Vertical axis wind turbine with double hub blade sets capable of rotating in same direction

Abstract

The invention discloses a vertical-axis wind turbine with double hub blade sets capable of rotating in the same direction. The vertical-axis wind turbine comprises a differential transmission system at the top of a tower, the double hub blade sets, a universal transmission shaft vertically arranged in the tower, and a gearbox and a generator at the bottom. The differential converts horizontal rotation of the blade set into anticlockwise rotation of the vertical output shaft, and the generator is driven through the transmission system. The advantages of a horizontal shaft and a vertical shaft are integrated, the blade length is shortened by 20%-35% under the same power, the tower height is reduced by 20%-25%, the maintenance convenience and the land utilization rate are improved, and the wind turbine is suitable for low-wind-speed areas and compact wind power plants.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind power generation technology, specifically to a vertical axis wind turbine with dual hub blade assemblies that can rotate in the same direction. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines, based on their basic functions, generally consist of a wind-collecting blade system, a main shaft drive system, a generator system, and a tower support system. According to the generator's orientation, they can be divided into horizontal-axis wind turbines and vertical-axis wind turbines. Horizontal-axis wind turbines mostly use a single drive shaft with three or two blades and a horizontally arranged generator. Vertical-axis wind turbines use multi-faceted blade structures and a vertically arranged drive shaft and generator. Traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines employ technologies such as blade pitch control, main unit yaw, and high-power generators, offering advantages such as high aerodynamic efficiency, strong adaptability, and large-scale power output. Their technology and industry chains are mature, making them the mainstream commercial model. However, compared to vertical-axis wind turbines, they have disadvantages such as a more complex structural system, sensitivity to turbulence, requirement for high starting wind speeds, higher noise levels, higher tower height, longer blade length, higher maintenance costs, larger footprint, and higher transportation costs. Traditional vertical-axis wind turbines employ technologies such as multi-faceted blade structures, vertical-axis drive trains and gearboxes, and ground-mountable generators. They offer advantages such as simple structure, strong adaptability to low wind speeds, low noise, and ease of maintenance. However, compared to horizontal-axis wind turbines, they suffer from disadvantages such as lower aerodynamic efficiency and difficulty in scaling up power output. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the technical problems existing in the operation of horizontal-axis and vertical-axis wind turbines in the prior art, this invention provides a vertical-axis wind turbine with dual-hub blades that can rotate in the same direction. This addresses the technical challenges of reducing tower height, shortening blade length, and lowering costs while maintaining the same power output. The vertical-axis wind turbine with dual-hub blades that can rotate in the same direction proposed in this invention utilizes the advantages of traditional horizontal-axis and vertical-axis generators while avoiding their respective disadvantages.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: A vertical axis wind turbine with dual hub blade assemblies that can rotate in the same direction includes a differential drive system, a right hub blade assembly, a left hub blade assembly, a tower, a universal joint drive shaft, a gearbox system, and a generator system. The differential drive system is mounted on the top of the tower, which is mounted on a foundation base. The left hub blade assembly is connected to the left horizontal input shaft of the differential drive system, and the right hub blade assembly is connected to the right horizontal input shaft of the differential drive system. The vertical output shaft of the differential drive system is connected to the top of the universal joint drive shaft. The universal joint drive shaft is connected to the gearbox system, and the gearbox system is connected to the generator system.

[0005] The aforementioned differential converts the horizontal rotation of the blade assembly into counter-clockwise rotation of the vertical output shaft, which drives the generator via the transmission system. This invention combines the advantages of both horizontal and vertical axes, shortening blade length by 20%-35% and reducing tower height by 20%-25% while maintaining the same power output. It also improves maintenance convenience and land utilization, making it suitable for low-wind-speed areas and compact wind farms.

[0006] As a further technical solution, the differential transmission system includes a left horizontal input half-shaft, a right horizontal input half-shaft, a vertical output shaft, a left half-shaft brake, a right half-shaft brake, a ring gear, a planetary gear, and a housing. The left half-shaft brake and the right half-shaft brake are independently mounted on the housing. The left half-shaft brake controls the rotation and braking of the left horizontal input half-shaft, and the right half-shaft brake controls the rotation and braking of the right horizontal input half-shaft. The planetary gear meshes with the left half-shaft gear and the right half-shaft gear. The planetary gear and the ring gear are connected through bearings. The ring gear meshes with the output gear, and the output gear is connected to the vertical output shaft. The left half-shaft gear is connected to the left horizontal input half-shaft, and the right half-shaft gear is connected to the left horizontal input half-shaft.

[0007] As a further technical solution, the left horizontal input half-shaft and the right horizontal input shaft are arranged horizontally within the housing via bearings.

[0008] As a further technical solution, the left horizontal input half-shaft, the ring gear, and the right horizontal input half-shaft are arranged in a horizontal direction and connected to the housing through one or more sets of bearings.

[0009] As a further technical solution, the vertical output shaft is arranged in a vertical direction and connected to the housing through one or more sets of bearings.

[0010] As a further technical solution, the blades of the left hub blade group are upwind blades, and the blades of the right hub blade group are downwind blades.

