초록 ▼

In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for the efficiency with which fluid energy is converted into another form of energy, such as electrical energy, where an array of fluid energy conversion modules is contained in a scalable modular networked superstructure. I

In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for the efficiency with which fluid energy is converted into another form of energy, such as electrical energy, where an array of fluid energy conversion modules is contained in a scalable modular networked superstructure. In certain preferred embodiments, a plurality of turbines, such as for instance wind turbines, may be disposed in an array, where the plurality of arrays may be disposed in a suitable arrangement in proximity to each other and provided with geometry suitable for tight packing in an array with other parameters optimized to extract energy from the fluid flow. In addition, the turbines may be a more effective adaptation of a turbine, or an array of turbines, to varying conditions, including fluid conditions that may differ among different turbines in an array, or among different turbines in a set of arrays.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method comprising: interconnecting a plurality of wind energy conversion modules into a scalable modular networked superstructure for the conversion of wind energy to electrical energy, each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules including a module intake wi

What is claimed is: 1. A method comprising: interconnecting a plurality of wind energy conversion modules into a scalable modular networked superstructure for the conversion of wind energy to electrical energy, each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules including a module intake with a nozzle, a rotor positioned to receive the flow of air from the nozzle, and a generator coupled to the rotor; rotating the scalable modular networked superstructure to orient that scalable modular networked superstructure toward an air flow; capturing and accelerating the flow of air with the nozzle of each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules; converting the flow of air to mechanical energy in the rotor of each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules; and converting the rotational energy to an electrical energy in the generator of each one of the wind energy conversion modules. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wind energy conversion modules includes nozzles of variable size. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the nozzle of at least one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules includes an optimized shape based on a high throughput of mass flow. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the nozzles of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules include a plurality of self-orienting nozzles with independent orientation at different locations in the scalable modular networked superstructure. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the wind energy conversion modules contained in the scalable modular networked superstructure includes a plurality of nozzles configured in series relative to a direction of the flow of air. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the scalable modular networked superstructure has a variable width at different heights. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising optimizing a management of a power output from the plurality of wind energy conversion modules with a load management facility. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotor of at least one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules is configured to have varying amounts of inertia. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the rotor of at least one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules is configured to present a variable number of blades. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the electrical energy for at least one of later use, contributing to a regulation of energy output of the scalable modular networked superstructure, and allowing the scalable modular networked superstructure to function as a base load grid unit. 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising modifying an air temperature in an environment of the nozzle of at least one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules to increase flow through the nozzle. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the scalable modular networked superstructure is a composite space frame wind producing array superstructure. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the scalable modular networked superstructure is integrated with an array electrical distribution system. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the scalable modular networked superstructure uses complex variable wall topographies to provide at least one of maximized load bearing properties, minimized material use, and minimized material weight. 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising protecting the nozzle of at least one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules with a wildlife inhibitor. 16. A system comprising: a superstructure shaped and sized for scalable modular networked interconnection of energy conversion modules; a plurality of wind energy conversion modules arranged within and structurally interconnected by the superstructure, each one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules including: a module intake with a nozzle that captures and accelerates a flow of air incident on the module intake; a rotor positioned to receive the flow of air from the nozzle and convert the flow of air into a rotational energy; and a generator coupled to the rotor that converts the rotational energy of the rotor into an electrical energy; and a bearing supporting the superstructure in a manner that permits a rotation of the scalable modular networked superstructure toward the flow of air. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the nozzle of at least one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules includes a nozzle of variable size. 18. The system of claim 16, wherein the nozzle of at least one of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules has an optimized shape based on a high throughput of mass flow. 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the superstructure is a self-orienting superstructure that self-orients toward a direction of the air flow. 20. The system of claim 16, wherein the nozzles of two or more of the plurality of wind energy conversion modules include self-orienting nozzles having independent orientations at different locations within the superstructure.