Patent Abstract:
A modular, electricity generating apparatus comprises an elongate, central member comprising a first end and a second end; at least one solar foil disposed about the central member in fluid interacting relation thereto; the solar foil comprising an outer surface having photovoltaic properties; the first end and the second end dimensioned and configured to be connected to a connecting node; and, the elongate central member at least partially comprised of an electrically conductive material and configured to conduct electricity from at least one of the connecting nodes to the other of the connecting nodes.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/595,727 filed on Jan. 13, 2015 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/444,306 filed on Apr. 11, 2012, which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 8,932,005 on Jan. 13, 2015, the disclosure of each is explicitly incorporated by reference herein, in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is directed toward electricity generating apparatuses, and particularly, those apparatus that are modular in nature and may be interconnected to form electricity generating assemblies for enhanced electricity production. Additionally, the present application is directed to such modular electricity generating apparatuses as additionally incorporate photovoltaic materials and capabilities to further enhance electricity production. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Electricity generating devices which are powered by wind or passing fluid and which operate via vertical rotor are known within the art. For example a savonius-type rotor generally includes a rotor blade disposed in parallel alignment with the central rotor. Additionally, such rotors only work in a vertical or horizontal position whereby they are typically used as singular structures, with no modular or constructive features. Additionally, efficiency is significantly decreased if the passing fluid is not substantially perpendicular to the foil of such a savonius-type rotor. As such, mounting a savonius-type rotor horizontally or on an incline can lead to significant declines in efficiency of the apparatus. 
     Additionally, photovoltaic materials and their use in solar panels are known in the art. However, solar panels should be mounted so as to maximize exposure to light. Fixedly mounted solar panels are generally arranged to capture a predetermined range of sunlight, given the solar panel&#39;s location on the Earth, but are far from optimal. Solar trackers may be utilized in order to continually reorient the solar panel, but can be expensive and complicated devices. 
     The present invention addresses these problems, and others known in the art, by providing an electricity generating apparatus, which is both modular and scalable in nature and configured to produce electricity regardless of the wind or fluid direction relative to its central axis and regardless of its orientation relative to the sun. Additionally, the present invention may be utilized as a structural assembly component, thereby providing auxiliary sources of electricity production in locations heretofore not possible, such as, within a truss of a bridge or a tower, supporting enclosed spaces, and the like. Lastly, the present invention is capable of incorporating photovoltaic materials, such as thin-film solar cells, and deploying them effectively without regard to the invention&#39;s location on the Earth. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is an electricity generating apparatus. The apparatus is modular in nature, as well as scalable in dimension. The apparatus includes an elongate central member about which a foil is disposed. The foil may be configured to interact with a passing fluid such that a force is generated on the foil via the passage of the fluid. When the central member is rotationally mounted between two fixed points, the force generated by the passage of fluid may induce a rotation of the foil and/or central member about a central axis of the apparatus. 
     In at least one embodiment, the foil comprises at least one surface which is disposed helically about the central member. As such, the power generated by the foil is generally independent of the direction of fluid flow relative to the apparatus. This is because the helical configuration allows at least some portion of the surface area of the foil to always be presented to the fluid flow. In other embodiments, any number of a variety of foil configurations may be appropriately utilized. 
     Additional features of certain embodiments of the apparatus include integral electricity generating structure within the apparatus. By way of example, the central member may be comprised of a central stator disposed along the length of the central member. Additionally, a hollow shell may then be rotationally disposed about the central stator and the foil attached to the shell, either unitarily or otherwise. Such a configuration lends itself to the inclusion of the various structures and features of an electrical generator commonly known as a dynamo, alternator, or otherwise, with the central member forming the stator of such a generator and the hollow shell forming the rotor of such a generator. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention is that it is modular and may be constructed into assemblies. For example, a plurality of substantially identical apparatuses may be interconnected via a plurality of connecting nodes. A connecting node may, for example, include a collar, into which an end of the apparatus may be inserted for retention therein. Accordingly, a plurality of connecting nodes may be provided with a plurality of apparatus to construct a variety of configurations, such as pyramids, domes, towers, etc. which may be utilized in or as part of self-supporting, as well as external load-supporting, structures. 