[0011] As a further technical solution, the blades of the left hub blade group are downwind blades, and the blades of the right hub blade group are upwind blades.

[0012] As a further technical solution, the blade group adopts 2 to 3 blades.

[0013] As a further technical solution, the number, structure, and length parameters of the left and right blade groups can be combined in different ways according to the wind turbine power and tower height.

[0014] As a further technical solution, the gearbox system and generator system are arranged vertically inside the tower.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: This invention discloses a vertical-axis wind turbine generator employing differential technology with dual-hub blade assemblies. The differential converts the horizontal rotation of the blade assemblies into counter-clockwise rotation of the vertical output shaft, which drives the generator via a transmission system. This invention combines the advantages of both horizontal and vertical axes, simultaneously featuring two rotating left and right hub blade assemblies to improve wind energy utilization. It can shorten blade length by 20%-35% and reduce tower height by 20%-25% while maintaining the same power output, while also improving maintenance convenience and land utilization. It is suitable for low-wind-speed areas and compact wind farms. Furthermore, the vertical output shaft and universal joint drive shaft technology allow the gearbox system and generator system to be positioned close to the foundation for easy maintenance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the differential transmission system of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1 In the middle section: 1. Differential transmission system; 2. Right wheel hub blade assembly; 3. Left wheel hub blade assembly; 4. Tower; 5. Universal joint drive shaft; 6. Gearbox system; 7. Generator system; 8. Ground foundation; 11. Left horizontal input shaft; 12. Housing; 13. Left half-shaft brake; 14. Ring gear; 15. Planetary gear; 16. Right half-shaft brake; 17. Right horizontal input shaft; 18. Output gear; 19. Left half-shaft gear; 20. Right half-shaft gear; 21. Vertical output shaft; Detailed Implementation It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0019] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, unless otherwise expressly indicated by the invention, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof. For ease of description, the words "up," "down," "left," and "right" appearing in this invention only indicate that they are consistent with the up, down, left, and right directions of the accompanying drawings themselves, and do not limit the structure. They are merely for the purpose of facilitating the description of this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are only some, not all, of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. To demonstrate the inventiveness of the invention... To address the technical problems existing in the prior art, this invention discloses a vertical axis wind turbine with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction using differential technology. Specifically, it is a vertical axis wind turbine with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction, which achieves coordinated operation of the horizontal axis blade assembly and the vertical axis transmission system through differential coupling with a universal joint. It is particularly suitable for application scenarios that improve wind energy utilization and reduce tower height and blade length.

[0021] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 One embodiment of the present invention is as follows: This embodiment discloses a vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blade groups that can rotate in the same direction using differential technology, including a differential transmission system 1, a tower 4, a left hub blade group 3, a right hub blade group 2, a universal drive shaft 5, a gearbox system 6, and a generator system 7. The differential transmission system 1 is installed on the top of the tower 4, which is installed on the bottom foundation. The left wheel hub blade assembly 3 is connected to the left horizontal input shaft of the differential transmission system 1, and the right wheel hub blade assembly is connected to the right horizontal input shaft of the differential transmission system 1. The vertical output shaft in the differential transmission system 1 is connected to the top of the universal joint drive shaft 5. The universal joint drive shaft 5 is connected to the gearbox system 6, and the gearbox system 6 is connected to the generator system 7.

[0022] Specifically, the differential drive system 1 is bolted to the top of the tower 4, and the bottom of the tower 4 is mounted on the bottom base 8; the left hub blade assembly 3 is bolted to the left horizontal input shaft 11 of the differential drive system; the right hub blade assembly 2 is bolted to the right horizontal input shaft 17 of the differential drive system via flange bolts with a pitch system; the vertical output shaft 18 in the differential drive system 1 is connected to the top of the universal joint drive shaft 5; the universal joint drive shaft 5 is installed in the internal cavity of the tower 4, and the bottom of the universal joint drive shaft 5 is connected to the gearbox system 6, which is connected to the generator system 7; the gearbox system 6 and the generator system 7 are installed at the bottom of the tower.

[0023] Furthermore, the number of blades in the left hub blade group 3 and the right hub blade group 2 is usually 3 blades, but it can also be 2 blades. The number and length of blades can be optimized according to the power of the wind turbine generator, the installation location, the wind speed, etc.

[0024] Furthermore, the right hub blade assembly 2 and the left hub blade assembly 3 rotate in the same direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise simultaneously. When the right hub blade assembly 2 is designed as an upwind blade, the left hub blade assembly 3 is designed as a downwind blade. Alternatively, the right hub blade assembly 2 can be designed as a downwind blade, and the left hub blade assembly 3 as an upwind blade. This embodiment describes the process with the right hub blade assembly 2 as an upwind blade.

