Sleeve for turbine shaft

Abstract

In some embodiments, a fluid turbine may include a vertically orientable shaft having at least one opening extending transversely through the shaft; a first blade portion configured to be vertically oriented on a first side of the shaft; a second blade portion configured to be vertically oriented on a second opposite side of the shaft; at least one rod extending through the shaft opening and connectable at a first end to the first blade portion and at a second end to the second blade portion. A reinforcement sleeve may extend through the shaft opening and may be interposed between the rod and the shaft opening for reinforcing at least one of the shaft, the at least one shaft opening, or the rod to resist forces exerted by the first and second blade portions when fluid impacts the first and second blade portions.

Description

Cross-references

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 407,689 filed on September 18, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 408,486 filed on September 21, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 418,623 filed on October 24, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of fluid turbines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for mechanical aspects of vertical fluid turbines. background

[0003] As the challenges posed by climate change continue to grow, more and more attention has been paid to green energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Some attractive alternatives to fossil fuels include turbines that use fluid flows, such as wind, ocean currents, steam flows, or gas flows, to generate power. While high-speed fluid flows can allow fluid turbines to generate enough energy to make these green energy sources a viable alternative to fossil fuels, this can also cause wear and damage to one or more mechanical components, requiring maintenance and / or replacement. Additionally or alternatively, fluid flows may be associated with unpredictable and / or chaotic flows and / or airflows, which may cause wear and / or damage to one or more mechanical components. For example, airflows may cause one or more components of a wind turbine to vibrate, shake, bend, snap, rock, and / or twist. These movements may be transmitted to other connected components, causing stress, deformation, and / or fracture. Although some mechanical components can be reinforced to withstand such stresses, reinforcement may increase the weight and / or volume of the turbine, thereby affecting performance. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure provide systems and methods generally directed to operating one or more fluid turbines.

[0005] Systems and methods for assembling a vertically oriented fluid turbine consistent with disclosed embodiments are provided. Embodiments may include a fluid turbine comprising: a vertically orientable shaft having at least one opening extending transversely therethrough; a first blade portion configured to be vertically oriented on a first side of the shaft; a second blade portion configured to be vertically oriented on a second side of the shaft opposite the first side; at least one rod extending through at least one shaft opening and connectable to the first blade portion at a first end thereof and to the second blade portion at a second end thereof; and at least one reinforcement sleeve extending through at least one shaft opening and interposed between at least one rod and at least one shaft opening for reinforcing at least one of the shaft, at least one shaft opening, or at least one rod to resist forces applied by the first blade portion and the second blade portion when fluid impacts the first blade portion and the second blade portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figures 1A to 1C Various exemplary vertically oriented fluid turbines are shown, each of which is consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 is a diagram of an exemplary fluid energy conversion system including a fluid turbine coupled to a generator consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 is an exemplary top view of a fluid energy conversion system including an outer stator and an inner rotor consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4 is an exemplary top view of a fluid energy conversion system including an outer rotor and an inner stator consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 5 is an illustration of an exemplary cluster of geographically associated fluid turbines consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid energy conversion system, consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure, configured to generate electrical energy from a fluid flow and output the generated electrical energy to an energy sink.

[0012] Figure 7 is an exemplary schematic diagram of a charge controller connected to at least one sensor consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 8 is an exemplary exploded view of a vertically-oriented fluid turbine consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 9is consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a vertically orientable turbine shaft.

[0015] Fig.10 is consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 An exemplary exploded view of a vertically oriented turbine shaft.

[0016] Fig.11 is consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 An exemplary schematic diagram of a fluid turbine including a plurality of horizontal ribs for connecting a plurality of rods to first and second blade portions.

[0017] Fig.12 is consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 An exemplary exploded view of a vertically oriented turbine shaft for connection to ribs via a plurality of rods.

[0018] Fig.13 is an exemplary exploded view of a turbine blade connected to ribs via a plurality of rods, consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Fig.14 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of assembling a fluid turbine consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.15 is an exploded view of an exemplary modular fluid turbine consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for enhancing one or more fluid turbines. The fluid turbines referred to herein may be configured to utilize energy from wind, water, steam, and / or airflow. The disclosed reinforcements may protect the fluid turbine from stress, wear, deformation, and / or breakage due to vibration, oscillation, shaking, twisting, and / or flexing motion caused by fluid flow on one or more turbine blades. The disclosed reinforcements may be substantially located in the center axis of the fluid turbine, thereby avoiding an increase in the moment of inertia that may cause the fluid turbine to slow down.

[0022] Although some non-limiting examples related to wind turbines (particularly vertical wind turbines) are given, these examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure. In addition, in some cases, the term "fluid turbine" can be understood to include a generator in an overall fluid energy conversion system.

[0023] When discussed in conjunction with different disclosed embodiments, various terms used in this detailed description and in the claims may be defined or summarized differently. It should be understood that the term definitions, summaries, and explanations in each case apply to all cases, even without repetition, unless the transitional definition, explanation, or summary would render the embodiment inoperable.

[0024] Throughout this disclosure, references to "disclosed embodiments" refer to examples of the inventive ideas, concepts, and / or manifestations described herein. This disclosure describes many related and unrelated embodiments. The fact that some "disclosed embodiments" are described as exhibiting certain features or characteristics does not mean that other disclosed embodiments necessarily lack such features or characteristics.

[0025] The present disclosure uses open permissive language, such as indicating that certain embodiments "may" employ, involve, or include particular features. The use of the term "may" and other open terminology is intended to indicate that, although not every embodiment may employ a particular disclosed feature, at least one embodiment employs a particular disclosed feature.

[0026] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numbers will be used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. Although several illustrative embodiments are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, the components shown in the figures may be replaced, added, or modified, and the illustrative methods described herein may be modified by replacing, reordering, deleting, or adding steps of the disclosed methods. Therefore, the following detailed description is not limited to specific embodiments and examples, but includes the general principles described herein and shown in the drawings in addition to the general principles covered by the appended claims.

[0027] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for operating one or more fluid turbines (e.g., a cluster of fluid turbines) under variable fluid conditions. In some cases, each fluid turbine in the cluster may be exposed to substantially the same environmental factors (e.g., the same or similar wind conditions, water flow, and temperature). Under low fluid conditions, the energy generated by one or more fluid turbines may not meet one or more threshold requirements associated with supplying the generated electrical energy to the power grid. For example, the AC voltage generated under low fluid conditions may not meet the threshold required by the inverter and / or the power grid. Low fluid conditions may refer to a fluid with a fluid velocity below a minimum fluid flow threshold. For example, a fluid turbine may require a fluid velocity above a minimum power threshold for power generation. The disclosed embodiments may allow the energy generated under low fluid conditions to be utilized to improve the operating efficiency of one or more fluid turbines, and facilitate compliance with one or more standards and / or regulations for supplying AC power to the power grid.

[0028] Flow (e.g., fluid flow) can refer to the movement or sustained deformation of a fluid under an applied force. Flow can correspond to the kinetic energy of the fluid particles or molecules. For example, a temperature gradient in a fluid can cause hotter fluid to rise and cooler fluid to sink in a circulating flow. Uneven heating of the Earth by the sun (e.g., combined with the Earth's rotation) can cause winds (e.g., air currents). Similarly, wind, differences in water density, gravity, and the Earth's rotation can all cause ocean currents (e.g., water currents). Examples of turbines that capture energy from flow can include windmills, water wheels, steam turbines, or gas turbines.

[0029] Wind current can refer to the flow of a fluid consisting of air. Water current can refer to the flow of a fluid consisting of water, such as an ocean current or a river.

[0030] A fluid turbine may include a mechanical device configured to capture energy from a fluid flow (e.g., a water flow, a steam flow, a gas flow, or a wind flow) and convert the captured energy into a form of work (e.g., a rotational motion). A fluid turbine may include at least one moving part coupled to a plurality of blades connected to a shaft. The fluid turbine may rotate, for example, in response to an airflow striking a plurality of blades, in response to a water flow on an impeller (e.g., a paddle wheel, a water wheel), or in response to a steam or gas flow. A plurality of blades and a shaft may be connected to a rotor of a generator for converting the mechanical rotational motion of a plurality of blades and a shaft into electrical energy, as described in more detail below. A fluid turbine may have a horizontal axis of rotation (e.g., an axis about which the fluid turbine rotates is substantially parallel to the ground or flow), or a vertical axis of rotation (e.g., an axis about which the fluid turbine rotates is at right angles to the ground or flow). In some embodiments, the axis of rotation may be neither horizontal nor vertical, while in other embodiments, the axis of rotation may be variable. When the fluid flow exceeds a lower threshold (e.g., a cut-in value), the fluid turbine may start generating electricity.

[0031] The shaft of a fluid turbine can include a rod, bar, column, bracket, tower, or any other shaft or axis. In some embodiments, the shaft can be used to support one or more objects. For example, the blades of a vertical fluid turbine can be connected to the shaft, allowing the blades to be vertically supported by the shaft that can rotate with the blades. Connecting the shaft with the blades to the rotor can allow the rotor to convert the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid into rotational motion to generate electricity. As another example, the blades of an impeller can be connected to a horizontally oriented shaft that can rotate with the blades,

[0032] A blade of a turbine (e.g., as part of a plurality of blades) may refer to an object having a cross-sectional shape with a curved surface (e.g., an airfoil or cup shape typical of a drag-type turbine) that is configured to cause motion (e.g., rotational motion) consistent with the motion of a fluid over the blade. A fluid turbine may include a plurality of blades mounted on the edge of a disk. The movement of the fluid through the blades may generate a tangential force that may cause a rotor to which it is connected to rotate. The flowing fluid may act on the blades of the fluid turbine, causing the blades to rotate and transfer rotational energy to the rotor. The blades may extend from the rotor in that they protrude from the rotor or protrude from a mounting plate that is mechanically connected to the rotor. Connecting the plurality of blades to the rotor (e.g., directly or indirectly) may cause the plurality of blades to extend outwardly and / or upwardly from the rotor.

[0033] A fluid turbine cluster may refer to a plurality of fluid turbines placed relatively close to each other to form a fluid turbine group or set. A fluid turbine cluster may include at least two fluid turbines located at a location including a plurality of fluid turbines. In some embodiments, a fluid turbine cluster may include all fluid turbines at a location. In some embodiments, a fluid turbine cluster may include a number of fluid turbines less than all fluid turbines at a location. Cluster fluid turbines may be positioned in such an arrangement that each fluid turbine may be exposed to substantially similar environmental conditions and fluid flows (e.g., wind conditions, temperature, precipitation, water flow). In some embodiments, at least some of the cluster fluid turbines may be fluidly coupled such that blade motion of a fluidly coupled upstream fluid turbine may cause fluid flow or turbulence that may affect blade motion of a fluidly coupled downstream fluid turbine in the cluster. In some embodiments, each cluster fluid turbine may be fluidly coupled to at least one other fluid turbine. In some embodiments, at least one cluster fluid turbine may be independent such that blade motion of an independent cluster turbine may be independent of blade motion of any other cluster fluid turbine and may not affect blade motion of any other cluster fluid turbine. In some embodiments, each fluid turbine in a cluster may be independent.

[0034] Electrical energy may refer to energy associated with charged particles. Electrical energy may be provided in the form of an electric current (e.g., a flow of electrons) via an electrical potential (e.g., a voltage). A fluid turbine coupled to a generator may convert mechanical energy (e.g., in a fluid flow) into electrical energy to supply an energy sink such as a capacitor, a battery, an electrical load, and / or a power grid.

[0035] Voltage can refer to the difference in electrical potential between two points. Voltage can be related to the tension between two points, to reduce or eliminate the potential difference between the two points. For example, tension can be reduced by a current flowing from one point to another, such as across a potential difference.

[0036] Power (e.g., electrical power) can refer to the rate at which electrical energy is transferred through an electrical circuit. Electricity can be measured in watts (e.g., kilowatts or megawatts) and can refer to the rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electrical circuit. Power can be calculated from known voltage and / or current levels (e.g., watts = volts x amps). Electricity can be generated by a generator (e.g., connected to a fluid turbine). As used herein, the phrases "power generated by a fluid turbine" or "power output by a fluid turbine" can refer to power generated by a generator associated with a fluid turbine.

