RALPH WILLIAM BLAKEMORE
Pilots at Frontier Way, Tehachapi, CA
License number
California A0161756
Category
Airmen
Type
Authorized Aircraft Instructor
Address
Address
26950 Frontier Way, Tehachapi, CA 93561
Professional information
Method And Apparatus For Wind Turbine Rotor Load Control Based On Shaft Radial Displacement
US Patent:
7004724, Feb 28, 2006
Filed:
Jul 15, 2003
Appl. No.:
10/620485
Inventors:
Kirk G. Pierce - Tehachapi CA, US
David Lawrence LeMieux - Tehachapi CA, US
Ralph W. Blakemore - Tehachapi CA, US
David Lawrence LeMieux - Tehachapi CA, US
Ralph W. Blakemore - Tehachapi CA, US
Assignee:
General Electric Company - Schenectady NY
International Classification:
B63H 3/01
US Classification:
416 61, 416 43, 415 26, 415 48, 415118
Abstract:
Vertical and horizontal wind shears, yaw misalignment and/or turbulence act together to produce asymmetric loading across a wind turbine rotor. The resultant load produces bending moments in the blades that are reacted through the hub and subsequently to the main shaft. As a result, the main shaft may be radially displaced from its at rest positions. The amount of radial displacement is measured using two or more sensors. The output signals from the sensors are used to determine the magnitude and/or the orientation of the resultant rotor load. This information is used to affect the blade pitch change or other action with similar system effect to reduce the asymmetric load and thereby reduce fatigue and loading on various turbine components.
Variable Diameter Wind Turbine Rotor Blades
US Patent:
6972498, Dec 6, 2005
Filed:
May 28, 2002
Appl. No.:
10/157337
Inventors:
Peter McKeich Jamieson - Glasgow, GB
Chris Hornzee-Jones - Brighton, GB
Emilian M. Moroz - Tehachapi CA, US
Ralph W. Blakemore - Tehachapi CA, US
Chris Hornzee-Jones - Brighton, GB
Emilian M. Moroz - Tehachapi CA, US
Ralph W. Blakemore - Tehachapi CA, US
Assignee:
General Electric Company - Schenectady NY
International Classification:
F03B015/06, B64C011/00, B63H001/22, F03D009/00, H02P009/04
US Classification:
290 55, 290 44, 415 21, 415 45, 416 1, 416 87, 416 89
Abstract:
A system and method for changing wind turbine rotor diameters to meet changing wind speeds and control system loads is disclosed. The rotor blades on the wind turbine are able to adjust length by extensions nested within or containing the base blade. The blades can have more than one extension in a variety of configurations. A cable winching system, a hydraulic system, a pneumatic system, inflatable or elastic extensions, and a spring-loaded jack knife deployment are some of the methods of adjustment. The extension is also protected from lightning by a grounding system.
Wind Turbine Ring/Shroud Drive System
US Patent:
6951443, Oct 4, 2005
Filed:
Sep 8, 2000
Appl. No.:
09/657883
Inventors:
Ralph W. Blakemore - Tehachapi CA, US
Assignee:
General Electric Company - Schenectady NY
International Classification:
F03D007/02
US Classification:
415 43, 415 45, 415155, 415159, 415908, 416196 A, 416DIG 4
Abstract:
A wind turbine capable of driving multiple electric generators having a ring or shroud structure for reducing blade root bending moments, hub loads, blade fastener loads and pitch bearing loads. The shroud may further incorporate a ring gear for driving an electric generator. In one embodiment, the electric generator may be cantilevered from the nacelle such that the gear on the generator drive shaft is contacted by the ring gear of the shroud. The shroud also provides protection for the gearing and aids in preventing gear lubricant contamination.
Method And Apparatus For Wind Turbine Rotor Load Control
US Patent:
6888262, May 3, 2005
Filed:
Feb 3, 2003
Appl. No.:
10/357660
Inventors:
Ralph W. Blakemore - Tehachapi CA, US
Assignee:
General Electric Company - Schenectady NY
International Classification:
F03D007/00
US Classification:
290 44, 290 55, 416 61
Abstract:
A wind turbine. In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes a platform and one or more gyroscopes connected to the platform to detect movement of the platform. A control circuit is coupled with the one or more gyroscopes to determine loads placed on one or more turbine components and to mitigate the loads in response to signals from the one or more gyroscopes.