Wind energy collector

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a wind energy collector 10 comprising a carousel platform 12 positionable on a surface 14 and a generator 16. The collector 10 comprises at least one elongate support boom 18, one proximal end 20 of which is pivotally disposed on the carousel platform 12 such that the support boom 18 is oscillatable and which is configured to oscillate to drive the fluid pump 16. The collector 10 further comprises a high lift airfoil 24 rotatably disposed at the distal end 22 of the support boom 18 to be higher than the carousel platform 12 and the surface 14, further comprises an orientation device 26 configured to reverse the airfoil 24 between oscillations to maintain a desired angle of attack of the airfoil 24 with respect to the carousel 12 during such oscillations, and a wind indicator device 28 configured to indicate the orientation of the airfoil 24 with respect to the carousel 12 during such oscillations. And a wind deflector disposed between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 22 of the support boom 18 and configured to correct an angle of attack of the airfoil 24 according to a relative wind direction with respect to the carousel 12. In this way, the oscillation of the support boom enables the collection of wind energy via the generator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of renewable energy, and more specifically to a wind energy harvester for harvesting energy from a fluid, such as wind. BACKGROUND

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to aid in understanding the invention. It will not be considered an admission that any of the material referred to was or is part of the common general knowledge of those working in the field of the invention.

[0003] The concept of harvesting energy from fluid flow, such as wind, water, etc., has been around for centuries, with archaeological evidence showing that water mills were used in Egypt, India, Greece, and other parts of Eurasia as early as the 4th to 3rd centuries BC. Also, the aeolian organ invented by the Greek engineer Hero of Alexandria in the 1st century AD is the earliest known example of a machine driven by a wind wheel; however, wind power has been harnessed since the dawn of sailing.

[0004] Global warming, as well as other ecological and economic issues, such as sustainability and pollution, have prompted an increasing use of renewable energy for electricity, transportation, and even total primary energy supply on a global scale. The main obstacle to the widespread implementation of large-scale renewable energy and low-carbon energy strategies is mainly political rather than technical, and the dependence on renewable energy is rapidly increasing on a global scale. Wind energy, as a replacement for fossil fuels, is abundant, renewable, widely distributed, clean, does not produce greenhouse gas emissions during operation, does not consume large amounts of water resources, and occupies relatively less land.

[0005] Wind energy is a variable renewable energy source, so power management technology is usually needed to match supply and demand. In the past, various different wind energy harvesting devices have been proposed and produced, which have different limitations in terms of manufacturing, operation, maintenance, size constraints, stress, and ability to cope with adverse weather conditions.

[0006] For example, some conventional wind energy harvesters are described in U.S. Patents, including: Grose, 4,470,770; Arnold, 4,184,805; Nassar, 3,995,972; Schwickerath, 2,465,285; Albisu, 1,302,889; McGregor, 1,281,618; Prewitt et al., 1,221,090; Trumble, 276,939; Howland, 258,650; Foskett, 237,851; Armour, 170,326; and Chaplin, 148,927.

[0007] Grose's patent discloses a device comprising self-orienting, elevated, slender cantilevers, pivoted at their center, with a free wing at each end, the free wings being oppositely tiltable with the aid of various control panels. Each wing has independent left and right wing sections, which can be freely adapted to different wind loads, and stackable wing sections, and forward and aft sweep angles. The oscillating motion drives a double-acting hydraulic pump through a wind speed controlled stroke.

[0008] Arnold's patent discloses a device comprising a rotating support and a rudder for orienting the rotating support into the wind and extracting wind energy through a plurality of flapping airfoils.

[0009] Nassar's patent discloses a wing mounted for vertical reciprocating motion, with means for mechanically changing the angle of attack upon reaching each limit position, so as to be urged toward the other limit position.

[0010] Schwickerath's patent discloses a wing mounted at the rear end of a member mounted for vertical oscillation about a transverse pivot axis at its front end. Wind driven means are provided near the pivot axis for directly mechanically controlling the attitude of the wing relative to the oscillating member. The structure orients itself into the wind.

