff out-of-plane rotation and a relatively soft in-plane rotation during flight. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271183 | Wind Turbine with Variable Pitch Blades - A wind turbine including a blade pitch control ring mounted coaxially with and rotatable with the wind turbine, and an angle control arm connected between the blade pitch control ring and each of the turbine blades for simultaneously changing the pitch of all of the turbine blades. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271184 | ACTUATION OF DISTRIBUTED LOAD MANAGEMENT DEVICES ON AERODYNAMIC BLADES - Systems, apparatuses, and methods are provided for actuating less than all of a plurality of load management devices on a wind turbine and/or a wind turbine blade. In some embodiments, the actuation sequences may be a root-to-tip, tip-to root, maximum-distributed-load, random, and/or a cycle-count actuation sequence. Further, a combination of two or more actuation sequences may be utilized to achieve a desired result. The system may choose an appropriate blade-based and/or rotor-based actuation sequence according to operating conditions, may alternate actuation sequences, and/or may employ different actuation sequences among the plurality of blades of a wind turbine. The load management devices may be actuated to different maximum heights and/or may be configured to be actuated to variable heights. The load management devices may be included as part of a distributed management system providing a corresponding controller and/or sensor at each load management device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271185 | DETERMINING LOADS USING VARIOUS SENSOR LOCATIONS - A system and method for pressure based load measurement are provided. The system and method measure at least one pressure differential on an airfoil and determine at least one aerodynamic load associated with the at least one pressure differential. The determined at least one load is used to modify characteristics of the airfoil to increase efficiency and/or avoid damage. The determined at least one aerodynamic load may be further utilized to balance and/or optimize loads at the airfoil, estimate a load distribution along the airfoil used to derive other metrics about the airfoil, and/or used in a distributed control system to increase efficiency and/or reduce damage to, e.g., one or more wind turbines. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271186 | Blade Balancing - A system and method for pressure based load measurement are provided. The system and method measure at least one pressure differential on an airfoil and determine at least one aerodynamic load associated with the at least one pressure differential. The determined at least one load is used to modify characteristics of the airfoil to increase efficiency and/or avoid damage. The determined at least one aerodynamic load may be further utilized to balance and/or optimize loads at the airfoil, estimate a load distribution along the airfoil used to derive other metrics about the airfoil, and/or used in a distributed control system to increase efficiency and/or reduce damage to, e.g., one or more wind turbines. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271187 | Distributed Control System - A system and method for pressure based load measurement are provided. The system and method measure at least one pressure differential on an airfoil and determine at least one aerodynamic load associated with the at least one pressure differential. The determined at least one load is used to modify characteristics of the airfoil to increase efficiency and/or avoid damage. The determined at least one aerodynamic load may be further utilized to balance and/or optimize loads at the airfoil, estimate a load distribution along the airfoil used to derive other metrics about the airfoil, and/or used in a distributed control system to increase efficiency and/or reduce damage to, e.g., one or more wind turbines. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271188 | Measurement of Rotor Blade Flapping - According to one embodiment, a flapping measurement system may include a position sensor and a controller. The position sensor may be disposed on the flapping plane of a rotor blade and operable to provide position measurements identifying locations of the position sensor during operation of the rotor blade. The controller may be operable to identify flapping of the rotor blade based on the position measurements. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271189 | Marine Drive System and Method - An improved marine drive system for a marine vessel includes a longitudinally extending drive shaft assembly, a hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly pivotally attached between the drive shaft assembly and the vessel. The cylinder has a first fluid filled cylinder chamber that retains a coiled spring that urges a translatable cylinder piston through a second fluid cylinder chamber to extend the piston rod from said hydraulic cylinder lowering the drive shaft assembly. Fluid lines in communication with switch controlled valves allow for selective evacuation of fluid from the first fluid filled chamber to reduce fluid pressure to move the piston in response to fluid pressure in the second cylinder chamber to collapse the spring to retract the rod to raise the drive shaft assembly. An additional fluid line and switch controlled valve allows for selective removal of fluid from the second fluid filed chamber to reduce fluid pressure to move the piston in response to the spring to extend the rod to lower the subsequently raised drive shaft assembly. | 09-18-2014 |
20140286771 | COOLING PASSAGES FOR TURBINE BUCKETS OF A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - The present application and the resultant patent provide a turbine bucket for a gas turbine engine. The turbine bucket may include a platform, an airfoil extending radially from the platform, and a number of cooling passages defined within the airfoil and near an outer surface of the airfoil. Each of the cooling passages may include a radially inner portion having a first cross-sectional area and at least one radially outer portion having a second cross-sectional area, wherein the first cross-sectional area may be greater than the second cross-sectional area. The present application and the resultant patent further provide a method of cooling a turbine bucket used in a gas turbine engine. | 09-25-2014 |
20140286772 | ROTOR HUB VIBRATION ATTENUATOR - A vibration attenuator for an aircraft has at least one weight mounted in a rotating system of a rotor hub of the aircraft, each weight being rotatable about an axis of rotation of the hub relative to the hub and to each other weight. Drive means are provided for rotating each weight about the axis of rotation at a selected speed for creating oscillatory shear forces that oppose and attenuate rotor-induced vibrations having a selected frequency. A vertically oriented vibration attenuator is configured to oppose and attenuate vertical rotor induced oscillatory forces that would otherwise travel vertical down the rotor mast and into the airframe. | 09-25-2014 |
20140294583 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FANS - A control system and method for controlling the speeds of heat-dissipating fans is applied to a plurality of voltage regulator downs (VRD), a plurality of chip devices, and a detecting chip. The VRD provides voltages for a plurality of chip devices, and outputs information as to electrical consumption of the corresponding chip device. The detecting chip controls rotation speed of the corresponding fan and of fans adjacent to that according to the consumption information. | 10-02-2014 |
20140294584 | METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - Method of operating a wind turbine having a tower, a rotor with a plurality of blades arranged on the tower, one or more pitch systems for pitching the blades, a system for determining an instantaneous representative wind speed, and a system for determining a distance between a blade and the tower. The method comprises determining the instantaneous representative wind speed, and determining the distance between the tower and one of the blades when said blade is in the shadow of the tower. The method further comprises determining a tower distance pitch adjustment depending on the determined distance between the tower and the blade in the shadow of the tower and on the determined instantaneous representative wind speed. The method still further comprises the one or more pitch systems applying the determined tower distance pitch adjustment to at least the next blade to be in the shadow of the tower. | 10-02-2014 |
20140301842 | METHODS FOR CONTROLLING WIND TURBINE LOADING - Methods are provided for controlling wind turbine loading. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of determining a current thrust value for the wind turbine, calculating a thrust differential based on the current thrust value and a predetermined maximum thrust value, calculating a desired pitch offset value based on the thrust differential and a thrust sensitivity value, and adjusting a pitch of the wind turbine utilizing the pitch offset value. | 10-09-2014 |
20140308122 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ICE ON A WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE - A system and method for detecting ice on a rotor blade of a wind turbine are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method may include releasing a pitch brake of a pitch adjustment mechanism associated with the rotor blade, controlling the pitch adjustment mechanism so as to maintain the rotor blade at a fixed pitch angle, monitoring a pitch-related parameter of the wind turbine while the rotor blade is maintained at the fixed pitch angle, and analyzing the monitored pitch-related parameter to determine whether ice is present on the rotor blade. | 10-16-2014 |
20140308123 | BEARING FOR ROTOR BLADE - A rotor blade assembly includes one or more flex-beam members and a torque tube surrounding the one or more flex-beam members and extending at least partially along a rotor blade assembly length. A pitch bearing assembly is supportive of the torque tube relative to the one or more flex-beam members and includes at least two outer bearing members secured to the torque tube and an inner bearing member positioned at least partially within the at least two inner bearing members and secured to the one or more flex beam members. A change in a stiffness of the inner bearing member changes one or more dynamic characteristics of the rotor blade assembly. | 10-16-2014 |
20140308124 | OPTIMIZATION OF DOWNSTREAM OPEN FAN PROPELLER POSITION AND PLACEMENT OF ACOUSTIC SENSORS - A method and apparatus for controlling a propeller of a contra-rotation open fan (CROF) engine of an aircraft is provided. A diameter of the propeller is set to be at a first diameter during at least a portion of a first flight condition of the aircraft. The diameter of the propeller is set to be at a second diameter, different from the first diameter, during at least a portion of a second flight condition of the aircraft. | 10-16-2014 |
20140308125 | WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine for power generation is provided. The wind turbine includes a power generating unit and a rotor having a plurality of blades. To control power output of the wind turbine, the blades are capable of being pitched by a blade pitch adjusting device. The wind turbine also includes a pitch control unit for controlling the blade pitch adjusting device. Furthermore, the wind turbine includes a load determining device for determining the blade load from the pitch activity of the blades. | 10-16-2014 |
20140308126 | METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - Method of operating a wind turbine in response to a wind speed, the wind turbine having at least a rotor with a plurality of blades and a generator comprising a generator rotor and a generator stator, the method comprising, at wind speeds above a first wind speed, increasing the pitch angle of the blades and reducing the rotor speed with increasing wind speed, said first wind speed being superior to the nominal wind speed; wherein at a second wind speed, the speed of the generator rotor is equal to the synchronous generator rotor speed, said second wind speed being superior to said first wind speed; and wherein at wind speeds superior to said second wind speed, the speed of the generator rotor is lower than the synchronous generator rotor speed. | 10-16-2014 |
20140314563 | VIBRATION CONTROL OF A SWASHPLATELESS COAXIAL ROTOR - A rotary wing aircraft is provided including a dual counter-rotating, coaxial rotor system having an upper rotor system and a lower rotor system rotatable about a common axis. A plurality of blade assemblies is mounted to a portion of either the upper rotor system or the lower rotor system. A plurality of individually controllable actuators is coupled to each of the plurality of blade assemblies. Each of the plurality of actuators is configured to control movement of the coupled blade assembly about a pitch axis. The rotary-wing aircraft additionally includes a sensor system within an airframe. A higher harmonic control (HHC) controller is arranged in communication with the sensor system and the plurality of actuators to individually control the upper rotor system and the lower rotor system to reduce vibration. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314564 | WEAR SENSOR FOR A WIND TURBINE - A system comprising a first wind turbine structure and a second wind turbine structure, wherein the first wind turbine structure and the second wind turbine structure are rotatable with respect to each other is provided. A safety bearing element is mounted to the first wind turbine structure such that the second wind turbine structure is in slideable contact with a contact surface of the safety bearing element if a distance between the first wind turbine structure and the second wind turbine structure is reduced below a predetermined reference value. The safety bearing element comprises an electrical indicating circuitry with an indicating conductor, wherein the indicating circuitry is connectable to a wear controller system such that a signal is generatable by the indicating circuitry and transmitted to the wear controller system until the indicating conductor is damaged due to the slideable contact of the second wind turbine structure with the safety bearing element. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314565 | System for Protecting a Rotatable Shaft of a Motor from Excessive Bending Moments - A motor assembly that includes a motor having a motor casing, a rotatable shaft extending from said motor casing to a shaft length and a hub coupled to said rotatable shaft, the hub having a circumferential skid surface disposed immediately proximal to the motor casing and having a channel configured to seat a propeller, when a propeller is present, wherein a bending moment applied to the shaft through the hub results in the circumferential skid surface contacting said motor casing. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314566 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE, AND CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FAN EMPLOYED IN THE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An electronic device includes a fan and a control device for controlling the fan. The control device includes a control unit, a first signal generation unit and a second signal generation unit each connected to the fan. The control unit has a first signal output terminal and a second signal output terminal. In use, the control unit first enables the first signal output terminal to generate a speed adjusting signal to control the fan. The control unit further detects whether a speed measurement signal is received from the fan, and enables the second signal output terminal to generate the speed adjusting signal to control the fan, if no speed measurement signal is received. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314567 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE TIP CLEARANCE CONTROL - A gas turbine engine is disclosed having a thermoelectric device capable of changing a tip clearance in a turbomachinery component. In one non-limiting form the turbomachinery component is a compressor. The thermoelectric device can be used in some forms to harvest power derived from a waste heat. The tip clearance control system can include a sensor used to determine a clearance between a tip and a wall of the turbomachinery component. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314568 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE TIP CLEARANCE CONTROL - A gas turbine engine is disclosed having a thermoelectric device capable of changing a tip clearance in a turbomachinery component. In one non-limiting form the turbomachinery component is a compressor. The thermoelectric device can be used in some forms to harvest power derived from a waste heat. The tip clearance control system can include a sensor used to determine a clearance between a tip and a wall of the turbomachinery component. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314569 | Wind Turbine Gearbox Lubrication System - A wind-turbine gearbox system includes an input gear stage having mating gear surfaces finished to a surface roughness of less than 0.25 micron and at least one bearing supporting the input gear stage. A lubrication circuit is arranged to deliver lubricant to the input gear stage and the bearing during operation of the wind-turbine and includes an inline filter for removal of particles of less than 2 micron from the lubricant prior to delivery. A lubricant for use in the system may have a relatively low viscosity compared to conventional wind turbine gearbox lubricants. | 10-23-2014 |
20140314570 | METHOD OF DYNAMIC BALANCING FOR MAGNETIC LEVITATION MOLECULAR PUMP (4) - A rotor dynamic balancing method for magnetic levitation molecular pump, includes activating an open loop feed forward control module after activating a motor of the magnetic levitation molecular pump; if the maximum radial vibration amplitude does not exceed ½ of a protective clearance during the acceleration of the rotor under the control of the open loop feed forward control module, indicating that the open loop feed forward control module is able to inhibit the co-frequency vibration of the rotor, so as to allow the rotational speed of the rotor to exceed its rigid critical rotational speed; and performing rotor dynamic balancing operation at a high speed by means of influence coefficient method. This method can directly perform rotor dynamic balancing operation with respect to the rotor at a high-speed, which facilitates the rotor dynamic balancing operation so as to perform the rotor dynamic balancing operation more quickly and efficiently. | 10-23-2014 |
