Abstract:
The Power Generating Dome provides a structure that creates shelter, insulating the contents or individuals inside from the elements, while also generating electrical power. The electrical power is generated using one or more methods, the methods being interchangeable and varying depending upon the location of the Power Generating Dome, the time of day, and the seasons. 
     The first and primary method of power generation is to harness the energy created by rising air. The rising air powers a turbine, and the turbine generates electricity. 
     The second method of power generation is an omni-directional horizontal wind turbine, powered by wind blowing past the Power Generating Dome. 
     The third method of power generation is a parabolic mirror used to turn water to steam.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of structures and power generation and more particularly to a system that provides shelter while generating power. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The availability of energy remains an important issue, with its importance only growing as our demand for energy increases. 
         [0003]    Many efforts to create sustainable sources of energy exist. For example, wind turbines, solar panels, and geothermal power plants. But frequently these methods require the creation of structures that serve no purpose other than supporting the energy generation equipment itself. Wind turbines require tall and expensive towers to raise the turbine above the ground. Solar panels require support structure, cleaning equipment, and potentially a tracking mechanism to follow the position of the sun. Geothermal energy requires a substantial facility to inject water, manage the resulting steam, and power turbines. 
         [0004]    What is needed is a means of sustainably generating power while providing a useful structure. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The Power Generating Dome provides a structure that creates shelter, insulating the contents or individuals inside from the elements, while also generating electrical power. The electrical power is generated using one or more methods, the methods being interchangeable and varying depending upon the location of the Power Generating Dome, the time of day, and the seasons. 
         [0006]    The first and primary method of power generation is to harness the energy created by rising air. The rising air powers a turbine, and the turbine generates electricity. 
         [0007]    The second method of power generation is an omni-directional horizontal wind turbine, powered by wind blowing past the Power Generating Dome. 
         [0008]    The third method of power generation is a parabolic mirror used to turn water to steam. 
       Using Rising Air to Power the Turbine 
       [0009]    Turning to the method of generating power using the rising air, the construction of the dome overall is discussed. The main structure of the dome is a series of curved joists. The joists can be metal, concrete, wood, or other materials. The joists are a solid cross-section, I-beam type, open web, or other suitable type and shape. 
         [0010]    The illustrated embodiment uses open web steel joists. 
         [0011]    Each joist follows an upward path, the combination of joists dividing the dome into sections, much like the sections of a beach ball. Each joist also has a thickness, measured from the inside of the dome structure to the outside. By affixing an inner membrane to the inside of the joists, and an outer membrane to the outside of the joists, an airspace is created. This airspace holds and channels the air that exists in the space between the inner and outer membrane, allowing the movement of this air to be harnessed for the purpose of generating electricity. 
         [0012]    The movement of air through the airspace between the inner and outer membranes is caused by natural convection. Natural convection is the motion of fluids caused by differences in density, the differences in density caused by temperature. 
         [0013]    The power-generating dome takes advantage of the means of generating power by harnessing the power of the rising air to spin a turbine. 
         [0014]    A rising column of air is difficult to harness for use spinning a turbine. By creating a path for the flow of air from the base of the dome to the peak, the path of the air is controlled. 
         [0015]    With the path controlled, the goal is to add as much heat to the air as possible. The addition of heat minimizes the density of air and increases the vapor pressure of the air. The increased vapor pressure causes the air to increase its volume and decrease its density. The decrease in density causes the air to rise. 
         [0016]    As it rises, the air is channeled through the column to the top of the dome where it can escape to an area with lower pressure. The speed of flow of the air will increase as the air moves to an area with lower pressure, and therefore increasing the quantity of air that passes through the dome. 
         [0017]    The dual-layer system acts to take in heat from the sun and transfers it to the air. In order to accomplish this each layer serves a different purpose. 
         [0018]    The outer layer acts to allow the sun&#39;s heat to pass through, while preventing the air from leaking out. Appropriate materials can be flexible or rigid. Such materials include ABS plastic, acrylic, Kydex, Lexan, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, and related materials. 
         [0019]    The inner layer is one or more layers. The upper inner layer, exposed to the air within the channel, acts to absorb the energy of the sun and transfer the energy to the air. Ideally, the upper inner layer acts as a black body, absorbing all electromagnetic radiation. The absorbed radiation acts to increase the temperature of the inner layer, in turn heating the air, and increasing the rate of convection. 
         [0020]    While this layer works best if it is heated, this heat is best kept away from the inside of the dome for two reasons: 1) any heat that is transmitted to the inside of the dome cannot be used to heat air in the channel, and thus does not help to produce electricity, and 2) the dome serves as a shelter and it is undesirable to have the dome heat up uncontrollably due to the sun. 
