Wind turbine arrangement, method for delivering air to impeller of wind turbine arrangement and system for generating electrical energy

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a wind turbine arrangement (200). The device (200) comprises an inlet (202), the inlet (202) comprising: a receiving section (204) adapted to receive air in a first direction (110); and a convergent section (206), disposed after and downstream of the receiving section (204), adapted to receive the air and direct the air in a second direction (112). The convergent section (206) is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from the first end (208) of the convergent section (206) to the second end (210) of the convergent section (206). The device (200) further comprises an impeller (212) disposed downstream of the inlet (202) in the second direction (112) and adapted to receive air from the convergent section (206). The received air impacts the impeller (212) to effect rotation of the impeller (212).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the operation of wind turbines. In particular, this disclosure relates to improving the operating efficiency of wind turbines. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a wind turbine installation that can be easily installed in the field. Background Technology

[0002] The background description includes information that may be used to understand the invention. It does not acknowledge that any information provided herein is prior art or related to the currently claimed invention, or that any publication explicitly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] In areas such as residential areas, cities, and suburbs, wind speeds are typically low. Furthermore, due to limited space availability, such areas may not be feasible for open-blade wind power systems. For large-capacity systems, horizontal-axis turbines with exposed blades can be installed at heights greater than 80 meters. For smaller capacities, the same system can be scaled down for use. However, such systems may not be suitable at low wind speeds and may not operate safely due to the open rotating blades. Similarly, vertical-axis turbines may not be able to scale down to increase power output and may present maintenance challenges due to unbalanced wind loads on their rotors.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a wind power generation device that can be used in areas with low inlet wind speeds and operate safely. Purpose of the invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a wind turbine device that operates with improved efficiency.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine device that can operate at low wind speeds and varying speeds.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine device that can operate by wind flowing in any direction.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine device that can be easily installed on site.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact wind turbine device.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for generating electrical energy, the system comprising one or more wind turbine units stacked on top of each other.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a scalable system for generating electrical energy. Summary of the Invention

[0012] This disclosure generally relates to the operation of wind turbines. In particular, this disclosure relates to improving the operating efficiency of wind turbines. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a wind turbine installation that can be easily installed in the field.

[0013] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a wind turbine apparatus. The wind turbine apparatus includes an inlet. The inlet includes a receiving section adapted to receive air along a first direction of the wind turbine apparatus. The inlet also includes a converging section disposed downstream of the receiving section. The converging section is adapted to receive air and guide air along a second direction of the wind turbine apparatus. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end to a second end of the converging section. The wind turbine apparatus also includes an impeller disposed downstream of the inlet along the second direction. The impeller is adapted to receive air from the converging section. The received air impinges on the impeller to achieve rotation of the impeller.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly further includes an outlet located downstream of the impeller and adapted to allow air to be discharged from the impeller from the wind turbine assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, the receiving segment has a first cross-sectional area. The converging segment has a tapered profile that changes from the first cross-sectional area at a first end of the converging segment to a second cross-sectional area at a second end of the converging segment that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional area is defined as a function of the height of the receiving segment along the second direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly further includes an actuator operable to change the height of the receiving section by moving the top wall of the inlet.

[0018] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly includes a shaft coupled to an impeller. The shaft is adapted to transmit rotational motion generated by the impeller.

[0019] In some embodiments, the shaft is adapted to be coupled to a generator. The generator is configured to generate electrical energy based on the rotational motion of the shaft.

[0020] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly is adapted to be mounted on a mounting structure. The mounting structure is a rod.

[0021] In some embodiments, the mounting structure is adapted to accommodate one or more wind turbine units.

[0022] In some embodiments, the impeller is either an axial flow impeller or a tangential flow impeller.