[0011] Albisu's patent discloses an oscillating vertical member with a wing or vane at its rear end. The angle of attack of the wing relative to the member or cantilever is limited between two extremes by structures carried by the member, which constitute physical restraints. The mounting of the wing on the member forces the wing to one of the extremes because the aerodynamic center of forces is located before the wing's pivot point, which causes the angle of attack to diverge until it is stopped by one of the physical restraints.

[0012] McGregor's patent discloses an array of vertical lifting surfaces at the left and right ends of a centrally pivoted cantilever. The patent also provides a device for mechanically reversing the angle of attack of the lifting surfaces upon reaching the limit oscillation positions of the oscillating member.

[0013] Prewitt et al.'s patent discloses a structure similar to Albisu's, except that it discloses an array of vertical lifting surfaces, rather than a single lifting surface.

[0014] Trumble's patent discloses a structure similar to Albisu's, and a device enabling an operator to adjust the limit positions from a remote location during operation.

[0015] Foskett's patent discloses a device that is similar in principle to the structure disclosed in Albisu's patent, with the main difference being the nature of the physical restraints provided.

[0016] Chaplin's patent discloses a centrally pivoting, vertically oscillating member having a lifting surface at both the front and rear ends. The member is provided with a control system such that only one of the lifting surfaces is active at a time.

[0017] Applicants have identified disadvantages of such conventional devices, such as the general reliance on a tower mounted above the ground to avoid airflow turbulence and the need to be exposed to relatively stable airflow not limited by ground structures and variations. As a result, such conventional devices are generally structurally limited in their ability to cope with adverse weather conditions and are heavy and costly to install and maintain.

[0018] For example, conventional wind turbines have structural limitations in terms of the size and area required for the propeller. One fundamental problem with using conventional airfoil sections to generate electricity at low wind speeds is that the lift that can be generated is limited. Furthermore, when the blades are stopped in light wind conditions, they are effectively stalled and require a considerable external power input to continue to rotate when the wind strength increases. Wind turbines also have other disadvantages, such as limitations due to environmental factors such as bird strikes, radio transmission interference, turbulence, etc. Furthermore, prior art devices generally incorporate airfoil sections that are not optimised for light wind conditions, which are the most common weather conditions.

[0019] The conceptual objective of the present invention is to provide a simple, low cost device that has lower mechanical stresses during use, is therefore less limited in its structural dimensions, and is able to simply load match with the available wind strength to achieve constant speed operation, and is able to be placed close to the ground to facilitate installation and maintenance, or to be fixed in extreme weather conditions. SUMMARY

[0020] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that references herein to an "airfoil", in American English, or "aerofoil", in British English, refer generally to any suitable object whose motion through a fluid is capable of generating lift, such as a wing or a sail. Lift on an airfoil is primarily due to its angle of attack, i.e. when the airfoil is oriented at a suitable angle, the airfoil causes the oncoming fluid to be deflected, resulting in a force on the airfoil in the opposite direction of the deflection. For an airfoil, the upper surface generally has a higher fluid velocity and lower static pressure, while the static pressure on the lower surface is relatively higher than on the upper surface. The fluid pressure gradient between the upper and lower surfaces contributes to the lift generated by a particular airfoil.

[0021] The geometry of an airfoil is typically described in terms of a leading edge, which is the point of maximum curvature (smallest radius) at the front of the airfoil, a trailing edge, which is similarly defined as the point of maximum curvature at the back of the airfoil, a chord line, which is a straight line connecting the leading edge and the trailing edge, and a chord, or simply chord, which is the length of the chord line. The shape of an airfoil is typically defined using geometric parameters of the mean camber line, which is the locus of midpoints of the upper and lower surfaces, whose shape is determined by the thickness distribution along the chord. Generally, a high camber airfoil has a high lift coefficient.

