US20100107619A1 - System for improving performance of an internal combusion engine - Google Patents
System for improving performance of an internal combusion engine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100107619A1 US20100107619A1 US12/646,654 US64665409A US2010107619A1 US 20100107619 A1 US20100107619 A1 US 20100107619A1 US 64665409 A US64665409 A US 64665409A US 2010107619 A1 US2010107619 A1 US 2010107619A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- leading edge
- drawtube
- edge member
- exhaust pipe
- wind
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D1/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D1/04—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor having stationary wind-guiding means, e.g. with shrouds or channels
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
- F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D3/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D3/06—Rotors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/20—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus
- F03D9/25—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/30—Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/34—Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations on stationary objects or on stationary man-made structures
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/12—Fluid guiding means, e.g. vanes
- F05B2240/122—Vortex generators, turbulators, or the like, for mixing
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/13—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/13—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines
- F05B2240/131—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines by means of vertical structures, i.e. chimneys
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/40—Use of a multiplicity of similar components
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/90—Mounting on supporting structures or systems
- F05B2240/91—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure
- F05B2240/911—Mounting on supporting structures or systems on a stationary structure already existing for a prior purpose
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/30—Wind power
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/728—Onshore wind turbines
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/74—Wind turbines with rotation axis perpendicular to the wind direction
Definitions
- a system for improving performance of an internal combustion engine may include an exhaust pipe and a leading edge member attached at one end of the exhaust pipe.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy in the form of a simple drawtube.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an omni-directional compound drawtube with a rotating leading edge and scoop.
- FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a compound drawtube with sliding plates.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a system including an array of primary compound drawtubes with embedded compound drawtubes according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a side view of a system including an array of primary compound drawtubes with embedded compound drawtubes and a single energy conversion device.
- FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the system of FIG. 22 .
- FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a system for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy, which utilizes an array of drawtubes that are boosted with high-pressure air from an inline duct.
- FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the system for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using a drawtube having an inline duct and a bluff body as shown in FIG. 25 .
- the substantially planar leading edge member 30 accelerates the airflow (i.e., wind) at a point adjacent to an edge of the substantially planar leading edge member 30 .
- Velocities in this region can be many times greater than the ambient winds. Accordingly, since the total pressure must remain constant, the very high velocities also mean very low static pressures adjacent an edge of the leading edge 30 .
- An aspect ratio, or height to width ratio of the entire drawtube, of about 6 to 1 is desirable because it allows a high velocity flow over a “bluff body” airfoil, which in turn creates high velocity vortices off the substantially planar leading edge member 30 .
- the tubular member 20 is tubular, or cylindrical, it affords the lowest friction solution to moving air within an enclosed, or interior, volume. It also presents a “bluff body” cross-section to the wind, which encourages strong vortex formation.
- a compound drawtube 100 in another embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 , includes the tubular member 20 , the substantially planar leading edge member 30 , the energy conversion device 70 , and a scoop member 40 .
- the wind in this embodiment is assumed to be coming out of the page. However, the drawtube 100 also operates with wind going into the page.
- an opposing, high pressure region can be created. It has been shown that an increased positive pressure gradient is created by a scoop member 40 , shown in FIG. 2 .
- the placement of the scoop 40 if used, is at opposite ends of the tubular member 20 , with the energy conversion device placed within the tubular member and between the low pressure region of the drawtube adjacent the leading edge 30 and the high-pressured region adjacent the scoop 40 .
- the leading edge 30 When the airflow is in the direction of the arrows D, the leading edge 30 operates as a leading edge in combination with the tubular member 20 d to create an airflow in the direction FD through the tubular member 20 d and operates as a scoop for tubular member 20 c.
- One difference between the drawtube 100 of FIG. 2 and the drawtube 200 of FIG. 3 is that the compound drawtube of FIG. 2 is better suited for an internal energy conversion device or embedded drawtube, whereas the compound drawtube of FIG. 3 is better suited (but not limited to) for a plenum mounted energy conversion device, such as you might see in an array.
- the tubular member 20 has an interior surface 26 and an exterior surface 28 .
- the interior surface 26 of the tubular member 20 is smooth and as free as possible from obstructions of any sort. If any obstructions are required, they are preferably oriented longitudinally, not laterally, or cross-flow.
- the exterior surface 28 of the tubular member 20 is also smooth. If exterior obstructions are required, the obstructions are preferably lateral rather than longitudinal.
- the inner drawtubes 540 in the embedded drawtube system 500 have a small air plenum diameter and high pressure differential which allows the use of certain energy conversion devices 560 such as jet pumps which may not be possible at larger diameters and smaller pressure differentials.
- the use of a jet pump as an energy conversion device 560 is particularly beneficial as they have no moving parts and can be made to convert a bi-directional airflow to a unidirectional product airflow.
- the energy of a jet pump may be used directly to power a remote air conditioner, water pump, or other pneumatic device.
- the embedded drawtubes 540 are canted at an angle X with respect to a line perpendicular to the axis of the primary tubular member 520 .
- the embedded drawtubes 540 can have a planar leading edge 544 which may be canted at the angle X.
- the angle of canting may be about 0 to about 45 degrees and is preferably about 33 degrees.
- the primary drawtube 510 produces a high-energy airflow through the interaction of both high and low-pressure regions when the drawtube is placed within an airflow.
- the embedded secondary drawtubes 540 produce a volume of air with a static pressure reduced even further than the static pressure available within the air plenum of the primary drawtube.
- the smaller, secondary drawtube 540 once placed within the primary air plenum, receives an enhanced airflow possessing up to about five times the energy density of the outside air stream. Since the system efficacy increases with the apparent wind speed, the embedded or secondary drawtube 540 creates an additional deep static pressure reduction. When this is compared to the outside ambient air, a twofold reduction is realized. This, in turn, creates increased airflow within the secondary air plenum.
- the eave-mounted system 800 is not confined to a horizontal axis.
- the plenum 831 can be hidden in a vertical column-like structure that is incorporated into the architecture of a building or home.
- an entire building can be used as a wind collector and concentrator rather than just the limited space along the eave.
- a standard drawtube 10 comprised of a cylindrical device or tubular member 20 , which is combined with the at least one leading edge member 30 in the form of a substantially flat plate creates a single bluff body with an overall ideal aspect ratio (i.e., height to width) of about 6:1.
- the cylinder or tubular member 20 has an open face or outlet 22 , which when presented to the low pressure of the vortex interior, captured and conducted that low pressure for further use.
- the leading edges can have any suitable cross sectional shape and although in accordance with one embodiment the leading edge is substantially flat, it can be appreciated that the leading edge need not be flat and other suitable surface configurations can be used.
- a complex drawtube 100 , 200 , 300 can be created to also incorporate the benefits of ram air, or static high pressure air.
- the plenums are preferably connected to the center of the flat plate 920 , or the closest location with high static air pressure.
- the disks 1120 expand (the internal static air pressure is greater than that outside the membranes). Then, as the low pressure zone moves out and is replaced by an interstitial high pressure zone, the disks 1120 contract (the internal static air pressure is less than the external pressure). It can be appreciated that this cycle can be repeated several times a second.
- an electromagnetic generator or generator (not shown) is placed inside the disk 1120 to convert the mechanical energy to electrical or another form of mechanical energy.
- the generator can be a piezoelectric, hydraulic pistons, or other suitable device for converting the expansion and contraction of the disks 1120 into energy.
- permanent magnets and electrical coils taken from off-the-shelf speakers can be used, which is the very same method used to power audio speakers, but is operated in reverse instead.
- each membrane 1122 for each disk 1120 , each membrane 1122 , the upper or top surface 1124 , for example, would be attached to the magnet with the coil attached to the lower or bottom surface 1126 . As the membranes 1122 expand and contract, the membranes move the magnet up and down in relation to the surrounding coil. The magnet lines of force would cross the wire sections continually, and thereby create an oscillating, or AC current. In this application, the AC current can be rectified through a full-wave bridge rectifier and then fed into a battery system (not shown)
- the system 1100 has no visible moving parts, such that the system 1100 can be almost entirely silent in operation.
- a mechanical to electrical conversion process is shown here, it is not meant to be limited by this.
- the support pipe or tube, 1130 can conduct pneumatic variations for conversion a at the base of the structure in the same way that we can have several drawtubes supporting one conversion process.
- a hydraulic piston can be compressed by the membranes thus transmitting a pressurized fluid to the base of the tower.
- the electromechanical system can be replaced by piezoelectric crystals, or a central and connecting rod could collect and transfer the force of many disks.
- the system 1100 can also be supported by a cylindrical leading edge located in the center of the stack. In this case, the entire system 1100 would be immobile yet capable of capturing and converting winds from any direction.
- the system 1100 as shown in FIGS. 22-24 can further include a means for positioning the leading edge into the airflow, wherein the leading edge member is facing substantially into the airflow.
- a support structure 1130 as shown in FIGS. 22 and 24 such that the support structure 1130 orients the system 1100 so that the leading edge member 1110 is facing into the airflow.
- the system 1100 can also include an airflow direction sensor and a motor for rotating the drawtube in response to the airflow direction sensor.
- the substantially planar leading edge member 30 is slightly curved to increase its strength.
- the leading edge 30 also cants backward at 33 degrees off from perpendicular to the wind.
- the optimal width of the leading edge 30 would be about 13/16 of the diameter of the exhaust stack (i.e., tubular member 20 ).
- a sleeve 21 as shown, can be designed to fit tightly over the exhaust stack pipes with a pair of support members 23 .
- a set screws or other suitable device is preferably used to secure the leading edge member 30 to the exhaust pipe or stack (i.e., tubular member 20 ).
- An aspect ratio of 6:1, or better, can be attained through the combined airfoil, exhaust stack pipe and exhaust sail, as seen by the wind. Local accelerations of the airflow due to the cab of the truck or trailer would enhance the performance, just as the Eave turbine performance is improved by the building itself. It can be appreciated that a drawtube 10 , 100 , 200 , 300 can be applied to other vehicles as well as interstate trucks or light aircraft.
Abstract
A system for improving performance of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system may include an exhaust pipe and a leading edge member attached at one end of the exhaust pipe. In one aspect, the leading edge member may be attached to a windward side of the exhaust pipe to define a drawtube arranged to lower a pressure at the end of the exhaust pipe. A device for lowering a pressure at the end of a vehicular exhaust pipe to improve performance of an internal combustion engine may also be provided. The device may include a substantially planar leading edge member and a sleeve configured to be secured to a vehicular exhaust pipe. A bottom edge of the leading edge member may be attached to the sleeve.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/709,320, filed Feb. 20, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/104,673, filed Apr. 13, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,199,486, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/619,732, filed Jul. 14, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,911,744, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to a system for improving the performance of an internal combustion engine.
