Abstract:
The invention is a power generator using intermittent fluid flow. The invention facilitates the harnessing of electric power from intermittent wind sources. The apparatus includes panels that are pivotally attached to a frame at a substantially horizontal orientation or are at an acute angle to the horizontal. As wind blows, the panels lift upward relative to the horizontal. Alternatively, the panels may be vertical and attached to an inclined track where the panels move up the track as the wind blows. This motion is transferred to a permanent magnet alternator either via the rotation of a shaft at the pivot point or via a connector rod attached to a leading edge of the panel. The motion may also be transferred by actuating a hydraulic cylinder. This motion pressurizes the cylinder and the pressurized hydraulic fluid may later be transferred into electric power via a hydraulic generator.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates generally to the field of power generation. More particularly, the invention relates to the field of generating power from intermittent, variable, gusty wind or other fluids. 
         [0002]    For centuries, wind has been used to power windmills and wind turbines. Typical wind-energy systems are placed in locations known to have consistent natural winds. A typical windmill has a blade assembly that executes full rotations on an axis that is horizontal. Such systems are suited for harnessing the energy of consistently directional winds. They are not well suited for harnessing the energy of intermittent, spurious, or gusty winds. Winds at ground level are considered too intermittent for use in conventional turbines. Terrain, buildings, houses, traffic, and other variables tend to disturb prevailing winds, and are considered detrimental to capturing the energy in wind flows, generally more stable above the immediate surface of the Earth. 
         [0003]    The total surface area of a typical windmill and wind turbine is also relatively small. Long and complex blades constructed of expensive materials are developed to turn rapidly in hill top and sea side locations where strong winds are present. Tall and expensive towers are needed to elevate the blades to safely permit full rotation and to reach wind patterns far above the ground. 
         [0004]    Typical windmills often kill bats and birds, especially migratory birds, and they generate unwelcome noise. They disrupt skylines and viewing vistas for which people have paid good money. Further, typical wind turbines are limited in high winds because they have to be shut down in high winds to prevent their own damage. 
         [0005]    Thus, typical systems for collecting energy from wind are not suited for use by individuals and small businesses and others who could collect wind energy at ground level. Likewise, they are not suited for use by the one in four people on Earth who currently live away from and are not connect to any electrical grid. A typical wind-energy system has a large structure that is difficult to disassemble and move, and is therefore not suited for transportation and relocation. However, electric utility companies give credit for any electricity a customer produces through a process known as net metering, and so an incentive is in place for even individuals to enter the power producing arena. 
         [0006]    Importantly, typical available wind-energy systems are not suited for harnessing the energy of ground level winds despite that great energy resources are available at low altitudes. For example, the air movements created by passing vehicles along roadways represent an unused energy resource. Another example is air movements created by aircraft that land and take off from airports. Further, such examples include intermittent wind at the rooftop level of buildings and other structures such as sports arenas or even petroleum and diesel refilling stations. 
         [0007]    Therefore, there is a need for an improved power generator utilizing intermittent winds. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a power generator that uses intermittent fluid flow such as intermittent wind, intermittent water waves, and intermittent water current flow. The basis for all of the embodiments of the invention is that an intermittent, gusty, variable fluid flow that is generally horizontal raises a planar surface upon contact. The planar surface may be mounted substantially horizontally and then raised in a vertical direction. The planar surface is generally rectangular in shape and may be hinged on one side, away from the oncoming fluid flow. When no fluid is flowing, the planar surface rests. It may rest in a substantially horizontal position. 
         [0009]    As the fluid flow increases, the planar panel begins to rise above the horizontal. As the fluid flow continues to increase, the planar surface is raised higher and higher above the horizontal or rest position. With these concepts in mind, the following is a summary and description of the invention which uses the term “wind” to refer to such fluid flows. However, this reference is not intended to unduly limit the invention to movements of air comprising wind and indeed the invention encompasses other similar fluid flows. 
