WO2010135409A2

WO2010135409A2 - Systems and methods for converting energy

Info

Publication number: WO2010135409A2
Application number: PCT/US2010/035373
Authority: WO
Inventors: Billy Graham
Original assignee: Energy Tunnel, Inc.
Priority date: 2009-05-20
Filing date: 2010-05-19
Publication date: 2010-11-25
Also published as: WO2010135409A3

Abstract

The systems and methods of the present disclosure in a broad aspect convert various forms of energy to mechanical and/or electrical energy. Air moved through the enclosed systems to turn air turbines optionally linked to generators. Harnessing the additive synergistic effects not possible for open air wind turbines allows the present systems to have greater efficiency.

Description

IN THE UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING ENERGY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and associated methods useful for converting various forms of energy to mechanical and/or electrical energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Since the industrial revolution fossil fuels such as oil and coal have been primary sources of energy meeting the energy needs of the world. The use of fossil fuels since the industrial revolution has increased the concentration of various greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, tropospheric ozone, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and nitrous oxide, leading to increased radiative forcing, from. Future CO₂ levels, for example, are expected to rise due to ongoing burning of fossil fuels and land-use change.

[0003] Given the harmful effects of global warming and finite sources of available fossil fuels, other methods of producing energy have been pursued. One such method is harnessing the kinetic energy in wind. Wind turbines as stand-alone units each with one rotor in open space, such as in a field, have been used to convert wind energy to electricity to drive human activity.

[0004] Although wind energy harnessed in such a fashion is a source of energy with negligible CO₂ production, there are associated disadvantages. Wind turbines in open space tend to be large structures often placed highly visible areas such as hills and vistas. They are thus not aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, the efficiency of kinetic energy conversion by open wind turbines tends to be low. Therefore, systems and associated methods for converting energy such as the kinetic energy in wind to mechanical and/or electrical energy which are not highly visible to the public and have greater efficiency are desirable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The systems and methods of the present disclosure convert various forms of energy including the kinetic energy in moving air to mechanical energy and optionally further to electrical energy. The present systems for converting energy can be in the form of stand-alone units of various scales or as parts of structures such as houses or office buildings whose main function is not to convert or produce energy.

[0006] In either case, each of the present systems essentially form an energy tunnel which takes advantage of factors that cause, facilitate or encourage movement of air through this tunnel that are not present for a lone wind turbine. Among the additive effects herein described, the energy tunnel may use a natural drafting effect in moving air and turning air turbines to produce mechanical energy. Also, an increase in temperature of the moving air, caused in part by its compression, further results in air movement. Compression also causes an increase in static pressure in the energy tunnel. Further, the movement of the air turbines themselves increases the temperature of the air inside the system. The lower temperature of air entering the energy tunnel as compared to air already present in the tunnel can create pressure which may initiate the process of moving air through the present system. The existing open field wind turbines do nothing to take advantage of additive synergistic effects which become available in an enclosed system as presently described.

[0007] Accordingly, the present systems, in a broad aspect, include at least one air intake, at least two consecutively positioned air turbines each having a rotor, and at least one air outlet. Further, the system is enclosed from the outside environment except through the at least one air intake and the at least one air outlet. In another embodiment, at least one induction fan is positioned after the at least one air intake and before said at least two consecutively positioned air turbines. "After" and "before" as used herein are in reference to the movement of air taken in through the air intake and exhausted through the air outlet. The air taken in through the at least one air intake moves through the at least two consecutively placed air turbines each comprising a rotor to produce mechanical energy. In another embodiment, the air first moves through at least one induction fan and then through the at least two consecutively placed air turbines.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the at least one generator is linked to at least one of the air turbines to convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy.

[0009] In another embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the at least one induction fan is separately powered. One non-limiting source of power for the at least one induction fan is solar energy.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the at least one induction fan generates an air speed of between about 20 miles per hour and about 30 miles per hour.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the at least two air turbines are powered only by moving air.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the at least one air intake is a vertical stack. Alternatively, the at least one air outlet is also a vertical stack.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the decrease in air speed is less than about 20% for two consecutively positioned air turbines.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the difference in revolutions per minute (RPM) of the at least two consecutively positioned air turbines is less than about 10% for at least two consecutively positioned air turbines.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present system for converting energy, the speed of air entering the final air turbine is between about 10 miles per hour and about 20 miles per hour.

[0016] Alternatively, at least one of the at least two air turbines is attached to a removable cart.

