Turbine

Abstract

A wind turbine (100) comprises a rotor (102), the rotor (102) comprising a hub (106) and at least one blade (108a-h) extending from the hub (106), the rotor (102) being configured to rotate when the at least one blade (108a-h) is subjected to a wind force. The wind turbine (100) further comprises a frame (104) configured to at least partially house the rotor (102), and a generator (130, 136) configured to generate electrical energy by rotation of the rotor (102), the generator (130, 136) comprising at least one magnet and one conductor coil wherein one of the at least one magnet and conductor coil is connected with the rotor (102) and configured to rotate therewith, and the other of the at least one magnet and conductor coil is connected with the rotor (102) and configured to rotate therewith. The other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil is fixed relative to the frame (104) such that rotation of the rotor (102) causes relative movement between the conductor coil and the at least one magnet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to wind turbines for generating electrical power. Background Art

[0002] Wind turbines can convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy through a generator. Typically, a wind turbine includes a rotor with multiple blades. When the wind blows over the blades, the rotor rotates, which rotates the generator, thereby generating electricity.

[0003] There are many advantages to using wind turbines to generate electricity. For example, wind power is a sustainable energy source that does not cause pollution, and more and more people are turning to sustainable energy as an alternative to fossil fuel use.

[0004] Traditionally, large commercial wind turbines have been used to generate electricity. These commercial wind turbines require large amounts of open space, are sometimes installed offshore, are expensive to manufacture and install, and are not suitable for use in individual homes.

[0005] While there are some low-cost domestic wind turbines that are suitable for installation in gardens or on houses, these are often unsightly, noisy and / or inefficient. Therefore, individuals may be reluctant to install such equipment on / around their property.

[0006] It is necessary to provide a wind turbine suitable for domestic use and capable of solving the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a wind turbine is provided, comprising a rotor, comprising a hub and at least one blade extending from the hub, the rotor being configured to rotate when wind force contacts the at least one blade; a frame being configured to at least partially accommodate the rotor; and a generator being configured to generate electrical energy through rotation of the rotor, wherein the generator comprises at least one magnet and a conductor coil; one of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil being connected to the rotor and configured to rotate with the rotor, and the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil being fixed relative to the frame so that rotation of the rotor causes relative movement between the conductor coil and the at least one magnet.

[0008] Optionally, the frame comprises an opening, wherein the rotor is received within the opening.

[0009] Optionally, the rotor further comprises a ring, and an outer end of the at least one blade is connected to the ring so that the at least one blade extends between the hub and the ring.

[0010] Optionally, the rotor comprises a plurality of blades extending from the hub, wherein an outer end of each of the plurality of blades is connected to the ring such that each of the plurality of blades extends between the hub and the ring.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one magnet and one of the conductor coils are connected to the ring and are configured to rotate with the ring.

[0012] Optionally, the frame comprises a circular opening, wherein the rotor is accommodated in the circular opening.

[0013] Optionally, the method further comprises a tower connected to the hub and configured to support the rotor, wherein a longitudinal axis of the tower is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hub.

[0014] Optionally, it also includes a rotor hub bracket, wherein the tower is connected to the hub via the rotor hub bracket, wherein the rotor rotates relative to the rotor hub bracket; and a rotor hub generator configured to generate electricity when the rotor rotates relative to the rotor hub bracket.

[0015] Optionally, it further comprises a rotatable element configured to rotate relative to the tower; and a rotation conversion mechanism configured to convert the rotation of the rotor into the rotation of the rotatable element around an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotor.

[0016] Optionally, the rotation conversion mechanism comprises a rotating shaft, the rotating shaft being at least partially accommodated in the tower, wherein rotation of the rotating shaft causes rotation of the rotatable element.

[0017] Optionally, another generator is further included, the other generator comprising at least one magnet and a conductor coil, wherein one of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the other generator is connected to the rotatable element, and the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the other generator is rotatably fixed relative to the rotatable element.

[0018] Optionally, it further comprises a casing, wherein the rotor, the frame and the generator are all accommodated in the casing.

[0019] Optionally, at least part of the tower is housed within the housing.

[0020] Optionally, the housing comprises shutters which can be opened to expose the rotor to wind and which can be closed to isolate the rotor from the wind.

[0021] Optionally, the louvers are located on opposite sides of the housing so that opposite sides of the rotor can be selectively exposed to wind or isolated from wind.

[0022] Optionally, a mesh cover is also included between the louver and the rotor.

[0023] Optionally, a solar cell is also included.

[0024] Optionally, at least one of the louvers comprises the solar cell.

[0025] Optionally, a base housing is also included.

[0026] Optionally, the base housing is configured to accommodate at least a portion of the tower.

[0027] Optionally, the rotatable element of the tower is at least partially accommodated in the foundation housing, wherein the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the other generator is accommodated in the foundation housing and fixed relative to the foundation housing.

[0028] Optionally, the tower is rotatable relative to the base housing.

[0029] Optionally, another rotor is further included, wherein the other rotor includes a hub and at least one blade extending from the hub; the other rotor is configured to rotate when the at least one blade is acted upon by wind; wherein the other rotor is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotor.

[0030] Optionally, a brake is further included, wherein the brake is configured to apply a braking force to the rotor to resist the rotation of the rotor according to the rotation speed of the rotor.

[0031] Optionally, the brake comprises an electric brake, and the electric energy generated by the rotor hub generator is used to power the electric brake.

