System and method for providing domestic energy

Abstract

A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) (100) for structural support and aesthetic integration with residences and buildings is provided. The turbine (100) is coupled to a substantially circular track (114) located near its periphery that at least partially supports the weight of the turbine while allowing rotation. The VAWT (100) may be used as a roof of a residential or other conventional building type as a support structure (112). The number of blades (102) may be three or five, and the turbine (100) may be located on a building having a polygonal profile. The turbine (100) may be supported on the rail (114) and may include a support cantilever (116) that extends beyond the support structure (112) and is connected to the rail (114) using a C-shaped bearing (122). A shaft (106) of the turbine (100) is connected to a gear (110) that transmits torque to one or more generators (108). The creative wind driven generator system provides an efficient and visually attractive integrated solution for generating renewable energy sources.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Nonprovisional Application No. 18 / 216,999, entitled “System and Method for Providing Home Energy,” filed June 30, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Background of the Invention Invention Field

[0003] This invention relates to a residential wind turbine. More specifically, this invention relates to a horizontally mounted turbine for converting wind energy into electrical energy.

[0004] Related technical descriptions

[0005] The working principle of a wind turbine is simple: unlike a fan that uses electricity to generate wind, a wind turbine uses wind to generate electricity. The wind causes the turbine's propeller-like blades to rotate around a rotor, which in turn drives a generator to produce electricity. In 2021, approximately 10% of total electricity generation—about 400 billion kilowatt-hours—was generated by wind. About ten states (Wyoming, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Idaho, Colorado, and Maryland) have average wind speeds of at least 20 miles per hour. Building houses that can withstand wind and generate wind power, combined with solar panels, could become a major source of clean energy.

[0006] Typically, wind turbines consist of a rotor with multiple blades. Traditional wind turbines are horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs), where the rotor is mounted to a casing or nacelle located atop a truss or tubular tower. Utility-grade wind turbines (i.e., wind turbines designed to supply electricity to a utility grid) can have large rotors (e.g., 30 meters or longer in length). Furthermore, wind turbines are typically mounted on towers at least 60 meters high. The blades on these rotors convert wind energy into rotational torque or force, which drives one or more generators, which are rotatably coupled to the rotor via gearboxes. The gearboxes increase the inherently low rotational speed of the turbine rotors, enabling the generators to efficiently convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which is then fed into the utility grid.

[0007] One drawback of HAWT (Habitat-Driven Wind Turbines) is the inefficiency caused by friction from the support shaft. HAWT turbines rely on bearings for rotation, and these bearings wear out and require replacement. Another disadvantage of HAWT turbines is that they can only "utilize" prevailing winds from a single direction to generate energy at any given time. Therefore, HAWT designs can be inefficient, or the blades and associated gear drives can be damaged by torque in variable or turbulent winds. Yet another drawback is that if the wind speed is too low to counteract the inertia of the HAWT rotor and bearings, the HAWT wind turbine may not rotate or may require mechanical assistance to start rotating.

[0008] More recent developments in wind turbine technology have focused on vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), in which airfoils or blades are mounted on a vertically supported shaft. Because of their vertical axis of rotation, VAWTs do not need to be aligned with the direction of the wind. Existing VAWTs include drag-based designs (which move by being propelled by the wind) and lift-based designs (which move from the lift generated by the blades). These prior art designs suffer from inefficiencies due to drag during the rotating section, a problem stemming from blade shape and geared transmissions.

[0009] Another drawback of existing VAWTs, similar to the inefficiencies found in HAWTs, is the relatively large weight borne by the bearings of the vertically rotating components supporting the VAWT. This, in addition to energy losses due to friction between the components, also necessitates periodic bearing replacements.

[0010] To reduce the complexity and length of the detailed specifications and to adequately establish the prior art in certain technical fields, the applicant hereby expressly incorporates, by reference, all materials identified in each numbered paragraph below. The incorporated materials are not necessarily “prior art,” and the applicant expressly reserves the right to testify under oath regarding any incorporated materials.

[0011] Rowan and Brown's U.S. Patent No. 6,688,842

[0012] Boatner, Bruce's U.S. Patent No. 7,303,369

[0013] U.S. Patent No. 6,765,309 to Tallal et al.

[0014] U.S. Patent No. 7,215,039 to Zambrano et al.

[0015] Nightingale, US Patent No. 8,120,193, by Christopher George Edward

[0016] Tuong and Melen's U.S. Patent No. 8,297,025

[0017] U.S. Patent No. 8,648,482 to Hede et al.