[0017] The present disclosure further relates to methods of converting energy comprising taking in air through at least one air intake, moving the air through at least two air turbines each comprising a rotor to produce mechanical energy. In these methods, the system is enclosed from the outside environment except through the at least one air intake and the at least one air outlet.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present method for converting energy, after taking air through at least one air intake, the air is moved through at least one induction fan then through at least two air turbines each comprising a rotor to produce mechanical energy, wherein the system is enclosed from the outside environment except through the at least one air intake and the at least one air outlet.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present method for converting energy, the mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy with at least one electrical generator linked to at least one of the air turbines.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the present method for converting energy, the at least one induction fan is separately powered. One non-limiting source of power for the at least one induction fan is solar energy.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of the present method for converting energy, the air turbines are powered only by moving air.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the present method for converting energy, the at least one intake is a vertical stack. Alternatively, the at least one air outlet is also a vertical stack.

[0023] In another embodiment of the present method for converting energy, the at least one induction fan generates an air speed of between about 20 miles per hour and about 30 miles per hour.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the present method for converting energy, at least one of the air turbines is attached to a removable cart.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present method for converting energy, the decrease in airspeed is less than about 20% for at least two consecutive air turbines.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the present method for converting energy, the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the air turbines is less than about 10% for at least two consecutively positioned air turbines. Alternatively, for the present method for converting energy, the speed of air entering the final air turbine is between about 10 miles per hour and about 20 miles per hour. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present system for converting energy which is in the form of an energy tunnel.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a stand-alone power plant which includes an exemplary embodiment of the present system for converting energy which is in the form of an energy tunnel.

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a segment of a prototype which includes one induction fan and four additional fans representing air turbines.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The present disclosure is generally related to systems and methods for converting energy. The systems and associated methods provide conversion of kinetic energy in moving air to energy which can be utilized by consumers as electrical energy.

[0031] Capturing kinetic energy in moving air is what turns wind turbines in an open field and results in production of electrical energy in these devices. Many of the members of the public have seen such wind turbines which are not aesthetically pleasing. The open-field wind turbines, although they are a source of green or clean energy, do nothing to take advantage of additive synergistic effects which can be harnessed and utilized as described in the presently described systems and methods. The open-field wind turbines thus leave much to be desired. For example, air speeds immediately behind blades of open-field wind turbines can be appreciable. But, the energy in moving air is wasted. Further, effects of heat and pressure are not harnessed and the associated additive synergistic effects are not achieved in an open-field wind turbine.

[0032] In a broad aspect, the systems of the present disclosure include at least one air intake, at least one induction fan, at least two consecutively positioned air turbines each comprising a rotor and at least one air outlet. Air taken in moves from the at least one air intake through the at least one induction fan then through the at least two air turbines to produce mechanical energy. The system is enclosed from the outside environment except through the at least one air intake and the at least one air outlet (207, 209).

[0033] Air intake 101 , as shown in Figure 1 , according to the present disclosure, can be any apparatus that is capable of capturing air from the outside environment. The air taken in eventually travels to at least one air turbine 105 where a conversion of energy occurs. In one embodiment, air intake 101 is a vertical stack. An intake 101 may capture air already possessing kinetic energy and able to turn a wind or air turbine. Wind currents have air speeds which may exceed 30 miles per hour. These wind currents are more available higher up in the atmosphere, such as about 250 feet (measured from ground level).

[0034] Figure 2 which illustrates stand alone power plant 200 having the present energy tunnel has two air intakes in the form of first vertical stack 201 and second vertical stack 202. They are shaped to increase the flow of air into the air intakes.

[0035] Air intakes such as the vertical stack described herein may have heights allowing it to protrude upward to the sky where wind currents exist. Therefore, to reach places where wind currents are prevalent, the intake vertical stack will have a height 203 of about 250 feet (measured from ground level) in one embodiment, between about 50 feet to about 500 feet, between about 100 feet and 400 feet, between about 150 feet and about 350 feet, between about 200 feet and about 300 feet. Alternatively, air intakes can exist near ground level.

[0036] In addition to the air speed in wind currents, the air located above ground level are typically at a lower temperature. The higher up from ground level, the lower the temperature of air usually is. When air having a lower temperature such as in the range of, for example between -20 ⁰F to about 50 ⁰F, enters the present systems, there is an observed downward pressure. This phenomenon is much like the downward pressure observed when cool air travels down the sides of a mountain eventually to ground level.