[0022] Similarly, it should be understood that references herein to fluids include liquids and / or gases. For example, while preferred embodiments are described as harvesting wind energy, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that harvesting energy from moving fluids is also appropriate and expressly included herein.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wind energy harvester comprising:

[0024] a turntable platform positionable on a surface, and a generator;

[0025] at least one elongated support boom, a proximal end of which is pivotably disposed on the turntable platform such that the support boom is oscillatable, and configured to drive the generator with its oscillation;

[0026] an airfoil rotatably disposed at a distal end of the support boom, above the turntable platform and the surface; and

[0027] a directional device configured to invert the airfoil between oscillations to maintain a desired angle of attack of the airfoil relative to wind passing over the surface during such oscillations,

[0028] wherein the directional device comprises a conversion mechanism comprising a stroke conversion arm connected to the airfoil and configured to be in contact with a roller, the roller operably driving a cam link and an attached cam rotatable with the turntable, the conversion mechanism configured such that when the support boom reaches an apex or nadir of oscillation, the stroke conversion arm inverts the airfoil via a parallelogram linkage, such that oscillation of the support boom is capable of harvesting wind energy via the generator.

[0029] In one embodiment, the turntable comprises a rotating platform configured to support the at least one support boom, airfoil, and directional device on a surface, such as the ground, such that the airfoil is capable of automatically rotating to orient to a wind direction under the influence of the wind.

[0030] In one embodiment, the generator comprises a fluid pump for pumping a fluid, an electromechanical generator, or the like.

[0031] In one embodiment, the fluid pump comprises one or more variable stroke double-acting or single-acting reciprocating fluid pumps for generating fluid pressure under the influence of oscillation of at least one support boom.

[0032] In one embodiment, the electromechanical generator comprises a direct drive generator.

[0033] In one embodiment, the support boom with an airfoil is pivotally balanced on the turntable platform, i.e. arranged in a manner of rotational balance.

[0034] In one embodiment, the at least one elongated support boom is weighted at its proximal end to balance the weight of the airfoil and optionally the weight of the directional device and the wind vane device, thereby facilitating oscillation of the boom.

[0035] In one embodiment, the support boom is arranged to be oscillatable in substantially upward and downward directions relative to the surface.

[0036] In one embodiment, the airfoil comprises a high-lift airfoil with a high camber chord configuration, the airfoil being provided with a stiffened web between its leading edge and trailing edge for rotatable mounting to the distal end of the at least one support boom.

[0037] In one embodiment, the airfoil is mounted to the distal end of the at least one support boom via suitable bearings to facilitate oscillation of the airfoil relative to the at least one support boom.

[0038] In one embodiment, the high-lift airfoil is arranged higher than the turntable to facilitate exposure to wind passing over the surface.

[0039] In one embodiment, the directional device comprises the parallelogram linkage arranged between the airfoil and the support boom and along the support boom and configured to maintain an angle of attack of the airfoil relative to the turntable regardless of the angle of the boom during oscillation.

[0040] In one embodiment, the conversion mechanism is arranged between the turntable platform and the airfoil and configured to invert the airfoil between oscillations to maintain a desired angle of attack of the airfoil relative to the direction of wind incident on its leading edge.

[0041] In one embodiment, the wind energy harvester comprises a wind vane device arranged between the proximal and distal ends of the support boom and configured to correct the angle of attack of the airfoil according to the relative direction of wind incident on the leading edge of the airfoil.

[0042] In one embodiment, the wind vane device is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end of the support boom to reduce the load on the distal end and to keep the wind vane device out of the downwash airflow of the airfoil when in use.

[0043] In one embodiment, the wind vane device includes a wind vane configured to interact with the parallelogram linkage of the conversion mechanism to change the angle of attack of the airfoil in response to a relative wind incident on the leading edge of the airfoil.

[0044] In one embodiment, the directional device includes a support boom stroke adjuster configured to adjust the oscillating stroke distance of the support boom.