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a funnel-shaped system for guiding airflow, comprising a wind turbine according to any one of claims 1 to 25, a collecting tray and at least one outlet configured to guide air collected by the collecting tray. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 An exemplary wind turbine is shown;

[0034] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary wind turbine is shown;

[0035] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary wind turbine is shown;

[0036] Figure 4A cross-sectional view of an exemplary wind turbine is shown;

[0037] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary wind turbine is shown; and

[0038] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary wind turbine is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The present application generally discloses a wind turbine that generates electricity using a generator. An exemplary wind turbine may include a rotor including a hub and at least one blade extending from the hub, and when air / wind flows over the at least one blade, the at least one blade may cause the rotor to rotate. The exemplary wind turbine may further include a frame that at least partially houses the rotor, and a generator including at least one magnet and a conductor coil. One of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be connected to the rotor so that it rotates with the rotor. The other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be fixed relative to the frame. In this way, when the rotor rotates, the at least one magnet and the conductor coil move relative to each other, and the generator generates electrical energy.

[0040] Figure 1 An exemplary wind turbine 100 is shown. Exemplary wind turbine 100 includes a rotor 102 and a frame 104. Rotor 102 is rotatable relative to frame 104.

[0041] The rotor 102 includes a hub 106 and a plurality of blades 108a-h. Figure 1 In the exemplary wind turbine 100 described, the rotor 102 includes eight blades 108a-h, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that in alternative arrangements, the rotor 102 may include any number of blades. For example, the rotor 102 may include at least one blade or a plurality of blades.

[0042] The blades 108a-h may extend outwardly from the hub 106, such as radially outwardly. Figure 1 In the exemplary arrangement shown, an inner end (which may be a radially inner end) of each blade 108a - h is connected to the hub 102 .

[0043] exist Figure 1In the exemplary arrangement shown, the blades 108a-h are arranged at equal intervals around the hub 106. That is, the angular spacing between adjacent blades 108a-h is equal for each of the plurality of blades 108a-h. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other arrangements, the spacing between adjacent blades may be different. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other arrangements, the blades 108a-h may at least partially overlap. In addition, the air gap between adjacent propeller blades 108a-h may be sized based on the desired output. That is, the air gap between adjacent propeller blades 108a-h may be sized based on the desired output. Figure 1 Increase or decrease based on the schematic diagram.

[0044] Figure 1 The example rotor 102 shown in FIG. 1 includes a ring 110. The outer end (which may be the radial outer end) of each of the plurality of blades 108a-h may be connected to the ring 110. Specifically, the outer end of each of the plurality of blades 108a-n may be connected to the inner surface 112 of the ring 110. In an exemplary arrangement, the outer end of each of the plurality of blades 108a-n may be directly connected to the ring 110. Figure 1 In the illustrated arrangement, each of the plurality of blades 108a - h extends between the hub 106 and the ring 110 .

[0045] The rotor 102 may be configured to rotate relative to the frame 104. The exemplary wind turbine 100 may include a hub support 111 (at Figure 2 As can be seen, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 ). A hub support 111 may be connected to the rotor 102. The hub support 111 may be axially and rotationally fixed relative to the frame 104. Thus, the rotor 102 may be configured to rotate relative to the hub support 111, and thus relative to the frame 104. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the rotor 102 may be connected to the hub support 111 in a variety of ways, such that the rotor 102 may rotate relative to the hub support 111, for example, by using an axle arrangement.

[0046] Because the ring 110 is connected to the plurality of blades 108a-h, which are in turn connected to the hub 102, rotation of one of the hub 102, the plurality of blades 108a-h, and the ring 110 may cause rotation of the other ones of the hub 102, the plurality of blades 108a-h, and the ring 110. In other words, one or more of the hub 102, the plurality of blades 108a-h, and the ring 110 may be rotatably connected together.

[0047] The frame 104 may at least partially house the rotor 102. That is, at least a portion of the frame 104 may surround and / or enclose at least a portion of the rotor 102. Figure 1 In the illustrated exemplary wind turbine 100, the rotor 102 is telescopically received in a frame 104. The rotor 102 may be mounted within the frame 104. In other arrangements, the frame 104 may include a positioning structure configured to receive, position, and guide the rotor 102.

[0048] The exemplary frame 104 includes an opening 116 in which the rotor 102 is positioned. Figure 1 In the exemplary arrangement shown, the opening 116 comprises a circular opening, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other arrangements, substantially any shape of opening may be used as long as the opening is sized appropriately to accommodate the rotor 102 .

[0049] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 yes Figure 1 In the cross-sectional view of wind turbine 100 shown in FIG. 1 , in an exemplary arrangement, frame 104 may include channel 120 (for clarity, Figure 1 The channel 120 is not shown in the figure. In an exemplary arrangement, at least a portion of the rotor 102 can be received in the channel 120 and rotate therein. In an exemplary arrangement, at least a portion of the ring 110 of the rotor 102 is received in the channel 120. Figure 2 In the illustrated arrangement, substantially the entirety of the ring 110 is received within the passage 120 and may be configured to rotate therein as the rotor 102 rotates. In other arrangements, at least a portion of the plurality of blades 108a-h may be received within the passage 120.

[0050] exist Figure 2 In the exemplary arrangement shown, the channel 120 includes sidewalls 122a, 122b and a base 124. The ring 110 can be received in the channel 120 such that an outer surface 126 of the ring 110 is separated from the base 124 of the channel 120 by a gap. The sidewalls of the ring 110 can be separated from the sidewalls 122a, 122b of the channel 120 by the gap. This allows the ring 110 to rotate unimpeded within the channel 120 (i.e., without generating friction).

