Patent Publication Number: US-2011049894-A1

Title: Electricity Generating Assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/867,436, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,816,802, filed Oct. 4, 2007, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 60/849,842, filed Oct. 6, 2006 and 60/915,591, filed May 2, 2007, the entire disclosures of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an electricity generating assembly that utilizes fluid currents or flow to produce electricity. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wind generator assembly having an electrically driven shutter assembly. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a electricity generating assembly that uses water to produce electricity. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to an electricity generating assembly that is remotely operable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Wind generators have long existed in which electricity is produced by rotation of a fan by wind. If the wind generators have no protection or shielding, such that high winds and foreign objects, such as birds, the blades and other internals of the wind generator can be damaged causing loss of power. 
     Existing wind generators have been provided with shutters to protect blades and other components of the wind generator from possible damage. The shutter assemblies are driven by the wind, such that the shutter assemblies are open until winds occur that are strong enough to close the shutter assemblies. 
     However, the assemblies of such methods of protecting wind generators often fail to close when subjected to high winds, thereby failing to protect the wind generators. U.S. Pat. No. 177,597 to Ward and U.S. Pat. No. 3,793,530 to Carter describe wind turbine generators having weighted shutters that are closed by wind. 
     Another problem with existing shuttered wind generators is that closure of the shutters is predetermined at a fixed wind condition, and there is no ability to operate the shutter assemblies under variable conditions. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It has now been found that by controlling movement of the shutters for an electricity generating assembly by an electronic motor, the shutters may be opened and closed under variable conditions independently of the shutter structure design. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a fluid-driven electricity generating assembly includes a plurality of rotatable fan blades, a generator connected to the plurality of fan blades to produce electricity based on rotation of the plurality of fan blades, and a plurality of shutters surrounding the plurality of fan blades. The plurality of shutters are movable between a first position in which the plurality of shutters are open to allow access to the plurality of fan blades and a second position in which the plurality of shutters are closed to substantially prevent access to the plurality of fan blades. A motor is connected to the plurality of shutters to move the plurality of shutters between the first and second positions. 
     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an electricity generating assembly that generates electricity from wind and/or water currents. The electrically operated shutter assembly prevents high winds, water currents and foreign objects, such as birds, from damaging the fan blades. Additionally, a sensor may be connected to a motor to close the shutters due to high winds or other environmental conditions that could damage the fan blades. Gearing is connected between the motor and the shutter assembly to move the plurality of shutters in unison. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention an electricity generating assembly includes a plurality of rotatable fan blades. A generator is connected to the plurality of fan blades to convert rotation of the fan blades into electricity. A plurality of shutters surround the plurality of fan blades. The plurality of shutters are movable between a first position in which said plurality of shutters are open to allow access to the plurality of fan blades and a second position in which the plurality of shutters are closed to substantially prevent access to the plurality of fan blades. A motor is connected to the plurality of shutters to move the plurality of shutters between the first and second positions. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating electricity includes providing an electricity generating assembly having a plurality of shutters surrounding a plurality of rotatable fan blades. The plurality of shutters are moved to a first position to subject the plurality of fan blades to a fluid current to rotate the plurality of fan blades to generate electricity. The plurality of shutters are moved to a second position to interrupt the fluid current access to the plurality of fan blades. The plurality of shutters are moved to a more open position after the sensor determines normal conditions. 
     According to another embodiment of the present invention, a pole-mounted wind generator assembly is provided in which the gearing is disposed between the fan blades and the generator. A further embodiment involves a stand-alone wind generator assembly in which the generator may be disposed within the fan blades and directly connected to a shaft to which the fan blades are connected. Alternatively, the generator for the stand-alone wind generator may be disposed outside of the fan blades, either connected to the fan blade shaft or offset from the fan blade rotation axis to increase the number of revolutions of the generator by a revolution of the fan blades. The stand-alone wind generator assemblies may be disposed in any desired location, such as a hilltop, roof top or open field. 
     Another advantage provided by the wind generator assembly according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is the ability to easily spread the production of electricity over a wide geographic area. Rather than relying on a single, central location for the supply of electricity, the present self-contained wind generator assemblies may be widely dispersed over a geographic area. An event that would shut down a single location supplying electricity, such as a tornado, hurricane or terrorist strike, would only minimally impact a widely dispersed wind generator assembly system according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electricity generating assembly includes counter-rotating turbines. The power coils and field coils rotate at approximately twice the rpm as with a single turbine, thereby generating smoother DC current or higher frequency AC current from lower wind speeds. 
     Objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an electricity generating assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an elevational view in partial cross section of an electricity generating assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a fan plate of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of an upper bearing plate and upper bearing assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7A  is an elevational view of a shutter control band and shutters of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top plan view of the shutter control band of  FIG. 7A , including a shutter motor and shutter drive gear; 
         FIG. 8  is an elevational view in partial cross section of a shutter bearing assembly of  FIG. 3 , including a shutter control band; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged view of the shutter bearing assembly and shutter drive shaft and shutter drive gear of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  are schematic illustrations of a plurality of electricity generating assemblies connected to a power distribution system; 
         FIG. 11  is an elevational view in partial cross section of an electricity generating assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a generator is disposed within a plurality of fan blades; 
         FIG. 12  is an elevational view of an electricity generating assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a generator is disposed externally of a plurality of fan blades; 
         FIG. 13  is an elevational view of an electricity generating assembly including an air flow control assembly; 
         FIG. 14  is a top plan view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 13 ; 
         FIG. 15  is an elevational view of an electricity generating assembly having a weighted wheel mounted on a generator shaft; 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of an electricity generating assembly in which the shutter assembly is mounted further away from the plurality of fan blades; 
         FIG. 17  is an elevational view of an electricity generating assembly mounted on a support including a transformer; 
         FIG. 18  is an elevational view of an electricity generating assembly mounted in water and above the water surface; 
         FIG. 19  is an elevational view of an electricity generating assembly movably mounted to a support such that the electricity generating assembly may be raised above the water surface; 
         FIG. 20  is an elevational view of an electricity generating assembly mounted on a support underwater; 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of an electricity generating assembly mounted across the width of a waterway; 
         FIGS. 22 and 23  are top plan views of a shutter assembly showing various shutter positions between open and closed; 
         FIGS. 24-26  are side elevational views of a shutter in open and closed positions; 
         FIG. 27  is a side elevational view of electricity generating assemblies harnessing the power of both wind and water; 
         FIG. 28  is a side elevational view of the assembly of  FIG. 27  showing a frame to facilitate mounting an electricity generating assembly to a support; 
         FIG. 29  is a side elevational view of electricity generating assemblies harnessing the power of both wind and water and a solar panel to generate electricity from solar power; 
         FIG. 30  is a side elevational view of the shaft, generator and bearing assembly of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a side elevational view illustrating electricity generating assemblies of various sizes mounted on a building; 
         FIG. 32  is an exploded perspective view of an electricity generating assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a counter rotating turbine; 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of the rotating core transformer of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 34  is an exploded perspective view of an electricity generating assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a rotor; 
         FIG. 35  is an exploded perspective view of an electricity generating assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention including a brush ring; 
         FIG. 36  is an enlarged perspective view of the brush ring of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  is an exploded perspective view of an electricity generating assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention including inertia disks; 
         FIG. 38  is an enlarged perspective view of the inertia disks of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 32 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 32  disposed in a building; 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an electricity generating assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention disposed in a dam; 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 41 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a top plan view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 44  is an enlarged perspective view of the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 42 ; 
         FIG. 45  is a schematic diagram of the production of electricity by an exemplary electricity generating assembly; 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of a rotor; and 
         FIG. 47  is a perspective view of upper and lower turbines disposed on separate rotating shafts. 
     
    
    
     Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like parts, components and structures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein; rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and conveys the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art. 
     In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electricity generating assembly  55  is mounted to a pole  30  and the generator  19  is disposed externally of the plurality of fan blades  5 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . The generator  19  may include a gear box, transmission, and/or other suitable gear and power transmitting assemblies 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the electricity generating assembly  55  is mounted to a support, such as a telephone pole  30 . A plurality of fan blades  5  are disposed between an upper bearing plate  3  and a lower bearing plate  29 . An upper fan blade assembly  61  is disposed between the plurality of fan blades  5  and the upper bearing plate  3  and a lower fan blade assembly  63  is disposed between the plurality of fan blades  5  and the lower bearing plate  29 , thereby facilitating rotation of the fan blades. An upper bearing lubricator  31  and a lower bearing lubricator  27  are connected to the upper and lower bearing assemblies  61  and  63 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 3  to lubricate the bearing assemblies. Portions of the upper and lower bearing plates  3  and  29  may be connected by a splice  21 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . A generator drive gear  15  is secured to the lower end of the plurality of fan blades, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
     A lower fan plate  16  is connected to a lower end of the plurality of fan blades  5 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower fan plate  16  has an opening  67  to receive the pole  30 . A plurality of air openings  69  in the lower fan plate  16  allow air that has passed through the plurality of fan blades  5  to exit the electricity generating assembly  55 . A generator drive gear  15  is secured to the lower fan plate  16 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The lower fan blade bearings  63  are preferably disposed between the lower fan plate  16  and the lower bearing plate  29 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a splice  23  may be used to join portions of the lower fan plate  16 . 
