Wind converters for converting wind energy into mechanical and / or electrical energy

Abstract

The wind turbine has a mast with at least one blade mounted on it, which is rotatable around an axis. Depending on the wind direction, the blade can oscillate back and forth between at least two positions perpendicular to the pivot. The mast is designed to be elastically flexible, at least in a section between the pivot and the blade. This design allows the blade to automatically adjust itself optimally to efficiently convert wind energy into mechanical and / or electrical energy.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a wind converter for converting wind energy into mechanical and / or electrical energy according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Wind turbines are known in which the blade can rotate about two axes that are perpendicular to each other. The blade is connected to a mast, which is rotatably mounted in a pivot bearing. The two axes of rotation of the blade ensure that it automatically assumes an optimal angle of attack.

[0003] The invention is based on the objective of further optimizing the generic wind converter.

[0004] This problem is solved according to the invention in the generic wind converter with the characterizing features of claim 1.

[0005] In the wind converter according to the invention, the wing is moved back and forth between at least two positions transversely to the pivot bearing, depending on the wind direction. This oscillating movement of the wing, in conjunction with the rotation of the mast about the axis of rotation and the elastic bendability of the mast, at least in the area between the pivot bearing and the wing, enables the wing to be automatically and optimally adjusted at all times, so that the wind energy can be efficiently converted into mechanical and / or electrical energy.

[0006] The wing can be designed in the form of a sail surrounded by a frame. Alternatively, the wing can be formed by a profile section, which advantageously has the shape of a load-bearing profile.

[0007] The wing is connected to the mast in such a way that the mast is located on one long side of the wing, which thus stands out perpendicular to the mast.

[0008] The wing has a center of gravity that lies within the surface of the wing, as seen from above, and is a distance from the longitudinal side that has the mast.

[0009] By moving the wing back and forth between different positions, it can be optimally adjusted to the wind direction. Since the wing can also be rotated around the mast's axis of rotation, and the mast is designed to be flexible, the wing can be adjusted to the optimal position in any given situation.

[0010] Advantageously, the mast can be bent elastically in the bending area perpendicular to its longitudinal axis.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment, the bending section of the mast is S-shaped. The S-shape allows for a short overall length of the wind turbine without impairing the mast's flexibility. The S-shape of the bending section enables reliable elastic bending of the mast.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment, the bending section of the mast is designed as a helix. Its axis lies in the axis of rotation of the mast when the mast is not deflected. The turns of the helix are advantageously spaced apart from one another, so that the wing can be adjusted in any direction relative to the pivot bearing by corresponding elastic deformation of the helix.

[0013] A particularly simple design solution arises when the mast extends from a turntable that is rotatably mounted in a pivot bearing. Then, the wing can easily execute the oscillating motion through a rotational movement of the turntable.

[0014] It is advantageous if the mast is attached eccentrically to the turntable, i.e., at a distance from the axis of rotation of the turntable.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the turntable is connected to at least one drive unit, such as a generator. Rotating the turntable thus drives this drive unit.

[0016] The drive connection can be made in any suitable way. A belt drive is advantageous, as it is simple in design, ensures smooth running, and can be easily installed.

[0017] The belt of the belt drive is advantageously guided over the rotary disc and, for example, over a pulley of a shaft of the unit.

[0018] The turntable can also be the rotating head of a disc generator.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the mast is attached to a boom which projects transversely from a guide element rotatably mounted in the rotary bearing.

[0020] It is advantageous if the mast is guided by locking elements acting transversely to its longitudinal direction and supported at the swivel bearing. These locking elements, which are advantageously telescopic in design, hold the mast in its respective position.

[0021] The locking elements preferably engage a guide sleeve through which the mast protrudes. The locking elements hold the guide sleeve, and thus the mast, in its respective position. If they are telescopically designed, the locking elements can adjust the position of the mast relative to the pivot bearing by changing its length accordingly.

[0022] The mast is advantageously attached to the free end of the boom, so that when the boom rotates around its axis, the mast performs a circular motion around this axis. Since the mast passes through the guide sleeve, the guide sleeve is moved along with it, with the locking elements adjusting their length in accordance with the change in position of the guide sleeve.

[0023] The safety elements can be replaced by hydraulic pistons or electrical coils in which magnets are moved back and forth to obtain energy.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the mast rests against a funnel-shaped wall of a guide when it deflects, and the guide is rotatably or non-rotatably arranged in the pivot bearing.