[0051] The channel 120 may extend along the opening 116. In some arrangements, the channel 120 may be formed on the walls of the opening 116. In other arrangements, the walls of the opening 116 may form a base 124 of the channel 120. In such an arrangement, the rack 104 may include a wall / wall panel having an opening therein, the aperture of the opening being smaller than the size of the opening 116. The wall panels may be connected to opposite sides of the rack 104 so that they at least partially cover the opposite sides of the opening 116 to form the channel 120. That is, the base 124 of the channel 120 may be formed by the walls of the opening 116, and the side walls 122a, 122b of the channel 120 may be formed by the opposing wall panels. Advantageously, the channel 120 may protect the components therein from weather, thereby providing a certain degree of weatherproofing.

[0052] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that another wind turbine may not include the channel 120. For example, another wind turbine may include an opening 116 without the channel 120, and the rotor 102 may be accommodated in the opening 116, with the outer surface of the ring 110 facing the wall of the opening 110 without being surrounded by the channel.

[0053] Figure 1 The example rack 104 described in the embodiment includes a substantially square rack. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that racks of other shapes (such as rectangular racks) may also be used.

[0054] The exemplary wind turbine 100 may also include a generator 130. The generator 130 may be disposed on the circumference of the rotor 102 and may include a circumferential generator as described below.

[0055] Generator 130 includes at least one magnet 132 and a conductor coil 134 .

[0056] Figure 1 The generator 130 shown includes two magnets 132a, 132b, but those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is for exemplary purposes only. In other arrangements, the generator 130 may be composed of any number of magnets depending on the desired output power.

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary wind turbine 100 shown, the magnets 132a, 132b are connected to the rotor 102 so that they rotate with the rotor 102. Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown in the exemplary arrangement of , the ring 110 may include magnets 132a, 132b so that the magnets 132a, 132b rotate therewith. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other arrangements, other components of the rotor 102 may also include magnets 132a, 132b. For example, in another arrangement, one or more blades 108a-h may include magnets 132a, 132b. In this arrangement, the magnets 132a, 132b may be located at the outer ends of the blades 108a-h. This arrangement is suitable for rotors 102 that do not include the ring 110. In yet another arrangement, both the ring 110 and one or more blades 108a-h may include magnets.

[0058] The conductor coil 134 may be fixed relative to the frame 104. In an exemplary arrangement, the conductor coil may be connected to the frame 104 and positioned to intersect the magnetic field of the magnets 132a, 132b. The conductor coil 134 may be arranged to at least partially surround the periphery of the rotor 102. In an exemplary arrangement, the conductor coil 134 may be arranged to at least partially surround the periphery of the ring 110. In an arrangement where the rotor 102 does not include a ring, the conductor coil 134 may be arranged to at least partially surround the periphery of the blades 108a-h. For example, in an exemplary arrangement, the conductor coil 134 may be arranged to at least partially surround the wall of the opening 116 of the frame 104 and / or the channel 120 of the frame 104. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other arrangements, the conductor coil 134 need not surround the periphery of the rotor 102 and may be arranged at any point of the frame 104 relative to the rotor 102 so that it intersects the magnetic field of the magnets 132a, 132b.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated arrangement, the conductor coil 134 may be arranged to extend continuously around the periphery of the rotor 102. For example, the conductor coil 134 may extend continuously around the wall of the passage 120 and / or the opening 116. In further arrangements, the generator 130 may include a plurality of discrete conductor coil segments that are arranged around the rotor 102 and optionally separated.

[0060] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other arrangements, at least one magnet 132 may be fixed relative to the frame 104, and the conductor coil 134 may be connected to the rotor 102 so that it rotates with the rotor 102. In this arrangement, the conductor coil 134 may be located on the ring 110 and / or the blades 108a-h, and the magnets 132a and 132b may be connected to the frame 104 and arranged to achieve a crossover point between the magnetic fields of the conductor coil 134 and the magnets 132a and 132b.

[0061] The inventors have recognized that more efficient power generation can be achieved by placing the generator around the circumference of the rotor 102 (e.g., on the ring 110 and / or radially outer portions of one or more blades 108a-h). This is because when the rotor 102 rotates, the outer side of the rotor 102 moves faster than the inner side of the rotor 102.

[0062] An exemplary wind turbine 100 may include a rotor hub generator 136. In an exemplary arrangement, wind turbine 100 may include rotor hub generator 136 and generator 130. In other arrangements, wind turbine 100 may include one of rotor hub generator 136 and generator 130.

[0063] The rotor hub generator 136 may include at least one magnet and one conductor coil. The at least one magnet and one conductor coil of the rotor hub generator may be connected to the rotor 102 so that the at least one magnet and one conductor coil rotate therewith. In an exemplary arrangement, at least one of the hub 106 and / or blades 108a-h may include at least one magnet and one conductor coil. For example, the at least one magnet and one conductor coil may be located on the hub 106 and / or on a radially inner portion of one or more blades 108a-h so that the at least one magnet and one conductor coil rotate therewith.

[0064] The other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil (i.e., the one not connected to the rotor 102) may be fixed relative to the frame 104. In the exemplary wind turbine 100, the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be connected to or located on the hub bracket 111, which may be fixed relative to the frame 104 as described above. In other arrangements, the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be fixed to the frame 104. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be fixed in any position such that the conductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the at least one magnet and such that rotation of the rotor 102 causes relative movement between the at least one magnet and the conductor coil.