[0037] A generator (e.g., an AC generator) may include a device configured to convert power or mechanical energy into electricity. The generator may include a rotor and a stator, wherein a winding (e.g., a copper wire) may be electromagnetically coupled to an alternating magnetic field to convert non-electrical energy (e.g., rotational energy or kinetic energy) into electrical energy. The generator may be associated with a fluid turbine (e.g., a steam, water, air, and / or gas turbine). Mechanical energy as the rotational motion of the fluid turbine may be transferred to the rotor of the generator. The rotational motion of the rotor may cause an alternating magnetic field to be generated around the winding, thereby generating an alternating current, thereby converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. In some embodiments, the rotor may include one or more magnets, and the stator may include windings. In some embodiments, the rotor may include windings and the stator may include one or more magnets. In some embodiments, the rotor may be configured to rotate within the stator (e.g., the stator may be formed as a ring or annular ring around the rotor). In some embodiments, the rotor may be configured to rotate around the stator (e.g., the rotor may be formed as a ring or annular ring around the stator). In some embodiments, the rotor of the generator may be connected to rotatable blades and / or a rotatable shaft of the fluid turbine, thereby allowing the rotor to rotate in response to the fluid flow.

[0038] A rotor may refer to a rotating component of an electromagnetic system (e.g., an electric motor, a generator, or an alternator). The rotor may rotate, turn, or spin to produce torque about the axis of the rotor. A stator may refer to a fixed (e.g., non-moving) component in a rotating electromagnetic system. Electromagnetic coupling of the rotor to the stator may allow interaction between electromagnetic coils of electrical conductors (e.g., windings) and alternating magnetic fields. These interactions may allow electrical energy to be converted into mechanical energy as rotational motion (e.g., as in an electric motor), and mechanical energy as rotational motion to be converted into electrical energy (e.g., as in a generator). For example, energy may flow from a rotating component to a stator, as in a generator, where the stator may convert a rotating magnetic field into alternating current.

[0039] The electronic circuit may include any combination of electronic components (e.g., one or more memory cells, switches, transistors, diodes, gates, capacitors, inductors, resistors, transformers, converters, inverters, rectifiers, DC-DC converters, more power supplies, voltage sensors, current sensors, or other electronic components) connected by one or more connecting lines and / or contacts for performing one or more operations (e.g., logical operations) in response to receiving electrical signals as inputs (e.g., from at least one processor operating as a controller). The circuit may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs), including one or more processors. The circuit may also include one or more communication channels and / or links. The communication link may couple one or more integrated circuits to the memory, thereby enabling the one or more integrated circuits to receive the computational instructions and / or data stored thereon required to perform the corresponding logical operations. The communication channel coupling the one or more integrated circuits to the memory may include a wired channel, such as one or more cables, optical fibers, wires, buses, and any other mechanically coupled communication channel. The communication channel may include a wireless channel, such as short-wave, medium-wave, and long-wave radio communication channels (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, cellular, satellite), optical, and acoustic communication channels. The communication channel or link may include wires, cables, and / or optical fibers configured to transmit power (e.g., AC and / or DC) generated by one or more fluid turbines. The communication channel or link may include a communication link for transmitting electronic signals readable by at least one processor.

[0040] At least one processor may constitute any physical device or device group having a circuit that performs a logical operation on one or more inputs. For example, at least one processor may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs), including application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a server, a virtual server, or other circuits suitable for executing instructions or performing logical operations. The instructions executed by at least one processor may be preloaded into a memory integrated with or embedded in a controller, for example, or may be stored in a separate memory. The memory may include a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a flash memory, other permanent, fixed or volatile memory, or any other mechanism capable of storing instructions. In some embodiments, the at least one processor may include more than one processor. Each processor may have a similar structure, or the processors may have different structures that are electrically connected or disconnected from each other. For example, the processor may be an independent circuit or may be integrated in a single circuit. When multiple processors are used, the processors may be configured to operate independently or collaboratively, and may be located at the same location or remotely located from each other. The processors may be coupled electrically, magnetically, optically, acoustically, mechanically, or by other means that allow them to interact.

[0041] The processor may be configured to perform calculations and operations, such as arithmetic and / or logical operations to execute software instructions, control and run processes, and store, manipulate, and delete data in memory. Examples of processors may include those provided by Intel TM The processor may include a single-core processor or a multi-core processor that executes parallel processes simultaneously. It is understood that other types of processor devices may be implemented to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0042] At least one processor may include a single processor or multiple processors that are communicatively linked to each other and capable of performing computations in a collaborative manner, such as collectively performing a single task by dividing the task into subtasks and distributing the subtasks among multiple processors (e.g., using a load balancer). In some embodiments, at least one processor may include multiple processors that are communicatively linked via a communication network (e.g., a local and / or remote communication network including wired and / or wireless communication links). Multiple linked processors may be configured to collectively perform computations in a distributed manner (e.g., as known in the art of distributed computing).

[0043] In some embodiments, at least one processor may include multiple processors configured to control multiple geographically associated fluid turbines (e.g., a cluster of fluid turbines). In some embodiments, one or more fluid turbines in a cluster of fluid turbines may be associated with one or more specific processors, such as a subset dedicated to a specific fluid turbine or a specific fluid turbine in the cluster. In some embodiments, one or more processors may be configured in a central control unit to collectively control the operation of each fluid turbine in a cluster of fluid turbines. In some embodiments, at least one processor may include one or more processors dedicated to a specific fluid turbine in a cluster of fluid turbines, and one or more processors in a central control unit configured to control the operation of the entire cluster of fluid turbines. In some embodiments, at least one processor may control the operation of multiple geographically associated fluid turbines to allow multiple geographically associated fluid turbines to operate together as a single fluid energy conversion system.

[0044] A non-temporary computer-readable storage medium (e.g., memory) refers to any type of physical memory that can store information or data readable by at least one processor. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drive, CD ROM, DVD, flash drive, disk, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with a hole pattern, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM or any other flash memory, NVRAM, cache, register, any other memory chip or cassette and its networked version. The terms "memory" and "computer-readable storage medium" can refer to a variety of structures, such as multiple memories or computer-readable storage media located locally (e.g., physically close to at least one processor and connected via a local communication link) or remotely located (e.g., accessible by at least one processor via a communication network). In addition, one or more computer-readable storage media can be used to implement a computer-implemented method. Therefore, the term "computer-readable storage medium" should be understood to include tangible items, while excluding carriers and transient signals.

[0045] In some embodiments, the memory may include a plurality of memory storage devices configured to store information for controlling a plurality of geographically associated fluid turbines (e.g., a cluster of fluid turbines). In some embodiments, one or more fluid turbines in a cluster of fluid turbines may be associated with one or more specific storage devices, such as dedicated to a particular fluid turbine or a subset of a particular fluid turbine in the cluster. In some embodiments, one or more storage devices may be configured with a central control unit to collectively store information for controlling each fluid turbine in a cluster of fluid turbines. In some embodiments, the memory may include one or more storage devices dedicated to a particular fluid turbine in a cluster of fluid turbines, and one or more storage devices in a central control unit configured to store information for controlling the entire cluster of fluid turbines. In some embodiments, the memory may store information for controlling the operation of a plurality of geographically associated fluid turbines to allow a plurality of geographically associated fluid turbines to operate together as a single fluid energy conversion system.

[0046] Consistent with the present disclosure, the disclosed embodiments may involve a network. The network may include any type of physical or wireless computer network arrangement for exchanging data. For example, the network may be the Internet, a private data network, a virtual private network using a public network, a Wi-Fi network, a LAN or WAN network, a combination of one or more of the above, and / or other suitable connections that enable information exchange between the various components of the system. In some embodiments, the network may include one or more physical links for exchanging data, such as Ethernet, coaxial cable, twisted pair cable, optical fiber, or any other physical medium suitable for exchanging data. The network may also include a public switched telephone network (PSTN) and / or a wireless cellular network. The network may be a secure network or an unsecure network. In other embodiments, one or more components of the system may communicate directly via a dedicated communication network. Direct communication may use any suitable technology, including, for example, BLUETOOTH. TM 、BLUETOOTHLE TM (BLE), Wi-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC), or other suitable communication methods that provide a medium for exchanging data and / or information between independent entities.

[0047] Direct current (DC) (e.g., a DC power signal) may refer to a unidirectional flow of electric charge. A DC power source may be used to operate a processor or controller. Examples of a DC power source may include power generated by an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery) or power stored in a capacitor. Electronic devices such as processors, controllers, and storage devices may operate using a DC power source.

[0048] Alternating current (AC) (e.g., an alternating current signal) may refer to a bidirectional flow of electric charge that exhibits a periodic change in direction. Due to the positive or negative flow of electrons, the alternating current may vary between positive and negative directions, thereby producing a sinusoidal alternating current wave. An alternating current generator may generate alternating current by placing a conductive coil (e.g., a copper winding) in a fluctuating magnetic field. The fluctuating magnetic polarity may cause the current in the conductive coil to change direction, producing an electrical waveform signal. Alternating current may be transmitted farther than direct current without loss of power, which is advantageous for delivering power from a power generation system to power consumers. A generator may generate alternating current, and a power system network may supply alternating current to consumers.

[0049] A three-phase voltage signal may refer to a voltage signal distributed as three voltage signals, each of which is 120 degrees out of phase with the other voltage signals, so that the peaks and valleys of the three voltage signals are not aligned. The three voltage signals may be offset from each other by one-third of each cycle, so that the waveform generated by each phase may be offset by one-third of the cycle generated by the other two phases. The three-phase voltage signal enables efficient high-voltage step-up and step-down to achieve power transmission.

[0050] A load (e.g., an electrical load) may refer to an impedance or resistance. Such a load may be imposed on a generator (e.g., and a fluid turbine connected thereto), causing the rotation of the generator and / or the fluid turbine connected thereto to slow down. Generating a load may involve absorbing at least a portion of the electrical energy generated by the generator into an energy sink. Consuming more electrical energy (e.g., increasing the load) may increase the impedance, causing the rotation speed of the fluid turbine to slow down. Consuming less electrical energy (e.g., reducing the load) may reduce the impedance, causing the rotation speed of the fluid turbine to increase.

[0051] A rectifier may refer to a device or circuit (e.g., an AC-DC converter) that converts alternating current (AC) to a direct current (DC) signal. A rectifier may convert alternating current (e.g., generated by a generator) to direct current (e.g., to power at least one processor). In some embodiments, each of the geographically associated fluid turbines may be associated with a dedicated rectifier. The dedicated rectifier for each fluid turbine may be housed in a separate housing (e.g., for each fluid turbine) or in a common housing for multiple fluid turbines.

[0052] An inverter (e.g., a power inverter) may refer to a device or circuit (e.g., a DC-AC converter) that converts a direct current (DC) signal into an alternating current (AC) signal. Depending on the circuit design of the inverter, the inverter may convert a DC signal into a square wave, a sine wave, a modified sine wave, a pulsed sine wave, a pulse width modulated wave (PWM). The inverter may convert DC power into AC power for transmission to a power grid. In some embodiments, multiple geographically associated fluid turbines may be associated with a single inverter to output collectively generated AC power to a power grid.

[0053] For example, each AC power signal output by each geographically associated fluid turbine can be converted to a DC power signal by each dedicated rectifier. The circuit (e.g., including at least one processor) can process the DC power signals to combine each DC power signal to form an aggregate DC power signal, so that converting the aggregate DC power signal by the inverter can produce an AC power signal that is compatible for transmission to the power grid.

[0054] A capacitor may refer to an electronic component that is configured to store electrostatic energy in an electric field by storing charge on two opposing surfaces (e.g., conductive plates) separated by an insulator (e.g., a dielectric). Applying a potential difference (e.g., a voltage) across the plates of a capacitor may result in an electric field being formed in the dielectric medium, causing a net positive charge to accumulate on one plate and a net negative charge to accumulate on the opposing plate, thereby allowing electrical energy to be stored as a potential difference between the two plates. The plates of a capacitor may be connected to other circuit elements (e.g., through contacts of the capacitor), thereby allowing one or more capacitors to be integrated into an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, a capacitor may be used as a source of electrical energy (e.g., similar to a battery). However, a capacitor may be distinguished from a battery in that a capacitor may lack chemical reactions to receive, store, and generate electrical energy. Capacitors may be manufactured on a microelectronic scale for integration with other microelectronic components, such as using photolithography processes.

[0055] A battery may refer to an electrical device configured to convert chemical energy into electrical energy or vice versa. A battery may include one or more cells, each containing electrodes and an electrolyte. When the electrodes are connected to an external circuit, a chemical reaction may occur in the electrolyte, resulting in a flow of electrons, thereby generating an electric current. The amount of electrical energy that can be stored in a battery may be determined by the capacity (e.g., measured in ampere-hours (Ah) or milliampere-hours (mAh)). Batteries may be rechargeable or non-rechargeable.