     A lower cover  36  is connected between the lower bearing plate  29  and a mounting bracket  17 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Preferably, a plurality of brackets  65  secure the lower cover  36  between the lower bearing plate  29  and the mounting bracket  17 . 
     The mounting bracket  17  is secured to the support  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , by a fastener, which passes entirely through the support  30 . A brace assembly  18  is secured to the mounting bracket  17  at opposite ends of the fastener  71 . The brace assembly  18  has a plurality of arms  73  to further secure the electricity generating assembly  55  to the support  30 . 
     The generator  19  is secured to the mounting bracket  17  by a generator mounting bracket  20 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . A generator shaft  59  is rotatably connected to the generator  19  and has a gear  57  at the exposed end of the generator shaft. The gear  57  engages the generator drive gear  15  such that rotation of the plurality of fan blades  5  results in rotation of the generator shaft, thereby generating electricity. The generator drive gear  15  may be connected to the fan blades at any suitable position. Disposing the generator drive gear  15  at an outer edge of the fan blades would provide more revolutions of the generator gear shaft per revolution of the fan blades than disposing the generator drive gear closer to an inner edge as shown in  FIG. 3 . Additional gears may be disposed between the generator drive gear  15  and the generator gear  57 , thereby effecting the number of revolutions of the generator shaft per revolution of the fan blades. 
     An upper fan plate  2  is connected to an upper end of the plurality of fan blades  5 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the upper fan plate  2  is substantially identical to the lower fan plate  16 , and has an opening  67  to receive the pole  30 . A plurality of air openings  69  in the lower fan plate  16  allow air that has passed through the plurality of fan blades  5  to exit the electricity generating assembly  55 . The upper fan blade bearings  61  are preferably disposed between the upper fan plate  2  and the upper bearing plate  3 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , a splice  23  may be used to join portions of the upper fan plate  2 . 
     An upper fan cover  26  is connected between the upper bearing plate  3  and a top mounting assembly  1 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Preferably, a plurality of brackets  65  secure the upper bearing plate  3 , the top mounting assembly  1  and the upper fan cover  26 . A plurality of fasteners  4  and nuts  14  secure the top mounting assembly  1  to the support  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . 
     A plurality of stabilizer rods  25  are connected between the upper and lower bearing plates  3  and  29  to stably support the wind generator assembly  5  on the support  30 . 
     A shutter drive rod  28  extends upwardly from the shutter drive motor  13 , which is connected to lower fan cover  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 9 . An upper end of the shutter drive rod  28  is rotatably received by the upper fan cover  26 . A shutter drive gear  81  is connected to the shutter drive rod  28 , as shown in  FIGS. 7B and 9 . A shutter control band  6  is disposed is a shutter bearing assembly  24 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . A portion  12  of the shutter control band  6  has teeth that engage the shutter drive gear  81 . Thus, rotation of the shutter drive gear  81  by the shutter drive motor  13  results in rotation of the shutter control band  6 , thereby moving the shutter assembly  55  between open and closed positions. The motor  13  is preferably battery powered, but may be powered in any suitable method, such as solar powered or powered by the generator  19 . 