[0045] In one embodiment, the support boom stroke adjuster is connected to the parallelogram linkage and wind vane of the conversion mechanism to affect the directional device and set the oscillating stroke distance of the support boom to reduce mechanical loading during airfoil reversal.

[0046] In one embodiment, the support boom stroke adjuster includes two stoppers each effective to stop the oscillating motion of the stroke conversion arm to determine the apex or nadir of the oscillation of the support boom to set the oscillating stroke distance of the support boom.

[0047] In one embodiment, the generator is configured to store the collected wind energy as potential energy, electrochemical energy, etc., such as fluid stored at an elevation and / or fluid stored at a high pressure, charge an electrochemical cell or battery, etc.

[0048] In one embodiment, a fluid pump is configured to use the collected fluid pressure energy to drive a mechanical generator.

[0049] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided a wind energy harvester substantially as herein described and / or illustrated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of one possible embodiment of a wind energy harvester according to aspects of the present application;

[0052] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional schematic view of a wind energy harvester as illustrated;

[0053] Figure 3 is Figure 1 is a side schematic view of one embodiment of a directional and wind vane device of a wind energy harvester as illustrated;

[0054] Figure 4 is Figure 3 is a side view schematic of the directional and wind vane apparatus in use;

[0055] Figure 5 is a side view functional schematic of the high-lift airfoil operating as background;

[0056] Figure 6 is Figure 3 is a close-up view schematic of the conversion mechanism of the directional apparatus;

[0057] Figure 7 is Figure 3 is a functional schematic of the wind vane apparatus in use; and

[0058] Figure 8 is Figure 6 is a schematic of the conversion mechanism during oscillation of the support cantilever of the wind energy harvester. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Further features of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description of several non-limiting embodiments. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention set forth above.

[0060] In the drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the features, mechanisms, and aspects of the example embodiments, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to identify same or similar components. Also, features, mechanisms, and aspects well known in the art and readily apparent from the context are not described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0061] Further, the drawings are not to scale and are merely schematic representations of the functional overview of the present invention. Therefore, the specific features and actual construction details required for the various embodiments can not be explicitly shown in each drawing, but such construction requirements are within the understanding of one skilled in the art.

[0062] Broadly, the present invention provides a wind energy harvester 10 configured to harvest wind energy and convert the harvested energy into other types of energy, such as fluid flow and / or pressure, electrical energy, mechanical energy, etc. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other embodiments can forego the use of fluid pressure and instead convert the harvested energy into mechanical energy, such as direct mechanical drive of an electromechanical generator, etc. In general, the wind energy harvester 10 of the present invention includes a turntable platform 12, at least one elongated support cantilever 18 that supports a high-lift airfoil 24 away from the turntable 12 such that the airfoil is able to oscillate due to wind blowing thereover, and a directional apparatus 26 and a wind vane apparatus 28, both of which are configured to adjust the orientation and / or angle of attack of the airfoil 24 to maximize wind energy harvesting, i.e., lift on the airfoil 24 during oscillation.

[0063] For purposes of background, reference is made to the following prior art Figure 5 One fundamental problem with using conventional airfoil sections to generate power at low wind speeds is that the lift that can be generated is limited. For example, a conventional airplane must reach takeoff speed to generate significant lift, which is one example of such phenomena. Therefore, a high-lift airfoil 24 is proposed that is capable of generating high lift at low wind speeds as part of an energy harvester 10.

[0064] The most common airfoil generates about 2 / 3 of the lift on the top surface, and in fact, an asymmetric airfoil with a high thickness chord ratio can generate all of the lift from the top surface at zero angle of attack. This significant lift enhancement of this particular airfoil shape compared to a conventional airfoil is likely due to the gradual slowing of the downwash velocity on the underside of this airfoil curve.