[0025] With a rotationally fixed connection between the guide and the swivel bearing, the mast is moved along the funnel-shaped wall of the guide. For this purpose, one or more freely rotating rollers can be provided on the mast, which rest against the funnel-shaped wall of the guide and roll circumferentially along the funnel-shaped wall when the mast is moved relative to the funnel-shaped guide.

[0026] Depending on the wind strength, the bending area of ​​the mast rests at different heights against the funnel-shaped guide, resulting in a strong progression of the spring force.

[0027] In a further advantageous embodiment, the blade is rotatable about the axis of a shaft of a unit mounted on the mast. This unit can, for example, be a generator driven by the blade's rotational movements via the shaft. The mast itself is flexible, allowing it to be bent into the required position depending on wind conditions and direction. In any position of the mast, the blade can rotate about the axis of the unit's shaft. The unit is designed such that the generator is driven regardless of the shaft's direction of rotation.

[0028] The subject matter of the application is not only defined by the subject matter of the individual patent claims, but also by all information and features disclosed in the drawings and the description. These are claimed as essential to the invention, even if they are not explicitly stated in the claims, insofar as they are novel, individually or in combination, compared to the prior art.

[0029] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the further claims, the description and the drawings.

[0030] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to several embodiments illustrated in the drawings. These show Fig. 1 in perspective view a first embodiment of a wind converter according to the invention, Fig. 2 the wind converter according to Fig. 1 in side view, Fig. 1a and Fig. 2a in representations according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. An application example of the wind converter according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9 to Fig. 10 further embodiments of wind converters according to the invention, each shown in perspective.

[0031] Wind converters are used to convert wind power into mechanical and / or electrical energy. They are designed to optimally utilize wind power regardless of wind direction.

[0032] The wind converter according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has a mast 1, which is surrounded by its can be rotated along its longitudinal axis. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. The direction of rotation is indicated by 2.

[0033] Mast 1 sits with its in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The lower end of the mast is located in a guide 3, which is rotatably mounted in a bearing 4 about an axis 4a. The guide 3 is sleeve-shaped and rotatable about its axis in the bearing 4. The mast 1 is fixedly seated in the guide 3 and is advantageously detachably connected to it, so that the mast 1 can be easily replaced if necessary.

[0034] A wing 5, made of windproof material such as fabric, plastic, or similar materials, is attached to the free end of the mast 1. Even metallic material can be used for the wing 5.

[0035] The wing 5 is attached to the mast 1 in such a way that the wing 5 projects outwards from the mast 1 to one side. This is achieved, for example, by the wing 5 having a rectangular shape, as shown in the example, and the mast 1 being attached to one long side 6 of the wing 5.

[0036] How Fig. Figure 1 shows that wing 5 is advantageously designed as a profile body with an elongated oval cross-section. This design of wing 5 is, of course, only an example. Wing 5 can have any design suitable for its function.

[0037] The wing 5 has a center of gravity 7, which is located at a distance 8 from the mast 1.

[0038] The wing 5 is positioned at a distance from the guide 3 and the bearing 4. The area 9 between the wing 1 and the guide 3 is designed to be flexible. Therefore, this mast section 9 can bend to a greater or lesser degree depending on the wind load on the wing 9. Fig. 1. Two positions II, III are shown by dashed lines as examples when the mast area 9 is elastically bent.

[0039] The distance 10 between the wing 5 and the guide 3 is so large that the mast 1 can perform the required bend.

[0040] In Fig. The wind direction 11 is indicated by an arrow. The wing 5 is shown in three positions I to III. In position I, the wing 5 is oriented so that the wind coming from direction 11 flows past the two side surfaces 12, 13 of the wing. The mast 1 is straight and undeformed.

[0041] In position II, mast 1 is in its area 9 in the representation according to Fig. 1 elastically bent to the right, whereby the mast 1 with its guide 3 has been rotated in the bearing 4.

[0042] In position III, the mast area 9 is shown in the diagram. Fig. 1 elastically bent to the left, whereby the guide 3 in the bearing 4 has been rotated about its axis.

[0043] In positions II and III, the guide 3, starting from position I, has been rotated once clockwise (position II) and once counterclockwise (position III).

[0044] In this way, the wing 5 can oscillate back and forth between positions II and III by rotating and elastically bending the mast 1. This is made possible in particular by the fact that the center of gravity 7 of the wing 5 is located a distance 8 from the longitudinal side 6, i.e., from the mast 1. This distance 8 forms a lever arm that enables the wing 5 to perform the described oscillating movement between positions II and III.

