US 20130292944A1

(19) United States

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2013/0292944 A1
Carmein et al.
(54)

(43) Pub. Date:

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR

NOV. 7, 2013

Publication Classi?cation

CONTROLLING ELECTRIC FIELDS IN

ELECTRO-HYDRODYNAMIC
APPLICATIONS
(71)

Applicant: Accio Energy, Inc-, AnnArbor, MI (US)

(51)

Int. Cl.
F03D 7/00
(2006.01)
(52) US. Cl.
CPC ...................................... .. F03D 7/00 (2013.01)
USPC

(72) Inventors: David Carmein, AnnArbor, Ml (U S);

Dawn White, AnnArbor, MI (US);
Randy C. Stevenson, Saline, MI (US)

(21) Appl.N0.: 13/938,003

(22) Filed:

Jul. 9, 2013
Related US. Application Data

(63)

Continuation of application No. 13/276,055, ?led on

Oct. 18,2011.

(60) Provisional application No. 61/528,440, ?led on Aug.

29, 2011, provisional application No. 61/394,298,

?led on Oct. 18, 2010.

.......................................................... ..

(57)

290/44

ABSTRACT

An electro-hydrodynamic system that extracts energy from a

gas stream, which includes an injector that injects a ?rst

species of particles having the same polarity into the gas

stream, wherein particle movement with the gas stream is
opposed by a ?rst electric ?eld; an electric ?eld generator that
generates a second electric ?eld opposing the ?rst, such that
the net electric ?eld at a predetermined distance downstream
from the injector is approximately Zero; an upstream collector
that collects a second species of particles having a polarity

opposite the ?rst particle species; a downstream collector that

collects the charged particle; and a load coupled between the
downstream collector and the up stream collector, wherein the
load converts the kinetic energy of the gas stream into electric
power.

SYSTEM FIELD

Patent Application Publication

Nov. 7, 2013 Sheet 1 0f 5

US 2013/0292944 A1

I
l
l

SYSTEM FIELD

I
I

'

GAS STREAM

' ,400

:6 9

<9 (9

. 200-.
I
l

G)

l
I

Ii 140

l
I

202 (9 :

69/

Q)

l
l
l
l
I

L???

204

::

| _______________________________ ___|

FIG. 1

(PRIOR ART)
1

(]_5

REACHES DESIRED ENERGY

HARVESTING ZONE FAR
FROM DESIRED LOCATION
I
/
/
/

LARGE NEGATIVE ELECTRIC FIELD

IN CHARGE

GENERATOR

REGION // ' - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - - _ '

IMPEDES CHARGING,
PROMOTES SHORTING

-o.5

K,
I

/\

//

\\\
10

I,
I

20

30

Vsys kV=100

--VsyskV=50

4o

50

so

mm

(PRIOR ART)

10

so

Patent Application Publication

Nov. 7, 2013 Sheet 2 0f 5

US 2013/0292944 A1

SYSTEM FIELD

-q---1 /

(I)

200/

140/

,I+LD-
,
+
322d/

\'~160

LOAD

159

l _________________________________ _ _l

FIG. 3A

240

120

Patent Application Publication

Nov. 7, 2013 Sheet 3 0f 5

US 2013/0292944 A1

FIELD SHAPER REVERSES FIELD NEAR

l/CHARGE GENERATOR PROMOTING

ll PARTICLE CHARGING
ELECTRIC FIELD WITH FIELD SHAPER

I RETURNS TO MAGNITUDE & DIRECTION

I REQUIRED TO SUPPORT WIND ENERGY

I HARVESTING WITHIN 5-10mm OF

I

CHARGE GENERATOR

-0.5

-1

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Vsys W = 100

__________________________________________|

220

Patent Application Publication

Nov. 7, 2013 Sheet 4 0f 5

US 2013/0292944 A1

200

220

340

240

342

A!
e5 l
j
240

364

m DIELECTRIC
FIG- 7

362

360

SHIELD

Patent Application Publication

Nov. 7, 2013 Sheet 5 0f 5

FIG. 8

US 2013/0292944 A1

Nov. 7, 2013

US 2013/0292944 A1

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR

CONTROLLING ELECTRIC FIELDS IN
ELECTRO-HYDRODYNAMIC
APPLICATIONS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the bene?t of US. Provi

sional Application No. 61/394,298, ?led 18 Oct. 2010, titled
A System And Method For Controlling Electric Fields In
Electro-Hydrodynamic Applications and US. Provisional
Application No. 61/528,440 ?led 29 Aug. 2011, titled A
System And Method For Controlling Electric Fields In Elec
tro-Hydrodynamic Applications, Which are incorporated in

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art

electro -hydrodynamic energy extraction system With a space

charge.
[0007]

FIG. 2 is graph of prior art indicating unsatisfactory

electrical ?eld characteristics.

