Abstract:
A light fixture including a turbine generator having one or more vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) for generating energy and a plate located above and/or below each turbine for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. The plate is aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the turbine and provide a strong wind current. The turbine generator is incorporated into a light fixture to provide self-sustaining light energy. Solar panels may be provided in conjunction with the turbine generator to provide an additional source of energy and a controller is included to manage the flow of electricity and ensure that the light fixture is powered during periods of darkness.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/059,231, entitled WIND POWERED DEVICE and filed Mar. 31, 2008, which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to energy saving devices and, more particularly, to wind powered and solar powered devices. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Sustainability is the basic characteristic of a process or a state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. For our planet, it is the intent to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural environments both now and into the indefinite future. The Brundtland Commission, formally the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), known by the name of its Chair Gro Harlem Brundtland, was convened by the United Nations in 1983. The commission was created to address growing concern about the accelerating deterioration of the human environment and natural resources as well as the consequences of that deterioration for economic and social development. In establishing the commission, the UN General Assembly recognized that environmental problems were global in nature and determined that it was in the common interest of all nations to establish policies for sustainable development. The Commission defined sustainable development as a development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” (WCED 1987). The complex term of sustainability relates to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment. 
         [0006]    Alternate energy devices have been developed over the years. Many solar powered and wind driven devices in the industry lack efficiency. Wind driven devices typically require high wind velocities to produce high rotation speeds in order to maintain a constant energy supply. Such speed requirement typically precludes efficient use of wind driven devices in areas in which relatively low wind velocities are present. Additionally, many wind driven devices must be oriented in a certain direction to maintain high rotation speeds. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is therefore a principal object and advantage of the present invention to provide a highly efficient, wind powered and solar powered device. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the invention to provide wind powered and solar powered devices that are fully self-sustaining and do not need to be connected to existing infrastructures. 
         [0009]    It is a further object of the invention to provide a light powered by wind and/or solar energy and requires little or no additional energy. 
         [0010]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide an energy efficient light that can be used in a variety of different buildings and structures. 
         [0011]    Other objects and advantages of the present invention will in part be obvious, and in part appear hereinafter. 
         [0012]    These and other objects and advantages are accomplished by a turbine generator having one or more wind turbines for generating energy and a series of plates located above and below each turbine for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. The plates are aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the turbine and provide a strong wind current. 
         [0013]    In another aspect of the invention, the turbine generator is incorporated into a light fixture to provide self-sustaining light energy. In yet another aspect of the invention, solar panel are provided in conjunction with the turbine generator to provide an additional source of energy. 
         [0014]    In another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a light fixture which comprises the following: (i) one or more Savonius wind turbines for generating energy; (ii) a series of plates located above and below each of the one or more turbines; (iii) a light assembly comprising one or more lights; (iv) a solar assembly adapted for collecting solar radiation; (v) an electrical energy generator operationally coupled to the turbine generator for converting the wind energy to electrical energy and operationally coupled to the solar assembly for converting the solar radiation into electricity; and (vi) a power storage assembly coupled to the electrical energy generator and the light assembly for providing power to the light assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S) 
         [0015]    The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the turbine generator of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the rotary shaft of the turbine generator of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the plates in the turbine generator of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 14  is an exploded view of an alternate embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a plate in the turbine generator of the present invention with a solar energy panel assembly; 
           [0034]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing solar energy absorption; 
           [0035]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing stored energy delivered to a streetlight; 
           [0036]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing energy transferred to a streetlight; 
           [0037]      FIG. 22  is perspective view of a street light with a turbine generator of the present invention showing the storage of the mechanics and the wiring of the light; 
           [0038]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the turbine generator of the present invention used in a bus shelter; 
           [0039]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the turbine generator and solar energy panel assembly of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 25  is a second perspective view of an embodiment of the turbine generator and solar energy panel assembly of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the turbine of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a street light with the turbine generator and solar energy panel assembly of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the street light of  FIG. 27 ; 
           [0044]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the street light of  FIG. 27 ; 
           [0045]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the street light of  FIG. 27  shown to scale with a human being; 
           [0046]      FIG. 31  is a schematic of the turbine and solar panel assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0047]      FIG. 32  is a wiring schematic according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0048]    As will be appreciated, the present invention provides a wind turbine generator  10  having one or more rotary shafts  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Rotary shafts  12  rotate about a rod or pole in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As clearly shown in  FIG. 2 , rotary shaft  12  has a channel or opening  18  for fitting onto a pole or rod, for rotation thereabout. 