20140322008 | Method and Apparatus for Cooling Gas Turbine and Rotor Blades - Apparatuses and methods are taught for cooling a turbine blade wherein at least one circuit is isolated along a cool suction side of the blade and the circuit turns aft toward a trailing edge. | 10-30-2014 |
20140322009 | Simplified Propeller Balancing System and Method - A propeller balancing device includes at least one stationary outer disc and a drive wheel arranged adjacent to the outer disc. The drive wheel includes magnets arranged at the periphery. A balancing weight is arranged in a groove formed in one of the outer disc or the drive wheel. A propeller including the propeller balancing device and a method of balancing a propeller are also disclosed. | 10-30-2014 |
20140322010 | CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINT LINK WITH REDUCED AXIAL STIFFNESS - The present application provides a drive link for a constant-velocity joint of an aircraft rotor, the link connecting a drive hub attached to a driveshaft to a rotor yoke. The link comprises a leading bearing connected to the drive hub, a trailing bearing connected to the yoke, a central portion between the bearings, and a tension loop connecting the bearings. The tension loop is formed from a composite material and is formed as a continuous band. The tension loop transfers drive forces from the leading bearing to the trailing bearing for driving the yoke in rotation with the driveshaft. | 10-30-2014 |
20140322011 | Rotary Blood Pump With Opposing Spindle Magnets, Bore And Drive Windings - Various “contactless” bearing mechanisms including hydrodynamic and magnetic bearings are provided for a rotary pump as alternatives to mechanical contact bearings. In one embodiment, a pump apparatus includes a pump housing defining a pumping chamber. The housing has a spindle extending into the pumping chamber. A spindle magnet assembly includes first and second magnets disposed within the spindle. The first and second magnets are arranged proximate each other with their respective magnetic vectors opposing each other. The lack of mechanical contact bearings enables longer life pump operation and less damage to working fluids such as blood. | 10-30-2014 |
20140328678 | METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - The present invention provides a method of operating a wind turbine having a rotor with a plurality of blades, a system for determining one or more loads on the wind turbine, a historical register of data on the wind turbine operation, and a control system for controlling one or more operational parameters of the wind turbine. The method comprises determining the loads on the wind turbine, and storing the determined loads on the wind turbine in the historical register. The method further comprises obtaining, from the historical register, a characteristic indicative of the loads on the wind turbine accumulated over time, and determining one or more wind thrust limits depending on the obtained characteristic indicative of the loads accumulated over time. One or more operational parameters of the wind turbine are controlled to keep the wind thrust on the wind turbine within the determined wind thrust limits. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328679 | HYDRAULIC PITCH SYSTEM FOR A WIND TURBINE - The present invention relates to a hydraulic pitch system for pitching a blade of a wind turbine having a hub by means of a hydraulic fluid. The system comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder for adjusting a pitch angle of the blade, the hydraulic cylinder comprising a pitch piston movable in the hydraulic cylinder, and a first port and a second port arranged on each side of the pitch piston, and an accumulator hydraulically connected to the cylinder. The system further comprises a pitch safety system adapted to maintain the blade in a predetermined pitch angle when a person is entering the hub of the wind turbine for service and/or maintenance, the pitch safety system comprising a first valve which by activation releases a pressure in the hydraulic pitch system by draining off the accumulator for the hydraulic fluid until the pressure has reached a predetermined pressure level. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328680 | SUPPORT FOR WATER TURBINE - An underwater turbine mounting includes a rigid tether having one end attached thereto at a pivot, and the other end adapted for connection to an underwater anchorage. The rigid tether is pivotable between a deployment condition and an anchorage condition. The mounting is pivotable between a deployment condition and an operating condition solely by adjusting the buoyancy thereof. The mounting is pivotable between an operating condition and a maintenance condition solely by adjusting the buoyancy thereof. | 11-06-2014 |
20140328681 | PTICH SYSTEM FOR A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine comprises a hub, a blade rotatably mounted to the hub, and a pitch system. The pitch system includes a support, a first drive configured to rotate the blade relative to the support, a second drive configured to rotate the support relative to the hub. The support is configured to be selectively fixed relative to the blade and the hub such that the first or second drive may be used to pitch the blade. A method of pitch corresponding to this operation is provided. | 11-06-2014 |
20140334927 | SHUTDOWN CONTROLLER FOR A WIND TURBINE AND A METHOD OF SHUTTING DOWN A WIND TURBINE - The invention provides a shutdown controller for a wind turbine. To improve the estimation of a state of the wind turbine, the controller comprises at least two sensors being adapted to provide sensor data significant for different mechanical states in the wind turbine. The controller can provide an estimated state of the wind turbine based on the sensor data from the at least two sensors and compare the state of the wind turbine with a predefined detection limit to provide a shutdown signal if the estimated state is outside the detection limit. | 11-13-2014 |
20140334928 | WIND TURBINE BLADE CONTROL METHOD - A control method for a wind turbine, in particular for a wind turbine blade is described. The control method makes use of the blade mode shapes, or natural vibration shapes, of the blade to detect the excitement level of the blade natural vibrations, and controls active lift devices on the blade in an effort to reduce the excitement levels, to reduce loading in the blade and the overall wind turbine structure. There is also provided a method of designing a wind turbine blade for use in such a method. | 11-13-2014 |
20140348650 | APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING THE YAW OF A WIND TURBINE - The invention regards an apparatus for adjusting the yaw of a wind turbine adapted for mounting on a wind turbine comprising, a system for measuring the wind direction adapted, via a control signal, to control the yaw angle of the wind turbine based on the wind direction, and a wind sensor system adapted to determine the yaw error of the wind turbine, and means for modifying the control signal based on the yaw error determined by the wind sensor system. | 11-27-2014 |
20140348651 | REINFORCED WIND TURBINE BLADE - The present invention relates to a reinforced blade for a wind turbine, particularly to a blade having at least one elongated reinforcing member connected inside the shell for increasing the strength of the blade, each of the at least one elongated reinforcing member having a first end and a second end and extending in a longitudinal direction between the first end and the second end and wherein the first end is connected to the upper part of the shell and the second end is connected to the lower part of the shell thereby decreasing peeling and shear stresses in the trailing edge of the blade. | 11-27-2014 |
20140356161 | METHOD TO INDIVIDUALLY OPTIMIZE RESPECTIVE PITCH ANGLES OF A PLURALITY OF BLADES IN A WIND TURBINE - A method to individually optimize respective pitch angles of blades in a wind turbine. The method allows supplying ( | 12-04-2014 |
20140356162 | WIND POWER TURBINE AND WIND POWER TURBINE CONTROL METHOD - A wind power turbine control method, the wind power turbine having an electric machine, in turn having a stator, a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation with respect to the stator, and a mechanical bearing assembly configured to couple the rotor in rotary manner to the stator; the stator having at least one winding to interact electromagnetically with the rotor; and the control method including the steps of: estimating at least one quantity selected from a group including a distance between the rotor and the stator, the variation over time in the distance, and misalignment between the rotor and stator; defining a localized additional magnetic force as a function of the selected quantity; and regulating the selected quantity using the localized additional magnetic force defined. | 12-04-2014 |
20140356163 | TURBOMACHINE - An alternative apparatus for utilizing wind and water energy on the basis of a cyclogyro rotor, which may be arranged as a small-size power plant, with increased efficiency and extended application spectrum. A turbomachine includes a substantially cylindrical rotor with the rotor body and a rotational axis, in which the rotor is arranged to be permeated in a direction perpendicularly to the rotational axis, and has a plurality of rotor blades arranged parallel to the rotational axis in the rotor body and an adjusting device for cyclically adjusting the rotor blades. | 12-04-2014 |
20140363287 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WIND AND WATER POWER CONVERSION - The fundamental wind or water generator concept comprises one or more than one lift producing device(s), which, when subject to a wind or water current C, autonomously pivot(s) and translate(s) linearly while transmitting power to energy conversion unit (such as a pump or electric generator) by way of a flexible transmission member. The lift producing device(s) pivot(s) to a suitable angle, translate(s) a suitable distance, pivot(s) back to the original angle, and translate(s) back to its (their) starting position(s). This autonomous cycle continues indefinitely until the current's average velocity or direction changes substantially, at which point autonomous adjustments are made to accommodate the new conditions and, if possible, operation is resumed. | 12-11-2014 |
20140363288 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSISTING IN ROTOR SPEED CONTROL - A method of assisting in rotor speed control in a rotorcraft can include measuring a rotor speed with a sensor; detecting a droop in the rotor speed beyond a lower droop limit; and commanding a decrease in collective in response to the rotor speed drooping beyond the lower droop limit. A system of assisting in rotor speed control in a rotorcraft, the system can include: a computer having a control law, the control law operable to generate an increase collective command to an actuator in response to a rotor speed decreasing below a lower droop limit; wherein the lower droop limit is below a normal lower rotor speed range. | 12-11-2014 |
20140363289 | Assembly For Fixing A Rotor Blade Of A Wind Power Plant - The invention relates to an assembly and a method of fixing a rotor blade of a wind power plant. The wind power plant comprises a rotor blade, a pitch adjustment means, a bearing for the rotor blade and a brake disk. There is an electro-mechanical brake configured to apply a controlled brake force to the brake disk that is a function of the pitch angle of the rotor blade | 12-11-2014 |
20140363290 | Method And System For Monitoring A Gearbox Of A Wind Energy Installation And Corresponding Wind Energy Installation - The invention relates to a method for monitoring a gearbox of a wind energy installation comprising. The invention further relates to a corresponding computer program product, a corresponding monitoring system for monitoring a gearbox of a wind energy installation and a corresponding wind energy installation. | 12-11-2014 |
20140363291 | METHOD FOR DE-ICING COMPOSITE MATERIAL STRUCTURES, PARTICULARLY BLADES OF A WIND TURBINE, SUITABLE COMPOSITION AND SUITABLE DEVICE - The method for de-icing composite material structures, particularly blades of a wind turbine made from composite materials, includes the following steps: disposing at least one layer of a formulation of conductive polymer on at least one portion of the surface of the structure, providing an appropriate electrical power supply for the structure, and connecting the layer of a formulation of conductive polymer to the electrical power supply in such a way as to cause the conductive layer of conductive polymer to heat up, controlling the electrical power supply depending on climatic conditions. The required composition and suitable device are also described. A specific application is the blades of wind turbines. | 12-11-2014 |
20140363292 | ESTIMATING AND CONTROLLING LOADING EXPERIENCED IN A STRUCTURE - A method of estimating an amount of undesired loading experienced by at least a portion of a structure ( | 12-11-2014 |
20140369833 | Methods and Systems for Blade Health Monitoring - Systems and methods for blade health monitoring are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system may include a feature extraction module and an anomaly detection module in communication with the extraction module. The feature extraction module may be configured to continuously receive blade passing signal data associated with clearance of a blade and pre-process the blade passing signal data. Blade clearance feature data may be extracted from the blade passing signal data prior to transmission to the anomaly detection module. The anomaly detection module may be configured to normalize the blade clearance feature data received from the extraction module, analyze the blade clearance feature data to detect a shift in the clearance of the blade, and determine an abnormality of the blade based on the shift exceeding a predetermined shift threshold. | 12-18-2014 |
20140369834 | Method And System For Harvesting Drag Force Acting On Moving Vehicles - There is provided a system for harvesting drag force acting on a moving vehicle, the system comprising a fan comprising blades and a fan rotating shaft, the fan being configured to be mounted on the moving vehicle for receiving air flow resulting from the drag force acting on the moving vehicle such that the air flow act on the blades during movement of the vehicle impelling rotation of the blades, and wherein the fan rotating shaft is adapted to be connected to and in movement cooperation with the blades for rotating by the effect of the rotation of the blades for converting the air flow into kinetic energy. There is further provided a method of harvesting drag force acting on a moving vehicle, the system comprising converting air flow resulting from the drag force acting on a moving vehicle into kinetic energy, and converting the kinetic energy into at least one of mechanical energy and electrical energy for operating mechanical and electrical components of the vehicle respectively. | 12-18-2014 |
20140377060 | OFFSHORE WIND FARM ILLUMINATION - Method for operating an offshore wind farm with at least one wind turbine system and a navigation device, which is operated in a normal mode, wherein a hazard signal is received by a receiving device, the received hazard signal is supplied to a control device that switches the navigation device from the normal mode to a an emergency lighting mode. | 12-25-2014 |
20140377061 | ACTIVE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING ULTRASONIC SOUND EMISSIONS FROM WIND TURBINES - Methods for producing ultrasonic sound emissions from wind turbines, active systems for emitting ultrasonic sounds from wind turbines, and wind turbines are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes operating the wind turbine with an ultrasonic sound emitting device mounted on or within a component of the wind turbine, and receiving in a controller at least one indicator. The method further includes determining if an operating condition exists based on the at least one indicator, and supplying a fluid flow through an outlet of the ultrasonic sound emitting device such that an ultrasonic sound emission is produced by the ultrasonic sound emitting device if the operating condition exists. | 12-25-2014 |
20140377062 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ROTATING A ROTOR OF A WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a device for rotating a rotor of a wind turbine. Here, the wind turbine has the rotor, a tower, a nacelle with a machine frame, and a hub on which at least one rotor blade can be mounted. The rotor is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the nacelle about an axis of rotation. The wind turbine furthermore has a locking device for blocking a rotational movement of the rotor about the axis of rotation. The device has at least one first displacement unit which is fastened to the machine frame. The first displacement unit also has a fastening device by means of which the first displacement unit can be detachably fastened to the rotor. Finally, the fastening device is actuable, in particular electrically and/or hydraulically actuable. The invention furthermore relates to a system for rotating one rotor of the wind turbine. The invention finally relates to a method for rotating the rotor of the wind turbine by means of the device or by means of the system. | 12-25-2014 |
20140377063 | WIND POWER PLANT HAVING A SLIDING BEARING - A wind power plant having a sliding bearing with a first and second bearing component which are arranged to rotate relative to one another about a common rotational axis is provided. The sliding bearing has at least one sliding lining arranged between the first and second bearing component and has a contact face with a lubricant. The contact face has a sliding lining duct opening to a sliding lining duct, wherein the sliding lining duct crosses the sliding lining and feeds lubricant into a region between the first and second bearing component. The sliding lining has a groove on the contact face, surrounding the sliding lining duct opening. An operation of the wind power plant to generate electric current is also provided. The sliding bearing operates hydrostatically during a startup phase of the rotational movement and/or operates hydrodynamically during a phase of the rotational movement with a constant rotational speed. | 12-25-2014 |
20140377064 | CONTROL METHOD FOR A WIND TURBINE, AND WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a method of controlling a wind turbine comprising one or more blades attached to a rotor hub, the one or more blades being arranged to pitch relative to the hub, the method comprising the steps of obtaining a blade load signal comprising data on an absolute load on the one or more blades; processing the blade load data to detect a high thrust wind event, and generating a control signal comprising a pitch contribution for affecting the blades to pitch out of the wind in response to the detected wind event. The invention also relates to a wind turbine, a control system for a wind turbine and a computer program product being adapted to enable a computer system to perform the method of the invention. | 12-25-2014 |