[0008] FIGS. 3A and 3B are a schematic representation of
a preferred embodiment of the invention and a schematic
representation of the electrical ?elds of a preferred embodi

ment of the invention, respectively.

[0009] FIG. 4 is an exemplary graph of electrical ?eld char

ber PCT/US09/31682, ?led 22 Jan. 2009, titled Electro

Hydrodynamic Wind Energy System Which are

acteristics of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a schematic representation ofan injector of
a preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a ?rst
embodiment of the invention.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a second
embodiment of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an embodi
ment of the invention including an aerodynamic electric ?eld

incorporated in their entirety by this reference.

generator.

their entirety by this reference.

[0002] This application is related to prior application Ser.
No. 12/357,862, ?led 22 Jan. 2009, titled Electro-Hydrody
namic Wind Energy System and prior PCT application num

TECHNICAL FIELD

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

[0003] This invention relates generally to the electro-hy

drodynamic Wind energy conversion ?eld, and more speci?

[0014] The folloWing description of the preferred embodi

cally to a neW and useful system and method in the electro

ments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to

hydrodynamic Wind energy conversion ?eld.

these preferred embodiments, but rather to enable any person

skilled in the art to make and use this invention.

BACKGROUND

[0004]

Electro-hydrodynamic (EHD) Wind energy con

version is a process Wherein electrical energy is extracted

directly from Wind energy. An EHD system is typically a

solid-state device that uses Wind energy to act against an

electrostatic ?eld, separating charged elements from a

charged source. In concept, this system can convert Wind
kinetic energy to electrical potential energy in the form of

charges collected at very high voltages.

[0005] Past investigations into this ?eld, hoWever, have

1. System For Field Shaping In EHD Applications

[0015] As shoWn in FIG. 3, a system 100 for controlling
electric ?elds (i.e., ?eld shaping) in an electro-hydrodynamic
(EHD) application of a preferred embodiment includes an
injector 200 and an electric ?eld generator 300. The injector
200 (or charge generator) preferably includes at least one
electrode 220 and a noZZle 240, and more preferably an array
of electrodes 220 and noZZles 240 as shoWn in FIG. 6. As

been fraught With many problems that rendered the energy

collection insuf?cient When compared to the energy input for
operating the EHD system. In particular, as an EHD system

shoWn in FIG. 3B, the electric ?eld generator 300 generates

an electric ?eld (shaping ?eld 320) that opposes the system
?eld 120 (i.e., has the same ?eld direction as the charging ?eld
201). The shaping ?eld preferably reverses the electric ?eld

collects charge from the separation of the charged particles,

near the injector, and causes the net electric ?eld to fall to

the system creates an electric ?eld (also called a system ?eld

substantially Zero at a predetermined point doWnstream from

120) that opposes the motion of the charges. The system ?eld

the injector (minimum ?eld point). The system functions to

may cancel and even overWhelm the electric ?eld used to

diffuse the space charge 122, resulting from a cloud of

charge the particles in the EHD system. As a result, the charge

supplied to a charged element (e.g., droplets in a charged
liquid spray) is reduced due to the interference of the system
?eld With the charging ?eld. This loWers the Working current
and poWer output of the entire system. Additionally, the

charged particles localiZed about the injector 200, by revers

ing the electric ?eld in the immediate vicinity of the injector
200 (e.g., spray noZZle). As shoWn in FIG. 4, by maintaining

charged particles that are emitted to the Wind stream encoun

ter a very large opposing electrostatic force (also called a

space charge 122, shoWn in FIG. 1), created by the cloud of

previously released charged particles doWnWind from the
injector exit, Which promotes shorting of the droplets to the
charging elements or other components rather than entrain
ment in the Wind stream Where the charged particle can con
tribute to energy harvesting as shoWn in FIG. 2. Thus, there is
a need in the electro-hydrodynamic Wind energy conversion
?eld to create neW and useful systems and methods for con

an electrostatic ?eld near the injector 200 With the same ?eld

direction as the charging ?eld, the ?eld shaping system has

the effect of reducing interference With the charging process
as Well as controlling and optimiZing the charge induced on

the particles. Furthermore, by maintaining a minimum ?eld

point doWnstream from the injector 200, the shaping ?eld of
the electric ?eld generator 300 minimiZes the shorting losses
by attracting the charged particles aWay from the injector over
a short distance and promoting entrainment in a gas stream 10

