Wind Directing System

Abstract

The present invention is a wind direction system. The system includes at least one lower wing having a leading edge, a front surface, a mid-plane, a rear surface, and a trailing edge, and at least one wind turbine disposed above the at least one lower wing. The lower wing is attached to a building surface. The front surface of the lower wing is angled relative to the mid-plane relative to the airflow. The lower wing "attaches" wind airflow traveling over the building to the top surface of the building and directs it toward the wind turbine, thereby increasing wind utilization and power generation via the turbine.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims the benefit of an earlier-filed, co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 035,366, filed June 5, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] [Technical field] FIELD OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to wind turbine systems and, more particularly, to a wind concentrator for directing wind as it passes over a building. [Background technology]

[0003] Buildings naturally act as collectors for all the wind that hits their surface and needs to pass over the top of the building. The pressure difference and wind concentration that occurs in this process naturally increases the speed of the wind as it travels over the edge of the building. Many rooftop wind turbine companies have tried to harness this increased wind speed in some way to generate electricity, but all solutions have fallen short of generating capacity due to the large separation of flows as the wind travels over the edge of the roof. This separation of flows means that only a small portion of the faster wind can be captured near the edge of the roof, resulting in the need for large, expensive, and unsightly towers to capture most of the faster wind speed above the edge of the roof. Not only are such towers unsightly, they can block the light of the solar panels, and they can be difficult and time-consuming to install. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a structure that can direct wind to a discreet wind turbine without loss of wind speed.

[0005] The present invention is a wind directing system. The system includes at least one lower wing having a leading edge, a front face, a mid-face, a trailing face, and a trailing edge, and at least one wind turbine disposed above the at least one lower wing. The lower wing is attached to a building surface. The leading edge and the front face extend above a building edge formed between the building front face and the building top face. The front face of the lower wing is angled relative to the mid-face with respect to the airflow.

[0006] Another embodiment of the wind directing system includes at least one lower wing having a leading edge, a front surface, a mid-plane, a trailing surface, and a trailing edge, at least one upper wing disposed above the lower wing, and at least one wind turbine disposed between the lower wing and the upper wing, the lower wing being attached to a building surface while the front surface of the lower wing is inclined relative to the mid-plane to the airflow.

[0007] Another embodiment of the wind directing system includes at least one lower wing having a leading edge, a front surface, a mid-plane, a rear surface, and a trailing edge, at least one wind turbine disposed above the lower wing, and at least one powertrain assembly operatively connected to the wind turbine. The lower wing is attached to a building surface. The front surface of the lower wing is inclined relative to the mid-plane with respect to the airflow, while the rear surface of the lower wing extends at a downward angle relative to the mid-plane.

[0008] The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and examples of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a illustrates how an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system changes airflow over a building. [Figure 1b] 1 illustrates how an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system changes airflow over a building. [Figure 2a] FIG. 1b shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2c shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system. [Figure 2d] FIG. 2d shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system. [Figure 2e] FIG. 2e shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system. [Figure 2f] FIG. 2f shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system. [Figure 2g] FIG. 2g shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind directing system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine that may be incorporated into embodiments of a wind direction system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine powertrain that may be incorporated into an exemplary embodiment of a wind direction system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Certain terms have been used in this description for brevity, clarity, and understanding. Such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly interpreted, so that no unnecessary limitations are to be applied therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art. The different systems and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the description. Each limitation is intended to invoke an interpretation under 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph only if the words "means for" or "step for" are expressly included in each limitation.

[0011] The present wind direction system 100 uses modern wing aerodynamic theory to manipulate the airflow closest to the building top, allowing the faster winds that naturally occur at the edge of the building to be easily captured and used for power generation. The use of well-tuned lower wings 110 pulls the wind down as it travels over the edge of the building top. This technology allows for higher speed winds to be captured closer to the building top, allowing for significantly more energy to be captured than traditional turbines allow.

