AU2008202743A1 - Method and Apparatus for Electrical Energy Generation - Google Patents

Description

23/06 2008 MON 10:48 FAX Smoorenburg PIni IF AUSTRALIA j00/2 10003/026 W0/10 I I Regulation 3.2(2)

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application No.

Lodged: Invention Title: 23 June 2008 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL ENERGY

GENERATION

The following statement is a fll description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to the applicant: COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:48 FAX Smoorenburg Pinl 4 IP AUSTRALIA U004/026 00 2 O2 N- METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ELECTRICAL ENERGY GENERATION RELATED APPLICATIONS lThis application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application C No. 2007903330 in the name of Kevin E. Gilbee, which was filed on 21 June 2007, entitled "Wind/air drive alternative electricity generation apparatus" and the specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION c-i 00 The present invention relates to the field of electrical energy generation 10 and, it will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention, in one form, being c-i suitable for use in generating on-site electrical energy and/or power from air movement for a dwelling; however it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that use, only.

BACKGROUND ART Historically, uses of "Wind", and/or with "Air"; for the purpose of electric power generation have been disclosed often citing various theories, technologies, options and methods for the "conversion" of Wind, or Air Flow to be used as an initial drive force, some with use of differing shaped boosters, collector cones, spheres, multiple blowers etc, aided by other, often impractical aids, explained as to create greater frontal drive pressure, or trapping and compounding wind or air flow within using a varied range of Vanes, up to large sized Rotors, or Propellers; and in case of Wind, attached to small Turbines. Also, some of these related technologies are combined with Solar, attempting to generate electricity.

Few, if any, of these related technologies as known to the inventor have had successful implementation in playing a role (auxiliary or otherwise) in generating "grid standard" electricity on site in a reliable economically or commercially viable form.

Further, given the rising costs both economically and environmentally of energy resources, it is desirable for persons (comprising site owners, occupiers or residents) to gain independence from and be able to work in-conjunction with, rather than be reliant upon, total local electricity Grid supply. In doing so, it would also be an objective to play a practical part in reducing pollution of the atmosphere or biosphere, to help prevent Global Warming, as it is presently COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:48 FAX Smoorenburg Plni 44 IP AUSTRALIA 0005/026 00 3 Sunderstood. Whilst, demand for electricity is increasing, it is also noted that so to is the burning of fossil fuels to meet this increase in demand thus contributing to environmental problems.

Cc, N Modern turbines for generating electricity, initially at urban sites, have proven to be un-acceptable either visually, and/or from high noise and vibration levels, and, as with Windmills, are considered not suited within modern residential areas. Also, massive Wind Farms, with banks of giant turbines, sited usually on O coastlines, or semi-remote areas with strong Winds, may be effective energy 00 generators, but have great visual, and noise level disadvantages, making these un-likely to be ever suited for use in residential or commercial areas.

It is considered there are no aesthetically suitable urban area means for converting wind/air movement to electricity in an environmentally harmonious way.

With respect to Wind Turbine generators reliant solely on the wind available, there may be periods of great wind energy available (on windy days) and then there are also days of stillness, which leads to a failure to provide Grid Standard electricity. It is also noted that too much wind may not provide for efficient energy generation. Thus, consistent wind production, which is not available in nature, may be required for suitable energy production. Wind turbines often require permits from local governing authorities.

Solar panels have high installation costs that can be prohibitive and their usage may be restricted over a daily cycle to about 5-7 hours.

The discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor and, moreover, any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention.

It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems.

COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:48 FAX Smoorenburg Pini IP AUSTRALIA @006/026 O 4 0 CIn a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of providing electrical energy from the roof of a site comprising the steps of: en Cadapting the site roof for harnessing a natural air flow; adapting the site roof for harnessing at least one man made air flow; e generating electrical energy from one or a combination of the natural and man made air flows; o distributing the generated electrical energy to one or a combination of the 00 site at which the energy is generated and, a power Grid infrastructure.

Preferably the steps of adapting a site roof for harnessing air flow comprise: providing guide means for guiding the air flows into a rotationally operational fan adapted for rotational motion when subjected to the force of moving air. The step of generating electrical energy may comprise applying the rotational motion of the fan to a generator adapted for installation within the site.

