Abstract:
Presented is a physically and environmentally attractive fluid energy powered rotor driven power generation system that very efficiently extracts energy from both wind and water currents and that offers easy low cost manufacture, transportation, and installation due to its modular pre-fabricated design concepts. It achieves its high efficiencies by redirecting incoming fluids forward to add positive rotational energy to a side of the rotor what would otherwise have an anti-rotational drag force component.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO OTHER APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/435,599 filed May 17, 2006. 
     
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Means to extract energy from nature&#39;s wind and water currents have been many over the years as is evidenced from the prior art. The largest commercial units to current state-of-the-art technology are wind turbines with a horizontal axis and several very long and slender airfoil shaped blades. The overall height of some of these units exceeds 400 feet with the blades themselves over 120 feet long. While these blades are rather efficient since they convert wind energy to rotational energy during their entire cycle of rotation there are severe shortcomings. The gearbox and electrical generator are housed in a nacelle behind the blades with the nacelle as big as a school bus and weighting many tons. All of this is supported by a very heavy vertical structure. Control mechanisms must be incorporated so that the blades can be disengaged in very high winds. This makes for a large ungainly contraption that is expensive to build, install and maintain, environmentally noisy, hazardous to passing wildlife, and generally not nice to be around. 
         [0003]    Attempts have been made at vertical axis wind turbines which have the advantage of locating the turbine and gears on the ground with the rotor above. These are generally more compact, less expensive, less noisy, and much less hazardous to passing wildlife. However they are inherently less efficient due to their rotor blade configurations. The wind energy is captured on the downwind rotational side or working side of the turbine blades in this most common approach. However, there is a force working against rotation that occurs when the blades rotate upwind during half of the rotor&#39;s rotation. The most efficient concepts use variations of airfoil shaped blades that rotate at speeds above oncoming wind velocities.  FIG. 1  of this application shows a generic version of a prior art vertical axis wind turbine rotor with three airfoil shaped blades. Note how the force of the oncoming fluid is working against rotation when the blades are going upwind. 
         [0004]    Examples of prior art vertical axis wind turbines with turbine blades similar in configuration to applicant&#39;s  FIG. 1  include: Dereng, U.S. Pat. No. 4,264,279 and Kato, et al, U.S. Pat. No. 4,285,636. 
         [0005]    Applicant&#39;s instant invention addresses the shortcomings of both vertical and horizontal axis wind and water turbines in a highly efficient yet low cost and low maintenance design. This is accomplished by reversing direction of the passing fluid on what would normally be the upwind rotational side of the rotor so that such reverse directed fluid acts to generate positive rotational forces. In summary, the instant invention offers a low cost fluid energy converting power generation device that is more efficient than prior art vertical axis wind or water turbines. It does this while offering most all of the advantages that a vertical axis rotor turbine generator has over state-of-the-art horizontal axis airfoil blade turbine generators. 
         [0006]    One advantage of the prior art exposed rotor vertical axis wind turbines is that they are omni-directional as far as oncoming wind is concerned. While this has it advantages it also has shortcomings. The exposed rotors of the prior art vertical axis wind turbines are subject to damage from flying objects, are inherently weak from a structural standpoint, and are environmentally unfriendly to birds and other wildlife. Applicant&#39;s instant invention, in most instances, must be rotated to face oncoming fluids, as do present day horizontal axis propeller blade type wind turbines, but has protection for its rotors, is structurally very sound, and is environmentally friendly to wildlife and neighbors. Its environmental friendliness can be further enhanced by addition of grilles over fluid inlet and discharges. 
         [0007]    A further feature of the instant invention is that it has been purposely conceived to be built in easily transportable pre-fabricated low cost modules. The pre-fabricated modules are very simple to assemble together as a complete wind or water current powered turbine generator. The advantages of the present invention will be understood upon review of the following sections. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    A primary object of the invention is to provide a fluid energy powered rotor driven power generation system that is highly efficient, physically and environmentally attractive, and low in cost. 
         [0009]    A further object of the invention is that the fluid energy powered rotor have fluid energized rotor blades are at least partially airfoil shaped and where the fluid energized rotor blades absorb energy from passing fluids that is then transmitted to a power generator for conversion to useful power. 
         [0010]    It is a related object of the invention that the fluid energized rotor blades absorb energy from rearward flowing incoming fluid during a first portion of rotation of the fluid energy powered rotor and absorb energy from incoming fluid that has been at least partially redirected to be forward flowing over a second portion of rotation of said fluid energy powered rotor. 