[0012] 1a and 1b are diagrams illustrating how the system 100 alters the airflow. When mounted on the face of a building, the design of the lower wing 110 incorporates features to achieve at least one of two important functions. First, the front of the lower wing 110, which extends beyond the edge of the building, pulls the wind down as it goes over the edge. The edge of the building is formed between the building front and the building top. Second, the slight downward curve at the rear of the lower wing 110 pulls the airflow down towards the building, further reducing the amount of wake behind the lower wing 110 and increasing the amount of air that can be pulled towards the wind turbine 130. The wind turbine 130 is positioned above the lower wing 110 and, in some embodiments, behind the lower wing 110. The combined lower wing 110 and wind turbine 130 are shown in FIG. 2a.

[0013] Since the highest wind speeds are still concentrated towards the front of the lower wing 110, it may be difficult for the wind turbine 130 behind the lower wing 110 to take full advantage of the faster flow. Further embodiments combine the lower wing 110 (which pulls the wind down towards the building) with additional components that redirect, recirculate and / or concentrate the flow, allowing the wind turbine 130 to further accelerate and direct the wind so that it can easily capture the higher wind speeds. These additional components may include additional lower wings 110, at least one detached lower wing 140, at least one upper wing 120, at least one detached upper wing 145, and / or at least one recirculating wing 150.

[0014] In certain embodiments, as seen in Figures 2d-g, the lower wing 110 may include multiple lower wings 110 to improve airflow control and direction. In certain embodiments, each lower wing 110 may have a front surface 112, a mid surface 113, and a rear surface 114. In other embodiments, the front surface 112, the mid surface 113, and / or the rear surface 114 may be split and / or duplicated between at least two different lower wings 110. In certain embodiments, the lower wing 110 may be further split into a lower wing 110 and at least one separate lower wing 140. The additional lower wing(s) 110 and / or the separate lower wing(s) 140 may be laterally and / or longitudinally offset from the lower wing 110. The separate lower wing 140 may increase the effective surface of the lower wing 110, allowing for improved airflow control and direction as well.

[0015] In certain embodiments, at least one upper wing 120 may be used, as can be seen in Figures 2a-2g. The upper wing 120 keeps the airflow drawn in by the lower wing 110 in a channel where it can be better captured, rather than eventually separating and escaping into the atmosphere. In certain embodiments, the upper wing 120 may simply take the form of a flat plate above the lower wing 110.

[0016] However, this alternative embodiment of the upper wing 120 provides an additional benefit in that the upper wing 120 further concentrates the airflow, increasing the wind speed within the flow path. The angled front face 121 of the upper wing 120 acts as a concentrator, forcing air into the flow path formed between the center face 122 of the upper wing 120 and the mid face 113 of the lower wing 110, increasing the airflow speed. The rear face 123 of the upper wing 120 may extend at an upward angle relative to the center face 122. This allows the upper wing 120 to act as a diffuser, drawing the higher speed wind further through the system 100. The combination of using a concentrator and diffuser at the edge of the building combined with the lower wing 110 significantly increases the output power compared to existing solutions.

[0017] The upper wing 120 and the lower wing 110 have solid curved or flat surfaces over solid or hollow interiors. The upper wing 120 and the lower wing 110 may be formed by casting, 3D printing, or by manipulating stock sheet material.

[0018] The upper wing 120 may further shape the airflow and may also serve to diffuse the airflow, while the lower wing 110 directs the wind along the front and top of the building. The lower wing 110 may have a lower surface 116 of the lower wing 110 that is flush with the front of the building, such that the leading edge 111 contacts the front of the building and the front surface 112 is at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the mid-plane 113. In other embodiments, the lower wing 110 may incorporate a closed gap between the leading edge 111 of the lower wing 110 and the front of the building. The closed gap is created by tilting the lower surface 116 of the lower wing up to approximately 45 degrees away from the front of the building. Wind may not pass through the closed gap, but the front surface 112 of the lower wing 110 is angled against the wind. The mid-plane 113 of the lower wing 110 extends rearward to the rear surface 114 that terminates at the trailing edge 115. The rear surface 114 may be curved or angled downward from the central surface 113 toward the top of the building to reduce wakes and direct the airflow closer to the top of the building.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the lower wing 110 may also be connected to at least one vertical guide surface 117 extending perpendicular to the mid-plane 113 of the lower wing 110. An embodiment that also uses at least one upper wing 120 may have at least one vertical guide surface 117 extending between the upper wing 120 and the lower wing 110. The vertical guide surface 117 may be integral with the upper wing 120 and / or lower wing 110, added to the upper wing 120 and / or lower wing 110, or may be part of a separate structure. The vertical guide surface 117 may provide further concentration and direction of the airflow, as well as structural reinforcement for the system.