     The shutter bearing assembly  24  includes first and second bearings  85  and  87  rotatably disposed within the bearing housing  82 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . A third bearing  89  is rotatably disposed within the bearing housing  82  such that its rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axes of the first and second bearings  85  and  87 . The shutter control band  6  is rotatably received within the bearing housing  82  by the first, second and third bearings  85 ,  87  and  89  to facilitate rotation of the shutter control band  6 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , first and second shutter drive gears  81  and  82  may be disposed proximal first and second ends of the shutter drive rod  28 . A pair of substantially similar shutter bearing assemblies  24 , including shutter control bands  6 , are disposed to engage the first and second shutter drive gears. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the shutters  8  of the shutter assembly are connected by hinge pins  7  to the shutter control band  6 . As shown in  FIGS. 7B and 9 , the shutters  8  may have a first portion  91  and a second portion  93  rotatably connected by a hinge  95 . A hinge  7  rotatably connects the first portion  91  of the shutter  8  to the shutter control band  6 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , upper and lower hinges  7  and  95  are used when the wind generator assembly  51  has upper and lower shutter control bands  6 . As shown in  FIG. 16 , the shutter assembly  55  may be disposed further away from the plurality of fan blades  5 , thereby allowing for the use of larger shutters  8 . A larger shutter  8  allows the electricity generating assembly  51  to capture more wind. Moreover, the larger shutter  8  reduces the static pressure within the electricity generating assembly  51 , thereby reducing drag and increasing the efficiency of the wind generator assembly. Additionally, a larger shutter  8  has more surface area that may be utilized for electricity generation, such as by disposing a solar device thereon. For example, solar tape may be disposed on the shutters  8 , thereby allowing electricity to be generated from captured sunlight, in addition to generating electricity from captured wind. 
     A shutter pivot rod  9  is connected between the upper and lower fan covers  26  and  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 9 . A shutter pivot rod  9  is used for each shutter  8 . The shutter pivot rod  9  guides the second portion  93  of each shutter  8  as the shutter moves between open and closed positions, as shown in  FIG. 7B . Shutter stops  10  and  11  are disposed on the shutter control band  6  to prevent rotation of the shutter gear  81  beyond the fully opened and fully closed positions. 
     A sensor  53  may be connected to the motor  13  to cause the motor to open and close the shutter assembly  55 . The sensor  53  may be disposed to sense rotation of the plurality of fan blades  5  or to measure wind speed. The sensor  53  sends an appropriate signal to the motor  13  to open or close the shutter assembly  55  in response to the sensed value. Alternatively, the sensor  53  may be remotely controlled, such as by a global positioning system (GPS), to remotely open and close the shutter assembly  55  as desired. 
     Heat sensors  41 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , may be disposed proximal the upper and lower fan blade bearings  61  and  63  such that the sensors detect overheating of the bearings that may lead to malfunction of the wind generator assembly  51 . Heat sensors may also be disposed proximal any other bearing assemblies, gearing or motors of the wind generator assembly  51  to detect overheating thereof. The heat sensors may be remotely monitored, such as through a GPS system, so that a malfunctioning electricity generating assembly is quickly known and repair thereof may be initiated. 
     The wind generator assembly  51  is connected to a battery  61  for storage of generated electricity, as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . A plurality of electricity generating assemblies  51  may be connected to a single battery  61 . A plurality of electricity generating assemblies  51  may be connected on a single support  30 , as shown in  FIG. 10B , to further increase the generation of electricity. Electricity is transferred from the battery  61  to a step-up transformer  63 . Preferably, the battery  61  and the transformer are connected to a support  65 . The transformer  63  is connected to an electrical distribution system  65  to provide a back-up power supply. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the generator  19  of the electricity generating assembly  151  is mounted within the plurality of fan blades  5 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . The plurality of fan blades  5  are connected to the generator shaft  159  instead of using a generator drive gear  15  ( FIG. 1 ). Mounting members  162  and  163  are connected to the plurality of fan blades  5  at opposite ends thereof, and a central portion of the mounting members are connected by mounting assemblies  160  and  161  to the gear shaft  159 . Thus, rotation of the plurality of fan blades  5  results in rotation of the generator shaft  159 , thereby generating electricity. The generator  19  is secured to the bottom bearing plate  29 , which is secured to the mounting platform  120 . The mounting platform  120  allows the electricity generating assembly  151  to be used as a free-standing unit. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a weighted wheel  301  may be mounted on the generator shaft  159  to facilitate rotation, as shown in  FIG. 15 . The weighted wheel  301  imparts centrifugal momentum to the shaft  159 , thereby facilitating rotation. A motor, similar to motor  13  shown in  FIG. 11 , may be connected to the plurality of fan blades  5  to facilitate starting rotation of the fan blades. Once sufficient momentum has been established to continue rotation of the fan blades  5 , the motor may be disengaged. Additional wheels may be added to further impart momentum to the generator shaft  159 . Furthermore, a gear assembly  305  may be disposed between first and second wheels  301  and  303  to cause the wheels to rotate in opposite directions, thereby substantially preventing any instability from being imparted to the shaft  159 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a weighted wheel  301  is wired to act as an armature. A magnet  307  is disposed outside the wheel  303 . Electricity is generated by the rotation of the wired wheel  301  in the magnetic field created by the magnet  307 . The electricity generated by the wired wheel and magnet supplements the electricity generated by the fan blades. In still another exemplary embodiment, one wheel  301  may be wired to act as an armature, and the other wheel  303  may have a magnet such that electricity is generated by the rotation of the wheels in opposite directions. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the electricity generating assembly  151  may include an air flow control assembly  171  disposed within the plurality of fan blades  5 . The air flow control assembly includes a cylinder  172  to which a plurality of blades  173  are attached. The cylinder  172  may be connected to the shaft  159  in a similar manner as the plurality of fan blades  5 , or may be connected to the electricity generating assembly  151  in any other suitable manner. The blades  173  direct incoming air  181  passing through the plurality of fan blades  5  out the top of the electricity generating assembly  151 , as indicated by air flow arrow  183 . This substantially prevents air from being trapped within the electricity generating assembly, which leads to creating drag on the generator such that the electricity generating assembly loses efficiency. Thus, by redirecting air out of the electricity generating assembly  151 , the efficiency is increased. The wind control assembly  171  may be similar installed in the electricity generating assembly  51  of  FIG. 3  and the electricity generating assembly  251  of  FIG. 12 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the generator  19  of the electricity generating assembly  251  is mounted externally of the plurality of fan blades and connected to the generator shaft  259 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . The plurality of fan blades may be connected to the generator shaft  259  in a substantially similar manner as shown in  FIG. 11 . The plurality of fan blades are connected to the generator shaft  259 , instead of using a generator drive gear  15  ( FIG. 1 ), such that rotation of the plurality of fan blades  5  results in rotation of the generator shaft  259 , thereby generating electricity. The generator  19  is mounted on a bearing plate  229  of a housing  220 . A bottom plate bearing  221  rotatably secures the generator shaft  259  to the bottom bearing plate  229  of the housing  220 . Thus, the electricity generating assembly  259  may be used as a free-standing unit. Alternatively, the electricity generating assembly  251  may be connected to the plurality of fan blades by a gearing assembly substantially similar to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . Thus, because the generator  19  is not axially connected by a shaft to the plurality of fan blades, that is, the axis of the fan blades and the axis of the generator are offset, the number of revolutions of the generator shaft per a single revolution of the plurality of fan blades is increased. 
     The stand-alone electricity generating assemblies  151  and  251  may be connected to storage batteries  61 , as shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . Alternatively, the stand-alone electricity generating assemblies may be directly connected to the power supply lines of commercial and residential buildings to provide back-up power supply. As shown in  FIG. 31 , electricity generating assemblies  151  of various sizes are mounted on a rooftop of a building  10 . These electricity generating assemblies  151  may be directly connected to the power supply lines of the building  100  to provide back-up power supply. The size and configuration of the electricity generating assemblies  151  are controlled by several factors, including the size of the available mounting area of the building  100  and the back-up power supply requirements of the building  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , an electricity generating assembly  51  is mounted on a support  401  that is substantially hollow. A battery  407  is formed in the hollow space in the support  401 . An inlet  403  in the battery allows fluid, such as battery acid, to be filled in the battery  407  disposed in the support  401 . A drain  405  allows fluid to be removed from the battery  407 . A removable liner  409  may be disposed in the battery  407  to facilitate changing of the fluid. The battery  407  stores electricity generated by the electricity generating assembly  51 . 
     The electricity generated by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is not limited solely to wind. As shown in  FIG. 18 , an electricity generating assembly  501  may be disposed beneath a water surface  507  to generate electricity due to water currents. A support  503 , such as existing windmills disposed in an ocean floor  505 , may receive one or more electricity generating assemblies  501 . The generator and associated structure is disposed in a housing  509  mounted above the water surface  507 , thereby providing easy access for maintenance. Alternatively, the generator shaft  511  may be a telescoping shaft such that the generator housing  509  may be disposed beneath the water surface  507  and then raised when maintenance is required. Thus, water flowing through the assembly  501  causes rotation of the fan blades, thereby generating electricity. The electricity generating assembly  501  is substantially similar to the afore-described electricity generating assemblies except that the fluid generating electricity is water rather than air. The plurality of fan blades may be made of plastic or other suitable material resistant to the growth of barnacles and other water formations. 
