Patent ID: 9000605
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: B64B,F03D,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A wind-based power generating system comprising: a wind energy converter for converting wind energy into another form of energy; a lighter-than-air craft configured to produce at least one of neutral net lift and positive net lift to the wind energy converter, the net lift including a net aerodynamic lift and a net buoyant lift; and a tethering system configured to restrain the lighter-than-air craft with respect to the ground, wherein the lighter-than-air craft defines an interior volume for containing a lighter-than-air gas, and wherein the lighter-than-air craft has a fore section and an aft section, wherein the tethering system has at least one attachment point on the fore section of the lighter-than-air craft and at least one attachment point on the aft section of the lighter-than-air craft, wherein the craft includes opposite end semi-circular structures and a substantially straight middle structure that inter-connects the opposite end semi-circular structures, thereby resulting in non-circular overall shape.