     As an alternative embodiment, at least some of the electrical generator structuring may be disposed within the connecting node. By way of example one end of a central member may be rigidly connected to a rotor of an electric generator disposed within the connecting member. As such, when the central member rotates, due to the force of fluid passing the foil, the rotor of the electric generator will rotate accordingly. Alternatively, one end of the central member may form such a rotor and be inserted into receiving relation with a stator disposed inside the connecting node, thereby forming an alternative electric generator. 
     Additionally, in such assemblies as have been described heretofore, each of the connecting nodes and each of the apparatuses may contain electrical contacts which may be interconnected, such that the electricity generated by each apparatus of an assembly may be conducted through the entire assembly to a single receptacle point on the assembly, thereby reducing the need to electrically connect each apparatus individually with external electrical contacts. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention is the ability to form structural assemblies from the apparatus and connecting nodes. The apparatus and connecting nodes of the present invention lend themselves to being formed of a variety of materials, plastics, metals, etc. As such, the present invention may be formed of material with sufficient structural integrity so as to allow the assemblies of the present invention to bear weight, for example, structural steel and/or other metals or alloys. Composite materials are also suitable for such an application. 
     Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the apparatus may be formed into weight bearing assemblies, for example, triangular structures, and further assembled into towers, domes, pyramids, bridge structures, support members for enclosed spaces, and the like. As such, the assemblies of the present invention may be used to support external structures, for example, a roadway of a bridge or a roof which may be suspended from an assembly. Alternatively the present invention may be used to form towers such as, radio towers, water towers, etc. 
     In at least one embodiment of a structural assembly, the apparatus includes a rigid connection to each adjacent connecting node such that force may be transferred through adjacent apparatuses and connection nodes. In this sense, the apparatus of the structural assemblies may be stressed members when disposed in weight supporting relation to an external structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge roadway, suspended roof of an enclosed structure, reservoir of a water tower, one or more satellite receivers and/or broadcast antennae, etc. 
     In yet further embodiments of the invention, the foil may include photovoltaic materials on an outwardly facing surface, or at least beneath a protective layer, such that the foils may be utilized as solar panels. It will be appreciated herein that the terms “outwardly facing surface” or “outer surface” can include any surface of the foil which faces or is exposed to the exterior of the foil. These terms are in contrast to an interior surface of the foil, such as in embodiments where the foil includes an at least partially hollow interior. Such a configuration can be termed a “solar foil.” As such, the apparatus of the present invention can be configured to generate electricity from solar energy, kinetic fluid energy, or both. Additionally, the present invention presents a novel improvement over solar panel positioning systems as being more efficient than stationary, ground-based systems, and less complex and expensive than solar tracking systems. 
     The solar foil of the present invention can be configured similarly to previous embodiments, in that the solar foil can comprise at least one surface which is disposed helically about the central member. As such, at least some portion of the surface area of the foil is presented to the fluid flow such that the solar foil may rotate about the central member. When rotating, at least some portions of the solar foil will be presented in an optimal position, or at least a most optimal position available, relative to the sun. Therefore, the apparatus of the present invention may be installed without regard to the direction of the sun, or the relative placement of the apparatus on the surface of the earth, as the rotation of the solar foil effectively increases the incidence area of light upon the photovoltaic materials, relative to a stationary solar panel. 
     Additionally, the solar foil of the present embodiment may be combined with the integral electricity generating structure of previous embodiments in order to increase electricity production. Such an apparatus is capable of producing electrical power both from the photovoltaic effects of the outer surface of the solar foil, as well as from the induction caused by the rotation of the shell around the central stator, as described above. Additionally, the solar foil may be disposed in electrical communication with the integral electricity generating structure of previous embodiments in order to facilitate communication of electricity from the solar foil to at least one of the connecting nodes, such that electricity may be withdrawn from the apparatus and utilized. In certain embodiments a rotating electrical slip ring may be disposed between the shell and the stator of the central member in order to facilitate electrical communication between the solar foil and the connecting nodes. 
