Patent ID: 9260975
Filing Date: 2016-02-16
CPC Classification: F01D,F03D,Y02B,Y02E

Claim Text:
1. An energy recovery system, comprising: a shroud that is cylindrical and having an inner width, a first end and a second end, the first end of the shroud is configured to receive a gas flow from a gas flow channel of an HVAC system having a single gas flow channel with a gas flow channel width, and the shroud is configured to transmit the received gas flow from the first end to the second end; a blade assembly coupled to and enclosed by the shroud and configured to be moved with a starting torque of not greater than 0.5 N-m by the received gas flow, and the blade assembly has a blade diameter that is greater than the gas flow channel width by at least about 0.5 inches; and an electrical generator coupled to the blade assembly, the electrical generator comprising an alternating current, permanent magnet, gearless, brushless direct drive generator that operates at not greater than 1000 rpm, and being configured to generate electricity when the blade assembly rotates relative to the shroud, the generator has a rated voltage of 24V to 48V, the generator comprises a generator diameter that is less than the blade diameter, the generator comprises an electromagnetic braking system configured to maintain consistent voltage output at variable gas flow rates, and the generator is coupled to a hub of the blade assembly adjacent an axial center thereof.