Wind generator system with multiple turbines

• US 9,599,092 B2
• Filed: 06/19/2014
• Issued: 03/21/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: University of Memphis Research Foundation
• Original Assignee: Maruf Hossain, Mohd Hasan Ali
• Inventors: Hossain, Md Maruf, Ali, Mohd Hasan
• Primary Examiner(s): Waks, Joseph
• Application Number:
  US14/309,053
• Publication Number:
  US 20140375061A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,006 Days
• Field of Search: 290/55
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 1/02 having a plurality of rotors
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 15/10 using gearing not limited to rotary motion, e.g. with oscillating or reciprocating members
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/25 the apparatus being an electrical generator F03D9/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F03D 9/255 connected to electrical distribution networks; Arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: F05B 2260/4021 through belt drives
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/72 Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction

Abstract

A system for generating wind energy or wind power through multiple wind turbines. Each wind turbine can be smaller than a single conventional wind turbine. A series of wind turbines are mechanically connected by a chain, cable, or similar mechanical linkage to each other and to a single generator, which is located elsewhere (i.e., not in the nacelle or on the turbine tower). This permits the size and weight of each turbine to be reduced, resulting in the ability to generate electricity at lower wind speeds (e.g., where the wind speed is below the cut-in wind speed of 4 m/s or 9 mph for conventional wind turbines). The reduction in size and weight also reduces the inertia of each turbine, increasing its efficiency.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

two or more wind turbines in a series, each wind turbine separately comprising a nacelle with vertically rotating blades supported on a separate vertical tower extending from the nacelle to the ground;

further wherein each wind turbine is mechanically connected to one or more adjacent turbines.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrical generator, mechanically connected to one of said wind turbines.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein one or more of said wind turbines do not have electrical generators in or on the wind turbine.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, further wherein energy generated by each wind turbine is accumulated by the electrical generator.

5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wind turbines generate energy at wind speeds below 4 m/s or 9 mph.

6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said electrical generator is not located in or on any of the wind turbines.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said electrical generator is located on the ground, or on a generator platform on the ground.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said electrical generator is located in or on one of said wind turbines.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mechanical connection between adjacent wind turbines comprises one or more sprockets, chainwheels, cranks or pulleys on each turbine, and a chain or cable connecting said one or more sprockets, chainwheels, cranks or pulleys.

10. A method of generating energy, comprising:

mechanically connecting two or more wind turbines in a series, each wind turbine separately comprising a nacelle with vertically rotating blades supported on a separate vertical tower extending from the nacelle to the ground;

further wherein each wind turbine is connected to one or more adjacent turbines; and

mechanically connecting an electrical generator to one of said wind turbines;

wherein energy generated by each wind turbine is accumulated by the electrical generator.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the wind turbines generate energy at wind speeds below 4 m/s or 9 mph.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein said electrical generator is located on the ground, or on a generator platform on the ground.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein said electrical generator is located in or on one of said wind turbines.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein one or more of said wind turbines do not have electrical generators in or on the wind turbine.