In a second aspect of embodiments there is provided a roof mounted electric power generation apparatus adapted for providing electric power generation at a site, the apparatus comprising air flow guide means for guiding one or a combination of a natural airflow and at least one man made air flow to a rotationally operated fan; electric power generation means operatively connected to the rotationally operated fan and adapted to use the rotational motion of the fan as a drive source for power generation; electric power distribution means for distributing the generated electric power to one or a combination of the site at which the energy is generated and, a power Grid infrastructure.

The apparatus may further comprise housing means for housing at least the electric power generation means wherein the housing means is adapted for installation in one of a flat or sloped roof.

The air flow guide means comprises one or more of: a wind deflector; a return air flow system of the site; a return air flow path of the site; COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:49 FAX Smoorenburg Plnl 44 IP AUSTRALIA Q007/026 00 Sa blower or exhaust air system; an air-conditioning system;

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a heating system and; t'q C a cooling system.

Furthermore, the natural air flow may comprise wind and the man made air flow may comprise one or a combination of: return air flow from the site; O air flow from a blower or exhaust air system; 0 excess air flow from an air-conditioning system: excess air flow from a heating system and; excess air flow from a cooling system.

The electric power generation means may comprise a generator/alternator.

The fan may be preferably fixed to a main rotatable shaft supported by weatherproof bearings and operatively connected to the generator/alternator.

The fan preferably comprises a movable wind/air deflector comprising an open and close mechanism reactive to air speed for controlling the force of air flow acting on the fan. The site may comprise one of: a residence or dwelling or commercial building; a land vehicle; a sea vessel.

A particular embodiment comprises a rotatable semi-flat top type circular fan with fixed shaped semi-or full vertical blades or vanes; an independent movement, adjustable Wind Speed control deflector fitted to support arms which are connected to and pivoting from a main vertical spindle or shaft over and under said horizontal mounted fan, said rotatable fan being driven specifically by an external natural wind, but may also be driven, or drive assisted by another 'onsite' air energy source. Said rotatable fan being connected or attached to a central main vertical spindle or shaft of variable length with a drive pulley or gear combination fitted to its bottom end. Said central spindle or shaft may be, dependent on the length required, held by 3 or 4 sets of weatherproof sealed bearings.

The said pulley or gear combination, may also include a weighted fly wheel either in turn connecting to a sized corresponding rotatable pulley or gear, fitted COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:49 FAX Smoorenburg Pinl 444 IP AUSTRALIA R008/026 00 6 on to the spindle or shaft of a suitably sized electricity generator/alternator, mounted within roof confines, which may also be within its own metal cover/box with overflow Tray, for sound proofing, and dust protection etc; fixed to/ under Sroof purlins or rafters; fitted accordingly with vibration pads, or buffers: 5 A preferred apparatus may operates on the basis that, as said wind/air t'q force rotates said fan, it turns said shaft, with said connecting pulleys or gears, in Sturn rotating said generator/alternator shaft, in sequence then generating said on- Ssite electricity. The said electricity then is conveyed by suited electrical cable, 0 from said generator/alternator, to site power board, and meter connected to local supply Grid.

The electricity generated may then be able to be used by site owners, occupiers or residents to the apparatus/system's full output, and/or to intermix output with a local electricity supply Grid but not necessarily exclusively to mix with the supply Grid, or be used to its full output by the site, and may also feed excess energy into said supply Grid, to sell power so generated and likely seek credits from the local electricity Grid supply contractor.

Alternatively, a number of units in accordance with preferred embodiments may be utilised to provide an accumulative contribution to the power grid and in turn a growing contribution toward reducing burning fossil fuels for electricity generation.

In one non-limiting embodiment, an energy provision apparatus is provided in the form of a roof-mounted device for generation of on-site electricity for residential houses, dwellings or commercial buildings with either sloped or flat roofing and wherein the device is suitable for co-generation of energy or power.

Other embodiments provide devices that may be located where renewable wind or air flow, or other drive energy is available. Whereas certain embodiments may be designed as co-generation apparatus, under suitable conditions, preferred devices may be able to generate to, and above total 100% of on site "Grid Standard" electricity and be able to be assessed by results preferably on average each Month, or per Year, therein expected to provide some average 50% of said site electricity supply required. It is envisaged that this level of supply may yet not exclusively be to about 50%, and may provide variables of about 20% to 70% to greater than 100% of said electricity usage.

COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:49 FAX Smoorenburg Plni IP AUSTRALIA 0O09/026 00 7 SOther aspects and preferred forms are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention.

In essence, embodiments of the present invention stem from the C realization that whilst wind or natural air flow and movement may continue to be ever available, air flow is also readily available in most modern sites such as commercial buildings, residences, dwellings either fixed or mobile including land Svehicles and sea vessels, which have such air movement producing devices as 0 air-conditioning, heating and/or cooling systems included. Each of these sources 0O are recognised by the inventor as being forms of 'free', often wasted air flows that may provide an alternative to combine with wind that may provide few, if any, carbon emissions in providing energy and are ever renewable energy sources.

Advantages provided by the present invention comprise the following: The apparatus, method or system, described herein in altered, extended, or modular versions of it, may be used to generate cost and environmental savings in many commercial, industrial, rural or marine site applications when adapted to respective site conditions; Reduction in frequent inconvenience of local electricity Grid supply power surges and, supply restrictions; Reduction in frustrating and costly blackouts when power lines go down; Reduction in bulk power demands; Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:49 FAX Smoorenburg Pin! IP AUSTRALIA 010/026 00 8 taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of Sillustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which: ¢q Figure 1 is a side view of an embodiment showing a roof mounted wind/air cN driven rotatable fan type electricity generation apparatus including the positioning of an electric generator/alternator and other components, in relation to a sloped roof with ridge beam situated in closest proximity to air flow in accordance with a C. preferred embodiment; Figure 2; is a front view of the apparatus of figure 1, as seen from sloped 0 0 side of a roof; Figure 3; is a rear view of the apparatus of figure 1, as seen from above a roof ridge line; Figure 4; is an inside view of an electricity generation apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment showing an auxiliary blower fan, shaft/spindle, and gear/pulley drive facilitation, in combination with drive means to a generator/altemrnator, and its mounting under roof materials; Figure 5 is an overhead view of the apparatus of figure 1, illustrating its positioning for sloped roof installation; Figure 6 is an inside overhead roof view of the apparatus of figure 1 showing a generator/alternator mounted on roof purlin or ceiling timbers; Figure 7 is a front side view of the un-mounted generator/alternator of the apparatus of figure 1; Figure 8 is a front side view of an un-mounted housing box of the apparatus of figure 1; Figure 9 is a illustration superimposed over figure 4 showing where mounted and fixed onto a flat roof, the apparatus of figure 1 may become displayed as a height condensed version of Figure 4; Figure 10 is a plan view of one embodiment of the present invention for incorporation into the connection of an air flow line of a residence.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A preferred embodiment relates principally to the field of using wind as nature provides, either as a separate entity; or used in-conjunction with, other available 'On-Site' Air flow options, as alternate free and renewable energy drive sources. Example, on site air flow options may comprise for example; air flow COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:49 FAX Smoorenburg Plni IP AUSTRALIA Q011/026 00 9 exhausted from above a ceiling; air condition cool/heat return air flow; forced exit cooling air flow, and other similar mechanism that would be recognised by the person skilled in the art.

N Specifically, a means towards creating low cost, co-generation of "On-Site" electricity for residential houses and dwellings is provided in embodiments, notwithstanding that the current invention, in either of its alternate formats, may have equally beneficial uses, when adapted within other applications, and using a O combination of these identified wind/air flow sources, or other drive energy 00 sources found at such sites. Example locations of use may be within or upon large and small commercial, industrial and rural buildings as well as sea vessels and marine sites requiring energy such as off-shore platforms and such sites.

In a preferred form the electricity generation apparatus comprises a nonmotorised wind/air flow drive combination; designed to easily, quickly and efficiently generate free drive sourced on site "Grid Standard" electricity, providing a low cost option for On Site electricity power supply, for residential houses, and/or dwellings.

With reference to Figures 1 to10; the alternative electricity generation apparatus is depicted generally comprising a wind/air driven rotatable fan apparatus I shown comprising a semi-flat top fan 1, a wind/air engaging drive facilitation means, which may comprise said fan I with moveable wind deflector 2 attached to a Spindle or Shaft 4. The shaft 4 is mounted centrally through a main housing box 8 structured as shown in Figures 8 and 9 but may also comprise other aids or drive sources, and/or other wind deflection means, each being adapted within the embodiment of the invention toward rotatable motion, when being used to embody the drive facilitation means as in Figure 1.