[0065] Wind turbine 100 may include a braking system. The braking system may include a brake configured to apply a braking force to rotor 102 and resist rotation of rotor 102 based on the rotation speed of rotor 102. For example, the braking system may be configured to apply a braking force to rotor 102 when the rotation speed of rotor 102 exceeds a threshold. This may ensure that rotor 102 does not rotate at a speed that may cause damage to wind turbine 100.

[0066] In an exemplary arrangement, the brake may include an electric brake, such as an adjustable resistor. In this arrangement, the brake may be housed in the hub bracket 111. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other arrangements, a mechanical brake may be used.

[0067] In an exemplary arrangement, the braking system may include a rotor hub generator 136. That is, in an exemplary arrangement, the power generated by the rotor hub generator 136 may at least partially power the braking system. For example, where the brake includes an electric brake, such as an adjustable resistor, the power generated by the rotor hub generator 136 may power the electric brake to adjust the current / resistance through the conductor coils of the rotor hub generator 136, thereby changing the rotational speed of the rotor 102.

[0068] The braking system may include a power monitor. The power monitor may be configured to monitor the power generated by the generator 130 (i.e., the circular generator). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the power generated by the generator 130 depends on the rotational speed of the rotor 102. Therefore, the power generated by the generator 130 may represent the rotational speed of the rotor 102. In an exemplary arrangement, if the power monitor detects that the power generated by the generator 130 exceeds a threshold value, the power monitor may control the brake to apply a braking force to the rotor 102. If the power monitor detects that the power generated by the generator 130 is below a threshold value, the brake does not apply a braking force. The threshold value may indicate an upper limit of a safe rotational speed of the rotor 102.

[0069] The exemplary wind turbine 100 may include a housing 140. The housing 140 may house the rotor 102 so that the rotor 102 rotates therein. At least a portion of the rotor 102 may be surrounded by the housing 140. The housing 140 may house at least a portion of the frame 104 and may enclose a portion of the frame 104 therein. In other arrangements, the housing 140 may include the frame 104. For example, the frame 104 may be integrally formed with the housing 140, or one or more walls of the frame 104 may form one or more walls of the housing 140.

[0070] Housing 140 may include base 142, top panel 144, and walls 146a, 146b and 148a, 148b ( Figure 1 Only wall 148a is visible.

[0071] The housing 140 may include at least one opening 150 so that wind can enter the housing 140 and contact the rotor 102. The exemplary housing 140 includes opposing openings 150a, 150b ( Figure 1 Only opening 150a is visible in FIG. 1 ). In this arrangement, wind can enter housing 140 from opposite sides of housing 140 and contact rotor 102. Figure 1In the exemplary arrangement shown, opposing walls 148a, 148b include openings 150a, 150b, respectively. That is, walls 148a, 148b that are parallel to the plane in which vanes 108a-h lie include openings 150a, 150b.

[0072] At least one opening 150a, 150b (optionally both openings 150a, 150b) may be sized such that at least a portion of the blades 108a-h are exposed through the openings 150a, 150b. That is, at least a portion of the blades 108a-h may overlap with a cross-section of the openings 150a, 150b. In an exemplary arrangement, at least one opening 150a, 150b (optionally both openings 150a, 150b) may be sized such that the hub 106 and at least a portion of the blades 108a-h are exposed. The ring 110 may be located within the housing 140 such that it is at least partially surrounded by the walls 148a, 148b and does not overlap with the openings 150a, 150b. That is, the ring 110 and the optional passage 120 may be located outside the cross-section of the openings 150a, 150b.

[0073] In an exemplary arrangement, the generator 130 may be surrounded by the housing 140. For example, the generator 130 may be placed within the housing 140 without being directly exposed to the openings 150a, 150b (i.e., the generator 130 is not located within the cross-section of the openings 150a, 150b). In the exemplary wind turbine 100, the magnets 132a, 132b and the conductor coil 134 may be housed within the housing 140. In an exemplary arrangement, the openings 150a, 150b may be sized such that the ring 110 and / or the blades 108a-h and a portion of one of the magnets 132a, 1332b and the coil 134 are not exposed through the opening 116. For example, a portion of the ring 110 and / or the magnets 132a, 1332b and the coil 134 of the blades 108a-h may be housed within the housing 140 such that it is located outside the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 150a, 150b.

[0074] The inventors have recognized that housing the generator 130 in the housing 140 can reduce the noise felt by a user due to the rotation of the generator 130 of the wind turbine 100 .

[0075] Wind turbine 100 may include a mesh guard ( Figure 1150a, 150b). The mesh may cover at least one of the openings 150a, 150b, or both of the openings 150a, 150b. The mesh may prevent debris / solids from entering the wind turbine 100 through the openings 150a, 150b. The mesh may also provide a safety barrier to prevent animals from entering the wind turbine 100 and to prevent people from inserting their fingers, hands, and / or limbs into the wind turbine 100, particularly into the path of the blades 108a-h of the rotor 102.