[0023] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides a method for delivering air to the impeller of a wind turbine assembly. The method includes providing an inlet. The inlet includes a receiving section adapted to receive air along a first direction of the wind turbine assembly. The inlet also includes a converging section disposed after and downstream of the receiving section. The converging section is adapted to receive air and guide air along a second direction of the wind turbine assembly. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end to a second end of the converging section. The method further includes guiding air received through the receiving section to the converging section via the receiving section of the inlet. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves through it. The method further includes guiding air from the converging section toward the impeller to allow the received air to impinge on the impeller, thereby causing rotation of the impeller.

[0024] In a third aspect, this disclosure provides a system for generating electrical energy. The system includes one or more wind turbine units stacked on a mounting structure along a second direction. Each of the one or more wind turbine units includes an inlet. The inlet includes a receiving section adapted to receive air along a first direction of the wind turbine unit. The inlet also includes a converging section disposed after and downstream of the receiving section. The converging section is adapted to receive air and guide air along the second direction of the wind turbine unit. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end to a second end of the converging section. Each of the one or more wind turbine units also includes an impeller disposed downstream of the inlet along the second direction and adapted to receive air from the converging section. The received air impinges on the impeller to achieve rotation of the impeller. The system also includes at least one generator coupled to the one or more wind turbine units and configured to generate electrical energy based on the rotational motion of a corresponding impeller of the one or more wind turbine units.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system further includes a central shaft coupled to one or more rotors of a respective wind turbine unit. At least one generator is coupled to the central shaft.

[0026] In some embodiments, at least one generator includes one or more generators. Each of the one or more generators is coupled to a corresponding wind turbine unit.

[0027] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and from the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0029] Figure 1A A schematic cross-sectional view of a system for generating electrical energy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view of a system for generating electrical energy according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a single wind turbine unit of the system of FIG1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 3 An embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for conveying air to FIG1 and / or Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of a method for manufacturing the impeller of a wind turbine device;

[0033] Figure 4A An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a wind turbine assembly is shown, the wind turbine assembly having a first value for a first cross-sectional area for its inlet;

[0034] Figure 4B An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a wind turbine assembly is shown, the assembly having a second value for a first cross-sectional area for its inlet; and

[0035] Figure 4C An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of a wind turbine assembly is shown, which has a third value for a first cross-sectional area for its inlet. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are so detailed as to clearly convey the present disclosure. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit contemplative variations of the embodiments; rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] In a first aspect, this disclosure provides a wind turbine apparatus. The wind turbine apparatus includes an inlet. The inlet includes a receiving section adapted to receive air along a first direction of the wind turbine apparatus. The inlet also includes a converging section disposed downstream of the receiving section. The converging section is adapted to receive air and guide air along a second direction of the wind turbine apparatus. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end to a second end of the converging section. The wind turbine apparatus also includes an impeller disposed downstream of the inlet along the second direction. The impeller is adapted to receive air from the converging section. The received air impinges on the impeller to achieve rotation of the impeller.

[0038] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly further includes an outlet located downstream of the impeller and adapted to allow air to be discharged from the impeller from the wind turbine assembly.

[0039] In some embodiments, the receiving segment has a first cross-sectional area. The converging segment has a tapered profile that changes from the first cross-sectional area at a first end of the converging segment to a second cross-sectional area at a second end of the converging segment that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional area is defined as a function of the height of the receiving segment along the second direction.

[0041] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly further includes an actuator operable to change the height of the receiving section by moving the top wall of the inlet.

[0042] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly includes a shaft coupled to an impeller. The shaft is adapted to transmit rotational motion generated by the impeller.

[0043] In some embodiments, the shaft is adapted to be coupled to a generator. The generator is configured to generate electrical energy based on the rotational motion of the shaft.

[0044] In some embodiments, the wind turbine assembly is adapted to be mounted on a mounting structure. The mounting structure is a rod.

[0045] In some embodiments, the mounting structure is adapted to accommodate one or more wind turbine units.

[0046] In some embodiments, the impeller is either an axial flow impeller or a tangential flow impeller.

