Suction type airfoil solar sail and control method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of suction type airfoil solar wind sails and control method, suction type airfoil solar wind sail includes sail body unit, air suction machine, first drive unit and control unit, the sail body unit includes sail and several solar panels, the sail is elliptic cylinder structure, and it has a wind channel along its axial extension, the air inlet that is communicated with the wind channel is opened on the side wall of the sail, each solar panel is set on the outside wall of the sail;The air suction machine is set on the top of the sail, and its inlet end is communicated with the wind channel, to the air in the wind channel is extracted to outside;The first drive unit is connected with the sail, for driving the sail rotation, to adjust the orientation of the air inlet.The beneficial effects of the present application are: the present suction type airfoil solar wind sail can automatically adjust the best sail rotation angle compared with traditional sail, and improve the comprehensive utilization rate of solar energy and wind energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of wind-assisted navigation and photovoltaic power generation technology, and in particular to a suction-type airfoil solar wind sail and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Ocean wind and solar energy resources are widely distributed and have greater potential than those on land. Wind-assisted navigation and photovoltaic power generation are currently the most innovative and representative green ship technologies for the application of clean energy on ships. However, existing solar sails (such as the multi-directional angle-adjustable solar sail disclosed in application number 202111499592.2) cannot automatically adjust to the optimal sail angle, resulting in a low overall utilization rate of solar and wind energy. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned technical deficiencies and propose a suction-type airfoil solar sail and control method to solve the technical problem that existing solar sails cannot automatically adjust to the optimal sail angle, resulting in a low comprehensive utilization rate of solar and wind energy.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the present invention provides a suction-type airfoil solar sail, comprising:

[0005] The sail unit includes a sail and several solar panels. The sail is an elliptical cylindrical structure with a wind duct extending along its axis. An air inlet communicating with the wind duct is opened on the side wall of the sail. Each of the solar panels is disposed on the outer side wall of the sail.

[0006] A suction fan is installed at the top of the sail, with its inlet end connected to the air duct, to draw air from the air duct to the outside;

[0007] The first drive unit is connected to the sail and is used to drive the sail to rotate so as to adjust the orientation of the air inlet;

[0008] The control unit is electrically connected to the first drive unit and is used to collect and process real-time wind and light data, and calculate and output the sail angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind and light conditions.

[0009] Furthermore, the air duct has a tapering structure from top to bottom.

[0010] Furthermore, the air inlet extends along the axial direction of the sail.

[0011] Furthermore, each of the solar panels is a flexible structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the suction-type airfoil solar sail also includes a second drive unit connected to the sail for driving the sail to rotate, thereby adjusting the sail's tilt angle.

[0013] Furthermore, the first drive unit includes a movable seat and a first rotation drive component. The first rotation drive component is fixedly mounted on the movable seat, and the output end of the first rotation drive component is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sail for driving the sail to rotate.

[0014] Furthermore, the second drive unit includes a fixed base and a second rotation drive member. The fixed base is fixedly mounted on the hull, the movable base is rotatably mounted on the fixed base, and the second rotation drive member is fixedly mounted on the fixed base. The output end of the second rotation drive member is fixedly connected to the movable base and is used to drive the movable base to rotate.

[0015] Furthermore, the sail unit also includes flaps that extend along the axial direction of the sail and are disposed on the outer side wall of the sail.

[0016] Furthermore, the control unit includes a wind speed and direction sensor, an irradiance sensor, a host computer, and a controller. The wind speed and direction sensor and the irradiance sensor are both located on the top of the sail. The wind speed and direction sensor is used to collect real-time wind speed and direction, and the irradiance sensor is used to collect real-time light intensity and direction. The host computer is electrically connected to both the wind speed and direction sensor and the irradiance sensor to obtain data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction, so as to calculate the sail rotation angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind and light conditions. The controller is electrically connected to both the host computer and the first rotation drive component to receive instructions from the host computer and control the rotation angle of the first rotation drive component.

[0017] The present invention also provides a control method for a suction-type airfoil solar sail, applicable to the above-mentioned suction-type airfoil solar sail, comprising the following steps:

[0018] The control unit collects real-time data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction.

[0019] The control unit processes real-time data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction.

[0020] The control unit calculates the wind power and photovoltaic power generated within a 360° rotation angle of the sail, respectively.

[0021] The control unit calculates the sum of the wind power and photovoltaic power under various angle conditions to obtain the sail angle corresponding to the maximum sum.