         [0011]    A directly related object of the invention is that redirection of the fluid flow to a forward direction be at least partially accomplished by fluid flow turning vanes. 
         [0012]    Yet another object of the invention is that fluid flow directing means separate incoming fluid flow to opposite sides of the fluid energy powered rotor. 
         [0013]    Another object of the invention is that it comprise frontal area increasing outward boundary means that increase the amount of incoming flow directed to the rotor blades. 
         [0014]    Still another object of the invention is that it further comprise means to rotate an inlet to the fluid energy powered rotor to a direction in alignment with oncoming fluids. 
         [0015]    A directly related object of the invention is that means to rotate an inlet to the fluid energy powered rotor include a powered actuator. 
         [0016]    Yet another object of the invention is that a disconnect mechanism be positioned between the power generator and the fluid energy powered rotor. 
         [0017]    An important cost saving object of the invention is that it be composed of pre-fabricated modules. 
         [0018]    A directly related object of the invention is that the pre-fabricated modules include a base module and one or more rotor modules. 
         [0019]    A further related object of the invention is that onto the stationary base module is mounted a rotatable base module onto which is mounted a fluid energy powered rotor module. 
         [0020]    A related object of the invention is that energy to rotate the base module be supplied by a powered actuator. 
         [0021]    Yet another object of the invention is that the fluid energized rotor blades have, at least in part, an airfoil shape. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a cross-section of a prior art fluid rotor that is being rotationally driven by approaching fluids. This is the arrangement of some vertical axis windmills or wind turbines. Note that the driving fluid is pushing on the rotor blades on the downwind or working part of rotation and acting against rotation on the upwind part of rotation. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  presents a cross-section, as taken through plane  2 - 2  of  FIG. 6 , of a preferred embodiment fluid rotor and related structure to the instant invention. Note that: 1) More incoming fluid is directed toward the rotor due to the enlarged capture area forward of the rotor and 2) Incoming fluid that would normally work against rotation on the upwind side of rotation has been redirected so that it adds positively to rotational force rather than creating a parasitic rotational drag force as is the case for the prior art rotor presented in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  presents a cross section of a mounting base assembly including a power generator. Coupled to that is an adapter assembly including gearing to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a cross section, as taken through plane  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 , that shows workings of gears that drive the power generator. Note that, while an electric generator is most common, any type of power generator including hydraulic or other may be used to absorb the rotational power from the turbine rotor(s). 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  shows an end view of a rotor assembly module to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  gives a side view of the rotor assembly module of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is an end view of a cover to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  presents a side view of the cover of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  gives an end view, in this case a top view, of an assembled and functional Fluid Rotor with Energy Enhancement (FREE) Power Generator to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is a side view of an assembled and functional unit to the invention. In this instance, two rotor modules have been employed. Note that any number of rotor modules may be used. 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  presents a front view of the assembled unit. Note the simple construction of this pre-fabricated unit. The base (A), normally including the power generator, is first set in concrete or a similar material; the geared adapter housing assembly (B) is installed next, followed by one, two, or more rotor module assemblies (C), and then an end cap (D). This pre-fabrication approach of the instant invention allows for very low cost fabrication, shipping, and assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  shows an end, or in this case top, view of a rotor. 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  gives a side view of the rotor of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  presents a cross-sectional view, as taken through plane  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 , that shows a preferred airfoil shape of three rotor blades. Note that, while three blade designs appear optimal, that more or less blades may be used. Also, the shape of the blades may be modified and the angle of attack of the blades may be different than shown. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]      FIG. 1  is a cross-section of a prior art fluid rotor  30  that is being rotationally driven, as indicated by rotation arrow  37 , by approaching fluids that are indicated by fluid flow arrows  36 . This is the arrangement of some vertical axis windmills or wind turbines. Note that the driving fluid is working to generate a positive rotational torque on the rotor blades  60  on the downwind part of rotation as shown by force arrows  35 . These oncoming fluid forces are acting against rotation, as indicated by anti-rotation or rotational parasitic drag force arrows  67 , on the upwind part of rotor rotation where they act against rotation. While this exposed rotor blade prior art is low in cost and omni-directional as far as oncoming wind in concerned it is inherently weak from a structural standpoint, has rotor blades that are subject to impact damage from objects, is unsightly and ungainly, and is environmentally unfriendly to wildlife and neighbors. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  presents a cross-section, as taken through plane  2 - 2  of  FIG. 6 , of a preferred embodiment fluid rotor  31  and related structural to the instant invention. Note that: 1) More incoming fluid is directed toward the rotor  31  due to the enlarged capture area forward of the rotor  31  and 2) Incoming fluid that would normally work against rotation on the upwind side of rotation has been redirected so that it adds positively to rotational force rather than creating a parasitic rotational drag force as is the case for the prior art rotor  30  presented in  FIG. 1 . This can be seen by looking at the force vector arrows  35  that are all providing positive rotational energy here. This compares to the prior art rotor  30  presented in  FIG. 1  where the rotational parasitic drag force arrows  67  are working against rotation on the upwind side of rotation. The rotational centerline  34  of the complete assembly is also shown. Protective fluid flow grille(s)  33  may also be incorporated. 