[0018] Royer, David's U.S. Patent No. 8,739,476

[0019] U.S. Patent No. 9,453,494 to Krippene, Brett

[0020] U.S. Patent No. 9,951,628 to Devisch, Geert

[0021] U.S. Patent No. 7,518,255 to Gordon and David Hyman

[0022] U.S. Patent No. 8,545,298 to Paggi, Raymond E.

[0023] The applicant argues that, pursuant to 37 CFR 1.57, the material incorporated above is “non-essential” material because its reference is intended to indicate the background of the invention or to illustrate the level of prior art. However, if the examiner considers any of the material incorporated above to constitute “essential material” in the sense of 37 CFR 1.57(c)(1)-(3), the applicant will amend the specification to explicitly state the essential material incorporated by reference, as permitted by applicable rules. Summary of the Invention

[0024] This invention also provides, among other things, a system for generating electricity from wind energy. The system includes a vertical-axis wind turbine having a plurality of generally horizontally arranged blades and a centrally located shaft that transmits torque from the turbine to a generator. The turbine is positioned atop a supporting structure, which in a particular embodiment may be a building such as a residence, office building, or other structure. A track is coupled around the periphery of the supporting structure to help support the weight of the turbine. The turbine is rotatable about the fixed track on bearings. The turbine may include cantilevered portions on each blade, the cantilevered portions over the edge of the supporting structure. Bearings may extend horizontally from the cantilevered portions and connect to the track. In an alternative embodiment, the supporting structure includes a recess disposed at the top of the periphery of the supporting structure, the recess receiving a plurality of ball bearings constituting the track. The turbine blades are supported on the ball bearings and rotate relative to the track when driven by wind energy.

[0025] The number of blades can be optimized for specific applications. In some embodiments, three or five blades are preferred, and the shape of the multiple outer walls of the building supporting the turbine can be circular or substantially polygonal, such as hexagonal, octagonal, or preferably 19-sided (19-polygon). The turbine can be substantially formed as a dome, with blades extending from the dome to produce a vertical-axis wind turbine. The blades can be raised at the center, or, if the building is preferably a flat roof, the blades will be straight and parallel to the roof. The turbine shaft can be coupled to gears that transmit torque from the shaft to multiple generators for higher efficiency.

[0026] The aspects and applications of the invention presented herein are described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description of the invention below. Unless otherwise stated, the words and phrases in the specification and claims are intended to have their common, ordinary, and customary meanings to those skilled in the art. The inventors are fully aware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. As their own lexicographers, the inventors explicitly choose to use only the common and ordinary meanings of the terms in the specification and claims, unless they explicitly state otherwise, and then further explicitly elaborate on the “special” definition of the term and explain how it differs from the common and ordinary meaning. In the absence of such an explicit statement of intent to apply the “special” definition, the inventors’ intention and desire is to apply the simple, common, and ordinary meanings of the terms to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

[0027] The inventors also understand the normal rules of English grammar. Therefore, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or defined in some way, then according to the normal rules of English grammar, such a noun, term, or phrase will explicitly include additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers. In the absence of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, the intention is to give such nouns, terms, or phrases their common and ordinary English meaning to a person skilled in the art as described above.

[0028] Furthermore, the inventors are fully aware of the standards and applications of the specific provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Therefore, the use of terms such as “function,” “device,” or “step” in the detailed description, description of drawings, or claims is not intended to indicate in any way that the invention is to be defined by reference to the specific provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Rather, if the invention were to be defined by reference to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), the claims would specifically and explicitly state the exact phrases “device for…” or “step for…” and would also state the word “function” (i.e., “device for performing the function of [insertion function]”), without further description of any structure, material, or action supporting that function. Therefore, even when the claims state “device for performing the function of…” or “step for performing the function of…”, if the claims also describe any structure, material, or action supporting that device or step, or performing the stated function, the inventors’ explicit intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Furthermore, even when the invention is defined by reference to 35 USC §112(f), it is intended that the invention be limited to the specific structures, materials or actions described in the preferred embodiments, but also include any and all structures, materials or actions that perform the claimed function, as described in alternative embodiments or forms of the invention, or well-known existing or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or actions for performing the claimed function. Attached Figure Description

[0029] A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by referring to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying illustrative drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements or actions throughout the drawings. The elements and actions in the drawings are shown for simplicity and are not necessarily presented according to any particular order or embodiment.

[0030] Figure 1 depicts a top perspective view of a vertical axis wind turbine according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2a depicts a front view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 2b depicts a rear right perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 2a along the section line AA.

[0033] Figure 3 depicts a front view of a VAWT according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 depicts a top view of the embodiment of Figure 3.

[0035] Figure 5 depicts a side view of the embodiment of Figure 3 along the section line AA.

[0036] Figure 5a depicts a close-up view of the gearbox in Figure 5.