20140377065 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - Method for controlling a wind turbine, comprising the steps of determining a boundary layer profile of the wind coming towards the wind turbine, determining the wind velocity at a predetermined height based on the boundary layer profile, and operating the wind turbine to maintain the emitted noise below a predetermined noise level when the wind velocity at the predetermined height is below a predetermined value. | 12-25-2014 |
20150010399 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTION AND DETERRENCE OF FLYING ANIMALS AND PREVENTION OF COLLISIONS WITH WIND TURBINES - The disclosure presents systems, methods and computer program products relating to a wind farm. The presence of flying animals, such as birds, bats, and insects may be determined. Deterrence elements such as acoustic and/or visual deterrence elements may be activated in an attempt to deter animals whose presence was determined, and/or independently of a determination of animal presence. The rotation of the blades of one or more wind turbines may be slowed down and/or halted if collision is probable, in order to prevent flying animal casualties. Energy from deterrence elements may produce a predetermined tempo-spatial pattern of lights and/or sounds. | 01-08-2015 |
20150023792 | WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE DE-ICING PROCESS AND WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE DE-ICING SYSTEM - The invention relates to a wind turbine rotor blade heating process with a wind turbine rotor blade de-icing system arranged on a rotor blade ( | 01-22-2015 |
20150030447 | CENTRIFUGALLY DRIVEN AERODYNAMIC ROTOR BLADE BRAKE ASSEMBLY - An aerodynamic brake assembly for use with an airfoil such as the blade of a wind turbine rotor comprises deployable upper and/or lower spoiler plates incorporated in or attached to the airfoil. The spoiler plates can deploy under the influence of centrifugal forces when the rotating airfoil or rotor blade reaches a pre-determined rotational speed. The aerodynamic brake assembly may be integrated within the airfoil or attached to the tip of the airfoil such that, when not deployed, the upper and lower spoiler plates have a profile that approximately conforms to the profile of the part of the airfoil to which it the brake assembly is attached. Thus in a non-deployed state, the spoiler plates have a non-detrimental effect on the performance of the airfoil, and may even contribute to its aerodynamic lift properties. A weighted arm linked to the spoiler plate mechanism can be held in position electromagnetically or by solenoid, until an electrical signal from a controller causes it to release, leading to deployment of the spoiler plates. Failsafe deployment of the spoiler plates can occur either upon loss of power to the mechanism, or when the centrifugal force associated with an overspeed condition of the rotor overcomes the holding force of the electromagnet or solenoid. | 01-29-2015 |
20150030448 | OPTIMISATION OF POWER PRODUCTION IN A WIND TURBINE AT BELOW RATED POWER - The rotor blades of a wind turbine each have a plurality of fibre-optic pressure variation sensors which can detect the onset of a stall condition. The output of the stall condition sensors is input to a stall count circuit which increases a stall count signal each time a stall indication is received. The stall count signal is decayed exponentially over time and the current signal is summed with the decayed signal from a previous sampling period to form a value from which a stall margin is determined. An λ:θ curve of tip speed to wind speed ratio λ against pitch angle reference θ is then determined from the stall margin. | 01-29-2015 |
20150030449 | METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - Method of operating a wind turbine comprising a plurality of blades rotatable along their longitudinal axes using a pitch mechanism, and comprising one or more movable trailing edge surfaces. The method includes predicting, at a first moment in time, a high load for one or more of the blades at a second moment in time. The method further comprises actuating on one or more of the movable trailing edge surfaces of these blades such that the trailing edge surfaces have a wider range of control to counteract the predicted high loads before the second moment in time, and simultaneously pitching the blades such as not to negatively affect the operation of the wind turbine. The method furthermore comprises, at the second moment in time, actuating the one or more movable trailing edge surfaces of the at least one or more blades to counteract the high loads. | 01-29-2015 |
20150037149 | ROTORCRAFT CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ROTORCRAFT WITH TWO OR MORE ROTOR SYSTEMS - A multirotor rotorcraft control system for effectuating flight control. The multirotor rotorcraft has at least two or more rotor assemblies. The control system preferably includes at least one flap for each rotor blade and at least one actuator for each rotor assembly. The rotor assemblies and the flap(s) and actuator(s) for each assembly are used for flight control. This invention does not require a complex fixed pitch control system or a high frequency servo control system. This invention can control blade angle of attack during autorotation. | 02-05-2015 |
20150037150 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PNEUMATICALLY DRIVING A TURBOCHARGER ROTOR IN A BALANCING MACHINE - Disclosed is a method in which the propulsive power of a drive nozzle ( | 02-05-2015 |
20150050142 | CONTROLLING ROTOR BLADES OF A SWASHPLATELESS ROTOR - Controlling rotor blades of a rotor assembly includes determining an azimuthal position of a rotor assembly and identifying a lateral control command value, a longitudinal control command value and a collective control command value of a rotor assembly control system. A sine value and a cosine value of the azimuthal position are calculated and separate blade commands signals are generated for each separate blade of the rotor assembly to control a position of each blade independent of each other blade. The blade command signals are generated based on combining the sine and cosine values of the azimuthal position with the lateral control command value, the longitudinal control command value and the collective control command value. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050143 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE DAMAGE - Methods and systems for detecting rotor blade damage in a wind turbine are provided herein. A monitoring system includes a filter module and a damage determination module. The filter module is configured to determine an amplitude of a 1P frequency component of at least one operating condition of the wind turbine. The damage determination module is configured to compare the determined 1P frequency component amplitude to a threshold 1P frequency component amplitude. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050144 | METHOD FOR IMPROVING LARGE ARRAY WIND PARK POWER PERFORMANCE THROUGH ACTIVE WAKE MANIPULATION REDUCING SHADOW EFFECTS - Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for increasing turbulent mixing in the wake of at least one wind turbine. Doing so, increases efficiency of a wind turbine located in the wake by transferring energy to the wake that was lost when the wind passed through the upwind turbine. Turbulent mixing may be increased by changing the induction factor for a rotor by, for example, altering the pitch of the blades, the RPMs of the rotor, or the yaw of the nacelle. These techniques may be static or dynamically changing. Further, the different induction factors for a plurality of wind turbines may be synchronized according to a predetermined pattern to further increase turbulent mixing. | 02-19-2015 |
20150050145 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE, AND A CORRESPONDING WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine ( | 02-19-2015 |
20150050146 | Rotor Blade for a Water Turbine, in Particular for a Tidal Power Station, and Method for Operating Same - The invention concerns a rotor blade for a water turbine with a hydrodynamic profile, to which a suction side and a pressure side are associated, comprising a plurality of overflow channels, which are arranged in the hydrodynamic profile and create a hydraulic connection between the suction side and the pressure side and to which a valve arrangement is associated respectively. | 02-19-2015 |
20150056072 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING EXCESSIVE LOADING ON A WIND TURBINE - Systems and methods for preventing excessive loading on a wind turbine are disclosed. The method includes: measuring an actual wind parameter upwind from the wind turbine using one or more sensors; providing the measured wind parameter to a processor; providing a plurality of wind turbine operating data to the processor; utilizing the plurality of operating data to determine an estimated wind turbine condition at the wind turbine; generating a control wind profile based on the actual wind parameter and the estimated wind turbine condition; and, implementing a control action based on the control wind profile to prevent excessive loading from acting on the wind turbine. | 02-26-2015 |
20150056073 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COOLING ROTOR BLADE ANGELWINGS - A system for cooling an angelwing coupled to a rotor blade in a gas turbine engine is provided. An angelwing coupled to a shank of a rotor blade includes at least one cooling passage extending from at least one inlet opening coupled in flow communication with a gas turbine engine inner wheelspace to at least one outlet opening coupled in flow communication with a gas turbine engine outer rotor/stator cavity. The at least one outlet opening is located in an upper surface of the angelwing. The at least one cooling passage receives pressurized cooling air channeled from the inner wheelspace, such that the pressurized cooling air is channeled into the at least one inlet opening and discharged from the at least one outlet opening. | 02-26-2015 |
20150056074 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DEICING WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES - A system and method for deicing a wind turbine rotor blade includes simultaneously directing heated air through an internal leading edge circulation loop and a separate internal trailing edge circulation loop within the rotor blade. | 02-26-2015 |
20150056075 | WIND TURBINE - A device and method to generate electricity via a wind turbine. The device includes a first stator ring or a portion thereof, a second rotor comprising a ring encircling a set of blades, and wherein a rotation of the second rotor ring with respect to the first stator ring or the portion thereof generates energy. | 02-26-2015 |
20150064003 | AIRFLOW MODIFYING ELEMENT FOR SUPPRESSING AIRFLOW NOISE - A rotor blade assembly is provided having an airflow modifying element for suppressing airflow noise caused by a drain hole. The rotor blade assembly includes at least one rotor blade including a body shell extending between a blade root and a blade tip. Further, the rotor blade includes at least one drain hole having a diameter. The drain hole is configured within the body shell of the rotor blade. At least one airflow modifying element is configured on the body shell a predetermined distance from the drain hole such that the airflow modifying element reduces airflow noise caused by the drain hole. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is substantially equal to the diameter of the drain hole. | 03-05-2015 |
20150064004 | PERSONAL PROPULSION APPARATUS AND METHOD - A personal propulsion apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second air-moving thrusters arranged at opposed ends a rigid member and drive means operable to cause the thrusters to move | 03-05-2015 |
20150064005 | WIND TURBINE BLADE PROVIDED WITH OPTICAL WIND VELOCITY MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A wind turbine includes a number of blades and an optical measurement system comprising a light source, such as a laser, an optical transmitter part, an optical receiver part, and a signal processor. The light source is optically coupled to the optical transmitter part, which includes an emission point for emitting light in a probing direction. The optical receiver part comprises a receiving point and a detector. The optical receiver part is adapted for receiving a reflected part of light from a probing region along the probing direction and directing the reflected part of light to the detector to generate a signal used to determine a first velocity component of the inflow. The emission point is located in a first blade at a first radial distance from a center axis, and the receiving point is located in the first blade at a second radial distance from the center axis. | 03-05-2015 |
20150071778 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING AMPLITUDE MODULATION IN WIND TURBINES - A wind turbine system is presented. The wind turbine system includes a rotor comprising a plurality of blades and a hub, and a turbine controller configured to reduce an abnormal amplitude modulation of the wind turbine by adjusting pitch angles of the plurality of blades during a rotation of the rotor based upon aerodynamic loads acting on the rotor. | 03-12-2015 |
20150078894 | WIND TURBINE CONTROL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A wind turbine control system includes a wind turbine, a power-converting device connected with the wind turbine, a control device and a human-machine interface. The control device is connected with the power-converting device. The control device includes a storage module having a first database, among which a first control data is stored in the first database. The human-machine interface having a GUI is connected with the control device. A second control data is set through the GUI and stored in the first database, such that the wind turbine is automatically controlled to rotate at a first rotational speed in a first time period and rotate at a second rotational speed in a second time period by the control device according to the first control data and the second control data. Therefore, the safety concerns are reduced, the operations are simplified, and the probable of inputting improper control parameters is eliminated. | 03-19-2015 |
20150078895 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A PROFILE OF A BLADE ON A WIND TURBINE - The invention regards an apparatus or method for controlling the profile of a blade on a wind turbine having at least a first blade and a second blade, the first blade comprise at least one first sensor system adapted to determine a first blade state and the second blade comprise at least one second sensor system adapted to determine a second blade state, wherein the profile of the second blade is controlled based on the determined first blade state and the determined second blade state. | 03-19-2015 |
20150078896 | WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE WITH SERRATED EXTENSION - A wind turbine rotor blade is provided, having a root end, a tip end, a leading edge section, a trailing edge section and a serrated extension, wherein the serrated extension is attached to the trailing edge section and has at least a first tooth. Furthermore, the wind turbine rotor blade has at least one patterning element for guiding a wind flow which is flowing from the leading edge section to the trailing edge section such that noise which is generated at the trailing edge section is reduced. The patterning element has the shape of a ridge. Advantageously, the ridge-shaped patterning element is located upstream, compared to the first tooth, and/or is located on a surface of the first tooth. Furthermore, a method is provided to reduce noise which is generated at a trailing edge section of a wind turbine rotor blade. | 03-19-2015 |
20150086356 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING EXCESSIVE LOADING ON A WIND TURBINE - Systems and methods for preventing excessive loading on a wind turbine are disclosed. The method includes determining a current wind turbine parameter using at least one operating condition via a processor, the operating condition indicative of wind turbine operation; storing the current wind turbine parameter in a memory store over a predetermined time period; calculating a standard deviation of a plurality of the stored current wind turbine parameters; determining a future wind turbine parameter; calculating a maximum wind turbine parameter as a function of the standard deviation of the plurality of stored wind turbine parameters and the future wind turbine parameter; and, controlling the wind turbine based on a difference between the maximum wind turbine parameter and a parameter setpoint to prevent excessive loading from acting on the wind turbine. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086357 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING YAW BIAS IN WIND TURBINE - Wind turbines and method for adjusting yaw bias in wind turbines are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes defining an operational condition for the wind turbine, the operational condition including a turbine speed range, a pitch angle range, and a wind speed range. The method further includes operating the wind turbine within the operational condition, adjusting a yaw angle of the wind turbine during operation of the wind turbine, and measuring power output of the wind turbine during operation within the operational condition. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086358 | ROTORCRAFT ROTOR INCLUDING PRIMARY PITCH HORNS AND SECONDARY HORNS - A rotorcraft rotor comprises a blade having a pitch axis, a primary pitch horn for the blade, and a secondary horn opposite the primary pitch horn with respect to the pitch axis. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086359 | ROTOR BLADE ASSEMBLY WITH SHIM PLATE FOR MITIGATING PITCH BEARING LOADS - The invention is directed to a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine designed to mitigate pitch bearing loads. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade, a pitch bearing, and at least one shim plate. The rotor blade includes a body extending between a blade root and a blade tip. The pitch bearing includes an outer race, an inner race, and a plurality of roller elements between the outer race and the inner race. As such, the inner race is rotatable relative to the outer race. The at least one shim plate may be configured between the inner race and the blade root or between the outer race and a hub of the wind turbine so as to mitigate loads experienced by the pitch bearing. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086360 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE DURING SHUTDOWN - A method for controlling an individually pitched wind turbine during shutdown is disclosed, the wind turbine comprising at least three wind turbine blades ( | 03-26-2015 |