[0045] How Fig. Figure 2 shows that the center of gravity 7 of the wing 5 is advantageously located at half the height and half the width of the wing.

[0046] Due to the elastic bending of the mast section 9, the wing 5 enters the Fig. 1. Inclined position shown, in which the longitudinal axis 14 of the wing 5 is at an acute angle α ( Fig. 1) to the longitudinal axis of the wing 5 with the mast 1 undeformed (position I). The angle α can, for example, be in the range between 0° and 75°.

[0047] The Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 2a shows an exemplary application of the wind converter according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The mast 4 is directly connected to a shaft of a planetary gearbox 3a, which is coupled to a generator 3b. The shaft forms the guide 3, which is rotationally fixed to the mast 1.

[0048] Generator 3b is appropriately secured in bearing 4.

[0049] The following embodiments show various ways in which the oscillating movement of the wing 5 can be achieved.

[0050] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. In section 3, the mast 1 is bent along its length in section 9 and can be elastically bendable or rigidly bendable. The wing 5 is attached to an exemplary straight section of the mast 1, which, as in the previous embodiment, does not project beyond the wing 5.

[0051] The mast 1 is mounted on the guide 3, which is designed as a turntable that can rotate about the axis 4a of the bearing 4. The guide 3 is connected to the bearing 4 in a suitable manner so that it can rotate about the axis 4a.

[0052] Since the guide 3 is designed as a disc and the mast 1 is attached to the guide 3 at a distance 15 from the axis of rotation 4a, the oscillation between the two positions II and III is achieved by a rotational movement of the guide 3 about the axis 4a. Due to its edge attachment to the guide 3 at a distance 15 from the axis of rotation 4a, the mast section 9 moves into the two positions II and III. Depending on the wind direction, the guide 3 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise about the axis 4a (arrow 2). In this way, the wing 5 moves into the described different positions depending on the wind direction 11.

[0053] This embodiment is characterized by its structural simplicity and robust construction. The guide, designed as a rotary disk, allows for a simple design of the wind converter. In this embodiment, the diameter of the guide 3 is significantly larger than the diameter of the bearing 4, in which the guide 3 is rotatably mounted in a known manner. Due to the described design of the guide 3, the distance 15 can be easily adjusted to the specific application of the wind converter.

[0054] Fig. Figure 4 shows a wind turbine in which the mast section 9 between the blade 5 and the guide 3 is short. This is achieved by giving this section 9 of the mast 1 an S-shape. This design of the mast section 9 allows elastic bending of this section so that the blade 5 can move into different positions by means of a oscillating movement, as exemplified by the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 has been explained.

[0055] The mast 1 is designed according to the embodiment as described below. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is received in the sleeve-shaped guide 3, which is rotatably mounted in the bearing 4 about the axis 4a.

[0056] The section of mast 1 adjoining section 9, unlike the two previous embodiments, is not straight but curved in side view. This curved mast section 16 extends along the longitudinal side 6 of the wing 5, whose center of gravity 7 is located at a distance 8 from mast section 16.

[0057] The S-shaped design of the mast area 9 allows for a low height of the wind converter without affecting the oscillation movement of the wing 5 between the described different positions.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. In section 5, the mast section 9 is designed as a helix. It is located in the area between the wing 5 and the sleeve-shaped guide 3, which is rotatably mounted in the bearing 4 about the axis 4a. At one end, the helix-shaped mast section 9 transitions into a straight section 17, which is inserted into the guide 3. At the other end, the helix-shaped mast section has another straight section 18, which transitions into the section of the mast 5 that holds the wing 5.

[0059] The helical design of the mast section 9 enables the oscillating movement of the wing 5 through corresponding elastic deformation. The helical section can elastically contract or expand and also allows a pivoting movement of the wing 5 relative to the axis of rotation 4a. The turns 9a of the helix are advantageously spaced apart so that the helix can perform the necessary movements.

[0060] Due to the helical shape of the mast section 9, the wind converter has a low height without this adversely affecting the oscillations of the wing 5. Depending on the wind direction, the wing 5 can not only oscillate but also rotate around the axis of rotation 4a with the aid of the guide 3.