     In certain embodiments the solar foil may be comprised of thin-film solar cells, as they are known in the art, which provide thin layers of photovoltaic material on a light weight and/or flexible substrate. The solar foil may also comprise such additional structuring as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art such as, e.g, protective coatings, skeletal frameworks, etc. 
     These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side plan view of an electricity generating apparatus and connecting nodes according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of a foil in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a section plan view taken along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an assembly of apparatuses and connecting nodes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an assembly of apparatuses and connecting nodes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an assembly of apparatuses and connecting nodes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an assembly of apparatuses and connecting nodes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side section view of one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a side plan view of an electricity generating apparatus and connecting nodes according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of a foil in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention 
         FIG. 11  is a section plan view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an assembly of apparatuses and connecting nodes in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  depicts an electricity generating apparatus  100  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  100  as depicted includes an elongated central member  110 . The central member  110  serves in part to provide a mounting point for the foil  120 , as well as to interconnect the apparatus  100  between connecting nodes  200 . Additionally, the central member  110  may serve as an axle about which the apparatus  100  may rotate. For example, the central member  110  may be disposed in rotatable relation to the connecting nodes  200 . 
     The foil  120  of the present invention is an at least partially rigid structure connected to or disposed on or about the central member  110 . The foil  120  serves to transmit force to the central member  110  via interaction with a fluid travelling past the foil  120 . For purposes of the present invention any of a variety of foil shapes or configurations may suffice, such as a traditional airfoil or other shape. However in the depicted embodiment, the foil  120  is comprised of at least one helical surface  121  which is disposed about the central member  110 . As such, at least a portion of the foil is always presented to the passing fluid, which allows for smoother force input to the central member, and accordingly, smoother power input. Additionally, the foil  120  may comprise a tapered configuration, as at  122 , such that adjacently disposed foils  120  of adjacently disposed apparatuses  100  do not collide, as will be explained further below. 
       FIG. 2  provides a top plan view of a foil  120  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention such that the general shape and configuration may be presented. 
       FIG. 3  presents a section plan view in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 , such that the general shape and configuration may be similarly presented. Accordingly, a cross-section of the foil  120  is presented. As can be seen, in the depicted embodiment, the cross-sectional area  123  of the foil  120  comprises a central portion  124  that substantially conforms to the central member  110  and gradually tapers toward a trailing edge  125  that is substantially thinner in cross section. It should be appreciated that the depicted embodiment is but one of many possible configurations encompassed by the present invention. One benefit of the depicted embodiment however, is that the enlarged central portion  124  of the foil  120  increases the bending moment resistance of the apparatus  100 . Additionally, the depicted embodiment is capable of producing a low pressure lifting force on the leeward side of the foil  120 , which supplements pressure on the windward side of the foil  120 , thereby increasing the amount of torque produced by the apparatus  100  as it rotates. 
     As another feature of the present invention, a plurality of apparatuses  100  may be assembled into an assembly  1000  as exemplified in  FIGS. 4 through 7 . With continuing reference to  FIGS. 1, and 4 through 7 , the connecting nodes  200  may serve as junctions with which to interconnect the plurality of apparatuses  100 . As such, one embodiment of a connecting node  200  may include a connecting node collar  210  into which an end  130 ,  140  of the central member  110  may be disposed. As can further be seen, the tapered configuration  122  of the foil  120 , which in the depicted embodiment comprises a reduced radial dimension of the foil  120  at the first end  130  and second end  140 , serves to provide clearance between adjacently disposed apparatuses  100  of the assembly  1000 . 
     Additionally, the connecting nodes  200  may take any of a variety of desired configurations, as depicted in  FIGS. 4-7 , such configurations being mainly dictated by the shape of the desired assembly  1000 , as depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 7 . In yet further embodiments, the connecting nodes  200  may be generally spherical, with varying numbers and configurations of collars  210 , as desired. 