Further detail of the apparatus shown in figures 1 to 10 comprises a windlair driven electricity generation means, which itself comprises a rotatable fan, with blades or vanes.1 in figure 3, wind/air direction deflector 2 with directional tail 3 each supported by and attached to a vertical spindle or shaft 4.

The shaft 4 is held in operational position by bearing mounts 5; within a preferably light pressed steel structured box 8; which holds said spindle or shaft 4 operatively connected to the gears/pulleys 6 and/or fly wheel 16; with connection COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:50 FAX Smoorenburg Pinl .44 IP AUSTRALIA R012/026 00 to air flow line 20 shown in figure 10. This provides a drive means for the ;generator/alternator 7, which produces electric power: ¢q The rotatable wind fan I is mounted atop the metal housing box 8, which comprises invasion proofed metal sides, with three fixed sides and, one detachable but lockable front side 9 as shown in figure 8. The housing structure also comprises a form of flashing 10 to weather proof said housing box. The flashing may be fitted to, or through said roof materials 11 with suited overflow tray as shown by 21.

00 The drawings of Figures 1 to 10 depict a main sloped roof mounting example as derived from Fig.1 and at least one other example, by notation of a possible flat roof mounting in Fig 9. In figure 9 there is an illustration superimposed over figure 4 showing where mounted and fixed onto a flat roof, the apparatus of figure 1 may become displayed as a height condensed version of Figure 4. It is noted that the main differences on flat roof are that there will be no ridge beam. Also, the apparatus is likely not to penetrate through roof materials for other than electricity cabling and fixing. In the flat roof environment it may also be possible that such a site may not have as much air flow available at roof level.

The preferred apparatus comprises a preferably light pressed steel structured box unit generally indicated at Figure 1 and best shown in figure 8.

The box housing is fixed on four sides onto said roof structure with its top not lower than about 100mm above the roof ridge 12 and capping. The box legs situate within overflow tray 21. The rotatable fan 1 is attached to centre spindle/shaft 4 and, seated above and clear of said housing box. It may be preferably coloured in co-ordination with, or matching of said roof material 11, or other weather resistant type finish. The device is fitted so rotatable fan 1 is clearly above said ridge 12 top level line. Located on the generator/alternator 7 is an output connection in the form of a cut-out control box 13 where sized approved cables connect to respective terminals. The electricity generated from the generator/alternator 7 driven by rotating shaft 4 is loaded down into on site power meter board/box 14 and connections may be provided to Grid electricity supply therein.

With reference to figure 6 there is shown a general view of such an installation mounted under sloped roof of Figure 1. Further adaptations that COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:50 FAX Smnoorenburg PIni 4 IP AUSTRALIA 1013/026 00 O 11 C1 would be recognised by those skilled in the art, for mounting the generation apparatus may find ready adaptation to flat, semi-flat or other types of roof

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structure or surface. For example, vibration prevention materials 15 as also c1 shown in Figure 1 and in other positions may be employed.

The housing box of figure 8 has a frame preferably comprised of light weight angle steel fitted with sides comprised of pressed metal forming its featured shape for strength where three sides are fixed with a fourth side or front side made preferably also of light pressed sheet metal and hinged so as to be 00 also fixed but detachable and, providing access for maintenance. The front side is lockable for security purposes to prevent access into roof area by other than an appointed service person or site owners. Steel legs are fixed to under the roof timbers and, preferably mounted within an overflow tray 21.

The preferred size of the housing box 8 of Figure 1 and figure 8 is approximately about 800mm square with front height to top housing box 8 being variable. The variable height is decided by the cut of the sides of box 8 to fit or resemble the slope of the roof. A back side is sized to about 100mm above the top of the roof ridge line. The length of the legs (preferably comprised of steel) is adapted to suit ceiling levels and materials as shown in Fig.9. This is provided that at all times first having allowed for fitting of weatherproof flashing 10; within the embodiments calling for top of housing box 8 to be horizontally level with sides and legs being vertically plumb and all sides weather proofed and secure.