         [0010]    These and other aspects of the invention are achieved by providing a power generating apparatus adapted for utilizing intermittent fluid flow including a panel having only one side adapted for receiving intermittent gusty winds. The panel has a pivotal attachment mounted to a frame supporting the panel such that upon intermittent winds contacting the side of the panel adapted for receiving intermittent gusty winds, the panel pivots upward, from a rest position that is at an acute angle relative to a horizontal ground. In such a way, the panel will pivot upward in a direction away from the horizontal towards a substantially vertical position. Further, in the absence of intermittent wind, after the panel has pivoted upward, the panel returns to the rest position. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the invention, the power generating apparatus includes a return spring adapted to maintain the panel in the rest position at the acute angle to the horizontal in the absence of the intermittent gusty wind, to stop the panel from exceeding the substantially vertical position in the presence of the intermittent gusty wind, and to return the panel to the rest position when the intermittent gusty wind is no longer present. The power generating apparatus further includes a power generator carried by the frame and adapted to actuate when the panel moves from the rest position in response to the intermittent gusty wind such that power is generated for use by a power consuming, a power storing, or a power transmitting device. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of the invention, the power generating apparatus includes a stationary support to maintain the panel in the rest position at the acute angle to the horizontal in the absence of intermittent gusty wind. The invention may also include a stationary backstop to limit movement of the panel from moving beyond the vertical position in the presence of wind. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the invention, the acute angle of the rest position that is maintained by the return spring is less than 10 degrees above the horizontal and the apparatus further comprises an air foil or other wind lifting device attached to another surface of the panel on a side of the panel opposite the side adapted for receiving intermittent gusty winds. The air foil is adapted to aid in initially lifting the panel from the rest position. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the invention, the acute angle of the rest position that is maintained by the return spring is greater than 30 degrees above the horizontal and less than 60 degrees above the horizontal. Preferably, the acute angle is approximately 45 degrees in an embodiment where the panel is not substantially horizontal. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the invention, the return spring includes two return springs with one that limits the panel to the 90 degree angle and another to keep the panel in the rest position of nearly horizontal or at an acute angle. 
         [0016]    According to another aspect of the invention, the power generator comprises a shaft attached to the panel at the pivot connection to the frame where the shaft is also operably connected to a permanent-magnet alternator that generates electrical power as the shaft rotates, the shaft rotating as the panel moves from the rest position. 
         [0017]    According to another aspect of the invention, the power generator further comprises a connector rod attached to a leading edge of the panel that is opposite the pivotal attachment to the frame. This connector rod is also connected to a flywheel attached to a crankshaft that is operably connected to a permanent-magnet alternator. The permanent-magnet alternator generates electrical power as the shaft rotates. The shaft rotates as the connector rod moves upward relative to the horizontal ground in response to the panel pivoting from the rest position. 
         [0018]    According to another aspect of the invention, the power generator further comprises a connector rod attached to a leading edge of the panel. The leading edge of the panel is opposite the pivotal attachment to the frame. The connector rod is operably attached to a hydraulic cylinder or a plurality of hydraulic cylinders which store a quantity of hydraulic fluid under pressure in an accumulator reservoir as the connector rod moves upward relative to the horizontal ground in response to the panel pivoting from the rest position. 
         [0019]    According to another aspect of the invention, the hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic cylinders are attached to a hydraulic electrical generator wherein the quantity of hydraulic fluid is released to power the hydraulic electrical generator when an optimum pressure level is achieved. 
         [0020]    According to another aspect of the invention, a rotating wind vane is attached to the frame that rotates the frame to optimize the force of the intermittent gusty wind against the panel. The wind vane may be operably attached to a servo-motor that drives a turntable. 
         [0021]    According to another aspect of the invention, advertising indicia are displayed on the panels. 
         [0022]    According to another aspect of the invention, the power generating apparatus is located adjacent to an automobile roadway, an airport runway, or a train track. 
         [0023]    According to another aspect of the invention, the power generating apparatus is located behind and downstream from other horizontal axis windmills and wind turbines such as prop driven turbines. 
         [0024]    According to another embodiment of the invention, a power generating apparatus adapted for utilizing intermittent gusty winds includes an inclined track fixed to a frame in an upward sloping direction that is at an acute angle to a horizontal portion of ground. The power generating apparatus has a panel having only one side adapted for receiving intermittent gusty winds. The apparatus may include one or more panels. The panel is slidingly attached to the track and is positioned in a substantially vertical position relative to the horizontal ground with the side adapted for receiving intermittent gusty winds positioned to face substantially opposite the upward sloping direction. The panel operates from a rest position at a bottom of the track to an operating position that is displaced from the bottom of the track. 