(e.g., Wind stream). For example, When generating positively

charged particles, the electric ?eld generator Will preferably
maintain a positive ?eld at the tip of a noZZle 240 even When

tro-hydrodynamic applications. This invention provides such

the system voltage drops beloW ground. The system Will

preferably maintain ?eld magnitude and direction (i.e., ?eld

a neW and useful system and method.

shape) during normal operation conditions of an EHD sys

trolling magnitude and direction of the electric ?eld in elec

Nov. 7, 2013

US 2013/0292944 A1

tem. The ?eld reversal of the electric ?eld generator is pref

PCT/U S09/ 31682, ?led 22 Jan. 2009, titled ELECTRO

erably highly localized (preferably about the injector), such

HYDRODYNAMIC WIND ENERGY SYSTEM Which are

that the Wind may still do Work against the system ?eld 120
doWnWind from the ?eld reversal. Furthermore, the direction
of the ?eld reversal changes to oppose the droplet motion at a

incorporated in their entirety by this reference. The injector

200 may alternatively be any suitable device and/or process
that locally induces charge on a particle or spray.

predetermined distance doWnstream from the spray source to

[0017]

support energy extraction under the prevailing conditions.

Depending on the design of the electric ?eld generator 300

function to maintain a high ?eld concentration at a particle

The electrodes 220 of the preferred embodiment

and injector 200 (e.g., nozzle type and particle type), the ?eld

entrance (e.g., a nozzle tip or nozzle exit) to charge the par

ticles. The particles are preferably Water droplets that are

reversal induced by the electric ?eld generator may have other

shape characteristics. The system ultimately functions to

inductively positively charged. The electrode 220 is prefer

increase the amount of energy that can be harvested from an

EHD system. While the preferred system is for Wind energy

harvesting With an EHD system, the system may alternatively
be adapted for other suitable EHD applications such as charge
suppression in the presence of multiple charged sprays in the
?eld of agricultural spraying or industrial painting. As shoWn
in FIG. 3, the system preferably additionally includes an

ably a rail electrode or a ring electrode (i.e., induction ring)

made of conductive material. A ring electrode 220 preferably
circumscribes the nozzle, and is preferably aligned With the
ring axis concentric With the axis of the nozzle 240, With the
planar position variable before, co-planar, or aft of the tip of
the nozzle 240. The ring electrode 220 preferably maintains a
higher ?eld concentration at a point closer to the nozzle than

injector 200, collects a particle 204 of opposite charge (polar

to the electrode, Wherein the high ?eld concentration prefer

ably has a rapid drop-off of ?eld (volts/meter) heading radi
ally outWard toWards the ring electrode from the central axis
of the ring electrode. This preferably facilitates high ?eld

ity) to the particle released into the gas stream. The doWn
stream collector 160, positioned doWnstream from the inj ec
tor, collects the particle released into the gas stream. The load

providing a current path for short-circuiting. Use of a large

diameter (e.g., l/s-1/4 inch) cross-section Wire or rod to form

upstream collector 140, a doWnstream collector 160, and a

load 180. The upstream collector 140, positioned near the

180, electrically coupled betWeen the upstream and doWn

stream collectors, facilitates charged particle ?oW betWeen
the tWo collectors (i.e. current How), and transforms the cur
rent ?oW into electric poWer. The upstream collector is pref

strengths for charging of particles (e.g., electrospray) Without

the ring electrode 220 preferably improves the shape of the
electric ?eld lines such that charging occurs, but short circuit
ing is reduced. The electrode 220 may additionally be aero
dynamically shaped. For example, the cross section may have

erably a portion of the injector, but may alternatively be any

an airfoil shape. A large diameter ring electrode additionally

suitable collector. The doWnstream collector is preferably a

preferably provides suf?cient space betWeen a nozzle and the

electrode 220, creating a large area for Wind to carry aWay

conductive mesh, but may alternatively be the ground (e.g.

earth), or any suitable collector. The load is preferably a

resistive load, more preferably an adjustable resistive load,

but may be any suitable load. The parameters of the load and

upstream and doWnstream collectors (resistance, separation

distance, angular orientation, orientation relative to the Wind,
voltage, etc.) are preferably adjustable and controlled by a
processor (eg a CPU, a computer control system, etc,) to
promote energy extraction from the prevailing conditions.

