Translating Foil System for Harvesting Kinetic Energy From Wind and Flowing Water

摘要

Consistent kinetic energy is harvested from wind and from flowing water in streams, rivers and tidal flows using a translating large sail, foil or wing which is permitted to translate in one direction, followed by translating in the opposite direction while pushing or pulling a cable, rod, or tether which in turn turns a pulley, wheel or other device from which traditional sources of power can be generated. The pulley wheel can be used to generate electricity, create hydrogen from water by electrolysis, compress air for transmission or storage, charge batteries, or perform work such as pumping water, heating water, moving objects, etc.

主权项

1. Apparatus for converting kinetic energy from a flowing fluid into useable energy comprising;
a first closed-loop cable; a first foil coupled to said first cable such that translational movement of said first foil causes translational movement of said first cable; said first foil having an angle of attack adjustable between a first angle position and a second angle position, such that flowing fluid acting on said first foil when in said first angle position causes translational movement of said first foil in a first translational direction, and said flowing fluid acting on said first foil when in said second angle position causes translational movement of said first foil in a second translational direction; first and second pulleys, said first cable looping around each of said first and second pulleys such that movement of said first cable in said first translational direction causes rotational movement of said first and second pulleys in a first rotational direction, and movement of said first cable in said second translational direction causes rotational movement of said first and second pulleys in a second rotational direction; a power-take-off coupled to said first pulley for harvesting useable energy; control means for increasing a load at said power-take-off to reduce movement of said first foil upon said first foil reaching a first end of a translating operating range; and means for adjusting said angle of attack of said first foil between said first angle position and said second angle position.