         [0025]    According to another aspect of the invention, a connector rod is attached to the panel in a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground. A hydraulic cylinder is attached to the connector rod and to the frame and the hydraulic cylinder stores a quantity of hydraulic fluid under pressure. When the intermittent gusty winds drive the panel up the inclined track, the connector rod moves and thus compresses the hydraulic cylinder. 
         [0026]    According to another aspect of the invention, a connector rod is attached to the panel in a position that is substantially parallel to the incline of the inclined track. 
         [0027]    According to another aspect of the invention, the frame is fixed to a building structure and the panels further include advertising indicia attached thereto. The building structure could be a roof top, a sports arena, or the top of a fuel refilling station. Other such building structures are contemplated by the invention. 
         [0028]    According to another aspect of the invention, a pair of sprag clutches may be mounted on the shaft in opposite orientations. Mounting the sprag clutches in this way may turn the motion of one shaft into the motion of two shafts, one turning clockwise only and the other turning counter-clockwise only. 
         [0029]    According to another aspect of the invention, electric generators and/of hydraulic cylinders are attached to also capture the energy as the panel returns to a resting position as a result of gravity pulling the panel back from where wind had driven it. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURES 
         [0030]    Features, aspects, and advantages of a preferred embodiment of the invention are better understood when the detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus having the panel at rest in a nearly horizontal position and highlighting how wind can lift the panel; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  is a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the permanent magnetic alternator operably attached; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus having the panel at rest at an angle acute to the horizontal and highlighting how wind can lift the panel; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4  is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus having the panel at rest at an angle acute to the horizontal and also having a hydraulic generator operably attached; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5  is a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 6  is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus having the panel at rest at an angle acute to the horizontal and having a connector rod operably attached to a fly-wheel; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus having the panel in vertical orientation attached to an inclined track and operably attached to a hydraulic generator; 
           [0039]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 10  is a side view of the embodiment of the apparatus of  FIG. 8  highlighting how the apparatus may be installed on a rooftop. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11  is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus having the panel at rest on a stationary vertical support and at its maximum also on a different stationary support. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention. The following example is provided to further illustrate the invention and is not to be construed to unduly limit the scope of the invention. 
         [0043]    Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  6 , and illustrate a power generating apparatus  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The power generating apparatus  10  is adapted for utilizing intermittent winds  90  and can be positioned in a variety of locations where winds are present, for instance, on a rooftop  92  as shown in  FIG. 10 . The power generating apparatus  10  includes a panel  20  having only one side  22  adapted for receiving intermittent gusty winds  90 . The panel  20  is pivotally  32  attached to a frame  30  supporting the panel  20 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the panel  20  pivots from a resting position at 10 degrees or less above the horizontal to a generally vertical position  42  when maximum wind force  90  is applied. In this embodiment, the panel  20  may have an air foil  26 , or other lifting device, attached to the panel  20  to aid in initially lifting the panel  20 . The air foil  26  is attached to a side of the panel  24  that is opposite the side  22  adapted for receiving intermittent gusty winds  90 . In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the panel  20  pivots from a rest position  40  between 30 degrees and 60 degrees above the horizontal to a generally vertical position  42  when maximum wind force  90  is applied. Such an embodiment may not have an air foil  26 . 
         [0044]    When the wind  90  contacting the panel  20  has passed or substantially lessens in strength, the panel  20  returns to the resting position  40  from the vertical or operating position  42 . The panel  20  is biased by gravity and by a spring  34  toward the resting position  40 . The spring  34  further functions keep the panel  20  from being completely horizontal and also may function as a stop to keep the panel from moving beyond the operating position  42 . 