[0037] The vertical stack, in accordance with the scope and teachings of the present disclosure, may be shaped to optimize the capturing of air having appreciable wind speeds capable of turning one or more air turbines. Such optimization may include attaching one or more ducts which face the prevailing wind currents. The ducts may be controllable and thus be turned based on the direction of wind so that air with maximum speed may be captured. Alternatively, the ducts may be designed to be rotated by the force of prevailing winds such that the air intake faces the wind currents. Optimization of the vertical stack will result in maximizing and maintaining, as much as possible, the speed of the air being taken in. Such maintenance of air speed will result in maximum retention of kinetic energy which will be converted to mechanical and then optionally to electrical energy.

[0038] Further, the vertical stack in one exemplary embodiment may comprise at least one flap which may open and close. This flap can also have at least one spring.

[0039] Even when little wind is present, moving outside air taken in through an air intake often still produces air speeds sufficient to cause the turning of the air turbines in the present systems. This is caused by the presence of the air outlet which can also be in the form of a vertical stack. The presence of an air intake and the air outlet, especially in the form of vertical stacks takes advantage of the natural draft phenomenon.

[0040] In accordance with this natural draft phenomenon, air that is captured travels down and achieves an air speed greater than its entry speed. Therefore, unlike a wind turbine that produces little mechanical energy when there is little wind, the present system possesses the ability to capture the energy in natural draft which creates air speeds that are higher than the speeds of outside wind alone. The energy in natural draft is a clean source of energy.

[0041] According to the concept of natural draft, such as unforced gas flow through a chimney or vertical stack, there is a direct relation to vertical stack height and the temperature difference between the ascending gases and the atmosphere. The temperature difference between the outside and inside air will create a "natural draft" forcing the air to flow. The direction of the flow depends on the temperatures. If inside temperature is higher than outside temperature, inside air density is less than outside air density, and inside air will flow up and out of the upper parts of the system. Cold outside air will flow into the lower parts of the system. If outside temperature is higher than inside air temperature then the air flow will be in the opposite direction. [0042] In general, the natural draft effect is the movement of air into and out of buildings, chimneys, flue gas stacks, or other containers, and is driven by buoyancy. Buoyancy occurs as result of a difference in indoor-to-outdoor air density resulting from temperature and moisture differences. The result is either a positive or negative buoyancy force. The greater the thermal difference and height of the structure, the greater the buoyancy force is, and thus the natural draft effect. This natural draft effect helps drive natural ventilation and infiltration.

[0043] As the natural draft effect relates to buildings in general, because buildings are not totally sealed, the effect will cause air infiltration. During the heating season, the warmer indoor air rises up through and escapes at the top either through open windows, ventilation openings, or leakage. The rising warm air reduces the pressure in the base of the building, forcing cold air to infiltrate through either open doors, windows, or other openings and leakage. During the cooling season, the natural draft effect is reversed, but is typically weaker due to lower temperature differences.

[0044] In a modern high-rise building with a well-sealed envelope, the stack effect can create significant pressure differences that must be given design consideration and may need to be addressed with mechanical ventilation. Stairwells, shafts, elevators, and the like, tend to contribute to the stack effect, whereas interior partitions, floors, and fire separations can mitigate it. Especially in case of fire, the stack effect needs to be controlled to prevent the spread of smoke.

[0045] The natural draft effect in the present systems is similar to that in buildings described above, except that it may involve hotter gases having larger temperature differences with the ambient outside air. Furthermore, the present system will provide less obstruction for the moving air along its length and can be optimized to enhance the natural draft effect. Large temperature differences between the outside air and air inside the present system can create a strong natural draft.

[0046] Air turbines in the present systems generate heat and this increases the temperature of the air inside the system. Also, as the air temperature within the system increases, the density of air is reduced. This "lighter" or less dense air can move through the system and out of the air outlet more quickly. There can be more kinetic energy in this moving air to turn the rotors of the air turbines, thereby producing more mechanical energy. More mechanical energy produced translates into more electrical energy produced.

[0047] As illustrated in Figure 3, the systems for converting energy in accordance with the present disclosure can also include at least one induction fan 103. In one example embodiment, the induction fan 301 (Figure 3) has a diameter that is larger than the subsequent fans or air turbines. The air taken in through the air intake goes through this induction fan. The induction fan has at least two blades. The length of the blades may be, in one embodiment, longer than the rotor blades of the present systems. The induction fan blade length may be about 25% larger, alternatively about 10% to about 40% larger, or about 20% to about 30% larger.