[0056] A battery pack may include multiple batteries connected together in a series or parallel configuration to provide greater capacity and / or higher voltage. A battery pack may be used to store electrical energy generated by a renewable energy source (e.g., multiple fluid turbines) for subsequent use by a consumer. In some embodiments, a battery pack may include multiple batteries connected in series to increase the voltage while maintaining a stable capacity. In some embodiments, a battery pack may include multiple batteries connected in parallel to increase the capacity while maintaining a stable voltage. In some embodiments, a battery pack may include multiple batteries connected in series and in parallel to increase the voltage and capacity. A charge controller may be used to ensure that the batteries in a battery pack have similar states of charge and similar electrical characteristics, for example, to prevent overcharging, over-discharging, and / or uneven aging of one or more batteries included therein.

[0057] The DC-DC converter may include a power converter, for example, an electronic circuit and / or device configured to convert a DC voltage signal from a first DC voltage level to a second voltage level. The DC-DC converter may reduce (e.g., step-down) a DC voltage signal or increase (e.g., step-up) a DC voltage signal. For example, a DC-DC converter may temporarily store electrical energy and release electrical energy at different voltages. In some embodiments, the DC-DC converter may be designed to (e.g., substantially) maximize the energy collected from a fluid turbine and / or a photovoltaic cell (e.g., as a power optimizer). The DC-DC converter may include an electronic voltage converter (e.g., using one or more capacitors, inductors, and / or transformers), a magnetic voltage converter (e.g., using an inductor and / or transformer to periodically release energy from a magnetic field stored therein), a bidirectional DC-DC converter, and / or a capacitive voltage converter.

[0058] A charge controller may refer to an electronic device configured to help ensure that a fluid turbine complies with one or more regulations and / or specifications. For example, a charge controller may prevent a fluid turbine from overcharging a battery pack while limiting the rotational speed of the fluid turbine (e.g., when the battery pack is full and / or under high fluid velocity conditions), and may allow aggregation of power from multiple fluid turbines without loss due to interference. A charge controller may include an AC-DC converter (e.g., a rectifier), one or more voltage sensor switches, a voltage regulator (e.g., for regulating a DC voltage for supplying DC power to a battery pack), and / or a dump load (e.g., for diverting excess power to prevent overcharging). In some embodiments, a charge controller may include a user interface and / or functionality for preventing excessive voltage, excessive current, and / or excessive temperature. For example, a user interface may be associated with one or more light emitting diodes or LEDs (e.g., emitting a warning light), a speaker (e.g., emitting a warning sound), an electronic screen, and / or any other interface that may allow a user to interact with the charge controller.

[0059] The charge controller may be connected to an AC output of a generator connected to a fluid turbine. The AC-DC converter of the charge controller may convert the AC output to a DC signal (e.g., for aggregation with other DC signals generated by other charge controllers associated with other fluid turbines without causing lossy interference). When the DC voltage level is below an upper limit of the battery pack, at least one voltage sensor switch of the charge controller may transmit a DC signal to charge the battery pack, and when the DC voltage level exceeds the upper limit, the DC signal (e.g., excess DC power) may be transferred to a dump load. The voltage regulator may adjust the DC voltage transmitted to the battery pack to comply with one or more specifications, regulations, and / or recommendations related to the battery pack.

[0060] An aggregate power signal may refer to a power signal generated by combining multiple electrical power signals from different power sources (e.g., generators) into a single combined power signal. Aggregating the power signals may require synchronizing the generators (e.g., synchronizing frequencies, synchronizing phase angles, and / or adjusting voltage levels to achieve matching voltage levels), and / or temporarily storing the electrical energy of one or more power signals (e.g., in one or more capacitors and / or batteries). Once the power signals from each generator are synchronized and matched, the power signals may be combined using an electrical device such as a power combiner or a power distribution board. The combined (e.g., aggregated) signal may be transmitted to a power grid or used to power a load.

[0061] An electrical grid (e.g., a power grid) may include an interconnected network that delivers electrical power (e.g., alternating current) from a single or multiple generators to a single or multiple consumers. The grid may be designed to supply power at a substantially stable voltage level under varying power demand (e.g., through power sinks) and supply (e.g., through generators). The grid may use one or more tap switches or transformers to regulate the voltage and keep the voltage within grid specifications. The properties of the power (e.g., frequency, phase, power level) supplied to the grid by one or more generators may need to comply with regulations or standards.

[0062] A signal may refer to coded information transmitted over a physical medium. Examples of signals may include signals in the electromagnetic radiation spectrum (e.g., AM or FM radio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radar, visible light, LiDAR, IR, Zigbee, Z-wave, and / or GPS signals), acoustic or ultrasonic signals, electrical signals (e.g., voltage, current, or charge signals), electronic signals (e.g., digital data), tactile signals (e.g., touch), and / or any other type of coded information transmitted between two entities over a physical medium.

[0063] A detector may refer to a device that outputs an electronic signal in response to detecting, sensing, or measuring a physical phenomenon. The detector may convert the measurement of the physical phenomenon to a medium (e.g., an electronic medium) for reception by at least one processor. The detector may include a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, a resistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, a temperature sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a Hall sensor, a thermocouple sensor, a photoelectric sensor, a digital position sensor, a current sensor, a voltage sensor, a photoelectric encoder, a pressure sensor, a liquid (e.g., liquid) level sensor, a flow sensor, and / or one or more of any other types of sensors that can be used to detect position, linear displacement, pressure, temperature, flow, vibration, rotational speed, current, voltage, power, and / or any other parameter associated with, for example, generating electrical energy.

[0064] A controller (e.g., a charge controller) can achieve maximum energy extraction by adjusting the shaft speed (e.g., corresponding to the rotational speed) of a fluid turbine in response to a changing fluid velocity. The controller can adjust the shaft rotational speed by sending an electrical signal to the copper windings of a generator rotor coupled thereto. The electrical signal may introduce impedance (e.g., by shunting or shorting the copper windings), causing the rotational speed of the rotor to slow down and causing the fluid turbine coupled thereto to slow down accordingly to produce maximum power under changing fluid conditions. The charge controller can adjust the shaft speed by increasing or decreasing the load on the energy generator to which it is coupled.

[0065] A brake may refer to a device configured to adjust (e.g., slow down) the rotational speed of a fluid turbine and / or a generator connected thereto. The brake may include a mechanical brake and / or an electronic brake. The mechanical brake may include one or more brake pads, brake discs, and / or brake drums, such as activated by a switch. In some embodiments, the mechanical brake may include a lock, such as a pin configured to engage and hold the brake. The electronic brake may include a switch configured to introduce and / or remove a load (e.g., dump a load) applied to the fluid turbine.

[0066] refer to Figures 1A to 1C, which shows a variety of exemplary vertically oriented fluid turbines 100, 102, and 104, each of which is consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fluid turbine 100 can be an exemplary vertical wind turbine having a rotation axis 106 positioned approximately perpendicular to the direction 108 of fluid flow. The fluid turbine 102 can be an exemplary H-lift vertical wind turbine that rotates about a vertically oriented axis 110, and the fluid turbine 104 can be an exemplary spiral (e.g., vertical) wind turbine that rotates about a vertically oriented axis 112. It is worth noting that the exemplary fluid turbines 100 to 112 are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to any particular type or implementation of fluid turbines, because the inventive principles described herein can be applied to any turbine or turbine group cluster, regardless of its structure or arrangement. In addition, although some non-limiting examples may relate to any one of the fluid turbines 100-112, these examples are provided for conceptual purposes only and do not limit the present disclosure to any particular implementation or type of fluid turbine.

[0067] Figure 2 is a diagram of an exemplary fluid energy conversion system consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fluid energy conversion system comprising Figure 1A The fluid turbine 100 may include a plurality of blades 202 and 204 configured to rotate in response to a fluid flow 208. The generator 200 may include a rotor 206 and a stator 208 that together house one or more permanent magnets and copper windings (e.g., the rotor may include magnets and the stator may include copper windings, or vice versa). The generator 200 may be configured to induce alternating current (AC) when the rotor 206 rotates relative to the stator 208 (e.g., by generating a fluctuating magnetic field around the copper windings through the rotational motion). The kinetic energy contained in the fluid flow 210 may exert a force on the fluid turbine 100, causing the blades 202 and 204 to rotate. The rotational motion of the blades 202 and 204 may cause the rotor 206 of the generator 200 to rotate relative to the stator 208, generating AC, thereby converting the kinetic energy of the fluid flow 210 into electrical energy.

[0068] Figure 3 An exemplary top view of a fluid energy conversion system including an outer stator 300 and an inner rotor 302 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The inner rotor 302 can be mechanically coupled to a rotating shaft 304 of a fluid turbine. The inner rotor 302 can include one or more permanent magnets and the outer stator 300 can include copper windings, such that when the inner rotor 302 rotates due to the rotation of the shaft of the fluid turbine to which it is connected, the copper windings of the outer stator 300 can be exposed to a fluctuating magnetic field, thereby inducing an alternating electrical signal.

[0069] Figure 4 An exemplary top view of a fluid energy conversion system including an outer rotor 400 and an inner stator 402 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The outer rotor 400 can be mechanically coupled to a rotating shaft 404 of a fluid turbine. The outer rotor 400 can include one or more permanent magnets and the inner stator 402 can include copper windings, such that when the outer rotor 400 rotates due to the rotation of the shaft 404 to which it is connected, the copper windings of the inner stator 402 can be exposed to a fluctuating magnetic field, thereby generating an alternating current signal.

[0070] Figure 5 A view of an exemplary cluster 500 of geographically associated fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506 and their respective associated generators 508, 510, and 512 is shown consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The geographically associated fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506 and their associated generators 508, 510, and 512 may be connected to at least one processor 514 via circuitry 516 and one or more communication links 518. The communication links 518 may include different types of wired communication links (e.g., wire, cable, optical fiber) and / or wireless communication links (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, AM, FM, PM radio transceivers, satellite or GPS transceivers, IR transceivers, ultrasonic transceivers, and / or any other type of wireless communication link). The communication links 518 may include high power communication links, such as for receiving power generated by the associated generators 508, 510, and 512, and / or for sending bearer signals to the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506 and / or the associated generators 508, 510, and 512. The communication links 518 may also include low power communication links, such as for sending and receiving data between multiple processors and / or sensors.

[0071] The at least one processor 514 may be configured to control each of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506, respectively, or coordinate the operation of each of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506. For example, the at least one processor 514 may coordinate operations such as braking, decelerating, stopping, locking, unlocking, and / or starting one or more of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506. As another example, the at least one processor 514 may control the rotational direction and / or speed of any of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506, implement an MPPT protocol for one or more of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506, control the relative rotational phase between any of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506, and / or execute any other routines to coordinate the operation of one or more of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506. The at least one processor 508 may include one or more individual processors, each dedicated to controlling one of the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506, and / or one or more processors dedicated to collectively controlling the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506 as the cluster 500, operating as a single overall energy conversion system. Although the cluster 500 is shown with three fluid turbines, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the cluster 500 may include as few as two fluid turbines, or more than three fluid turbines. The circuit 516 may aggregate the power generated by the fluid turbines 502, 504, and 506 and the associated generators 508, 510, and 512 to produce a total power output 520. It is worth repeating that although Figure 5 The discussion is related to the example turbine configuration shown, but Figure 5 The principles described in are applicable to any turbine, regardless of turbine construction. For example, Figure 5 The discussion may be relevant to horizontal-axis fluid turbines, hydro turbines, gas turbines, wind turbines, and / or any other type of fluid turbine and / or combinations thereof.

[0072] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid energy conversion system 600 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown, the system being configured to generate electricity from a fluid flow and output the generated electricity to an energy sink 602. The fluid energy conversion system 600 may include a plurality (e.g., a cluster) 604 of geographically associated fluid turbines 606 and 608. Each of the fluid turbines 606 and 608 may be connected to a generator 610 and 612, respectively, for converting the fluid flow (e.g., Figure 21 ) is converted into electrical energy (e.g., total electrical energy output 614) for at least one energy sink 602 (e.g., a load). The total electrical energy output 614 may include a direct current output (e.g., for powering a battery pack) or an alternating current output (e.g., for delivery to a power grid). In some embodiments, a portion of the total electrical energy output 614 may be delivered as a direct current signal to charge one or more batteries, and a portion of the total electrical energy output 614 may be delivered as an alternating current signal to a power grid. In some embodiments, a portion of the total electrical energy output 614 may be delivered as direct current power to a power circuit for controlling one or more elements of the fluid energy conversion system 600, such as control circuits associated with fluid turbines 606 and 608 and / or generators 610 and 612. The fluid turbines 606 and 608 may be any fluid turbine, including but not limited to the various exemplary turbines shown in FIG. 1 . Examples of energy sinks may include a power grid, one or more batteries, and / or any other power sink. Generators 610 and 612 can convert mechanical rotational energy received from fluid turbines 606 and 608 into a plurality of AC outputs 616 and 618. Fluid turbines 606 and 608 and generators 610 and 614 can be associated with charge controllers 620 and 622, respectively. The AC outputs 616 and 618 can be converted to DC signals 624 and 626 by charge controllers 620 and 622, respectively. Charge controllers 620 and 622 can include electronic circuits, such as one or more rectifiers (e.g., AC-DC converters), voltage sensor switches, dump loads, braking circuits, capacitors, and / or boosters. DC signals 624 and 626 can be transmitted to interconnect circuits 628 via a plurality of links 630 and 632. Links 630 and 632 can include one or more coaxial cables, optical fibers, and / or wires configured to transmit power signals.