- 2. Related Art
- Many wind energy collection systems have been proposed in the prior art. Classic windmills and wind turbines employ vanes or propeller surfaces to engage a wind stream and convert the energy in the wind stream into rotation of a horizontal windmill shaft. These classic windmills with exposed rotating blades pose many technical, safety, environmental, noise, and aesthetic problems. The technical problems may include mechanical stress, susceptibility to wind gusts and shadow shock, active propeller blade pitch control and steering, and frequent dynamic instabilities which may lead to material fatigue and catastrophic failure. In addition, the exposed propeller blades may raise safety concerns and generate significant noise. Furthermore, horizontal axis wind turbines cannot take advantage of high energy, high velocity winds because the turbines can be overloaded causing damage or failure. In fact, it is typical to govern conventional horizontal windmills at wind speeds in excess of 30 mph to avoid these problems. Since wind energy increases as the cube of velocity, this represents a significant disadvantage in that high wind velocities, which offer high levels of energy, also require that the windmills be governed.
- Vertical axis turbines are also well known. Although vertical axis turbines address many of the shortcomings of horizontal shaft windmills, they have their own inherent problems. The continual rotation of the blades into and away from the wind causes a cyclical mechanical stress that soon induces material fatigue and failure. Also, vertical axis wind turbines are often difficult to start and have been shown to be lower in overall efficiency.
- One alternative to the horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines described above is the airfoil wind energy collection system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,709,419 and 6,239,506. These wind energy collection systems include an airfoil or an array of airfoils with at least one venturi slot penetrating the surface of the airfoil at about the greatest cross-sectional width of the airfoil. As air moves over the airfoil from the leading edge to the trailing edge, a region of low pressure or reduced pressure is created adjacent to the venturi slot. This low pressure region, caused by the Bernoulli principal, draws air from a supply duct within the airfoil, out of the venturi slot and into the airflow around the airfoil. The air supply ducts within the airfoil are connected to a turbine causing the system to draw air through the turbine and out of the airfoil slots thus generating power.
- In the wind energy collection systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,709,419 and 6,239,506, the slot, or the area just aft of the leading edge and prior to the tubular section, was a low pressure area used for drawing air out of the airfoil. However, it has been found that the draw was developed by only a small portion of the slot, that coinciding with the very beginning of longitudinal opening on the tubular member. Therefore, the goal seemed to be a wider opening. However, as the opening was enlarged, the performance dropped off after the size of the opening reached a width equal to or greater than the width of the leading edge. Accordingly, this established a limit on the size of the opening.
- Unlike previous wind generation technologies, Drawtubes markedly increase a neighbor's performance when placed in carefully designed Arrays. It can also be appreciated that drawtubes and arrays represent a wind energy technology that is well suited for architecturally compatible implementations and, by implication, for suburban to urban installations. In contrast, other building-integrated designs often appear as clumsy arrangements utilizing oversized props and contrived ducts.
- Yet the suburban/urban market is not only the fastest growing demand for electrical energy, it is also the least likely to support a generational facility. This automatically puts the utilities into the position of further destabilizing the grid by continuing to construct remote and/or regionally centralized plants. Even the utilities recognize that this is a problem. Not only does distributed generation naturally provide greater efficiencies and reliabilities, it also increases our national security. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide building-integrated wind energy collection systems, which implement a drawtube wind energy collection and concentration system.
- In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a system for improving performance of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system may include an exhaust pipe and a leading edge member attached at one end of the exhaust pipe.
- In one aspect, the leading edge member may be attached to a windward side of the exhaust pipe to define a drawtube arranged to lower a pressure at the end of the exhaust pipe.
- A device for lowering a pressure at the end of a vehicular exhaust pipe to improve performance of an internal combustion engine may also be provided. The device may include a substantially planar leading edge member and a sleeve configured to be secured to a vehicular exhaust pipe. A bottom edge of the leading edge member may be attached to the sleeve.
- Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like elements bear the reference numerals, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy in the form of a simple drawtube. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy in the form of a compound bidirectional drawtube. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another configuration of a compound bidirectional drawtube according to an alternative embodiment. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one configuration of a unidirectional compound drawtube according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a panel of three compound bidirectional drawtubes according to the present invention. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an array of the system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy according to the invention. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an omni-directional compound drawtube with a rotating leading edge and scoop. -
FIGS. 8A and 8B are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a compound drawtube with sliding plates. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a system with embedded simple drawtubes according to one embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a system including an array of primary compound drawtubes with embedded compound drawtubes according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 is a side view of a system including an array of primary compound drawtubes with embedded compound drawtubes and a single energy conversion device. -
FIG. 12 is a top view of one of the primary tubular members ofFIG. 11 with an embedded compound drawtube. -
FIG. 13 is a top view of the system ofFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an eave array system according to another embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the eave array ofFIG. 14 from another perspective. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bluff body for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using a plurality of disk collectors. -
FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the bluff body for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using a plurality of disk collectors as shown inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a disk collector used with a bluff body for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy. -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a device for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using a rectangular collector showing a portion of a bluff body extending for several multiples of the given drawing in the direction of the leading edge, thus creating a bluff body as seen by the wind. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the system ofFIG. 19 for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using a rectangular collector showing a portion of a bluff body extending for several multiples of the given drawing in the direction of the leading edge, thus creating a bluff body as seen by the wind. -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a system for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using rectangular collectors having a plurality of plenums showing a bluff body realized by the sum of several rectangular sections. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a system for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy, which utilizes vortices and a pneumatic linkage. -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the system ofFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the system ofFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a system for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy, which utilizes an array of drawtubes that are boosted with high-pressure air from an inline duct. -
FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the system for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using a drawtube having an inline duct and a bluff body as shown inFIG. 25 . -
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an array of drawtubes having an inline duct and a bluff body as shown inFIG. 26 . -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an array of drawtubes having an inline duct and a bluff body as shown inFIG. 26 , which are attached to a building. -
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a vehicular exhaust sail. -
FIG. 30 is another perspective view of a vehicular exhaust sail. - This invention provides a system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy with non-moving wind contacting parts and which provides improved efficiency with a stronger, simpler construction.
-
FIG. 1 shows adrawtube 10 for converting an airflow into mechanical energy having atubular member 20, a substantially planarleading edge member 30, and anenergy conversion device 70. The wind inFIG. 1 is assumed to be coming out of the page. Theenergy conversion device 70 may be positioned within thetubular member 20 as shown inFIG. 1 or connected to thedrawtube 10 by an air plenum. Thetubular member 20 has afirst opening 22 and asecond opening 24 formed in two planes substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis X of the tubular member. The substantially planarleading edge member 30 is positioned in front of or on the windward side of thefirst opening 22. Theleading edge member 30 in the embodiment ofFIG. 1 is in a plane, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of thetubular member 20; however, the leading edge may also be canted aft as will be described further below. Thetubular member 20 has a circular cross-section; however, it can be appreciated that the tubular section can be oval, rectangular, or otherwise shaped without departing from the present invention. The substantially planar leading edge member 30 (or leading edge) causes a deep low static pressure region to be formed adjacent to thefirst opening 22 of thetubular member 20. This low pressure region causes air to be drawn through thetubular member 20 in the direction of the arrow A. - In order to increase the opening size of the wind energy collection systems as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,709,419 and 6,239,506 without also incurring the width-related performance penalty, the
opening 22 was placed at substantially 90 degrees to the leadingedge 30. This led to the minimal design of thesimple drawtube 10 ofFIG. 1 consisting of thetubular member 20 with acircular end opening 22 and a substantially planar member 30 (or leading edge) installed next to oneopening 22. Thebottom opening 24 of thetubular member 20 can be connected to an air plenum (not shown), wherein the air plenum connects thedrawtube 10 to others, and/or to a mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion device. - In operation, the
system 10 ofFIG. 1 functions based on the generally known principle that within a system, the total pressure in the air is equal to a constant. In addition, the total pressure is also equal to the sum of the dynamic, static, and potential pressure components. In this case, the potential pressure component remains constant. Accordingly, if the dynamic component, or the air velocity varies, the static component, or the absolute or gauge pressure, must vary by an equal and opposite amount, i.e. -
P TOTAL =P DYNAMIC +P STATIC =C - where
-
- PTOTAL is the total pressure,
- PDYNAMIC is the dynamic pressure, and
- PSTATIC is the static pressure.
- In the case of the present invention, the substantially planar leading edge member 30 (or leading edge) accelerates the airflow (i.e., wind) at a point adjacent to an edge of the substantially planar
leading edge member 30. Velocities in this region can be many times greater than the ambient winds. Accordingly, since the total pressure must remain constant, the very high velocities also mean very low static pressures adjacent an edge of the leadingedge 30. - One of the particular advantages of the design of the present invention is that in using a closed system, the user can benefit from both the static and dynamic components of the airflow. An open-air turbine of conventional design, for example, can only harvest the dynamic pressure component as the static pressure differentials dissipate into the open air. This is further compounded by the fact that the local air velocity is slowed substantially, by no less than about one-third, before it ever reaches an open-air or conventional wind turbine. The effect of slowing the approaching wind reduces the amount of energy that a wind turbine can capture to an absolute maximum described by the Betz limit. Generally, it is acknowledged that all flat-plate bodies in the wind slow the oncoming air velocity to about two-thirds (⅔) of the original velocity. Although the present invention is also restricted by the Betz limit, a drawtube does increase the energy density through the energy conversion device by collecting energy across its overall flat-plate area. It can be appreciated that an increase in energy is seen not only from just the flat-plate area(s), but also the tube, wherein the whole drawtube is seen as a single body by the wind.
- Using traditional designs for wind turbines, the only way to increase the amount of energy presented to the turbine at a given wind speed is to increase the area, or the diameter of the propeller. To reach a fivefold increase in energy, for example, one would have to increase the propeller diameter by 2.236 times, since the area of the propeller increases with the radius squared. In the real world of mechanical stress and strain, not to mention clearance issues, gyroscopic forces, teetering, and all the other issues of large, open air props, such increases can be impractical.