[0065] In addition, the continuous curve of the top surface will result in a gradual increase in the downwash velocity above the curve, which promotes laminar flow and reduces static pressure. Since the airfoil is constrained, the turbulence created by the convergence of the upper and lower airflows results in a poor lift-drag ratio, which is not a concern for an airplane in flight, and therefore does not need to be of concern. Therefore, the proposed high-lift airfoil 24 is more similar to the airfoil of a fan or blower. Unlike a symmetric conventional airfoil, the angle of attack can be maintained and easily changed at the end of the device stroke, which is not possible with this highly curved high-lift airfoil.

[0066] As Figure 5 shown, reversing the airflow above the airfoil can solve part of the problem. By rotating the section about a predetermined axis shown at 24.1, a change in configuration from an upward stroke (shown in dashed lines) to a downward stroke (shown in solid lines) can be achieved. This rotation of the airfoil 24 is achieved via an orientation device 26 that is configured to reverse the airfoil 24 between oscillations to maintain its desired angle of attack relative to the turntable 12 during such oscillations, as explained in more detail below.

[0067] Referring now to the drawings, one embodiment of a wind energy harvester 10 includes a turntable platform 12 that is positionable on a surface 14, such as the ground, and further includes a generator 16, such as a fluid pump for pumping a fluid, an electromechanical generator, or the like. Other types of generators are possible and are contemplated.

[0068] In one embodiment, the turntable 12 includes a rotating platform that is configured for supporting at least one support boom 18, an airfoil 24, and an orientation device 26 and a wind vane device 28 thereon on a surface 14, such as the ground, so that the airfoil 22 can be automatically oriented to the wind direction under the influence of the wind.

[0069] In one embodiment, the fluid generator 16 comprises one or more variable stroke double-acting or single-acting reciprocating fluid pumps for generating fluid pressure under the oscillatory action of at least one support boom 18. In such embodiments, the fluid generator 16 is generally configured to store the harvested wind energy as high altitude stored fluid potential energy and / or high pressure stored fluid potential energy. Thus, the harvester 10 can be used to generate electricity, first by generating fluid storage at high altitude and / or high pressure.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, the fluid generator 16 is configured to directly use the harvested fluid pressure energy to drive an electromechanical generator, e.g., hydraulic direct drive, direct mechanical drive, etc. of the generator. As noted above, other energy conversion devices can be employed in place of the fluid generator 16, e.g., a gear mechanism to drive a generator, etc. Thus, the term "generator" 16 can denote any suitable device or apparatus for converting or changing the mechanical energy of the oscillation of the support boom 18 into another form of energy, e.g., potential energy, electrochemical energy, mechanical energy, etc.

[0071] The energy harvester 10 comprises at least one elongate support boom 18 having a proximal end 20 pivotably disposed on the turntable platform 12, as shown, such that the support boom 18 is oscillatable, and the support boom 18 and the generator 16 are disposed and configured such that oscillation of the boom 18 drives the generator 16. In the exemplary embodiment, as shown, the harvester 10 comprises three side-by-side elongate booms 18, although variations thereon are possible and contemplated.

[0072] In one embodiment, the at least one elongate support boom 18 is weighted at its proximal end 20 to balance the weight of the airfoil 24 and, optionally, the directional device 26 and the wind vane device 28, to facilitate oscillation of the boom, i.e., the weighted boom arrangement, such that the lift of the airfoil 24 is maximized for energy harvesting. For example, the proximal end 20 can define a suitable water reservoir for containing a volume of water therein to act as a counterweight, etc. Generally, the support boom 18 is disposed oscillatable in substantially upward and downward directions relative to the surface 14, although variations thereon are possible and contemplated.

[0073] The high-lift airfoil 24 is rotatably disposed at a distal end 22 of the support boom 18 so as to be elevated above the turntable platform 12 and the surface 14, as shown. The airfoil 24 is generally elevated above the turntable or slightly above the turntable so as to expose the airfoil to the wind passing over the surface and to minimize interference and turbulence caused by the turntable 12 and other surface structures.

