Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Apparatus for extracting energy from winds at high altitudes

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5949570
An apparatus is described for extracting energy from air currents at high altitude, comprising: frame means at the high altitude; endless belt means supported by the frame means and arranged for movement around a closed path having an ascending leg and a descending leg; air-foil elements secured to the endless belt means for movement around the closed path; flexible tether means securing the frame means to the surface of the earth; the air-foil elements being oriented with respect to the endless belt means so as to apply forces from the air currents to the endless belt means effecting (1) motion of the endless belt means around the path, and (2) a lifting force on the frame means tending to move the frame means up and to apply tension to the tether means; and means responsive to the movement of the endless belt means around the path for transmitting power to the surface of the earth.
Assignee:
Cognitronics Corp., Stamford, CT
Patent Number(s):
US 4572962
OSTI ID:
5949570
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English