Wind powered device

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. 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.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to energy saving devices, and more particularly to wind powered and solar powered devices.

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 and 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.

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.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide a highly efficient, wind powered and solar powered devices. 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. 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. 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As will be appreciated, the present invention provides a wind turbine generator10having one or more rotary shafts12, as shown inFIG. 1. Rotary shafts12rotate about a rod or pole in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. As clearly shown inFIG. 2, rotary shaft12has a channel or opening18for fitting onto a pole or rod, for rotation thereabout.

Each rotary shaft12has a series of blades14that react to the wind current to rotate rotary shaft12. Plates16are located above and below each rotary shaft12. Plates16are designed aerodynamically to promote convergence of the wind inward toward blades14. Plates16are shown as circular or disc-shaped, although other shapes may be used as long as the aerodynamic effect is achieved. The central portion of plates16is 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 plate16is very thin. The shape of plates16attracts air current. The force of the air current or wind drives blades14to rotate rotary shaft12, thereby generating energy. The thin edge of plates14allows for a high volume of wind as it flows towards the rotary shaft. The wind turbine generator10is also impervious to the changing wind direction.

One preferred embodiment is directed to the use of wind turbine generator10in a light.FIGS. 3 through 12illustrate various turbine assemblies for incorporation in a light fixture.FIGS. 3 and 5show a rotary shaft with blades positioned between an upper and lower plate.FIG. 4shows a front plan view of the plates used in the generator ofFIG. 3, with the top plate being larger than the bottom plate.FIG. 6shows a front plan view of the plates used in the generator ofFIG. 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.

FIGS. 7 through 12illustrate 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.

FIGS. 13 and 14are exploded views of various embodiments of wind generator assemblies of the present invention.FIG. 13shows assembly30having a rod or pole32upon which a lower plate34is positioned. Wind turbine36is positioned above plate32. A second or middle plate40is positioned above turbine34. A series of fins42are used to support plate40above turbine36. A second turbine44is positioned above plate40and a third plate46is positioned above turbine44. Support fins48may be placed between the second and third plates to support the third plate46. A cover50may be positioned on third plate46to protect plate46and also provide solar energy options. Any or all of plates34,40,46and cover50may have one or more solar panels52to provide additional energy for conversion to electrical energy. As shown inFIG. 13, there are many combinations, patterns and shapes of solar panels that can be used in the plates and cover herein.

FIG. 14shows yet another option for a wind turbine assembly60for use as a light. Two turbines are disposed between upper and lower plates. The bottom or lower plate62inFIG. 14has a series of lights, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned on the bottom face of plate62. Variations of types of lights, light positions, shapes and number of lights are also shown inFIG. 14at64,66,68and70. 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.

FIGS. 15 through 18shows 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.

Reference is made toFIGS. 19 through 22which illustrate the energy path and transfer in the light fixture assembly. Light assembly80is shown with solar panel82on top plate84and two wind turbines86and88, located, respectively, between top plate84, middle plate85and bottom plate87. Energy90created from solar panel82and wind turbines86and88, is converted into electrical energy by a electrical energy generator and is sent down pole92to a power storage assembly94. At night, energy96is sent up to lights98for lighting the surrounding area.

FIG. 23further illustrates and exemplifies other uses of the turbine system herein. A bus shelter100is shown having light assemblies102that incorporate the turbine assembly104of the present invention. LEDs106are 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's energy demands including lighting assemblies in a variety of locations, buildings and other structures.