         [0045]    The panel  20  may be made from any suitable material that can withstand the environment where it is to be deployed. In the illustrated example, the panel is made from plastic but other suitable materials can be used. The panel  20  is preferably rigid or at least somewhat rigid so that it transfers fluid motions to the shaft  36  as described below. The panel  20  may be made from a less rigid material such as a fabric that operates in a rigid panel  20  frame. The spring  34  is typically a metal having spring properties and may be a flat metal or may have coils. 
         [0046]    The hinge pin, shaft, or axle  36  of the pivotal point of attachment may be operably attached to a power generator  50 . This shaft  36  is pivotally mounted on the frame  30  such as through hinges, which permit pivoting of the panel  20  and the shaft  36 . Various gear combinations known in the art may be utilized to optimally drive an electric current generator  50 . Those of skill in the art will recognize that various gear, wheel, pulley, belts, chains, and cam arrangements attached to the axle  36  may be implemented to improve and optimize the power transferred from the rotating axle  36  to electric current generator  50 . The actual energy produced is dependent in large degree on the size or mass of the planar surface of the panel  20 , which is not limited by the drawings or descriptions here. 
         [0047]    The electrical current generator  50  can be a permanent-magnetic alternator or other suitable current generating devices. The electrical current generators  50  may include resistors and capacitors adapted to convert AC currents to DC currents, or they may include rectifiers to convert AC currents to DC currents. 
         [0048]    In the illustrated example of the power generating apparatus  10 , one electrical power generator  50  is shown. However, any number of electrical power generators  50  could be used. In another example, two or three electrical power generators  50  are used. In other examples, ten and more electrical power generators  50  are used. This power can be used to charge batteries, to power equipment, or can be tied to an electric power grid. 
         [0049]    In another embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 11 , rather than a spring, the invention may utilize a stationary vertical support  80  to support the panel  20  above the horizontal  38  when in the rest position  40 . This embodiment may also utilize a stationary vertical back stop  82  to stop the panel  20  from exceeding the vertical while in the operating position  42 . 
         [0050]    In another embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  a connector rod  52  is attached to a leading edge of the panel  20 . This connector rod  52  is then attached to a flywheel  54  or other gearing arrangement to thereby drive a permanent magnet alternator that produces an electric current. Thus, in this embodiment, the wind power is harnessed for electrical power not via the pin of the hinge  36  rotating but via the movement of the connector rod  52 . 
         [0051]    The embodiments of the power generating apparatus described thus far are directed to the power being generated by the rotation of a shaft or axle  36  either directly or via a connector rod  52  attached to a shaft. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the invention contemplates that power generation may also be carried out using the panels  20  and frame  30  as described above but instead of being operably connected to a permanent magnetic generator  50 , they are operably connected to a hydraulic cylinder  60 , a hydraulic reservoir  62 , and a hydraulic generator  64 . In such an embodiment, a connector rod  52  is attached to a leading edge of the panel  20 . The connector rod  52  is then attached to a hydraulic cylinder  60 . The hydraulic cylinder  60  is connected to the hydraulic reservoir  62  by hoses  66  and the hydraulic reservoir  62  is attached to a hydraulic generator  64  by hoses  66 . As the wind  90  continues or increases, the panel  20  is raised above the horizontal and pressure, or negative pressure as shown in  FIG. 4 , is applied to the hydraulic cylinder  60 . The hydraulic cylinder  60  then stores the hydraulic fluid under pressure in an accumulator reservoir  62 . When the pressure reaches an optimum level, the fluid is released to power a hydraulic electrical generator  64 . The hydraulic cylinders  60 , hydraulic reservoirs  62 , and hydraulic generators  64  are all operably connected. Such connections may include pipes, hoses  66 , and/or other fluid carrying conduit. Multiple hydraulic cylinders  60  may be used and they may be used in different stages throughout the pivoting of the panel on the frame. Each of the multiple hydraulic cylinders  60  may have different pressures such that a hydraulic cylinder  60  having a lower pressure may be utilized in an initial stage in order to capture power from lower force winds  90  and a hydraulic cylinder  60  having a higher pressure may be utilized in a later stage in order to capture power from higher force winds  90 . Also, the staging of hydraulic cylinders  60  of varying pressures is also tied to the potential force required to move the panel and the potential force to be gained by the movement of the panel  20  at various stages of its movement. That is, as the panel approaches the vertical or operating position  42 , it is more easily moved by the wind  90  but it also can generate more power. Thus, the various hydraulic cylinders  60  can be optimally arrayed in order to harness the maximum power from given wind conditions. 