- In addition to differential pressures, strong leading edge vortices formed adjacent to the edges of the substantially planar
leading edge member 30 also play a part in increasing the ability of the system to generate energy. The leading edge vortices are tubular in nature, and rotate in opposite directions, i.e., backwards with the wind and inwards toward the area behind the center of the substantially planarleading edge member 30. This strong rotational flow also helps to trap, entrain and draw along the airflow from within the outlet opening 22 of thetubular member 20. When thesystem 10 is canted with theleading edge member 30 at about 33 degrees aft, these vortex tubes stay substantially fixed in position, thus increasing the performance. In a preferred embodiment thetubular member 20, and the leadingedge 30, are both canted at about 33 degrees. However, each of these members can be canted individually to achieve some of the benefits. The substantially planarleading edge member 30, being slightly less in width than the diameter of thetubular member 20, places the high velocity vortex tubes in optimal position with respect to thecircular tubular member 20outlet opening 22. - An aspect ratio, or height to width ratio of the entire drawtube, of about 6 to 1 is desirable because it allows a high velocity flow over a “bluff body” airfoil, which in turn creates high velocity vortices off the substantially planar
leading edge member 30. In addition, when thetubular member 20 is tubular, or cylindrical, it affords the lowest friction solution to moving air within an enclosed, or interior, volume. It also presents a “bluff body” cross-section to the wind, which encourages strong vortex formation. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thewind energy system 10 includes thetubular member 20, the substantially planarleading edge member 30, and theenergy conversion device 70 for converting the airflow into rotational mechanical energy. Thesecond opening 24 of thetubular member 20 is configured to form an air plenum. For the purposes of this application, the air plenum can be of any length and/or configuration and is thought of simply as an enclosed air passageway connecting the low static pressure regions of thesystem 10 to a higher static pressure region, which may be either the outside air or an increased static pressure region formed by the action of one or more scoops (shown inFIG. 2 ). The air plenum in the example ofFIG. 1 begins with the low pressure region adjacent to the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and extends through thetubular member 20 of thedrawtube 10 to thesecond opening 24. - The
energy conversion device 70 is placed in the air plenum and converts the mechanical energy of a rotating turbine to electrical energy or other energy. Although theenergy conversion device 70 has been shown within thetubular member 20, it may also be placed at a remote location as illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,709,419 and 6,239,506, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - In operation, the substantially planar
leading edge member 30 is positioned on the windward side of thetubular member 20 or in front of the tubular member. When an airflow, for example, a gust of wind blows past the substantially planarleading edge member 30, the area adjacent thefirst opening 22 of thetubular member 20 is at a low pressure compared with the air pressure outside of thesecond opening 24 of thetubular member 20. This pressure difference causes air from within thetubular member 20 to flow out of thetubular member 20 through thefirst opening 22. - According to one example, the substantially planar
leading edge member 30 is a plate-shaped member having a height which is about equal to a height of thetubular member 20, and a width which is about equal to or slightly less than the width of theopening 22. The substantially planarleading edge member 30 is as thin as is structurally possible. For example, the planar leading edge may have a thickness of between about 1/2400 to about 1/16 of the height of the substantially planarleading edge member 30. - In another embodiment as shown in
FIG. 2 , acompound drawtube 100 includes thetubular member 20, the substantially planarleading edge member 30, theenergy conversion device 70, and ascoop member 40. The wind in this embodiment is assumed to be coming out of the page. However, thedrawtube 100 also operates with wind going into the page. - In order to maximize performance, or the flow of air within the
tubular member 20 and/or plenum, an opposing, high pressure region can be created. It has been shown that an increased positive pressure gradient is created by ascoop member 40, shown inFIG. 2 . The placement of thescoop 40, if used, is at opposite ends of thetubular member 20, with the energy conversion device placed within the tubular member and between the low pressure region of the drawtube adjacent the leadingedge 30 and the high-pressured region adjacent thescoop 40. - The scoop member 40 (or scoop) causes an increase in static pressure by converting the dynamic component of the wind energy (dynamic pressure) in close proximity to the
second opening 24 of thetubular member 20 to static pressure. The increase in the local static pressure at thesecond opening 24 and the low static pressure at thefirst opening 22 creates high velocity airflow through the interior of thetubular member 20 and through the turbine of theenergy conversion device 70. - The present invention operates through the acceleration and deceleration of the wind, or airflow, based on the Bernoulli theory. It creates two dissimilar regions, one of high velocity, low static pressure and one of low velocity, high static pressure, and then connects the two in a controlled environment. The vortices carry high velocity air backwards and inwards to interact with the wide circular outlet opening 22 on the
tubular member 20. The lowest velocity air is created at the center of a blunt surface, such as the interface between thescoop member 40 and thetubular member 20inlet opening 24. This interface is located at the lateral centerline of thescoop member 40 to take advantage of the lowest velocity air. - The
compound drawtube 100, as shown inFIG. 2 , is a bidirectional system wherein both the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 can function as either the leading edge or the scoop depending on the direction of the approaching wind. As shown inFIG. 2 , if the wind or airflow were coming from the direction of the observer, thescoop member 40 would assume the role of the leading edge. Meanwhile, the substantially planarleading edge member 30 would assume the role of the scoop. Conversely, if the wind or airflow were coming from the opposite direction, the substantially planarleading edge member 30 would become the leading edge, and thescoop member 40 would be the scoop. In most bidirectional systems the substantially planarleading edge member 30 andscoop member 40 have a substantially similar design. - The leading edge is generally defined as a substantially planar member positioned on the windward side or in front of the
tubular member 20. Theleading edge member 30 is positioned adjacent to the outside of the firstopen end 22 of thetubular member 20. Meanwhile, the scoop is generally defined as a substantially planar member positioned on the leeward side or in back of thetubular member 20. Thescoop 40 is positioned adjacent to the outside of the secondopen end 24 of thetubular member 20. Thetubular member 20 is configured to create a pressure differential within the tubular member when wind blows past thecompound drawtube 100 generating an airflow within the tubular member. As discussed above with respect toFIG. 1 , the energy conversion device may alternately be located outside of thedrawtube 100 and connected by air passages. -
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a compoundbidirectional drawtube 200 having twotubular members 20 and one rectangularleading edge member 30 which operates with one of the tubular members depending on the direction of the wind. The leadingedge 30 also acts as a scoop with the other tubular member thus increasing the pressure differential and, ultimately, the airflow within thetubular members FIG. 3 , when the wind is blowing in the direction of the arrows C, the planar leadingedge 30 operates in combination with thetubular member 20 c to create an airflow in the direction Fc through thetubular member 20 c. The leadingedge 30 also operates as a scoop for thetubular member 20 d when the airflow is in the direction C. When the airflow is in the direction of the arrows D, the leadingedge 30 operates as a leading edge in combination with thetubular member 20 d to create an airflow in the direction FD through thetubular member 20 d and operates as a scoop fortubular member 20 c. One difference between thedrawtube 100 ofFIG. 2 and thedrawtube 200 ofFIG. 3 , is that the compound drawtube ofFIG. 2 is better suited for an internal energy conversion device or embedded drawtube, whereas the compound drawtube ofFIG. 3 is better suited (but not limited to) for a plenum mounted energy conversion device, such as you might see in an array. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative compound drawtube configuration with twotubular members 20 e interconnected by a planar leadingedge 30. When the wind blows from the wind direction E the planar leadingedge 30 operates as a leading edge for both of thetubular members 20 e and the airflow through thetubular members 20 e is as shown. If the wind is in the opposite direction, the planar leadingedge 30 becomes a scoop and the airflow direction is reversed. As in thesingle direction drawtube 10 ofFIG. 1 , the single direction drawtube 300 ofFIG. 4 may be mounted on a rotation mechanism for allowing the drawtube to rotate so that the planar leadingedge 30 faces into the wind. The rotatable support structure for rotating the drawtubes may be any of those, which are known to those in the art. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thetubular member 20 has a circular cross-section. - However, the
tubular member 20 can be slightly oval, or composed of planar sections with connecting angles in an approximation of a circular cross-section (as shown inFIGS. 8A and 8B ). The performance should increase as the drawtube approximates a cylinder. In addition, it can be appreciated that other shapes and configurations of the tubular members can be used. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thetubular member 20 has aninterior surface 26 and anexterior surface 28. In one embodiment, theinterior surface 26 of thetubular member 20 is smooth and as free as possible from obstructions of any sort. If any obstructions are required, they are preferably oriented longitudinally, not laterally, or cross-flow. Theexterior surface 28 of thetubular member 20 is also smooth. If exterior obstructions are required, the obstructions are preferably lateral rather than longitudinal. - The size and shape of the
drawtubes FIGS. 1-4 , are based on the availability of aerodynamic propellers, generators, local ordinances and covenants (including height restrictions), and ease of installation and maintenance. However, it can be appreciated that thedrawtubes drawtubes leading edge member 30 approaches the speed of sound. In addition, as the size of thedrawtubes - In one embodiment, the
simple drawtube 10 ofFIG. 1 has a height to width ratio of about six-to-one (i.e., the total height of thedrawtube 10, including thetubular member 20 and the substantially planer leading edge member 30). When three components, two tubular members and one substantially planar member (FIG. 3 ), or one tubular member and two substantially planar members (FIG. 2 ), are combined, the system forms a compound drawtube. In each case, simple or compound, the resulting aerodynamic system can have an aspect ratio of about 6:1. Additionally, each component should approximate the aspect ratio of each other component in the system. For instance, in a simple drawtube, the two components can each have an aspect ratio of about 3:1. In the compound drawtube however, each component would have an aspect ratio of about 2:1. - Although drawtube aspect ratios of about 6:1 have been described, it can be appreciated that other ratios can be used. For example, height to width ratios of about 2:1 to about 100:1 can be used. Preferably a height to width ratio of about 4.5:1 to about 10:1 is used. The length of each section (i.e., the
tubular member 20, the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and the scoop member 40) is about equal in length. - The substantially planar
leading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 are generally rectangular shaped planar members. However, it can be appreciated that other shapes can be used including square, oval, or other shapes that provide a leading edge vortex. In addition, the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and the secondplanar member 40 are as thin as possible, unobstructed, and straight. In one embodiment, the substantially planarleading edge member 30 is substantially flat. However, it can be appreciated that the substantially planarleading edge member 30 can have a curved or angled surface for increased structural strength and for rotating the system to face the wind. The lateral width of the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 can be slightly less than the diameter of the tubular member. In one embodiment, the lateral width of the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 are about 13/16 of the diameter of the main body of thetubular member 20. - The longitudinal length of the substantially planar
leading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 should be tied to the aspect ratio (i.e., longitudinal length to lateral width) of theoverall drawtube drawtube 100, including the substantially planarleading edge member 30, thescoop member 40, and thetubular member 20, can be about one-third of the overall length of thedrawtube 100. Accordingly, if thedrawtube 100 has a ratio of six-to-one, the longitudinal length of each part of thedrawtube 100 would be about one-third of the total length of thedrawtube 100, or two times the diameter of thetubular member 20. The substantially planarleading edge member 30 can be almost any size and can be formed in a variety of different shapes. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 have aninterior surface exterior surface tubular member 20. Meanwhile, the interior surfaces 32, 42 face toward thetubular member 20. - In one embodiment, the
exterior surface 34 of the substantially planar leading edge member 30 (leading edge) does not have longitudinal obstructions. However, if longitudinal obstructions are used such as for support members, they preferably are not placed near an edge of the substantially planarleading edge member 30. In addition, theinterior surface 32 of the substantially planarleading edge member 30 preferably does not have longitudinal obstructions near the edges either. Theinterior surface 32 of the substantially planarleading edge member 30 is flat; however, it can be curved or shaped otherwise. - The scoop member (scoop) 40 is either curved or flat. For
bidirectional drawtubes FIGS. 2 and 3 , without design restrictions other than performance, both thescoop member 40 and the substantially planarleading edge member 30 are substantially flat, since both will alternate roles as the leading edge and scoop. In addition, theinterior surface 42 of thescoop member 40, (i.e., the side facing the drawtube 100) is preferably free of obstructions. If obstructions are used, such as for support members, on the side facing thedrawtube 100, they can be arranged longitudinally if possible and kept away from the edges. As shown inFIG. 5 , a smooth exterior surface can be achieved by placinglongitudinal supports 52 on theinterior surfaces edge 30 and thescoop member 40. - The substantially planar
leading edge member 30 is substantially rectangular in shape. In addition, thescoop member 40 is substantially rectangular for the bidirectional drawtubes ofFIGS. 2 and 3 , and has the same shape as the substantially planarleading edge member 30. However, it can be appreciated that other shapes can be used. - In one embodiment of the present invention, the substantially planar
leading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 are attached directly to the first and second openings of thetubular member 20. The substantially planar leadingedge 30 and thescoop member 40 have a longitudinal and lateral width wherein the longitudinal length is greater than the lateral width creating a long edge and a short edge. Thetubular member 20 is connected to a middle portion of the short edge of the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40. The windward side of the transition between the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 to thetubular member 20 is smooth without air gaps. In addition, anoutside lateral edge leading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40, respectively, are not fared into thetubular member 20. Rather, the outside lateral edges 54, 56 are free to contact the wind. - The
drawtubes edge 30, the axis of thetubular member 20, and the plane of thescoop 40 are all angled at an angle of about 33 degrees to the vertical with the free end of the leading edge positioned aft and the free end of the scoop forward. - In operation, the “performance to angle of inclination” curve climbs smoothly from about one, or the reference point for a
drawtube drawtube - The
energy conversion device 70 is used to convert the airflow (i.e., wind) into mechanical energy (rotational, pneumatic, etc.) and/or electrical energy. In one embodiment, theenergy conversion device 70 is an airflow turbine positioned within thetubular member 20. However, it can be appreciated that theenergy conversion device 70 can be any type of conversion device known to one skilled in the art that can be used to convert the airflow into mechanical energy. For example, theenergy conversion device 70 can be a rotational mechanical to electrical energy converter, a device which utilizes the pneumatic pressure differentials between the high and low static pressure regions, such as a jet pump or venturi nozzle, or a device which transfers the mechanical energy of a rotating propeller to a mechanical device outside the drawtube. - The energy conversion device may be located remotely and connected to the
drawtube - In an alternative embodiment, the system uses an aerodynamic propeller to collect and convert the airflow into rotational mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is then converted through an electrical generator into electrical energy.
