公开(公告)号：WO2016148870A1

公开(公告)日：2016-09-22

申请号：PCT/US2016/019737

申请日：2016-02-26

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： HACHTMANN, Brian ,  VANDER LIND, Damon ,  EVERS, Maaike ,  SIMONIAN, Michael

IPC: F03D13/20 ,  F03D1/02 ,  F03D9/34 ,  B64D41/00

CPC classification number: F03D7/0268 ,  B64C31/06 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/723 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: An airborne wind turbine system is provided including an aerial vehicle having a fuselage, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a rotatable drum positioned on a tower onto which the tether is wrapped when the aerial vehicle is reeled in, a perch extending from the tower, one or more perch booms attached to the perch panel and pivotabiv mounted to the tower, wherein when the aerial vehicle is secured to the perch, the aerial vehicle is positionable in a lowered parked position, and wherein the aerial vehicle is movable to a raised parked position caused by rotation of the one or more perch booms with respect to the tower.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种机载风力涡轮机系统，其包括具有机身的飞行器，具有固定到飞行器的第一端的导电系绳，以及固定到位于塔架上的可旋转滚筒的第二端，当天线 车辆被卷入，从塔架延伸的鲈鱼，一个或多个固定在船尾面板上的鲈鱼吊杆和枢轴安装到塔架上，其中当飞行器固定在鲈鱼上时，飞行器可定位在降低的停放位置 ，并且其中所述空中飞行器可移动到由所述一个或多个桅杆相对于所述塔的旋转引起的升高的停放位置。

公开(公告)号：WO2016007275A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-14

申请号：PCT/US2015/036922

申请日：2015-06-22

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： HALLAMASK, Kurt ,  HACHTMANN, Brian ,  NELSON, Rob ,  HARDHAM, Corwin ,  JENSEN, Kenny ,  PATTEN, Elias, Wolfgang

IPC: F03D11/00 ,  F03D7/04 ,  F03D1/02 ,  B64F3/00

CPC classification number: G06T7/004 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64F1/02 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64F3/02 ,  G06T7/70

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine ("AWT"), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be tethered to a ground station with a tether that terminates at a tether termination mount system. In one aspect, the tether termination mount system may include a tether termination unit configured in one or more gimbals that allow for the tether termination unit to rotate about one or more axes while tracking the aerial vehicle in flight. In a further aspect, the tether termination mount system may include an imaging device configured for imaging the aerial vehicle during flight in order to enhance tracking accuracy over that which is performed by angular motion of the tether termination unit.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在将动能风能转换成电能的路径中飞行的空中飞行器。 航空器可以连接到具有终止于系绳终端安装系统的系绳的地面站。 在一个方面，系绳终端安装系统可以包括配置在一个或多个万向节中的系绳终端单元，其允许系绳终端单元围绕一个或多个轴线旋转，同时跟踪飞行中的空中飞行器。 在另一方面，系绳终端安装系统可以包括被配置为在飞行期间对飞行器进行成像的成像装置，以便提高跟踪系统终端单元的角运动执行的追踪精度。

公开(公告)号：WO2016003698A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-07

申请号：PCT/US2015/037091

申请日：2015-06-23

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： PATTEN, Elias, Wolfgang ,  VANDER LIND, Damon ,  GILROYSMITH, Bryan, Christopher ,  HACHTMANN, Brian

IPC: F03D11/00 ,  F03D11/04 ,  F03D9/00 ,  F03D1/02 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64C39/02

CPC classification number: B64F3/02 ,  F03D7/02 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/723

Abstract: A system may include a tether, a slip ring, a tether gimbal assembly, a drive mechanism, a control system. The tether may include a distal tether end coupled to an aerial vehicle, a proximate tether end, and at least one insulated electrical conductor coupled to the aerial vehicle. The slip ring may include a fixed portion and a rotatable portion, where the rotatable portion is coupled to the tether. The tether gimbal assembly may be rotatable about at least one axis and is coupled to the fixed portion of the slip ring. The drive mechanism may be coupled to the slip ring and configured to rotate the rotatable portion of the slip ring. And the control system may be configured to operate the drive mechanism to control twist in the tether.

Abstract translation: 系统可以包括系绳，滑环，系绳万向节组件，驱动机构，控制系统。 系绳可以包括联接到空中飞行器的远端系绳端，近端系绳端以及耦合到空中飞行器的至少一个绝缘电导体。 滑环可以包括固定部分和可旋转部分，其中可旋转部分联接到系绳。 系绳万向节组件可以围绕至少一个轴线旋转并且联接到滑环的固定部分。 驱动机构可以联接到滑环并且被配置为旋转滑环的可旋转部分。 并且控制系统可以被配置为操作驱动机构以控制系绳中的扭转。

公开(公告)号：WO2015102855A2

公开(公告)日：2015-07-09

申请号：PCT/US2014/070100

申请日：2014-12-12

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： VANDER LIND, Damon ,  HACHTMANN, Brian

IPC: F03D11/00 ,  F03D3/02 ,  H02G11/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F1/08 ,  B65H75/38