[0022] The control unit outputs the sail angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction conditions.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention include: under windy conditions, the suction fan is turned on, and the suction fan will draw a small amount of air into the air duct along the air inlet and discharge it from the top of the air duct, so that the airflow re-attaches to the surface of the sail. Due to the different wind speeds on both sides of the sail, a pressure difference is formed, thereby generating a huge thrust F2 to propel the ship forward. The control unit collects and processes real-time wind speed, wind direction, light intensity and light direction data, and calculates the wind power and photovoltaic power generated within a 360° angle of the sail. Then, the sum of the wind power and photovoltaic power generated under each angle condition is calculated to obtain the sail angle corresponding to the maximum sum value. Finally, the control unit outputs the sail angle corresponding to the maximum comprehensive power under real-time wind speed, wind direction, light intensity and light direction conditions. The first drive unit is activated to drive the sail to rotate, so that the sail is at the optimal angle. Compared with traditional sails, this suction-type airfoil solar sail can automatically adjust the optimal sail angle, improving the comprehensive utilization rate of solar and wind energy. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an airfoil solar sail provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of a suction-type airfoil solar sail from another perspective;

[0026] Figure 3 This invention provides a suction-type airfoil solar sail, showing the force diagram of the sail when the suction fan is turned off;

[0027] Figure 4 This invention provides a force diagram of a suction-type airfoil solar sail when the sail is not at the optimal angle.

[0028] Figure 5 This invention provides a force diagram of a suction-type airfoil solar sail when the sail is at the optimal turning angle.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a suction-type airfoil solar sail applied to a ship hull, provided by the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a suction-type airfoil solar wind turbine photovoltaic power generation principle provided by the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This invention provides a flowchart of the sail self-steering process in an airfoil-type solar sail.

[0032] In the diagram: 1 - Hull, 100 - Sail unit, 110 - Sail, 111 - Air duct, 112 - Air inlet, 120 - Solar panel, 130 - Flap, 140 - Frame, 200 - Fan, 300 - First drive unit, 310 - Movable seat, 320 - First rotation drive component, 400 - Second drive unit, 410 - Fixed seat. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] This invention provides a suction-type airfoil solar sail, the structure of which is as follows: Figure 1 - Figure 6 As shown, the system includes a sail unit 100, a suction fan 200, a first drive unit 300, and a control unit. The sail unit 100 includes a sail 110 and several solar panels 120. The sail 110 has an elliptical cylindrical structure and a wind duct 111 extending along its axial direction. An air inlet 112 communicating with the wind duct 111 is provided on the side wall of the sail 110. Each of the solar panels 120 is disposed on the outer side wall of the sail 110. The suction fan 200 is disposed on... The top of the sail 110 has its inlet end connected to the air duct 111 to draw air from the air duct 111 to the outside; the first drive unit 300 is connected to the sail 110 and is used to drive the sail 110 to rotate, thereby adjusting the orientation of the air inlet 112; the control unit is electrically connected to the first drive unit 300 and is used to collect and process real-time wind and light data, and calculate and output the sail 110 rotation angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind and light conditions.

[0035] When windy conditions are present, the suction fan 200 is turned on. The suction fan 200 draws a small amount of air into the air duct 111 through the air inlet 112 and discharges it from the top of the air duct 111, causing the airflow to re-attach to the surface of the sail 110. Due to the different wind speeds on both sides of the sail 110, a pressure difference is created, generating a huge thrust F2 that propels the ship forward. The control unit collects and processes real-time data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction, and calculates the wind power and photovoltaic power generated within a 360° rotation angle of the sail 110, and then calculates each... The sum of the wind power and photovoltaic power generated under the given angle conditions is used to determine the sail 110 rotation angle corresponding to the maximum sum value. Finally, the control unit outputs the sail 110 rotation angle corresponding to the maximum comprehensive power under real-time wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction conditions. The first drive unit 300 is activated to drive the sail 110 to rotate, so that the sail 110 is at the optimal angle. Compared with the traditional sail 110, this suction-type airfoil solar sail can automatically adjust the optimal sail 110 rotation angle, improving the comprehensive utilization rate of solar and wind energy.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The air duct 111 has a tapering structure from top to bottom, which makes the suction effect of the bottom and top of the sail 110 comparable, ensuring that the suction effect of the sail 110 from top to bottom is basically consistent, so that the airflow is evenly attached to the surface of the sail 110, and the entire sail 110 is fully utilized to obtain thrust F2.