[0020] In certain embodiments, as seen in FIG. 2d and FIG. 2f, the upper wing 120 may include multiple upper wings 120 to improve airflow control and direction. In certain embodiments, each upper wing 120 may have a front surface 121, a center surface 122, and a rear surface 123. In other embodiments, the front surface 121, the center surface 122, and / or the rear surface 123 may be split and / or duplicated between at least two different upper wings 120. In certain embodiments, the upper wing 120 may be split into an upper wing 120 and at least one separate upper wing 145. The additional upper wing(s) 120 and / or the separate upper wing(s) 145 may be offset longitudinally and / or laterally from the upper wing 120. The separate upper wing 145 may increase the effective surface of the upper wing 120, allowing for improved airflow control and direction as well.

[0021] As seen in Fig. 2g, the inclusion of at least one recirculating vane 150 behind and alongside the upper wing 120 allows for faster airflow back through the system 100. The recirculating vane 150 features a flatter lower recirculating surface 151 and a rounder upper recirculating surface 152. In other embodiments, such a recirculating vane 150 may be positioned behind and alongside the lower wing 110.

[0022] Another advantage of placing the lower wing 110 on the edge of the building is that it allows for a space-efficient design of the wind turbine 130 that is better integrated into the building structure. A vertical axis (VA) wind turbine 130 as shown in FIG. 3 may be used. Such wind turbines are known in the art. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the axis of rotation of the VA wind turbine 130 is parallel to the top surface of the building and rotated by 90 degrees to be perpendicular to the direction of airflow.

[0023] The resulting rotated vertical axis (RVA) or crossflow wind turbine 130 runs long and cylindrically along the edge of the building above the forward 112, mid-plane 113, or aft plane 114 of the lower wing 110 and rotates about a horizontal axis. The length of the wind turbine 130 will typically be up to twice the length of the diameter of the wind turbine 130, although increases in length beyond twice the diameter are contemplated. Multiple wind turbines 130 may be coupled together on the same shaft utilizing a common gearbox and generator.

[0024] Turning the wind turbine is a space-efficient way to increase the output power of the wind turbine 130 by using a cross-flow wind turbine compared to a normal three-bladed horizontal axis wind turbine. Due to construction constraints, such a horizontal axis wind turbine with a similar height as the cross-flow turbine 130 is size-limited to a unit that generates, as a non-limiting example, less than half the power. At this higher power level, the economies of scale in mechanical components and power electronics lower the overall system cost. Additionally, there are construction advantages in operating the cross-flow wind turbine 130 at the edge of a building. The cross-flow wind turbine 130 can be supported by bearings on both sides. The cross-flow wind turbine 130 can reduce the commonly known construction problems of multiple VA wind turbines that can only be supported on one side in a vertical configuration.

[0025] In other embodiments, wind turbine 130 is used in a standard VA wind turbine configuration where the axis of rotation of VA wind turbine 130 is perpendicular to the top surface of the building. This configuration allows system 100 to incorporate and / or accommodate conventionally installed VA wind turbines 130.

[0026] In another embodiment, the wind turbine 130 is a horizontal axis wind turbine 130 as is commonly known in the art, with the axis of rotation of the wind turbine 130 extending parallel to the top surface of the building and parallel to the direction of air flow. This configuration allows the system 100 to incorporate and / or accommodate more conventional wind turbines 130.

[0027] The powertrain 131 of the wind turbine 130 can often be up to 50% of the overall cost. The structure shown in FIG. 4 can almost entirely use multiple COTS components that have other applications. This allows for cost reduction through increased scale. It includes a gearbox, an industrial motor (running in reverse as a generator), a variable frequency drive (VFD) (running in reverse and reused as an active rectifier), and an inverter. Multiple VFDs can be connected to a single inverter. The inverter can be an inverter designed for photovoltaic applications.

