Wind power plant

Abstract

The wind power generation device (1) includes: a support shaft (10); a rotating body (20) formed of a dielectric material and supported on the support shaft in such a way that it can rotate about the central axis of the support shaft; a plurality of electrodes (30) arranged at intervals along the circumference of the central axis on the surface of the rotating body; a power source (50) applying a predetermined voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes at predetermined time intervals; and a generator (60) connected to the rotating body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wind power generation device. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, there were known horizontal-axis wind power generation devices and vertical-axis wind power generation devices disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-32239 (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-32239 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Horizontal or vertical axis wind power generation devices generate noise due to the high-speed rotation of the rotating blades, making them difficult to install in urban areas.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wind power generation device that can reduce noise.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] A wind power generation device according to a technical solution of the present invention includes: a support shaft; a rotating body formed of a dielectric material and supported on the support shaft in a manner rotatable about the central axis of the support shaft; a plurality of electrodes arranged at intervals along the circumference of the central axis on the surface of the rotating body; a power source that applies a predetermined voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes at predetermined time intervals; and a generator connected to the rotating body.

[0011] The effects of the invention

[0012] According to the present invention, a wind power generation device capable of reducing noise can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a wind power generation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 It is a diagram that roughly represents the cross-section of the rotating body of a wind power generation device.

[0015] Figure 3 It is a diagram that roughly shows the relationship between the electrode and the voltage application part.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate the mechanism of rotating bodies.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a solid of revolution.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a solid of revolution.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a diagram that roughly represents a wind power generation unit group consisting of multiple wind power generation devices.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a partially enlarged view of the rotating body and electrodes of the wind power generation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the electrodes shown.

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A sectional view at line XX in the diagram.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view that roughly represents a modified example of the second electrode. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0025] (First Embodiment)

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a wind power generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The wind power generation device 1 includes a support shaft 10, a rotating body 20, multiple electrodes 30, a coating 40, a power supply 50, and a generator 60. This wind power generation device 1 differs from so-called horizontal-axis or vertical-axis wind power generation devices in that it does not have blades. Furthermore, hereinafter, Figure 1 The vertical direction is explained as the vertical direction. However, the installation posture of the wind power generation device 1 is not limited to... Figure 1 The posture shown. Furthermore... Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram; the dimensions, proportions, and spacing of the electrodes 30 differ from the actual device. This is also true in other diagrams.

[0027] The support shaft 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The support shaft 10 is disposed on a surface such as the ground. Furthermore, the orientation of the support shaft 10 relative to the surface is not particularly limited.

[0028] The rotating body 20 is supported on the support shaft 10 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the central axis 10A of the support shaft 10. The rotating body 20 is formed of a dielectric material. The rotating body 20 can also be formed of resin, an insulatingly coated metal component, or the like. Preferably, the rotating body 20 is formed of fiber-reinforced plastic. The rotating body 20 is hollow. In this embodiment, the rotating body 20 is composed of a hollow sphere. The diameter of the rotating body 20 is, for example, about 1m to 5m. However, the size of the rotating body 20 can be arbitrarily set.

[0029] Multiple electrodes 30 are provided on the surface of the rotating body 20 at intervals along the circumference of the central axis 10A. Preferably, the multiple electrodes 30 are provided on the surface of the rotating body 20 at equal intervals over the entire circumferential area. However, it is also possible to have areas on the surface of the rotating body 20 where no electrodes 30 are provided (areas lacking electrodes 30), or to have portions with different circumferential intervals of electrodes 30. Figure 2 As shown, each electrode 30 has a shape that extends along a plane including the central axis 10A and intersects the surface of the rotating body 20. Preferably, the angle θ1 between the plane P, which is orthogonal to the central axis 10A and passes through the center 20A of the rotating body 20, and the straight line L1 connecting the center 20A and the upper end 30a of the electrode 30, is set to approximately 45 degrees. Similarly, preferably, the angle θ2 between the plane P and the straight line L2 connecting the center 20A and the lower end 30b of the electrode 30 is set to approximately 45 degrees. The spacing between adjacent electrodes 30 is, for example, in the range of 1.7 μm to 90 μm. The width of each electrode 30 (the circumferential dimension of each electrode 30) is, for example, in the range of 20 μm to 100 μm. However, the spacing between electrodes 30 and the width of electrodes 30 can be determined based on efficiency and ease of manufacture. It is not necessary for the widths of the electrodes 30 to be the same; portions with different widths can be provided according to the shape of the surface of the rotating body 20. In this embodiment, the width of each electrode 30 may also taper in the vertical direction from the middle portion of each electrode 30 towards its upper and lower ends, so that the distance between adjacent pairs of electrodes 30 is approximately the same in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in Figure 2 The image shows a rotating body 20 and one of a plurality of electrodes 30.

