Patent ID: 8591169
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: F03D,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A power generation system for use in a flowpath of a flow medium, the power generation system comprising: a power generation means for transmitting rotational motion to an electric generator, the power generation means including a rotor shaft and a rotor that rotate in an energy-generating direction; and an energy-capture means that is coupled with the power generation means, the energy-capture means including a plurality of masts that are affixed to the rotor shaft and a corresponding plurality of vanes for capturing flow energy from the flow medium, a vane of the plurality of vanes being pivotably coupled by means of a flexible connector with a respective one mast of the plurality of masts and also coupled with a mast of an adjacent vane, such that the vane selectively swings about the one mast or exerts a pull force on the mast of the adjacent vane, depending on the direction of the flow energy relative to the energy-producing direction of rotation; wherein the vane that is currently in an orientation to receive the flow energy in a forward flow direction transmits the flow energy to the mast of the adjacent vane, which in turn exerts a rotational force on the rotor shaft, causing the rotor shaft to rotate in the energy-generating direction; and wherein the vane that is currently in an orientation to receive flow energy in a reverse flow direction swings about the mast, thereby imparting very little force on the rotor shaft; and wherein the rotor shaft rotates in one direction only, regardless of the direction of flow that impinges on the plurality of vanes.