Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Fluid flow induced oscillating energy harvester maximizing power output through off-center mounted toggling bluff body and/or suspension stiffening mechanism
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Application No.: US15353120Application Date: 2016-11-16
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Publication No.: US10294916B2Publication Date: 2019-05-21
- Inventor: Scott Kennedy , Lisa Weiland
- Applicant: Renerge, Inc
- Applicant Address: US PA Pittsburgh
- Assignee: RENERGE, INC.
- Current Assignee: RENERGE, INC.
- Current Assignee Address: US PA Pittsburgh
- Agency: BLK Law Group
- Agent Blynn L. Shideler; Krisanne Shideler
- Main IPC: F03B17/06
- IPC: F03B17/06 ; F03B13/10 ; H02K35/02

Abstract:
A fluid flow induced oscillating energy harvester includes a stand supporting the harvester in a fluid flow; a support member mounted for movement relative to the stand in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction; a bluff body positioned substantially perpendicular to the flow direction and pivotally mounted to the support member at a position off-center from the center of mass of the bluff body, wherein sufficient fluid flow causes an oscillating movement of the bluff body and the support member relative to the stand; and an electrical generator coupled to the support member and configured to convert oscillating movement of the support member to electrical power. The harvester may include a support member spring supporting the support member for oscillation about a support member rest position wherein the support member spring exhibits a higher stiffness at higher oscillation amplitudes of the bluff body and the support member.
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