Patent ID: 8197179
Filing Date: 2012-06-12
Classification: F03D,F05B,Y02B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A method of harnessing power, from a fluid flow having a direction, comprising: mounting a series of substantially horizontal-axis type rotors to a continuous, elongate driveshaft, substantially having an axis; supporting each said rotor by said driveshaft, proximate a center of each said rotor; providing each said rotor with a substantially coplanar set of elongate blades; orienting said blades, wherein said blades substantially radiate outward, lengthwise, from said center of said rotor; providing said blades with lifting foils, whereby said rotors may operate on the principle of lift; configuring each said rotor, whereby each said set of blades is configured to rotate substantially within a plane of rotation; spacing said rotors at a distance D, along said axis, whereby said planes of rotation are separated; aiming said continuous elongate driveshaft at angle {acute over (α)} (alpha) from said direction of said fluid flow; spinning said rotors, whereby each said rotor sweeps a circular area from which energy is extracted from said current flow; whereby; the combination of angle {acute over (α)} (alpha) and distance D allows fresh fluid flow, substantially undisturbed by an upstream rotor, to reach each said circular swept area, thereby exposing each said rotor to a substantially undisturbed portion of said fluid flow, whereby all said rotors are powered by said fluid flow, rotating said drive shaft; whereby all said rotors contribute to a rotation of said driveshaft about its own said axis, whereby useful power may be drawn from said rotating driveshaft; suspending said driveshaft between two supports selected from the set of: landforms, natural structures, and manmade structures; wherein said aiming step comprises suspending said driveshaft across a canyon.