         [0052]    The frame  30  of the above described embodiments may be mounted with an attached wind vane (not shown). The wind vane rotates with the direction of the intermittent wind  90  and also functions to rotate the frame  30  so that the panels  20  optimally are positioned in a direction to take advantage of the wind  90 . 
         [0053]    Another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 , and  10 , uses a similar hydraulic power generation apparatus as just described but the panels  20  are arrayed and fixed in a vertical arrangement instead of substantially horizontal or instead of some acute angle. This embodiment includes at least one track fixed  70  at an incline to the horizontal  38 . The panels  20  are slidingly attached to the track  70 . The panels are at a resting position at the bottom of the track  72 . As wind is applied to the panels  20 , the panels  20  slide up the track  70  maintaining their vertical orientation and constituting an operating position  74 . The panels are also attached to connector rods  52 . The connector rods  52  may be parallel to the angle of the inclined track  70 . As the panels  20  slide up the track  70 , the connector rods  52  actuate and apply pressure to the hydraulic cylinders  60 . The hydraulic cylinders  60  then store the hydraulic fluid under pressure in an accumulator reservoir  62 . When the pressure reaches an optimum level, the fluid is released to power a hydraulic electrical generator  64 . Multiple hydraulic cylinders  60  may be used and they may be used in different stages as the panel  20  moves in the operating position  74  up the track  70 . When the wind  90  has died or otherwise ceases to apply sufficient pressure, the panels  20 , acting under the force of gravity, slide back down the track  70  towards the resting position  72 . Additional power may be generated by using additional hydraulic cylinders  60  as the panels  20  slide back down the track  70  towards the resting position  72  under the force of gravity. 
         [0054]    The embodiments of the power generating apparatus  10  herein described are adapted for convenient placement wherever gusty  90  and intermittent winds are found. As discussed above, they may also be applied to situations where fluids other than wind  90  are present, such as water currents or waves. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is mounted upon the frame  30 , the power generating apparatus  10  is free standing and can be placed along a roadway, in the median of a highway, on the rooftop of a building  92  as shown in  FIG. 10 , or adjacent an airport runway. When adjacent an airport runway, it may capture the wind from airplanes taking off and landing. The power generating apparatus  10  can be surrounded by a wire mesh to prevent animals from getting injured or damaging a part of the apparatus. The overall dimensions of the apparatus  10  and the panel  20  can vary according to its use and location. For example, placed along a highway the panel could be approximately two feet high and fifty or one hundred feet long. The panel  20  could be placed parallel to the roadway to receive gusts  90  from passing cars. These are examples only and do not restrict the invention in any way. 
         [0055]    The power generated by the apparatus  10  can provide power to equipment and facilities remote from other power sources. Thus it is suitable for use in powering remote monitoring systems such as weather monitoring systems, seismic activity monitoring equipment, pipeline monitors, systems that measure water levels and detect contaminants, remote radioactivity detection systems, and more. The power generating apparatus  10  can power broadcast towers on mountain tops, and security systems along territorial boundaries. Along roadways, the power generating apparatus  10  can be used to power traffic cameras, ice-monitoring equipment, emergency call boxes, and the like. The power generating apparatus  10  can be deployed in the extreme environments of mountain tops and arctic areas to power research facilities, emergency survival facilities, and communication equipment. The power generating apparatus  10  can be particularly valuable useful in storm conditions when power demands are high and utility grid systems often fail. 
         [0056]    The power generating apparatus  10  can be used to charge one or more batteries or to directly power one or more appliances. Furthermore, the power generating apparatus  10  can be used to generate power to sell to a power company with suitable metering to assure proper payment or credit from the power company. 
         [0057]    The panels  20  of the above designs may, additionally, each be fitted with or have printed thereon various display indicia. These indicia may be in the form of advertisements or other signage. 
         [0058]    The foregoing has described an apparatus  10  for power generation utilizing intermittent fluid flow  90 . While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.