20150086361 | AXIAL ROTOR PORTION AND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE FOR A GAS TURBINE - A turbine rotor blade is provided with a blade root, platform adjoining it, and turbine blade on that side of the platform which faces away from the blade root, with at least one opening for feeding coolant into the turbine rotor blade interior on an underside of the blade root, which opening merges into a coolant duct. An axial rotor section for a rotor is provided, having an outer circumferential surface adjoining two end-side first side surfaces with rotor blade holding grooves distributed over the circumference and extending along an axial direction, wherein a turbine rotor blade is arranged in every holding groove, wherein a multiplicity of sealing elements are at the side of a side surface of the rotor section, and lie opposite the end sides of blade roots to form a gap. Multiple outlet holes for impingement cooling of the sealing elements are provided in the end surface. | 03-26-2015 |
20150086362 | CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING ROTOR IMBALANCE ON A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine includes a rotor comprising multiple blades mounted on a hub, MIMUs mounted on each blade for sensing parameter signals thereof, and a control system. The control system includes a wind speed calculation unit, a wind shear calculation unit, a pitch angle compensation command calculation unit, and a pitch control unit. The wind speed calculation unit is used for calculating wind speeds at the blades based at least on the sensed parameter signals. The wind shear calculation unit is used for calculating a characteristic shear exponent based at least on the calculated wind speeds. The pitch angle compensation command calculation unit is used for calculating pitch angle compensation commands of the blades based at least on the calculated characteristic shear exponent. The pitch control unit is used for adjusting the pitch angles of the blades based on the calculated pitch angle compensation commands. | 03-26-2015 |
20150093242 | ADJUSTING A ROTOR BLADE PITCH ANGLE - A method of adjusting a pitch angle of a rotor blade of a rotor of a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises varying the pitch angle of the rotor blade during wind operation of the wind turbine from a starting angle to reach a limit angle (α | 04-02-2015 |
20150098819 | DETECTING AND TRACKING DAMAGE TO AN AEROENGINE FAN OR AN IMPACT OF A FOREIGN OBJECT THEREAGAINST - A system for detecting deformation of a fan for an aeroengine, the fan including a rotor including plural blades made of composite material including woven fibers. At least one of the fibers in each of the blades is an optical fiber including at least one portion defining a Bragg grating. The system further includes a transceiver connected to the optical fiber and configured to send an optical signal into the optical fiber and to receive an optical signal in response from the optical fiber, and a detector module connected to the transceiver to detect deformation of the fan when the received optical signal presents correlation with a predetermined signature of a damped impact on a blade at a determined speed of rotation. This deformation may be the result of a foreign object impacting against a blade of the fan or may follow from variation in an internal defect. | 04-09-2015 |
20150098820 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCTION OF FATIGUE AND GUST LOADS ON WIND TURBINE BLADES - An adjustable lift regulating device ( | 04-09-2015 |
20150104307 | Actuation System for an Active Blade Element of a Rotor Blade - One example of an actuation system for an active blade element of a rotor blade includes an actuator system coupled to a linear transmission system. The actuator system attaches to a structure within a rotor blade and provides a linear motion in a direction that is spanwise to the rotor blade. The linear transmission system is coupled with the actuator system and to an active blade element attached to the rotor blade. The linear transmission system receives the linear motion provided by the actuator system, and responsively provides at least a partial rotation of the active blade element about an axis of the linear transmission system which is in the direction that is substantially parallel to the spanwise axis of the rotor blade. | 04-16-2015 |
20150104308 | BRUSH DESIGN FOR PROPELLER DEICING SYSTEM - A propeller assembly is provided including a plurality of blades arranged in diametrically opposed pairs. Each of the plurality of blades has an electrical deicer located thereon. The propeller assembly also includes a slip ring, and a stationary brush arranged in contact with the slip ring. The brush is configured to transfer electrical power from a power source to the slip ring. A movable portion of an actuator is configured to sequentially couple the electrical deicers of each pair of blades to the rotating slip ring. | 04-16-2015 |
20150104309 | AIRCRAFT CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - An aircraft control system includes a co-axial, counter-rotating propeller shaft assembly. Also included is a first rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly, the first rotor having a first plurality of blades mounted thereto, wherein the first plurality of blades are disposed at a substantially identical nominal pitch during rotation of the first rotor. Further included is a second rotor operatively coupled to the propeller shaft assembly, the second rotor having a second plurality of blades mounted thereto, wherein a pitch of the second plurality of blades is configured to cyclically change during rotation of the second rotor. | 04-16-2015 |
20150104310 | FREQUENCY RESPONSE AND HEALTH TRACKER FOR A SYNTHETIC JET GENERATOR - A jet generator is controlled by providing an input signal at a variable frequency to the jet generator and to a simulated electrical load of the jet generator, measuring a difference in signals between the jet generator and the simulated electrical load to identify an optimum flow of a jet generated by the jet generator, and tuning the frequency of the input signal to maintain the jet at the optimum flow. | 04-16-2015 |
20150104311 | EXTERNALLY PROGRAMMABLE FAN - A fan comprising: (a) an impeller, (b) a motor connected to the impeller so that during operation the motor drives the impeller to move a fluid; (c) an instrumentation assembly that includes one or more components for controlling one or more operations of the fan; (d) an interface in communication with the instrumentation assembly; wherein the interface is configured so that one or more programs, one or more signals, or both can be input into the fan after a final assembly of the fan so that the fan can be configured to perform a desired function at the time of installation into a final product, reconfigured for a different purpose than originally programmed, or both. | 04-16-2015 |
20150110622 | Rotor Brake with Integrated Impeller - According to one embodiment, a rotor break includes a first braking surface having an opening therethrough, a second braking surface adjacent to the first braking surface, and an impeller disposed between the first and second braking surfaces such that rotation of the impeller pulls fluid through the opening of the first braking surface and expels the fluid out through a gap between the first and second braking surfaces. | 04-23-2015 |
20150110623 | Method of dynamic energy-saving superconductive propeller interaction with a fluid medium - In a method of providing a dynamic energy-saving superconductive interaction of a rotating propeller with a fluid medium, an optimizer has a modulator modulating a value of a connection by the fluid medium flowing between perforations on working surfaces of a propeller blade through a shunt passage under an action of a difference of pressures generated on the working surfaces by providing a frequency, a range, a law and a phase of the modulating; and the optimizer optimizes a value of at least one parameter of the modulating in dependence on a change of a value of at least one controlled characteristic influencing energy efficiency of a work of an object interacting with the propeller system, thereby providing a dynamic energy optimization of the work of the object by optimization of modulated blowing/suction wave effects on a boundary layer adjacent to the working surfaces of the rotating propeller. | 04-23-2015 |
20150110624 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE, AND A WIND TURBINE - The present invention relates to a method of controlling a wind turbine having at least one blade and a controller, including: detect location of foreign material adhered to the blade by sensors mounted on the blade and communicatively coupled to the controller; determine the resonance mode of the blade to be excited based on the location of the foreign material by the controller; and excite the blade to the resonance mode; wherein the resonance mode is one higher than the first order resonance mode. The present invention also relates to a wind turbine using the method. | 04-23-2015 |
20150118045 | METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING COOLING FOR A TURBINE ASSEMBLY - A system for providing cooling of a turbine rotor wheel includes a rotor wheel including a plurality of dovetail slots spaced circumferentially about a peripheral surface of the rotor wheel. Each of the dovetail slots includes a pair of opposite upper slot tangs and a pair of opposite lower slot tangs. The system also includes at least one turbine blade. The turbine blade includes an airfoil, a platform, and a dovetail. The dovetail includes a pair of opposite upper dovetail tangs and a pair of opposite lower dovetail tangs. The dovetail further includes at least one inlet aperture extending longitudinally therethrough. The pair of upper dovetail tangs include a first cooling hole extending therethrough and coupled in flow communication with the at least one inlet aperture. | 04-30-2015 |
20150118046 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO DETECT AN ELECTRIC ARC AND A LIGHTNING STRIKE - An electric arc detection system is presented. The electric arc detection system comprises a receiving antenna that receives electromagnetic radiation generated by an electric arc formed in an internal cavity of a non-conductive hollow structure, and a processing subsystem for determining an existence of the electric arc in the internal cavity based upon signals representative of the electromagnetic radiation. | 04-30-2015 |
20150118047 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PARAMETERS OF WIND TURBINE - A method for determining parameters of a wind turbine is disclosed. The method may generally include receiving signals from at least one Micro Inertial Measurement Unit (MIMU) mounted on or within a component of the wind turbine and determining at least one parameter of the wind turbine based on the signals received from the at least one MIMU. | 04-30-2015 |
20150125294 | AERODYNAMIC WIND ENERGY CONVERSION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUCH A DEVICE - The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind energy conversion device and a method for controlling such a device. The aerodynamic wind energy conversion device comprises an aerodynamic wing; at least a first tractive line and a second tractive line; wherein ends of the tractive lines are connected to line connection points located at the aerodynamic wing; at least a first and a second reefing point located across the aerodynamic wing and is characterized in that the length of the second tractive line is shorter than the length of the first tractive line; and wherein the first reefing point is spaced from the first line connection point in a first reefing distance and the second reefing point is d spaced from the second line connection point in a second reefing distance, such that the second reefing distance is longer than the first reefing distance. | 05-07-2015 |
20150125295 | WIND TURBINE LOAD MITIGATION - A wind turbine blade assembly comprises a rotatable hub, a blade secured to the hub, and a pitch system. The pitch system is disposed to rotate the blade with respect to the hub about a pitch axis not extending through an aerodynamic centroid of the blade. The pitch system comprises a hydraulic cylinder pitch actuator and a relief valve. The hydraulic cylinder pitch actuator has first and second pressure chambers. The relief valve is configured to aerodynamically unload the blade by equilibrating the first and second pressure chambers in response to a pressure differential between the first and second pressure chambers exceeding a critical threshold corresponding to a pre-strain blade twist. | 05-07-2015 |
20150132127 | TURBOMACHINE AIRFOIL EROSION DETERMINATION - A system may include at least one computer device configured to attain a two-dimensional used profile of a leading edge at a specified radial position on a turbomachine airfoil after use. The system aligns opposing substantially straight alignment portions of the two-dimensional used profile with opposing substantially straight alignment portions of a previously attained, two-dimensional, baseline profile of the turbomachine airfoil. The alignment portions of each profile are in substantially identical radial locations of the turbomachine airfoil. Comparing the used profile to the baseline profile determines whether the leading edge at the specified radial position of the used turbomachine airfoil has erosion. The system may also include a laser profiler for measuring the turbomachine airfoil. | 05-14-2015 |
20150132128 | WIND TURBINE WITH A LOAD CONTROLLER - The invention provides a wind turbine, a control system for a wind turbine and a method for controlling a wind turbine where asymmetry in load on the rotor is compensated by individual pitching by comparing a load distribution over the rotor plane with a threshold value. To avoid unnecessary compensation, the threshold value is adjusted based on a loading of the wind turbine or based on climate conditions under which the turbine operates. | 05-14-2015 |
20150132129 | METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE AS WELL AS A SYSTEM SUITABLE THEREFORE - A method of operating a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a turbine rotor with at least two blades, each blade having a variable pitch angle. The method comprises determining mechanical loads on the blades, determining an asymmetric load moment experienced by the turbine rotor based on the mechanical loads on the blades, determining high order harmonics from the asymmetric load moment, and determining an individual pitch control signal for each of the blades for varying the pitch angle of each blade to compensate for the asymmetric load moment. The individual pitch control signal for each blade is determined at least based on the high order harmonics. | 05-14-2015 |
20150139796 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE PITCH ANGLE OF AT LEAST ONE WIND TURBINE BLADE - The invention regards a method for controlling the pitch angle of at least one wind turbine blade in a rotor connected to a main shaft on a wind turbine, the method comprises the steps of determining; a first component of the wind vector which is upwind, horizontal and aligned with the main shaft direction and, a second component of the wind vector which is upwind, perpendicular to the first component of the wind vector, wherein the first component of the wind vector and the second component of the wind vector are determined by use of at least one ultrasonic sensor mounted on the rotor, whereby the pitch angle is controlled based on the first component of the wind vector and the second component of the wind vector. | 05-21-2015 |
20150139797 | WIND TURBINE CONTROL - The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and computer program products for controlling a wind turbine that comprises a nacelle and one or more turbine blades to reduce or prevent edgewise vibrations building up on the one or more turbine blades. It is identified | 05-21-2015 |
20150139798 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONIC PROPELLER BLADE ANGLE POSITION FEEDBACK - A system and method for blade angle position feedback. The system comprises an annular member operatively connected to rotate with a propeller, a sensor fixedly mounted adjacent the annular member and configured for detecting a passage of each singularity as the annular member is rotated and axially displaced and for generating a sensor signal accordingly, the annular member and sensor configured for relative axial displacement between a first relative axial position and a second relative axial position respectively corresponding to the first and the second mode of operation, and a detection unit connected to the sensor for receiving the sensor signal therefrom, determining on the basis of the sensor signal a time interval elapsed between the passage of successive singularities, and computing from the time interval blade angle position. | 05-21-2015 |
20150147172 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING ROTOR BLADE TOWER STRIKE - A system and method for preventing a rotor blade from striking a tower of the wind turbine is disclosed. The system includes a pitch adjustment mechanism, at least one electrical switch, and a mechanically-actuated positional switch. The pitch adjustment mechanism is configured to rotate the rotor blade about a pitch axis. Further, the pitch adjustment mechanism includes a motor and a brake. The electrical switch is configured with the motor, the brake, or both. The mechanically-actuated positional switch is fixed within a hub of the wind turbine. Further, the positional switch is configured with the electrical switch such that if the rotor blade rotates to an unsafe region, the positional switch is configured to trigger the electrical switch to implement one of tripping power to the motor of the pitch adjustment mechanism or actuating the brake of the pitch adjustment mechanism. | 05-28-2015 |
20150147173 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO SHUT DOWN A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine system is presented. The wind turbine system includes a wind turbine comprising a plurality of blades and a tower, and a processing subsystem configured to shut down the wind turbine by non-linearly pitching out the plurality of blades in the wind turbine towards a feather position at a pitch rate determined based upon a tower-fore-aft velocity of a top-portion of the tower during oscillations of the tower. | 05-28-2015 |