[0073] The charge controllers 620 and 622 may transmit one or more electronic signals to the interconnect circuit 628 via communication links 630 and 632, respectively. The communication links 630 and 632 may include one or more wired and / or wireless communication channels configured to send and receive electronic signals between at least one processor 634 and the charge controllers 620 and 622.

[0074] Each of the fluid turbines 606 and 608 and the associated generators 610 and 612 may be associated with at least one sensor 636 and 638, as described in more detail below. The sensors 636 and 638 may be connected to the fluid turbines 606 and 608 and / or the associated generators 610 and 612 to sense one or more operating parameters associated therewith and transmit the one or more sensed operating parameters to the charge controllers 620 and 622, respectively.

[0075] The interconnection circuit 628 may include at least one sensor 640, at least one booster (e.g., voltage booster) 642, at least one capacitor 646, at least one DC-DC converter 648, at least one processor 634, at least one memory 650, at least one braking circuit 652, and / or at least one inverter 654, which are interconnected via a communication link 656. In some embodiments, the inverter 654 may be a single inverter configured to convert the aggregated DC power generated by the cluster 604 into an AC signal compatible with the grid (e.g., 110V, 120V, 220V, 240V, or any other voltage level compatible with the regional grid). A non-limiting example of an inverter that may be employed is the IQ7 Plus produced by Enphase Energy, Inc. of Fremont, California.

[0076] Figure 7 An exemplary schematic diagram of a charge controller 700 connected to at least one sensor 702 consistent with certain embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For example, the charge controller 700 may correspond to any one of the charge controllers 620 and 622, and the at least one sensor may correspond to Figure 6 At least one sensor 636 and 638 in any one of. For example, the charge controller can be connected to any one of the fluid turbines 606 and 608 and / or associated generators 610 and 612.

[0077] At least one sensor 702 may include one or more rotation sensors 704, fluid velocity sensors 706, vibration sensors 708, temperature sensors 710, power output sensors 712, and / or image sensors 714. One or more rotation sensors 704 may be associated with a rotating component of a fluid turbine and / or an associated generator. For example, one or more rotation sensors 704 may be associated with one or more turbine blades, a rotating shaft, and / or a rotor. The fluid velocity sensor 704 may be configured to sense the velocity of a fluid flow affecting the fluid turbine. Examples of fluid velocity sensors 704 may include one or more of an anemometer, a water flow sensor, a gas flow meter, and / or a steam flow meter for sensing. The vibration sensor 706 may include, for example, one or more accelerometers, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, and / or capacitive MEMS for sensing vibrations of one or more components of a fluid turbine and / or an associated generator. The temperature sensor 708 may include, for example, a thermometer, a thermostat, a thermocouple, a thermopile, an infrared thermometer, a bimetallic thermometer, or any other type of temperature measurement device. The power output sensor 710 may include, for example, a voltmeter (e.g., a voltage sensor) and / or an ammeter (e.g., a current sensor) for measuring the power generated by a generator associated with the fluid turbine. The one or more image sensors 714 may include one or more cameras (e.g., a charge coupled device or CCD camera, and / or a CMOS camera for detecting visible light and / or an IR camera).

[0078] The charge controller 700 may include one or more of at least one processor 716, a memory 718, an input / output device (I / O) 720 (e.g., for communicating with at least one processor 428 via a communication link 420), an electronic brake controller 722, a mechanical brake controller 724, a yaw controller 726, a pitch controller 728, a rectifier 730, and / or a dump load 732. The at least one processor 716, the memory 718, the I / O 720, the electronic brake control 722, the mechanical brake control 724, the yaw control 726, the pitch control 728, the rectifier 730, and / or the dump load 732 may be interconnected via a bus system 734. In some embodiments, a clock (e.g., a clock of at least one processor) may be used as a sensor, for example, to schedule maintenance or safety procedures, and / or synchronize the operation of a fluid turbine. In some embodiments, the clock may be used in conjunction with scheduling software to issue an alarm (e.g., a signal) to call for braking, decelerating, stopping, locking, and / or unlocking of the fluid turbine by at least one processor.

[0079] The electronic brake controller 722 may include an inverter and a booster, for example, to implement an electronic braking mechanism. For example, electronic braking of a fluid turbine may be implemented by applying a load (e.g., impedance) to an associated generator. In some embodiments, electronic braking may be implemented using an AC signal. At least one processor (e.g., at least one processor 634 and / or processor 716) may determine an AC signal that is configured to apply a specific load to achieve a desired braking level, for example, by interfering with another AC signal. In some embodiments, electronic braking may be implemented using a DC signal, for example, causing a switch to transfer the power output of the generator to a dump load. At least one processor may transmit a DC signal to the electronic brake controller 722 of the charge controller 700. The electronic brake control device 722 may use the DC signal to generate an AC signal that may be enhanced to a certain level by the electronic brake control device 722 to apply a specific load to the associated generator. For example, the AC electrical signal may be used to implement an MPPT protocol, engage an electronic brake, adjust the phase of a fluid turbine (e.g., by slowing one fluid turbine relative to another), adjust the rotational speed, adjust the direction of rotation, and / or perform any other control operation on the fluid turbine.

[0080] The mechanical brake controller 724 may include one or more electronic switches that allow at least one processor to control one or more mechanical brakes (e.g., brake pads, brake discs, and / or brake drums) configured with one or more rotating components of a fluid turbine and / or associated generator.

[0081] In some embodiments, electronic braking of a fluid turbine may be accomplished by a charge controller that may transfer power generated by an associated generator to a dump load. In some embodiments, multiple charge controllers connected to multiple fluid turbines and associated generators may coordinate their rotational speeds by transferring generated power to a single common dump load.

[0082] In some embodiments, transmitting electricity generated by a cluster of relatively closely placed fluid turbines over moderate to large distances may result in energy losses due to the transmission of power at low voltage. For example, transmitting low voltage power from a 48 volt generator to an inverter over long distances may result in significant power losses. In some embodiments, one or more inverters and / or rectifier systems may be located near (e.g., below and / or adjacent to) the turbines and associated generators in the cluster, for example, to reduce energy losses. The inverters may output higher voltages than typical generators and may be interconnected using a single cable to enable transmission of higher voltages and reduce losses. Therefore, in some embodiments, each fluid turbine in the cluster may have an inverter near it to allow high voltages to be generated to reduce losses.

[0083] However, it can be expensive to transmit power from closely clustered fluid turbines using different cables dedicated to each fluid turbine. In some embodiments, multiple inverters associated with a cluster of fluid turbines can be connected together by a single cable for transmission to a common destination. If necessary, the power can be converted to direct current at the destination. In some embodiments, the power can be transmitted through a junction box placed near the cluster of fluid turbines.

[0084] For example, the low voltage output of the wind turbines (e.g., less than 48 volts, 60 volts, 72 volts, 84 volts, 96 volts, 108 volts, or 120 volts) can be fed to a nearby rectifier system. The aggregated DC voltage can be fed to a nearby inverter that produces at least 110 volts and / or to multiple inverters spliced ​​together in parallel as a single cable that transmits the power to a destination. Thus, using one large cable with individual wires connected to each turbine in the cluster can reduce power losses.

[0085] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a vertically oriented shaft having at least one opening extending transversely therethrough. A vertically oriented shaft refers to a shaft configured to be positioned and / or aligned to be upright, standing and / or substantially perpendicular to the ground. A vertically oriented shaft may be a shaft configured to be oriented in a substantially vertical manner (as described and illustrated elsewhere herein). In some embodiments, a vertically oriented shaft may be hollow. An opening extending therethrough refers to an orifice, a hole and / or an aperture that penetrates and / or passes through an object. For example, an opening extending through an object may form a passage and / or a path through the object. In some embodiments, an opening may extend completely through an object. Transversely refers to extending in a manner that is not parallel to the length of the shaft. For example, transversely may refer to an orthogonal or non-orthogonal direction relative to the length of the shaft. An opening transversely passing through the shaft may expose two holes on either side of the shaft. If the shaft is a cylindrical shaft, the two holes may be exposed on opposite sides of the cylindrical wall of the shaft. For example, the two holes may be substantially at substantially the same level so that the passage formed by the opening may be substantially perpendicular to the shaft. A vertically orientable shaft having at least one opening extending transversely therethrough may refer to a shaft that includes an aperture and / or hole through the shaft to form a passage or passageway such that when the shaft is positioned in a vertical alignment, the passageway may pass through the shaft along an axis that intersects the axis of the shaft. For example, such an axis may be horizontal relative to the shaft.

[0086] By way of non-limiting example, reference is made to Figure 8 , Figure 8 800. Consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure, fluid turbine 800 can include a vertically oriented shaft 802 having at least one rod 818 extending through at least one shaft opening 806 via at least one sleeve. At least one opening 806 can extend transversely through vertically oriented shaft 802.

[0087] By way of another non-limiting example, reference Fig. 9 , which is consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 8 806, 808, and 810 extending transversely therethrough.

[0088] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a first blade portion configured for vertical orientation on a first side of a shaft; a second blade portion configured for vertical orientation on a second side of a shaft opposite to the first side. A blade portion refers to a portion and / or a section of a turbine blade, which can be understood as described and exemplified elsewhere herein. "First" and "second" refer to different portions that can be connected or disconnected from each other. For example, the first blade portion and the second blade portion can refer to two different blade portions. In some disclosed embodiments, the first blade portion and the second blade portion can be connected together. For example, the first blade portion and the second blade portion can be different portions of a single blade. For example, the turbine blade can have a curved (e.g., semicircular) shape, forming an arc at least partially around the turbine shaft, and the first blade portion and the second blade portion can extend at different portions of the arc. Additionally or alternatively, the first blade portion and the second blade portion can refer to the upper and lower portions of one or more blades. In some disclosed embodiments, the first blade portion is a separate element from the second blade portion. A separate element refers to a different unit that is not directly connected to other units. For example, there can be a distinction or division between the first blade portion and the second blade portion in a system or structure. For example, the fluid turbine may include at least two different blades rotatable about an axis. A first blade of the at least two blades may include a first blade portion, and a second blade of the at least two blades may include a second blade portion.

[0089] The side of the shaft refers to the direction relative to the surface of the shaft wall. For example, a cylindrical shaft can present multiple viewing angles from different angles around the shaft. A specific viewing angle can correspond to one (e.g., first) side of the shaft. A first blade portion configured to be oriented vertically on one side of the shaft refers to a first blade portion that can be aligned in an upright direction relative to the upright shaft and is located on one (e.g., first) side of the shaft. For example, the first blade portion can form a first arc that partially surrounds the shaft on one side. Opposite refers to opposite, mirrored, reversed and / or opposite directions. The second side of the shaft opposite to the first side refers to a direction relative to the surface of the shaft wall that is different from the first side of the shaft. For example, if the shaft presents a first side, rotating the shaft (e.g., rotating 180° or any other angle) can present a second side of the shaft opposite to the first side. A second blade portion configured to be oriented vertically on the second side of the shaft opposite to the first side refers to a second blade portion that can be aligned in an upright direction relative to the upright shaft and is located on the other (e.g., second) side of the shaft. In some embodiments, the second blade orientation may be mirrored with the blade orientation on the first side of the shaft. In other embodiments, the two blade portions may not be mirrored to each other. For example, the second blade portion may form a second arc shape partially surrounding the shaft at another (eg, second) side of the shaft such that the first blade portion and the second blade portion face each other.

[0090] By way of non-limiting example, in Figure 8 , a vertically oriented fluid turbine 800 includes first and second blade portions 814 and 816, respectively, configured to be vertically oriented on opposite sides of a shaft 802. The first blade portion 814 may be configured to be vertically oriented on a first side of the shaft 802, and the second blade portion 816 may be configured to be vertically oriented on a second side of the shaft 802 opposite the first side. In some embodiments, the first blade portion 814 may be a separate element from the second blade portion 816. In some embodiments, the first blade portion 814 and the second blade portion 816 may be made of plastic, fiberglass, acrylic, or any other lightweight ductile material, and the shaft 802 may be made of metal, such as steel.