         [0021]    To trap the heat in the channel, the lower inner layer is one or more insulating layers. The insulating layers can be many materials, such as reflective material to reduce the transmission of radiated heat. For example, a thin sheet of plastic coated with a metallic material, commonly known as a “space blanket.” Additional layers may reduce the conduction of heat using other insulating materials, such as rock wool, polystyrene or urethane foam, natural wool, fiberglass, or other related materials. 
         [0022]    Trapping the heat in the channel heats the air and decreases its density. With the lower density the air rises, exiting the dome at the entrance of the turbine. 
         [0023]    The flow of air across the turbine blades causes the turbine to rotate, the turbine generating electricity. The structure of the turbine is discussed in more detail below. 
         [0024]    The rising air is replaced in the channels of the dome by air taken in at inlets near the base of the dome. While the inlets can be located at ground level, in some locations it may be beneficial to raise the inlets off the ground to minimize the intake of dust and other surface-level contaminants. 
         [0025]    The shape of the channels within the dome provides an additional advantage: as the air moves upward in the channels, the width of each channel narrows as it approaches the peak of the dome. For a given quantity of air to pass through a smaller cross-section, the velocity of the air must increase. The result is that a low velocity of air is drawn in at ground level, reducing the noise level and particulate intake, and a high velocity of air is discharged at the peak of the dome, increasing the rotational speed of the turbine. 
         [0026]    Turning to the turbine itself, the turbine is of a unique construction. Commonly wind turbines, steam turbines, and so forth generate power by a fluid flow over the blades, this fluid turning a central shaft, the central shaft in turn rotating a generator, the generator creating electricity. This is mechanically complex and requires a large number of parts. 
         [0027]    The turbine described within combines the parts of a generator and turbine into a single rotating piece by using magnets at the rotor tips. The rotor tip magnets rotate with respect to coils that surround the turbine, the resulting change in the magnetic field resulting in the creation of electricity. 
         [0028]    Constructing the generator as disclosed within increases efficiency by avoiding the need for a geared transmission. 
         [0029]    The blades with magnetic tips act as the armature of the generator. The blades pass near a stationary ring, which acts as the stator. The stator is located in close proximity to the blade tips to interact with the magnets to generate electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the stator is a circular shroud that surrounds the blades. 
         [0030]    The turbine is supported by an extension of the structure of the dome. 
         [0031]    The blades may constructed of any suitable material. Such materials include fiberglass or carbon fiber, as well as materials such as wood. 
         [0032]    In certain weather conditions it may be useful to duct the warm air exiting the turbine exhaust into the dome interior. This warm air can act to both heat the dome interior and provide fresh air. 
       Generating Power Using Omni-Directional Horizontal Wind Turbine. 
       [0033]    While power can be generated using solar energy during the day, another method of generating power is needed for night time, as well as cloudy periods. 
         [0034]    Disclosed within is an omni-directional horizontal wind turbine. The wind turbine is mounted near the peak of the dome, with arms extending to cups affixed to the end of each arm. The arrangement is similar to that seen in cup anemometers. The result is that the wind turbine never needs to be turned to point into the wind. Rather, the cups operate with the wind coming from any direction. 
         [0035]    The omni-directional horizontal wind turbine does not have a dedicated generator. Rather, the rotational motional of the wind turbine is optionally connected to the air turbine. This allows the energy of the wind to power the air turbine, reducing the number of required mechanical parts. 
         [0036]    The omni-directional horizontal wind turbine is also able to have a very large working diameter, much larger than the more common wind turbines that are supported by a vertical stand. Because the omni-directional wind turbine is horizontal, increases in diameter never result in contact with the ground, and thus the diameter is limited only by structural strength and the proximity of other structures. 
       Generating Power Using a Parabolic Mirror to Turn Water to Steam. 
       [0037]    Located at the top of the Power Generating Dome is a parabolic mirror used for steam generation. The parabolic mirror is made of multiple individual petals, each with a reflective coating. Above the parabolic mirror is a cluster of boilers, each holding a quantity of water. The boilers are attached to a rotating support. By rotation, individual boilers can be moved into place at the focal point of the parabolic mirror, causing the sun&#39;s energy to focus on that specific boiler. 
         [0038]    The use of multiple, smaller boilers rather than a single, large boiler has multiple benefits. 
         [0039]    First, less heat is required to boil the quantity of water present in a smaller boiler. This makes the boiler more useful on days with less than optimal sun exposure, and reduces the amount of time a given boiler needs to be in the sun before useful steam is produced. If clouds pass over the sun the short time required for steam generation may allow the boiler to still produce useful steam. 