20150147174 | COORDINATED CONTROL OF A FLOATING WIND TURBINE - The present invention relates to methods, apparatus and computer program products for coordinating the control of a floating wind turbine ( | 05-28-2015 |
20150147175 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE OR A WIND FARM - The invention concerns a wind power installation comprising a pod, a rotor, a first and/or second microwave technology and/or radar technology measuring unit for emitting microwaves and/or radar waves and for detecting the reflections of the microwaves and/or radar waves to acquire wind data and/or meteorological data or information in respect of a wind field in front of and/or behind the wind power installation, and a control means of the wind power installation, which controls operation of the wind power installation in dependence on the data detected by the first and/or second measuring unit. | 05-28-2015 |
20150300319 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - Method for operating a wind turbine, comprising at least one generator and at least two components being rotatably supported relative to each other by means of at least one sliding bearing, whereby at least one operational state information of the wind turbine indicating the operational state of the wind turbine is determined, wherein the generator is operated as an electric motor for driving the wind turbine if the at least one operational state information indicates start-up or shut-down of the wind turbine. | 10-22-2015 |
20150308403 | FLOW DEFLECTION DEVICE OF A WIND TURBINE - A rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided, wherein the rotor blade has a flow deflection device for influencing an airflow flowing from the leading edge section of the rotor blade to the trailing edge section of the rotor blade. The flow deflection device passively changes its configuration depending on the bending of the rotor blade. Furthermore, the airflow is influenced such that load on the rotor blade is reduced. Furthermore, a method to reduce load on a rotor blade of a wind turbine is provided. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308414 | WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a wind energy plant with a nacelle, a generator located in the nacelle, a tower and a yaw bearing to adjust the nacelle orientation into the wind, such that the yaw bearing is located under the nacelle in a vertical yaw displacement and the nacelle is supported on the yaw bearing above a vertical shaft section of the same length as the yaw displacement. | 10-29-2015 |
20150308450 | CEILING FAN BLADE ATTACHMENT - An accessory blade attachment adapted to removably attach to a ceiling fan blade of a ceiling fan is provided. The accessory blade attachment may include a blade portion and a pivotally connected fan clip, wherein the fan clip removably attaches to the trailing edge of the ceiling fan blade so that the blade portion may improve the volume and direction of airflow generated by the ceiling fan. | 10-29-2015 |
20150315917 | FAN IMPELLER BALANCE CALIBRATING METHOD - A fan impeller balance calibrating method includes steps of: placing a fan impeller onto a measurement platform, the measurement platform having a controller, a speedometer device and a detection device being arranged on the measurement platform for detecting the rotational speed and balance of the fan impeller respectively, the controller receiving data from the speedometer device and the detection device to calculate and generate a detection signal to the measurement platform, according to the received detection signal, the measurement platform displaying calibration data and rotational speed data; and adding at least one weight body to the fan impeller or removing at least one weight body from the fan impeller according to the calibration data to quickly calibrate the balance of the fan impeller. The fan impeller balance calibrating method is advantageous in that the balance calibration time is shortened and the calibration process is simplified. | 11-05-2015 |
20150316032 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR REDUCING WIND TURBINE NOISE - A method for reducing noise generated by a wind turbine includes measuring a reference temperature of the wind turbine. The method also includes regulating a trailing edge surface temperature of a trailing edge portion of a rotor blade attached to the wind turbine. In addition, the method includes measuring the trailing edge surface temperature. Further, the method includes regulating the trailing edge surface temperature to maintain a predetermined temperature differential between the reference temperature and the trailing edge surface temperature. | 11-05-2015 |
20150321740 | CYCLOIDAL MARINE-PROPULSION SYSTEM - A cycloidal marine-propulsion system is disclosed. The system comprises a blade-mounting disc and a plurality of propeller blades. Each of the plurality of propeller blades has a respective primary blade axis and is connected to the disc in a manner allowing the blade to be rotated about its primary blade axis independent of any about-axis rotation of every other one of the propeller blades. The system also includes a plurality of electric actuators, each actuator being connected to a respective one of the propeller blades. The system further includes a controller in communication with the electric actuators for controlling selectively each of the electric actuators. | 11-12-2015 |
20150322920 | VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINES - A device comprising a vertical axis wind turbine comprising an arm, a housing coupled to the arm, a generator housed within the housing, and a blade extending along the housing vertically. | 11-12-2015 |
20150322925 | A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIND TURBINE SENSOR CALIBRATION - A system and method for the verification and calibration of wind turbine sensor systems is provided. The system comprises an optical capture device provided on a wind turbine which is arranged to record the position of at least one light source provided at the wind turbine during operation of the wind turbine. The motion of the light source relative to the optical capture device can provide an indication of relative motion of a portion of the wind turbine during operation, which can then be used as an input to a calibration and/or a verification system for a sensor system of the wind turbine. | 11-12-2015 |
20150322926 | CONTROL OF WIND TURBINES - A method of controlling a wind turbine is described. The method involves forecasting the temperature evolution of a component of the wind turbine based upon the current operating parameters of the wind turbine and upon a required power output; predicting from the temperature forecast a future alarm event caused by the temperature of the component exceeding a first threshold level or falling below a second threshold level; and adjusting the operating parameters of the wind turbine to control the temperature evolution of the component thereby to avoid or delay the predicted alarm event. | 11-12-2015 |
20150322955 | OPTIMIZATION OF HEAT REGULATION IN A DEVICE COMPRISING A FAN - The invention concerns a device ( | 11-12-2015 |
20150322959 | TURBO MACHINE AND METHOD FOR THE OPERATION THEREOF - A turbo machine, particularly a turbo compressor, including at least one rotor, which extends along an axis, at least one gas seal, which uses a seal gas to seal a gap between the rotor and a stator of the turbo machine, and a processing module, which processes process fluid taken from the high-pressure position at a tapping into seal gas, which seal gas is fed to the gas seal is provided. To reduce the investment costs for processing the seal gas for the gas seal, a control valve is provided in a first pipe of the turbo machine, the turbo machine has a control unit and a sensor in a second pipe for the seal gas between the processing module and the gas seal, and the control unit is designed such that the control valve controls the pressure or the mass flow or the volume flow measured by the sensor. | 11-12-2015 |
20150329186 | Oscillating foil propulsion system and method for controlling a motion of an oscillating movable foil - The invention relates to an oscillating foil propulsion system comprising a movable foil, a pitch mechanism connected to the movable foil and configured to control a pitch motion of the foil, a heave mechanism connected to the movable foil and configured to control a heave motion of the foil, and wherein at least one of the pitch and heave mechanisms is configured to adjust an amplitude of the respective motion of the movable foil. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a motion of an oscillating movable foil of a marine propulsion system. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330364 | WIND TURBINE AND BLADE ALIGNMENT METHOD THEREOF - The present subject matter is directed to a wind turbine blade alignment method. A sensor provided on the blade at a blade station with a known twist angle is used to measure an installation angle of the blade station. The installation angle is adjusted if the installation angle measured by the sensor is not equal to the known twist angle. A wind turbine with such a sensor for measuring an installation angle used for blade alignment is also provided. | 11-19-2015 |
20150330399 | Scented Fan Blade Covers and Related Methods - Disclosed is an ornamental fan blade cover with pockets or liners for housing a fragrance effective to produce a scent. In one embodiment, a fan blade cover may be defined by a slip that is configured to fit around a ceiling fan blade. Preferably, the slip may comprise a decorative feature on one side and a fastening mechanism on the other side for securing the cover to a fan blade. Suitably, the slip may include a pocket so that a fragrance emitting means may be deposited therein. The more specific aspects of this disclosure are disclosed with reference to the figures. | 11-19-2015 |
20150336664 | ADJUSTABLE BLADE-TO-HUB LEAD-LAG DAMPER ATTACHMENT - An aircraft includes a rotor blade and a rotor hub system. The rotor hub system includes a lead-lag damper having a rod end and being operably associated with the rotor blade; a blade adapter having a first arm and an opposing second arm; a pin carried by the blade adapter and configured to secure in position via the first arm and the second arm; and an actuator secured to the pin and configured to adjust the position of the lead-lag rod end relative to the first arm and the second arm. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337667 | AIRFOIL COOLING DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - An airfoil has an airfoil structure that defines a cooling passage for directing a cooling medium through the airfoil structure. A swirl structure is operatively associated with the cooling passage and configured to impart a tangential velocity to the cooling medium flowing through the cooling passage. An airfoil has an airfoil structure that defines a first cooling passage and a second cooling passage for directing cooling medium through the airfoil structure, each cooling passage having a swirl structure that imparts tangential velocity on the cooling medium flowing through the associated cooling passage. A method of making an airfoil that includes forming an airfoil structure that defines a cooling passage for directing a cooling medium through the airfoil structure and forming a swirl structure that is operatively associated with the cooling passage and imparts tangential velocity to the cooling medium flowing through the cooling passage. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337683 | ANGLED CUT TO DIRECT RADIATIVE HEAT LOAD - A fairing ( | 11-26-2015 |
20150337802 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PITCH FAULT DETECTION - The system includes at least one blade, a pitch command generator, a blade pitch system, a model store unit and a monitor unit. The pitch command generator is for generating at least one pitch command. The blade pitch system is for adjusting a pitch angle of the blade according to the pitch command and outputting an actual response representing an actual pitch condition of the blade in response to the pitch command. The model store unit is for receiving the pitch command and generating a desired response representing a desired pitch condition in response to the pitch command based on a nonlinear blade model. The monitor unit is for comparing a difference between the actual response and the desired response with a predetermined threshold and determining an operation status of the blade based at least in part on the difference. A method and a wind turbine are also provided. | 11-26-2015 |
20150337803 | Control Method for a wind turbine - Control method for a wind turbine which comprises the steps of obtaining a first signal regarding the azimuthal position for each blade, obtaining at least one signal indicative of wind speed, and calculating a blade pitch angle control term. The step of calculating the blade pitch angle control term comprises the use of at least one function dependent on the at least one signal indicative of wind speed and the at least one function dependent on the at least one signal indicative of wind speed includes an increasing piece within a range of wind speed values below a nominal wind speed. | 11-26-2015 |
20150345468 | WIND FARM HAVING A PLURALITY OF NETWORK FEED-IN POINTS - A wind farm comprises a plurality of wind turbines connected to a network internal to the wind farm, a network feed-in point in the network internal to the wind farm for feeding electrical power into a supply network, a control device associated with the network feed-in point designed to control the wind turbines feeding power into the supply network by the network feed-in point on the basis of measured values recorded at the network feed-in point, and at least one additional network feed-in point having an additional control device designed to control the wind turbines feeding power into the supply network by the additional network feed-in point on the basis of measured values recorded at the additional network feed-in point, wherein the network internal to the wind farm is designed to variably connect at least one wind turbine to one of the plurality of network feed-in points. | 12-03-2015 |
20150354081 | Abrasive Tip Blade Manufacture Methods - A method is provided for manufacturing a blade. The blade comprises an airfoil ( | 12-10-2015 |
20150354533 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE, WIND TURBINE, AND CONTROL MEANS FOR A WIND TURBINE - In the case of wind turbines | 12-10-2015 |
20150354534 | METHOD OF STARTING A WIND TURBINE - Methods of starting a wind turbine from a standstill substantially until generator connection, the wind turbine having a rotor with one or more blades, a pitch system for rotating the blades along their longitudinal axes and a generator operationally connected with the rotor. In standstill, the blades are substantially in a feathered position and the generator is not generating electrical power. The methods may comprise measuring the wind speed representative for the wind turbine and measuring the rotor speed of the wind turbine, and when the rotor speed is not equal to zero, determining the tip speed ratio for the wind turbine, and determining the pitch angle of the blades as a function of the tip speed ratio to optimize the torque produced by the blades of the wind turbine rotor. | 12-10-2015 |
20150354535 | METHODS OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - Methods of operating a variable speed wind turbine as a function of a wind speed, the wind turbine having a rotor with a plurality of blades, and one or more pitch mechanisms for rotating the blades. The method comprising a sub-nominal zone of operation for wind speeds below the nominal wind speed and a supra-nominal zone of operation for wind speeds above the nominal wind speed. In the supra-nominal zone, the blades are pitched so as to maintain the rotor speed substantially constant, and a tip speed ratio of the wind turbine is substantially continuously being determined and wherein an instantaneous minimum pitch angle is substantially continuously being determined based on the instantaneous tip speed ratio, and the blades are never pitched below the instantaneous minimum pitch angle. The disclosure further relates to a wind turbine suitable for carrying out such methods. | 12-10-2015 |
20150354536 | WIND TURBINE BLADE - Wind turbine blade comprising at least one deformable trailing edge section having a plurality of actuators consecutively arranged substantially downstream from one another and a control system for controlling the actuators, wherein a downstream end of one actuator is connected by a substantially rigid link with an upstream end of the next actuator and the plurality of actuators comprises an upper actuator being mounted above a chord line of the blade section and a lower actuator being mounted below a chord line of the blade section. Wind turbines comprising such a blade and methods of controlling loads on a wind turbine blade are also described. | 12-10-2015 |
20150360773 | HELICOPTER ROTOR WITH A MECHANICAL MEANS FOR CONFIGURING ROTOR TIPS TO CONTROL BROWN OUTS - A helicopter rotor device with a mechanical means for configuring rotor tips in order to control dust of brown outs or the method to accomplish the reduction or elimination of the brownout dust. | 12-17-2015 |
20150361956 | WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a wind turbine ( | 12-17-2015 |
20150361960 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING LOADS ON A WIND TURBINE - A method and a system for managing loads on a wind turbine are provided. The computer-implemented method is implemented using a processor coupled to a memory device. The method includes determining a first moment of a wind load acting about a first axis of a rotor of the wind turbine, determining a second moment of a wind load acting about a second axis of a rotor of the wind turbine, and determining a resultant moment of the first moment and the second moment. The method also includes generating an error signal indicating a difference between the resultant moment and a predetermined moment level threshold signal and generating, by the processor, a first activation signal over a range of the generated error signal between a first zero activation signal level and a first full activation signal level. | 12-17-2015 |
20150361964 | CONTROL METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIND TURBINE - A control method and a control system for a wind turbine are disclosed. The control method comprises measuring wind turbine blade pitch angles; obtaining a wind turbine rotor acceleration value; determining whether a blade pitch runaway fault condition is occurring; and during the blade pitch runaway fault condition, adjusting a pitch angle command based at least in part on the rotor acceleration value, a pitch angle of at least one faulted blade and a pitch angle of a healthy blade; and controlling wind turbine blades based at least in part on the adjusted pitch angle command. | 12-17-2015 |