[0016]

The injector 200 of the preferred embodiment func

tions to impart charge on a particle and to introduce the

charged particle 202 into the electric ?eld. The charged par
ticle is preferably suitable for entrainment Within a ?uid
stream, more preferably a Wind stream, such that energy may
be harvested from the Work done on the particle by the mov

ing ?uid. The particle is preferably a Water droplet but may be

any suitable particle as described beloW. The injector prefer

ably injects charged particles into the ?eld. The injector is

preferably arranged substantially parallel to the gas stream,
but may alternatively be oriented perpendicular to the gas
stream (e. g. vertically, horizontally, etc.) at an angle to the gas
stream, or in any suitable orientation. The injector 200 is
preferably an electrospray injector, but may be a hydrostatic

injector, a dry needle (eg that injects a substantially dry,

charged particles. HoWever, the electrode 220 may altema

tively be any other suitable electrode (eg a plate electrode)
and have any other suitable form factor.

[0018] The nozzle 240 of the preferred embodiment func

tions to produce particles to be charged and entrained Within
the Wind stream. The nozzle preferably emits liquid droplets.
The droplets are preferably Water droplets but may altema

tively be Water plus additives (e.g. surfactant, cesium, etc.), a

Water solution, or any suitable alternative liquid. Altema
tively, the nozzle may emit a substantially dry particle, such as
a polymer or fertilizer. The nozzle preferably has a nozzle tip
on the distal end of the nozzle 240 through Which the particle
is emitted. A pump system is preferably attached to the nozzle
on the proximal end of the nozzle 240. A Wide variety of
nozzle types may be used due to the reduction in restrictions

in spray/droplet requirements due to the ?eld reversal from

the electric ?eld generator 300. The nozzle is preferably one
of those disclosed in PCT application number PCT/US09/
31682, but may alternatively be any suitable nozzle for par
ticle emission and charging. As an alternative to the nozzle

240, air, particulate matter, or other non-liquid particles may

alternatively be introduced for charging.
[0019] Additionally or alternatively, a preferred embodi

trode 220 and a nozzle 240 as shoWn in FIG. 5, Wherein the

ment may have a plurality of injectors 200 Within the ?eld of

the electric ?eld generator 300. The injectors 200 are prefer
ably arranged in an array, but may alternatively be arranged in

electrode 220 charges the particles emitted from the nozzle

240. More preferably, the injector 200 includes a plurality of

?guration. The ?eld of the electric ?eld generator 300 is

charged particle into the Wind), a corona charger, or any

suitable injector. The injector 200 preferably includes an elec

electrodes 220 and nozzles 240. The injectors in one embodi

ment are preferably substantially similar to the injectors
described in prior application Ser. No. l2/357,862, ?led 22
Jan. 2009, titled ELECTRO-HYDRODYNAMIC WIND
ENERGY SYSTEM and prior PCT application number

one or more roWs, columns, rings, or any other suitable con

preferably useable by any suitable number of injectors. The

array of injectors 200 are preferably aligned along a plane,
preferably Within the space Within the electric ?eld generator
300, but alternatively in a space upstream or doWnstream
from the electric ?eld generator 300. The number of inj ectors

US 2013/0292944 A1

is preferably dependent on the properties of the electric ?eld

generator 300. In one example, 8-12 injectors are co-planarly
arranged Within the ?eld of the electric ?eld generator.
[0020] The electric ?eld generator 300 (?eld shaper) of the
preferred embodiment functions to manage the properties of
the electric ?eld (magnitude and direction) in the region sub
stantially near the injector. More speci?cally, the electric ?eld
generator 300 functions to generate a shaping ?eld 320 that
reverses the system ?eld 120 in a localiZed space near the

injector. The net electric ?eld at the tip of a noZZle 240 (or at

Nov. 7, 2013

the electric ?eld generator 300 forms a structural component

of the system. For example, the electric ?eld generator 300

may additionally function as a frame coupling the compo
nents of the system. As another example, the electric ?eld
generator may be used as a conduit or enclosure for ?uid lines,

electrical input/retum, connectors, or any suitable portions of

the system EHD system. The lines are preferably channeled
through a cavity on the inside of the electric ?eld generator
and are properly insulated.
[0022] The system of the ?rst embodiment may addition

another satisfactory portion of the injector 200) is preferably

ally include at least one ?eld leveler 342 that functions to

held at the maximum electric potential of the charging ?eld

homogeniZe (i.e., normaliZe or make uniform) the ?eld of the

electric ?eld generator. The ?eld leveler 342 is preferably a
conductive component that augments the ?eld of the electric
?eld generator 340. The ?eld leveler 342 is preferably used in