[0074] Generally, as previously described, the high-lift airfoil 24 includes a high camber chord configuration with a stiffened web 30 disposed between a leading edge and a trailing edge thereof, rotatably mounted to the distal end 22 of the at least one support boom 18. In one embodiment, the airfoil 24 is mounted to the distal end 22 of the at least one support boom 18 via suitable bearings (not shown) to facilitate oscillation of the airfoil 24 relative to the at least one support boom 18, i.e., to minimize frictional losses.

[0075] The directional device 26 is generally configured to counter-rotate the airfoil 24 between oscillations to maintain a desired angle of attack of the airfoil 24 relative to the turntable 12 during such oscillations. In one embodiment, the directional device 26 includes a parallelogram linkage 32 disposed between the airfoil 24 and the support boom 18 and along the support boom 18 and configured to maintain the angle of attack of the airfoil 24 relative to the turntable 12 during oscillations regardless of the angle of the support boom 18. For example, the directional device 26 is configured to change the angle of the airfoil 24 via the parallelogram linkage 32 to perform climb and descent oscillations. In this manner, the parallelogram linkage 32 is able to maintain a substantially constant angle of the airfoil relative to the horizontal regardless of the angle of the support boom 18.

[0076] In one embodiment, the directional device 32 includes a conversion mechanism 34 disposed between the turntable platform 12 and the airfoil 24 and configured to counter-rotate the airfoil 24 between oscillations to maintain a desired angle of attack of the airfoil 24 relative to the turntable 12. As Figure 6 More clearly shown, in one embodiment, the conversion mechanism 34 includes a travel conversion arm 36 connected to the airfoil 24 and disposed in contact with a roller 38, the roller 38 operable to advance a cam linkage 40 and an attached cam 42 rotatable with the turntable 12, the conversion mechanism 34 configured such that when the support boom 18 reaches an apex or nadir of an oscillation, the travel conversion arm 36 counter-rotates the airfoil 24 via the parallelogram linkage 32.

[0077] The energy harvester 10 also generally includes a wind vane device 28 disposed between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 22 of the support boom 18 and configured to correct the angle of attack of the airfoil 24 according to a relative wind direction relative to the turntable 12. Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 7 Operation of the wind vane device 28 is more clearly shown.

[0078] In one embodiment, a vane device 28 is disposed between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 22 of the support boom 18 to reduce the load on the distal end 22 and to keep the vane device 28 out of the downwash airflow of the airfoil 24 when in use. In one embodiment, the vane device 28 includes a vane 44 configured to interact with the parallelogram linkage 32 of the directional device 26 to change the angle of attack of the airfoil 24 in response to a relative wind direction incident to the leading edge of the airfoil 24.

[0079] In one embodiment, the directional device 26 further includes a support boom stroke adjuster 46 configured to adjust the oscillation stroke distance of the support boom 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the support boom stroke adjuster 46 is connected with the parallelogram linkage 32 of the conversion mechanism 34 and the vane device 28 to affect the directional device 26 and set the oscillation stroke distance of the support boom 18, typically to reduce mechanical loading during airfoil 24 reversal. In an exemplary embodiment, the support boom stroke adjuster 46 includes two stops, each effective to stop the oscillation motion of the stroke conversion arm 36, thereby effectively determining the top or bottom of the oscillation of the support boom 18, and thereby setting the oscillation stroke distance of the support boom 18. Of course, variations in this regard are possible and contemplated, but would be within the scope of mechanical equivalents.

[0080] Reference is now made to the drawings wherein Figure 8 wherein the progressive operation of the collector 10 during oscillation is shown exemplarily, the sequence being shown from left to right and down in a conventional reading notation. The various moving parts of the collector 10 perform the conversion of the airfoil angle in sequence over the full oscillation cycle of the boom 18. White arrows indicate relatively large movements, while black small arrows indicate relatively small movements. First, the stroke conversion arm 36 comes into contact with the lower roller 38, which advances the cam linkage 40 and attached cam 42 toward instability, the cam 42 moving rapidly past the point of stability. Both cams 42 rotate, and the "lower" cam 42 comes into contact with the cam roller 38 on the conversion bar 34.