[0030] The coating 40 covers the entire surface area of ​​the rotating body 20, including the surfaces of each electrode 30. The coating 40 is formed of an insulating material such as resin or glass silicate. Preferably, the coating 40 is relatively thin. Preferably, the coating 40 is formed of a colored material to prevent the electrodes 30 from being visually identifiable from the outside. This structure suppresses oxidation and sulfidation of the electrodes 30, maintaining stable properties over a long period. Alternatively, the coating 40 may not cover the entire surface area of ​​the rotating body 20, but only a portion of the electrodes 30.

[0031] The power supply 50 applies a predetermined voltage to each electrode 30 at predetermined time intervals. The power supply 50 applies the voltage to each electrode 30 in a manner that forms an airflow along the circumferential direction on the surface of the rotating body 20 using an electric field gradient force (medium gradient force). This method of voltage application, i.e., the method of forming the airflow (gas delivery method) along the arrangement direction of the plurality of electrodes 30, is the same principle as described in Japanese Patent No. 5633373. In summary, as... Figure 3 As shown, multiple electrodes 30 are connected in a common sequence, for example, every four electrodes, and are respectively connected to the output terminals of a power supply 50. The power supply 50 outputs a four-phase pulse voltage V1 to V4 that changes periodically over time. This creates an airflow along the arrangement direction of the multiple electrodes 30. In this embodiment, the multiple electrodes 30 are arranged along the surface of a rotating body 20 that is continuously connected in the circumferential direction around the central axis 10A, thus creating an airflow AR41 (see reference) flowing circumferentially along the surface of the rotating body 20. Figure 4 The pulse voltage is in the range of 330V to 950V, and the pulse rise time is less than 1μs. Furthermore, the intensity of the airflow AR41 can be adjusted by the magnitude and period of the voltage.

[0032] Figure 3 This represents a linear electrode arranged on a plane. This is equivalent to an enlarged view of a portion of the rotating body 20 and the electrodes 30 in this embodiment. Considering the size of the rotating body 20, the width of the electrodes 30, and the spacing between adjacent pairs of electrodes 30, the rotating body 20 can be considered approximately planar relative to several to a dozen electrodes 30. Therefore, in… Figure 3 This diagram is used for ease of explanation.

[0033] exist Figure 3 In the process, the electrodes 30 arranged in groups of four in parallel with each other, corresponding to the first to fourth phases, are respectively generated by E1 (j) ~E4 (j) This indicates that (j) is the period number of the 4-phase repetition cycle. Furthermore, the number of electrodes 30 and the number of pulse voltage phases are not limited to 4 and can be set to any integer n. Additionally, in Figure 3The connection from the power supply's output terminal is made to the electrode via a capacitor, but it can also be made without a capacitor. The connection direction from the power supply's output terminal is also not limited to... Figure 3 direction shown.

[0034] The generator 60 is connected to the rotating body 20. The generator 60 generates electricity through the rotation of the rotating body 20. The generator 60 has a magnet 62 and a stator 64.

[0035] The magnet 62 is fixed to the inner surface of the rotating body 20 in a manner that allows it to rotate integrally with the rotating body 20. The magnet 62 is directly fixed to the rotating body 20, or indirectly fixed to the rotating body 20 by means of other components.

[0036] The stator 64 is surrounded by the magnet 62. The stator 64 is directly fixed to the support shaft 10, or indirectly fixed to the support shaft 10 by means of other components.

[0037] Next, refer to Figure 4 The mechanism by which the rotating body 20 rotates about the central axis 10A is described.