         [0040]    Second, the flexibility of multiple boilers allows for varying rates of steam generation. For example, if the sun is strong on a given day the boilers can be rapidly rotated into place, resulting in quick steam generation. 
         [0041]    Third, the use of insulated boilers allows for steam storage. A given boiler can be heated, with the steam pressure building, and then rotated into a storage position. By storing the steam until later, such as during the night, power can be generated as needed, rather than only during the day. 
         [0042]    The petals of the steam generator are able to rotate 180 degrees, closing off and protecting the steam generator, much like a closing flower. The shape of the steam generator also acts to collect rain water, which can be cleaned and used within the dome systems or for its occupants. 
       Additional Dome Support Systems 
       [0043]    Given that the dome is intended for occupation, additional systems are present to maintain a habitable environment. Such systems include forced air temperature control systems, such as air conditioning systems and heating systems, as are known in the art. 
         [0044]    Sensors may be installed on both the inside and outside of the dome to monitor the properties of the surrounding air. For example, temperature, humidity, and pressure. Additional sensors may monitor the weather in general. For example, time, intensity of sunlight, quantity of cloud cover, and so forth. 
         [0045]    The external layers of the dome may include openings for natural light, commonly referred to as skylights. Such skylights may come in the form of windows, layers of the inner and outer membrane that are translucent or transparent, or passageways that transmit light along mirrored tubes. 
         [0046]    Ports in the Power Generating Dome allow for the entrance and exit of air, preventing the build-up of stale air within the dome. 
       Power Storage 
       [0047]    Often power needs to be stored for later use. The Power Generating Dome solves this problem through the use of a liquid battery, or flow battery. A flow battery consists of two liquids that are pumped past a membrane. Electrical current flows through the membrane and allows for charging/discharging of the battery. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0049]      FIG. 1  illustrates an overall view of a first embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a cutaway view the first embodiment, showing the support structure. 
           [0051]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a cutaway view the first embodiment, showing the path of airflow. 
           [0052]      FIG. 3  illustrates an overhead view first embodiment. 
           [0053]      FIG. 4  illustrates a view of the gearing system that connects the wind turbine and gearing. 
           [0054]      FIG. 5  illustrates the turbine and steam injection system. 
           [0055]      FIG. 6  illustrates a view of the water injection and cooling system of the first embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0056]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0057]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an overall view of a first embodiment is shown. 
         [0058]    The Power Generating Dome  1  is support by a structure created from joists  10 , which are connected together by cross-supports  12 . The joists  10  meet at a center support ring  14  at the peak of the dome. The center support ring  14  also supports the power generation equipment, which is described more thoroughly below. 
         [0059]    As will be described more thoroughly below, air flow  140  enters the airspace  23  between the inner membranes  20  and outer membranes  24  at the air intakes  30 , passing up the Power Generating Dome  1  and exiting at the turbine  40 . 
         [0060]    The omni-directional wind turbine  50  is shown, with the wind turbine cups  52  each attached via the wind turbine cup attachment spars  54 . 
         [0061]    Certain optional features may require penetrating the membranes of the Power Generating Dome  1 . For example, the placement of sensors  114 , or a skylight  116  to allow sunlight into the interior of the Power Generating Dome  1 . In order to avoid a build-up of low quality air within the Power Generating Dome  1 , optional features include a stale air exhaust  118  and a fresh air inlet  120 . 
         [0062]    The air flow  140  may be redirected downward through the recycle air duct  112 , then conditioned, and finally introduced into the space inside the Power Generating Dome  1 . 
         [0063]    Shown in  FIG. 1  are exemplary devices that may be used to condition the air. Exemplary devices include an A/C system  122  that creates cold air supply  128 , a heating coil  124 , or aerosol injector  132 . The air is forced through the recycle air duct by one or more fans  130 . 
         [0064]    The recycle air duct  112  optionally includes insulation  126 . 
         [0065]    Referring to  FIG. 2A , a cutaway view of the first embodiment and support structure is shown. 
         [0066]    The joists  10  are again shown, meeting at the center support ring  14 . The inside of the joists  10  is affixed to inner membranes  20 . In some embodiments the inner membranes are made of an insulating inner membrane  21  and a heat absorbing inner membrane  22 . The heat absorbing inner membrane  22  absorbs sunlight, heating the air within the airspace  23 . The insulating inner membrane  21  prevents the absorbed heat from leaking into the interior of the Power Generating Dome  1 . 
         [0067]    The outside of the joists  10  is affixed to the outer membranes  24 . In some embodiments the outer membranes  24  allow light and heat to enter the airspace  32 , heating the captured air. In other embodiments the outer membrane  24  is an insulator, preventing heat from entering the airspace  32 . 
