Abstract

Direct drive rotating electrical machines with axial air gaps are disclosed. In these machines, a rotor ring and stator ring define an axial air gap between them. Sets of gap-maintaining rolling supports bear between the rotor ring and the stator ring at their peripheries to maintain the axial air gap. Also disclosed are wind turbines using these generators, and structures and methods for mounting direct drive rotating electrical generators to the hubs of wind turbines. In particular, the rotor ring of the generator may be carried directly by the hub of a wind turbine to rotate relative to a shaft without being mounted directly to the shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02K 7/08 - Structural association with bearings
• F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
• F03D 1/06 - Rotors
• H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines

Abstract

A floating underwater support structure is disclosed. The underwater support structure includes a joint capable of rotation and angular movement along two or three axes coupled to a truss. The truss is capable of sustaining loads in tension, compression, and bending, and comprises one or more elongate, rigid members. The elongate, rigid members are capable of sustaining loads in at least tension and compression. A buoyant member positioned between or around the members of the truss at a predetermined distance below the water provides a buoyant force that typically exceeds the weight of the entire structure. In deeper water, cross bracing may be provided between the members of the truss, and in particularly deep water, a single tendon may connect between the joint, typically anchored to the floor of the body of water, and the truss. The support structure may be used to support wind turbines and other structures.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02B 17/04 - Equipment specially adapted for raising, lowering, or immobilising the working platform relative to the supporting construction
• B63B 22/00 - Buoys
• F03B 13/12 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatusPower stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
• F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations

Abstract

Direct drive rotating electrical machines with axial air gaps are disclosed. In these machines, a rotor ring and stator ring define an axial air gap between them. Sets of gap-maintaining rolling supports bear between the rotor ring and the stator ring at their peripheries to maintain the axial air gap. Also disclosed are wind turbines using these generators, and structures and methods for mounting direct drive rotating electrical generators to the hubs of wind turbines. In particular, the rotor ring of the generator may be carried directly by the hub of a wind turbine to rotate relative to a shaft without being mounted directly to the shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02K 21/24 - Synchronous motors having permanent magnetsSynchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets axially facing the armatures, e.g. hub-type cycle dynamos
• H02K 7/18 - Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g.with turbines
• F03D 9/02 - the apparatus storing power

Abstract

Direct drive rotating electrical machines with axial air gaps are disclosed. In these machines, a rotor ring and stator ring define an axial air gap between them. Sets of gap-maintaining rolling supports bear between the rotor ring and the stator ring at their peripheries to maintain the axial air gap. Also disclosed are wind turbines using these generators, and structures and methods for mounting direct drive rotating electrical generators to the hubs of wind turbines. In particular, the rotor ring of the generator may be carried directly by the hub of a wind turbine to rotate relative to a shaft without being mounted directly to the shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

• H02K 5/173 - Means for supporting bearings, e.g. insulating supports or means for fitting bearings in the bearing-shields using bearings with rolling contact, e.g. ball bearings

Abstract

A floating underwater support structure is disclosed. The underwater support structure includes a joint capable of rotation and angular movement along two or three axes coupled to a truss. The truss is capable of sustaining loads in tension, compression, and bending, and comprises one or more elongate, rigid members. The elongate, rigid members are capable of sustaining loads in at least tension and compression. A buoyant member positioned between or around the members of the truss at a predetermined distance below the water provides a buoyant force that typically exceeds the weight of the entire structure. In deeper water, cross bracing may be provided between the members of the truss, and in particularly deep water, a single tendon may connect between the joint, typically anchored to the floor of the body of water, and the truss. The support structure may be used to support wind turbines and other structures.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63H 1/38 - Propulsive elements directly acting on water characterised solely by flotation properties, e.g. drums