     Now turning to  FIG. 8 , depicted is one embodiment of an apparatus  100  according to the present invention that includes a stator  111  and a shell  112  within the central member  110 . As such, at least a portion of the structure required for an electric generator may be disposed within the central member  110 . Accordingly, the stator  111 , even though stationary in the present invention, may correspond structurally to a rotor as generally implemented in electric motors or generators, as it is centrally located within the central member  110 . Similarly, the shell  112 , even though dynamic, may correspond structurally with a stator as generally implemented in electric motors or generators, as it is disposed about the stator  111  of the present invention. Thus, the stator  111  and shell  112  are comprised of such electrically and/or magnetically conductive material so as to form an electric generator or otherwise take advantage of the known effects of induction when the shell  112  is rotated about the stator  111  in order to produce electricity. It should be understood that the depicted structure merely depicts one embodiment of the present invention and many other embodiments are suitable. For example, any number of electrical generator structures may be disposed within the connecting node  200 . For example, the central member  110  may be configured to rotate within at least a portion of the connecting node  200 , thereby providing a rotor as commonly implemented in electric generators. Additionally, substantially all of the electrical generator structure may be disposed within the connecting node  200 , and the central member  110  rigidly attached to the rotor therein, thereby driving the rotor when the central member  110  is rotated. 
     Furthermore, at least a portion of the central member  110  and connecting node  200  may be fabricated of electrically conductive material and include electrical contacts for electrical interconnection between adjacent central members  110  and connecting nodes  200 . As such, when deployed as an assembly  1000  with a plurality of apparatuses  100 , electricity may be drawn from and conducted through each apparatus  100  such that only one exterior electrical connection need be made in order to draw electricity from the assembly  1000 . This may be accomplished, for example, by disposing a single electrical receptacle on a predetermined connecting node  200  of the assembly  1000 , and constructing the assembly  1000  such that each successive apparatus  100  and connecting node  200  is disposed in electrical interconnection with the predetermined connecting node  200 . Of course, in alternative embodiments, it may be desirable to utilize multiple electrical receptacles and/or other exterior electrical connections. 
       FIG. 9  depicts another embodiment of the apparatus  100 ′ of the present invention in which the foil, referred to as a solar foil  300 , at least partially comprises an outer surface with photovoltaic properties  310 . As can be seen, the solar foil  300  is substantially similar to the foil  120  of the previous embodiments in shape and configuration, including the solar foil  300  being disposed about the central member  110 ′ in a helical plane  301  and, that the solar foil  300  may include a tapered configuration  302  so as to avoid interference with adjacently disposed apparatuses  100 ′. However the solar foil  300  includes a photovoltaic outer surface  310 . Accordingly, the electricity-generating capability of the apparatus  100 ′ of the present invention is enhanced beyond that of either a wind foil or a solar panel alone. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a top plan view of a solar foil  300  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention such that the general shape and configuration may be presented. 
       FIG. 11  is a section plan view taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 9 , such that the general shape and configuration may be similarly presented. Accordingly, a cross-section of the solar foil  300  is presented. As can be seen, in the depicted embodiment, the cross-sectional area  303  of the solar foil  300  comprises a central portion  304  that substantially conforms to the central member  110 ′ and gradually tapers toward a trailing edge  305  that is substantially thinner in cross-section, similar to the previous embodiment discussed herein. However, the solar foil  300  of the present embodiment also includes a photovoltaic outer surface  310 , which, in certain embodiments, may at least partially be comprised of a thin-film photovoltaic cell  311  applied to the helical plane  301 , or in yet further embodiments, at least partially comprising the helical plane  301 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts a plurality of apparatuses  100 ′, each utilizing a solar foil  300  of the present embodiment, assembled into an assembly  1000 ′ as in previous embodiments. As can further be seen, the tapered configuration  302 , which in the depicted embodiment comprises a reduced radial dimension of the solar foil  300 , serves to provide clearance between immediately adjacent apparatuses. 
     Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
     Now that the invention has been described,

Technology Classification (CPC): 5