- The
energy conversion device 70 or aerodynamic propeller/generator is placed at the center of thetubular member 20, or within the air plenum and between the drawtube induced low-pressure region and thescoop member 40. However, it can be appreciated that other locations can be chosen without departing from the present invention. - For a
bidirectional drawtube FIGS. 2 and 3 , theenergy conversion device 70 will produce power with airflow in either direction. For example, an aerodynamic propeller with a low camber and a generator capable of producing power in either rotational direction can be chosen. In another embodiment, a permanent magnet generator/alternator passing through a bridge rectifier can be employed. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , the air plenum containing theenergy conversion device 70 is generally confined to thetubular member 20 of thedrawtube 100. ForFIG. 3 , theenergy conversion device 70 is generally located outside of thedrawtube 200 in an air passageway connected to the drawtube. Generally, thedrawtubes 100 will have a wider angle of efficacy when placed vertically. Although the invention has been illustrated with thedrawtubes 100 positioned vertically, the drawtubes can be positioned horizontally or at any other angle. - An array can be any plurality of the
drawtubes -
FIG. 6 shows a plurality ofdrawtubes 100 for collecting energy such as those shown inFIG. 2 configured in a fixed, fence-like, orlateral array 210. The fence-like array 400 is preferably constructed perpendicular to the predominant winds. - Although the possible variations of arrays are endless, the increased performance of the
drawtubes FIG. 6 , the fence-like array 400 is constructed in a fence-like fashion, composed of connecting sections, orpanels 210. Eachpanel 210 of threedrawtubes 100, four of which are shown inFIG. 6 , support a plurality ofdrawtubes 100. InFIG. 6 , thepanels 210 shown are angled at about 30 degrees with respect to the adjacent panels. In this embodiment, the “fence-like”array 400 zigzags across the ground for increased stability. In operation, eachpanel 210 of threedrawtubes 100 produces about 500 watts, yielding a total of about 2 kW for an array of fourpanels 210. In addition, eacharray 400 is designed to be modular, such that a customer can simply add asmany panels 210 as required to meet the desired level of output power. - The
panels 210 have a space betweendrawtubes 100 of about one to three times the diameter of thedrawtubes 100. This increases the output of each drawtube. The optimal spacing between drawtubes is about 1.25 diameters. This fence array is just an example of the many possible types of arrays. Thearray 400 creates an air passageway that accelerates the airflow between thedrawtubes 100, thus increasing the performance and output of eachindividual drawtube 100, and hence thearray 400. - Generally, the substantially planar
leading edge member 30 andscoop member 40 are placed perpendicular to the wind. In other words, the flat surfaces of the substantially planarleading edge member 30 andscoop member 40 face into the wind. However, when winds are as much as 45 degrees to either side of perpendicular, anarray 400 ofdrawtubes 100 can function at close to full power. Typically, anarray 400 ofdrawtubes 100 can produce rated power for incoming winds that fall within two triangular regions, 90 degrees wide, on each side of thearray 400. In most favorable sites, there are prevailing wind patterns in opposed directions, for example onshore and offshore breezes. - Although an array of the
drawtubes 100 ofFIG. 2 have been illustrated inFIG. 6 many other array configurations may be used. The leadingedge 30 and/or scoopmember 40 may not be in a one-to-one ratio with the number oftubular members 20. For example, in an alternative embodiment, a system can use a single substantially planarleading edge member 30 to serve a plurality oftubular members 20. - In
FIG. 3 , the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and the scoop member are combined into one surface. In other words, the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 are simultaneously both the leading edge for onetubular member 20 c and the scoop for the othertubular member 20 d. Thus, when the wind direction changes, the roles of the combined substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 change. An array of thedrawtubes 10 ofFIG. 1 may be assembled end-to-end, or longitudinally, in this same fashion using one leading edge and/or scoop between every two tubular members. - In addition, the linear arrangement as shown in
FIG. 4 , or the staggered arrangement as shown inFIG. 3 , wherein the leading edge and/or scoop shares a surface with its two neighboring tubular members, also decreases the cost of materials. Each of these choices, as example models of array connectivity, offers its own advantages and may be better suited to different conditions in the field. In addition, it can be appreciated that an array of drawtubes can be constructed with two sets of features, those inherent to a lateral array, and those inherent to a longitudinal array, by combining both designs into one array. - However, it can be appreciated that the array need not be linear or staggered. For example, the outline of the array can be curved or in a circular fashion. In addition, as long as the distance between
tubular members 20 is equal to or more than about seven times their diameter, thetubular members 20 can be placed downwind of othertubular members 20 in the same array, as in a circular lateral array. For example, a three-dimensional version of a circular array can be a spherical or hemispherical array. This would involvetubular members 20 in arrays in both the lateral and longitudinal directions, and would look like the frame of a geodesic dome. - The
tubular members 20 are generally placed vertically in arrays. However, it can be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, at least twotubular members 20 can be arranged horizontally and assembled together in an end-to-end fashion in an array. Then at least twotubular members 20 share a substantially planar leading edge member and/or scoop member. - In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of
smaller drawtubes single drawtube drawtubes 100 can be arranged either in a vertical or horizontal arrangement, wherein the total or sum of the electrical or mechanical energy product of thesmaller drawtubes 100 in the array can equal the total power of asingle drawtube 100 having substantially larger dimensions, without incurring the dimensional penalties of the single,larger drawtube 100. - In addition, it is often found that a plurality of
smaller drawtubes 100 is also easier to manipulate than a single,larger drawtube 100. It can also be appreciated that thedrawtubes 100 can be designed so that eachdrawtube 100 can be easily lowered for maintenance or inspection. Generally, there is no limit to the size or number ofdrawtubes 100 included in an array and the number ofdrawtubes 100 will depend on the overall objectives and the availability of materials. For example, a plurality of verysmall drawtubes 100, formed from extruded aluminum, can be a practical solution in a mesh-like or a chain link fence array. - As described above, in one embodiment the substantially planar
leading edge member 30 andscoop member 40 are perpendicular to the prevailing wind or airflow. However, if the wind directions are not consistent, an alternative embodiment as shown inFIG. 7 can be implemented. As shown inFIG. 7 , asingle compound drawtube 110 is constructed in a fixed position. In this embodiment, the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 rotate independent of thetubular member 20 to face into the wind. The substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 are rotated utilizing either a motorized linkage, or through aerodynamic means by placing the centers of aerodynamic pressure for the scoop and the leading edge aft of the pivot points. In this embodiment, thescoop member 40 and the substantially planarleading edge member 30 do not serve as both a scoop and a leading edge, such that the substantially planarleading edge member 30 and thescoop member 40 can be optimized for its own function. Thescoop member 40 and the substantially planarleading edge member 30 can be inclined aft at an angle, between about 0 degrees to about 60 degrees and generally about 33 degrees aft, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member. - The
system 110, as shown inFIG. 7 , is omni-directional and it operates equally well under winds from any direction. Furthermore, thetubular member 20 can be structurally fixed in one position for increased strength. In an alternative arrangement, the leading edge and scoop can be fixed while the tubular member can be canted and rotatable to provide a drawtube, which is convertible to two opposite directions. - In an alternative embodiment, such as the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 and 4 , theentire drawtube leading edge member 30, and theoptional scoop member 40 are rotatable. Thedrawtube drawtube - In another embodiment, as shown in
FIGS. 8A and 8B , the system can be transformed, through sliding or rotating panels.FIG. 8A shows astylized system 410 composed of a plurality of slidingpanels tubular member 120 or the multiple-sided approximation of a cylinder. As the wind direction changes, the slidingpanels FIG. 8B to form the substantially planarleading edge member 130 and thescoop member 140. This system is also omni-directional. These alternate embodiments are not meant to be all inclusive, but are intended to show that many other manifestations of the basic design are possible and practical without changing the process as described in this application. -
FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of asystem 500 for collecting energy from wind in the form of an embedded drawtube in which one or more embedded inner drawtubes are positioned within the tubular members, or plenum, of an outer drawtube, or system. An embedded drawtube may include either a simple or compound drawtube or an array of simple or compound drawtubes that are actually placed inside the tubular member of a larger drawtube or system. The embedded drawtubes are installed in place of the energy conversion device in the tubular members of the larger system. This additional level of energy collection and concentration can be used where the primary, or larger stage, drawtubes or array of drawtubes can be constructed inexpensively. The embedded drawtube system yields doubly reduced static air pressures which, when compared to the outside static pressure, or especially an increased outside static pressure through the use of a scoop, will drive a smaller energy conversion device within the secondary embedded drawtube system at a much higher energy level. - The embedded
drawtube system 500 ofFIG. 9 includes acompound drawtube 510 having twotubular members scoop 530. Theprimary drawtube 510 is constructed in this example as a bidirectional drawtube in which one of thetubular members 520 a operates with theleading edge 530 with the wind direction out of the page as shown by the arrows G. When the wind is out of the page, the othertubular member 520 b operates with thescoop 530 to generate airflow through thetubular member 520 b in the direction shown. When the wind is reversed, the airflow through thetubular members drawtubes 540 illustrated inFIG. 9 are the simple drawtubes ofFIG. 1 and are placed across the airflow, or across the axis of thetubular members inner drawtubes 540 may also be any of the compound drawtubes or drawtube arrays discussed above. Theinner drawtubes 540 each include a planar leading edge/scoop 544 and atubular member 542. Thetubular member 542 is connected by anair passageway 550 to anenergy conversion device 560. - The