CPC classification number: B66D1/30 ,  B21C23/00 ,  B21C23/142 ,  B21C23/145 ,  B29C47/0004 ,  B29C47/0023 ,  B29C47/003 ,  B29C47/0059 ,  B29C47/021 ,  B29C47/8845 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B65H75/265 ,  B65H75/4405 ,  B65H75/4415 ,  B65H2701/528 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/30 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/725 ,  Y02P70/30 ,  Y10T29/49002

Abstract: A drum for storing an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to an aerial vehicle and a second end secured to a ground station that includes a drum frame rotatable about a drum axis, a drum surface positioned over the drum frame comprising a spiral extrusion wrapped around the drum frame, wherein the extrusion has a cross-section having an upper surface that is shaped to conform to an outer surface of the electrically conductive tether, and wherein the extrusion is adapted for dissipating heat generated through a transfer of electricity from the aerial vehicle to a ground station through the electrically conductive tether.

Abstract translation: 一种用于存储具有固定到飞行器的第一端的导电系绳的滚筒和固定到地面站的第二端，所述第二端包括可围绕鼓轴线旋转的滚筒框架，位于鼓框架上方的滚筒表面包括螺旋挤压包装 围绕所述鼓框架，其中所述挤压件具有横截面，所述横截面的上表面被成形为符合所述导电系绳的外表面，并且其中所述挤出件适于消散通过从所述空中传送电而产生的热量 车辆通过导电系绳到地面站。

公开(公告)号：WO2015095222A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-25

申请号：PCT/US2014/070653

申请日：2014-12-16

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： HACHTMANN, Brian

IPC: F03D11/00 ,  F03D9/00 ,  F03D1/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F3/00

CPC classification number: B64F3/00 ,  B66D1/12 ,  B66D3/006

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine ("AWT"), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be tethered to a ground station via a tether that terminates at a tether termination mount. In one aspect, the ground station may have a motor that may be used, for example, as a winch motor to turn the drum to assist in deployment and/or retraction of the tether and AWT. It may be desirable to be able to switch from an engaged and disengaged condition of the motor. For example, it may be desirable to disengage the motor to help reduce wear on the drivetrain and/or to help reduce loads on the drivetrain.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在将动能风能转换成电能的路径中飞行的飞行器。 飞行器可以通过终止于系绳终端安装座的系绳系在地面站上。 在一个方面，地面站可以具有可用于例如绞车马达来转动滚筒以协助系绳和AWT的展开和/或缩回的马达。 可能希望能够从马达的接合和分离状态切换。 例如，可能需要使马达脱开以帮助减少传动系上的磨损和/或有助于减小传动系上的载荷。

公开(公告)号：WO2015094859A2

公开(公告)日：2015-06-25

申请号：PCT/US2014/069558

申请日：2014-12-10

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： CHUBB, Erik, Christopher ,  VANDER LIND, Damon ,  HACHTMANN, Brian

IPC: B64C27/54

CPC classification number: G05D1/0816 ,  B64C17/00 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C39/024 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/042 ,  G05D1/0866

Abstract: An example method may include receiving data representing an initial position and an initial attitude of an aircraft. The method further includes determining a change to a first attribute and a second attribute of the position or the attitude of the aircraft to achieve a subsequent position and a subsequent attitude. The method also includes determining a priority sequence for changing the first attribute and the second attribute of the position or the attitude of the aircraft based on a first thrust of the actuator to achieve the change to the first attribute and a second thrust of the actuator to achieve the change to the second attribute. The priority sequence is configured to cause changes to the first attribute before causing changes to the second attribute where the actuator is unable to concurrently provide the first thrust and the second thrust.

Abstract translation: 示例方法可以包括接收表示飞机的初始位置和初始姿态的数据。 该方法还包括确定对飞机的位置或姿态的第一属性和第二属性的改变以实现后续位置和后续姿态。 该方法还包括基于致动器的第一推力来确定用于改变飞行器的位置或姿态的第一属性和第二属性的优先顺序，以实现对第一属性的改变以及致动器的第二推力 实现对第二个属性的更改。 优先顺序被配置为在致动器不能同时提供第一推力和第二推力的第二属性改变之前引起第一属性的改变。

公开(公告)号：WO2015094668A1

公开(公告)日：2015-06-25

申请号：PCT/US2014/068349

申请日：2014-12-03

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： VANDER LIND, Damon ,  HACHTMANN, Brian

IPC: F03D11/00 ,  F03D1/02 ,  F03D9/00

CPC classification number: H01R35/02 ,  B64C39/022 ,  B64C2201/021 ,  B64C2201/148 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  H01R39/64 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine ("AWT"), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. The aerial vehicle may be tethered to a ground station via a tether. As a result of continuous circular flights paths, the tether may rotate continuously in one direction. Thus, it may be desirable to have a cable management apparatus that allows for tether rotation and helps reduce strain on the tether.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在将动能风能转换成电能的路径中飞行的飞行器。 航空器可以通过系绳系在地面站上。 由于连续的圆形航行路径，系绳可以在一个方向上连续旋转。 因此，可能需要具有允许系链旋转并有助于减小系绳应变的电缆管理装置。