[0038] First, the power supply 50 applies voltage to each electrode 30 as described above. This creates a circumferential airflow AR41 on the surface of the rotating body 20. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the diagram, airflow AR41 is represented by a double-dotted line. Furthermore, no actual current flows under pulsed voltage, thus consuming less power.

[0039] In this state, if a wind W with a component orthogonal to the central axis 10A contacts the rotating body 20, the rotating body 20 will not be affected by the wind along the airflow AR41 (in... Figure 4 The wind (that is, the part that comes into contact with the left side of the rotating body 20) is particularly subject to resistance, but the wind from the opposite direction of the airflow AR41 (in) Figure 4 The wind (that is, the part that contacts the right side of the rotating body 20) is resisted. Therefore, the rotating body 20 rotates about the central axis 10A in the opposite direction to the airflow AR41, AR42. This rotation is used to generate electricity.

[0040] Furthermore, as described above, not only when the wind W comes into contact with the rotating body 20 in a state where airflow AR41 is formed, but also when the wind W comes into contact with the stopped rotating body 20, and when airflow AR41 is formed due to the application of voltage from the power supply 50 to each electrode 30, the rotating body 20 rotates around the central axis 10A in a direction AR42 opposite to the direction of airflow AR41.

[0041] As explained above, the wind power generation device 1 of this embodiment does not have the blades found in horizontal-axis or vertical-axis wind power generation devices, thus reducing noise. Furthermore, the sense of unease caused by the rotation of the blades is essentially eliminated, allowing the wind power generation device 1 to be installed in urban areas and the like.

[0042] In this wind power generation device 1, it is preferable to adjust the rotational speed of the rotating body 20 according to the wind speed of the wind W that contacts the rotating body 20. The rotational speed of the rotating body 20 can be adjusted by the frictional force between the wind W and the airflow AR41. That is, the power supply 50 adjusts the magnitude and period of the voltage applied to each electrode 30 based on the wind speed of the wind W that contacts the rotating body 20. As a result, efficient power generation corresponding to the wind speed of the wind W that contacts the rotating body 20 can be achieved. Furthermore, the wind speed of the wind W that contacts the rotating body 20 is detected by a wind speed sensor provided on the support shaft 10, etc. Alternatively, the wind force can also be detected using the rotational speed per minute of the rotating body 20 itself. The power supply 50 adjusts the magnitude and period of the voltage applied to each electrode 30 in such a way that the rotational speed of the rotating body 20 does not exceed a predetermined rotational speed.

[0043] Furthermore, when the rotation of the rotating body 20 is stopped, the power supply 50 stops the application of voltage to each electrode 30.

[0044] In the above embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the rotating body 20 can also be constructed from a flattened sphere obtained by rotating an ellipse around its minor axis. In this case, the rotating body 20 is supported on the support shaft 10 such that its axis of rotation (minor axis) coincides with the central axis 10A.

[0045] Alternatively, the solid of revolution 20 can also be constructed from a long sphere obtained by rotating the ellipse around its major axis. Additionally, as... Figure 6 As shown, the rotating body 20 can also be formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0046] This type of wind turbine, with its unique shape, produces extremely low noise compared to propeller-driven or windmill-type turbines, and it doesn't evoke any sense of dread associated with rotating objects. Its design is undeniably impressive. Figure 7 As shown, when multiple wind turbines 1 stand in a cluster with variations in size, height, and shape, they also function as commemorative buildings. The surface of the rotating body 20 can also be plain, or as shown in the image. Figure 7 The display unit 20D, as shown, includes figures, advertising designs, etc. Furthermore, in... Figure 7In the diagram, the display section 20D is indicated by a diagonal line. The range of the display section 20D can be arbitrarily set. Furthermore, geometric patterns that change appearance with rotation can be depicted on the rotating body 20. Moreover, a light source can be placed inside the rotating body 20 to make it emit a faint light, and animations or still images can be displayed on the surface of the rotating body 20 using projections from inside or outside the rotating body 20. This wind power generation device 1 can also be installed in station plazas, parking lots of various public facilities, theme parks, etc.

[0047] Alternatively, the cross-section of the outer periphery of the solid of revolution 20 located in a plane orthogonal to the central axis 10A can also be formed as a polygon. Alternatively, the solid of revolution 20 can also be composed of a polyhedron.