inner drawtubes 540 in the embeddeddrawtube system 500 have a small air plenum diameter and high pressure differential which allows the use of certainenergy conversion devices 560 such as jet pumps which may not be possible at larger diameters and smaller pressure differentials. The use of a jet pump as anenergy conversion device 560 is particularly beneficial as they have no moving parts and can be made to convert a bi-directional airflow to a unidirectional product airflow. The energy of a jet pump may be used directly to power a remote air conditioner, water pump, or other pneumatic device. In the embodiment ofFIG. 9 , the embeddeddrawtubes 540 are canted at an angle X with respect to a line perpendicular to the axis of the primary tubular member 520. Alternatively, the embeddeddrawtubes 540 can have a planarleading edge 544 which may be canted at the angle X. As described above, the angle of canting may be about 0 to about 45 degrees and is preferably about 33 degrees. - The
primary drawtube 510 produces a high-energy airflow through the interaction of both high and low-pressure regions when the drawtube is placed within an airflow. The embeddedsecondary drawtubes 540 produce a volume of air with a static pressure reduced even further than the static pressure available within the air plenum of the primary drawtube. The smaller,secondary drawtube 540, once placed within the primary air plenum, receives an enhanced airflow possessing up to about five times the energy density of the outside air stream. Since the system efficacy increases with the apparent wind speed, the embedded orsecondary drawtube 540 creates an additional deep static pressure reduction. When this is compared to the outside ambient air, a twofold reduction is realized. This, in turn, creates increased airflow within the secondary air plenum. - An energy conversion device as shown and described herein, can be inserted within the
tubular member 542 of the embeddeddrawtube 540 or remote from the system as shown inFIG. 9 . - The
primary drawtube 510 and embeddeddrawtube 540 preferably have an aspect ratio of about 6:1 as described above. In one embodiment, the length to diameter restriction, coupled with the preferred leading edge aft inclination of about 33 degrees, leads to an embeddedsecondary drawtube 540 having a diameter of 5/24 of, or 0.2083 times the diameter of theprimary drawtube 510. The internal area of the embeddedsecondary drawtube 540 would, in this embodiment, be about 1/23 of the internal area of theprimary drawtube 510. - It can be appreciated that the design tradeoff for embedding drawtubes depends on the cost of construction, the characterization of available propellers and generators, and the time weighted average of the expected wind regime.
- If, for instance, an array of primary drawtubes can be constructed inexpensively, embedded secondary drawtubes can be effectively inserted. The added benefits are that smaller diameter collection plenums and energy conversion devices can also be used. Also, the embedded
secondary drawtubes 540 are in a more controlled environment, with winds always approaching at a preferred or correct angle. Although primary and secondary drawtubes are shown, a system may include tertiary or additional embedded drawtubes inserted inside the secondary drawtubes. -
FIG. 10 shows a modular unit orsystem 600 for collecting energy from the wind having embedded drawtubes. As shown inFIG. 10 , each vertical row contains two larger, or primary,compound drawtubes 610. Thedrawtubes 610 each include atubular member 620, aleading edge 630, and ascoop 640. Thedrawtubes 610 are arranged such they share a common thescoop member 640. Within each of the primarytubular members 620 is an embeddedcompound drawtube 650 of the type illustrated inFIG. 3 . However, other embedded drawtube embodiments, or arrays of embedded drawtubes may be used. The two vertical rows of the modular units are staggered vertically, so that a preferred 33-degree inclination is achieved when embeddeddrawtubes 650 are connected via thesecondary air plenums 660 to theenergy conversion devices 670. - Of course, the
energy conversion device 670 could assume many forms, within or outside the embeddeddrawtubes 650. Since the twoprimary compound drawtubes 610 in a vertical row face in opposite directions, the airflow within eachprimary drawtube 610 is also in opposite directions as shown by the arrows H. This causes the flow in each embedded drawtube 650 to flow in opposite directions as well with the flow through thesecondary air plenums 660 in the direction of the arrows I. - As shown in
FIG. 10 , it is assumed that the wind is moving toward the module from the direction of the observer. Therefore, the substantially planarleading edge member 630 is positioned forward and thescoop member 640 is positioned aft. If the wind reversed directions, the internal flows would reverse and the substantially planarleading edge member 630 and thescoop member 640 would reverse roles as well as the leading edges of the embeddeddrawtubes 650. - Also, an array of this type can be assembled using one or more of these modules, with additional modules added either vertically or horizontally, or both. The module can be constructed so that two functional modules could be simply plugged together. As previously mentioned, other types of arrays, embedded or not, such as those presented in this application, are both practical and possible.
- The drawtube arrays illustrated are merely a few examples of the types of arrays, which are possible. The drawtube arrays may be connected such that a plurality of drawtubes are connected to a single air passageway for connection to one or more remote energy conversion devices. For example, a plurality of drawtubes of
FIG. 1 , 2, 3 or 4 arranged horizontally, one above the other, may be interconnected by a pair of vertically oriented air plenums formed at the ends of the arrays. -
FIG. 11 illustrates asystem 700 ofcompound drawtubes 710 where each of the compound drawtubes is arranged with two or moretubular members scoop members tubular members planar members FIG. 13 . As shown inFIG. 12 , each of thetubular members more compound drawtubes 724 positioned at an angle within the tubular member as described in further detail in the embodiment ofFIG. 10 . The ends of these embeddedcompound drawtubes 724 are connected to air passageways 760 (seeFIG. 11 ) which run vertically along the sides of thetubular members drawtubes 724 to anenergy conversion device 770 which may be positioned below thearray 700, either on the ground or underground. - In the configuration of
FIG. 11 , the air passageways on one side of the array will have an airflow in one direction, while the air passageways on an opposite side of the array will have an airflow in an opposite direction. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an eave-mountedsystem 800 according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 14 , the eave-mountedsystem 800 includes a pair ofcomplementary drawtube arrays 840 and aleading edge member 870. Thecomplementary drawtube arrays 840 are comprised of a plurality ofstandard drawtubes 10, as shown inFIG. 1 , which is comprised of afirst drawtube array 842 and asecond drawtube array 844. The first andsecond drawtube arrays edge 30 is on an upper surface of thetubular members 20 on onearray 844 and on a lower surface of thetubular members 20 on theother array 842. It can be appreciated thatcomplex drawtubes FIGS. 2-4 , 8A and 8B can also be used to form thecomplementary drawtube arrays 840. Thesystem 800 also contains an energy conversion device 70 (not shown) for converting the airflow into rotational mechanical energy, which can be in the form of a prop and/or a generator as shown inFIG. 1 . - In accordance with one embodiment, the
drawtubes array 840 are preferably parallel to one another, however, the drawtubes can be angled approximately 22.5 degrees outward with respect to the perpendicular position as shown inFIG. 14 . In accordance with this embodiment, the internal airflows are less impeded since the airflows don't have to negotiate a full 90-degree turn from the plenum to the drawtubes. It can be appreciated that the angle can vary from about 0 to 90 degrees and is more preferably between about 15 and 45 degrees, such that the array ofdrawtubes 840 can be slanted for better performance. - The
energy conversion device 70 is preferably located at a center point between the twocomplementary drawtube arrays energy conversion device 70, which can be installed on existing (or new) structures orbuildings 820 with minimal impact is preferable. However, the turbine (not shown) should also be human compatible. It can also be appreciated that although theenergy conversion device 70 has typically been shown within thetubular member 20 of thestandard drawtube 10, with thesystem 800 as shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 , theenergy conversion device 70 is preferably placed at a remote location as illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,709,419 and 6,239,506, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. - As the wind encounters the structure or building 820, it creates a positive pressure envelope on the
windward face 822 that peaks at a point about ⅔ of the way up thewall 824. It can be appreciated that this can be caused by the conversation of the dynamic pressure, or ram, air to high static pressure as it slows down while approaching thestationary wall 824. Meanwhile, typically, each of the other faces (of the structure or building 820) exhibit a negative pressure envelope. However, the highest negative pressure is also typically on the windward side and occurs at the corner, oredge line 826, of theroof 828 where it meets thewall 824. The negative pressure zone extends up above and forward of thebuilding 820 and into the wind. It has been shown that a leading edge vortex is one of the primary reasons for the strong negative pressure zone. - As set forth above, it can be appreciated that the total pressure of any enclosed volume of air is equal to the sums of the dynamic, static and potential pressures, and is also equal to a constant. In any given volume of air this may or may not apply, however, it will always be true in at least two cases. The first case is that the volume of air in question is enclosed, or contained. In other words, air of higher pressure is mechanically prevented from rushing in to equalize the air of a lower pressure region. The other case is where the air is flowing and the flow lines bend. In this second case, the angular momentum, or centripetal force, of the moving air prevents it from equalizing pressure differentials. Low pressures, for instance, are characteristically found in cyclonic storms. In fact, the tube-like vortices described here fit both exceptions, and through this process, extremely low pressure zones can be created.