[0047] In a second aspect, this disclosure provides a method for delivering air to the impeller of a wind turbine assembly. The method includes providing an inlet. The inlet includes a receiving section adapted to receive air along a first direction of the wind turbine assembly. The inlet also includes a converging section disposed after and downstream of the receiving section. The converging section is adapted to receive air and guide air along a second direction of the wind turbine assembly. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end to a second end of the converging section. The method further includes guiding air received through the receiving section to the converging section via the receiving section of the inlet. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves through it. The method further includes guiding air from the converging section toward the impeller to allow the received air to impinge on the impeller, thereby causing rotation of the impeller.

[0048] In a third aspect, this disclosure provides a system for generating electrical energy. The system includes one or more wind turbine units stacked on a mounting structure along a second direction. Each of the one or more wind turbine units includes an inlet. The inlet includes a receiving section adapted to receive air along a first direction of the wind turbine unit. The inlet also includes a converging section disposed after and downstream of the receiving section. The converging section is adapted to receive air and guide air along the second direction of the wind turbine unit. The converging section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end to a second end of the converging section. Each of the one or more wind turbine units also includes an impeller disposed downstream of the inlet along the second direction and adapted to receive air from the converging section. The received air impinges on the impeller to achieve rotation of the impeller. The system also includes at least one generator coupled to the one or more wind turbine units and configured to generate electrical energy based on the rotational motion of a corresponding impeller of the one or more wind turbine units.

[0049] In some embodiments, the system further includes a central shaft coupled to one or more rotors of a respective wind turbine unit. At least one generator is coupled to the central shaft.

[0050] In some embodiments, at least one generator includes one or more generators. Each of the one or more generators is coupled to a corresponding wind turbine unit.

[0051] Figure 1AA schematic cross-sectional view of a system 100 for generating electrical energy according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. System 100 may be defined along a first direction 110 and a second direction 112. The second direction 112 may be substantially orthogonal to the first direction 110. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first direction 110 may be horizontal, while the second direction 112 may be vertical. System 100 may include one or more wind turbine units 200-1, 200-2…200-N. The one or more wind turbine units 200-1, 200-2…200-N may be individually and / or collectively referred to as “unit 200”. Units 200 may be stacked one on top of another and mounted on a mounting structure 102. In other words, units 200 may be stacked on the mounting structure 102 along the second direction 112 defined for system 100. In some embodiments, the mounting structure 102 may be a rod.

[0052] System 100 may also include a central axis (not shown). In some embodiments, the central axis may be a single axis coupled to each of the devices 200. In some embodiments, the central axis may be kinematically coupled to a corresponding axis of each device 200. The central axis may receive rotational motion from the devices 200 and may itself be rotatable. The rotational motion of the central axis may be a function of the sum of the rotational motions received from each device 200. In some other embodiments, the corresponding axis of each device 200 may be adapted to be arranged independently of each other. In other words, in these embodiments, there may not be a central axis kinematically connecting the corresponding axes of each device 200.

[0053] The system 100 may also include a generator 104 connected to a central shaft. Rotation of the central shaft enables the generator 104 to operate, thereby generating electrical energy.

[0054] System 100 may further include other components, such as, but not limited to, electrical wiring configured to extract electrical energy generated by generator 104, inverters, battery packs, electrical wiring to transmit the generated electrical energy to other components (e.g., the power grid), control devices 200 and / or controllers for the operation of generator 104, various sensors, etc. However, for clarity, in Figure 1A These components are not shown in the document.

[0055] Figure 1B A schematic cross-sectional view of a system 150 for generating electrical energy according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Referring now to... Figure 1A and Figure 1BSystem 150 is substantially similar to system 100. Common components between system 100 and system 150 are indicated using the same reference numerals. System 150 includes one or more generators 154-1, 154-2…154-N. Generators 154-1, 154-2…154-N may be individually referred to as “generator 154”, and are collectively referred to as “generator 154”. Each generator 154 may be coupled to the shaft of a corresponding device 200. Each of the devices 200 can operate the corresponding generator 154 to generate electrical energy.

[0056] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a single device 200 mounted on a mounting structure 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, each of the devices 200 may have substantially similar structures and designs. Reference Figures 1A to 2 The device 200 can be arranged along the second direction 112 and the first direction 110 orthogonal to the second direction 112.

