公开(公告)号：US20150252788A1

公开(公告)日：2015-09-10

申请号：US14202971

申请日：2014-03-10

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind

IPC: F03D11/00

CPC classification number: F03D9/30 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F03D80/00 ,  F03D80/60 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  F05B2260/221 ,  Y02E10/72 ,  Y02E10/722 ,  Y02T50/675

Abstract: In order to maximize cooling while minimizing drag in aerial vehicles of airborne wind turbines, it may be preferable to dissipate the cooling energy of the motors via a radiator in a region with advantageous airflow parameters. Aerial vehicle rotors operating in thrust mode may produce relatively more airflow velocity in certain regions further away from the center of the rotor blades, both radially and longitudinally. Placing a radiator in a rotor-supporting pylon and offset from the center of the rotor blades and aft of the rotor blades may allow for greater cooling while the aerial vehicle while in thrust mode.

Abstract translation: 为了最大限度地降低机载风力发电机的空中飞行器中的阻力，尽可能地减少在具有有利的气流参数的区域中的散热器电动机的冷却能量。 在推力模式下操作的空中转向架转子可在径向和纵向上在远离转子叶片中心的某些区域中产生相对更多的气流速度。 将散热器放置在转子支撑塔中并偏离转子叶片的中心和转子叶片的后部可以允许在空中车辆处于推力模式时更大的冷却。

公开(公告)号：US09126675B2

公开(公告)日：2015-09-08

申请号：US14144545

申请日：2013-12-30

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Erik Christopher Chubb ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  F03D5/00 ,  B64C13/00 ,  G05D1/10

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A method involves operating an aerial vehicle in a hover-flight orientation. The aerial vehicle is connected to a tether that defines a tether sphere having a radius based on a length of the tether, and the tether is connected to a ground station. The method involves positioning the aerial vehicle at a first location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The method involves transitioning the aerial vehicle from the hover-flight orientation to a forward-flight orientation, such that the aerial vehicle moves from the tether sphere. And the method involves operating the aerial vehicle in the forward-flight orientation to ascend at an angle of ascent to a second location that is substantially on the tether sphere. The first and second locations are substantially downwind of the ground station.

Abstract translation: 一种方法涉及以悬停飞行方向操作飞行器。 航空器连接到一个系绳，该系绳限定了基于系绳长度的半径的系绳球，并且系绳连接到地面站。 该方法包括将飞行器定位在基本上在系绳球上的第一位置。 该方法包括将空中飞行器从悬停飞行方向转换到前向飞行方向，使得飞行器从系绳球移动。 并且该方法涉及以前向飞行方向操作飞行器，以升高的角度升高到基本上处于系绳球上的第二位置。 第一和第二位置基本上是地面站的顺风向。

公开(公告)号：US20150210386A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-30

申请号：US14543189

申请日：2014-11-17

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C31/06 ,  F03D9/00 ,  B64F1/12 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F3/00

CPC classification number: B64C31/06 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64F3/00 ,  F03D1/02 ,  F03D5/04 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/30 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F03D13/22 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/725 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A kite system with a ground station adapted for airborne power generation. The kite system may include a kite which includes one or more airfoils which have mounted thereon a plurality of turbine driven generators. The turbine driven generators may also function as motor driven propellers in a powered flight mode, which may be used during take-off, which may include aspects of vertical take-off and landing. A perch adapted to facilitate the take-off and landing may be used as part of the system. The perch may pivot such that the pivot is oriented towards the tension direction of the tether.

Abstract translation: 具有适用于机载发电的地面站的风筝系统。 风筝系统可以包括风筝，其包括一个或多个在其上安装有多个涡轮驱动发电机的翼型件。 涡轮驱动的发电机还可以以动力飞行模式起作用的电动机驱动的推进器，其可以在起飞期间使用，其可以包括垂直起飞和着陆的方面。 适用于起飞和着陆的栖息处可用作系统的一部分。 鲈鱼可以枢转，使得枢轴朝向系绳的张力方向定向。

公开(公告)号：US20150183529A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-02

申请号：US14144103

申请日：2013-12-30

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Brian Hachtmann ,  Gabe Murphy ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64F3/00 ,  B66D1/30

