Patent ID: 7503747
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: B64C,B64D,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A rotatable duct type shrouded rotating wing having a central opening exceeding a radius of approximately 3 m, operating on the principle of a linear motor, and comprising: a fixed shroud with electromagnets for establishing a rotating magnetic field in the interior thereof; a cylindrical rotatable duct horizontally and rotatably mounted within and horizontally spaced from the shroud, the rotatable duct having an outer cylindrical surface and permanent magnets mounted on the outer cylindrical surface, the rotatable duct being vertically supported by the shroud; a plurality of rotor blades having distal ends fixed to an inner periphery of the duct and inner ends fixed to a central hub or shaft; and a rotatable support formed in the shape of a cylinder and vertically sandwiching said rotor blades, the rotatable support beginning in contact at upper and lower ends with fixed horizontal support surfaces fixed to the shroud, thereby vertically supporting the rotor blades at a position intermediate the inner ends and distal ends of the rotor blades to prevent the rotor blades from being deflected or distorted by their own weight and to limit the influence of both centrifugal force and heat on expansion and contraction of the rotatable duct, the rotatable support being fixed to and rotatable together with the rotor blades.