(e. g. signi?cantly positive or negative). The magnitude of the

net electric ?eld preferably precipitously drops from this
maximum at the tip of the noZZle 240 to Zero at a point

doWnstream from the injector (Zero ?eld point 322). This Zero
?eld point is preferably 5 to 10 millimeters displaced from the

combination With an array of injectors 200. For example, a

electric ?eld then preferably opposes particle motion along

the Z-axis (i.e., in the direction of the Wind stream). Energy

?eld leveler 342 is preferably positioned Within the center of

the space de?ned by the electric ?eld generator 340 as shoWn
in FIG. 6. The injectors 200 toWards the center of the array
that are farthest from the electric ?eld generator 340 may be
less protected than those adjacent to the electric ?eld genera
tor 340. The ?eld leveler 342 is preferably a conductive ele
ment With the same voltage as the electric ?eld generator that
levels out the ?eld such that injectors toWards the center are
more equally protected. A plurality of ?eld levelers 342 may
be used. The ?eld levelers 342 are preferably charged to a

can then be harvested from the Wind stream overcoming the

voltage signi?cantly loWer than the electrodes 220. This pref

opposing electric ?eld force on the charged particle. The net

electric ?eld at the Zero ?eld point 322 is preferably approxi
mately Zero, but may alternatively be slightly negative or

erably enables a larger coverage area than the electric ?eld

tip of the noZZle 240 in the direction of the Wind stream. The
Zero ?eld point may alternatively be displaced a greater
length, such as 20-50 millimeters or any suitable distance.

Thus, the net electric ?eld preferably transitions from a charg

ing ?eld at the noZZle tip to pulling the particles at a point
doWnstream from the injector 200. This functions to prevent
shorting of the particles. Beyond the Zero ?eld point, the net

slightly positive. The electric ?eld generator 300 (also knoWn

as a ?eld shield or ?eld shaper) is preferably a conductive

element (eg a guard electrode) charged to create an electro

static ?eld With constant shape during normal operating con
ditions. HoWever, the electric ?eld generator 300 may be an
electromagnetic generator, such as a magnetic element (eg
permanent magnet or electromagnet), or any suitable electric

?eld generator. Additionally/ alternatively, the generated

electric ?elds may be dynamic and time-variable instead of
static. The electric ?eld generator may be positioned substan

tially co-planar, doWnWind, or upWind relative to the injector

200.

[0021] In a ?rst embodiment, as shoWn in FIG. 6, the elec

tric ?eld generator 300 is preferably a circumscribing struc
ture 340 With an open space de?ned Within the center of the

electric ?eld generator. The injector 200 is preferably located

substantially Within this de?ned open space. The electric ?eld

generator is preferably an electrode (e.g. guard electrode),

and is preferably made of conductive material, and may be
made to be substantially similar to that of the electrode 220,

only larger in proportion. The electric ?eld generator is pref

erably aligned With the axis of the open space to be substan

tially co-centric and co-planar With the injector 200 (e.g., the
electrode 220 and tip of the noZZle 240) as shoWn in FIG. 6.
The electric ?eld generator 340 is preferably a large inductive

ring adjacent to the plane of the tips of the noZZle 240. The
electric ?eld generator is preferably toroidal in shape, but

generator 340 may be capable of providing on its oWn.

[0023] In a second embodiment, as shoWn in FIG. 7, the
electric ?eld generator 360 includes an attracting electrode
364 and a shielding electrode 362 of opposing polarities. A
shaping ?eld 320 is created betWeen the attracting-shielding
electrode pair, Wherein the shaping ?eld 320 interacts With the
charging and system ?elds to create a Zero ?eld point 322
substantially near the electric ?eld generator, doWnWind from

the injector 200. The attracting electrode 364 and shielding

electrode 362 are preferably closely positioned (preferably

coupled by a dielectric couple but alternatively positioned by

any other means). The attracting electrode 364 has a polarity
opposite that of the charged particles and functions to the

