Hybrid Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

A hybrid vertical axis wind turbine using a highly aerodynamic blade-profile is disclosed. The blade-profile is simple, asymmetrical with unequal upper and lower surfaces cambers and is capable of generating high starting torque even at low wind. Wind tunnel tests demonstrated that this aerodynamic profile would generate high torque of similar magnitude when wind comes from leading or trailing edge. Other characteristics of this profile are that it is compact, lightweight, durable and economical. The target users for this patent will be 44% of the world population that live in rural areas where roof-top wind turbine will be cost effective to provide enough household required electric power. This compact turbine can also use batteries to store energy, thereby reducing and possibly eliminating the need for grid power.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a hybrid vertical axis wind turbine using a highly aerodynamic blade-profile capable of providing high starting torque even at low wind speeds. The blade profile is simple to construct, lightweight and asymmetrical with unequal upper and lower surface cambers.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Most industry standard centralized wind farms use horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) to harness energy from blowing wind. HAWTs are often placed far from utility location (i.e. market) where unobstructed wind is available. Construction of transmission lines and infrastructure along with transmission losses amount to large loses in revenue. To accept wind from any direction, HAWTs are equipped with various controls, which need external electrical power to run. Based on Betz's law, the efficiency of a HAWT can be at most 59%. These are a few of the shortcomings of centralized HAWTs.[0005]A...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a hybrid vertical axis wind turbine that uses a highly aerodynamic blade-profile capable of providing high starting torque even at low wind speeds. The blade-profile is simple to construct, asymmetrical with unequal upper and lower surface cambers. The turbine is compact, lightweight, durable and economical. The vertical rotating shaft extends down the length of the wind turbine. There are two horizontal channel beams that support each blade, one on top of the blade and the other underneath. The channels with compartments will act similar to the way that a Savonius type VAWT works and will generate some torque that will be complemented by the torque generated by lift forces from the blades. The aerodynamic profile would generate high torque of similar magnitude when wind comes from leading or trailing edge. The design of the profile significantly enhances the performance of the blade even when wind is scattered and low speed. The profile is not complex so that the manufacturing cost is low. The profile will be lightweight and durable. This will ensure a low cost for the supporting structures resulting in a low life-cycle cost.

Problems solved by technology

This will ensure a low cost for the supporting structures including foundation on which the wind turbine is supported, resulting in a low life-cycle cost.

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