[0037] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The air inlet 112 extends along the axial direction of the sail 110, which makes the bottom and top of the sail 110 have similar suction effects, ensuring that the suction effect of the sail 110 from top to bottom is basically consistent, so that the airflow is evenly attached to the surface of the sail 110, and the entire sail 110 is fully utilized to obtain thrust F2.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the operation of this suction-type airfoil solar sail mainly falls into three categories. First, when the ship is sailing and there is wind, the suction fan 200 is off, and the sail 110 generates resistance F1 like any other non-lifting structure on the ship's deck. Second, when the ship is sailing and there is wind, the suction fan 200 is on, which draws a small amount of air into the air duct 111 and discharges it from the top of the air duct 111, causing the airflow to re-attach to the surface of the sail 110. Due to the different wind speeds on both sides of the sail 110, a pressure difference is formed, thereby generating a huge thrust F2 that propels the ship forward. Third, the direction of the sail 110 can be adjusted according to the wind speed and direction to maximize the pressure difference on both sides of the sail 110, generating the maximum thrust F2.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, each of the solar panels 120 is a flexible structure that meets the requirements of wind and pressure resistance. To ensure the integrity and continuity of airflow, each of the solar panels 120 needs to be as close as possible to the outer wall of the sail 110. To ensure that each of the solar panels 120 is not damaged when experiencing severe sea conditions, a special adhesive is used to completely attach each of the solar panels 120 to the outer wall of the sail 110.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aforementioned suction-type airfoil solar sail also includes a second drive unit 400, which is connected to the sail 110 and used to drive the sail 110 to rotate, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the sail 110 and enabling the raising and lowering of the sail 110. The raising and lowering of the sail 110 can be autonomously selected according to wind conditions to prevent the sail 110 from generating resistance to the ship when the wind conditions are poor. Taking a roll-on / roll-off ship as an example, four suction-type airfoil solar sails are installed on the deck, with sufficient deck space reserved for the raising and lowering of the sail 110. When there are severe sea conditions or other external environmental conditions that may damage the sail 110, or when the wind conditions are insufficient to assist the ship, the sail 110 will not be raised. Conversely, the sail 110 will be raised to provide wind-assisted propulsion and photovoltaic power generation.

[0041] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first drive unit 300 includes a movable seat 310 and a first rotation drive member 320. The first rotation drive member 320 is fixed on the movable seat 310. The output end of the first rotation drive member 320 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the sail 110 and is used to drive the sail 110 to rotate. By operating the first rotation drive member 320, the first rotation drive member 320 can drive the sail 110 to rotate, thereby realizing the adjustment of the orientation of the air inlet 112.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second drive unit 400 includes a fixed base 410 and a second rotation drive member. The fixed base 410 is fixedly mounted on the hull 1, and the movable base 310 is rotatably mounted on the fixed base 410. The second rotation drive member is fixedly mounted on the fixed base 410, and its output end is fixedly connected to the movable base 310 to drive the movable base 310 to rotate. By operating the second rotation drive member, the second rotation drive member drives the movable base 310 to rotate, thereby driving the sail 110 to rotate and realizing the adjustment of the inclination angle of the sail 110.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sail unit 100 also includes a flap 130, which extends along the axial direction of the sail 110 and is disposed on the outer side wall of the sail 110 to cooperate with the suction fan 200 to increase the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sail 110 and obtain greater thrust.

[0044] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The flap 130 is located near the air inlet 112 to work with the suction fan 200 to increase the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sail 110, thereby obtaining greater thrust.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 130 can rotate relative to the sail 110, and in conjunction with the suction fan 200, it increases the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sail 110 to obtain greater thrust.

[0046] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flap 130 has a pointed structure on the side away from the sail 110 to form a streamlined structure in conjunction with the sail 110, thereby reducing drag.

[0047] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sail unit 100 also includes a frame 140, which is a grid structure and is fixed to the outer side wall of the sail 110. Each of the solar panels 120 is respectively arranged in each grid of the frame 140. The frame 140 can not only protect the solar panels 120, but also be used to wire the solar panels 120.

[0048] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 Each of the solar panels 120 converts solar energy into direct current, which is then fed into an inverter via a combiner box to convert the direct current into alternating current. The alternating current is then converted into 230V AC power by a transformer and fed into the ship's lighting distribution board for daily use.