[0028] Unique to this structure is the repurposing of a VFD to operate as an active rectifier. Typically multiple VFDs are made to take AC power from the wall and convert it into a signal used to control the motor. To achieve this they consist of a passive rectifier that converts the AC to DC and an active inverter to control the AC output to the motor. The wind directing system works this in reverse; that is, the active inverter becomes an active rectifier, which allows it to take the AC output of the generator and control it into a reliable DC voltage that can be fed to the inverter. This is DC bus coupled and fed into a single inverter. The inverter shown is a 25kW inverter, but other inverter wattages are envisioned. These inverters are already known for use with solar panels and the advantage of using a single inverter is that the cost per kW for large systems is lower.

[0029] To further reduce the cost of control, the control algorithm allows the user to precisely control the speed of the wind turbine 130 to an optimal operating point without the need for expensive power electronics.

[0030] In the above description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. Such terms have been used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly interpreted, with no unnecessary limitations to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirements of the prior art. The different configurations, systems, and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other configurations, systems, and method steps. It is expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A wind directing system, comprising: at least one lower wing having a leading edge, a front surface, a midsurface, an aft surface, and a trailing edge; at least one wind turbine disposed above the at least one lower wing; Equipped with the at least one lower wing is attached to a building surface; the leading edge and the front face extending over a building edge formed between the building front face and the building top face; the forward surface of the at least one lower wing is inclined relative to the mid-plane with respect to the airflow; Wind directing system.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein a closed gap extends between the leading edge and the front face of the building.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the leading edge is positioned in contact with the front surface of the building.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the trailing surface of the at least one lower wing extends at a downward angle relative to the midplane.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one lower wing comprises a plurality of lower wings.

6. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the leading edge, the front face, the mid-surface, the aft surface, and the trailing edge is on one of the plurality of lower wings, and another one of the leading edge, the front face, the mid-surface, the aft surface, and the trailing edge is on another one of the plurality of lower wings.

7. The system of claim 5 , wherein at least one of the plurality of lower wings is disposed behind another of the plurality of lower wings.

8. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wind turbine is at least one cross-flow wind turbine, and an axis of rotation of the at least one cross-flow wind turbine extends parallel to the top surface of the building and perpendicular to a direction of the air flow.

9. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wind turbine is at least one vertical axis (VA) wind turbine, and an axis of rotation of the at least one vertical axis (VA) wind turbine extends perpendicular to the top surface of the building.

10. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one wind turbine is at least one horizontal axis wind turbine, and an axis of rotation of the at least one horizontal axis wind turbine extends parallel to the top surface of the building and parallel to a direction of the air flow.

11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a recirculation vane extending aft from a location aft of the aft surface of the at least one lower wing.

12. 1. A wind directing system, comprising: at least one lower wing having a leading edge, a front surface, a midsurface, an aft surface, and a trailing edge; at least one upper wing disposed above the at least one lower wing; at least one wind turbine disposed between the at least one lower wing and the at least one upper wing; wherein the at least one lower wing is attached to a building surface; the forward surface of the at least one lower wing is inclined relative to the mid-plane with respect to the airflow; Wind directing system.

13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the at least one upper wing comprises a plurality of upper wings.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the forward surface, the mid surface, and the aft surface is on one of the plurality of upper wings, and another one of the forward surface, the mid surface, and the aft surface is on another one of the plurality of upper wings.

15. The system of claim 13 , wherein at least one of the plurality of upper wings is disposed behind another of the plurality of upper wings.

16. The system of claim 12 , wherein the trailing surface of the at least one upper wing extends at an upward angle relative to a center plane of the at least one upper wing.

17. The system of claim 12 , further comprising a recirculation vane extending aft from a location aft of the aft surface of the at least one upper wing.

18. 1. A wind directing system, comprising: at least one lower wing having a leading edge, a front surface, a midsurface, an aft surface, and a trailing edge; at least one wind turbine disposed above the at least one lower wing; at least one powertrain assembly operatively connected to the at least one wind turbine; Equipped with the at least one lower wing is attached to a building surface; the forward surface of the at least one lower wing is inclined relative to the mid-plane with respect to the airflow; the trailing surface of the at least one lower wing extends at a downward angle relative to the midplane; Wind directing system.

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the powertrain comprises at least one industrial motor operably connected to the at least one wind turbine, at least one variable frequency drive (VFD) operably connected to the at least one industrial motor, and a single inverter operably connected to the at least one VFD.

20. The system of claim 18 , further comprising at least one upper wing disposed above the at least one lower wing.

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