CPC classification number: B66D1/30 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/12 ,  B64D2221/00 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  B66D1/08 ,  B66D1/12 ,  B66D2700/0133 ,  F03D9/32

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine (“AWT”), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path, such as a substantially circular path, to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be coupled to a winch assembly via a tether. The winch assembly may include a winch drum and a drum door. The winch assembly may be configured such that the drum door may operate in two or more positions, such as an open position and a closed position, to reduce the likelihood of stability problems occurring at the aerial vehicle during winding or unwinding of the tether.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在诸如基本圆形路径的路径中飞行的空中飞行器，以将动能风能转换成电能。 飞行器可以经由系绳联接到绞盘组件。 绞车组件可以包括绞盘鼓和鼓门。 绞车组件可以被配置成使得鼓门可以在诸如打开位置和关闭位置的两个或更多个位置中操作，以减少在系绳缠绕或展开期间在飞行器上发生的稳定性问题的可能性。

公开(公告)号：US20150183527A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-02

申请号：US14144159

申请日：2013-12-30

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： Brian Hachtmann ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64F1/12

CPC classification number: B64F1/12 ,  B64F3/00 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: An airborne wind turbine system including an aerial vehicle having a fuselage, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial wing and a second end secured to a platform, a rotatable drum positioned on the platform onto which the tether is wrapped when the aerial vehicle is reeled in, a perch panel extending from the platform, first and second extensions extending from opposite sides of the perch panel, a peg positioned on the fuselage, first and second hooks extending from the aerial vehicle on opposite sides of the peg, wherein when the aerial vehicle is perched on the perch panel, the peg is in contact with the perch panel, the first hook is positioned over the first extension, and the second hook is positioned over the second extension.

Abstract translation: 一种机载风力涡轮机系统，包括具有机身的飞行器，具有固定到所述空中翼的第一端的导电系绳和固定到平台的第二端，位于所述平台上的可旋转滚筒，当所述系绳被缠绕在所述平台上时， 飞行器被卷入，从平台延伸的行星面板，从鲈鱼板的相对侧延伸的第一和第二延伸部，位于机身上的钉，从该飞行器在钉的相对侧上延伸的第一和第二钩， 其中当所述空中飞行器栖息在所述导管板上时，所述栓与所述导管板接触，所述第一钩定位在所述第一延伸部上方，并且所述第二钩定位在所述第二延伸部上。

公开(公告)号：US20150183516A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-02

申请号：US14144272

申请日：2013-12-30

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C39/02 ,  B63B35/44

CPC classification number: B64F1/12 ,  B63B21/50 ,  B63B35/44 ,  B63B43/06 ,  B63B2035/442 ,  B63B2035/446 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64F3/00 ,  F03D1/00 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/30 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F03D13/25 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  F05B2240/95 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/727 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: An offshore airborne wind turbine system including an aerial vehicle, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a platform, a rotatable drum positioned on the platform, an aerial vehicle perch extending from the platform, wherein the platform is positioned on a top of a spar buoy.

公开(公告)号：US20150183512A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-02

申请号：US14144146

申请日：2013-12-30

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Kenneth Jensen ,  Erik Christopher Chubb ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C19/00

CPC classification number: B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F03D5/06 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  G05D1/0866 ,  G05D1/101 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/725

Abstract: A method may involve operating an aerial vehicle to travel along a first closed path on a tether sphere while oriented in a crosswind-flight orientation. A tether may be connected to the aerial vehicle on a first end and may be connected to a ground station on a second end. Further, the tether sphere may have a radius corresponding to a length of the tether. The method may further involve while the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight orientation, operating the aerial vehicle to travel along a second closed path on the tether sphere, such that a speed of the aerial vehicle is reduced. And the method may involve after or while the speed of the aerial vehicle is reduced, transitioning the aerial vehicle from traveling along the second closed path while in the crosswind-flight orientation to a hover-flight orientation.

