GB126707A - An Improvement in the Means for Utilising the Kinitic Energy of Air Currents. - Google Patents

Abstract

126,707. Dickinson, W. J., and Stark, A. H. Feb. 21, 1917. Anemometers and air-current indicators.-Relates to turbines actuated by air currents and applicable as anemometers or auxiliary powergenerating devices on aircraft or other moving bodies, or as wind motors; the turbine may drive a dynamo or air compressor which is cooled by the exhaust air. The turbine d driving the dynamo g is mounted in a casing k of streamline formation having a mouthpiece a of vena contracta form and exhaust slots l which may be fitted with baffles, cones, or other current-inducing devices utilizing the entraining action of the current of air flowing outside the casing k. A second vena contracta m may surround the slots l and may itself be enclosed by a casing m<1> of stream-line formation. The apparatus is regulated by automatic throttling, preferably at the rear of the turbine. Thus the slots ! l may be controlled by a revoluble ring valve v actuated through suitable linkage by a centrifugal governor or by a solenoid q connected, for example, across the dynamo terminals. Alternatively the exhaust passage n may be controlled by a series of shutters o connected to a common operating ring p linked to the core of the solenoid q. Another throttling device for use either on the exhaust or inlet side of the turbine comprises an iris diaphragm arrangement of leaves or valves w, Fig. 3, which are pivoted on the turbine rotor so that when the speed becomes excessive they are thrown outwards by centrifugal force against the action of a spring band x bearing on studs y on the leaves w. Mouthpieces a of modified form are also described, together with a different arrangement of exhaust ports and passages in the casing k, which may have an open tail.