- It can be appreciated that a building integrated or eave-mounted
system 800, which is comprised of a plurality ofstandard drawtubes 10 forming adrawtube array 840 can take advantage of the naturally occurring high and low pressure zones found on thewindward side 822 of abuilding 820. Achannel 830 is formed between a highpositive pressure zone 832 and a highnegative pressure zone 834 and promotes an energetic airflow. - In practice, air from the high static pressure zone rushes up through the
array 840 to equalize the low pressure zone. As the airflow passed through thearrays 840, it engages thedrawtubes 10 and creates low pressure inside thedrawtubes 10 in theleft array 842 and high pressure in theright array 844. This in turn creates an airflow within theplenum 831 traveling from the high pressure, on the right side, to the low pressure, on the left side. As the airflow passes through theenergy conversion device 70 in the form of a prop/generator 70 (not shown) located at the midpoint or center point between the first andsecond drawtube arrays energy conversion device 70 to generate electricity. - It can be appreciated that a faceplate or other aesthetic device (not shown) can be placed in front of the
plenum 831 to create a smoother channel, 830 for the airflow. In accordance with one embodiment, theplenum 831 can extend the length of the front of the building and is in front of the building. Theplenum 831 connects to one end of thedrawtubes 10 and is preferably closed at both ends. The roofline can be extended to meet the faceplate (not shown) thus forming a smooth transition and concealing theplenum 831. Thechannel 830 contains thedrawtubes 10, and allows the air to flow from below the arrays, up and forward (in front of the hidden plenum) and out forward and above the new corner of the building, the edge of the faceplate and the extended roofline. - In one embodiment, the
system 800 of eave mounted plenums can be added to an existingstructure 820 by merely extending theroofline 828. It can be appreciated that one advantage of the eave-mountedplenum system 800 as shown inFIG. 14 is that thesystem 800 has no visible moving parts. -
FIG. 15 illustrates the transformation of an existingbuilding 820 having an eave-mountedplenum system 800, which includes a pair ofdrawtube arrays FIG. 15 , the eave-mounted plenum is simply an extension of the existingroofline 826. Thepitch 860 on theroof 828 is preferably moderate, in the range of 0 to 8 in 12, or from 0 to about 33.75 degrees. The eave-mountedplenum system 800 in the form of a pair ofdrawtube arrays face 822 of thebuilding 820 is not actually perpendicular to the winds (W), but at approximately 33 degrees off from perpendicular, or about 57 degrees with respect to the winds. In addition, it can be appreciated that reducing the number and size of obstacles, which might block the wind can also improve the performance of the eave-mountedplenum system 800. - The
leading edge member 870 is designed to present a bluff body to the approaching wind. The bluff body or leadingedge member 870, as described in previous applications, creates powerful tube-like vortices responsible for the deep low pressure zones. Theleading edge member 870 has alower surface 872 and anupper surface 874, wherein theleading edge member 870 is designed to discourage vortex formation on thelower surface 872 while encouraging strong vortices on theupper surface 874. - For this eave mounted
system 800, the air is accelerated about two-fold before it encounters thedrawtubes 10 in thearray 840. It can be appreciated that other implementations based on thesystem 800 ofarrays 840, as previously taught, are possible. In all cases, the describedarrays 840 are comprised of a multiplicity of simple and/orcomplex drawtubes plenum system 800, which utilizes a pair ofdrawtube arrays - It can be appreciated that the eave-mounted
system 800 is not confined to a horizontal axis. In accordance with one embodiment, theplenum 831 can be hidden in a vertical column-like structure that is incorporated into the architecture of a building or home. Thus, an entire building can be used as a wind collector and concentrator rather than just the limited space along the eave. -
FIG. 16 illustrates an alternative embodiment of asystem 900 for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using a leading edge member orbluff body 910. The leading edge member orbluff body 910 produces and utilizes low pressure zones through an interaction with a volume of moving air and at least onecollector 950 to generate mechanical or electrical energy. It can be appreciated that theplate 920 can have a slight curvature or other suitable shape, which presents an obstacle to the wind. As shown inFIG. 16 , the leading edge member orbluff body 910 presents an obstacle to the wind, such that the airflow is forced to accelerate around the obstacle. In accordance with one embodiment, the leading edge member orbluff body 910 is a substantially planar or predominantlyflat plate 920 having an aspect ratio, orwidth 922 toheight 924, of approximately 6:1. It can be appreciated that the leading edge member orbluff body 910 having an aspect ration (i.e.,width 922 to height 924) of approximately 6:1 produces an ideal case resulting in very strong leading edge vortices. The strong, tube-like vortices are the result of pronounced accelerations as the wind rushes around the substantially planar or predominantlyflat plate 920 or other suitable obstacle. It can be appreciated that high wind or airflow velocities in combination with a rotary, vortex structure or system can combine to create extremely low pressure zones. In use, the angular momentum of the air prevents it from rushing in to equalize the pressure, which can also be explained as centripetal force. - As previously shown in
FIG. 1 , with astandard drawtube 10 comprised of a cylindrical device ortubular member 20, which is combined with the at least one leadingedge member 30 in the form of a substantially flat plate creates a single bluff body with an overall ideal aspect ratio (i.e., height to width) of about 6:1. The cylinder ortubular member 20 has an open face oroutlet 22, which when presented to the low pressure of the vortex interior, captured and conducted that low pressure for further use. In addition, it can be appreciated that the leading edges can have any suitable cross sectional shape and although in accordance with one embodiment the leading edge is substantially flat, it can be appreciated that the leading edge need not be flat and other suitable surface configurations can be used. - Alternatively, if the leading edge member or
bluff body 910 is perpendicular to the wind, alternating and counter-rotating vortices are formed from side-to-side, move around and behind the leading edge member orbluff body 910 and then shed to flow away with the wind. This forms the familiar vortex street behind the leading edge member orbluff body 910. It can be appreciated that in accordance with this embodiment, vortex shedding is undesirable. Therefore, the leading edge orbluff body 910 is preferably positioned such that it is 33 degrees off the perpendicular to the prevailing winds. - In a further embodiment, it can be appreciated that at certain angles of
inclination 926, of between about 15 to 50 degrees from perpendicular and more preferably at an angle of inclination of about 33 degrees from perpendicular 928 as shown inFIG. 16 , with respect to an approaching airflow or wind (W), the formed vortices remain attached to thebluff body 910. In this case, the vortices would remain formed and positioned behind thebluff body 910 and in line with approximately the one-quarter width of the narrow dimension of thebluff body 910. It can be appreciated that any suitable cylindrical device ortubular member 958 can capture the low pressure from both these vortices and increase the energy potential by about two-fold. It can be appreciated that any well designeddrawtube - The relative size relationships between the flat plate or leading
edge 30 and the cylindrical ortubular member 20, for asimple drawtube 10 as shown inFIG. 1 preferably has an aspect ratio (i.e., height to width) of 6:1, wherein the optimal lengths are approximately three (3) units (i.e., meter or yards) each for the flat plate or leadingedge 30 and the cylinder ortubular member 20. However, it can be appreciated that for acomplex drawtube FIGS. 2-4 , the ratio is preferably two units each for the two leading edge orflat plates 20 and thesingle tubular member 30. However, in the case of a flatplate bluff body 910, the entire six (6) units are the substantially orflat plate 920. It can be appreciated that theleading edge 920 can be flat or substantially flat plate or any suitable device or member, which creates the low pressure zones for this implementation. - In accordance with one embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 16 , thebluff body 910, having a flat plate or substantially planarleading edge 920, when placed in an airflow, creates strong leading edge vortices. It is preferable that theflat plate 920 is also 33 degrees from perpendicular to the winds, which assures that the created vortices remain attached. Although the longitudinal axis of the vortices remain aligned with theflat plate 920, the angular path of the air remains aligned with the wind, which results in a flattened vortex. As shown inFIG. 16 , a plurality ofcollectors 950 can be positioned behind the flat plate orbluff body 910. It can be appreciated that the plurality ofcollectors 950 are preferably aligned with the air path to minimize conflict, drag and vortex disruption. - The
collectors 950 are comprised of adisk 952 having an opening orexhalation port 956 within acenter portion 954 of thedisk 952. Theexhalation port 956 connects to a cylindrical device ortubular member 958. The cylindrical device ortubular members 958 are, in turn, connected to a central plenum (not shown) to collect and concentrate the low pressure for further use in a manner similar to the methods described previously. Alternatively, eachtubular member 958 can contain an energy conversion process ordevice 70, (e.g., a prop/generator for instance) to produce electrical or mechanical energy. - As shown in
FIGS. 16-18 , thecollectors 950 are preferably placed directly behind the centerline of the flat plate (i.e., leading edge) orbluff body 910, as are the cylindrical section ortubular member 20 of adrawtube collector 950 is preferably large enough to encounter both low pressure zones created by the two attached leading edge vortices. If each vortex were to be targeted separately, and in doing so perhaps capture lower pressures yet, thedisk opening 956 should be aligned with the centerlines of each vortex, or at about 0.20 to 0.30 and more preferably about 0.25 width lines of the flat plate. It can be appreciated that the cylindrical section of adrawtube disk 950 or other suitable shape and/or configuration, if a means is provided to connect the disk ordisk collector 950 to a plenum. It can be appreciated as shown inFIGS. 16-18 , the interior of thedisk collector 950 is an extension of the plenum. - In the
drawtube 10 analogy, acomplex drawtube flat plate 920, or the closest location with high static air pressure. -
FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of abluff body 910 comprised of a substantially planar, flat or predominantlyflat plate 920 and a plurality ofcollectors 950. Theflat plate 920 produces and utilizes a low pressure zone through an interaction with a volume of moving air and the plurality ofcollectors 950 to generate mechanical or electrical energy. It can be appreciated that theplate 920 can have a slight curvature or other suitable shape, which presents an obstacle to the wind. In one preferred embodiment, theenergy conversion device 70 can be at the center of the plenum, about halfway between thedisk 950 and awindward side 930 of theleading edge member 910. As shown, the vertical axis of thedisk collectors 950 are perpendicular to the ground which makes them perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the leading edge orbluff body 910. In accordance with one embodiment, the horizontal axis are preferably aligned with the prevailing winds and are preferably about 33 degrees off from perpendicular to the horizontal, or longitudinal axis, of the leading edge orbluff body 910. -
FIG. 18 illustrates asingle collector 950 for use with thebluff body 910 as shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 . As shown inFIG. 18 , thecollector 950 is comprised of adisk 952 having an opening orexhalation port 956 within thecenter portion 954 of thedisk 952. Thetubular member 958 is preferably connected to a central plenum (not shown) to collect and concentrate the low pressure for further use in a manner similar to the methods described previously. - It can be appreciated that the
system 900 as shown inFIGS. 16-18 can further include a means for positioning the leading edge orbluff body 910 into the airflow, wherein the leading edge member orbluff body 910 is facing substantially into the airflow. For example, a support structure, which can rotatably support thesystem 900, such that the support structure orients thesystem 900 so that the leading edge member orbluff body 910 is facing into the airflow. In addition, thesystem 900 can also include an airflow direction sensor (not shown) and a motor (not shown) for rotating the drawtube in response to the airflow direction sensor, as shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 19 illustrates another embodiment of asystem 1000 for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using acollector 1010 having at least one port oropening 1020, which act as plenum. It can be appreciated that in accordance with one embodiment, the collector is preferably rectangular, however, any suitable shape can be used. As shown inFIG. 19 , the at least one disk 950 (FIGS. 16-18 ) is replaced with acollector 1010 having at least one port oropening 1020. As shown inFIG. 19 , the at least one port oropening 1020 preferably includes a plurality of ports oropenings 1022, (as shown inFIG. 19 , the system includes three (3) openings), which capture the high pressure air from a center portion of a relativelyflat plate 1012, which forms aleading edge member 1014. The at least oneopening 1020 captures the high pressure air, which is conducted through an energy conversion device (not shown) to a lowpressure exhaust port 1040 on an opposite side of theleading edge member 1014. The lowpressure exhaust port 1040 is preferably centered within arectangular body 1030. It can be appreciated that the high pressure created on the windward side of the leading edge to will contrast with the low pressure created by the vortices and collected by the exhaust ports. In accordance with one embodiment, thebody 1030 can be canted approximately 33 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the leading edge, 1010. - As shown in