[0081] The conversion lever 34 and airfoil 24 connected via the parallelogram linkage 32 rotate under the weight and momentum of the cam 42. This reaction force is translated by the swing arm / travel conversion arm 36 to rotate approximately 1 degree. Subsequently, the downstroke begins and the conversion lever and attached airfoil 24 have completed rotation into the downstroke position, the down cam 42 rests on the cam limit stop, and the airfoil 24 descends. When the airfoil 24 is nearly at the bottom or lowest point of its travel, the travel conversion arm contacts the "up" roller, propelling the cam linkage 40 and attached cam 42 to become unstable. As mentioned above, the support swing arm travel adjuster 46 can be used to limit the range of oscillatory motion of the travel conversion arm 36, effectively determining the apex or lowest point of oscillation of the support swing arm 18, i.e., setting the oscillatory travel distance of the support swing arm 18.

[0082] The cam 42 contacts the "up" cam after the conversion lever 34 contacts the cam roller 38 on the conversion lever. The cam 42 continues to move, the "up" cam rotating the conversion lever 34 and its attached airfoil 24. The conversion lever and attached airfoil 24 rotate to the "up" orientation, at which point the upstroke can begin. The conversion mechanism 34 remains stationary until the airfoil 24 approaches the top of travel, at which point the cycle repeats. The cam 42 can also be configured to be actuated or driven by the travel conversion arm 36, which can facilitate power-up of the energy harvester 10 when wind speeds reach a suitable level. Of course, variations of this operational mechanism (e.g., single cam) are possible and contemplated.

[0083] In this manner, wind energy can be harvested via the generator 16, e.g., stored as fluid pressure potential energy, or used directly as a fluid pressure energy source, e.g., a hydraulically actuated generator, a directly mechanically actuated generator, a directly driven mechanical generator, etc.

[0084] Applicant believes that the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it provides a simple, low cost harvester 10 with relatively low mechanical stresses during use, thus reducing the constraints on its structural dimensions. In particular, the harvester 10 provides a high-lift airfoil 24 and an orientation device 26 configured to reverse the airfoil between oscillations to maintain a desired angle of attack of the airfoil relative to the wind across the surface during oscillation. The harvester 10 can also include a simple load matched to the available wind strength to achieve constant speed operation, and can be placed close to the ground for ease of installation and maintenance, or secured in extreme weather.

[0085] Alternative embodiments of the application can also be described broadly as comprising one or more components, elements, and features in combination with other components, elements or features where the description is specifically under separate headings. The description herein of any particular aspect or embodiment as comprising one or more components, elements, and features in combination with other components, elements or features is taken to additionally mean that the aspect or embodiment can be implemented with one or more of those components, elements, and features alone or in any combination with one or more of the other components, elements or features. In example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not necessarily described in great detail.

[0086] In the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter), the terms "a," "an," "the," and / or "said" are to be construed to cover both singular as well as plural referents unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to") unless otherwise noted. The term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter not essential to the practice of the invention.

[0087] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inner," "outer," "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, can be used herein for the purpose of describing the orientation of one element or feature relative to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms can encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0088] It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Accordingly, the use of "including" and "comprising" and variations thereof herein is intended to be broad and encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" and variations thereof, subject to any limitations specifically indicated or otherwise clear from the context.

[0089] Accordingly, an example can illustrate certain aspects of the application, while other aspects are illustrated by different examples. These examples are intended to help one of ordinary skill in the art to implement the application and are not intended in any way to limit the overall scope of the application unless the context expressly dictates otherwise. Variations (e.g., modifications and / or enhancements) to one or more embodiments described herein can become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description herein. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to embrace all such variations as appropriately claimed.