[0061] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. In bearing 4, the guide 3 is rotatably mounted about the axis 4a. The guide 3 is designed according to the embodiment shown. Fig. 3 designed as a turntable that is rotatable about the axis of rotation 4a. In contrast to the embodiment according to Fig. 3, however, the mast 1 is held centrally in the disc-shaped guide 3.

[0062] Mast 1 is elastically bendable and curved along its length in section 9 between guide 3 and wing 5. The part of the mast to which wing 5 is attached is straight.

[0063] The disc-shaped guide 3 is connected via a belt 19 to a pulley 20 on a shaft 21 of a generator 22. The rotational movement of the guide 3 is thus transmitted via the drive belt 19 to the shaft 21 of the generator 22. It is attached to the bearing 4 in a known manner.

[0064] Depending on the wind direction 11, the wing 5 is pivoted into different positions, whereby the disc-shaped guide 3 is rotated in the corresponding direction 2 via the mast 1. The generator 22 is driven via the belt drive 19 to 21.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. The guide 3 is rotatably mounted in bearing 4 about the axis 4a. One end of an arm 23, which projects perpendicularly from the guide 3 and at whose other end the [unclear text] is mounted, is fixedly mounted on the free end projecting beyond the bearing 4. Fig. 7 The lower end of mast 1 is held in a rotationally fixed position.

[0066] Arms 24 extend vertically from the outside of the bearing 4 at its free upper end, each having a projecting retaining element 25 at its free end. In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining elements 25 run parallel to the axis of rotation 4a.

[0067] The arms 24 are advantageously designed to be straight and are arranged at angular intervals of 120° to each other on the bearing 4.

[0068] The arms 24 are advantageously of equal length. The free ends of locking elements 26 are pivotally mounted on their support sections 25. They are telescopically designed and adjustable in length. Their inner tubes 27 are attached to a guide sleeve 28, which is arranged at a distance from the arm 23 and through which the mast 1 projects.

[0069] The three securing elements 26 hold the mast 1 in its respective position via the guide sleeve 28, which depends on the wind direction 11.

[0070] The safety elements 26 can be replaced for energy extraction by hydraulic pistons or electrical coils in which magnets are moved back and forth.

[0071] When the guide 3 is rotated in the bearing 4 about the axis of rotation 4a, the guide sleeve 28 moves in a circle around the axis of rotation 4a, causing the mast 1 and the wing 5 attached to it to move into the different positions shown. The locking elements 26 are adjusted accordingly so that the guide sleeve 28 is held in its respective position. As in the previous embodiments, the arm 23, and thus the guide sleeve 28, can be adjusted clockwise and counterclockwise (direction of rotation arrow 2).

[0072] The dashed lines in Fig. Figures 7, which are relevant for position III, show how the tubes 27 of the safety elements 26 are extended to different distances compared to position II.

[0073] The locking elements 26 are pivotably mounted on the mounting parts 25 at one end about the axis of the mounting parts 25, so that when the arm 23 pivots, the locking elements 26 can follow the movement path of the guide sleeve 28.

[0074] Fig. Figure 7a shows an example of the use of the wind converter according to Fig. 7. The safety elements 26, which are exemplary pump elements, each have a suction pipe 38 projecting into a well 37, through which water is pumped from the well 37 into a collection basin 39. It has at least one outlet 40.

[0075] The safety elements 26 are mounted in a suitable manner to pivot on the well edge 41.

[0076] The pivoting movement of the wing 5 actuates the safety elements 26 so that the water is pumped from the well 37 into the collection basin 39.

[0077] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. Mast 1 is only a short length, so the wind converter is correspondingly short. Mast 1 is non-rotatably connected to guide 3, which is cup- or funnel-shaped and can rotate about axis 4a. Guide 3 is rotatably mounted in bearing 4.

[0078] The mast 1 is bent elastically in the area where it rests within the guide 3 depending on the wind strength, so that a strong progression of the spring force of the bent mast is created and the deflection is limited even at high wind strength and with a soft bending part.

[0079] As in the previous embodiments, the wing 5 can swing back and forth between positions II and III by rotating the guide 3 in the bearing 4. Furthermore, the wing 5 can be rotatably mounted on the mast 1, as indicated by the double arrow 2 in Fig. is marked 8.

[0080] The mast 1 runs curved within the chalice-shaped guide 3. Outside the guide 3, the mast 1 runs straight, for example. The section 9 of the mast 1 that extends beyond the guide 3 is rigid and not elastically bendable.