[0049] As a preferred embodiment, please refer to Figure 8The control unit includes a wind speed and direction sensor, an irradiance sensor, a host computer, and a controller. Both the wind speed and direction sensor and the irradiance sensor are located on the top of the sail 110. The wind speed and direction sensor collects real-time wind speed and direction, while the irradiance sensor collects real-time light intensity and direction. The host computer is electrically connected to both the wind speed and direction sensor and the irradiance sensor to acquire data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction, in order to calculate the sail 110's rotation angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind and light conditions. The controller is electrically connected to both the host computer and the first rotation drive component 320. The system is connected to receive instructions from the host computer and control the rotation angle of the first rotation drive 320. First, a mathematical model is established using the wind power calculation formula and photovoltaic power generation. Then, the rotation angle of the sail 110 corresponding to the maximum comprehensive power under various wind and light conditions is calculated by combining the mathematical model with a prediction algorithm. The real-time measured wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction data are input into the host computer. The angle corresponding to the maximum value of the wind power generation and photovoltaic power generation at each angle is obtained by adding the power generated by the wind and the power generated by the photovoltaic. The optimal rotation angle of the sail 110 is output to the controller. Finally, the controller adjusts the first rotation drive 320 to rotate.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the host computer is also used to obtain the rotational speed of the suction fan 200 corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind and light conditions, and the controller is also electrically connected to the suction fan 200 to control the rotational speed of the suction fan 200.

[0051] The present invention also provides a control method for a suction-type airfoil solar sail, applicable to the above-mentioned suction-type airfoil solar sail, comprising the following steps:

[0052] The wind speed and direction sensor collects real-time wind speed, wind direction, and light intensity data, while the irradiance sensor collects real-time light intensity and light direction data.

[0053] The host computer acquires real-time data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction.

[0054] The host computer calculates the wind power and photovoltaic power generated by the sail 110 within a 360° turning angle;

[0055] The host computer calculates the sum of the wind power and photovoltaic power under various angle conditions to determine the angle of rotation of the sail 110 when the sum is at its maximum.

[0056] The controller controls the first rotation drive 320 to drive the sail 110 to rotate to that angle.

[0057] To better understand this invention, the following is combined with... Figure 1 - Figure 8 The working principle of the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below:

[0058] In use, the sail 110 is vertically mounted on the hull 1. Under windy conditions, the second rotation drive is operated, causing the movable seat 310 to rotate, which in turn rotates the sail 110, thus adjusting the sail's angle. The sail 110 is then raised, and the suction fan 200 is turned on. The suction fan 200 draws a small amount of air into the air duct 111 through the air inlet 112 and discharges it from the top of the air duct 111, allowing the airflow to re-adhere to the surface of the sail 110. The different wind speeds on both sides of the sail 110 create a pressure difference, generating a huge thrust F2 that propels the ship forward. The suction fan 200 is located at the top of the sail 110, and the suction force at the bottom of the sail 110 is relatively small. The air duct 111 has a tapering structure from top to bottom, which makes the suction effect at the bottom and top of the sail 110 comparable, ensuring that the suction effect of the sail 110 is basically consistent from top to bottom. This allows the airflow to adhere evenly to the surface of the sail 110, making full use of the entire sail 110 to obtain the thrust F2. This thrust is transmitted through the wind speed and direction. The system collects real-time wind speed and direction data via sensors, and real-time light intensity and direction data via irradiance sensors. The host computer processes this data and calculates the wind power and photovoltaic power generated by the sail 110 within a 360° rotation angle. It then calculates the sum of the wind power and photovoltaic power generated at various angles to determine the sail 110 rotation angle corresponding to the maximum sum. Finally, the controller outputs the maximum combined power value under the real-time wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and direction conditions. The corresponding sail 110 rotation angle is controlled, and the first rotation drive 320 is controlled to drive the sail 110 to rotate to that angle, so that the sail 110 is at the optimal angle. Compared with traditional sails, this suction-type airfoil solar sail can automatically adjust the optimal sail 110 rotation angle, improve the comprehensive utilization rate of solar and wind energy, and maximize the utilization of wind energy. Compared with traditional sails, it has a simple structure, occupies less deck space, and the sail rotation is not affected when the wind is strong. It is less affected by severe wind conditions and has lower requirements for wind conditions.