[0076] The wind turbine 100 may include shutters. The shutters may cover the openings 150a, 150b. In an arrangement including a mesh, the shutters cover the mesh. In such an arrangement, the mesh may be located between the shutters and the rotor 102. The shutters may be configured to expose at least a portion of the rotor 102 in an open position so that the wind contacts the blades 108a-h. For example, in an exemplary arrangement, when the shutters are in an open position, at least a portion of the rotor 102 may be exposed through the openings 150a, 150b. The shutters may be configured to shield the rotor 102 in a closed position so that the wind cannot contact the blades 108a-h. For example, in an exemplary arrangement, when the shutters are in a closed position, the shutters may substantially cover the openings 150a, 150b so that the wind cannot pass through the openings 150a, 150b and contact the blades 108a-h of the rotor 102. The shutters may be movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0077] The shutter may include a plurality of slats. In an exemplary arrangement, the plurality of slats may extend horizontally across the openings 150a, 150b, while it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other arrangements, the slats may extend vertically across the openings 150a, 150b. In an exemplary arrangement, the plurality of slats may be movable between an open position and a closed position. The plurality of slats may be configured such that movement of one of the plurality of slats from an open position to a closed position (or vice versa) causes corresponding movement of the remaining slats in the plurality of slats. Thus, the plurality of slats may be arranged to move together between an open position and a closed position. In an exemplary arrangement, the shutter may be driven by a motor to move between an open position and a closed position. The wind turbine 100 may include an anemometer configured to determine a wind speed; and a controller configured to control a motor to drive the shutter to a closed position when a wind speed exceeds a threshold. In other arrangements, the shutter may be manually movable.

[0078] In an exemplary arrangement, the wind turbine 100 may include a solar power source. The solar power source may include at least one solar cell (or a plurality of solar cells forming a solar panel). The solar cell may be configured to generate electrical energy when light falls on it. In an exemplary arrangement, the solar power source may be connected to the housing 140. The solar power source may be connected to a location of the housing 140 that is exposed to sunlight, such as on an outer surface of the housing 140. In an exemplary wind turbine 100, the blinds may include at least one solar cell. The solar cell may extend through at least one of the plurality of slats of the blinds. For example, one solar cell may span at least one of the plurality of slats of the blinds, or a solar panel consisting of a plurality of solar cells may span at least one of the plurality of slats of the blinds. In an exemplary arrangement, the solar power source may extend across substantially the entire outer surface of at least one of the plurality of slats. In an exemplary arrangement, the solar power source may extend across each of the plurality of slats (and may extend across substantially the entire outer surface of each of the plurality of slats).

[0079] An exemplary wind turbine 100 may include a tower 170. The tower 170 may be configured to support the rotor 102. In an exemplary arrangement, the tower 170 may be connected to the hub support 111 such that the tower 170 supports the rotor 102 via the hub support 111. In an exemplary arrangement, the tower 170 may be substantially hollow.

[0080] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary wind turbine 100 shown, the tower 170 is arranged vertically. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the tower 170 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hub 106 of the rotor 102 (and also perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hub support 111 in some arrangements).

[0081] Tower 170 may be at least partially housed within housing 140. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the exemplary arrangement shown, the upper portion of the tower 170 is located within the housing 140. At least a portion of the tower 170 may be located outside the housing 140. In the exemplary wind turbine 100, the lower portion of the tower 170 passes through a hole in the base 142 of the housing 140. However, in other arrangements, substantially the entire tower 170 may be housed within the housing 140.

[0082] Wind turbine 100 may include a base housing 180. Base housing 180 may include a distributor configured to control power distribution to generator 130 and / or rotor hub generator 136. Thus, generator 130 and / or rotor hub generator 136 may be electrically connected to base housing 180. In an exemplary arrangement, generator 130 and / or rotor hub generator 136 may be electrically connected to base housing 180 via tower 170. For example, an electrical connector (e.g., a wire or wire) may extend through the hollow interior of tower 170 to base housing 180.

[0083] In an exemplary arrangement, the base housing 180 can be configured to be mounted on the ground. Therefore, the base housing 180 can be waterproof. In an exemplary arrangement, the base housing 180 can be waterproofed using one or more of the following methods: sealed bearings, gaskets, waterproof coatings, etc. Those skilled in the art can conceive of more methods for waterproofing the base housing 180.

[0084] In the exemplary wind turbine 100, the housing 140 can rotate relative to the base housing 180 to adjust the direction of the rotor 102 (i.e., the direction in which the rotor 102 faces). In this arrangement, the housing 140 can rotate about an axis 182 that is perpendicular to the rotation axis 184 of the rotor 102. Figure 3 Adjusting the orientation of the rotor 102 according to the wind direction can optimize the orientation of the rotor 102. For example, the orientation of the rotor 102 can be adjusted to face the wind to obtain greater and / or more efficient power generation.

[0085] The housing 140 can be rotatably connected to the tower 170, such that rotation of one of the housing 140 and the tower 170 causes a corresponding rotation of the other of the housing 140 and the tower 170. The tower 170 can be rotated relative to the base housing 180 via the rotatable platform 186, thereby causing the housing 140 to rotate relative to the base housing 180. Figure 1-3 In the illustrated exemplary wind turbine 100, the base 174 of the tower 170 is coupled to a rotatable platform 186 such that rotation of the rotatable platform 186 relative to the base housing 180 causes rotation of the tower 170 (and thus rotation of the housing 140). In the exemplary arrangement, the rotatable platform 182 may be at least partially housed in the base housing 180.

[0086] In some arrangements, the rotation of the housing 140 relative to the base housing 180 can be manually driven by a user to adjust the direction of the rotor 102. For example, the user can apply force to one or more of the housing 140 and the tower 170 to rotate the housing 140, thereby rotating the rotor 102 relative to the base housing 180. In other arrangements, the wind turbine may include a motor configured to drive the rotatable platform 186 to rotate the rotor to adjust the direction in which the rotor 102 is facing.

[0087] In an exemplary arrangement, the wind turbine 100 may include an azimuth controller configured to control the motor to rotate the rotor 102 relative to the base housing 180. In a further exemplary arrangement, the wind turbine 100 may include an anemometer configured to determine the wind direction. Based on the determined wind direction, the anemometer may enable the azimuth controller to control the motor to rotate the rotor 102 so that the rotor 102 faces the wind direction.

