Patent ID: 8253265
Filing Date: 2012-08-28
Classification: F03D,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A wind-based power generating system comprising: a wind turbine for converting wind energy into another form of energy; and a shroud, forming a ring around the wind turbine, configured to produce a positive net lift to the wind turbine, the net lift including a net aerodynamic lift and a net buoyant lift, wherein the shroud defines an interior volume for containing a lighter-than-air gas, and wherein the shroud has a ring-like shape, the ring-like shape having a cross-sectional shape about a perimeter of the ring-like shape at least in part configured as an airfoil, and wherein the cross-sectional shape is constructed and arranged to generate an asymmetric aerodynamic moment with respect to at least two different locations about the perimeter of the ring-like shape.