Claims

1. A wind energy collector, comprising: A turntable platform that can be positioned on a surface, and a generator; At least one elongated support cantilever, one proximal end of which is pivotally disposed on the turntable platform such that the support cantilever is oscillating and configured to drive the generator by oscillating; An airfoil, rotatably disposed at the distal end of the support cantilever, above the turntable platform and the surface; as well as A directional device configured to reverse the airfoil between oscillations in order to maintain the desired angle of attack of the airfoil relative to the wind passing over the surface during such oscillations. The orientation device includes a conversion mechanism comprising a stroke conversion arm connected to the airfoil and configured to contact a roller. The roller operably advances a cam link and an attached cam that can rotate rapidly with a turntable. The conversion mechanism is configured such that when the support cantilever reaches the peak or trough of oscillation, the stroke conversion arm reverses the airfoil via a parallelogram link, allowing the oscillation of the support cantilever to collect wind energy via the generator.

2. The wind energy harvester according to claim 1, wherein, The turntable includes a rotating platform configured to support the at least one support cantilever, airfoil, and orientation device on a surface such as the ground, such that the airfoil can automatically rotate and orient itself to the wind direction under the influence of wind.

3. The wind energy harvester according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The generator includes fluid pumps, electromechanical generators, etc., for pumping fluids.

4. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The airfoil-shaped support cantilever is pivotally balanced on the turntable platform, i.e., arranged in a rotationally balanced manner.

5. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The at least one elongated support cantilever is weighted at its proximal end to balance the weight of the airfoil and optionally the weight of the orientation device and the weathervane device, thereby promoting the oscillation of the cantilever.

6. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The support cantilever is configured to oscillate relative to the surface in a substantially upward and downward direction.

7. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The airfoil includes a high-lift airfoil with a high camber chord configuration, and a reinforcing web is provided between the leading and trailing edges of the airfoil for rotatable mounting to the distal end of the at least one supporting cantilever.

8. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The airfoil is mounted to the distal end of the at least one support cantilever via a suitable bearing to promote oscillation of the airfoil relative to the at least one support cantilever.

9. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The airfoil is configured to be higher than the turntable to facilitate exposure to wind passing over the surface.

10. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The orientation device includes the parallelogram link disposed between the airfoil and the support cantilever, and along the support cantilever, and is configured to maintain the angle of attack of the airfoil relative to the turntable during oscillation, regardless of the angle of the cantilever.

11. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The conversion mechanism is disposed between the turntable platform and the airfoil and is configured to reverse the airfoil between oscillations to maintain the desired angle of attack of the airfoil relative to the wind direction incident on its leading edge.

12. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The wind energy collector includes a wind vane device disposed between the near and far ends of the support cantilever and configured to correct the angle of attack of the airfoil based on the relative wind direction incident on the leading edge of the airfoil.

13. The wind energy harvester according to claim 12, wherein, The wind vane device is positioned between the near and far ends of the support cantilever to reduce the load on the far end and to keep the wind vane device unaffected by the airfoil downwash during use.

14. The wind energy harvester according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The wind vane device includes a wind vane configured to interact with a parallelogram link of the conversion mechanism to change the angle of attack of the airfoil according to the relative wind direction incident on the leading edge of the airfoil.

15. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The orientation device includes a support cantilever stroke adjuster configured to adjust the oscillation stroke distance of the support cantilever.

16. The wind energy harvester according to claim 15, wherein, The support cantilever stroke adjuster is connected to the parallelogram link and wind vane of the conversion mechanism to influence the orientation device and set the oscillation stroke distance of the support cantilever, thereby reducing the mechanical load during the airfoil reversal.

17. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, The support cantilever stroke adjuster includes two obstructors, each of which effectively obstructs the oscillating motion of the stroke adjustment arm to determine the peak or trough of the support cantilever oscillation, thereby setting the oscillation stroke distance of the support cantilever.

18. The wind energy harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein, The generator is configured to store the collected wind energy as potential energy and / or electrochemical energy.

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