GKinetic Energy has been granted a US patent for a blade pitch control arrangement designed for its vertical-axis hydrokinetic turbines.
The patent, titled “Blade Pitch Control Arrangement”, covers a hybrid system that enables active, passive and free-trailing blade control within a single turbine rotation. The technology is intended for use in free-flowing water environments, including rivers, canals and tidal estuaries.
According to the company, the system improves energy capture while reducing structural loads and mechanical stress. By allowing blades to be actively controlled where energy capture is highest, and to passively or freely align with water flow during other phases of rotation, the design aims to increase efficiency and reliability in high-energy hydrokinetic conditions.
The approach also enables operation at lower rotational speeds with a higher number of blades. GKinetic states that this configuration supports increased power output and improved durability in the lower and more variable flow speeds typically found in rivers and tidal channels.
The patent lists Vincent McCormack, Chief Executive Officer, and Gary Brennan, Chief Technology Officer, as inventors. It has been granted to GKinetic Energy Limited, headquartered in County Limerick, Ireland.
Development of the intellectual property was supported by Enterprise Ireland through its IP Plus Programme, which provides funding and strategic support to Irish companies developing internationally competitive technologies.
Vincent McCormack, Founder and CEO of GKinetic Energy, said: “Securing this patent is a significant milestone for GKinetic and a strong validation of the engineering approach behind our hydrokinetic technology. Blade pitch control is fundamental to performance and survivability in hydrokinetic energy, and this invention underpins our ability to deliver efficient, robust and scalable turbines for commercial deployment. We are very grateful to Enterprise Ireland for their support through the IP Plus programme.”
Joe Doyle, Intellectual Property Manager at Enterprise Ireland, added: “GKinetic’s newly granted patent demonstrates the depth of innovation coming from Ireland’s renewable energy sector. Protecting core intellectual property such as this is critical for scaling internationally and attracting global partners. Enterprise Ireland is pleased to have supported GKinetic through the IP Plus programme as they continue to commercialise world-leading hydrokinetic energy technology.”
GKinetic said the patent strengthens its intellectual property portfolio as the company advances from technology development toward commercial project delivery in Ireland and overseas.