[0048] Additionally, the induction fan may be powered. When outside wind speed is so low that the generated air speed at the first turbine is not sufficient to turn the air turbines, the induction fan can create the needed additional air speed. Preferably, clean energy is the source of power for the induction. One non-limiting example of such clean energy is solar energy. Solar panels may be associated with the present system to power the at least one induction fan. Appropriate electrical wiring will be included to run power from the solar panels to the induction fan. There may also be one or more batteries which can store the solar energy and later power the induction fan such as at night or when direct sunlight is not available. Alternatively, a portion of the electrical energy produced by the present system can be routed to power the induction fan.

[0049] It is important to note that the powering of the one or more included inductions fans is done to get air moving so that the natural draft effect as discussed above can be allowed to progress. The induction fan generates airflow when it is powered even when no appreciate wind speed from the outside or when no natural draft is present. Once the induction fan begins the flow of air through the present system, the air turbines may heat up and cause the heated (and lighter) air to move by natural draft. Therefore, the heat generated in the system itself is a further factor which assists movement air which in turn increases the production of energy. Because of this phenomenon, the power usage of the induction fan will not be as high as compared to when no natural draft is possible. [0050] A further purpose of the included at least one induction fan is to compress the air taken in by the at least one air intake. Air compression occurs because there is a decrease in the volume of space that the air taken in can occupy. This is accomplished by the size of the induction fan (as indicated by the length of the blades of the induction fan) as compared to the blades of the rotors of the subsequently placed air turbines and the shaping of the enclosure which house the induction fan and the air turbines. Pressure is inversely relates to volume. Thus, the decrease in volume increases the pressure of the air resulting in air compression. The increased pressure of the air further promotes quicker passage of air through the air turbines. The quicker passage of air creates the air speed necessary to produce mechanical energy which may be converted further to electrical energy. It is important to note that the pressure increase provided by compression can be in addition to the initial downward pressure of air due to its starting temperature. As already noted, the outside air, especially when it is taken in high up from ground level is cooler than the air inside the present systems.

[0051] The at least one induction fan, in accordance with the present disclosure, produces air speed behind the induction fan which is, in alternative embodiments, between about 10 miles per hour (MPH) and about 50 MPH, between about 20 MPH and about 40 MPH, and between about 25 MPH to about 35 MPH. In a preferred exemplary embodiment, the at least one induction fan produces an air speed of about 27 MPH.

[0052] The present systems for converting energy further include at least two consecutively positioned air turbines each comprising a rotor. Each air turbine can be considered a rotary engine actuated by the impulse of a current of air. Outside air taken in through the air intake such as a vertical stack makes its way through the induction fan and then to the air turbines. Current of air is provided by the air meeting the air turbine from the induction fan. In other words, the turning of the turbines further promotes passage of air through the system. This effect is in addition to the natural draft effect and the increase in temperature of air as it moves through the system.

[0053] The movement of air through an air turbine causes blades of the rotor to turn. This turning motion produces mechanical energy. When a generator is attached to the air turbine this mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy. The electrical energy can then be directed to places which can be used or the electrical energy can be stored in one or more linked batteries. The batteries can be on-site or off-site and charged by the electrical energy produced.

[0054] An electrical generator is a device that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy, generally using electromagnetic induction. The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by a motor; motors and generators have many similarities. A generator forces electric charges to move through an external electrical circuit, but it does not create electricity or charge, which is already present in the wire of its windings. It is somewhat analogous to a water pump, which creates a flow of water but does not create the water inside. The source of mechanical energy in accordance with the present systems and methods is the rotation of the at least one air turbine which is caused and assisted by all of the synergistic and additive effects discussed herein.

[0055] Moreover, the air turbines, in accordance with the scope and teachings of the present disclosure, are consecutively placed. "Consecutively placed" as used herein means that the air turbines are arranged in series. This placement allows the drafting effect of air to turn the blades of succeeding air turbines. Blades of a typical wind turbine placed in an open field are turned by the kinetic energy of incoming wind. The outgoing air flow behind the blades of such a wind turbine is not captured and thus wasted. The consecutive placement of air turbines in a closed environment harnesses wasted energy of open air wind turbines.

[0056] The blades of the air turbines described herein can be configured to maximize the flow of air through the present systems. The air turbines generally are turned by the kinetic energy of the air hitting the blades, but other forces such as from pressure and compression may be put to work in turning the air turbines.