[0088] In the exemplary wind turbine 100, the base housing 180 may include one or more generators 190. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 Shown is a rotor 102, a tower 170, and a base housing 180, with the housing 140 and the frame 104 removed for clarity, and the exemplary wind turbine 100 may include a rotation conversion mechanism 192 configured to convert the rotation of the rotor 102 into the rotation of a rotatable element 194 housed within the base housing 180. The rotation of the rotatable element 194 may cause a generator 190 within the base housing 180 to rotate, thereby causing the generator 190 to generate electricity.

[0089] In the exemplary wind turbine 100, the rotation conversion mechanism 192 includes a shaft 196. The shaft 196 can be mounted inside the tower 170 and extend through the tower 170. The gear arrangement 198, which can include, for example, bevel gears or helical gears, can convert the rotation of the rotor 102 about its rotation axis 184 into a rotation of the shaft about an axis 199 that is perpendicular to the rotation axis 184 of the rotor 102. Rotation of the shaft 196 can cause the generator 190 to rotate within the base housing 180. In the exemplary arrangement, the shaft 196 can include a rotatable element 194, and rotating the rotatable element can cause the generator 190 to rotate. The rotatable element 194 can be rotatably connected to the shaft 196, such that rotation of the shaft 196 causes a corresponding rotation of the rotatable element 194. In Figure 4In the exemplary arrangement shown, the rotatable element 194 is connected to the shaft 196, so that rotation of the shaft 196 about the axis 199 causes the rotatable element 194 to rotate about the same axis 199. In the exemplary arrangement, the rotatable element 194 can be arranged concentrically with the shaft 196. In one example, the rotatable element 194 can include a flywheel. The rotation of the flywheel can cause the generator 190 to rotate.

[0090] In another arrangement, the rotation conversion mechanism 192 may include another gear arrangement, such as bevel gears or helical gears, for converting the rotation of the shaft 196 about the axis 199 into the rotation of the rotatable element about an axis perpendicular to the axis 199.

[0091] The generator 190 may include at least one magnet and a conductor coil. One of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be connected to the rotatable element 194 so that it rotates with the rotatable element 194. The other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be fixed relative to the base housing 180 so that rotation of the rotatable element 194 causes relative movement between the at least one magnet and the conductor coil. In some arrangements, the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be connected to the generator housing that houses the rotatable element 194. The at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be positioned so that the conductor coil is located within the magnetic field of the at least one magnet.

[0092] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary wind turbine 500 is shown. Many features of wind turbine 500 are similar to those described above. Figure 1-4 Therefore, these features will not be described here. Figure 5 and Figure 6 Corresponding reference numbers are used to identify them. Thus, 502a, 502b are rotors, 506a, 506b are hubs, 508a-n are blades, 504 is a frame, 511 is a hub support, 520a, 520b are channels, 570 is a tower, 580 is a base shell, and 586 is a rotatable platform. Wind turbine 500 may further include a housing including any of the features described above in connection with housing 140 of wind turbine 100. For clarity, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The housing of the wind turbine 500 is omitted.

[0093] Wind turbine 500 is similar to wind turbine 100, but it includes two rotors 502a, 502b instead of a single rotor. Each rotor 502a, 502b may include any of the features described above in connection with rotor 102. That is, each rotor 502a, 502b may include a hub 506a, 506b and a plurality of blades 508a-n. The plurality of blades 508a-n of each rotor 502a, 502b may extend between the respective hubs 506a, 506b and the respective rings 510a, 510b. Each rotor 502a, 502b may rotate relative to a hub support 511.

[0094] The rotors 502a, 502b may be counter-rotating rotors. That is, when the blades 508a-n of each rotor come into contact with the wind, the rotor 502a may be configured to rotate in a first direction, and the rotor 502b may be configured to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0095] The wind turbine 500 may include a pair of generators 530a, 530b. Each generator 530 may include the generator 130 described above. That is, each generator 530a, 530b may include at least one magnet and one conductor coil. One of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the first generator 530a may be connected to the outer ends of the ring 510a and / or the blades 508a-n of the first rotor 502a, while the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil may be fixed relative to the frame 504, similar to the generator 130 described above.

[0096] Similarly, one of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the second generator 530b can be connected to the outer ends of the ring 510b and / or the blades 508a-n of the second rotor 502b, and the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil can be fixed relative to the frame 504, similar to the case of the above-mentioned generator 130. It can be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of two rotors 502a, 502b can increase the power generation. In addition, the use of two rotors can increase the stability of the wind turbine 100 and reduce vibration.

[0097] The wind turbine 500 may include a pair of rotor hub generators 536a, 536b. Each rotor hub generator 536a, 536b may include the above-mentioned rotor hub generator 136. That is, each rotor hub generator 536a, 536b may include at least one magnet and one conductor coil. One of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the first rotor hub generator 536a may be connected to the first rotor 502a so that the at least one magnet and the conductor coil rotate therewith, while the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the first rotor hub generator 536a may be fixed relative to the frame 504 (e.g., located on the hub bracket 511). Similarly, one of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the second rotor hub generator 536b may be connected to the second rotor 502b so that the at least one magnet and the conductor coil rotate therewith, while the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the second rotor hub generator 536b may be fixed relative to the frame 504 (e.g., located on the hub bracket 511).