         [0049]    Each rotary shaft  12  has a series of blades  14  that react to the wind current to rotate rotary shaft  12 . Plates  16  are located above and below each rotary shaft  12 . Plates  16  are designed aerodynamically to promote convergence of the wind inward toward blades  14 . Plates  16  are shown as circular or disc-shaped, although other shapes may be used as long as the aerodynamic effect is achieved. The central portion of plates  16  is greater in thickness, which thickness is substantially constant and begins to taper off to a point proximate the edge. The peripheral edge around the perimeter of plate  16  is very thin. The shape of plates  16  attracts air current. The force of the air current or wind drives blades  14  to rotate rotary shaft  12 , thereby generating energy. The thin edge of plates  14  allows for a high volume of wind as it flows towards the rotary shaft. The wind turbine generator  10  is also impervious to the changing wind direction. 
         [0050]    One preferred embodiment is directed to the use of wind turbine generator  10  in a light.  FIGS. 3 through 12  illustrate various turbine assemblies for incorporation in a light fixture.  FIGS. 3 and 5  show a rotary shaft with blades positioned between an upper and lower plate.  FIG. 4  shows a front plan view of the plates used in the generator of  FIG. 3 , with the top plate being larger than the bottom plate.  FIG. 6  shows a front plan view of the plates used in the generator of  FIG. 5 , with the top plate being slightly smaller than the bottom plate. All of the plates have the same aerodynamic shape represented by a thicker central region and much thinner periphery to guide and converge the wind current inward toward the blades. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 7 through 12  illustrate various turbine assemblies having two wind turbines each positioned between two plates for a total of three plates. Even though the plates may vary in size and location, all of the plates have the same aerodynamic shape to provide strong and consistent air current for movement of the blades and rotation of the rotary shaft. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 13 and 14  are exploded views of various embodiments of wind generator assemblies of the present invention.  FIG. 13  shows assembly  30  having a rod or pole  32  upon which a lower plate  34  is positioned. Wind turbine  36  is positioned above plate  32 . A second or middle plate  40  is positioned above turbine  34 . A series of fins  42  are used to support plate  40  above turbine  36 . A second turbine  44  is positioned above plate  40  and a third plate  46  is positioned above turbine  44 . Support fins  48  may be placed between the second and third plates to support the third plate  46 . A cover  50  may be positioned on third plate  46  to protect plate  46  and also provide solar energy options. Any or all of plates  34 ,  40 ,  46  and cover  50  may have one or more solar panels  52  to provide additional energy for conversion to electrical energy. As shown in  FIG. 13 , there are many combinations, patterns and shapes of solar panels that can be used in the plates and cover herein. 
         [0053]      FIG. 14  shows yet another option for a wind turbine assembly  60  for use as a light. Two turbines are disposed between upper and lower plates. The bottom or lower plate  62  in  FIG. 14  has a series of lights, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on the bottom face of plate  62 . Variations of types of lights, light positions, shapes and number of lights are also shown in  FIGS. 14  at  64 ,  66 ,  68  and  70 . Any type of light, including but not limited to, incandescent, fluorescent, halogen and led lights, may be used as the illuminating component of the light. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 15 through 18  shows additional embodiments of solar panels which may be used on the plates or as a cover for the light assembly. As shown, the panels may extend to the edge of the plate or cover, or may be positioned proximate the center of the plate or cover in a full or semi-circular design. 
         [0055]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 19 through 22  which illustrate the energy path and transfer in the light fixture assembly. Light assembly  80  is shown with solar panel  82  on top plate  84  and two wind turbines  86  and  88 , located, respectively, between top plate  84 , middle plate  85  and bottom plate  87 . Energy  90  created from solar panel  82  and wind turbines  86  and  88 , is converted into electrical energy by a electrical energy generator and is sent down pole  92  to a power storage assembly  94 . At night, energy  96  is sent up to lights  98  for lighting the surrounding area. 