FIG. 19 , therectangular collector 1010 presents an obstacle (i.e., bluff body) to the wind, such that an airflow is forced to accelerate around the obstacle or alternatively through the at least oneopening 1020. It can be appreciated that as set forth above, in one embodiment, therectangular collector 1010 is a substantially planar or predominantlyflat plate 1012 having an aspect ratio (i.e.,length 1016 to height 1018) of approximately 6:1. It can be appreciated that the aspect ratio of thelength 1016 toheight 1018 is preferably between about 2:1 to 10:1, and is more preferably about 4:1 to 8:1 and most preferably about 6:1. However, it can be appreciated that thesystem 1000 as shown inFIGS. 19-21 can be used on a long fence or plurality of fences, e.g., along ridgelines or coastal regions. The strong, tube-like vortices are the result of pronounced accelerations as the wind rushes around the substantially planar or predominantlyflat plate 1012 or other suitable obstacle. It can be appreciated that the high wind or airflow velocities in combination with a rotary, vortex structure or system can combine to create extremely low pressure zones. Theopenings 1020 can alternatively include an energy conversion device or embedded collection device (not shown), such as embedded drawtube 10 (FIGS. 9-13 ), installed internally. -
FIG. 20 illustrates thesystem 1000 ofFIG. 19 for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using arectangular collector 1010 having at least oneopening 1020, and a lowpressure exhaust port 1040 on the opposite side of theleading edge member 1014. As shown inFIG. 20 , the lowpressure exhaust port 1040 is preferably located within acenter portion 1042 of therectangular body 1030. As shown inFIG. 20 , therectangular body 1030 can include a roundedupper surface 1032 and a roundedlower surface 1034, wherein therectangular body 1030 is configured similar to an airplane wing or airfoil with a centeredexhaust port 1040. In accordance with one embodiment, the edges of the rectangular collector are rounded to cause minimal impact to the created vortices. It can be appreciated that once the vortices have been established or created, the system should not impede them. As shown inFIG. 20 , the at least oneopening 1020, and may include a plurality ofopenings 1022, wherein theopenings 1022 extend from a front or windward side of therectangular collector 1010 to theexhaust port 1040 located within the center of therectangular body 1030. It can be appreciated that the at least one opening can be any suitable shape including round and/or oval. - It can be appreciated that the
system 1000 as shown inFIGS. 19-21 can further include a means for positioning the leading edge orrectangular collector 1010 into the airflow, wherein therectangular collector 1010 is facing substantially into the airflow. For example, a support structure, which can rotatably support thesystem 1000, such that the support structure orients thesystem 1000 so that therectangular collector 1010 is facing into the airflow. In addition, thesystem 1000 can also include an airflow direction sensor (not shown) and a motor (not shown) for rotating the drawtube in response to the airflow direction sensor, as shown inFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 21 illustrates asystem 1000 for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using arectangular collector 1010 having a plurality ofopenings 1020 with a plurality ofexhaust ports 1040 andrectangular bodies 1030. As shown inFIG. 21 , therectangular collector 1010 having a plurality ofopenings 1020 having at least three (3) ormore openings 1022. The plurality ofopenings 1020 preferably includes a plurality ofopenings 1022, which capture the high pressure air from a center portion of a relativelyflat plate 1012, which forms aleading edge member 1014. As shown, it can be appreciated that therectangular collector 1010 can be any relativelyflat plate 1012 or bluff body, which forms aleading edge member 1014. In addition, an embeddeddrawtube 10 can be installed within theopenings 1022. It can be appreciated that the implementations as shown are meant only as examples to show the possibilities available, not as limiting designs. - In
FIGS. 1-21 , each of the systems as illustrated include a bluff body or leading edge member, which is perpendicular or preferably, 33 degrees off from perpendicular to the wind, such that it creates what is known as a von Karman vortex street that trails behind the body. The von Karman vortex street occurs when the leading edge is perpendicular to the winds, or called vortex shedding. In accordance with one embodiment, the leading edge is preferably 33 degrees off of perpendicular, or 57 degrees off from the winds, such that the vortices remain attached to the leading edge. As each vortex forms, it can be traced along its path aft and into the air stream, such that the centers of these vortices are occupied by very low static air pressure zones. It should also be pointed out that the areas between the vortices, in zones of about equal dimensions, form a high static air pressure zone. It can be appreciated that the frequency of vortex formation is governed by the dimensionless Strouhal number or equation: Sr=fd/V Where: f is the frequency of vortex shedding, d is the characteristic length (for example, hydraulic diameter) and V is the speed of the fluid. - Vortices are typically shed when the value of Sr is approximately 0.2. Also, the vortex street itself is nearly sinusoidal for small Reynolds numbers. For example, for Reynolds numbers between 100-10,000,000, the frequency of the vortex formation is inversely related to the diameter of the body and directly related to the flow velocity (the Strouhal number is about constant across this range, or about 0.18 for a cylinder). The flow velocity profile, the shape of the bluff and the cross section area of the bluff can also affect the Strouhal number.
- For example, a
leading edge member 30 that is five feet wide by thirty feet tall into a 30 mph wind, one would expect a vortex formation cycle, one clockwise and one counterclockwise, about every one and a half times a second. Thus, two high and two low pressure zones, or one cycle, will flow by a given area directly behind the leading edge each 0.67 seconds. Or to express it another way, we would expect to see a high to low transition each 0.33 seconds, or a sharp pressure transition of some kind, every 0.17 seconds, or almost 6 times a second. -
FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a system 1100 (i.e., “Sail”) for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy, which utilizes vortices and a pneumatic linkage. Thesystem 1100 includes a plurality of disks or disk-like structures 1120, which are equipped with an expandable membrane ormovable surface 1122. As shown inFIGS. 22-24 , the disks or disk-like structures 1120 are preferably sealed and include anexpandable membranes 1122. In accordance with one embodiment the system is preferably configured to be perpendicular to the winds. That means that the leading edge vortices created by the leading edge will shed and fall back into the vortex street trailing the sail. Thedisks 1120 will consequently experience rapidly varying pressure gradients as the vortices form and shed, which causes the sealed air volumes within thedisks 1120 to alternately expand and contract themembranes 1122. The linkage to these flexing membranes for the conversion process may be pneumatic, mechanical, or even piezoelectric, such the conversion process is not herein restricted. It can be appreciated that capturing energy is possible not just by creating disparate pressure zones spatially separated, but also by zones which are temporarily displaced. - As shown in
FIG. 22 , the system 1100 (i.e., Sail) includes a predominantly flat plate leadingedge member 1110, which is preferably positioned perpendicular to the wind, and a plurality or series of stacked disk-like structures 1120. It can be appreciated that thesystem 1100 or “Sail” is configured to steer itself into the wind since the aerodynamic center of pressure is located aft of or behind a pivot point of theleading edge member 1110. As the vortices begin to separate, the vortices are located in the area immediately aft of or behind theleading edge member 1110. As the vortices begin to separate, they encounter a series of stacked, disks, or disk-like structures 1120 that respond to static air pressure changes. - The
system 1100 is preferably attached to a fixedstructure 1130, e.g. a support pipe or tube, which allows thesystem 1100 to rotate as needed so that the predominantly flat plate leadingedge member 1110 is preferably positioned perpendicular to the wind. -
FIG. 23 illustrates thesystem 1100 and the disks or disk-like structures 1120. The disks or disk-like structures 1120 are equipped with an expandable membrane ormovable surface 1122. The expandable membrane ormovable surface 1122 includes an upper ortop surface 1124 and a lower orbottom surface 1126. Thedisks 1120 are connected to one another via theleading edge member 1110, which includes a connectingrod 1112 with a predominantlyflat plate 1114, and anouter support 1128. - As a low pressure zone associated with a vortex center, for example, moves into place, the
disks 1120 expand (the internal static air pressure is greater than that outside the membranes). Then, as the low pressure zone moves out and is replaced by an interstitial high pressure zone, thedisks 1120 contract (the internal static air pressure is less than the external pressure). It can be appreciated that this cycle can be repeated several times a second. - Inside the
disk 1120, an electromagnetic generator or generator (not shown) is placed to convert the mechanical energy to electrical or another form of mechanical energy. It can be appreciated that the generator can be a piezoelectric, hydraulic pistons, or other suitable device for converting the expansion and contraction of thedisks 1120 into energy. For example, permanent magnets and electrical coils taken from off-the-shelf speakers can be used, which is the very same method used to power audio speakers, but is operated in reverse instead. - As shown in
FIG. 23 , for eachdisk 1120, eachmembrane 1122, the upper ortop surface 1124, for example, would be attached to the magnet with the coil attached to the lower orbottom surface 1126. As themembranes 1122 expand and contract, the membranes move the magnet up and down in relation to the surrounding coil. The magnet lines of force would cross the wire sections continually, and thereby create an oscillating, or AC current. In this application, the AC current can be rectified through a full-wave bridge rectifier and then fed into a battery system (not shown) -
FIG. 24 illustrates another perspective view of thesystem 1100 ofFIG. 22 . As shown inFIG. 24 , thesystem 1100 includes a plurality of disks or disk-like structures 1120 attached to theleading edge 1110. It can be appreciated that thedisks 1120 offer very little resistance to the vortices, since the local air velocities are horizontal and do not interact with the structure to block their progression or prevent their formation. The internal disk linkages, including the membranes, are designed to resonate at the expected, sub-sonic frequency ranges. - In addition, it can be appreciated that the
system 1100 has no visible moving parts, such that thesystem 1100 can be almost entirely silent in operation. Although a mechanical to electrical conversion process is shown here, it is not meant to be limited by this. It can be appreciated that the support pipe or tube, 1130, can conduct pneumatic variations for conversion a at the base of the structure in the same way that we can have several drawtubes supporting one conversion process. For example, a hydraulic piston can be compressed by the membranes thus transmitting a pressurized fluid to the base of the tower. Alternatively, the electromechanical system can be replaced by piezoelectric crystals, or a central and connecting rod could collect and transfer the force of many disks. Thesystem 1100 can also be supported by a cylindrical leading edge located in the center of the stack. In this case, theentire system 1100 would be immobile yet capable of capturing and converting winds from any direction. - It can be appreciated that the
system 1100 as shown inFIGS. 22-24 can further include a means for positioning the leading edge into the airflow, wherein the leading edge member is facing substantially into the airflow. For example, asupport structure 1130 as shown inFIGS. 22 and 24 , such that thesupport structure 1130 orients thesystem 1100 so that theleading edge member 1110 is facing into the airflow. In addition, thesystem 1100 can also include an airflow direction sensor and a motor for rotating the drawtube in response to the airflow direction sensor. - Alternatively, a conduit between two widely varying states can be built and the energy extracted from the two states. In one preferred embodiment, a conversion process would be included within the conduit. However, if a single state were made to oscillate between widely varying states, the conduit and energy conversion process could be collocated, such that two disparate states are created, which is comprised of a high pressure area and a low pressure area. In addition, it can be appreciated that these states may be displaced spatially or temporally. For example, if the states are displaced spatially, the two states can be connected with a spatial conduit, which can include a conversion process to convert the airflow into energy. Alternatively, if the displacement is in time or temporally, then the conduit is typically not spatial, but is reactive to time based variations.