The Apparatus of preferred embodiments as shown in Figure 1 may vary dependant upon grades/weight of steel, height of roof ridge etc., however it may be expected to average some approx 45 kg in weight.

Preferred embodiments provide an alternative simple, un-complicated wind/air flow driven system designed as preferably being roof mounted, for on-site generation of electricity. One useful alternate embodiment comprises a similar mounted device in which the mounting surfaces are that of water borne vessels where in their use environment, namely out at sea there will be a plentiful supply of wind as a primary drive source of electricity generation. Another alternate embodiment would be mounted on land vehicle roofs where motion of the vehicle provides a primary wind drive source.

COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:50 FAX Smoorenburg Plni 444 IP AUSTRALIA Q014/026 00 12 C1 A preferred system in use with residential dwellings or vehicles as noted ;above provides an overall lower cost supply of electricity for such site q owners/users, specifically using wind and/or air flow sourced energy in a "Co- Generation" format, to part supply the total site energy supply requirement, or to be used in-conjunction with local Grid electricity supply. However, notwithstanding periods of less than perfect conditions, the preferred system may provide total inasmuch as 100% supply of electric energy to the site and in some cases more than total required supply of said electricity required at the site, and 0 need not be restricted to use by, or at the sites such that the excess energy can be diverted to the Grid.

The preferred system takes advantage of nature's free wind flow, or may use/or combine such with other air flow sources at sites. The drive sources of wind and other air flow are preferably directed to/and drive the apparatus. The preferred apparatus for electricity generation comprises a circular semi-flat horizontal wind/air type fan, with vanes or blades, being turned, or rotated by said wind, and/or air flow, whilst said fan is fixed to a main vertical shaft, central through, and held by bearings attached to a square or rectangle type metal box, mounted with its top slightly above ridge line, on a residence, dwelling, commercial building or vehicle (land or sea) rooftop. The box with external sides suitably weather proofed, and suitably fixed to avoid vibration. The vertical shaft with sized gears, or pulleys fixed at its opposite end, geared to required speeds, in turn driving a sized alternator/generator 7 to generate said site generated electricity then optionally transferred by cable to site power meter board, which may connect through control intermix apparatus, with, and safety for, or exclusion of, use from or in-conjunction with the local electricity supply Grid. The preferred embodiments of the present invention thus create the successful conversion of wind and/or air flow as an alternate free and renewable energy drive source for the "Co-generation" of on- site Electricity.

While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:50 FAX Smoorenburg Pini 44 IP AUSTRALIA 0015/026 00 13 or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be ;applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth.

q As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without Sdeparting from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly Swithin the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

SThe described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative 00 0 only and not restrictive.

Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims.

Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures.

It is envisaged that alternate embodiments of the present invention may comprise a combination of one or more of the following.

At least one movable wind/air deflector, at least one set of rotatable gears or pulleys, fly wheel or other forms thereof, at least two sets of weatherproof housings with roller bearings, at least one mounted housing box frame, or other forms thereof, at least one generator, or alternator, at least one air flow spindle/axle with in line propeller or vanes, connected to rotatable gears or pulleys, fly wheel or other rotatable forms thereof.

In method steps there may be provided combinations of the following. The step of rotatably driving at least part of a rotatable wind fan using a drive means which comprises operating the drive means in correspondence with the motion of the rotatable wind/air engaging facilitation means, when engaging apparatus links with said generator or alternator. The step of rotatably driving at least part of the COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:51 FAX Smoorenburg Plni 44 IP AUSTRALIA 0O16/026 00 14 Srotatable wind/air fan, and said links to a generator, or alternator means further comprises rotating a rotatable fan, vanes or blades for wind/air drive energy q collection/conversion means. The steps of: supporting the rotatable fan, vanes or c blades upon a rotatable axle or shaft and; engaging the drive means with the rotatable axle, or shaft connected in any way with a fly wheel or in line propeller, fan or vanes etc. The step of using wind and/or air flow means directed into at least one rotatable fan, vanes, blades and/or in line propeller type structure when Sconnected to a rotatable fly wheel, spindle or shaft, which in turn is engaging any 0 generator or alternator, or similar; to generate electricity. The step of: using a 010 detachable receiving and/or supporting, the at least one rotatable wind/air fan assembly, within a frame housing. The step of guiding wind and/or air flow energy into a non detachable rotatable wind/air fan assembly. The step of: facilitating transport, guiding, or in support of the wind/air flow energy collecting apparatus with other engaging shafts or spindles disposed proximate an inlet of wind/air flow collection means. The steps of fabricating a rotatable fan and wind/air flow engaging facilitation means suitable for converting the wind/air flow apparatus to/across the fan surface. Fabricating wind/air flow collection means for collecting wind/air flow energy from the surface and adapted, at least in part, to be rotatably driven by drive means operatively being connected to the rotatable wind/air fan engaging facilitation means; operatively coupling the rotatable fan engaging rotation facilitation means to the wind/air flow energy collection/conversion means.