charged particles aWay from the injector 200. The shielding

electrode 362 has polarity similar to the charged particles and
functions to prevent particle shorting to the attracting elec
trode by repelling the charged particles aWay from the attract
ing electrode. To attract the particles aWay from the injector,
the attracting electrode preferably has a larger electric poten
tial magnitude than the shielding electrode. For example, if
positive particles are released, the attracting electrode is pref
erably more negative than the shielding electrode is positive
such that its effect dominates the shaping ?eld 320. The
electric ?eld generator 360 is preferably positioned doWn
Wind from and near the injector, With the shielding electrode
proximal to the injector and the attracting electrode distal
from the injector. The electrode pair 360 is preferably aligned

substantially against the system ?eld, but may be aligned

trodes 220. The space de?ned Within the electric ?eld gen

along the Wind stream. HoWever, the electric ?eld generator

360 may have any other position (e.g., fore or co-planar
relative to the injector 200), any other orientation (eg the
shielding electrode may be distal and the attracting electrode
proximal to the injector 200), or any other relative electric

may be any suitable shape, such as intersecting tubes With

rounded ends. The cross sectional diameter of the tubes or

ring is preferably substantially larger than those of the elec

erator 340 is preferably large enough for an injector 200 and

potential magnitudes (eg the shielding electrode may be

may additionally be large enough for a plurality of injectors

more positive than the attracting electrode is negative). In one

200 arranged in an array as described beloW. In one variation,

speci?c embodiment, as shoWn in FIG. 7, the positively

Nov. 7, 2013

US 2013/0292944 A1

charged particles are attracted to the relatively large negative

attracting electrode in the far ?eld (B), but are repelled from
shorting to the attracting electrode 364 When the particles
enter the near ?eld (A) by the positive shielding electrode
362. Particle momentum (imparted by the gas stream and

attraction to the attracting electrode) preferably prevents the

particle from shorting to the attracting electrode as the par
ticle ?oWs pas the attracting electrode. The shielding and
attracting electrodes are preferably bar electrodes, but may
alternatively be point electrodes, a combination thereof, or
any suitable type of electrode. Additionally, parameters of the
electrode pair (e.g. separation distance betWeen the elec
trodes, position relative to the injector, electric potentials of
the electrodes, etc.) may be dynamically altered to support
energy extraction under the prevailing conditions. The system
may include any number of electric ?eld generators 360

arranged in any con?guration (roW, column, array, ring, etc.).

In a speci?c embodiment, the system includes a roW of elec

tric ?eld generators 360, aligned in parallel With the injectors

Within the system ?eld.
[0024] Additionally, the electric ?eld generator 300 may be

electrode(s) 220 may further loWer the induction charging

voltage and enhance the ef?ciency of the system. Addition
ally, the electric ?eld generator 300 may be charged by a
poWer source separate from the ring electrode(s) 220. With a

separate poWer supply, the electric ?eld generator 300 pref

erably draWs poWer during startup and preferably maintains
the ?eld With no or little poWer loss since there is preferably
no current ?oWing in the circuit of the electric ?eld generator

300. This is comparable to charging a capacitor and holding

the voltage constant. Small amounts of positive entrained
charge may short back to the electric ?eld generator 300. The
aerodynamic design of the electric ?eld generator may reduce
such occurrences.

[0027] In a ?rst preferred embodiment, as shoWn in FIG. 6,

the system includes an injector, an upstream collector, a

doWnstream collector, a load coupled betWeen the upstream

collector and the doWnstream collector, and an electric ?eld

generator. The injector is an array of electrospray injectors,

each including a ring electrode circumscribing a noZZle that
emits a plurality of positively charged particles into the gas
stream. The injector also functions as an upstream collector

adapted to alter one or more properties of the ?uid stream.

that collects the negatively charged particles orphaned by the

More preferably, the electric ?eld generator 300 is adapted to

released particles. The doWnstream collector collects the

positive particles at a point doWnstream from the injector. A
?rst electric ?eld (system ?eld) that opposes particle move

have aerodynamic and/or lift-generating properties that focus

the Wind stream to enhance charged particle radial expansion
to further dissipate the space charge. Wind from a Wider area,

ment With the gas stream is created in the space betWeen the

preferably upstream from the injector 200, may be funneled

upstream collector and the doWnstream collector, Wherein the

gas stream does Work on the particle against the system ?eld
as the stream moves the particle from the injector to the
doWnstream collector (e.g. drag on the particle by the gas
stream at least partially opposes drag on the particle by the