[0025] Furthermore, the differential transmission system 1 in this embodiment includes: a left horizontal input half-shaft 11, a housing 12, a left half-shaft brake 13, a ring gear 14, a planetary gear 15, a right half-shaft brake 16, a right horizontal input shaft 17, an output gear 18, a left half-shaft gear 19, a right half-shaft gear 20, and a vertical output shaft 21. The left half-shaft brake 13 and the right half-shaft brake 16 are independently mounted on the housing 12. The left half-shaft brake 13 controls the rotation and braking of the left horizontal input half-shaft 11, and the right half-shaft brake 16 controls the rotation and braking of the right horizontal input half-shaft 17. There are two planetary gears 15, both of which mesh with the left half-shaft gear 19 and the right half-shaft gear 20. The two planetary gears 15 are connected to a ring gear 14 through bearings. The rotation axis of the ring gear 14 is a vertically arranged axis. The ring gear 14 meshes with the output gear 18, which is connected to the vertical output shaft 21. The left half-shaft gear 19 is connected to the left horizontal input half-shaft 11, and the right half-shaft gear 20 is connected to the left horizontal input half-shaft 17. The left horizontal input half-shaft 11, the ring gear 14, and the right horizontal input half-shaft 17 of the differential transmission system 1 are connected to the housing 12 in a horizontal arrangement through one or more sets of bearings. The vertical output shaft 18 is connected to the housing 12 via one or more sets of bearings, arranged vertically. The planetary gears 15 of the differential transmission system 1 are mounted inside the ring gear 14 via bearings. The meshing tooth surfaces of the gears in the differential transmission system 1 are spatial curved surfaces, or other tooth surface shapes may be used.

[0026] The working principle of this embodiment is as follows: When wind blows towards the right hub blade assembly 2 and the left hub blade assembly 3, causing the blades to rotate clockwise, this drives the left horizontal input shaft 11 and the right horizontal input shaft 17 to rotate the ring gear 14 clockwise. The ring gear 14, through gear meshing, drives the vertical output shaft 18 to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn drives the generator system 7 to rotate and generate electricity via the universal joint drive shaft 5 and the gearbox system 6. When the wind speed is too high, the left half-shaft brake 13 and the right half-shaft brake 16 are activated to brake and park the left and right horizontal input shafts.

[0027] This embodiment proposes a vertical-axis wind turbine generator employing differential technology with dual-hub blade assemblies. The differential converts the horizontal rotation of the blade assemblies into counter-clockwise rotation of the vertical output shaft, which drives the generator via a transmission system. This invention combines the advantages of both horizontal and vertical axes, simultaneously featuring two rotating left and right hub blade assemblies to improve wind energy utilization. It can shorten blade length by 20%-35% and reduce tower height by 20%-25% at the same power output, while also improving maintenance convenience and land utilization. It is suitable for low-wind-speed areas and compact wind farms. Furthermore, the vertical output shaft and universal drive shaft technology allow the gearbox system and generator system to be positioned close to the foundation for easy maintenance.

[0028] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vertical-axis wind turbine with dual hub blade assemblies that can rotate in the same direction, characterized in that, The system includes a differential drive system, a right wheel hub blade assembly, a left wheel hub blade assembly, a tower, a universal joint drive shaft, a gearbox system, and a generator system. The differential drive system is mounted on top of the tower, which is mounted on a foundation base. The left wheel hub blade assembly is connected to the left horizontal input shaft of the differential drive system, and the right wheel hub blade assembly is connected to the right horizontal input shaft of the differential drive system. The vertical output shaft of the differential drive system is connected to the top of the universal joint drive shaft, which is connected to the gearbox system. The gearbox system is connected to the generator system.

2. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The differential transmission system includes a left horizontal input half-shaft, a right horizontal input half-shaft, a vertical output shaft, a left half-shaft brake, a right half-shaft brake, a ring gear, a planetary gear, and a housing. The left and right half-shaft brakes are independently mounted on the housing. The left half-shaft brake controls the rotation and braking of the left horizontal input half-shaft, and the right half-shaft brake controls the rotation and braking of the right horizontal input half-shaft. The planetary gear meshes with the left and right half-shaft gears. The planetary gear and the ring gear are connected via bearings. The ring gear meshes with the output gear, and the output gear is connected to the vertical output shaft. The left half-shaft gear is connected to the left horizontal input half-shaft, and the right half-shaft gear is connected to the left horizontal input half-shaft.

3. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction according to claim 2, characterized in that, The left horizontal input half-shaft and the right horizontal input shaft are arranged horizontally within the housing via bearings.

4. The vertical axis wind turbine with dual hub blade assemblies capable of rotating in the same direction as described in claim 2. Its features are, The left horizontal input half-shaft, the ring gear, and the right horizontal input half-shaft are arranged in a horizontal direction and connected to the housing through one or more sets of bearings.

5. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with co-rotating double-hub blade assembly according to claim 2, wherein... The feature is that the vertical output shaft is arranged in a vertical direction and is connected to the housing through one or more sets of bearings.

6. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blades of the left hub blade group are upwind blades, and the blades of the right hub blade group are downwind blades.

7. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blades of the left hub blade group are downwind blades, and the blades of the right hub blade group are upwind blades.

8. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The blade group described uses 2 to 3 blades.

9. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number, structure, and length parameters of the left and right blade groups can be combined in different ways depending on the wind turbine power and tower height.

10. The vertical axis wind turbine generator with dual hub blades that can rotate in the same direction according to claim 1. Its features are, The gearbox system and generator system are arranged vertically inside the tower.

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