     As shown in  FIG. 18 , a first electricity generating assembly  251  (similar to the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 12 ) may be mounted to a support  521  above the water surface  507  to generate electricity by rotation of the fan blades by wind. A second electricity generating assembly  501  may be mounted beneath the water surface  507  to generate electricity due to water currents. Between the first and second electricity generating assemblies both wind and water currents are harnessed to generate electricity. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , the electricity generating assembly  501  has an arm  533  connected to a slotted sleeve  531  that is secured to the support  503 . The arm  533  moves up and down within the slot in the sleeve  531  such that the electricity generating assembly  501  may be raised above the water surface  507 . This allows the electricity generating assembly  501  to be disposed beneath the water surface  507 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , such that electricity may be generated by water currents. The electricity generating assembly  501  may be raised above the water surface  507  to facilitate access thereto, such as for maintenance. Any suitable conventional method may be used to raise and lower the electricity generating assembly  501 , such as mechanical or hydraulic methods. 
     In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electricity generating assembly  151 , substantially similar to the electricity generating assembly shown in  FIG. 11 , is mounted to a support  503  underwater, as shown in  FIG. 20 . The support  503  may be an existing structure, such as a windmill. The electricity generating assembly  151  is self-contained such that all the components are housed within the shutter assembly  55 . The electricity generating assembly may be raised out of the water in any suitable manner, such as mechanically or hydraulically. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the electricity generating assembly  501  is mounted underwater in a waterway  601 . This allows the electricity generating assembly  501  to be disposed beneath the water surface in the waterway  601 , as shown in  FIG. 21 , such that electricity may be generated by water currents  603  flowing through the electricity generating assembly. Preferably, a first end of the generator shaft  511  is connected to the generator housing  509  mounted on one side of the waterway  601  and a second end of the generator shaft  511  is secured by a support  605  to the opposite side of the waterway. The waterway  601  may be any means through which water moves, such as, but not limited to, canals and dam spillovers and discharges. 
     An electricity generating assembly  51  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be easily and inexpensively assembled by adding a generator  19 , a shutter assembly  55  and gearing for operation of the generator  19  and the shutter assembly  8  to a conventional “squirrel cage” fan. The shutter assembly  55  prevents foreign objects, such as birds or other debris, from damaging the plurality of fan blades  5 . A sensor  53  may be connected to a motor  13  to close the shutter assembly  55  due to high winds or other environmental conditions that could damage the plurality of fan blades  5 . The shutter bearing assembly  24  is connected between a shutter drive motor  13  and the shutter assembly  55  to move the plurality of shutters  8  between open and closed positions. A shutter drive rod  28  is disposed between upper and lower fan plates to facilitate opening and closing of the shutter assembly  55 . 
     Various positions of the shutter  8  between fully open ( FIG. 25 ) and closed ( FIG. 24 ) for a shutter assembly  55  of an electricity generating assembly  151  are shown in  FIGS. 22 and 23 . A lip  605 , as shown in  FIGS. 22-26 , may be formed at the end of a shutter  8  to capture the flow to facilitate opening the shutter. Recesses  603  formed in a drum  601  receive the shutters  8  when closed. The recesses  603  have a stop wall  607  to prevent further rotation of the shutter  8  about hinge  95 , as shown in  FIG. 25 . A stopper  609  may be disposed on the stop wall  607  to further facilitate prevention of further shutter rotation. Plates  611  may be connected to the drum  601  by fasteners  613 . The hinge  95  is secured to the plates  611 , thereby securing the shutters  8  to the drum  601  of the electricity generating assembly  151 . The shaft is  511  is disposed within the drum body  601  and connected to the generator housing  509 , as shown in  FIGS. 19 ,  22  and  23 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 27 , a first electricity generating assembly  151  is self-contained such that all the components are housed within the shutter assembly  55 . The first electricity generating assembly is mounted to a support  503  underwater to generate electricity by rotation of the fan blade by water currents. The support  503  may be an existing structure, such as a windmill. A second electricity generating assembly  751  (similar to the electricity generating assembly of  FIG. 12 ) may be mounted to the support  503  above the water surface  507  to generate electricity by rotation of the fan blades by wind. Between the first and second electricity generating assemblies both wind and water currents are harnessed to generate electricity. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28 and 30 , a shaft  761  is rotatably disposed within the support  503 . A frame  771  is secured to the support  503  to facilitate mounting of the second electricity generating assembly  751  to the support  503 . An upper bearings  763  and a lower bearing  765  facilitate rotatably mounting the shaft  761  within the support  503 . A gear assembly  769  is disposed between the shaft  761  and a generator  781 , which is disposed within the support  503 . The generator  781  converts rotation of the fan blades into electricity. The rotation of the fan blades being transmitted to the shaft  761 , which is in turn transmitted to the generator  781  by the gear assembly  769 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 29 , a solar panel  851  is mounted to the support  503 , thereby generating electricity based on solar power (by solar panel  851 ), on winds (second electricity generating assembly  751 ) and on water currents (first electricity generating assembly  151 ). 