[0091] Some disclosed embodiments relate to at least one rod extending through at least one shaft opening. A rod refers to a bar, a column, and / or any other elongated straight element. In some embodiments, the rod can be made of metal and can have a circular cross-section. Extending through means protruding, passing, sticking out, and / or poking out something. A rod extending through a shaft hole refers to a rod that passes through the shaft via a hole that runs through both sides of the shaft. For example, a middle section of the rod can be placed in the shaft, one end of the rod pokes out of the shaft from an opening on one side of the shaft (or is positioned at an opening on one side), and the other end of the rod pokes out of the shaft from another opening on the other side of the shaft (or is positioned at an opening on the other side).

[0092] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one rod is connectable to the first blade portion at its first end and to the second blade portion at its second end. Connectable means being able to be attached to something. For example, two objects can be connected using one or more complementary components configured to engage with each other, thereby attaching the two objects together. Some examples of complementary components configured to connect two objects together may include a bolt or screw with a nut, a shackle and / or a pair of hooks. The end (of the rod) refers to the tip and / or farthest part of the rod. At least one rod that is connectable to the blade portion at one end refers to the tip of the rod that is attachable to the blade portion. For example, the tip of the rod can be associated with one or more bolts and / or nuts to connect the tip to the blade portion. A rod that is connectable to the first blade portion at its first end and to the second blade portion at its second end refers to a rod that is connected to the first blade portion at one of its tips and to the second blade portion at its other tip. For example, a rod may pass through an opening in a turbine shaft so that a middle portion of the rod may be located within the shaft, one end of the rod protrudes out one side of the shaft to connect to a first blade portion, and the other end of the rod protrudes out the other side of the shaft to connect to a second blade portion.

[0093] By way of non-limiting example, in Figure 8 , rods 818 and 820 may extend through shaft openings 806 and 808, respectively. Fig. 9 806, 808, and 810, respectively. The rods 818, 820, and 822 may be connected to the first blade portion 814 at their first ends 824, 826, and 828, and connected to the second blade portion 816 at their second ends 830, 832, and 834. In some embodiments, the rods 818, 820, and 822 may be made of metal, such as steel.

[0094] Some disclosed embodiments relate to at least one reinforcement sleeve extending through at least one shaft opening. Reinforcement refers to strengthening, supporting and / or consolidating. For example, a reinforced object can withstand greater pressure than an object without reinforcement because the reinforcement can offset and / or absorb at least a portion of the pressure. Therefore, a reinforced object can be stronger, more flexible, and / or less prone to bending and / or damage compared to an object without reinforcement. A sleeve refers to an object that can enclose and / or surround another object. For example, a sleeve can include a sheath, a tube and / or a sleeve. A reinforced sleeve refers to a sleeve configured to strengthen, support and / or support. It can refer to a tube and / or sleeve that can withstand and / or absorb pressure, thereby offsetting at least some of the pressure of the object protected by the sleeve. A reinforcement sleeve extending through a shaft opening refers to a reinforcement tube and / or sleeve protruding from an orifice of the shaft. In some embodiments, a first reinforcement sleeve may protrude from an orifice on a first side of the shaft, and a second reinforcement sleeve may protrude from an orifice on a second side of the shaft. In some embodiments, the reinforcement sleeve extending through the shaft opening may refer to the reinforcement sleeve passing through the shaft via holes passing through both sides of the shaft to form a passage through the shaft. For example, the middle section of the reinforcement sleeve may be located inside the shaft, one end of the reinforcement sleeve may protrude out of the shaft from an opening on one side of the shaft, and the other end of the reinforcement sleeve may protrude out of the shaft from another opening on the other side of the shaft.

[0095] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one reinforcement sleeve is bonded to the shaft. Bonding refers to gluing and / or fixing using an adhesive. For example, a metal-to-metal adhesive can be used to attach one metal object to another metal object. Such adhesives may include, for example, epoxy resins, acrylic metal glues, cyanoacrylates, and / or anaerobic metal adhesives. Therefore, at least one reinforcement sleeve can be at least partially attached to the turbine shaft using a metal-to-metal adhesive. In some disclosed embodiments, at least one reinforcement sleeve is welded to the shaft. Welding refers to a manufacturing process that melts at least a portion of a metal object (e.g., a base metal) by applying strong heat, thereby fusing multiple metal objects together. In some cases, in addition to melting the base metal of at least one metal object, welding can also introduce filler materials to form a molten metal pool connecting multiple metal objects. In some cases, welding may involve applying pressure (e.g., with or without applying strong heat) to connect multiple metal objects together. Additionally or alternatively, at least one reinforcement sleeve may be connected to the shaft using one or more additional techniques, such as brazing, soldering, and / or riveting.

[0096] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one reinforcement sleeve has a length greater than the outer diameter of the shaft and extends beyond the outer diameter of the shaft on both sides of the shaft. Length refers to a measure of the distance between two points. The length of a reinforcement sleeve refers to a measure of the distance between the two ends (e.g., ends) of a reinforcement sleeve. The outer diameter of a shaft refers to the distance between the outer edges of the shaft. A reinforcement sleeve having a length greater than the outer diameter of the shaft refers to a reinforcement sleeve having a length greater than the distance between the outer edges of the shaft. For example, positioning the reinforcement sleeve to extend through the shaft may cause at least one end of the reinforcement sleeve to protrude from the shaft and expose the face of the reinforcement sleeve to the outside of the shaft. A reinforcement sleeve having a length greater than the outer diameter of the shaft and extending beyond the outer diameter of the shaft on both sides of the shaft refers to a reinforcement sleeve that protrudes to expose a first end of the sleeve on a first side of the shaft and exposes a second end of the sleeve on the opposite side of the shaft when positioned to extend transversely through the shaft opening. In some cases, the lengths of the first and second exposed ends of the reinforcement sleeve extending beyond the outer diameter of the shaft may be substantially the same. In some disclosed embodiments, the sleeve is welded to the shaft on each side of the shaft opening. A sleeve welded to the shaft on each side of the shaft opening refers to first and second exposed ends of the shaft sleeve extending through the shaft being secured to the shaft by a welding process, as described and exemplified elsewhere herein.

[0097] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one reinforcement sleeve is interposed between at least one rod and at least one shaft opening to reinforce at least one of the shaft, at least one shaft opening, or at least one rod to resist force applied by the first blade portion and the second blade portion when the fluid impacts the first blade portion and the second blade portion. Force refers to a physical effect on an object due to the application of energy. For example, a force may cause one or more physical objects to experience motion, stress, strain, and / or wear. Applying a force refers to applying, imposing, and / or deploying a force, thereby causing a transfer of energy. For example, when a first object exerts a force on a second object, at least a portion of the energy carried by the first object may be transferred to the second object. Impact refers to contact in a manner that causes an effect. For example, a fluid flow impacting a blade portion connected to a shaft may impose a thrust on the blade portion, which may cause or attempt to cause the blade to rotate about the shaft. Fluid impacting a blade portion refers to fluid movement occurring on the blade portion, as described and exemplified elsewhere herein. For example, such fluid movement may create a pressure difference on opposite sides of the blade, thereby imposing a thrust on the blade, causing the blade to move about the shaft. Fluid impacting the first blade portion and the second blade portion refers to fluid movement occurring on two different blade portions. The force exerted by the blade portion when the fluid impacts the blade portion refers to at least part of the energy contained in the fluid flow being transferred to the first and second blade portions. In some cases, some of these forces may include rotational forces associated with the rotational movement of the associated blade around the axis, and some of these forces may include non-rotational forces associated with the vibration, warping, bending, swinging and / or twisting of the blade portion. Therefore, in addition to transmitting the rotational force to the central shaft via one or more connecting rods to be converted into electrical energy by the associated generator, the blade portion may also transmit at least some non-rotational forces. These non-rotational forces may cause damage to the fluid turbine. For example, the vibration, swinging, bending, twisting and / or warping movement of one or more rods may impose stress on one or more shaft openings, resulting in an increase in the size of one or more shaft openings. Increasing the shaft opening may introduce a degree of freedom of movement of the rod relative to the shaft, causing the fluid turbine to become unstable and / or unsafe. Additionally or alternatively, the vibration, swinging, bending, twisting and / or warping of one or more rods may weaken the vertical alignment of the blade portion relative to the vertically aligned axis, thereby causing imbalance, which may also make the fluid turbine unstable and / or unsafe.

[0098] Interposed means installed and / or positioned between two objects. For example, an element interposed between two objects can enable each object to be directly connected to the intervening element, thereby preventing direct connection between the two objects. Such an intervening element can protect the first of the two objects from the influence of forces applied by the second of the two objects. A reinforcement sleeve interposed between a rod and a shaft opening refers to a protective tube that covers a rod extending through the shaft opening. For example, such a protective tube can prevent direct contact between the rod and the shaft opening by connecting the rod and the shaft opening to the protective tube instead of connecting them to each other. When a fluid impacts a blade portion, reinforcing the shaft, shaft opening or rod to resist the forces applied by the blade portion refers to protecting and / or shielding the shaft, shaft opening and / or rod from one or more forces transmitted by the blade portion due to the impact of the fluid flow. For example, such forces may cause stress, wear, distortion and / or damage to the shaft, shaft opening, rod and / or any other element of the fluid turbine, which may reduce the performance of the fluid turbine and / or cause unstable and / or unsafe operation.

[0099] For example, the relative blade portion impacted by the fluid can transfer the force imposed by the fluid to a rod extending through the central axis and connected to the relative blade portion at both ends. Some forces can be associated with rotational motion, causing the rod to rotate with the relative blade portion, which can also drive the central axis to rotate, thereby allowing the generator to generate electrical energy, as described elsewhere in this article. However, some forces can be associated with non-rotational motion, as described above. Therefore, the blade portion can transfer at least some of the forces associated with non-rotational motion to at least one rod, shaft opening and / or shaft connected thereto. In the absence of a reinforcement sleeve between the rod and the shaft opening, this force can impose stress, causing the rod, shaft and / or shaft opening to bend, twist and / or snap, as described above. However, interposing a reinforcement sleeve between each rod and the associated shaft opening can allow the reinforcement sleeve to absorb at least some of the non-rotational forces, thereby protecting the corresponding rod, shaft opening and / or shaft from at least some of the effects of warping, bending, twisting and / or buckling forces. In this way, one or more reinforcement sleeves can prevent damage to the fluid turbine and / or maintain the operating performance of the fluid turbine.

[0100] By way of non-limiting example, in Fig. 9 806 to strengthen at least one of the shaft 802, the shaft opening 806, and / or the shaft 818 to resist the force applied by the first blade portion 814 and the second blade portion 816 when the fluid impacts the first blade portion 814 and the second blade portion 816 (see, for example, Figure 8). Similarly, reinforcement sleeve 902 can be interposed between rod 820 and shaft opening 808, and reinforcement sleeve 904 can be interposed between rod 822 and shaft opening 810. In some embodiments, reinforcement sleeves 900, 902, and 904 can be bonded to shaft 802. In some embodiments, reinforcement sleeves 900, 902, and 904 can be welded to shaft 802. In some embodiments, reinforcement sleeves 900, 902, and 904 can be made of metal, such as steel.

[0101] In some embodiments, the length of the reinforcement sleeves 900, 902, and 904 can be greater than the outer diameter of the shaft 802. For example, the reinforcement sleeves 900, 902, and 904 can extend beyond the outer diameter of the shaft 802 on both sides of the shaft 802. In some embodiments, the reinforcement sleeves 900, 902, and 904 can be welded or bonded to the shaft 802 on each side of the shaft openings 806, 808, and 810, respectively.

[0102] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one shaft opening comprises a plurality of shaft openings, at least one sleeve comprises a plurality of sleeves, and at least one rod comprises a plurality of rods, each of the plurality of rods extending through a different sleeve in the plurality of sleeves and a different shaft opening in the plurality of shaft openings. A plurality of shaft openings refers to a plurality of apertures, holes and / or apertures that penetrate and / or pass through the shaft. For example, a plurality of shaft openings may form a plurality of channels and / or passages through the shaft. In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of shaft openings may extend transversely through (e.g., perpendicular to) the shaft. At least one sleeve comprising a plurality of sleeves refers to a plurality of reinforcing sheaths, tubes and / or sleeves. At least one rod comprising a plurality of rods refers to a plurality of bars and / or columns. A plurality of rods extending through a different sleeve in the plurality of sleeves and a different shaft opening in the plurality of shaft openings refers to a plurality of rods, each rod passing through a different sleeve located in a different channel through the turbine shaft. For example, a plurality of sleeves may separate a plurality of rods that pass transversely through the turbine shaft, preventing the plurality of rods from being directly connected to any shaft opening, and / or connected to any other of the plurality of rods. Thus, the plurality of sleeves can absorb at least some of the vibration, oscillation, flexure, twisting and / or bending motions transmitted by the first and / or second blade portions to the plurality of rods, thereby protecting any of the rods, shafts and / or shaft openings from associated stresses, wear and / or deformation.

