High Altitude Maglev Vertical Axis Wind Turbine System (ham‑vawt)

Abstract

The functions of a maglev vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) have been improved to allow its effective utilization at high altitudes and without the restriction of geographical locations where weak wind regimes exist. The proposed VAWT system could be erected with the minimal construction lead time and without the need for year(s) of long wind measuring and / or analysis. A Helium lift vehicle has been designed to continuously align the VAWT system to the optimal altitudes where its design wind speed exists, hence ensuring its operation at maximum efficiency at all times. The helium vehicle is fitted with a rudder, elevators, and two aircraft engines to enable its possible ascend / descend and maneuverability. The helium lift vehicle is controlled and guided by a weather station that continuously monitors the different weather indicators. The maglev VAWT system comprises a smaller VAWT that is used to excite the coil fields of the electric generator of the principal VAWT in order to reduce the power loss that usually occurs in synchronous generators. The selected size of the spherical helium lift vehicle will allow an installed capacity of the VAWT system up to 500kW.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the production of electricity, or other useful products, from wind energy using vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT). Background technique [0002] In a vertical axis wind turbine, energy from natural wind spins turbine blades, which are supported on a vertical axis, and converts it into electricity, or other useful products. With such a system, any aerodynamic blades (airfoils) perform poorly at low wind speeds and the blades may stall at low rotational speeds. The installation of any wind turbine system is thus geographically limited and limited to placement where satisfactory wind conditions exist. This is because any wind turbine needs a steady wind speed to efficiently generate electricity at a constant frequency of 50 / 60Hz. Where a coil field generator is used with a VAWT, typically 30% of the electrical power produced is lost in a self-excited motor or, alternatively, a permanent magnet generator. On the other h...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Where coil electric field generators are used with VAWT, typically 30% of the electric power generated is lost in self-excited motors or permanent magnet generators which are used alternatively

On the other hand, permanent magnet generators bring disadvantages of relatively high total system weight and high system cost to VAWT systems

Images