[0037] Figure 5b depicts a close-up view of the support track in Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 5c depicts a close-up view of the generator housing of Figure 5.

[0039] Figure 6 depicts a top perspective view of one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6a is a close-up view of the support track in Figure 6.

[0041] Figure 7 depicts a front view of a VAWT according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7a depicts a close-up view of the support track of Figure 7.

[0043] Figure 8 depicts a side view of the embodiment of Figure 7 along the section line AA.

[0044] Figure 8a depicts a close-up view of the support track of Figure 8.

[0045] Figure 9 depicts a top front view of the VAWT in Figure 7.

[0046] Figure 10 depicts the left top view of the VAWT in Figure 7.

[0047] Figure 11 depicts a front top perspective view of a VAWT according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 12 depicts a rear top perspective view of the VAWT in Figure 11.

[0049] Figure 13 depicts a right-side top perspective view of the VAWT with the roof removed, according to Figure 11.

[0050] Figure 14 depicts a front top perspective view of a VAWT with its roof removed, according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 15 depicts a top perspective view of a plurality of generators according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 16 depicts a close-up perspective view of the support track in Figure 11.

[0053] Figure 17 depicts the lower left perspective view of the support track in Figure 16.

[0054] Figure 18 depicts a top front view of a turbine fan according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0055] In the following description, and for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and apparatuses are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, the description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that the disclosed invention can be applied to many different and alternative configurations, apparatuses, and techniques. The full scope of the invention is not limited to the examples described below.

[0056] In one application of the invention, a wind turbine 10 is provided, having a turbine 100 having a plurality of blades 102 extending in a horizontal plane from a center 104 defining a rotation axis 105. The blades 102 may also extend to varying degrees in the direction of the rotation axis 105 to achieve specific performance characteristics. In many embodiments, the rotation axis is substantially vertical (vertical axis wind turbine - VAWT). The blade configuration can be designed to optimize the VAWT's footprint, yaw, turbine noise level, turbine speed, and overall turbine weight.

[0057] The angle of attack or pitch of blade 102 can vary along the length of blade 102, thus creating a twisted pitch. The pitch angle or angle of attack of blade 102 can be fixed or continuously adjusted to obtain the optimal angle relative to the wind. The pitch angle can be adapted to better accommodate different wind speeds and the angles of attack experienced by different sections of the blade during rotation, based on factors such as the turbine's expected operating conditions, required power output, and aerodynamic considerations of the blade profile. The twist can be a continuous, gradual change or can comprise different segments with different pitch angles.

[0058] The turbine 102 can have any number of blades, but is typically preferred to have three or five. The number of blades can be adjusted taking into account aerodynamic efficiency, start-up and cut-in speeds, structural factors, and cost and manufacturing factors. Generally, increasing the number of blades 102 increases the overall aerodynamic efficiency of the VAWT. VAWTs with fewer blades 102 tend to have lower start-up and cut-in wind speeds, thus enabling them to generate electricity at lower wind speeds compared to VAWTs with more blades. While increasing the number of blades 102 provides better stability and structural support, the additional blades 102 also increase the weight and complexity of the turbine 100.

[0059] Drive shaft 106 extends perpendicularly from the plane of the turbine along the axis of rotation and transmits torque from turbine 100 to generator 108. The drive shaft can be divided into multiple drive shafts 106a, 106b, 106c to transmit energy to multiple generators 108a, 108b, 108c. Alternatively, multiple generators 108 can be coupled to drive shaft 106 via one or more gears 110. Blades 102 can be coupled to drive shaft via an intervention wheel (not shown). Multiple generators 108 can be used to better control power output. One or more of the multiple generators 108 can be engaged or disengaged according to power requirements, and multiple generators can provide redundancy to improve system reliability. Depending on the design and blade configuration, VAWT can experience different wind speeds and forces along the turbine height, and multiple generators can be used to adapt to changing wind conditions and optimize energy harvesting at different sections of turbine 100.

[0060] Power from blade 102 can be transmitted via a first gearbox 10 to multiple drive shafts 106a, 106b, 106c. Gearbox 10 contains gears or other mechanical components to distribute rotational energy from the autonomous drive shafts to individual drive shafts for each generator 108. This allows for independent operation of each generator 108. Generators 108 can be housed within a generator housing 30, and energy from drive shaft 106 is transmitted to the generator via a second gearbox 33. The first gearbox 10 and the second gearbox 33 can be used to regulate the turbine's speed and torque to match optimal operating conditions of the generators 108, optimize energy conversion efficiency, and achieve synchronization and control of the multiple generators 108.