[0098] The wind turbine 500 may further include a braking system that can apply a braking force to each rotor 502a, 502b based on the rotational speed of each rotor 502a, 502b, as described above with respect to the braking system of the wind turbine 100. Each braking system can be driven by electricity generated by the respective first and second rotor hub generators 536a, 536b, as described above with respect to the braking system of the wind turbine 100.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown, the wind turbine 500 may include a base housing 580 including a pair of generators 590a, 590b. The wind turbine 500 may include a rotation conversion mechanism 592 configured to convert the rotation of the first rotor 502a into the rotation of a rotatable element 594a housed in the base housing 180, and to convert the rotation of the second rotor 502b into the rotation of a rotatable element 594b housed in the base housing 580. The rotation of the rotatable elements 594a, 594b may respectively rotate the generators 590a, 590b, so that each generator generates electricity.

[0100] The rotation conversion mechanism 592 may include shafts 596a, 596b. The shafts 596a, 596b may be nested shafts. That is, the shaft 596a may be housed within the shaft 596b and rotate therein. Each shaft 596a, 596b may pass through the tower 570. Respective gear devices 598a, 598b (which may include bevel gears or helical gears, for example) may convert the rotation of the first and second rotors 502a, 502b, respectively, around the rotation axis 584 into the rotation of the shafts 596a, 596b around an axis 599, which is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the first and second rotors 502a, 502b. Figure 6 As shown, each gear arrangement 598a, 598b may include gears of different sizes. This allows the respective gears to rotate about a common axis. Shaft 596a may rotate within shaft 596b. In an arrangement where rotors 502a, 502b rotate in opposite directions, shafts 596a, 596b may rotate in opposite directions. Figure 6 In the exemplary arrangement shown, the rotatable element 594a is connected to the rotatable shaft 596a, such that rotation of the rotatable shaft 596a about the axis 599 causes the rotatable element 594 to rotate about the same axis 599. The rotatable element 594b is connected to the rotatable shaft 596b, such that rotation of the rotatable shaft 596b about the axis 599 causes the rotatable element 594b to rotate about the same axis 599. That is, the two rotatable elements 594a, 594b rotate about the same axis of rotation 599, which is also the same axis of rotation 599 about which the rotatable shafts 596a, 596b rotate. The rotatable elements 594a, 594b can be arranged concentrically with respect to the respective axes of rotation 596a, 596b. The generators 590a, 590b can be stacked vertically in the base housing 580. Arranging the generators 590a and 590b vertically and centrally facilitates concentrating the weight of the generators 590a and 590b and providing support for the wind turbine 100.

[0101] The following will refer to Figure 1-4 The operation of wind turbine 100 is described. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the operation of wind turbine 500 is similar except that both rotors 502a, 502b rotate to power respective generators 530a, 530b, 536a, 536b and 590a, 590b.

[0102] The user may install the wind turbine 100. The installation of the wind turbine 100 may include installing the base housing 180 underground. As described above, installing the base housing 180 underground may reduce the noise felt by the user on the ground due to the rotation of the generator 190 in the base housing 180. Therefore, the wind turbine 100 is quieter.

[0103] The user may install the wind turbine 100 in a convenient location. For example, by designing the size of the housing 140 of the wind turbine 100, the wind turbine 100 replaces a fence panel. In this way, the wind turbine 100 can be installed in a place that does not occupy free space, such as in the user's garden. In an exemplary arrangement, multiple wind turbines 100 can be installed. Multiple wind turbines 100 can be installed in series to form a boundary, for example, in place of a fence. In this arrangement, the housing 140 of the wind turbine 100 may include a coupling structure configured to contact a coupling structure of an adjacent wind turbine 100 to connect the wind turbines 100 in series and / or stack them vertically.

[0104] In some examples, the wind turbine 100 can be connected to a collection tray that includes at least one outlet configured to direct air collected by the collection tray. For example, the wind turbine 100 can be connected to the collection tray so that the openings 150a, 150b in the housing 140 can direct air into the collection tray and through the outlet of the collection tray. Such an arrangement is suitable for mounting on the wall of a building and can be used as part of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, HVAC system.

[0105] During use, wind can contact blades 108a-h of rotor 102 and rotate rotor 102. In an exemplary arrangement, wind can pass through oppositely disposed openings 150a, 150b of housing 140, contact blades 108a-h of rotor 102, and rotate rotor 102.

[0106] The rotation of the rotor 102 rotates the generator 130, the rotor hub generator 136, and the generator 190 in the base housing 180, thereby generating electricity. As described below, the wind turbine 100 uses the rotation of the rotor 102 to drive three different generator systems to rotate, which has great advantages. This improves the efficiency of the wind turbine.

[0107] Generator 130 generates electricity due to relative motion between magnets 132a, 132b and conductor coil 134 as rotor 102 rotates relative to frame 104. The electricity generated by generator 130 may be transmitted to a distributor in base housing 180 for distribution (eg, via wires / cables extending to a tower).

[0108] The rotation of the rotor 102 causes the rotatable element 194 to rotate, thereby driving the generator 190 to rotate and generate electrical energy. When the rotor 102 rotates, the rotatable element 194 also rotates due to the rotation of the rotation conversion mechanism 192. In other words, the rotation of the rotor 102 is converted into the rotation of the shaft 196 through the gear device 198. The rotation of the shaft 196 causes the rotatable element 194 to rotate around the axis 199, thereby driving the generator 190 to rotate. The electricity generated by the generator 190 can be distributed by the distributor of the base housing 180.

[0109] The rotor hub generator 136 generates electricity due to the relative movement between the magnets connected to one of the hub 106 and the rotor hub bracket 111 and the conductor coil 134 connected to the other of the hub 106 and the rotor hub bracket 111. This relative movement is caused by the rotation of the rotor 102 relative to the rotor hub bracket 111.