[0057] However in one exemplary embodiment, the air turbines are powered only by the air that moves through systems and not by external sources of energy such as electricity, solar energy or fossil fuel based energy. However, in another embodiment, the air turbines may be powered by an outside source of power, such as solar energy. Powering the air turbines is to supplement airflow and encourage movement of the natural draft of air moving from the air intake through the induction fan, the air turbines and out through the air outlet. [0058] The air taken in through the at least one intake makes its way through the induction fan and then to the consecutively placed air turbines. It has been surprisingly discovered that there is not a great drop in the speed of air entering and exiting one air turbine. This is due in part to the synergistic additive effective such as the natural drafting effect. The system being enclosed makes this possible. The enclosure permits saving and capturing of energy in an area behind an air turbine. This is in contrast to a wind turbine in the open field which cannot do so because of the lack of an enclosure. In fact, the entire system according to the present disclosure, including the necessary components, is enclosed, meaning that it is separated from the outside environment. In one embodiment, which includes a vertical stack as an air intake and a vertical stack as an air outlet, the other parts of the system are in the form of a tunnel. The at least one air intake, the at least one induction fan, the least two consecutively positioned air turbines, and the at least one air outlet all form a tunnel in one embodiment. The air taken in enters and travels inside this enclosure which can in the shape of a tunnel and is ultimately released.

[0059] The loss in air speed is less than one of ordinary skill in the art would expect between consecutively placed air turbines because of the synergistic additive effects described above. Thus, in one embodiment, the decrease in air speed is less than about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10%, or about 5% for two consecutively positioned air turbines. Alternatively, the decrease in air speed is less than about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10%, or about 5% correspondingly for three, four, five or six consecutively positioned air turbines. This means that compared to the speed of air entering one of the air turbines, the loss of air speed is less than the indicated percentage drop by the end of the chosen number of consecutively positioned air turbines. Alternatively, the decrease in air speed is less than about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10%, or about 5% for at least two consecutively positioned air turbines.

[0060] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the at least two consecutively placed air turbines is attached to a removal cart. The purpose of this attachment is to permit easy removal of one or more air turbines for a purpose such as servicing. The removal cart may have wheels on rails for ease of movement. When one or more air turbines are removed, the entire system does not have to go off-line while the removed air turbine is being serviced. The present system can be configured to still provide an enclosure so that minimal loss in air speed occurs when one or more air turbines are taken out for servicing.

[0061] Because of the additive effects of a created natural draft of air taken in and down in the case of when the air intake is a vertical stack, the revolutions per minute of the rotation of rotors in the air turbines is maintained. When air is taken in and down through a vertical stack such as from a wind current, the descending of this air into the present systems creates pressure which sustains and furthers the turning of the rotors of the air turbines in the system. Instead of quickly dissipating after turning the rotor of the first air turbine, the additive effects such as natural drafting, turns the rotor of the next air turbine connected in series without a large drop in the kinetic energy present in the moving air. This is indicated first by air speed. This is also measured by the revolutions per minute of the rotors of the air turbines.

[0062] In addition to the natural drafting effect (also known as "chimney effect"), another factor at work in the present systems for converting energy is slipstreaming. Slipstreaming is a technique where two objects such as vehicles or objects align in a close group reducing the overall effect of drag due to exploiting the lead object's slipstream. Especially when high speeds are involved, drafting can significantly reduce the echelon's average energy expenditure required to maintain a certain speed and can also slightly reduce the energy expenditure of the lead vehicle or object.

[0063] Similarly, in the present consecutively placed air turbines, the above- described slipstreaming effect is in part responsible for the greater efficiency of energy conversion to prior art systems such as open-field wind turbines. The revolutions per minute of the air turbines unexpectedly decline in amounts that are less than if no slip streaming effect was present.

[0064] Therefore, in one embodiment, the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the at least two consecutively positioned air turbines is about the same for at least two consecutively positioned air turbines. One would normally expect a significant drop in the RPM of rotors even if they are placed in series. However, because of the additive effects discussed, it was unexpectedly discovered that RPMs can be approximately maintained between consecutive air turbines. In alternative embodiments, RPMs can be maintained between 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, or 15 consecutive turbines. RPMs being approximately maintained means that the change in rotor RPMs of two consecutive turbines is less than about 5%. It is also within the teachings of the present disclosure that the RPM change is less than about 10%, less than about 15%, less than about 20%, or less than about 25% between at least two consecutively placed air turbines, or between 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, or 15 consecutive turbines.