公开(公告)号：WO2016007346A1

公开(公告)日：2016-01-14

申请号：PCT/US2015/038766

申请日：2015-07-01

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： HACHTMANN, Brian ,  VANDER LIND, Damon

IPC: F03D11/00 ,  F03D11/04 ,  F03D9/00 ,  F03D1/02 ,  B64F3/00 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B66D1/30 ,  B66D1/36

CPC classification number: B66D1/60 ,  B66D1/38 ,  F03D1/02 ,  F03D9/25 ,  F03D9/32 ,  F03D13/20 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: Wind energy systems, such as an Airborne Wind Turbine ("AWT"), may be used to facilitate conversion of kinetic energy to electrical energy. An AWT may include an aerial vehicle that flies in a path, such as a substantially circular path, to convert kinetic wind energy to electrical energy. In an example embodiment, the aerial vehicle may be connected to a ground station via a tether that both restrains the AWT and conveys the electrical energy to the base station. The tether may be wound about a drum when the AWT is not in flight, and the drum may include a helical groove of varying pitch to receive the tether. An asymmetrical levelwind may be positioned adjacent to the drum and configured to move along the drum and guide the tether onto the drum.

Abstract translation: 诸如空降风力发电机（“AWT”）等风能系统可用于促进将动能转换为电能。 AWT可以包括在诸如基本圆形路径的路径中飞行的空中飞行器，以将动能风能转换成电能。 在一个示例性实施例中，空中交通工具可以经由系统连接到地面站，系绳都限制AWT并将电能传送到基站。 当AWT不在飞行中时，系绳可绕卷筒缠绕，并且滚筒可以包括不同间距的螺旋槽以接收系绳。 不对称的侧风可以定位成与滚筒相邻，并且被配置成沿滚筒移动并将系绳引导到滚筒上。

公开(公告)号：WO2015127087A1

公开(公告)日：2015-08-27

申请号：PCT/US2015/016629

申请日：2015-02-19

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： HACHTMANN, Brian

IPC: F16C17/12 ,  F16C33/10 ,  F16C33/12 ,  F16C33/20 ,  F16C11/06

CPC classification number: F16C17/18 ,  F16C17/246 ,  F16C23/045 ,  F16C41/001

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include bearings with three races: an inner race, a shared race, and an outer race that exhibit increased life under oscillatory loads. The exemplary embodiments may include one or more directional biasing mechanisms configured such that when a bearing shaft rotates in one direction, the shared race rotates with it, and when the shaft oscillates in the other direction, the shared race is impeded from moving in the other direction. Under continued oscillation, the shared race will "walk" in circles around the shaft, effectively distributing the load and wear over the entire circumference of a bearing surface.

Abstract translation: 本文公开的示例性实施例包括具有三个种族的轴承：内圈，共享座圈和外圈，其在振荡载荷下表现出增加的寿命。 示例性实施例可以包括一个或多个定向偏置机构，其构造成使得当轴承轴在一个方向上旋转时，共享的座圈与其一起旋转，并且当轴在另一个方向上摆动时，共享的座圈被阻止在另一个方向上移动 方向。 在持续振荡的情况下，共享的比赛将围绕轴围绕“行走”，有效地分布负载和磨损在轴承表面的整个圆周上。

公开(公告)号：WO2015102870A1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-09

申请号：PCT/US2014/070366

申请日：2014-12-15

Applicant: GOOGLE INC.

Inventor： HACHTMANN, Brian ,  VANDER LIND, Damon

IPC: F03D11/00 ,  F03D9/00 ,  F03D1/02 ,  B64C39/02 ,  B64F3/00

CPC classification number: B64F1/12 ,  B64F3/00 ,  F03D5/00 ,  F05B2240/917 ,  F05B2240/921 ,  Y02E10/70 ,  Y02E10/728

Abstract: An airborne wind turbine system including an aerial vehicle having a fuselage, an electrically conductive tether having a first end secured to the aerial wing and a second end secured to a platform, a rotatable drum positioned on the platform onto which the tether is wrapped when the aerial vehicle is reeled in, a perch panel extending from the platform, first and second extensions extending from opposite sides of the perch panel, a peg positioned on the fuselage, first and second hooks extending from the aerial vehicle on opposite sides of the peg, wherein when the aerial vehicle is perched on the perch panel, the peg is in contact with the perch panel, the first hook is positioned over the first extension, and the second hook is positioned over the second extension.

Abstract translation: 一种机载风力涡轮机系统，包括具有机身的飞行器，具有固定到所述空中翼的第一端的导电系绳和固定到平台的第二端，位于所述平台上的可旋转滚筒，当所述系绳被缠绕在所述平台上时， 飞行器被卷入，从平台延伸的行星面板，从鲈鱼板的相对侧延伸的第一和第二延伸部，位于机身上的钉，从该飞行器在钉的相对侧上延伸的第一和第二钩， 其中当所述空中飞行器栖息在所述导管板上时，所述栓与所述导管板接触，所述第一钩定位在所述第一延伸部上方，并且所述第二钩定位在所述第二延伸部上。