Various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms, including computer program logic control for use with a processor a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general purpose computer), programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other PLD), discrete components, integrated circuitry an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), or any other means including any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, predominantly all of the communication between users and the server is implemented as a set of computer program instructions that is converted into a computer executable form, stored as such in a computer COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:51 FAX Smoorenburg Pinl *4 IP AUSTRALIA [017/026 00 C1 readable medium, and executed by a microprocessor under the control of an operating system.

Hardware logic (including programmable logic for use with a programmable CN logic device) implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, or may be designed, captured, simulated, or documented electronically using various tools, such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), a hardware description language VHDL or AHDL), or a PLD programming language PALASM, ABEL, or CUPL).

0 "Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify O 10 the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof." Thus, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23

Claims (13)

1. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the steps of adapting a site roof for harnessing air flow comprises providing guide means for guiding the air flows into a rotationally operational fan adapted for rotational motion when subjected to the force of moving air.
2. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the step of generating electrical energy comprises applying the rotational motion of the fan to a generator adapted for installation within the site.
3. 4. A method as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the site comprises one of: a residence, commercial building or other dwelling; a land vehicle; a sea vessel. A method as claimed in any one of. claims I to 4 wherein the natural air flow comprises wind and the man made air flow comprises one or a combination of: return air flow from the site; air flow from a blower or exhaust air system; excess air flow from an air-conditioning system; excess air flow from a heating system and; COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:51 FAX Smoorenburg Plni IP AUSTRALIA Q019/026 00 17 C1 excess air flow from a cooling system.
4. 6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the guide means C-i comprises one or a combination of: a return air flow path of the site; q a blower or exhaust air system; an air-conditioning system; O a heating system and; 00 a cooling system; a wind deflector.
5. 7. A roof mounted electric power generation apparatus adapted for providing electric power generation at a site, the apparatus comprising air flow guide means for guiding one or a combination of a natural airflow and at least one man made air flow to a rotationally operated fan; electric power generation means operatively connected to the rotationally operated fan and adapted to use the rotational motion of the fan as a drive source for power generation; electric power distribution means for distributing the generated electric power to one or a combination of the site at which the energy is generated and, a power Grid infrastructure.
6. 8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further comprising: housing means for housing at least the electric power generation means wherein the housing means is adapted for installation in one of a flat or sloped roof.
7. 9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein the air flow guide means comprises one or more of: a wind deflector; a return air flow system of the site; a return air flow path of the site; a blower or exhaust air system; COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23 23/06 2008 MON 10:51 FAX Smoorenburg Pini IP AUSTRALIA Q020/026 18 C an air-conditioning system; Sa heating system and; a cooling system.
8. 10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7, 8 or 9 wherein the natural air flow comprises wind and the man made air flow comprises one or a combination of: Sreturn air flow from the site; 0 air flow from a blower or exhaust air system; O 10 excess air flow from an air-conditioning system; excess air flow from a heating system and; excess air flow from a cooling system.
9. 11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the site comprises one of: a residence, commercial building or other dwelling; a land vehicle; a sea vessel.
10. 12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the electric power generation means comprises a generator/alternator.
11. 13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein the fan is fixed to a main rotatable shaft supported by weatherproof bearings and operatively connected to the generator/alternator.
12. 14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein the fan comprises a movable wind/air deflector comprising an open and close mechanism reactive to air speed for controlling the force of air flow acting on the fan. A method as herein disclosed.
13. 16. An apparatus and/or device as herein disclosed. COMS ID No: ARCS-195451 Received by IP Australia: Time 10:52 Date 2008-06-23