         [0056]      FIG. 23  further illustrates and exemplifies other uses of the turbine system herein. A bus shelter  100  is shown having light assemblies  102  that incorporate the turbine assembly  104  of the present invention. LEDs  106  are used to illuminate the light, which are powered by electrical energy converted from the wind energy produced by the wind turbine. The wind turbine assembly of the present invention is useful for many of today&#39;s energy demands including lighting assemblies in a variety of locations, buildings and other structures. 
         [0057]      FIG. 24  shows another embodiment of the present invention in which light assembly  110  has a wind turbine generator  140  and a solar energy panel assembly  114 . A rotary component  112  of the wind turbine generator rotates about a rod or pole in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As clearly shown in the rotary component in  FIG. 26 , rotary shaft  116  has a channel or opening  118  for fitting onto a pole or rod, for rotation thereabout. 
         [0058]    Rotary component  112  has two or more blades  120  that react to a wind current to rotate blade component  112 . In one embodiment, the rotary component is a vertical-axis wind turbine (“VAWT”). In addition to providing visual aesthetics, VAWTs can accept wind from any direction, which is an advantageous feature in locations with variable wind conditions. In a preferred embodiment, rotary component  112  is a drag-based VAWT, such as a Savonius-type rotor. As shown in  FIG. 25 , light assembly  110  can have two rotary components  112  to generate energy. 
         [0059]    One preferred embodiment of light assembly  110  is directed to the use of one or more plates  122  located above and/or below rotary component  112  for focusing and converging the wind inwardly. Plate  122  is aerodynamically-designed to converge the wind onto the rotary component and provide a strong wind current. Plate  122  is shown as circular or disc-shaped, although other shapes may be used as long as the aerodynamic effect is achieved. The central portion of plate  122  is greater in thickness, which thickness is substantially constant and begins to taper off to a point proximate the edge. The peripheral edge around the perimeter of plate  122  is very thin. The shape of plates  122  attracts air currents and directs them onto blades  120 . The force of the air current or wind drives blades  120  to rotate around rotary shaft  118 , thereby generating energy. Even though plate  122  may vary in size and location, the plate will have generally the same aerodynamic shape to provide strong and consistent air current for movement of the blades and rotation of the rotary shaft. 
         [0060]      FIG. 25  illustrates an embodiment of solar energy panel assembly  114  in a solar pane housing  124  on the top of light assembly  110 . Solar energy panel assembly  114  and housing  124  may be permanently or removably affixed to light assembly  110  by any means of attachment, including but not limited to chemical or adhesive bonding, nails, bolts, weld, screws, or rivets. In the preferred embodiment, the solar panels are tilted at an angle based on the location of the device. To maximize power production, the solar panel should be tilted at an angle approximately equal to the latitude of the site and facing within 15° of due south. The solar panel assembly  114  is optimally tilted an additional 15° in the winter and tilted less an additionally 15° in the summer in order to maximum exposure to solar radiation. Orientation of solar energy panel assembly  114  is vital, as deviation by even a single degree can result in a loss of maximum power production. Shading of solar energy panel assembly  114  by objects such as buildings or trees can also result in less than maximum power production. Although solar energy panel assembly  114  in  FIG. 25  is a rigid photovoltaic panel, the panels may also be composed of flexible solar panels, individual solar cells, or any other known solar energy panel depending on the needs of the user. The photovoltaic solar panels of the preferred embodiment can produce the required amount of power in a panel size that is feasible for solar panel housing  124 , is easily integrated into housing  124  as a single unit, and has a pre-designed and integrated weather-protection structure. In another embodiment, the panels may extend to the edge of a plate or cover, or may be positioned proximate the center of the plate or cover in a full or semi-circular design. 