Abstract translation: 一种方法可以包括操作空中飞行器，以沿着侧风飞行方向定向，沿着系绳球体上的第一封闭路径行进。 系绳可以在第一端连接到飞行器，并且可以在第二端连接到地面站。 此外，系绳球可以具有对应于系链的长度的半径。 该方法还可以包括在空中飞行器处于侧风飞行方向的同时，操作飞行器沿着系绳球上的第二闭合路径行进，使得飞行器的速度降低。 并且该方法可能涉及在降低航空器的速度之后或同时降低航空器的速度，从而使空中飞行器沿着侧风飞行方向沿着第二闭合路径行驶到悬停飞行方位。

公开(公告)号：US20150180186A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-25

申请号：US14137724

申请日：2013-12-20

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Damon Vander Lind ,  Brian Hachtmann

IPC: H01R35/02 ,  F03D9/00 ,  H01R39/64

CPC classification number: H01R35/02 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  H01R39/64 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine (“AWT”), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be tethered to a ground station via a tether. As a result of continuous circular flights paths, the tether may rotate continuously in one direction. Thus, it may be desirable to have a cable management apparatus that allows for tether rotation and helps reduce strain on the tether.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在将动能风能转换成电能的路径中飞行的空中飞行器。 航空器可以通过系绳系在地面站上。 由于连续的圆形航行路径，系绳可以在一个方向上连续旋转。 因此，可能需要具有允许系链旋转并有助于减小系绳应变的电缆管理装置。

公开(公告)号：US20150175261A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-25

申请号：US14134781

申请日：2013-12-19

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Kenneth Jensen ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64C31/06

CPC classification number: B64C31/06 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D7/02 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/723 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: A system may include a tether connected to a ground station. The tether may include at least two bridle segments. The system may further include an aerial vehicle connected to the at least two bridle segments. The system may also include at least one sensor and a control system. The control system may be configured to: a) receive sensor data from the at least one sensor; and b) determine a tether roll angle based on the sensor data. The tether roll angle may represent an angle between the tether and an axis of the aerial vehicle. Optionally, the control system may also be configured to determine a curvature of a path of the aerial vehicle based on the tether roll angle. The control system may additionally be configured to control at least one control surface of the aerial vehicle based on the curvature of the path.

Abstract translation: 系统可以包括连接到地面站的系绳。 系绳可以包括至少两个绷带段。 该系统可以进一步包括连接到该至少两个线段的航空器。 该系统还可以包括至少一个传感器和控制系统。 所述控制系统可以被配置为：a）从所述至少一个传感器接收传感器数据; 和b）基于传感器数据确定系绳侧倾角。 系绳侧倾角可以表示系绳与飞行器的轴线之间的角度。 可选地，控制系统还可以被配置为基于系绳滚角来确定飞行器的路径的曲率。 控制系统还可以被配置为基于路径的曲率来控制飞行器的至少一个控制表面。

公开(公告)号：US20150158600A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-11

申请号：US14143787

申请日：2013-12-30

Applicant: Google Inc.

Inventor： Brian Hachtmann ,  Damon Vander Lind

IPC: B64F3/00 ,  B66D1/36 ,  B66D1/60

CPC classification number: B64F3/00 ,  B66D1/39 ,  B66D1/60

Abstract: A system may include an aerial vehicle, a perch platform configured to receive the aerial vehicle, and a ground station coupled to the aerial vehicle via a tether. The ground station may include a winch including a winch drum configured to move laterally and spin in a manner such that the tether is wound onto on the winch drum in a repeating pattern, possibly utilizing a fixed position levelwind. The system may additionally include a tower around which the winch and the perch platform can rotate about a vertical axis relative to the tower. The system may further utilize the tether forces on the levelwind to help move the perch platform around the vertical axis or be driven actively by a motor.

Abstract translation: 系统可以包括飞行器，配置成接收飞行器的鲈鱼平台，以及经由系绳与飞行器耦合的地面站。 地面站可以包括绞盘，其包括构造成横向移动并且以使得系绳可以利用固定位置等级的方式以重复的图案缠绕在绞盘鼓上的方式的绞盘鼓。 该系统可以另外包括一个塔架，在该塔架上，绞盘和鲈鱼平台可以相对于塔架围绕垂直轴线旋转。 该系统可以进一步利用水平面上的系绳力来帮助围绕垂直轴线移动鲈鱼平台或由马达主动驱动。