[0061] The ratio of turbine diameter to turbine height is preferably between about 2:1 and 6:1. The stress applied to the shaft of the VAWT with substantially horizontally extending blades 102 can be large. The turbine 100 may be supported by a support structure 112. The support structure 112 may be a building type such as a residence or other building with structural walls. The support structure 112 may provide additional support to the blades 102 via a track 114 coupled to the turbine 100, allowing the turbine 100 to move substantially freely relative to the track 114 in the direction of rotation of the blades 102. Alternatively, the blades 102 may be reinforced with rigid rods 115, as shown in Figure 18.

[0062] To collect wind and direct it to the blades on the roof, vertical and spiral grooves or channels can be formed in the support structure 112. As an alternative design, instead of 90 degrees, the sides of the polygon (or the circumference of a circle if circular) are inclined at a certain degree towards the axis, such as 19 degrees. Straight, concave semi-circular ducts / pipes between the vertices of these sides will guide wind impacting the walls of the support structure 120 to the blades. These inclined concave ducts / pipes / channels / grooves can be integrated into the edges of panels for the multiple outer walls of 120. In another potentially more efficient alternative design, the integrated inclined semi-ducts are formed in a spiral shape, thus smoothly guiding wind upwards from the entire body of the polygonal house to the blades.

[0063] The generator 108 of the VAWT can provide energy to the structure in which it is located (such as a residence, office, warehouse, or other structure). The VAWT can also be connected to the power grid to provide energy to a wider community. Multiple generators 108 can be networked to provide energy to local communities that do not have access to a wider power grid, or can be coupled to the power grid to provide energy to the grid.

[0064] In a particular embodiment, the VAWT is integrated into the residence. The turbine 100 is part of the roof 120 of the residence. The roof 120 can have any polygonal shape, such as the nineteen-sided polygon illustrated. Multiple walls of the top floor of the residence can serve as support structures 112 for the turbine 100. The track 114 can be a generally circular rod extending from the periphery of the top of the support structure 112. Bearings 122 allow the blades to rotate smoothly along the track 114.

[0065] The track 114 may be above the periphery of the support structure 112 or may extend horizontally beyond the support structure 112. The blade may be coupled to the top 124 or the side 126 of the support track 114. The blade 102 or turbine 100 may include a cantilever 116 that hangs over the edges of the support structure 112 and the track 114. The cantilever 116 includes a cantilever wall 128 that extends downward from the bottom of the blade 102 and has an outer and axial side 130. A bearing 122 extends from the axial side of the cantilever wall 128 and is coupled to the track 114 to support the blade 102.

[0066] The VAWT may include solar panels integrated into the power generation system. The turbine blades may be made of photovoltaic materials, or photovoltaic panels may be installed between the turbine blades and the roof of the house to supplement the wind power generated by the turbine. The blades 102 can be easily removed, and photovoltaic panels or a solar heating system can be installed after the VAWT is installed.

[0067] Finally, it should be understood that although aspects of this specification are highlighted by reference to specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily understand that these disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is by no means limited to the specific methods, schemes, and / or reagents described herein. Consequently, various modifications, alterations, or alternative configurations can be made to the disclosed subject matter in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of this specification. Finally, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Therefore, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described, and unless otherwise stated herein or explicitly contradicted in the context, any combination of the above embodiments in all possible variations is covered by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A wind power generator comprising: a turbine comprising a plurality of blades, the turbine having a center; a shaft coupled at a first end to the center of the turbine and extending perpendicularly from the center of the turbine to a second end, the second end coupled to at least one generator; and a substantially circular track coupled to a support structure, wherein the substantially circular track is located near a periphery of the turbine and coupled to the turbine to at least partially support the weight of the turbine while allowing the turbine to rotate relative to the track.

2. The wind power generator of claim 1, wherein the support structure is a residence, and wherein the turbine serves as at least a portion of a roof of the residence.

3. The wind power generator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades comprises 3 or 5 blades.

4. The wind power generator of claim 1, wherein the turbine is located on a building having a circular or polygonal outer shape.

5. The wind power generator of claim 4, wherein the polygonal outer shape is a hexagonal, octagonal, dodecagonal, or nonadecagonal shape.

6. The wind power generator of claim 1, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades comprises an overhang suspended above the support structure, and wherein the track extends peripherally from the support structure, and wherein the overhang is coupled to the track by a bearing.

7. The wind power generator of claim 6, wherein the bearing is a C-shaped bearing.

8. The wind power generator of claim 1, wherein the second end is coupled to a gear, the gear transmitting torque from the shaft to the at least one generator.

9. The wind power generator of claim 1, wherein a first end of the blade is not connected to the track, and a second end of the blade is coupled to the track.

10. The wind power generator of claim 1, wherein the turbine is substantially dome-shaped. ​

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