20150369214 | MODEL BASED CONTROLLER FOR A WIND TURBINE GENERATOR - The invention relates to a controller configured to determine one or more future values of blade control references and/or a generator control references for a wind turbine generator. The first of the future values of the control references are used for control purposes. The future control references are determined from a physical model of a system of the wind turbine generator by solving an optimization problem which includes at least one cost function and at least one constraint. | 12-24-2015 |
20150377215 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING LOADS ON A WIND TURBINE - A method and a system for managing loads on a wind turbine are provided. The method includes receiving a signal relative to a yaw misalignment of the wind turbine, generating a yaw error signal based on the yaw misalignment, and comparing the yaw error signal to a first predetermined yaw error threshold value. The method also includes regulating a speed of the rotor to a value determined by a predetermined tip speed ratio, reducing the yaw misalignment using a yaw control system, and restarting the wind turbine if the yaw error signal is reduced to less than a second predetermined yaw error threshold value within a predetermined period of time. The method further includes shutting down the wind turbine if the yaw error signal remains greater than the second predetermined yaw error threshold value beyond the predetermined period of time. | 12-31-2015 |
20150377216 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO OPERATE A WIND TURBINE SYSTEM - A wind turbine system is presented. The wind turbine system includes a wind turbine tower, a plurality of blades, a rotor supported by the wind turbine tower and rotatably coupled to the plurality of blades, a torque control device coupled to the rotor, and a control system programmed to predict an over-speeding time T of an occurrence of an over-speed rotor event based at least in part upon a current rotor acceleration and a current rotor speed, that cannot be compensated by an available counter-torque margin of the torque control device, and, in response, to generate pitch commands for the pitch angles of the plurality of blades to avoid the over-speed rotor event. | 12-31-2015 |
20150377218 | ROTATING UNIT FOR ROTATING A COMPONENT MOUNTED IN A ROTATBLE MANNER ON A WIND TURBINE - A rotating unit for rotating a first component of a wind turbine rotatably mounted on a second component, which includes a gearwheel element arranged on the first component, a drive arranged on the second component by a drive holder including a drive housing and a drive pinion for actuating the gearwheel element, a connecting element arranged on the drive housing and configured to form a releasable connection between the drive housing and the drive holder, and fastening means, which interact with the connecting element and can be actuated between a clamping position and a disengagement position. The fastening means connect the drive housing, in the clamping position, in a force-fitting manner to the drive holder. In the disengagement position, the drive housing is displaceable on the drive holder in an adjustment direction such that it is possible to adjust a tooth-flank clearance between the drive pinion and the gearwheel element. | 12-31-2015 |
20150377247 | FAN WHEEL - A fan wheel including a first and second end plate, and blades arranged between the first and the second end plate and joined to the first and the second end plate. In order to obtain an efficient fan wheel the outer surfaces of the blades are inclined in relation to the rotation axis of the fan wheel, the first and second end plate have outer portions which protrude radially outward beyond the outer edges of the blades, the outer portion of the first end plate is generally curved or inclined towards the second end plate and the outer portion of the second end plate is generally curved or inclined away from the first end plate, and the blades are profiled to have a profile where the thickness of the blades vary between the outer edges of the blades and the inner edges of the blades. | 12-31-2015 |
20160003050 | VARIABLE SPAN SPLITTER BLADE - The presently disclosed embodiments utilize flow from a higher-energy portion of flow within the impeller flow path and inject it into the lower-energy portion of the flow path to re-energize the flow, delaying the onset of, or minimizing, large (and inefficient, entropy-generating) re-circulation zones in the flow field. By making a spanwise cut along the chord length of the splitter blade (variable blade clearance from leading edge to trailing edge), additional secondary flow occurs within the flow passages as the higher pressure flow on the pressure side of the blade can now spill over into the low-pressure suction side of the blade. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003220 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AN INDIVIDUAL BLADE ADJUSTMENT OF A WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a method and a system for monitoring an individual blade adjustment of a wind turbine which includes a tower, a rotor which is arranged on the tower and has at least two rotor blades whose blade angle can be adjusted individually, and a blade adjustment system, wherein the blade adjustment system includes a blade controller and sensors for sensing individual actual blade angles of the at least two rotor blades, wherein an individual blade controller is included which receives a collective set point blade angle from the blade controller and which actuates at least two rotor blades with respectively individual set point blade angles, as well as a corresponding wind turbine. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003222 | WIND TURBINE ROTATIONAL SYSTEM - Wind turbine rotational system having several drives and a central control system (CCS), each drive comprising a motor, an electronic converter and an actuator. The CCS sends speed and torque setpoints to the electronic converters which drive the motors according to said setpoints. Operation of the system comprises: designating a drive as master and the other drives as slaves; designating, for each slave, one of the drives as reference drive; the CCS determining master speed and torque setpoints, and sending them to the master; the CCS obtaining real torque of the master; CCS obtaining real speed of each reference drive; and the CCS sending to each slave a slave speed setpoint equal to the master speed setpoint, and a slave torque setpoint equal to the real torque of the master plus a variable offset based on a difference between the master speed setpoint and the real speed of its reference drive. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003223 | ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE - The invention relates to a rotor blade for a wind turbine. The rotor blade includes at least one fan ( | 01-07-2016 |
20160003264 | Gas Turbine Blade Array with Reduced Acoustic Output - In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a rotor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The rotor may include a rotor disk and a plurality of blade extending radially outward from the rotor disk. At least one of the blades may have a physical nonuniformity. The blades may be distributed about the rotor disk based on any physical nonuniformities of the blades to generate at least one decay-resistant harmonic. | 01-07-2016 |
20160009386 | LOW MOMENT FORCE GENERATOR DEVICES AND METHODS | 01-14-2016 |
20160017719 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE BLADE SQUEALER POCKETS - A blade for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil having a tip with a terminal end surface and multiple squealer pockets recessed into the terminal end surface. | 01-21-2016 |
20160017720 | AIRFOIL PLATFORM IMPINGEMENT COOLING HOLES - An airfoil structure for a gas turbine engine includes an airfoil which includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. A platform is located adjacent a first end of the airfoil and includes a core passage that extends through the platform, a mate-face for engaging an adjacent airfoil structure and a set of impingement cooling holes in communication with the core passage that extend through the mate-face adjacent the trialing edge of the airfoil. | 01-21-2016 |
20160017865 | WIND TURBINE CONTROL SYSTEM - A wind turbine includes a hub sub-system comprising a main hub and a shaft adapted to rotate about an axis, and a plurality of turbine blades having a pitch angle. The blades are adapted to drive the rotation of the hub sub-system to a first speed. The wind turbine further includes a pitch drive sub-system including a driving element adapted to rotate about the axis at a second speed, and further adapted to control the pitch angle of the turbine blades in relation to a difference between the first speed and the second speed. A slip enhanced generator enables the hub sub-system to rotate at a different speed than the pitch drive sub-system. The difference in speed is governed by a slip function. The wind turbine further includes an active control system adapted to control the second speed of the driving element. | 01-21-2016 |
20160023756 | DIRECT ORIENTATION VECTOR ROTOR - A direct orientation vector rotor (DOVER) for use on rotary wing aircraft includes a gear set for multidirectional rotor orientation based on the spherical coordinate system; an inclination mechanism, wherein the rotor is moved from the 0° horizontal position to an inclined position; a rotational turret, wherein the rotor is moved along the azimuth and wherein the inclination mechanism is housed; and a motion-adapted gear lubrication housing. | 01-28-2016 |
20160024927 | TIE SHAFT FLOW TRIP - A compressor section according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a tie shaft assembly including a shaft and one or more projections extending radially outward from the shaft. The projections are configured to redirect air communicated from between the one or more rotor stages and the shaft. | 01-28-2016 |
20160024938 | AIRFOIL COOLING APPARATUS - An airfoil for a gas turbine engine, the airfoil includes a wall that has a leading edge and a trailing edge and at least partially defining a boundary of a leading edge cavity radially along the leading edge. A cooling jet structure is operatively associated with a portion of the wall proximate the leading edge and is configured to direct a cooling fluid tangent to the portion of the wall. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025069 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine is having at least one rotor blade, a blade heating system for heating at least a portion of the at least one rotor blade, at least one temperature sensor for sensing the external temperature in the region, or in the environment, of the wind turbine, at least one air humidity sensor for sensing the air humidity in the region, or in the environment, of the wind turbine, and a control unit for activating the blade heating system if the temperature falls below a temperature limit value and if an air humidity limit value is exceeded, the temperature limit value being +5° C. and the air humidity limit value being 70%. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025102 | A VARIABLE PITCH FAN AND A METHOD FOR VARYING THE BLADE PITCH IN A FAN - A variable pitch fan is provided, which comprises a plurality of blades ( | 01-28-2016 |
20160032731 | THERMAL BARRIER COATING INSIDE COOLING CHANNELS - A rotor for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rotor disk rotatable about an axis and a gas path wall coupled to and radially outward of the rotor disk. The gas path wall bounds a radially inward portion of a gas path. A plurality of rotor spokes are radially intermediate the rotor disk and the gas path wall. The plurality of rotor spokes is circumferentially spaced to define a plurality of cooling channels intermediate the rotor disk and the gas path wall. A thermal barrier coating is disposed on a surface of at least one of the plurality of cooling channels. A method of cooling a rotor assembly is also disclosed. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032757 | Engine Inlet Total Air Temperature Sensor - A total air temperature (TAT) sensor assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing that accommodates a temperature sensor. The assembly also includes a first airfoil that includes a leading end and a trailing end and a second airfoil that includes a leading end and a trailing end. The first and second airfoils are disposed in a spaced-apart fashion that defines a curved passageway so incoming air can flow between the first and second airfoils before engaging the housing and the temperature sensor. The trailing ends of the airfoils are disposed on opposite sides of the housing and spaced apart from the housing to permit air flowing through the curved passageway to pass the housing. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032829 | Method and Device for Optimizing the Utilization of an Engine - A method of optimizing the use of an aircraft power plant having at least one engine operating within a performance envelope covering at least a first rating and a second rating, the first rating presenting a first power (P1) usable over a predetermined first time interval (D1), the second rating presenting a second power (P2) greater than said first power (P1), the second power (P2) being usable continuously over a predetermined second time interval (D2). Thus, while the engine is developing a third power (P3) that is both greater than the first power (P1) and less than or equal to the second power (P2), a potential first duration of utilization (ΔT) of continuous use of the second power (P2) is determined and displayed, the first duration of utilization (ΔT) elapsing at a speed that is variable and that depends on said third power (P3). | 02-04-2016 |
20160032890 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE DURING SHUTDOWN - A method for controlling a wind turbine during shutdown is disclosed, said wind turbine comprising a rotor carrying at least three wind turbine blades adapted to be pitched individually. A first shutdown strategy is initially selected, and subsequently a second shutdown strategy is selected, the second shutdown strategy ensuring alignment of the pitch angles of the wind turbine blades. The time for switching from the first shutdown strategy to the second shutdown strategy is calculated on the basis of a misalignment of the pitch angles, and in order to align the pitch angles before an estimated point in time where the pitch angles must be aligned, in order to avoid excessive asymmetric loads on the wind turbine blades and/or on the rotor. According to an alternative embodiment, the first shutdown strategy includes moving the wind turbine blades towards a feathered position at identical pitch rates. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032892 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF WIND TURBINES - A method for controlling a wind farm includes: receiving temperature data associated with a plurality of locations along a sound path between the wind farm and a sound immission point from one or more sensors; estimating a propagation characteristic of the sound path based at least in part on the temperature data; predicting a noise level at the sound immission point based at least in part on the propagation characteristic; determining a control signal for one or more wind turbines in the wind farm based at least in part on the noise level; and using the control signal to control the one or more wind turbines. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032894 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTIMAL OPERATION OF WIND FARMS - A method implemented using at least one processor module includes receiving a plurality of operational parameters corresponding to a plurality of wind turbines and obtaining a plurality of source sound power values corresponding to the plurality of wind turbines. The method further includes obtaining a receptor sound pressure value corresponding to a receptor location and estimating an attenuation model based on the plurality of source sound power values, and the receptor sound pressure value. The attenuation model disclosed herein comprises a plurality of attenuation coefficients. The method also includes determining at least one turbine set-point corresponding to at least one wind turbine among the plurality of wind turbines based on the plurality of attenuation coefficients, and the plurality of turbine operational parameters. | 02-04-2016 |
20160032933 | ROTATING OIL UNION WITH CENTERLINE MOUNTED DISPLACEMENT PROBE, SYSTEM FOR MEASURING DISPLACEMENT OF REGULATION SYSTEM OF VARIABLE PITCH AXIAL FAN AND METHOD THEROF - A system is disclosed for measuring displacement of a regulation system for a variable pitch axial fan. The system includes a hub having a plurality of adjustable pitch fan blades. A hydraulic cylinder is connected to the hub. A piston is disposed within the hydraulic cylinder. The piston is coupled to a piston shaft that is axially movable with respect to the hub. The piston shaft is coupled to an actuation assembly for adjusting the pitch of the plurality of adjustable pitch fan blades in response to an axial movement of the piston. A rotating oil union includes a housing and an interior element, the interior element coupled to the hydraulic cylinder so that rotation of the cylinder and the hub causes rotation of the interior element. The rotating oil union includes a static housing and a central probe fixed to the static housing. The central probe extends through respective openings in the interior element, the hydraulic cylinder, and the piston. The central probe is configured to sense an axial position of the piston and to generate a signal representative of said axial position. A method for using the system is also disclosed. | 02-04-2016 |
20160040534 | DISK LUG IMPINGEMENT FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINE AIRFOIL - A component for a gas turbine engine includes a root with a neck that extends into a fir tree with at least one tooth, the root includes a feed passage in communication with a multiple of cooling passages that extend through the neck and fir tree. | 02-11-2016 |
20160040650 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT OF A WIND TURBINE - A deployable aerodynamic component configured to be mounted to a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The deployable aerodynamic component configured to be positioned in front of an inner portion of the at least one rotor blade, and is structurally configured to cover a substantial portion of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a wind direction during deployment of the deployable aerodynamic component and to allow the passage therethrough of an incoming wind when non-deployed. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described deployable aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine, wherein the method includes mounting the above-described deployable aerodynamic component to a wind turbine. | 02-11-2016 |