[0103] In some embodiments, at least some of the plurality of rods may have different lengths. For example, the blade portion may have a curved and / or contoured shape such that the distance from different locations on each blade portion to the turbine shaft may vary. The length of the rod may vary accordingly, thereby enabling the use of multiple rods to connect the turbine shaft to different locations on each blade portion.

[0104] By way of non-limiting example, in Figure 8-9, fluid turbine 800 includes a plurality of shaft openings 806, 808, and 810. A plurality of sleeves 900, 902, and 904 may extend through openings 806, 808, and 810, respectively, of shaft 802. A plurality of rods 818, 820, and 822 may each extend through a different one of the plurality of sleeves 900, 902, and 904 and a different one of the plurality of shaft openings 806, 808, and 810, respectively.

[0105] In some disclosed embodiments, a plurality of openings are distributed along a portion of the length of the shaft. Distributed means spread out and / or dispersed. Distributed along a portion of the length of the shaft means spread out along a section of the shaft. For example, each of the plurality of openings on the shaft may extend transversely through the shaft at different heights along the shaft. In some embodiments, the height of at least some of the plurality of openings separated along the shaft may correspond to a clear distance associated with the outer diameter of each sleeve. For example, a plurality of rods passing through the shaft via a plurality of reinforcement sleeves extending through associated openings in the shaft may be gathered into one or more groups distributed at different levels along the length of the shaft. Within each group, each opening in the shaft may be separated from an adjacent opening by a clear distance corresponding to the outer diameter of the associated reinforcement sleeve, thereby allowing the rods extending therethrough to be substantially gathered at an associated level along the shaft. However, the spacing distance between each group and an adjacent group may be substantially greater than the clear distance of the sleeve, thereby allowing relatively closely spaced clusters of rods to be distributed at different heights along the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft may be associated with at least two clusters of threaded rods extending therethrough, the threaded rods connecting the first and second blade portions to the shaft.

[0106] In some disclosed embodiments, the radial orientation of at least some of the plurality of shaft openings and the plurality of rods is different from at least some other radial orientations of the shaft openings and the rods. The radial orientation refers to the angular direction corresponding to the radius and / or diameter of a circle. The radial orientation of at least some of the plurality of shaft openings and the plurality of rods is different from at least some other radial orientations of the shaft openings and the rods, which means that at least some of the rods extending through the shaft via the associated sleeves and openings point to different directions than other rods extending through the shaft via the associated sleeves and openings. For example, if the first rod passing through the shaft through the first associated sleeve and opening is oriented at 0°, the second rod passing through the shaft through the second associated sleeve and opening can be oriented at 120°, and the third rod passing through the shaft through the second associated sleeve and opening can be oriented at 240°. As another example, the first rod can be oriented at 0°, the second rod can be oriented at any position between 30° and 80° with the first rod, and the third rod can be oriented at any position between 30° and 80° with the second rod.

[0107] For example, multiple rods can be gathered into groups of three. At a first level along the shaft, the first group of three rods can extend through the shaft via a first group of associated sleeves and openings, and are separated by the clear distance of the first group of corresponding sleeves. Within the first group, each rod, associated sleeve, and opening can have a different radial orientation (e.g., 0°, 120°, and 240°). At a second level along the shaft, the distance separated from the first level is significantly greater than the gap of the sleeve, and the second group of three rods can extend through the shaft via a second group of associated sleeves and openings, which are separated by the clear distance of the second group of corresponding sleeves. Within the second group, each rod, associated sleeve, and opening can also have a different radial orientation (e.g., 0°, 120°, and 240°), etc. In this way, a vertical fluid turbine can support one or more vertically oriented blades with different heights via multiple rods in different radial orientations. Such a design can build a modular vertical blade configuration for a vertically oriented fluid turbine.

[0108] By way of non-limiting example, in Figure 8-9 In the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of openings 806, 808, and 810 can be distributed along a portion of the length of the shaft 802. The radial orientation of at least some of the shaft openings 806, 808, and 810 and the plurality of rods 818, 820, and 822 can be different from the radial orientation of at least some other of the shaft openings 806, 808, and 810 and the rods 818, 820, and 822. For example, the rods 818, 820, and 822 can be spread out to span an arc of 180° at both ends. In some embodiments, the rods 818, 820, and 822 can be spread out to span an arc of 150°, or an arc of 150°, or any other angle. In some embodiments, additional rods (e.g., rod clusters 836 and 838) can be distributed along a portion of the length of the shaft 802. Each of the clusters 836 and 838 can include a plurality of rods extending through the shaft 802 in different radial orientations, in a manner similar to the rods 818, 820, and 822.

[0109] In some disclosed embodiments, the plurality of rods are threaded. A threaded rod is a rod having a ridge extending helically along the length of the rod. The helical ridge can be configured to engage with a corresponding helical groove, thereby securing the rod in an engaged position.

[0110] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a plurality of pneumatic sleeves for covering exposed threaded portions of a plurality of rods. A pneumatic sleeve may refer to a tube or sheath having a surface configured to reduce resistance from a fluid flow. In some cases, the pneumatic sleeve may be smooth and / or rounded. An exposed threaded portion of a rod refers to an uncovered portion of a threaded rod that exposes at least a portion of a ridge that spirals around the rod. For example, exposing a portion of a ridge that spirals around the rod to the fluid may introduce drag and / or cause noise. Such drag may interfere with the movement of blades of a fluid turbine and may be associated with reduced performance. For fluid turbines located in urban areas, noise may be undesirable. A plurality of pneumatic sleeves for covering exposed threaded portions of a plurality of rods refers to a pneumatic sleeve extending over the exposed threaded portions of at least some of the rods. In some embodiments, such sleeves may prevent some or all of the threaded portions from being exposed to the fluid flow. For example, placing a pneumatic sleeve over the exposed threaded portions of at least some of the rods may reduce at least some drag and / or noise.

[0111] In some disclosed embodiments, a plurality of pneumatic sleeves are made of plastic. Plastic material refers to a substance made of an organic polymer derived from petrochemicals, cellulose, coal, and / or any other suitable organic compound. Some examples of plastic materials may include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Plastic materials can be lightweight and can be molded into a variety of shapes, such as a smooth pneumatic cap for a threaded rod.

[0112] By way of non-limiting example, reference is made to Fig.10 , Fig.10 8 is an exemplary exploded view of a vertically oriented shaft 802 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The figure shows a rod 818 of the shaft 802 extending through the opening 806. The rod 818 can be threaded. In a similar manner, Figure 8-9 The rods 820 and 822 shown in FIG. 8 and the rods in clusters 836 and 838 may be threaded.

[0113] See also Fig. 9 In some embodiments, the plurality of pneumatic sleeves 906 and 908, 910 and 912, and 914 and 916 can respectively cover the exposed threaded portions of the plurality of rods 818, 820, and 822. In some embodiments, the pneumatic sleeves 906 and 908, 910 and 912, and 914 and 916 can be made of a plastic material, such as PVC.

[0114] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a plurality of washers, each washer between one of a plurality of reinforcement sleeves and one of a plurality of pneumatic sleeves. A washer refers to a thin plate with a hole. In some cases, a washer may be in the shape of a disc. Washers may be used to distribute the load of a threaded fastener (e.g., a bolt and / or nut), as a spacer along a slender strip, as a spring, and / or for absorbing stress and preventing stress from being imposed on an object. A washer between a reinforcement sleeve and a pneumatic sleeve is a washer designated to be located at any position between the end of the reinforcement sleeve and the end of the pneumatic sleeve. For example, a threaded rod may pass through the opening of one or more washers. In some cases, a washer may be located near the end of an associated pneumatic sleeve covering the threaded rod, thereby fixing the position of the associated pneumatic sleeve along the threaded strip. In some cases, a washer may be located near the end of an associated reinforcement sleeve, thereby applying pressure to the reinforcement sleeve to fix and / or stabilize the associated threaded rod on the reinforcement sleeve.

[0115] By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.10 In the invention, the fluid turbine 800 (see Figure 8 ) may include a plurality of washers 1000, 1002, 1004, and 1006. The threaded rod 818 may pass through the holes of the washers 1000, 1002, 1004, and 1006. The plurality of washers 1000, 1002, 1004, and 1006 may be disposed between the reinforcing sleeve 900 (see Fig. 9 ) and one of the pneumatic sleeves 906 and 908. For example, a pair of washers 1000, 1002 may be interposed between the reinforcement sleeve 900 and the pneumatic sleeve 906 on a first side of the shaft 802, and a pair of washers 1004, 1006 may be interposed between the reinforcement sleeve 900 and the pneumatic sleeve 908 on a second side of the shaft 802. Similarly, the threaded rods 820 and 822 may pass through a plurality of washers between the reinforcement sleeves 902 and 904 and the pneumatic sleeves 910 and 912 and 914 and 916, respectively, on either side of the shaft 802. Similarly, the rods in clusters 836 and 838 may pass through a plurality of washers between the respective reinforcement sleeves and the pneumatic sleeves.

[0116] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a plurality of threaded nuts, each of which is between one of a plurality of washers and one of a plurality of pneumatic sleeves. A threaded nut refers to a fastener having a hole thereon and a spiral groove therein. For example, the spiral groove on the threaded nut can be configured to engage with a spiral ridge of an elongated object (e.g., a screw, bolt, and / or any other type of threaded rod) passing through the hole of the threaded nut, thereby forming a locking joint. A nut between a washer and a pneumatic sleeve refers to a nut located midway between the washer and the end of the pneumatic sleeve. For example, a threaded rod can pass through an opening of the threaded nut and one or more associated washers. A portion of the spiral ridge of the threaded rod can engage with the spiral groove of the threaded nut, thereby fixing the position of the threaded nut along the length of the threaded rod. In some embodiments, a first of the associated washers can be located near the end of an associated reinforcement sleeve so that the nut can be between the first washer and the associated pneumatic sleeve. For example, a first washer located between the nut and the reinforcement sleeve end may push against the reinforcement sleeve end to distribute the force exerted thereon by the threaded rod, thereby preventing the stress from twisting, bending and / or otherwise deforming the threaded rod, reinforcement sleeve, shaft opening and / or shaft.

[0117] In some disclosed embodiments, each of the plurality of nuts is sandwiched between two of the plurality of washers. A nut sandwiched between two washers refers to positioning a first washer on a first side of the nut and positioning a second washer on a second side of the nut. For example, a threaded rod may pass through a first washer, a threaded nut, and a second washer. The nut may lock its position along the length of the threaded rod. As previously described, a first washer on a first side of the nut may push against one end of an associated reinforcement sleeve. A second washer on a second side of the nut may push against the end of an associated pneumatic sleeve, thereby sandwiching the threaded nut between the first washer and the second washer, and sandwiching the threaded nut and the first washer and the second washer between the end of the reinforcement sleeve and the end of the pneumatic sleeve. For example, a second washer may push against the end of the pneumatic sleeve to distribute the force applied by the threaded rod thereon (e.g., to prevent cracking and / or breaking) and fix the position of the pneumatic sleeve along the length of the threaded rod.

[0118] By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.10 In the invention, the fluid turbine 800 (see Figure 8 ) may include a plurality of threaded nuts 1008 and 1010. Nut 1008 may be interposed between washer 1002 and pneumatic sleeve 906, and nut 1010 may be interposed between washer 1004 and pneumatic sleeve 908. In some embodiments, threaded nut 1008 may be sandwiched between washers 1000 and 1002, and threaded nut 1010 may be sandwiched between washers 1004 and 1006.

[0119] Some disclosed embodiments relate to a plurality of horizontal ribs, each of the first blade portion and the second blade portion having at least one different rib associated therewith. A rib refers to a structural element that provides reinforcement or stability to an object. It may refer to a support structure having an arc shape. For example, a rib may withstand the impact of a force that may cause the element to break. A horizontal rib refers to a rib that is horizontally or laterally oriented relative to a vertically oriented axis so that the rib may be substantially perpendicular to the axis. Each of the first blade portion and the second blade portion having at least one different rib associated therewith refers to at least one first rib associated with the first blade portion and at least one second rib associated with the second blade portion. For example, such a rib may provide structural support for the first blade portion or the second blade portion, and may absorb one or more stresses imposed thereon to prevent warping, deformation, and / or breakage. Additionally or alternatively, such a rib may be used as a wind shield for an internal area of ​​a fluid turbine. For example, a horizontal rib may help overcome centripetal forces that may cause the associated blade portion to detach, and / or overcome torque introduced by the associated blade portion.