[0048] Alternatively, the wind power generation device 1 may also include a solar panel installed on the upper part of the rotating body 20 (the part where the electrode 30 is not formed), and may also include a battery that stores the electricity generated by the rotation of the rotating body 20.

[0049] Alternatively, in the generator 60, instead of the magnet 62 rotating, the coil may rotate. Furthermore, the generator 60 may be positioned separately from the support shaft 10.

[0050] (Second Implementation)

[0051] Next, refer to Figures 8-10 The wind power generation device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in Figure 8 The illustration of coating 40 is omitted. Furthermore, in this second embodiment, only the parts that differ from those in the first embodiment will be described; the same structures, functions, and effects as in the first embodiment will not be repeated. Figures 8-10 This is a diagram that is equivalent to an enlarged view of a portion of the rotating body 20 and the electrode 30 in this embodiment. Taking into account the size of the rotating body 20, the width of the electrode 30, and the spacing between adjacent pairs of electrodes 30, the rotating body 20 can be considered approximately planar relative to the number of electrodes 30 (several to a dozen). Therefore, in... Figures 8-10 This diagram is used for ease of explanation.

[0052] In this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 30 have a plurality of first electrodes 31 and a plurality of second electrodes 32. Each first electrode 31 and each second electrode 32 is arranged alternately in a circumferential direction around the central axis 10A.

[0053] Each first electrode 31 is formed in the shape of a flat plate. Each first electrode 31 is disposed on the surface of the rotating body 20. Each first electrode 31 is connected to, for example, the output terminal of the positive terminal of the power supply 50.

[0054] Each second electrode 32 is arranged circumferentially adjacent to the first electrode 31. Each second electrode 32 is connected to an output terminal of the power supply 50, for example, the negative terminal. The second electrode 32 has a first portion 32a, a second portion 32b, and a connecting portion 32c.

[0055] Part 32a is located on the surface of the rotating body 20. Part 32a has the same shape as the first electrode 31.

[0056] like Figure 10 As shown, the second part 32b is located within the rotating body 20. The second part 32b is formed in the shape of a flat plate. The second part 32b is substantially parallel to the first part 32a.

[0057] Connector 32c connects part 1 32a and part 2 32b. Connector 32c is orthogonal to part 1 32a and part 2 32b.

[0058] The electric field strength between a specific first electrode 31 among a plurality of first electrodes 31 and a second electrode 32 among a plurality of second electrodes 32 located on one side of the specific first electrode 31 in the circumferential direction is set to be stronger than the electric field strength between the specific first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32 among a plurality of second electrodes 32 located on the other side of the specific first electrode 31 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the electric field strength between adjacent first electrodes 31 and first portions 32a in the circumferential direction is set to be stronger than the electric field strength between first electrodes 31 and second portions 32b. In this embodiment, the shortest distance D1 between adjacent first electrodes 31 and first portions 32a in the circumferential direction is set to be larger than the shortest distance D2 between first electrodes 31 and second portions 32b in the radial direction of the rotating body 20.

[0059] The power supply 50 periodically and repeatedly applies and stops voltage to each electrode 31, 32. That is, unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the positive and negative polarities of each electrode 31, 32 are not changed for each voltage application. Figure 10 In the diagram, the electric field generated when the power supply 50 applies voltage to each electrode 31, 32 is represented by an arrow.

[0060] like Figure 10 As shown, if a voltage is applied to each of the electrodes 31 and 32, a relatively small electric field is generated in the direction AR92 from the first electrode 31 toward the second part 32b, and a relatively large electric field is generated in the direction AR91 from the first electrode 31 toward the first part 32a. In other words, if a voltage is applied to each of the electrodes 31 and 32, an electric field gradient force is formed on the surface of the rotating body 20 in one direction that is always along the circumferential direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, the control and circuit structure of the power supply 50 are simpler than in the first embodiment.

[0062] In the second embodiment, such as Figure 11 As shown, the second electrode 32 can also be formed as a plate, arranged such that a portion of it is exposed on the surface of the rotating body 20 and the remainder is embedded within the rotating body 20. For ease of explanation, Figure 11 also with Figure 10 Similarly, they are illustrated as a plane.