     An electricity generating assembly  1121  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIG. 32 . A first shaft  1123  extends between the bottom of a lower turbine  1125  and the top of an upper turbine  1127 . The lower turbine  1125  is connected to a second shaft  1129  and extends between the bottom of the lower turbine  1125  and the top bearing of the lower turbine. Preferably, the second shaft  1129  is hollow such that the first shaft  1123  is received within the second shaft. An inner rotor  1135  is connected to the first shaft  1123 , and an outer rotor  1137  is connected to the second shaft  1129 . The inner rotor  1135  is disposed within the outer rotor  1137 . 
     The upper turbine  1127  has a first plurality of fins or blades  1131  disposed on a cylindrical body  1132  and having a first curvature. The lower turbine  1125  has a second plurality of fins or blades  1133  disposed on a cylindrical body  1134  and having a second curvature opposite to that of the first plurality of fins  1131 . The cylindrical bodies  1132  and  1134  preferably have solid perimeters to prevent wind or water from passing therethrough, thereby improving their efficiencies. The upper and lower turbines rotate in opposite directions. The upper and lower turbines  1127  and  1125  are disposed within a turbine housing  1141 . 
     An electricity generating assembly  1221  according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 34 ,  35  and  37 . An upper turbine  1223  and a lower turbine  1225  are both connected to a shaft  1227 . The upper turbine  1223  has a first plurality of fins or blades  1231  disposed on a cylindrical body  1232  and having a first curvature. The lower turbine  1225  has a second plurality of fins or blades  1233  disposed on a cylindrical body  1234  and having a second curvature opposite to that of the first plurality of fins  1231 . The cylindrical bodies  1232  and  1234  preferably have solid perimeters to prevent wind or water from passing therethrough, thereby improving their efficiencies. The upper and lower turbines rotate in opposite directions. The upper and lower turbines  1223  and  1225  are disposed within a turbine housing  1241 . 
     An outer rotor  1235  is disposed on the shaft  1227  and connected to the upper turbine  1227  such that rotation of the upper turbine results in rotation of the shaft  1227 . An inner rotor  1237  is disposed on the shaft  1227  and connected to the lower turbine  1225  such that rotation of the lower turbine results in rotation of the shaft  1227 . 
     AC power can be delivered by rings and brushes, as shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36  or through a rotating core transformer  1151  via turbine shaft, as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 . A slip ring assembly  1261  for delivering AC power is shown in  FIGS. 35 and 36 . The slip ring assembly  1261  is disposed on the shaft  1227 . The slip ring assembly  1261  is disposed within a brush assembly  1263  such that electrical current is generated by rotation of the slip ring assembly  1261  within the brush assembly  1263 . 
       FIG. 45  is a schematic diagram illustrating the production of electricity in the electricity generating assembly  1121  of  FIG. 32 . Electricity is similarly produced in the other electricity generating assemblies having counter-rotating turbines. The portion of the diagram above the dashed line  1160  is housed in the turbine housing  1141 , and the portion below the dashed line  1160  is housed in the rotating core transformer  1151 . The outer rotor  1137  includes a magnet and the inner rotor includes a winding. As the outer rotor  1137  rotates by the inner rotor  1135 , electrical current is induced into the windings  1161  disposed on an iron core  1163 . The current is transmitted through a conductor  1165  that is connected to rotating coil  1171  in the rotating core transformer  1151 , as shown in  FIG. 33 . The rotating coil  1171  induces a magnetic field within an iron core  1173  of the rotating core transformer  1151 . The magnetic field within the rotating core transformer  1151  induces an electric current into the output coil  1177 . Output lugs  1179  are connected to the output coil winding  1177  to provide a connection point to receive the generated electrical power. 
     An isolating coupling  1181  couples an output shaft  1167  of the electricity generating assembly  1121  with an input shaft  1183  of the rotating core transformer  1151 . The isolating coupling allows the electricity generating assembly  1121  and the rotating core transformer  1151  to be easily separated from one another such that either unit can be worked on or replaced without affecting the other unit. 