[0120] In some disclosed embodiments, each rib is connected to more than one of the plurality of rods. A rib connected to more than one of the plurality of rods refers to a rib connected to at least two of the plurality of rods. In some embodiments, each rib may be connected to at least three of the plurality of rods. For example, a group of two or more rods may pass through an axle via two or more associated sleeves extending through two or more associated openings in the axle. One end of each rod in such a cluster may be connected to a single rib. In some embodiments, a first end of each rod in the cluster may be connected to a first rib associated with a first blade portion, and a second end of each rod in the cluster may be connected to a second rib associated with a second blade portion. The first and second ribs may withstand at least a portion of the force imposed by the plurality of rods at the position where the rods are connected to the first and second blade portions, thereby protecting the integrity of the first and second blade portions.

[0121] By way of non-limiting example, reference is made to Fig.11, which is an exemplary schematic diagram of a fluid turbine 800 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fluid turbine 800 includes a plurality of horizontal ribs 1100 and 1102 for connecting a plurality of rods 818, 820, and 822 to first and second blade portions 814 and 816. The first blade portion 814 may be associated with the horizontal rib 1100, and the second blade portion 816 may be associated with the horizontal rib 1102. Each of the ribs 1100 and 1102 may be connected to the rods 818, 820, and 822 (e.g., at opposite ends thereof). The ribs 1100 and 1102 may serve as wind shields to reduce airflow around the shaft 802. In some embodiments, the fluid turbine 800 may include additional ribs distributed along the length of the shaft for connecting the rod clusters 836 and 838 to the blade portions 814 and 816, such as Figure 8 shown.

[0122] In some disclosed embodiments, each rib includes a plurality of perforated protrusions extending vertically therefrom, each perforated protrusion being used to engage with a different one of the plurality of rods. Perforated protrusions refer to perforated and / or perforated studs and / or extensions. It may refer to a small flat or slightly raised portion of material having a hole or opening therein. Each rib includes a plurality of perforated protrusions extending vertically therefrom, referring to at least two perforated studs and / or extensions extending from each horizontal rib, wherein each perforated stud may be substantially perpendicular to the horizontal rib. In some cases, the perforated protrusions may be integrally formed with the associated rib, and in some cases, the perforated protrusions may be connected to the associated rib using one or more screws and / or bolts. Each perforated protrusion for engaging with a different one of the plurality of rods refers to each perforation of each perforated protrusion configured to be connected to a specific one of the plurality of rods. For example, each perforation of each perforated protrusion may receive a different end of a different rod.

[0123] In some disclosed embodiments, the perforated protrusions have different heights. The perforated protrusions have different heights, meaning that each perforated protrusion extends vertically from an associated horizontal rib having a different length. In some disclosed embodiments, the different heights are associated with a clear distance between one or more sleeves in a plurality of sleeves between a different one of the plurality of rods connected to each rib and a different one of the plurality of shaft openings. A clear distance refers to a physical space just sufficient to maintain separation between two or more objects. In some cases, a clear distance may include tolerance for deformation due to movement, wear, expansion and / or contraction due to temperature changes, and / or any other factor affecting the space between two or more objects. Different heights are associated with a clear distance between one or more sleeves in a plurality of sleeves between a different one of the plurality of rods connected to each rib and a different one of the plurality of shaft openings, meaning that the different heights of the perforated protrusions of each rib correspond to different heights of some of the plurality of sleeves separated by a clear distance therebetween. For example, as previously described, a plurality of rods may be organized into one or more clusters of rods distributed along the length of the shaft. Within each cluster, the distance between adjacent sleeves around each rod in the cluster and the distance extending through the shaft via the associated shaft opening may correspond to the clear distance. Each rib may be associated with a particular cluster of rods arranged such that a first end of each rod in the particular cluster may engage with the first blade portion via a perforated protrusion of a first rib, and a second end of each rod in the cluster may engage with the second blade portion via a perforated protrusion of a second rib. Because each rod may be separated from adjacent rods in the cluster by the clear distance, engagement with the perforated protrusion at a height associated with the clear distance may maintain each rod in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the vertically oriented shaft.

[0124] By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.11 1 , rib 1100 may include apertured protrusions 1104, 1106, and 1108 extending perpendicularly from rib 1100, and rib 1102 may include apertured protrusions 1110, 1112, and 1114 extending perpendicularly from rib 1102. Perforated protrusion 1104 may engage with rod 818 (e.g., at first end 824 thereof), perforated protrusion 1106 may engage with rod 820 (e.g., at first end 826 thereof), and perforated protrusion 1108 may engage with rod 822 (e.g., at first end 828 thereof). Similarly, perforated protrusion 1110 may engage with rod 818 (e.g., at second end 830 thereof), perforated protrusion 1112 may engage with rod 820 (e.g., at second end 832 thereof), and perforated protrusion 1114 may engage with rod 822 (e.g., at second end 834 thereof).

[0125] In some embodiments, the apertured protrusions 1104, 1106, and 1108 may have different heights, and the apertured protrusions 1110, 1112, and 1114 may have different heights. However, the apertured protrusions 1104 and 1114 for engaging with the rod 818 may have substantially similar heights to keep the rod 818 substantially horizontal. Similarly, the apertured protrusions 1106 and 1112 for engaging with the rod 820 and the apertured protrusions 1108 and 1110 for engaging with the rod 822 may have substantially similar heights to maintain the rods 820 and 822 substantially horizontal. In some embodiments, the rods 818, 820, and 822 may have different lengths, for example, to account for the curvature of the blade portions 814 and 816.

[0126] By way of another non-limiting example, reference Fig.12 , which is an exemplary exploded view of horizontal rib 1102 connecting multiple rods 818, 820, and 822 to second blade portion 816 (not shown), consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Perforated protrusion 1110 can engage with second end 830 of rod 818, perforated protrusion 1112 can engage with second end 832 of rod 820, and perforated protrusion 1114 can engage with second end 834 of rod 822.

[0127] In some embodiments, the different heights of the apertured protrusions 1104, 1106, and 1108 and 1110, 1112, and 1114 may be consistent with the sleeves 900, 902, and 904 (see Fig. 9 ) with sleeves 900, 902, and 904 interposed between rods 818, 820, and 822 connected to each rib 1100 and 1102, respectively, and the various shaft openings 806, 808, and 810. A similar configuration of ribs configured with apertured projections may be provided for additional clusters of rods distributed along the length of shaft 802 (e.g., clusters 836 and 838).

[0128] In some disclosed embodiments, each perforated protrusion is between an associated blade surface and a distal end of an associated one of the pneumatic sleeves. A perforated protrusion between an associated blade surface and a distal end of an associated pneumatic sleeve refers to a perforated protrusion between a blade surface and a tip of an associated pneumatic sleeve. For example, a distal side of a vertically oriented perforated protrusion may be pressed against an inner surface of a vertically oriented blade to distribute a force imposed by a threaded rod engaged with the hole of the perforated protrusion, and a proximal side of a vertically oriented perforated protrusion may be pressed against a distal end of a pneumatic sleeve covering the threaded rod to secure the pneumatic sleeve to the threaded rod.

[0129] By way of non-limiting example, in Figure 11-12, each of the apertured protrusions 1104, 1106, and 1108 may be interposed between the inner surface of the first blade portion 814 and the distal ends of the pneumatic sleeves 906, 910, and 914 that respectively cover the threaded rods 818, 820, and 822. Similarly, each of the apertured protrusions 1110, 1112, and 1114 may be interposed between the inner surface of the second blade portion 816 and the distal ends of the associated sleeves in the pneumatic sleeves 908, 912, and 916 that respectively cover the threaded rods 818, 820, and 822.

[0130] In some disclosed embodiments, a plurality of washers and threaded nuts are interposed between the distal end of the pneumatic sleeve and the associated blade surface. The plurality of washers and threaded nuts interposed between the distal end of the pneumatic sleeve and the associated blade surface refers to at least two washers and threaded nuts that interface between the tip of each pneumatic sleeve and the turbine blade surface. For example, a pair of washers sandwiching a threaded nut can be connected between the distal end of the pneumatic sleeve and the inner surface of the turbine blade. The proximal washer in the washer pair can be pressed against the distal end of the pneumatic sleeve (e.g., to distribute the force imposed thereon), the threaded nut sandwiched between the washer pair can lock the position of the threaded rod engaged therewith, and the distal washer in the washer pair can be pressed against one of the perforated protrusions on the inner surface of the turbine blade (e.g., to distribute the force imposed thereon). In some embodiments, each turbine blade can include a plurality of holes, each hole being associated with a different end of a different rod in a plurality of rods. Each end of each threaded rod can pass through an associated hole in an associated turbine blade portion, so that each distal end of each threaded rod can be exposed to the outside of the first blade portion and the second blade portion. In this case, each distal end of each threaded rod can engage with an externally threaded nut located on the outside of the first and second blade sections. In some embodiments, an external washer can be interposed between the outer surface of the first and second blade sections and the externally threaded nut at each distal end of each threaded rod. For example, the external washer can distribute the force imposed on it by the threaded rod running through the turbine blade sections. In some embodiments, the externally threaded nut can have a smooth aerodynamic surface, such as a dome shape.

[0131] By way of another non-limiting example, in Fig. 9 , a plurality of washers 918 and 920 and threaded nuts 922 may be interposed between the distal end of the pneumatic sleeve 906 and the associated blade surface of the first blade portion 814 (e.g., represented by gap 924), for example, at the first end 824 of the rod 818. For example, the washers 918 and 920 and the nuts 922 may secure the first end 824 of the rod 818 against the apertured protrusion 1104, thereby connecting the rod 818 to the first blade portion 814 (see Fig.11). Similarly, a plurality of washers 926 and 928 and a threaded nut 930 may be interposed between the distal end of the pneumatic sleeve 908 and the associated blade surface of the second blade portion 816 (e.g., indicated by the gap 932), such as at the second end 830 of the rod 818. For example, the washers 926 and 928 and the nut 930 may secure the second end 830 of the rod 818 against the apertured protrusion 1110, thereby connecting the rod 818 to the second blade portion 816. In a similar manner, a plurality of washers and threaded nuts may be interposed between the distal ends of the pneumatic sleeves 910, 912, 914, and 916 and the associated blade surfaces of the first blade portion 814 and the second blade portion 816, respectively. For example, a pair of washers sandwiching threaded nuts may secure each end of each threaded rod 820 and 822 to perforated protrusions 1106, 1108, 1112, and 1114, thereby connecting the threaded rods 820 and 822 to the first blade portion 814 and the second blade portion 816, respectively.

[0132] In some embodiments, the threaded rods 818, 820, and 822 may pass through holes in the first blade portion 814 and the second blade portion 816. In this case, one or more additional washers and / or nuts may secure each end of each threaded rod 818, 820, and 822 to the outer surface of the first blade portion 814 and the second blade portion 816. In some embodiments, an externally threaded nut may cover each end of the threaded rods 818, 820, and 822 on the outer surface of the first blade portion 816 and the second blade portion 818. In some cases, the externally threaded nut may have a rounded, smooth, aerodynamic shape (e.g., a dome shape).

[0133] By way of another non-limiting example, reference Fig.13 , which is an exemplary exploded view of the connection between the threaded rods 818, 820, and 822 connected to the second blade portion 816 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The second blade portion 816 may include a plurality of holes 1300, 1302, and 1304, each hole being associated with a different one of the threaded rods 818, 820, and 822. The second end 834 of the threaded rod 822 may extend through the hole 1304 of the second blade portion 816, the second end 832 of the threaded rod 820 may extend through the hole 1302, and the second end 830 (not shown) of the threaded rod 818 may extend through the hole 1300. The ends of the rods 818, 820, and 822 may be secured to the outer surface of the blade portion 816 by a plurality of washers 1306, 1308, and 1310 and threaded dome nuts 1312, 1314, and 1316. In a similar manner, first ends 824 , 826 , and 828 of threaded rods 818 , 820 , and 822 , respectively, may be connected to an outer side of first blade portion 814 .

[0134] In some disclosed embodiments, the profile of each of the plurality of ribs corresponds to the profile of the associated internal blade surface. Profile refers to shape. It may refer to curved and / or bent. The profile of the associated internal blade surface refers to the curved (e.g., concave) shape of the inner surface of the blade of the turbine. For example, a turbine blade may be curved and / or arcuate to achieve associated aerodynamic properties. The inner surface of such a blade may be concave, and the outer surface of such a blade may be convex. The profile of the rib corresponding to the profile of the associated internal blade surface means that the rib has a curved shape to fit the inner contour surface of the blade portion. For example, providing a tight fit between the rib and the associated internal blade surface can prevent deformation, bending, and / or buckling caused by forces imposed thereon by multiple rods connected to the internal blade surface via the associated protrusions of each rib.