through the electric ?eld generator 300. The electric ?eld

generator is preferably formed as an airfoil, but may alterna
tively be formed as a convergent-divergent noZZle (as shoWn
in FIG. 8), Wherein the injector 200 is located in the throat of
the noZZle, a convergent noZZle, a divergent noZZle, or have
any other suitable aerodynamic form. These aerodynamic

properties may additionally be inherent in the ring shape of

the electric ?eld generator 300. The depth of the electric ?eld
generator 300 may additionally be set to facilitate the exten
sion of the protected ?eld area. An additional device may be
coupled to the electric ?eld generator 300 to further Widen the

electric ?eld). The load, coupled betWeen the upstream col

lector and the doWnstream collector, functions to convert the
kinetic energy of the gas stream into poWer by facilitating

charge ?oW (i.e. current ?oW) betWeen the tWo collectors. The
electric ?eld generator is an inductive electrode (e.g. ring

electrode) circumscribing and substantially co-planar With

the injectors. The electric ?eld generator creates a second

area of Wind collection. Any suitable device or technique may

electric ?eld (shaping ?eld) opposing the ?rst, such that the

alternatively be used to facilitate control of aerodynamic

properties in the vicinity of the injector(s) 200. The electric
?eld generator 300 may additionally and/ or alternatively alter
the temperature, humidity, pressure, or any other suitable
parameter of the gas stream ?oWing therethrough.
[0025] The electric ?eld generator 300 may be made of

net electric ?eld is a falling positive ?eld, adjacent to the

modular components such that an electric ?eld generator can

be easily constructed. A modular design could even be

designed for connecting an array of electric ?eld generators.
The electric ?eld generator 300 preferably is rounded or has
rounded edges. Sharp edged hardWare such as nuts and fas
teners are preferably protected, and common corona reduc

injector, Which draWs the positive particles aWay from the

injector. At a Zero ?eld plane doWnstream from the injector,
the net electric ?eld transitions to a rising positive ?eld that
opposes particle movement With the gas stream. The electric
?eld generator may additionally include a ?eld leveler, posi
tioned concentric and coplanar With the electric ?eld genera

tor (preferably substantially in the middle of the injectors),

that is held at the same polarity as the electric ?eld generator,

that adjusts the net electric ?eld to be substantially homoge

neous (in magnitude and direction) across the injector.
[0028] In a second preferred embodiment, the system

tion practices are preferably folloWed. The electric ?eld gen

includes substantially the same components as the ?rst

erator may alternatively come in any suitable shape or form.

embodiment, except that the electric ?eld generator includes

a plurality of shielding and attracting electrode pairs 360,
located doWnstream from the injector, in addition to the cir
cumscribing inductive electrode. The electrode pairs are

The electric ?eld generator is preferably electrically insulated

to prevent shorting, and is preferably encapsulated by a solid
dielectric material, but may alternatively be encapsulated by
a liquid dielectric material, glass, ceramic, or a composite

polymer.
[0026]

The electric ?eld generator 300 is preferably poW

ered to generate the electrostatic ?eld of the electric ?eld

generator 300. With the addition of the electric ?eld genera
tor, the electrodes 220 of the injector 200 can preferably be
operated at a loWer voltage, Which functions to increase e?i

ciency. Lowering the voltage even further beloW that of the

encapsulated Within an airfoil made of dielectric material.

Each shielding electrode is held at substantially the same loW

positive potential, and each attracting electrode at substan

tially the same high negative potential (relative to the shield
ing electrodes). The magnitudes of the electric ?elds created
betWeen the shielding electrode and the attracting electrode
(shaping ?eld) are preferably substantially smaller than the
magnitude of the system ?eld. The shielding and attracting

Nov. 7, 2013

US 2013/0292944 A1

electrode pairs 360 are positioned Within the system ?eld

(downstream from the injector), substantially near the inj ec

tor, With the shielding electrode aligned proximal the injector

and the attracting electrode distal the injector. Each shielding
and attracting electrode pair is substantially aligned along the
gas stream, and moves as the gas stream changes direction.

[0029]

In a third preferred embodiment, the system

includes substantially the same components as the second

embodiment, except that the electric ?eld generator only

includes the plurality of shielding and attracting electrode
pairs 360, and does not include a circumscribing inductive
electrode.
[0030] As a person skilled in the art Will recogniZe from the

previous detailed description and from the ?gures and claims,

modi?cations and changes can be made to the preferred
embodiments of the invention Without departing from the
scope of this invention de?ned in the folloWing claims.

