Features for flag-type power generation

Abstract

Flag-type wind and/or water power generation features are described. Fluid-filled embodiments are described. The fluid may be employed for pumping effect and/or dynamic physical property change. Leading-edge and trailing-edge mounted flag architectures are described with various applications including flapping flag arrays and Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising:
 a flag comprising at least two opposing layers, the layers connected to one another to form at least one chamber between the layers with at least one channel in fluid communication with the chamber;   a mount, the flag secured to the mount so that bending of the flag is required for movement in fluid flow; and   a pump in fluid communication with the at least one channel for pressurizing the chamber.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flag comprises input and output channels. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising check valves in fluid communication with the channels. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the layers are made of different modulus materials. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the layers are made of the same material in different thicknesses. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flag is secured to trail the mount as a standard flag setup in fluid flow. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the flag is secured to lead the mount as an inverted flag setup in fluid flow. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein two of the flags are mounted to support arms to turn around an axis in fluid flow. 
     
     
         9 . A method comprising:
 flexing a flag in fluid flow to generate power;   the flag comprising at least two opposing layers, the layers connected to one another to form at least one chamber between the layers; and   altering a property of the flag by pressurizing the chamber to enhance power generation.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the flexing occurs in a standard flag setup. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the flexing occurs in an inverted flag setup. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the flexing occurs in a turbine setup. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the turbine is a vertical axis wind turbine. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the property altered is stiffness. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the property altered is shape. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the shape altered is bend radius. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein an array of flags are flexed. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising operating a pump to alter the flag property. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the pump comprises a flag. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the pump includes an electronic controller.