Magnet configurations for magnetic levitation of wind turbines and other apparatus

摘要

A wind turbine having one or more magnets for reducing friction between the turbine support and a turbine rotor. The reduction of friction between the turbine rotor and the turbine support allows for an increase in energy production and scale of the wind turbines. The magnet configuration employs a ring of cylindrically-shaped magnets at the bottom and opposed by a corresponding number of generally rectangular-shaped magnets. Bearing magnets are also employed for axial stabilization.

主权项

1. A wind turbine, comprising:
a turbine rotor; a turbine support; one or more blades coupled to the turbine rotor, the one or more blades configured to move the turbine rotor relative to the turbine support; a magnet set located between the turbine support and the turbine rotor, where a lower set of magnets have a generally cylindrical shape and disposed in a ring about the turbine support, and an upper set of magnets having a generally rectangular shape, each of said rectangular-shaped magnets substantially aligned above a respective cylindrically-shaped magnet; a space defined between at least a portion of the turbine rotor and a portion of the turbine support, wherein the space is created by the magnet set; and one or more generators configure to generate electric power from the movement of the turbine rotor.