[0081] In another embodiment, the chalice- or funnel-shaped guide 3 is not rotatable about the axis 4a. Instead, one or more freely rotatable rollers 30 are located on the mast 1 inside the guide 3. The rollers 30 can roll circumferentially along the inner surface 29 of the guide 3, thereby moving the mast 1 relative to the guide 3. The wing 5 can then be rotated around the mast 1 in direction 2.

[0082] Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the wing 5 can again swing back and forth between different positions. Wing 5 is attached to the mast 1 with its longitudinal side 6 as described. The guide 3 is rotatably mounted in the bearing 4 about the axis of rotation 4a.

[0083] The guide 3 has a receiving opening into which the mast 1 projects and is connected there to the guide 3 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0084] The guide 3 lies between two disks 31, 32, which are positioned at an acute angle to each other. The lower disk 32 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 4a, while the upper disk 31 is arranged at an angle β to the lower disk 32. The mast 1 extends perpendicularly to the upper disk 31.

[0085] The upper disc 31, located on mast 1, is in Fig. 9 is shown in a stop position in which its edge area rests against the lower disk 32. The upper disk 31 moves with the mast 1, while the lower disk 32 remains in its position perpendicular to the bearing 4.

[0086] The angle β is determined by the stop position of the upper disk 31. From this position, the disk 31 can move away from the disk 32 during the oscillating movement of the mast 1.

[0087] The guide 3 located between the discs 31, 32 consists of a damping material. Advantageously, the guide 3 is formed by a disc-shaped rubber element, the upper surface 35 of which runs obliquely at an angle β to the lower surface 36.

[0088] In the stop position, the upper disc 31, which is advantageously flat like the lower disc 32, rests on the inclined top surface 35 of the guide 3.

[0089] During operation, the two discs 31, 32 rotate around their axes, and the wing 5 is also rotated.

[0090] Mast 1 of the wind converter according to Fig. 10 is directly and rotationally fixed to the bearing 4. Following the bearing 4, the mast 1 runs continuously curved along its length and carries a driven unit 34, for example a generator, at a distance from the bearing 4.

[0091] The unit 34 has a shaft 33 that protrudes from the unit 34 and is rotationally fixed to the wing 5. Depending on the wind direction 11, the mast 1 can be elastically bent in the corresponding direction. The wing 5 is driven by the mast 1 and can additionally rotate clockwise and counterclockwise around the axis of the shaft 33. This causes the shaft 33 to rotate accordingly.

[0092] Fig. Figure 10 shows two exemplary positions II and III of the wing 5, depending on the bending direction of the mast 1 and the rotational position of the wing 5.

Claims

[1] Wind converter for converting wind energy into mechanical and / or electrical energy, comprising a mast (1) on which at least one wing (5) is provided and which is rotatable about an axis (4a), characterized by , that the wing (5) can be oscillated back and forth between at least two positions (II, III) transversely to the pivot bearing (4) depending on the wind direction (11), and that the mast (1) is designed to be elastically bendable at least in a region (9) between the pivot bearing (4) and the wing (5). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the mast (1) is elastically bendable in the bending area (9) transverse to its longitudinal axis. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the bending area (9) of the mast (1) is S-shaped. [4] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the bending area (9) of the mast (1) is designed as a helix whose axis lies in the axis of rotation (4a) of the mast (1). [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the mast (1) extends from a turntable (3; 31, 32) which is rotatably mounted in the pivot bearing (4). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the mast (1) is attached eccentrically to the turntable (3). [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by , that the turntable (3) is connected to at least one unit (22), such as a generator, preferably via a belt drive (19 to 21). [8] Device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by , that the turntable is the rotatable head part of a disk generator. [9] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the mast (1) is attached to a boom (23) which extends transversely from a guide element (3) rotatably mounted in the pivot bearing (4). [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by, that the mast (1) is guided by securing elements (26) acting transversely to its longitudinal direction, which are supported on the pivot bearing (4). [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized by , that the securing elements (26) engage a guide sleeve (28) through which the mast (1) protrudes. [12] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the mast (1) bears against a funnel-shaped wall (29) of a guide (3) which is rotatably or non-rotatably arranged in the rotary bearing (4) during elastic deflection. [13] Device according to claim 12, characterized by , that the mast (1) lies at an angle (β) to the axis of rotation (4a) of the pivot bearing (4). [14] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the wing (5) is rotatable about an axis of a shaft (33) of an assembly (34) which is arranged on the mast (1).

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