         [0038]    Looking at  FIG. 2  in more detail, we have, as an optimum shape, an airfoil shaped nose cone structure  38  that smoothly directs and accelerates incoming fluids, positive rotation side capture plate(s)  55 ,  61 , negative rotation side capture plate  54 , and fluid turning or redirecting vane(s)  53 . By use this or another arrangement whereby the negative rotation side incoming fluid flow is redirected forward, we are able to have positive rotational energy impacting the rotor blades during their rotation. This contrasts to the prior art presented in  FIG. 1  whereby there is a negative or parasitic drag during the rotor blades upwind rotation. The optional flow passageway  62  provides an inlet to direct more positive direction incoming fluid flow  36  to the rotor blades  31 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  presents a cross section of a mounting base assembly (A)  47  including a power generator  39 . On top of that is an adapter assembly or module (B)  48  that normally includes gearing  42  that drives the generator gear  40 . The procedure for assembly at a site is to first position and set the mounting base assembly (A)  47  in concrete or other material. The generator  39  and bearings  43  are then set into place. At that point the adapter module  43  is aligned and put in place. Other items shown are shaft bearing  51 , seals  63 , and rotational drive motor and gear  41 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a cross section, as taken through plane  44  of  FIG. 3 , that shows workings of gears  42  that drive the power generator gear  40 . Note that, while an electric generator is most common, any type of power generator  39  including hydraulic or other may be used to absorb the fluid power from the turbine rotor(s). Further, it may be desirable to incorporate a disconnect clutch, not shown, so that the power generator  39  may be disengaged for maintenance or during very high fluid velocity situations, such as may occur in windstorms. It is important to note that the instant invention may be utilized with any fluid media. This means that, in additional to use as a wind turbine, it may be used as a water turbine in rivers, the Gulf Stream, or the like. 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  shows an end view of a rotor assembly module (C)  56  including a splined drive shaft  44  to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  gives a side view of the rotor assembly module (C)  56  presented in  FIG. 5 . Cutaway views show shaft support bearings  51 , female spline/bearing adapter  45 , and male spline adapter  44 . A further cutaway view shows portions of a rotor  31  including rotor end plates  49 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is an end view of a cover (D)  50  including a female bearing adapter  45  to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention. 
         [0044]      FIG. 8  presents a side view of the cover (D)  50  of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 9  gives an end view, in this case a top view, of an assembled and functional Fluid Rotor with Energy Enhancement (FREE) Power Generation System  64  to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Note that the FREE Power Generation System  64  may be oriented in any direction. 
         [0046]      FIG. 10  gives a side view of an assembled and functional FREE Power Generation System  64  to the instant invention. In this instance, two rotor modules (C)  56  have been employed. Note that any number of rotor modules (C)  56  may be employed. A gear track  52  used during rotation of the FREE Power Generation System  64  is also shown here. Direction of fluid flow is indicated by fluid flow arrows  36 . The fluid flow grilles shown in  FIG. 2  are optional and not shown here. 
         [0047]      FIG. 11  presents a front view of an assembled FREE Generator  64 . Note the simple construction of this pre-fabricated unit. The base (A)  46 , normally including the power generator, is first set in concrete or a similar material; the geared adapter housing assembly (B)  48  is installed next, followed by one, two, or more rotor module assemblies (C)  56 , and then an end cap (D)  50 . This pre-fabrication approach of the instant invention allows for very low cost fabrication, shipping, and assembly. Further, it is physically and environmentally acceptable and attractive. 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  presents a top or end view of a rotor  31  and its preferred simple end cap  49  design. 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  is a profile view of a rotor  31  showing end caps  49  and rotor blades  60 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view, as taken through plane  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 , showing the rotor  49 , rotor blades  60 , and rotor end plate  49 . 
         [0051]    While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred and several alternative embodiments, it will be understood that there is no intention to thereby limit the invention. On the contrary, there is intended to be covered all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, which are the sole definition of the invention.