[0063] The structure of the wind power generation device 1 described above and the effects achieved therefrom are summarized as follows.

[0064] A wind power generation device includes: a support shaft; a rotating body formed of a dielectric material supported on the support shaft in a manner rotatable about the central axis of the support shaft; a plurality of electrodes arranged at circumferential intervals on the surface of the rotating body; a power source applying a predetermined voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes at predetermined time intervals; and a generator connected to the rotating body.

[0065] In this wind power generation device, a circumferential airflow is formed on the surface of a rotating body by applying a predetermined voltage to each electrode at predetermined time intervals. When wind comes into contact with the rotating body in which this airflow has formed, the rotating body does not experience significant resistance from the wind along the airflow, but it does experience resistance from the wind in the opposite direction. Therefore, the rotating body rotates about its central axis in the direction opposite to the airflow. Electricity is generated using this rotation.

[0066] Alternatively, each electrode may have a shape that extends along a plane containing the central axis and intersects with the surface of the rotating body, and the power source applies an n-phase pulse voltage to each electrode that varies periodically over time.

[0067] In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of electrodes are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0068] Alternatively, the plurality of electrodes may include a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes arranged alternately in the circumferential direction, wherein the electric field strength between a particular first electrode and a second electrode located on one side of the particular first electrode in the circumferential direction is stronger than the electric field strength between the particular first electrode and a second electrode located on the other side of the particular first electrode in the circumferential direction, and the power supply periodically and repeatedly applies and stops voltage to the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

[0069] Alternatively, preferably, the rotating body is composed of a sphere, an oblate spheroid obtained by rotating an ellipse about its minor axis, an elongated sphere obtained by rotating an ellipse about its major axis, or a cylinder. Wind power generation devices of this shape produce extremely low noise compared to those using propellers or windmills, and do not evoke feelings of fear associated with rotating bodies.

[0070] In addition, preferably, the wind power generation device further includes a coating covering the plurality of electrodes.

[0071] Additionally, preferably, the coating is formed of an insulating material.

[0072] Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims rather than by the foregoing description of the embodiments, and includes all modifications within the same meaning and scope as the claims.

[0073] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0074] 1. Wind power generation device; 10. Support shaft; 10A. Central axis; 20. Rotating body; 30. Electrode; 31. First electrode; 32. Second electrode; 32a. First part; 32b. Second part; 32c. Connecting part; 40. Coating; 50. Power supply; 60. Generator; 62. Magnet; 64. Stator.

Claims

1. A wind power generation device, wherein, The wind power generation device includes: Support shaft; A rotating body, formed of a dielectric material, is supported on the support shaft in such a way that it can rotate about the central axis of the support shaft; Multiple electrodes are disposed on the surface of the rotating body in a manner that is spaced apart circumferentially along the central axis; A power source that applies a predetermined voltage to each of the plurality of electrodes at predetermined time intervals; and A generator, which is connected to the rotating body.

2. The wind power generation device according to claim 1, wherein, Each electrode has a shape that extends along a portion where it intersects the surface of the rotating body with a plane including the central axis. The power source applies an n-phase pulse voltage to each electrode that varies periodically over time.

3. The wind power generation device according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of electrodes are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

4. The wind power generation device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of electrodes includes a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. The electric field strength between a specific first electrode among the plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode among the plurality of second electrodes located on one side of the specific first electrode in the circumferential direction is stronger than the electric field strength between the specific first electrode and a second electrode among the plurality of second electrodes located on the other side of the specific first electrode in the circumferential direction. The power supply periodically and repeatedly applies and stops voltage to the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes.

5. The wind power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The rotating body is composed of a sphere, an oblate spheroid obtained by rotating an ellipse with its minor axis as the axis of rotation, an elongated sphere obtained by rotating an ellipse with its major axis as the axis of rotation, or a cylinder.

6. The wind power generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The wind power generation device also includes a coating covering the plurality of electrodes.

7. The wind power generation device according to claim 5, wherein, The wind power generation device also includes a coating covering the plurality of electrodes.

8. The wind power generation device according to claim 6, wherein, The coating is formed of an insulating material.

9. The wind power generation device according to claim 7, wherein, The coating is formed of an insulating material.

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