         [0061]      FIG. 25  shows several other components of the light assembly according to the present invention. The light assembly  110  has a rod or pole  126  upon which a brace or bracket  128  is positioned. Lower plate  130  is positioned onto and attached to bracket  128 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 25 , a lower rotary component  112  is positioned above lower plate  130 , although either the lower or upper rotary component may be replaced by another component (as shown in  FIG. 24 ). A second or middle plate  122  is positioned above the lower rotary component  112 , followed by an upper rotary component  112 . A third plate  134  is positioned on top of upper rotary component  112 . A cover (not shown) may be positioned on third plate  134  to protect the plate and also provide solar energy options. Any or all of plates  130 ,  122 , and  134  may have one or more solar panels to provide additional energy for conversion to electrical energy. Support fins  132  may be placed on light assembly  110  to support, brace, or otherwise protect the light assembly. 
         [0062]      FIG. 25  shows a housing  138  containing a light  136  such as a light emitting diode (LED) positioned on the bottom face of lower plate  130 . Any type of light, including but not limited to, incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, and LED lights may be used as the illuminating component of the light. Housing  138  and light  136  may be permanently or removably affixed to light assembly  110  by any means of attachment, including but not limited to chemical or adhesive bonding, nails, bolts, weld, screws, or rivets. Alternatively, housing  138  and lower plate  130  may be molded as a single component during manufacturing. 
         [0063]    A preferred embodiment is directed to the use of a wind turbine generator and a solar energy assembly in a light assembly  110 .  FIGS. 27 through 30  illustrate an embodiment of a turbine assembly for incorporation in a light fixture. In each figure, light assembly  110  is positioned onto a rod or pole  126 , has plates  130 ,  122 , and  134 , a rotary component  112 , and a solar energy panel assembly  114 . Energy created from solar panel assembly  114  and the wind turbine is converted into electrical energy by an electrical energy generator and is sent down pole  126  to a power storage assembly. At night, energy is sent up to light  136  for lighting the surrounding area. In  FIG. 30 , light assembly  110  is shown to scale with person  136  according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         [0064]      FIG. 31  is a schematic, not to scale, of the turbine and solar panel assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. To charge the batteries or provide electricity to the light during operation, rotary component  112  has two or more blades that react to a wind current to cause rotation of a shaft. Alternator  142  captures the mechanical energy of the shaft and converts it to electrical energy, preferably in the form of alternating current. The alternating current travels via insulated wires  144  to the hybrid solar/wind charge controller  146 . Similarly, solar energy panel assembly  114  gathers energy from sunlight and converts the energy into electricity. The current generated by the solar panels travels via insulated wires  148  to the hybrid solar/wind charge controller  146 . 
         [0065]    Hybrid solar/wind charge controller  146  maintains the life of the battery or batteries by limiting the rate at which current can be drawn from or added to the batteries thus leading to extended battery life. In a preferred embodiment, charge controller  146  monitors the battery and when it near full charge or discharge the controller allows only an appropriate amount of current to flow, thereby preventing damage and conserving energy. Other beneficial but not essential characteristics include overcharge protection, short circuit protection, ease of use, durability, and wide operating temperature. From charge controller  146 , the current enters the battery  150 . Battery  150  may be composed of one or more than one individual batteries, depending on the design of the system or the needs of the user. 
         [0066]    To power the light  156 , current travels from battery  150  to inverter  152 . The inverter converts the direct current from the battery to alternative current with any voltage and frequency required by light  156 . From inverter  152 , the current travels via insulated wires  154  to light  156 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 32  is a wiring schematic according to one embodiment of the present invention. Turbine component  142 , which includes rotary component  112  and alternator  142 , generates current which flows to hybrid solar/wind charge controller  146 . Similarly, solar energy panel assembly  114  gathers energy from sunlight and converts the energy into electricity which flows to charge controller  146 . From charge controller  146 , the current enters the battery  150 . To power light  156 , current travels from battery  150  to inverter  152 . From inverter  152 , the current travels to light  156 . Photo cell  160  controls the flow of electricity between inverter  152  and light  156 , preventing flow of electricity when ambient light levels are above a certain pre-programmed or pre-set level, and allowing flow of electricity when ambient light levels are below a certain pre-programmed or pre-set level. 
         [0068]    While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended embodiments.