20160040654 | METHOD OF DE-ICING A WIND TURBINE BLADE - A method of de-icing a wind turbine blade ( | 02-11-2016 |
20160040655 | WIND TURBINE HAVING A MEASURING DEVICE - The invention relates to a wind turbine having at least one measuring device ( | 02-11-2016 |
20160047267 | RAM AIR TURBINE PUMP LEAKAGE CONTROL - An exemplary method of controlling fluid flow in a ram air turbine assembly, includes redirecting flow moving in an axial direction against the surface of a drive shaft to flow moving in a radial direction away from the drive shaft to limit flow of the fluid from a hydraulic pump to a generator. | 02-18-2016 |
20160047269 | SMART ACTIVE CLEARANCE CONTROL BETWEEN A ROTOR BLADE AND A SHROUD - A method is provided for calibrating an active clearance control system for a plurality of turbine engines. During this method, a squeeze test is performed between a tip of a rotor blade and a shroud. Results of the squeeze test are applied to adjust a gap between the tip and the shroud. The performance of the squeeze test and the application of the results may be individually performed for each of the turbine engines. | 02-18-2016 |
20160052627 | Noise Reducing Profile For Helicopter Rotor Blade Tracking Wedges - A tracking wedge, a rotor and a method for modifying a movement of air over a tracking wedge. According to aspects of the disclosure, a tracking wedge used to correct the tracking of a helicopter rotor blade may include one or more acoustic management mechanisms. The acoustic management mechanisms may change the manner in which air moves over the surface of the tracking wedge. In some examples, changing the manner in which air moves over the surface of the tracking wedge may reduce noise generated by the use of the tracking wedge. | 02-25-2016 |
20160053620 | ACTUATOR LOCK - A locking device for use in a rotor blade, said locking device comprising: a locking member that is arranged to be movable from an unlocked position to a locking position upon experiencing sufficiently fast rotation; and a selectively engagable retaining device arranged when engaged to retain the locking member in the unlocked position. The locking device will typically default to an unlocked position during normal rotation and will only be locked so as to prevent movement when the retaining device is de-activated. A method of locking an actuator is also disclosed. The locking device has applications in helicopter rotor blades and wind turbine blades amongst others. | 02-25-2016 |
20160053745 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine includes a rotor, a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the rotor, and a blade pitch control system coupled to each rotor blade. A computer-implemented method for controlling the wind turbine includes determining at least one pitch position for a first blade. The method also includes determining whether there is a malfunction of the blade pitch control system associated with the first blade. The method further includes predicting a rotor imbalance using a model of at least a portion of the wind turbine. The method also includes comparing the predicted rotor imbalance with a predetermined threshold value. The method further includes one of regulating the pitch position for the second blade such that the predicted rotor imbalance is restored to a value below the predetermined threshold and regulating a pitch position for a second blade such that the predicted rotor imbalance does not exceed the predetermined threshold. | 02-25-2016 |
20160055400 | AVIAN DETECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Provided herein are detection systems and related for detecting moving objects in an airspace surrounding the detection system. In an aspect, the moving object is a flying animal and the detection system comprises a first imager and a second imager that determines position of the moving object and for moving objects within a user selected distance from the system the system determines whether the moving object is a flying animal, such as a bird or bat. The systems and methods are compatible with wind turbines to identify avian(s) of interest in airspace around wind turbines and, if necessary, take action to minimize avian strike by a wind turbine blade. | 02-25-2016 |
20160061112 | SHIELDED PASS THROUGH PASSAGE IN A GAS TURBINE ENGINE STRUCTURE - a gas turbine engine structure includes a body radially spanning an inner portion and an outer portion. The structure body includes a first passage interior to the structure body. The first passage includes a first opening on one of a radially outward edge and a radially inward edge of the structure, and a second opening on the other of the radially outward edge and the radially inward edge of the structure. A second passage is also included interior to the structure. The second passage is approximately aligned with the first passage, and is disposed between the first passage and one of the first surface and the second surface of the structure. The second passage insulates the first passage from heat transfer through one of the first surface and the second surface. | 03-03-2016 |
20160069323 | Control Method for a Wind Turbine - The present invention relates to a control method for a wind turbine whereby it is possible to detect situations in which the machine is not working at its maximum performance point, wherein in addition, once these situations have been detected, the control method of the present invention allows to perform an automatic correction of the control parameters and to return the turbine to its optimum operating point. | 03-10-2016 |
20160075430 | VARIABLE ANHEDRAL TIP ROTOR BLADE - A rotor blade system includes a rotor blade having an outboard section and an inboard section, a hinge joint rigidly attached to the outboard section, and an adhedral tip engaged with the hinge joint. A method includes pivotally attaching an adhedral tip to the rotor blade and pivoting the adhedral tip during flight to change the flight performance characteristics of the blade during flight. | 03-17-2016 |
20160076379 | TURBOMACHINE ROTOR THERMAL REGULATION SYSTEMS - A turbomachine includes an aft stage including a rotor disk having a rotor disk bore hole and a rotor disk rim, and a valve disposed within the turbomachine and in fluid communication with the rotor disk bore hole. The valve is in selective fluid communication with a first pressure source such that, in an first position, the valve allows fluid to flow from the first pressure source through the rotor disk bore hole and radially outward along the aft rotor disk toward the aft rotor disk rim. | 03-17-2016 |
20160076381 | SECONDARY FLOWPATH SYSTEM FOR A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - A rotor assembly of a gas turbine engine may be spoked and includes a rotor and a shell. The rotor has a rotor disk and a plurality of blades each having a platform attached to the rotor disk and with a first channel defined radially between the platforms and the rotor disk. The shell projects aft of the rotor and includes inner and outer walls with a passage defined therebetween. The passage is in fluid communication with the first channel and, together, form part of a secondary flowpath for cooling of adjacent components. The rotor assembly may further include a structure located radially inward of the rotor disk and shell. The structure defines a supply conduit for flowing air from the passage and into a rotor bore defined at least in part by adjacent rotor disks. The entering air, being pre-heated when flowing through the channel and passage, warms the bore and reduces thermal gradients, thus thermal fatigue, across the rotor disk. | 03-17-2016 |
20160076516 | Wind Turbine Air Deflector System Control - One or more controllers may perform one or more methods to control one or more air deflector units of one or more wind turbine rotor blades. The methods include per-blade control methods that may be performed, e.g., to reduce blade loading caused by wind gusts. The methods also include collective control methods that may be performed, e.g., to reduce tower motion and/or rotor speed. | 03-17-2016 |
20160076517 | Wind Turbine Air Deflector System Control - One or more controllers may perform one or more methods to control one or more air deflector units of one or more wind turbine rotor blades. The methods include per-blade control methods that may be performed, e.g., to reduce blade loading caused by wind gusts. The methods also include collective control methods that may be performed, e.g., to reduce tower motion and/or rotor speed. | 03-17-2016 |
20160083060 | OSCILLATING PROPULSOR - A curved body ( | 03-24-2016 |
20160083087 | ROTORCRAFT FLAPPING LOCK - A method of selectively preventing flapping of a rotor hub includes providing a flapping lock proximate to a rotor hub and shaft assembly and moving the flapping lock from an unlocked position to a locked position, the flapping lock operable in the locked position to prevent at least some flapping movement of the rotor hub relative to the shaft, the flapping lock operable in the unlocked position to allow the at least some flapping movement of the rotor hub relative to the shaft. | 03-24-2016 |
20160083088 | VIBRATION CONTROL WITH ACTIVE LAG DAMPER - A rotor system includes a hub assembly, a first, second, and third rotor blade rotatably attached to the hub assembly, a first, second, and third damper pivotally attached to the hub assembly and pivotally attached to the first, second, and third rotor blade, respectively, and a control system operably associated with the first, second, and third damper. A method to control vibratory forces exerted on the hub assembly via the first and second rotor blade includes separately controlling a dynamic spring rate of each of the first and second dampers with the control system. | 03-24-2016 |
20160084090 | METHOD AND ASSEMBLY FOR REDUCING SECONDARY HEAT IN A GAS TURBINE ENGINE - A turbine section includes a rotor assembly which includes an internal cooling passage. A segmented seal is adjacent the rotor assembly and includes a fluid passage that is in fluid communication with the internal cooling passage. | 03-24-2016 |
20160084223 | LIFT INFLUENCING DEVICE FOR A ROTOR BLADE OF A WIND TURBINE - A rotor blade of a wind turbine, wherein the rotor blade includes a lift modifying device, is provided. The lift modifying device is a part of the trailing edge section of the rotor blade. The lift modifying device is configured such that, at a predetermined loading of the trailing edge section, an air channel opens up a flow path from the pressure side to the suction side and vice versa in the trailing edge section. As a consequence, airflow flowing from the leading edge section of the rotor blade to the trailing edge section is at least partly deflected by the open air channel, which results in a modification of the lift of the rotor blade. A method to modify the lift of a rotor blade of a wind turbine is also provided. | 03-24-2016 |
20160084231 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A WIND TURBINE HAVING A ROTOR BLADE HEATING DEVICE - A method for operating a wind turbine includes determining a current temperature of a rotor blade and activating and deactivating a rotor blade heating device in dependence upon the determined current temperature. The current temperature is determined by assuming a temperature starting value and calculating a change in temperature taking into account at least one predefined characteristic variable for the temperature behavior of the rotor blade and at least one operating parameter of the wind turbine. | 03-24-2016 |
20160090177 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL PITCH AND TWIST OF BLADES - Methods and apparatus to control pitch and twist of blades are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a twist input assembly driven by a drive shaft that drives a rotation of blades of a rotorcraft, the twist input assembly comprising a twist shaft, a first gear set driven by the drive shaft, and a first frequency controller to create a first rotational speed difference between a first gear of the first gear set and the drive shaft, the first rotational speed difference to cause the twist shaft to oscillate. The examples apparatus includes a pitch input assembly driven by the drive shaft, the pitch input assembly comprising a pitch link in communication with a first one of the blades of the rotorcraft, a second gear set driven by the drive shaft, and a second frequency controller to create a second rotational speed difference between a second gear of the second gear set and the drive shaft, the second rotational speed difference to cause the pitch link to oscillate. | 03-31-2016 |
20160097636 | POSITION SENSING DEVICE WITH ROTARY TO LINEAR MAGNIFICATION - A device and method for measuring the rotational position of a rotating feature, the device employing rotary to linear magnification. A connecting member is operatively connected to the rotating feature, the connecting member extending through one or more structural layers of an enclosure. An arm is operatively connected to the connecting member and located outside the enclosure. A target is arranged with respect to a position sensor, with the position sensor configured to measure the linear position of the target with respect to the position sensor. A cable is connected to the arm at an attachment point, the cable also being connected to the target. One or more pulleys are arranged to control the path of the cable between the attachment point on the arm and the target. | 04-07-2016 |
20160101851 | ANTI-DRIVE MECHANISM FOR RISE AND FALL ROTATING CONTROL SYSTEMS - A rotor blade system includes a hub assembly pivotally attached to a rotor blade, a mast attached to the hub assembly, and a swashplate engaged with the mast, the swashplate includes a non-rotating ring and a rotating ring. The method to raise the swashplate includes using an anti-drive link system pivotally engaged with a transmission top case and pivotally engaged with the non-rotating ring. | 04-14-2016 |
20160102565 | TIP-CONTROLLED INTEGRALLY BLADED ROTOR FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINE - An integrally bladed rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a hub, a plurality of blades radially extending from the hub and being integrally formed therewith. The hub having a rim from which the blades project and a pair of axially opposed split hub members extending at least radially inward from the rim. Each of the split hub members has a radially outer flex arm portion extending form the hub and a radially inner moment flange portion. At least one moment inducing element separately formed from the hub is mounted axially between the opposed split hub members and acts on the moment flange portions of the opposed split hub members to generate an inward bending moment on the flex arm portions of the opposed split hub members during rotation of the rotor, thereby deflecting the rim and the blades of the rotor radially inwardly. | 04-14-2016 |
20160115821 | BLADED ROTOR DISK INCLUDING ANTI-VIBRATORY FEATURE - A rotor disk includes a ring shaped rotor body defining a radially inward opening, rims protrude radially outward from the rotor body, and outwardly facing rotor blade retention slots are defined between circumferentially adjacent rims. Each slot is operable to receive and retain a corresponding rotor blade, and each rim of the rims includes an anti-vibratory feature. The anti-vibratory feature includes a structure defining an isogrid pattern intruding into a surface of the rim. | 04-28-2016 |
20160115941 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE ROTOR IMBALANCE CONTROL - A control system for a wind turbine includes a detecting system configured to determine at least one of a rotor load, a wind shear, a wind speed, and a load imbalance due to wind shear. An adjusting system is configured to adjust a shaft moment set point correction value based on at least one of the rotor load, the wind shear, the wind speed, and the load imbalance. A compensating system is configured to compute a shaft moment correction command based on the shaft moment set point correction value output from the adjusting system. A pitch system is configured to adjust a pitch of at least one blade of the wind turbine based on the shaft moment set point correction command, or a yaw system is configured to adjust the yaw position of a rotor based on the shaft moment set point correction command. | 04-28-2016 |
20160122013 | SCISSORING FOLD ARRANGEMENT FOR DUAL PLANE FOUR BLADED ROTOR HUBS - A rotor blade system includes a first hub assembly having a first set of rotor blades and rotatably attached to a rotor mast, a second hub assembly having a second set of rotor blades and rotatably attached to the rotor mast, the second hub assembly being positioned at a space relative to the first hub assembly, a torque splitter device engaged with both the first hub assembly and the second hub assembly, and a locking device operably associated with the torque splitter device. The method includes rotating the first hub relative to the second hub via the torque splitter until the first set of rotor blades align with the second set of rotor blade about a common horizontal axis. | 05-05-2016 |
20160123182 | MODULAR THRUST SYSTEM - Disclosed herein is one embodiment of a thrust system that includes at least one modular thrust unit and at least one control module. The at least one modular thrust unit includes a base that is made from structural members that are inter-connectable in a plurality of different structural configurations. The at least one modular thrust unit further includes at least one thrust generator coupleable to the base in a thrust configuration and at least one power source operable to deliver power to the at least one thrust generator. The at least one control module is coupleable to the at least one modular thrust unit and operable to control at least one of the at least one thrust generator and the at least one power source. | 05-05-2016 |
20160123302 | TILT DAMPING OF A FLOATING WIND TURBINE - The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing or substantially reducing negative damping effects on a floating wind turbine. An operating point signal is received and a gain scheduling parameter is determined based on the received operating point signal. An input signal is then gain scheduled by the gain scheduling parameter and based on at least the gain scheduled input signal the negative damping effects on a floating wind turbine can be removed or substantially reduced. | 05-05-2016 |
