Electric power generation system

• US 20070132247A1
• Filed: 03/03/2004
• Published: 06/14/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 03/03/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Michael Galayda, Stephen Galayda
• Original Assignee: Michael Galayda, Stephen Galayda
• Inventors: Galayda, Michael, Galayda, Stephen
• Application Number:
  US10/547,755
• Publication Number:
  US 20070132247A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 290/44
• CPC Class Codes: F01D 15/08 Adaptations for driving, or combinations with, pumps
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 1/007 combination of cycles
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 1/08 Semi-closed cycles
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 3/20 using a special fuel, oxidant, or dilution fluid to generate the combustion products
• CPC Class Codes: F02C 6/14 Gas-turbine plants having means for storing energy, e.g. for meeting peak loads
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 7/0224 Adjusting blade pitch
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 7/0232 with flaps or slats with aerodynamic drag devices on the blades for braking F03D7/0252
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 7/0236 by changing the active surface of the wind engaging parts, e.g. reefing or furling
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/00 Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations hybrid wind-photovoltaic energy systems for the generation of electric power H02S10/12
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/008 the wind motor being combined with water energy converters, e.g. a water turbine
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/14 using liquids
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/17 storing energy in pressurised fluids
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/255 connected to electrical distribution networks; Arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/28 the apparatus being a pump or a compressor
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2220/704 the other apparatus being a gas turbine
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/31 of changeable form or shape
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/52 Axial thrust bearings
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2240/54 Radial bearings
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2260/90 Braking
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2270/328 Blade pitch angle
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2220/74 : a gas turbine
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2240/52 : Axial thrust bearings
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2240/54 : Radial bearings
• CPC Class Codes: F05D 2260/90 : Braking
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 2038/143 : for signals
• CPC Class Codes: H01F 38/18 : Rotary transformers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5458 : Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/0037 : for power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/0093 : with one coil at each side, e.g. with primary and secondary coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/266 : One coil at each side, e.g. with primary and secondary coils
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/79 : for data transfer in combination with power transfer
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/72 : Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/16 : Mechanical energy storage, e.g. flywheels or pressurised fluids
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 : Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 80/10 : Efficient use of energy, e.g. using compressed air or pressurized fluid as energy carrier

Abstract

An electric generating system configured to use the force of wind to drive at least one wind pump that pumps fluid in a hydraulic system for driving a hydroelectric generator. The wind pump has a blade assembly with blade boundary characteristic and pitch controls. The wind pump includes an inductive power supply. A standby-pump provides pressurized fluid in the hydraulic system when the wind is insufficient to power the system. An efficient and adaptable control system is employed, enabling the generating system to reliably provide power to an electric grid.

Claims

1. An electric power generating system, comprising:

a hydraulic system;

a wind pump coupled to the hydraulic system and comprising;

an adjustable blade assembly;

a gearbox system coupled to the blade assembly; and

a fluid pump coupled to the gearbox system;

a standby fluid pump coupled to the hydraulic system;

a generator coupled to the hydraulic system; and

a control system for generating a control signal for controlling the standby fluid pump in response to a signal corresponding to a condition of the hydraulic system.

2. The electric power generating system of claim 1 wherein the blade assembly comprises an adjustable flap.

3. The electric power generating system of claim 1 wherein a pitch angle and a yaw of the blade assembly are adjustable.

4. The electric power generating system of claim 1 further comprising a transformer coupled to the blade assembly, the transformer having a first coil and a second coil rotatable with respect to the first coil.

5. The electric power generating system of claim 4 wherein the first coil is coupled to a power signal and the second coil is coupled to a blade assembly rectifier circuit.

6. The electric power generating system of claim 1 further comprising a second wind pump.

7. The electric power generating system of claim 1, further comprising a weather station coupled to the control system.

8. The electric power generating system of claim 1 wherein the standby fluid pump is powered by a turbine.

9. The electric power generating system of claim 1 wherein the hydraulic system comprises a tank for storing a fluid and the condition of the hydraulic system is a level of the fluid in the tank.

10. The electric power generating system of claim 1 wherein the condition of the hydraulic system is a pressure of a fluid in the hydraulic system.

11. The electric power generating system of claim 1 wherein the gearbox system comprises:

a first axle coupled to the blade assembly;

a gearbox coupled to the first axle;

a second axle coupled to the gearbox; and

a second gearbox coupled to the second axle, wherein the first axle and the second axle are substantially at right angles to one another.

12. The electric power generating system of claim 11 wherein the gearbox system further comprises a motor selectively coupleable to the gearbox.

72. The electric power generating system of claim 1 wherein the control system is configured to control the standby fluid pump so that a speed of the standby fluid pump is increased in response to a signal corresponding to a condition of the hydraulic system.

13-59. -59. (canceled)

60. A method of controlling a blade assembly for a wind pump, comprising:

receiving a signal; and

controlling a boundary layer characteristic of the blade assembly based on the received signal.

64. The method of claim 60 further comprising inductively supplying power to the blade assembly.

65. The method of claim 60 wherein receiving a signal comprises receiving a wireless communication signal.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein the wireless signal is encrypted.

61-63. -63. (canceled)

67-68. -68. (canceled)

69. A power transformer, comprising:

a stationary frame;

a rotatable shaft having an axis;

a primary coil mounted to the stationary frame and having windings concentric to the axis of the rotatable shaft; and

a secondary coil mounted to the rotatable shaft and having windings concentric to the axis of the rotatable shaft.

70. The power transformer of claim 69 further comprising a thrust bearing for rotatably mounting the rotatable shaft to the stationary frame.

71. The power transformer of claim 69 wherein the secondary coil is configured to receive a control signal.