[0110] The power monitor may monitor the power generated by generator 130. If the power generated by generator 130 does not exceed a threshold, the power generated by rotor hub generator 136 may be transmitted to a distributor of base housing 180 for distribution (eg, via cables and wires extending through tower 170).

[0111] If the power generated by the generator 130 exceeds the threshold, the power generated by the rotor hub generator 136 will be used to power the brake system. As described above, the brake system can be powered to apply a braking force to the rotor 102, thereby reducing the rotation speed of the rotor 102. The power monitor can continuously monitor the power generated by the generator 130 and redistribute the power generated by the rotor hub generator to the distributor in the base housing 180 (if the threshold is not exceeded) or the brake system (if the threshold is exceeded).

[0112] In the case where the wind turbine 100 includes solar cells / solar panels, additional electrical energy may be generated when light falls on the solar cells / solar panels. The generated electrical energy may be distributed by a distributor in the base housing 180.

[0113] As will be appreciated, the wind turbine disclosed herein is more efficient, quieter in operation, and suitable for home use. Other wind turbines and features thereof may be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In particular, it should be noted that one or more features included in one or more of the drawings may be integrated into the wind turbines shown in other drawings, which may be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. Wind turbines, including: a rotor including a hub and at least one blade extending from the hub, the rotor being configured to rotate when wind forces contact the at least one blade; a frame configured to at least partially house the rotor; as well as A generator configured to generate electrical energy through the rotation of the rotor, the generator comprising at least one magnet and a conductor coil, characterized in that: One of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil is connected to the rotor and configured to rotate with the rotor, and the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil is fixed relative to the frame so that rotation of the rotor causes relative movement between the conductor coil and the at least one magnet.

2. The wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that The frame includes an opening, wherein the rotor is received within the opening.

3. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The rotor further includes a ring to which an outer end of the at least one blade is connected such that the at least one blade extends between the hub and the ring.

4. The wind turbine according to claim 3, characterized in that The rotor includes a plurality of blades extending from the hub, wherein an outer end of each blade of the plurality of blades is connected to the ring such that each blade of the plurality of blades extends between the hub and the ring.

5. The wind turbine according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The at least one magnet and one of the conductor coils are connected to the ring and are configured to rotate with the ring.

6. The wind turbine according to claim 5, characterized in that The frame includes a circular opening, wherein the rotor is received within the circular opening.

7. A wind turbine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that Also included is a tower connected to the hub and configured to support the rotor, wherein a longitudinal axis of the tower is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hub.

8. The wind turbine according to claim 7, characterized in that Also includes: a rotor hub support, wherein the tower is connected to the hub via the rotor hub support, wherein the rotor rotates relative to the rotor hub support; as well as A rotor hub generator is configured to generate electricity when the rotor rotates relative to the rotor hub support.

9. A wind turbine according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that Also includes: a rotatable element configured to rotate relative to the tower; as well as A rotation conversion mechanism is configured to convert the rotation of the rotor into the rotation of the rotatable element about an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotor.

10. The wind turbine according to claim 9, characterized in that The rotation conversion mechanism includes a rotating shaft at least partially received within the tower, wherein rotation of the rotating shaft causes rotation of the rotatable element.

11. A wind turbine according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that Also included is another generator, the other generator comprising at least one magnet and a conductor coil, wherein one of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the other generator is connected to the rotatable element, and wherein the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the other generator is rotatably fixed relative to the rotatable element.

12. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, characterised in that A housing is also included, wherein the rotor, the frame and the generator are all accommodated in the housing.

13. A wind turbine according to claim 12 when dependent on any one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that At least a portion of the tower is housed within the housing.

14. A wind turbine according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that The housing includes shutters that can be opened to expose the rotor to wind and closed to isolate the rotor from the wind.

15. The wind turbine according to claim 14, characterized in that The louvers are located on opposite sides of the housing so that opposite sides of the rotor can be selectively exposed to wind or isolated from wind.

16. A wind turbine according to any one of claims 14 or 15, characterized in that Also included is a mesh cover located between the louver and the rotor.

17. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, characterised in that Also includes solar cells.

18. A wind turbine according to claim 17 when appended to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that At least one of the louvers includes the solar cell.

19. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, characterised in that A base housing is also included.

20. A wind turbine according to claim 19 when directly or indirectly dependent on any one of claims 7 to 11, characterised in that The base housing is configured to receive at least a portion of the tower.

21. A wind turbine according to claim 20 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 9, characterised in that The rotatable element of the tower is at least partially accommodated within the foundation housing, wherein the other of the at least one magnet and the conductor coil of the other generator is accommodated within the foundation housing and fixed relative to the foundation housing.

22. A wind turbine according to any one of claims 7 to 19 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 9, characterised in that The tower is rotatable relative to the base housing.

23. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, characterised in that Also included is another rotor, the other rotor comprising a hub and at least one blade extending from the hub; the other rotor is configured to rotate when the at least one blade contacts the wind; wherein the other rotor is configured to rotate in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor.

24. A wind turbine according to any preceding claim, characterised in that A brake is also included, and the brake is configured to apply a braking force to the rotor to resist the rotation of the rotor according to the rotation speed of the rotor.

25. A wind turbine according to claim 24 when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 8, characterised in that The brake comprises an electric brake, and the electric energy generated by the rotor hub generator is used to power the electric brake.

26. A funnel-shaped system for directing airflow, comprising: A wind turbine according to any one of claims 1 to 25; Collection tray; as well as At least one outlet is configured to direct air collected by the collection tray.

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