1. A system for extracting energy from Wind, comprising:

an upstream collector biased at an electric potential, the

upstream collector inducing a ?rst electric ?eld;

an electric ?eld generator that generates a second electric

?eld opposing the ?rst electric ?eld;

an injector that introduces a particle into the ?rst electric

?eld, Wind drag on the particle at least partially opposed

by a force of the ?rst electric ?eld on the particle and
assisted by a force of the second electric ?eld on the

particle;
a sensor that monitors an operation parameter; and

a controller that changes a parameter of the system in

response to a change in the operation parameter to

increase energy extraction ef?ciency.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a load elec
trically connected betWeen the upstream collector and a
doWnstream collector, Wherein the second electric ?eld
opposes the ?rst electric ?eld betWeen the injector and the
doWnstream collector.
3. The system of claim 2, Wherein a magnitude of a net
electric ?eld at a point proximal the injector betWeen the
injector and the doWnstream collector is substantially Zero.
4. The system of claim 3, Wherein the second electric ?eld
reverses the ?rst electric ?eld betWeen the injector and the

point.
5. The system of claim 4, Wherein the point is betWeen 5
mm-lO mm from the injector exit.

6. The system of claim 2, further comprising the doWn

stream collector.

7. The system of claim 2, Wherein the injector is arranged

betWeen a portion of the electric ?eld generator and the doWn
stream collector.

8. The system of claim 1, Wherein the electric ?eld genera

tor comprises an electrode.

9. The system of claim 8, herein the electric ?eld generator

at least partially encircles the injector.
10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a ?eld leveler

that substantially homogeniZes the second electric ?eld along

an area de?ned by the electric ?eld generator.
11. The system of claim 10, Wherein the ?eld leveler com
prises a second electrode.

12. The system of claim 11, Wherein the ?eld leveler is held
at a voltage substantially similar to a voltage at Which the

electric ?eld generator is held.

13. The system of claim 10, Wherein the electric ?eld

generator comprises a circumscribing structure.
14. The system of claim 13, Wherein the ?eld leveler is
concentric With and encircled by the electric ?eld generator.
15. The system of claim 9, Wherein the electric ?eld gen
erator is substantially concentric With the injector.
1 6. The system of claim 1, Wherein the operation parameter
comprises an internal system parameter.
17. The system of claim 16, Wherein the internal parameter
comprises a strength of the ?rst electric ?eld.
18. The system of claim 1, Wherein the particle carries an

electric charge.
19. The system of claim 18, Wherein the electric charge is
substantially near a Rayleigh charge limit for the particle.
20. A method for extracting energy from Wind, comprising:
inducing a ?rst electric ?eld;
inducing a second electric ?eld that opposes the ?rst elec

tric ?eld; and

introducing a charged particle into the Wind, Wind drag on
the charged particle at least partially opposed by a ?rst
force of the ?rst electric ?eld on the charged particle and
at least partially assisted by a second force of the second
electric ?eld on the charged particles.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising monitoring

an operation parameter, and changing a system parameter in
response to a change in the operation parameter to increase
energy extraction ef?ciency.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising extracting
poWer from charged particle movement against the ?rst elec
tric ?eld.
23. The method of claim 22, Wherein introducing the

charged particle into the Wind comprises introducing the

charged particle into the Wind With a noZZle.
24. The method of claim 23, Wherein extracting poWer

from charged particle movement against the ?rst electric ?eld

comprises collecting the charged particle at a doWnstream
collector and extracting poWer With a load electrically con
nected betWeen the doWnstream collector and the noZZle.
25. The method of claim 20, Wherein inducing a second
electric ?eld comprises inducing a second electric ?eld hav
ing a ?eld magnitude smaller than a ?eld magnitude of the
?rst electric ?eld.

26. The method of claim 20, Wherein introducing the

charged particle into the Wind comprises introducing a plu

rality of charged particles of a ?rst polarity into the Wind.
27. The method of claim 20, further comprising homog
eniZing the second electric ?eld With a ?eld leveler.
28. The method of claim 27, Wherein inducing a second
electric ?eld comprises holding an electric ?eld generator at a

?rst voltage, Wherein homogenizing the second electric ?eld

comprises holding the ?eld leveler at a second voltage sub
stantially similar to the ?rst voltage.
29. The method of claim 28, Wherein introducing a charged

particle into the Wind comprises charging the particle by

applying a charging voltage to the particle, Wherein holding
the ?eld leveler at a second voltage comprises holding the
?eld leveler at a second voltage loWer than the charging

voltage.