         [0068]    Also shown is the electrical generation coil  46  in two potential locations. The first is wrapped around the center support ring  14 . The second is wrapped around an insulated cover  45 , made of a material such as porcelain. 
         [0069]    Referring to  FIG. 2B , a cutaway view the first embodiment and the path of air flow  140  is shown. 
         [0070]    The path of the air flow  140  is into the air intake  30 , through the airspace  32  that is trapped between the inner membranes  20  and outer membranes  24 , passing through the support ring penetration  16 , spinning the turbine  40 , and leaving the Power Generating Dome  1  at the air outlet  32 . 
         [0071]    The motive force behind the air flow  140  is sunlight  142 . The sunlight  42  brings heat with it, adding energy to the air within the airspace  32 , causing expansion and rising of the air, creating the airflow  140 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an overhead view first embodiment is shown. 
         [0073]    From overhead, exemplary embodiments of the air intakes  30  are shown, although different shapes and locations are anticipated. The turbine  40  is not shown in this figure because it is hidden behind the steam generator  70 . 
         [0074]    The omni-directional wind turbine  50  is shown, with the wind turbine cups  52  each attached via the wind turbine cup attachment spars  54 . 
         [0075]    Also shown is the boiler cluster  76  with heat absorbent surface  77 . 
         [0076]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a view of the gearing system that connects the wind turbine and gearing is shown. 
         [0077]    As discussed above, the omni-directional wind turbine  50  uses wind turbine cups  52  each attached via the wind turbine cup attachment spars  54 . The wind turbine cups  52  can be of any shape that allows for the omni-directional use of the omni-directional wind turbine  50 . Such shapes generally have two sides: one side with a shape that allows the wind to pass over, and an opposite side that catches the wind. For the cup shape shown in  FIG. 4 , the uppermost wind turbine cup  52  is shaped such that wind coming from the left passes over the wind turbine cup  52 , but wind coming from the right is caught by the wind turbine cup  52 . 
         [0078]    Given that the wind turbine  50  rotates, there is always a direction from which the wind catches the wind turbine cup  52 , and thus the omni-directional wind turbine  50  is operational regardless of the direction of the wind. 
         [0079]    An additional novel aspect of the Power Generating Dome  1  is the means by which the omni-directional wind turbine  50  creates electrical power. 
         [0080]    Rather than having a separate generator, the omni-directional wind turbine  50  connects to the turbine  40  through a gearing system. 
         [0081]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the omni-directional wind turbine  50  includes an internally-toothed gear  56  connected to a central gear  60  by an engagement gear  58 . The central gear  60  is connected to the turbine hub  43  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0082]    The engagement gear  58  can be connected and disconnected as needed, only connecting the omni-directional wind turbine  50  to the turbine  40  when the power being generated by the wind is greater than that generated by the sun. 
         [0083]    As a result of the gearing system that transmits the rotation of the omni-directional wind turbine  50  to the turbine hub  43 , the rotational speed is multiplied many times over. The internally-toothed gear  56  is large with many teeth, and the central gear  60  is small with fewer teeth, resulting in a multiplication of rotational speed, increasing efficiency. 
         [0084]    In alternative embodiments the connection between the omni-directional wind turbine  50  and turbine hub  43  is by means of a belt drive. 
         [0085]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  are the connection points for the boiler support structure  80 . 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , the turbine and steam injection system is shown. The turbine  40  spins around the turbine hub  43 , the turbine blades  42  connected to the turbine hub  43 . Each turbine blade  42  ends in a magnetic tip  44 . As the magnetic tip  44  passes by the electrical generation coils  46  (only a single coil is shown in the figure), electrical current is generated. 
         [0087]    The direction of rotation of the turbine  40  in this embodiment is shown by the arrow in the counter-clockwise rotation. 
         [0088]    The steam produced by the steam generator  70  exits at the steam discharge ports  82 , increasing the velocity of the turbine  40 , and therefore increasing the power output of the turbine  40 . 
         [0089]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a view of the water injection and cooling system of the first embodiment is shown. This system acts to cool the interior of the Power Generating Dome  1 . 
         [0090]    Water supply line  92  supplies water to the spray nozzles  96 , which create water spray  98  within the collection tube  94 . The evaporation of the sprayed water cools the water collection tubes  94 , which in turn cool the tubing that makes up the cooling circuit  91 . The tubing of the cooling circuit  91  passes through the cooling panel  90 , allowing the liquid (not shown) within the cooling circuit to remove the heat from the cooling panel  90 . The removed heat is transferred to the collection tube  94 , thereby cooling the interior of the Power Generating Dome  1 . 
         [0091]    An exhaust tube  110  is included to provide a means of pressure reduction if needed. 
         [0092]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0093]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.