[0065] One or more embodiments of the present systems and methods are described by the following example(s).

EXAMPLE

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary system 300. The induction fan 301 has a diameter that is bigger than the subsequently placed consecutively fans (303, 305, 307 and 309). The fans (303, 305, 307 and 309) are comparable to the air turbines of the present system in an actual working embodiment. The fans (303, 305, 307 and 309) are not separately electrical powered. The movement of the blades of these fans is caused by the air coming off the induction fan. Induction fan in this prototype is powered as would a typical floor fan. The induction fan produces an air speed of 11.6 miles per hour (mph) in the air 311 after the induction fan and before the first fan. The compression of the air from the induction fan to the first fan (decrease in volume) causes an revolutions per minute (RPM) of 947 at the first fan 303. This in turn produces an air speed of 17.8 mph in the air 313 after the first fan 303 and before the second fan 305. The RPM of the second fan is 765. The air between the second fan and the third fan 307 has an air speed 15.5 mph. The RPM of the third fan is 648. The air 317 behind the third fan and before the fourth fan has an air speed of 13.9 mph. The RPM of the fourth fan 309 is 648. There is no drop in RPM between the third fan and the fourth fan. The air behind the last fan (fourth fan) is 9.8 mph.

[0067] The above data are summarized in the following table: Table 1 : Fan revolutions per minute (RPM) and air speed.

[0068] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about." Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. [0069] The terms "a," "an," "the" and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0070] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0071] Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0072] Specific em bod i merits disclosed herein may be further limited in the claims using consisting of or and consisting essentially of language. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, the transition term "consisting of excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term "consisting essentially of limits the scope of a claim to the specified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novel charactehstic(s). Embodiments of the invention so claimed are inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

[0073] Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the above-cited references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0074] In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

Claims

I claim:

1. A system for converting energy comprising: at least one air intake; at least two consecutively positioned air turbines each comprising a rotor; and at least one air outlet; wherein said air moves from said at least one air intake through said at least one induction fan then through said at least two air turbines to produce mechanical energy, and further wherein said system is enclosed from the outside environment except through said at least one air intake and said at least one air outlet.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one induction fan positioned after said at least one air intake and before said at least two consecutively positioned air turbines.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one generator is linked to at least one of said air turbines to convert said mechanical energy to electrical energy.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said at least one induction fan is separately powered.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein said at least one induction fan is powered by solar energy.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein said at least one induction fan generates an air speed of between about 20 miles per hour and about 30 miles per hour.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least two air turbines are powered only by moving air.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one air intake is at least one vertical stack.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one air outlet is at least one vertical stack.

10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the decrease in air speed is less than about 20% for two consecutively positioned air turbines.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the difference in revolutions per minute (RPM) of said at least two consecutively positioned air turbines is less than about 10% for at least two consecutively positioned air turbines.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the speed of air entering the final air turbine is between about 10 miles per hour and about 20 miles per hour.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said air turbines is attached to a removable cart.

14. A method of converting energy comprising: taking in air through at least one air intake; moving said air through at least two consecutively positioned air turbines each comprising a rotor to produce mechanical energy, and further wherein said system is enclosed from the outside environment except through said at least one air intake and said at least one air outlet.

15. The method of claim 14, after taking air through at least one air intake, moving said air through at least one induction fan then through at least two consecutively positioned air turbines each comprising a rotor to produce mechanical energy, and further wherein said system is enclosed from the outside environment except through said at least one air intake and said at least one air outlet.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy with at least one electrical generator linked to at least one of said air turbines.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein said at least one induction fan is separately powered.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said at least one induction fan is powered by solar energy.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein said air turbines are powered only by moving air.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one intake is at least one vertical stack.

21. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one air outlet is at least one vertical stack.

22. The method of claim 14, wherein said at least one induction fan generates an air speed of between about 20 miles per hour and about 30 miles per hour.

23. The method of claim 14, wherein at least one of the air turbines is attached to a removable cart.

24. The method of claim 14, wherein in the decrease in air speed is less than about 20% for at least two consecutive air turbines.

25. The method of claim 14, wherein the difference in revolutions per minute (RPM) of said at least two consecutively positioned air turbines is less than about 10% for at least two consecutively positioned air turbines.

26. The method of claim 14, wherein the speed of air entering the final air turbine is between about 10 miles per hour and about 20 miles per hour.