[0135] By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.11 , the profiles of ribs 1100 and 1102 may correspond to the profiles of the associated inner surfaces of blade portions 814 and 816, respectively.

[0136] Fig.14 is a flow chart of an example method 1400 for assembling a vertically oriented fluid turbine. Fig.14 , method 1400 may include step 1402 of inserting a reinforcement sleeve through each shaft opening. For example, a vertically oriented shaft may include an opening extending therethrough. At least two of the openings may have different orientations and may be located at heights separated by a clear distance associated with an outer diameter of the reinforcement sleeve. Thus, at least two of the reinforcement sleeves extending through the openings may have different orientations and may be located at heights separated by an associated clear distance. By way of non-limiting example, in Fig. 9 8, threaded rods 818, 820, and 822 may be inserted through reinforcement sleeves 900, 902, and 904, respectively, through each shaft opening 806, 808, and 810.

[0137] Method 1400 may include step 1404 of securing each reinforcement sleeve to the shaft. For example, each reinforcement sleeve may be welded to the turbine shaft. By way of non-limiting example, Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, each reinforcement sleeve 900 , 902 and 904 can be fixed to the shaft 802 .

[0138] Method 1400 may include step 1406 of inserting a threaded rod through each reinforcement sleeve. For example, at least two threaded rods may have different orientations and may be located at heights separated by a distance associated with at least one reinforcement sleeve. By way of non-limiting example, Fig. 9 , threaded rods 818 , 820 , and 822 may be inserted through each reinforcement sleeve 900 , 902 , and 904 .

[0139] The method 1400 may include step 1408 of positioning a first pair of washers on each threaded rod on both sides of the shaft such that a first washer in the first pair of washers is flush with a reinforcement sleeve on the first side of the shaft and a second washer in the first pair of washers is flush with a reinforcement sleeve on the second side of the shaft. By way of non-limiting example, Fig.10 , a first pair of washers 1002 and 1004 may be positioned on the threaded rod 818 on either side of the shaft 802 such that the washers 1002 may be flush with the reinforcement sleeve 900 on a first side of the shaft 802 and the washers 1004 may be flush with the reinforcement sleeve on a second side of the shaft 802 .

[0140] The method 1400 may include a step 1410 of tightening a first pair of nuts to each threaded rod on both sides of the shaft. This may enable a first threaded nut in the first pair of threaded nuts to secure a first washer in the first pair of washers on the first side of the shaft, and a second threaded nut in the first pair of threaded nuts to secure a second washer in the first pair of washers on the second side of the shaft. By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.10 , a first pair of nuts 1008 and 1010 may be fastened to the threaded rod 818 on either side of the shaft 802 .

[0141] The method 1400 may include a step 1412 of positioning a second pair of washers on each threaded rod on both sides of the shaft. This may cause a first washer in the second pair of washers to press against a first nut in the first pair of nuts on the first side of the shaft, and a second washer in the second pair of washers to press against a second nut in the first pair of nuts on the second side of the shaft. By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.10 , a second pair of washers 1000 and 1000 may be positioned on the threaded rod 818 on either side of the shaft 802 .

[0142] The method 1400 may include a step 1414 of placing a pair of pneumatic sleeves over an exposed portion of a threaded rod protruding from a shaft. This may cause a first sleeve in the pair of pneumatic sleeves to cover a first exposed portion of the threaded rod that extends beyond a first washer in a second pair of washers on a first side of the shaft. This may also cause a second sleeve in the pair of pneumatic sleeves to cover a second exposed portion of the threaded rod that extends beyond a second washer in a second pair of washers on a second side of the shaft. By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, a pair of pneumatic sleeves 906 and 908 can be placed on the exposed portion of the threaded rod 818 extending from both sides of the shaft 802.

[0143] Method 1400 may include step 1416 of securing a pair of ribs to a plurality of threaded rods on either side of the shaft. Each rib may have a profile shape for connecting to at least two threaded rods oriented in different manners at different locations on the rib. In addition, since the rods may be at different heights separated by clear distances associated with one or more reinforcement sleeves, each rib may include a plurality of perforated protrusions, each perforated protrusion having a different height and associated with a different end of a different one of the plurality of threaded rods. For example, the different heights may correspond to clear distances associated with one or more reinforcement sleeves, thereby maintaining each threaded rod in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the vertically orientable shaft. By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.11 , ribs 1100 and 1102 may be secured to threaded rods 818 , 820 , and 822 on either side of shaft 802 .

[0144] Method 1400 may include step 1418 of connecting a first blade portion to a first side of a shaft and connecting a second blade portion to a second side of the shaft. The first blade portion may be positioned to engage with a first rib and a first end of a plurality of threaded rods associated therewith. The second blade portion may be positioned to engage with a second rib and a second end of a plurality of threaded rods associated therewith. The first ends of the plurality of threaded rods may extend through the first blade portion, and the second ends of the plurality of threaded rods may extend through the second blade portion. By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.11 802 , the first blade portion 814 may be connected to the threaded rods 818 , 820 , and 822 on a first side of the shaft 802 , and the second blade portion 816 may be connected to the threaded rods 818 , 820 , and 822 on a second side of the shaft 802 .

[0145] Method 1400 may include positioning dome nuts on the ends of a plurality of rods passing through the first and second blade portions at step 1420. By way of non-limiting example, in Fig.13 In the embodiment of the present invention, dome nuts 1312 , 1314 and 1316 may be placed on the ends of rods 818 , 820 and 822 extending through the second blade portion 816 .

[0146] Reference now Fig.15, which is an exploded view of an exemplary modular vertically-oriented fluid turbine 1500 consistent with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The fluid turbine 1500 may include a vertically-oriented shaft 1502 and a plurality of curved blade pairs 1504 and 1506; 1508 and 1510; 1512 and 1514; and 1516 and 1518. Each curved blade pair 1504 and 1506, 1508 and 1510, 1512 and 1514, and 1516 and 1518 may be at the same horizontal height relative to the vertically-oriented shaft 1502. The blade pairs 1504 and 1506, 1508 and 1510, 1512 and 1514, and 1516 and 1518 may be stacked, thereby allowing the height of the vertically-oriented fluid turbine 1500 to be adjusted. For example, any of blade pairs 1508 and 1510; 1512 and 1514; and 1516 and 1518 may be removed from fluid turbine 1500 to reduce the height of fluid turbine 1500. Alternatively, additional blade pairs may be added to increase the height of fluid turbine 1500 (e.g., up to the height of shaft 1502).

[0147] The modular vertically oriented fluid turbine 1500 may include one or more connector rings 1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526, each of which is associated with a different one of the curved blade pairs 1504 and 1506, 1508 and 1510, 1512 and 1514, and 1516 and 1518. The connector rings 1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526 may be distributed along the height of the shaft 1502 at different levels corresponding to the levels of the connector rings 1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526, respectively. Each connector ring 1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526 may allow the curved blade pairs 1504 and 1506, 1508 and 1510, 1512 and 1514, and 1516 and 1518 to be connected to the shaft 1502 via a plurality of horizontally oriented rods 1528. Each horizontal connector ring may include a plurality of horizontally oriented rods 1528 having different radial orientations for connecting curved blade pairs 1504 and 1506, 1508 and 1510, 1512 and 1514, and 1516 and 1518 to the shaft 1502 at multiple locations of each curved blade.

[0148] Each proximal end of the horizontally oriented rod 1528 (e.g., oriented toward the shaft 1502) can include a forked connector including at least two prongs configured to clamp onto one of the connector rings 1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526 at a specific location. In some embodiments, the connector rings 1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526 can be substantially flat, and the prongs can be oriented horizontally, allowing the prongs to surround a portion of one of the connector rings 1520, 1522, 1524, and 1526 for securing using one or more bolts and nuts. For example, the distance between the prongs can correspond to the thickness of the connector ring.

[0149] Each distal end of the horizontally oriented rod 1528 (e.g., oriented away from the shaft 1502) may include a vertically oriented protrusion 1530 configured to press against the inside of the blade pairs 1504 and 1506; 1508 and 1510; 1512 and 1514; and 1516 and 1518 at different locations. Each protrusion 1530 may be connected to a different location on any of the blade pairs 1504 and 1506, 1508 and 1510, 1512 and 1514, and 1516 using one or more screws and / or bolts. In this way, blade pairs may be added and / or removed to adjust the height of the fluid turbine 1500.

[0150] The above-described embodiments of the vertically oriented fluid turbine and the method of assembling the same are merely exemplary. There may be a variety of variations. In addition, the method described above need not be performed in the order discussed or indicated. In addition, several steps may be omitted, combined, and / or some steps may be added. In addition, although some aspects of the disclosed fluid turbine are described with reference to the exemplary configurations shown in the figures, the described aspects may be used for vertically oriented fluid turbines having any configuration. Other embodiments of the vertically oriented fluid turbine and the method of assembling the same will be apparent to those skilled in the art by considering the disclosure herein.

Claims

1. A fluid turbine, comprising: a vertically orientable shaft having at least one opening extending transversely therethrough; a first blade portion configured to be oriented vertically on a first side of the shaft; a second blade portion configured to be oriented vertically on a second side of the shaft opposite the first side; at least one rod extending through the at least one shaft opening and connectable at a first end thereof to the first blade portion and at a second end thereof to the second blade portion; as well as At least one reinforcement sleeve extending through the at least one shaft opening and between the at least one rod and the at least one shaft opening for reinforcing at least one of the shaft, the at least one shaft opening or the at least one rod to resist forces applied by the first blade portion and the second blade portion when fluid impacts the first blade portion and the second blade portion. 2 . The fluid turbine of claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcement sleeve is bonded to the shaft. 3 . The fluid turbine of claim 1 , wherein the at least one reinforcement sleeve is welded to the shaft.

4. The fluid turbine of claim 3, wherein the at least one reinforcement sleeve has a length greater than the outer diameter of the shaft and extends beyond the outer diameter of the shaft on both sides of the shaft, and wherein the sleeve is welded to the shaft on each side of the shaft opening.

5. The fluid turbine of claim 1, wherein the first blade portion is a separate element from the second blade portion.

6. The fluid turbine of claim 1 , wherein the at least one shaft opening comprises a plurality of shaft openings, the at least one sleeve comprises a plurality of sleeves, and the at least one rod comprises a plurality of rods, each of the plurality of rods extending through a different one of the plurality of sleeves and a different one of the plurality of shaft openings.

7. The fluid turbine of claim 6, wherein the plurality of openings are distributed along a portion of the length of the shaft, and wherein the radial orientation of at least some of the plurality of shaft openings and the plurality of rods is different than the radial orientation of at least some other of the shaft openings and rods.

8. The fluid turbine of claim 6, wherein the plurality of rods are threaded. 9 . The fluid turbine of claim 8 , further comprising a plurality of aero sleeves for covering exposed threaded portions of the plurality of rods. 10 . The fluid turbine of claim 9 , further comprising a plurality of washers, each washer interposed between one of the plurality of reinforcement sleeves and one of the plurality of aerodynamic sleeves. 11 . The fluid turbine of claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of threaded nuts, each threaded nut interposed between one of the plurality of washers and one of the plurality of aero sleeves. 12 . The fluid turbine of claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of nuts is sandwiched between two washers of the plurality of washers.

13. The fluid turbine of claim 9, wherein the plurality of aerodynamic sleeves are made of a plastic material.

14. The fluid turbine of claim 6, further comprising a plurality of horizontal ribs, each of the first blade portion and the second blade portion having at least one different rib associated therewith, and wherein each rib is connected to more than one of the plurality of rods.

15. The fluid turbine of claim 14, wherein each rib includes a plurality of apertured projections extending perpendicularly therefrom, each apertured projection being adapted to engage a different one of the plurality of rods.

16. The fluid turbine of claim 15, wherein the perforated projections have different heights.

17. The fluid turbine of claim 14, wherein each apertured projection is interposed between an associated blade surface and a distal end of an associated one of the aerodynamic sleeves.

18. The fluid turbine of claim 17, wherein a plurality of washers and threaded nuts are interposed between the distal end of the aerodynamic sleeve and the associated blade surface.

19. The fluid turbine of claim 14, wherein a profile of each of the plurality of ribs corresponds to a profile of an associated interior blade surface.

20. The fluid turbine of claim 16, wherein the different heights are associated with a clear distance between one or more of the plurality of sleeves between a different one of the plurality of rods connected to each rib and a different one of the plurality of shaft openings.

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