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US4105362A Expired / Lapsed US ⏱️ 0.0 years remaining

Double vortex augmentor wind conversion system

Assignee: New York University
•
Filing: 1977-06-06
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Granted: 1978-08-08
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Expires: 1997-06-06
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Abstract

Abstract A fluid flow energy conversion system is disclosed which employs a pair of vortex generators to focus the broad diffuse flow intercepted by each planform into concentrated vortices of higher energy density; turbines are oriented in the vortices to convert the vortex energy into mechanical energy to thus provide power output substantially higher than otherwise achievable by the turbines alone; the illustrative vortex generators are delta planforms deployed in mirror symmetric fashion with their apices adjacent to define the apex of a horizontal "V" configuration such that the apex points into the wind, the plane of symmetry aligns with the wind direction, and the angle of the "V" provides the required angle of attack for each planform relative to the wind axis. A three point mounting system employing a pivot near the apex and wheels adjacent the trailing edge, provides the required azimuthal mobility.

Inventors

  • 👤 Pasquale M. Sforza

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-01 22:14
CPC Classifications
F; F03; F03D; F03D1/00; F03D1/04; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/70; Y02E10/72; Y10; Y10S; Y10S415/00; Y10S415/905; Y10S415/908; Y10S415/914; Y10S416/00; Y10S416/04

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim 96 words
A fluid flow energy conversion system for converting diffuse flow power into useful output power, the system comprising turbine means, and a pair of edge separation vortex generators symmetrically deployed in a generally V shaped angulated configuration for driving said turbine means, said configuration including means for orienting the configuration such that the apex region thereof points upstream and the axis of symmetry substantially aligns with the direction of fluid flow and wherein the configuration is dimensioned such that each vortex generator is deployed at a desired angle of attack with respect to said fluid flow.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim 96 words
A fluid flow energy conversion system for converting diffuse flow power into useful output power, the system comprising turbine means, and a pair of edge separation vortex generators symmetrically deployed in a generally V shaped angulated configuration for driving said turbine means, said configuration including means for orienting the configuration such that the apex region thereof points upstream and the axis of symmetry substantially aligns with the direction of fluid flow and wherein the configuration is dimensioned such that each vortex generator is deployed at a desired angle of attack with respect to said fluid flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 16 words
The system as defined in claim 1 wherein each of said generators comprises a delta planform.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 39 words
The system as defined in claim 1 in which each of said vortex generators is configured to develop at least two vortices, and in which said turbine means are positioned in at least said two vortices of each generator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 44 words
The system as defined in claim 1 in which each vortex generator is configured such that at least two vortices are generated in the space between said vortex generators, said system further including means mounting said turbine means to intercept each of said vortices.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 43 words
The system as defined in claim 1 in which said vortex generators each comprise a delta planform configured to generate a pair of vortices in the space between said generators, said system further including means interconnecting said planforms in the downstream regions thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 24 words
The system as defined in claim 5 in which said turbine means are mounted on said connecting means and positioned to intercept said vortices.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 22 words
The system as defined in claim 1 including means permitting said system to pivot azimuthally about an axis adjacent said apex region.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 18 words
The system as defined in claim 7 including flap means coupled to the trailing edge of each planform.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

GB192793A Cited
US1578923A Cited
DE605673C Cited
DE606119C Cited
FR977561A Cited
FR992353A Cited
US2694357A Cited
GB1003568A Cited
US3578264A Cited
US3578264B1 Cited
US3965679A Cited
US4045144A Cited
US4047832A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1981-08-07 1982-02-06 1982-08-08 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 1985-08-07 1986-02-06 1986-08-08 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 1989-08-07 1990-02-06 1990-08-08 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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