20160123304 | WIND TURBINE CONTROL - A method of dynamically controlling a wind turbine having a rotor supporting a plurality of blades and a main bearing supporting the rotor, the method comprising detecting a load profile around the circumference of the main bearing, generating a control signal based on the detected load profile and dynamically adjusting the load profile of the main bearing using the control signal. | 05-05-2016 |
20160130006 | Systems for Multiple Zone Heaters for Rotor Craft and Methods of Operation - Within examples, systems for multiple zone heaters for rotor craft are provided and methods for operation. An example system for a rotor craft comprises multiple blades coupled to a rotor and areas of the multiple blades divided into sections. A given blade includes an inboard section extending from the rotor outward and an outboard section extending from the inboard section to a tip of the given blade. The system also includes a plurality of first spanwise heater systems included on respective outboard sections of the multiple blades, a plurality of second spanwise heater systems included on respective inboard sections of the multiple blades, and a control unit coupled to the plurality of first spanwise heater systems and the plurality of second spanwise heater systems. Respective heater systems of the sections of multiple blades are energized in a sequence based on outside air temperature. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131103 | MARINE TURBINE PIVOT SUPPORT - A water current power generator having an energy capture assembly, a preferred energy capture axis, and a support for carrying the capture assembly. The generator has steering means for steering the capture assembly relative to the support, the steering means being arranged to steer the capture assembly by pivoting the capture assembly about at least one axis of the support, and to perform said steering in such a manner that when the capture assembly is immersed in a fluid flow presenting a flow direction and a given minimum flow speed, the preferred energy capture axis is substantially oriented parallel to the flow direction, the steering means also including resilient return means for returning the capture assembly towards a reference angular position of the capture assembly relative to the support. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131106 | WIND TURBINE AND METHOD OF OPERATING A WIND TURBINE - Wind turbine comprising a nacelle with a generator and wind turbine blades for driving the generator, a tower supporting the nacelle wherein the nacelle is rotatable about a vertical axis an azimuth drive for rotating the nacelle around the axis, said azimuth drive comprising a plurality of asynchronous yaw motors and an azimuth controller with a frequency unit for controlling the plurality of asynchronous yaw motors, wherein the azimuth controller is arranged to connect all of the plurality of asynchronous yaw motors to the one frequency unit in a rotating mode and to connect only a subset of the plurality of asynchronous yaw motors from the one frequency unit in a locking mode. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131111 | IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO WIND TURBINES - The present invention relates to a method and to a wind turbine for determining the tip angle of a blade of a wind turbine rotor during rotation of the rotor. The method comprising: (a) transmitting a light signal from a first blade of the wind turbine rotor towards a second blade of the rotor; (b) receiving the light signal at the second blade of the rotor; and (c) calculating the tip angle of the first or second blade based upon characteristics of the received light signal. | 05-12-2016 |
20160138418 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A TURBOMACHINE, WHEREIN AN EFFICIENCY CHARACTERISTIC VALUE OF A STAGE IS DETERMINED, AND TURBOMACHINE HAVING A DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD - A turbo-machine, which can be operated in an optimized driving range is provided. To this end, a method for operating a turbo-machine having at least one turbo-machine stage, which has at least one rotary shaft is disclosed. According to the method, the following method steps are carried out: a) determining a desired efficiency characteristic value η | 05-19-2016 |
20160138566 | SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR STARTING THE FLIGHT OF POWER WING AIRFOILS, IN PARTICULAR FOR WIND GENERATOR - A system is described, for starting the flight of power wing airfoils, in particular for a wind generator, comprising at least one wing profile, operatively connected through control tie-rods, to winches or other control mechanisms of a flight of such wing profile, and at least one autonomous transporting flying vector adapted to be connected through disengageable connecting means to at least one wing profile and to transport in flight such wing profile. A process is further described, for starting the flight of such power wing airfoils through such system. | 05-19-2016 |
20160138570 | GUIDING LIGHTNING TO A LIGHTNING RECEPTOR - A method of guiding lightning to a lightning receptor of a rotor blade for a wind turbine, wherein the method includes the following steps: Generating a vortex of airflow by means of a vortex generator, the vortex generator being located at the surface of the rotor blade; attracting the lightning by the vortex; guiding the lightning to the lightning receptor is provided. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rotor blade for a wind turbine, wherein the rotor blade comprises a vortex generator for generating a vortex of airflow, the vortex generator being located at the surface of the rotor blade, and a lightning receptor for receiving an electrical current from the lightning. The vortex generator and the lightning receptor are arranged such with regard to each other that the lightning is guided to the lightning receptor by the vortex which is generated by the vortex generator. | 05-19-2016 |
20160146016 | ROTOR RIM IMPINGEMENT COOLING - A system and method of cooling a radially outer surface of a rotor wheel post of a turbine wheel and a rotor wheel space between a turbine bucket and a rotor wheel post, including a turbine bucket having at least one cooling passage that extends between an inner cooling channel of the turbine bucket and an outer surface of a shank portion of the turbine bucket that directly faces a radially upper surface of the rotor wheel post, and using the cooling passage to direct cooling flow towards the radially upper surface of the rotor wheel post. | 05-26-2016 |
20160146047 | TURBOCHARGER ROLLER SUPPORT SYSTEM - Disclosed is an embodiment of a turbocharger roller support system that utilizes roller-shaft interfaces that are slanted to locate a turbocharger shaft with a turbine and compressor. Slanted contact surfaces on the turbocharger shaft are slanted inwardly so that the turbo shaft remains centered in the roller support system. The rollers entirely locate the turbocharger shaft, so that no bearings are necessary directly on the turbocharger shaft. The rollers spin at a slower speed than the turbocharger shaft, so can utilize lower speed bearings. | 05-26-2016 |
20160146048 | LUBRICATION OF JOURNAL BEARING DURING CLOCKWISE AND COUNTER-CLOCKWISE ROTATION - The present disclosure is applicable to all gear trains using a journal bearing as a means of supporting gear shaft rotation. It is related in some embodiments to a system and method for supplying lubricant to the journal bearings of a gear-turbofan engine gear train when the fan rotor is subjected to a wind-milling condition in both directions, either clockwise or counterclockwise. | 05-26-2016 |
20160146189 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING WIND TURBINE BLADE DEFLECTION - A system and method for monitoring and controlling the deflection of rotor blades of a wind turbine so as to prevent tower strikes is disclosed. The method includes operating the wind turbine at standard pitch angle settings. Another step includes monitoring a loading condition of the wind turbine over a predetermined time period. A further step includes tracking a number of wind condition deviations of a certain magnitude occurring during a predetermined time period. The method also include altering one or more of the standard pitch settings of the rotor blades in response to the number of wind condition deviations exceeding a wind deviation threshold and/or the loading condition exceeding a loading threshold as an exceedance indicates an increased probability of rotor blade deflection. The method further includes performing one or more additional corrective actions so as to reduce the probability of a rotor blade tower strike. | 05-26-2016 |
20160153284 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE FLOW PATH MEMBER | 06-02-2016 |
20160153425 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WIND TURBINE DURING ADVERSE WIND CONDITIONS | 06-02-2016 |
20160153427 | Balancing of Wind Turbine Parts | 06-02-2016 |
20160159461 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MODEL BASED CONTROL FOR VARIABLE PITCH FAN ENGINES AND TURBO-SHAFT, TURBO-PROPELLER ENGINES - A method and control system for an aircraft engine comprising a gas turbine driving a fan propeller with a mechanical gear-train and a dedicated pitch change mechanism for the fan propeller includes a fuel flow signal input; a pitch change mechanism signal input; a controlled plant for relating a pitch change mechanism pitch angle (BetaP) and a fuel flow (Wf) to at least two controlled outputs and a set of constraints. A decoupling control decoupling the controlled plant and/or the constraints into two separate single-input single-output (SISO) control loops for the first and second controlled outputs and a decoupling control decoupling the constraints from the decoupled controlled outputs and the constraints from one another provide gas turbine and fan propeller coordinate control while coordinately controlling constraints and outputs. A feedforward control can compensate the load change effect on engine speed and fan propeller rotor speed control. | 06-09-2016 |
20160159475 | INDIVIDUAL BLADE CONTROL UTILIZING PNEUMATIC MUSCLES - One example of a rotorcraft blade control system includes a mechanical linkage to connect to a rotorcraft blade including a feather axis and a pneumatic muscle connected to the mechanical linkage. The system also includes a movement member connected to the mechanical linkage, the pneumatic muscle and the movement member to move the mechanical linkage to control movement of the rotorcraft blade on the feather axis. The pneumatic muscle can be a first pneumatic muscle and the movement member can be a second pneumatic muscle or a bias spring. | 06-09-2016 |
20160160879 | METHOD FOR REDUCING THE NOISE LEVEL OF A TURBOMACHINE FAN - A method for reducing the noise level generated by a fan of a turbomachine including a plurality of vanes, said method further including, when the turbomachine is operating and under given flight conditions, the following steps measuring an operational pitch angle for each of the vanes, calculating an offset between the operational pitch angle of each of the vanes and a predetermined reference pitch angle for the given flight conditions so as to produce a controlled noise level at multiple rotation frequencies of the fan, correcting the orientation of the vanes so as to compensate their operational pitch angles depending on the offsets thus calculated. | 06-09-2016 |
20160169002 | AIRFOIL TRAILING EDGE TIP COOLING | 06-16-2016 |
20160169200 | Wind Turbine | 06-16-2016 |
20160176506 | LIFTING SURFACES AND ASSOCIATED METHOD | 06-23-2016 |
20160177734 | AIRFOIL SHOWERHEAD PATTERN APPARATUS AND SYSTEM | 06-23-2016 |
20160177736 | COOLED AIRFOIL STRUCTURE | 06-23-2016 |
20160177753 | FULL HOOP BLADE TRACK WITH AXIALLY KEYED FEATURES | 06-23-2016 |
20160186722 | WIND TURBINE OPERATING METHOD AND DEVICE BASED ON LOAD AND ACCELERATION MEASUREMENTS IN THE BLADE - Improvements Relating to Wind Turbines A wind turbine apparatus and a method of operating said wind turbine to maintain the load on the rotor blade below a predetermined threshold level is provided. The method comprises: measuring load at a root end of the rotor blade; measuring an acceleration at a location on the rotor blade outboard from the root end, the acceleration being caused by transient loads acting on the rotor blade; and controlling the wind turbine based upon the measured load and the measured acceleration to maintain the load on the rotor blade below a predetermined threshold level. | 06-30-2016 |
20160186728 | SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR A WIND TURBINE - A wind turbine having discrete sets of magnets on the turbine support and the turbine rotor, creating repelling forces and spaces therebetween. 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. | 06-30-2016 |
20160194961 | PIEZOELECTRIC DAMPING RINGS | 07-07-2016 |
20160200430 | Tail Rotor Actuation System | 07-14-2016 |
20160201652 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATING A HORIZONTAL AXIS WIND TURBINE AND A VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE | 07-14-2016 |
20160252075 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING WIND TURBINES | 09-01-2016 |
20160376891 | METHOD FOR COOLING A TURBOENGINE ROTOR, AND TURBOENGINE ROTOR - A method and device for cooling a turboengine rotor. A blade member includes a platform having a hot gas side and a coolant side. An airfoil is on the platform hot gas side and a blade foot section is on the platform coolant side. The blade foot section includes a blade shank and a blade root. The blade shank extends from the platform coolant side and is interposed between the blade root and the platform coolant side. The blade root includes root fixation features and is received by a fixation feature of a rotor shaft. A first fluid flows along the rotor front face and into a cavity of the blade shank and a second fluid flows within the blade shank cavity. The first fluid flow is relatively colder than the second fluid flow and a combined shank cavity fluid flow is formed inside the blade shank cavity. | 12-29-2016 |
20160376892 | ROTOR HEAT SHIELD - An assembly for a gas turbine that engine includes a fan section. A turbine section is configured to drive the fan section. The turbine section includes a rotor hub with a rotor lug. A heat shield engages the rotor lug. The heat shield and the rotor lug define a cooling passage. | 12-29-2016 |
20160376917 | METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR MEASURING A DEFLECTION OF A ROTOR OF A TURBOMACHINE - A method and an apparatus for measuring a deflection of a rotor of a turbomachine are presented. An optical fiber is inserted through a central bore of the rotor such that the optical fiber extends lengthwise through the bore along an axial direction of the rotor. The optical fiber is made up of a plurality of fiber optic strain sensors along the length of the optical fiber. A shape of the optical fiber is reconstructed based on strain information obtained from the plurality of the fiber optic strain sensors. A rotor deflection parameter is determined from the reconstructed shape of the optical fiber. | 12-29-2016 |
20160376920 | NON-INTEGRAL BLADE AND PLATFORM SEGMENT FOR ROTOR - A rotor includes a rotor hub, a plurality of blades mounted in a circumferentially-spaced arrangement on the rotor hub and a plurality of platform segments circumferentially arranged, respectively, between neighboring ones of the blades. The platform segments include core gas-path defining surfaces and are mounted with a freedom to circumferentially move relative to the neighboring ones of the blades. | 12-29-2016 |
20160377057 | COUNTERACTING TOWER OSCILLATIONS OF AN IDLING WIND TURBINE - The invention presents a method for operating a horizontal axis wind turbine ( | 12-29-2016 |
20160377058 | OPERATING A METHOD FOR A WIND TURBINE - The present invention refers to a method for operating a wind turbine, the wind turbine particularly comprising a tower and a rotor with rotor blades. The pitch angles of the rotor blades are adjusted to generate a force on the rotor and the tower. The force is adjusted to counteract and damp an oscillation. The adjustment is enabled by an activation decision unit, if the activation decision unit decides that certain parameters characterising the oscillation or loads of the tower indicate a requirement and/or if the activation decision unit determines that the generated force is sufficient to counteract an oscillation of the tower. In various embodiments the parameters characterising the oscillation or loads of the tower comprise current oscillations and their amplitude, an estimate of loads incurred in the turbine structure, an estimate whether damping in the near future might become necessary, an indication whether a different oscillation damping algorithm than individual blade pitch control is currently performing, and an indication whether a wind speed is above a certain portion of a rated wind speed. | 12-29-2016 |
20170234133 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE WITH RING DAMPER | 08-17-2017 |
20170234137 | GAS TURBINE ENGINE TRAILING EDGE EJECTION HOLES | 08-17-2017 |
20170234141 | AIRFOIL HAVING CROSSOVER HOLES | 08-17-2017 |
20170234146 | AIRFOIL HAVING IMPINGEMENT OPENINGS | 08-17-2017 |
20170234158 | BOWED ROTOR START RESPONSE DAMPING SYSTEM | 08-17-2017 |
20170234167 | AUXILIARY DRIVE BOWED ROTOR PREVENTION SYSTEM FOR A GAS TURBINE ENGINE THROUGH AN ENGINE ACCESSORY | 08-17-2017 |
20170234231 | BOWED ROTOR START MITIGATION IN A GAS TURBINE ENGINE | 08-17-2017 |
20170234300 | IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THE DETERMINATION OF ROTOR IMBALANCES IN A WIND TURBINE | 08-17-2017 |
20170234317 | ZERO RIPPLE FAN NOISE SUPPRESSION | 08-17-2017 |
20170234324 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTEGRATED PITCH CONTROL MECHANISM ACTUATOR HYDRAULIC FLUID TRANSFER | 08-17-2017 |
20180022449 | ROTOR SWASHPLATE ACTUATOR POSITION SYNCHRONIZATION | 01-25-2018 |
20180023535 | Method and Plant for Exploitation of the Energy of a Water Current | 01-25-2018 |
20180023586 | DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING THE FLOW IN A TURBOMACHINE, TURBOMACHINE AND METHOD | 01-25-2018 |
20190145267 | ENGINE COMPONENT WITH NON-DIFFUSING SECTION | 05-16-2019 |
20190145379 | VANE PITCH CONTROL OF A WIND TURBINE ASSEMBLY | 05-16-2019 |
20190145431 | MISTUNED FAN | 05-16-2019 |
20220136483 | METHOD FOR RETAINING A MOVING PART OF A WIND TURBINE - In order to enable a moveable part of an adjusting device of the wind power plant to be held securely on a wind power plant, drive axles are tensioned against each other prior to the holding action, by at least one drive axle being rotated relative to the other drive axles, and by maintaining a tension of the drive axles achieved at the beginning of the holding action by control of the drive axles and by implementing a position control of the drive axles, which controls the drive axles to the respective starting positions of the drive motors of the drive axles at the beginning of the holding action. | 05-05-2022 |