[0059] The suction-type airfoil solar sail and control method provided by this invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0060] (1) By combining the suction-type airfoil sail with the photovoltaic power generation system, the purpose of comprehensive and efficient utilization of wind energy and solar energy can be achieved. The sail 110 can be raised and lowered independently according to the wind conditions to prevent the sail 110 from generating resistance F1 on the ship when the wind conditions are bad.

[0061] (2) The wind duct 111 has a tapering structure from top to bottom, which makes the suction effect of the bottom of the sail 110 and the top of the sail 110 comparable, ensuring that the suction effect of the sail 110 from top to bottom is basically the same, so that the airflow is evenly attached to the surface of the sail 110, and the entire sail 110 is fully utilized to obtain thrust F2. This suction-type airfoil solar sail can maximize the utilization of wind energy. Compared with traditional sails, it has a simple structure, occupies less deck space, and the sail rotation is not affected when the wind force is large. It is less affected by severe wind conditions and has lower requirements for wind conditions.

[0062] (3) Compared with traditional sails, this suction-type airfoil solar sail can select the most suitable sail angle 110 based on real-time monitored wind speed, wind direction, light intensity and light direction data, and complete automatic turning, thereby improving the comprehensive utilization rate of wind energy and solar energy.

[0063] The specific embodiments of the present invention described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made in accordance with the technical concept of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A suction-type airfoil solar sail, characterized in that, include: The sail unit includes a sail, several solar panels, and flaps. The sail is an elliptical cylindrical structure with a wind duct extending along its axis. The wind duct tapers from top to bottom. An air inlet communicating with the wind duct is opened on the side wall of the sail. The air inlet extends along the axis of the sail. Each of the solar panels is disposed on the outer side wall of the sail. Each of the solar panels is a flexible structure. The flaps extend along the axis of the sail and are disposed on the outer side wall of the sail. A suction fan is installed at the top of the sail, with its inlet end connected to the air duct, to draw air from the air duct to the outside; A first drive unit, connected to the sail, is used to drive the sail to rotate in order to adjust the orientation of the air inlet. The first drive unit includes a movable seat and a first rotation drive component. The first rotation drive component is fixed on the movable seat, and the output end of the first rotation drive component is fixed to the bottom of the sail to drive the sail to rotate. The second drive unit is connected to the sail and is used to drive the sail to rotate in order to adjust the sail's tilt angle; A control unit, electrically connected to the first drive unit, is used to collect and process real-time wind and light data, and calculate and output the sail rotation angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind and light conditions. The control unit includes a wind speed and direction sensor, an irradiance sensor, a host computer, and a controller. The wind speed and direction sensor and the irradiance sensor are both located on the top of the sail. The wind speed and direction sensor is used to collect real-time wind speed and direction, and the irradiance sensor is used to collect real-time light intensity and direction. The host computer is electrically connected to both the wind speed and direction sensor and the irradiance sensor to obtain data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction in order to calculate the sail rotation angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind and light conditions. The controller is electrically connected to both the host computer and the first rotation drive component to receive instructions from the host computer and control the rotation angle of the first rotation drive component. This suction-type airfoil solar sail operates in three main modes. First, when the ship is sailing and there is wind, the suction fan is off, and the sail generates drag F1 like any other non-lifting structure on the ship's deck. Second, when the ship is sailing and there is wind, the suction fan is on, drawing a small amount of air into the duct and expelling it from the top of the duct. This allows the airflow to re-attach to the sail surface, creating a pressure difference on both sides of the sail due to the different wind speeds, thus generating a huge thrust F2 that propels the ship forward. Third, the direction of the sail can be adjusted according to wind speed and direction to maximize the pressure difference on both sides of the sail, generating the maximum thrust F2.

2. The suction-type airfoil solar sail according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second drive unit includes a fixed base and a second rotation drive component. The fixed base is fixedly mounted on the hull, and the movable base is rotatably mounted on the fixed base. The second rotation drive component is fixedly mounted on the fixed base, and the output end of the second rotation drive component is fixedly connected to the movable base for driving the movable base to rotate.

3. A method for controlling a suction-type airfoil solar sail, applicable to the suction-type airfoil solar sail as described in any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The control unit collects real-time data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction. The control unit processes real-time data on wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction. The control unit calculates the wind power and photovoltaic power generated within a 360° rotation angle of the sail, respectively. The control unit calculates the sum of the wind power and photovoltaic power under various angle conditions to obtain the sail angle corresponding to the maximum sum. The control unit outputs the sail angle corresponding to the maximum combined power under real-time wind speed, wind direction, light intensity, and light direction conditions.

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