Michael J Faigen

US Patent:

20090224539, Sep 10, 2009

Filed:

Mar 6, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/043938

Inventors:

Howard David Rees - Yardley PA, US
Michael J. Faigen - Lawrenceville NJ, US

International Classification:

H02K 7/116
F03G 7/08
H02K 7/18
H02P 9/04

US Classification:

290 7, 290 55, 290 1 C

Abstract:

A distributed system of electrical generators utilizing wind driven natural motion of trees comprises a novel energy producing system. The network of the generators, PRGs, derives torque from the back and forth swaying of neighboring trees. Cables, one set of cables for support and the other acting as a spring-tensioned flexible rack that drives the pinion gear of the PRG and also supports the PRG, between the trees are attached to the PRGs and provide the tension required to support and retract the PRG mechanism. Tree saddles attach the PRG cabling to the trees. As the trees sway independently the separations between the trees fluctuate periodically and the PRGs convert these fluctuations into rotational forces that drive the generators. The PRGs make use of a flexible rack and pinion design to convert the relative tree motion into torque and achieves the requisite RPM by cascading a sequence of large-small gear pairs, one such pair in each PRG utilizing a one-way clutch torque converter, ultimately meshing with a small gear on the generator shaft. Springs are used to return the PRGs to their neutral positions (wherein the trees are stationary) and maintain cable tautness when the tree separation periodically lessens by tensioning the rack and pinion cable. The electrical energy derived from the asynchronous motions of the trees, is independent of the direction of the wind and is integrated with other PRGs through rectifiers and to external electrical systems through the use of existing technologies that regulate, condition and control the electrical output.