Abstract:
An internal combustion engine (10) comprises an engine block (12) defining a cylinder (14) having a longitudinal axis A. A piston (16) is arranged slidably within the cylinder 14 and an impeller 18 is arranged at one end of the cylinder (14). The impeller (18) is rotatably mounted on a shaft (30), which extends out of the cylinder (14) and which is driven in rotation by rotation of the impeller (18). The engine further comprises an anti- rotation formation (20) to prevent the piston rotating about a longitudinal axis of the cylinder and a swirl-inducing vane (38) arranged on the face of the piston which faces the end of the cylinder at which the impeller is arranged. Combustion gas generated by combustion of a fuel in the cylinder between the piston and the impeller is caused to swirl by reaction with the swirl-inducing vane and the swirling combustion gases, in turn, cause the impeller to rotate.
Abstract:
An embodiment of the invention extends to an interface for converting rotational motion to electrical signals comprising a mechanical actuator which is rotationally moveable in a first direction and in a second direction, and a first and a second electrical component connected to the actuator and arranged so that rotation of the actuator in the first direction causes changes in electrical properties of the first electrical component and rotation of the actuator in the second direction causes changes in electrical properties of the second electrical component. The first and the second electrical components are connected to one or more electrical circuits so that rotation of the actuator in the first and the second directions causes changes in the one or more electrical circuits.
Abstract:
A floatable turbine (10) is described, which is movable on a substantially vertically oriented guide (20) so that the turbine (10) may move downwards along the guide(20) under gravitational force. The turbine equipment (10) is of negative buoyancy to facilitate it sinking, but is further provided with adjustable buoyancy means to allow the turbine arrangement to be imparted with a positive buoyancy when required. When imparted with a positive buoyancy the turbine equipment(10)floats back up the vertically oriented guide (20) under the buoyancy force. When moving down the guide (20)under gravity, and back up the guide (20) under buoyancy force an effective artificial current is generated by the movement through the turbine blades, turning the blades which in turn cause a generator to produce electricity, typically by suitable gearing.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention relate to blades for turbines, such as wind turbines, comprising a structural frame with a sail mounted thereon. In certain embodiments, a portion of the frame contributes to the buoyancy of the blade. In further embodiments, the frame comprises strengthening cords. In further embodiments, the frame comprises a reinforced tip. In further embodiments, the blade has a tip arranged to articulate relative to a body portion to alter the aerodynamic profile of the blade as the blade rotates to thereby assist up-strokes of the blade.