Aerial wind power generation system and method

Abstract

An aerial power generation system includes a guide line supported by a support body. Wind driven elements are configured and shaped to provide maximum force from both lift and drag during the downwind phase of operation and minimum force during the upwind phase. The guide lines add stability to the system and provide better control over angular orientation and direction of motion. Power transfer is through one or more tow lines connected from the driven elements to power generation devices on the ground. Another embodiment of the aerial power generation system includes a revolving apparatus and two or more wind powered driven elements connected by tow lines to the revolving apparatus. The method includes changing the driven elements between high and low force configurations for downwind and upwind operation, and flying the driven elements in a selected pattern perpendicular to the tow line.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of Ser. No. 11 / 307,890 filed Feb. 27, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 11 / 164,512 filed Nov. 28, 2005.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention relates to power generation and more particularly to systems and methods that convert wind energy acting on aerial wind driven elements to rotary or electrical power. BACKGROUND ART [0003] As fossil fuels become depleted and more expensive, the need for cost competitive methods and apparatus for harnessing renewable energy sources increases. The wind was long used for powering sailing ships and windmills, but the advent of steam engines or turbines, internal combustion engines, and gas turbines provided cheaper, more convenient energy sources. Less expensive and more efficient apparatus and methods for utilizing wind power would now be beneficial. [0004] Windmills (or wind turbines) are currently being used to generate electricity and to drive pumps, however the cost to generate ele...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes three different aerial power generation systems. The first system uses a guide line and a wind powered driven element that slides on the guide line. The driven element can be adjusted between high force and low force configurations to maximize power generation. The second system includes multiple wind powered driven elements connected to a revolving apparatus that drives power generation. The driven elements are flown in a pattern at high speed perpendicular to the tow line to increase power generation. The third system includes an airfoil driven element that can be adjusted in elevation and azimuth angles. The method includes flying the driven element at high speed perpendicular to the tow line in a selected pattern, such as a circle. Overall, these systems and methods allow for efficient and effective aerial power generation."

Problems solved by technology

As fossil fuels become depleted and more expensive, the need for cost competitive methods and apparatus for harnessing renewable energy sources increases.

Windmills (or wind turbines) are currently being used to generate electricity and to drive pumps, however the cost to generate electricity with a windmill is still more expensive than the cost of electricity generated from fossil fuels.

Windmills have a high capital cost relative to power generated.

The challenge with wind power generation is to convert the linear power of the wind to rotary motion to drive an electrical generator or a pump.

These aerial windmills are relatively heavy and require long, heavy electrical cables to transmit the generated power to ground level.

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