-
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of another embodiment of asystem 1200 for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy, which utilizes an array ofdrawtubes 1220 that are boosted with high-pressure air from an inline duct orpassageway 1230. As shown inFIG. 25 , thesystem 1200 includes adrawtube 1220 having an embedded prop or generator (not shown) as an energy conversion device, which is boosted with high pressure air from aninline duct 1230. - In accordance with one embodiment, the
drawtube 1220 is preferably about 2 ft. indiameter 1222 having an embedded prop/generator as the energy conversion device. Thesystem 1200 also includes abase plate 1210, which can either be attached to thedrawtube 1220, or thebase plate 1210 can be suspended in its own array as shown inFIGS. 26 and 27 . In accordance with another embodiment, the leadingedge 1222 can be suspended in its own array. It can be appreciated that the light weight plates can be constructed of any suitable material, metallic sheet or even stretched fabric for example, suspended by taut cables. The duct orpassageway 1230 has an opening with adiameter 1232, which is preferably approximately equal to, and/or slight larger or smaller than the diameter of the drawtube, and which is mounted into abase plate 1210 that is equal inwidth 1212 to a desired or optimal spacing for an array ofdrawtubes 1220. For example, in accordance with one embodiment, wherein the drawtube has a 2foot diameter 1222, thebase plate 1210 preferably has awidth 1212 that is 1.5 to 4 times the diameter of thedrawtube 1220, and more preferably awidth 1212 of about 2.25 times the diameter of the drawtube 1220 (i.e., 4.5 feet across (2+2 (1.25))), and aheight 1214 of about 2 to 6 times the diameter of thedrawtube 1220, and more preferably about 3 times thediameter 1222 of the drawtube 1220 (i.e., about 6 feet). It can be appreciated that theheight 1214 of thebase plate 1210 can be more or less than 2 to 6 times thediameter 1222 of thedrawtube 1220. -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of asystem 1200 for converting airflow into mechanical or electrical energy using adrawtube 1220 having aninline duct 1230 and abluff body 1240. It can be appreciated that thebluff body 1240 can have a slight curvature or other suitable shape, which presents an obstacle to the wind. As shown inFIG. 26 , thebluff body 1240 presents an obstacle to the wind, such that the airflow is forced to accelerate around the obstacle. In accordance with one embodiment, thebluff body 1240 is a substantially planar or predominantly flat plate having an aspect ratio, orwidth 1242 toheight 1244, of approximately 3:1. -
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of anarray 1300 ofdrawtubes 1220 having aninline duct 1230 and abluff body 1240 as shown inFIG. 26 . As shown inFIG. 27 , a plurality ofdrawtubes 1220, each having aninline duct 1230 and abluff body 1240 can be arranged or assembled in a side-by-side configuration to form anarray 1300 ofdrawtubes 1220. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an array of drawtubes having an inline duct and a bluff body as shown inFIG. 26 , which are attached to abuilding 1310. As shown inFIG. 28 , the individual units are designed to fit into anarray 1300 positioned on abuilding 1310. It can be appreciated that each drawtube in thearray 1300 can produce a minimum of 250 watts in a 28 mph wind in the special case of a 2 foot diameter drawtubes. In addition, it can be appreciated the system and design as shown inFIGS. 25-28 can take advantage of the pressure differentials surrounding a building in the wind, exactly in the same way as the Eave turbine. - In accordance with one embodiment, the
system 1300 can be positioned so as to face directly into the prevailing winds. Alternatively, the angle of inclination chosen here is 45 degrees forward, which should approximate the optimal angle of 33 degrees off the perpendicular to the airflow. It can be appreciated that the sizing and the angles are variable and subject to architectural restraints. - In accordance with another embodiment, it can be appreciated that a
drawtube FIGS. 1-4 can be attached to the exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine (not shown) to improve the overall operating efficiency of the engine. It can be appreciated that the internal combustion is typically directly affected by the input air pressure as well as the output pressure. For example, turbo chargers increase the pressure of the intake air, which improves the power and performance of the engine. Although, there have also been some exhaust turbines, which reduce the exhaust pressure, these have been very expensive. However, lowering the pressure on the exhaust side has the same effect as increasing the intake pressure, which increases the engines performance. -
FIGS. 29 and 30 are perspective views of a vehicular exhaust sail in accordance with one embodiment. As shown inFIG. 29 , the addition of adrawtube leading edge member 30. It can be appreciated that thedrawtube - As shown in
FIGS. 29 and 30 , the substantially planarleading edge member 30 is slightly curved to increase its strength. The leadingedge 30 also cants backward at 33 degrees off from perpendicular to the wind. In accordance with one embodiment, the optimal width of the leadingedge 30 would be about 13/16 of the diameter of the exhaust stack (i.e., tubular member 20). Asleeve 21, as shown, can be designed to fit tightly over the exhaust stack pipes with a pair ofsupport members 23. A set screws or other suitable device (not shown) is preferably used to secure theleading edge member 30 to the exhaust pipe or stack (i.e., tubular member 20). - An aspect ratio of 6:1, or better, can be attained through the combined airfoil, exhaust stack pipe and exhaust sail, as seen by the wind. Local accelerations of the airflow due to the cab of the truck or trailer would enhance the performance, just as the Eave turbine performance is improved by the building itself. It can be appreciated that a
drawtube - While the invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made and equivalents employed, without departing from the present invention.
Claims (19)
1. A system for improving performance of an internal combustion engine comprising:
an exhaust pipe; and
a leading edge member attached at one end of the exhaust pipe.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member attached to a windward side of the exhaust pipe defines a drawtube arranged to lower a pressure at the end of the exhaust pipe.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the exhaust pipe comprises a tubular member.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member is substantially planar.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the leading edge member is slightly curved.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member cants backward at approximately 33 degrees from perpendicular to a direction of wind.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein a width of the leading edge member is about 13/16 of a diameter of the exhaust pipe.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the exhaust pipe comprises an exposed vertical exhaust stack of a diesel tractor trailer.
9. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a sleeve 21 secured around the exhaust pipe, wherein a bottom edge of the leading edge member is attached to the sleeve.
10. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a pair of support members extending from the sleeve to an upper portion of the leading edge member.
11. The system of claim 9 , further comprising a set screw securing the sleeve and the leading edge member to the exhaust pipe.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the leading edge member and the exhaust pipe define a 6:1 aspect ratio.
13. A device for lowering a pressure at the end of a vehicular exhaust pipe to improve performance of an internal combustion engine, the device comprising:
a substantially planar leading edge member; and
a sleeve configured to be secured to a vehicular exhaust pipe, wherein a bottom edge of the leading edge member is attached to the sleeve.
14. The device of claim 13 , wherein the leading edge member is slightly curved.
15. The device of claim 13 , wherein, when mounted on the exhaust pipe, the leading edge member cants backward at approximately 33 degrees from perpendicular to a direction of wind.
16. The device of claim 13 , wherein a width of the leading edge member is about 13/16 of an inner diameter of the sleeve.
17. The device of claim 13 , further comprising a pair of support members extending from the sleeve to an upper portion of the leading edge member.
18. The device of claim 13 , further comprising a set screw configured to secure the sleeve and the leading edge member to the exhaust pipe.
19. The device of claim 13 , wherein, when mounted on the exhaust pipe of a vehicle, the leading edge member and the exhaust pipe define a 6:1 aspect ratio.
Priority Applications (1)
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US12/646,654 US20100107619A1 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2009-12-23 | System for improving performance of an internal combusion engine |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/619,732 US6911744B2 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2003-07-14 | System and method for converting wind into mechanical energy |
US11/104,673 US7199486B2 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2005-04-13 | System and method for converting wind into mechanical energy |
US11/709,320 US7663262B2 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2007-02-20 | System and method for converting wind into mechanical energy for a building and the like |
US12/646,654 US20100107619A1 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2009-12-23 | System for improving performance of an internal combusion engine |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US11/709,320 Division US7663262B2 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2007-02-20 | System and method for converting wind into mechanical energy for a building and the like |
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US12/646,654 Abandoned US20100107619A1 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2009-12-23 | System for improving performance of an internal combusion engine |
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US11/709,320 Expired - Fee Related US7663262B2 (en) | 2003-07-14 | 2007-02-20 | System and method for converting wind into mechanical energy for a building and the like |
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US20070039318A1 (en) * | 2005-08-16 | 2007-02-22 | Freightliner, Llc | Vehicle exhaust dilution and dispersion device |
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US20090102201A1 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2009-04-23 | Marquiss Wind Power, Inc. | System and method for converting wind into mechanical energy |
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US10957909B2 (en) * | 2015-06-12 | 2021-03-23 | Showa Denko K.K. | Composition for binder for non-aqueous cell electrode, binder for non-aqueous cell electrode, composition for non-aqueous cell electrode, non-aqueous cell electrode, and non-aqueous cell |
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US7663262B2 (en) | 2010-02-16 |
US20070236021A1 (en) | 2007-10-11 |
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