     Lower wind speeds turbines cause turbines to rotate at a slower speed. Accordingly, using the counter-rotating upper and lower turbines of  FIGS. 31 ,  34 ,  35  and  37 , causes the power coils and field coils to be move at the equivalent of twice the rpm because the upper and lower turbines are rotating in opposite directions. This provides smoother DC current or higher frequency AC current from lower wind speeds. When using gears to increase the RPMs, half of the gear ratio is necessary because the upper and lower turbines are rotating in opposite directions. When electricity is taken from the generator of a stationary coil, the frequency is only half of what is being produced by the counter rotating generator in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Thus, to harness the developed frequency, the electricity produced by either the slip rings and brushes or the rotating core transformer is tapped. 
     The momentum of the upper and lower turbines (or the upper and lower disks) rotating in opposite directions provides twice the mass of one disk rotating in relation to a stationary stator (power coil). Because force is equal to mass times velocity, a higher peak power is provided by the counter-rotating turbines compared to one disk (rotor) rotating at the same rpm. The counter-rotating turbines can both be placed at the bottom of the housing, at the top of the housing, top and bottom of the housing, center and bottom of the housing, or the top and center of the housing, depending on the installation to allow for servicing and efficient operation. 
     Inertia disks  1291  of various weights can be attached to each of the turbine assemblies, as shown in  FIG. 37 . An upper inertia disk  1291  is disposed proximal the top of the turbine housing  1241  and a lower inertia disk  1293  is disposed proximal the bottom of the turbine housing. The mass of the inertia disks is used to store kinetic energy from gusts of wind and to govern the speed of rotation of the turbine assemblies in high winds. The inertia disks can be disconnected from the turbines during low wind speeds. An electromagnetic clutch or magnetic field can be used to connect and disconnect the disks from their respective turbines. As shown in  FIG. 38 , an upper clutch  1292  controls connection of the upper inertia disk  1291  and a lower clutch  1294  controls operation of the lower inertia disk  1293 . 
     An assembled electricity generating assembly  1301  is shown in  FIG. 39 . The electricity generating assembly can be disposed on any floor of any building to generate electricity, as shown in  FIG. 40 . The floor  1311  of the building  1300  has a perimeter formed of movable shutters  1321 . The shutters can be opened or closed depending on the wind conditions. Vanes  1331  are connected between the outer perimeter  1323  and the electricity generating assembly  1301  to guide wind to the electricity generating assembly. 
     Alternatively, an electricity generating assembly having counter-rotating turbines, as shown in  FIGS. 32 and 34  for example, may be used. 
     Another use for an electricity generating assembly  1421  according to any of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to generate electricity using water as the fluid medium. As shown in  FIG. 41 , the electricity generating assembly  1421  is connected to an existing generator  1411  of a dam  1401 . The electricity generating assembly  1421  is disposed on the downstream side of the dam  1401  to receive discharged water. The position of the electricity generating assembly is positioned such that the backpressure seen by the existing generator  1411  is neutralized, i.e., substantially zero. The electricity generating assembly  1421  can be mounted on hydraulic rams  1435  such that the position of the electricity generating assembly is adjustable to ensure that there is no backpressure on the existing generator  1411 . Accordingly, the efficiency of the existing generator  1411  is increased, while also creating additional energy from discharged water. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 42-44 , the electricity generating assembly  1421  has an inlet  1423  through which water enters the electricity generating assembly and an outlet  1425  through which water exits and a passageway  1426  therebetween. The water engages the turbine blades  1427  disposed in the passageway causing the blades to rotate. The blades  1427  are connected to a generator  1430  to produce electricity by rotation of the turbine blades  1427 . The generator  1430  includes a rotor  1429  rotatable within a stator  1431 , as shown in  FIG. 44 , thereby generating electricity. The blades  1427 , rotor  1429  and stator  1431  are disposed within a housing  1433 . The inlet  1423  is separated into upper and lower passages when using an electricity generating assembly having counter-rotating turbines, as shown in  FIG. 32 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 46 , counter-rotating magnets  1521  and  1523  rotate with respect to a stator  1531  to produce electrical current. A single shaft  1541  may be used to rotate the magnets  1521  and  1523 , or first and second shafts  1123  and  1129  can be used as shown in  FIG. 47 . 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.