[0057] The device 200 includes an inlet 202. The inlet 202 may include a receiving section 204 and a converging section 206. The receiving section 204 may be adapted to receive air along a first direction 110 of the device 200. In some embodiments, the receiving section may be adapted to receive air at least along the first direction 110. In other words, in these embodiments, the receiving section 204 may be oriented such that at least a portion of the air received by the receiving section 204 is along the first direction 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving section 204 may be oriented such that at least a portion of the air received by the receiving section 204 is along a horizontal direction. In some embodiments, the inlet 202 may be configured such that air flowing in any direction can still enter the inlet 202.

[0058] In some embodiments, the receiving segment 204 may have a first cross-sectional area A1. In some embodiments, the first cross-sectional area A1 may be defined as a function of the height h1 of the receiving segment measured along the second direction 112. In some embodiments, the device 200 may have a pre-configured height h1. The height h1 may be set during the initial assembly or manufacturing process of the device 200. The height h1 may be set based on wind speed data provided for the area in which the device 100 is to be installed.

[0059] In some embodiments, the device 200 may further include an actuator (not shown). The actuator may be operable to change the height h1 of the receiving section 204, thereby changing the first cross-sectional area A1. By changing the cross-sectional area A1, the amount of air entering the receiving section 204 can be changed accordingly. In an exemplary implementation, the actuator may be configured to move either or both of the top wall 203-1 and the bottom wall 203-2 of the inlet 202 along the second direction 112 to increase or decrease the height h1 of the receiving section. In this case, the device 200 may be configured to dynamically determine the changing wind speed rate in the area in which it is installed. The wind speed may be determined by a sensor (not shown) disposed in the device 200, configured to measure the wind speed, or the wind speed may be determined from a connected database configured to store information related to the wind speed in the area in which the device 200 is installed, or the wind speed may be determined by a combination of the above two methods.

[0060] In some embodiments, the receiving section 204 may further include components that selectively allow air to enter the receiving section 204, such as, but not limited to, a valve (not shown). For example, the valve may be configured to either open or close to correspondingly allow and prevent air from entering the receiving section 204 of the inlet 202. In some other embodiments, the valve may be configured to open to different limits, causing the effective first cross-sectional area A1 of the receiving section 204 of the inlet to vary. As the first cross-sectional area A1 of the receiving section 204 changes, the amount of air entering the receiving section 204 may change accordingly.

[0061] The converging section 206 is fluidly connected to the receiving section 204. Furthermore, the converging section is positioned after and downstream of the receiving section 204. The converging section 206 may be connected to the receiving section 204 at its first end 208. Therefore, the first end 208 of the converging section may have a first cross-sectional area A1. The converging section 206 may have a tapered profile such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the converging section 206 decreases from the first end 208 to the second end 210. The second end 210 of the converging section 206 may have a second cross-sectional area A2 smaller than the first cross-sectional area A1. Furthermore, the converging section 206 may be designed such that the second end 210 of the converging section 206 is substantially along a second direction 112. Therefore, the converging section 206 is adapted to receive air from the receiving section 204 and guide the air along the second direction 112. Furthermore, due to the conical profile of the converging section 206, the air flowing through the converging section 206 is accelerated as it moves from the first end 208 to the second end 210. Therefore, the air leaving the converging section 206 from the inlet 202 can have a higher velocity than the air entering the converging section 206. In other words, the air leaving the converging section 206 can have greater kinetic energy.

[0062] The device 200 also includes an impeller 212 disposed along a second direction 112. The impeller 212 may be fluidly connected to a converging section 206 of the inlet 202 and may be adapted to receive air from the converging section 206. The received air may impinge on the impeller 212, thereby causing the impeller 212 to rotate. In some embodiments, the impeller 212 may include a plurality of impeller blades 214 arranged circumferentially around the impeller 212. When air from the converging section impinges on the impeller, the air passes through the impeller blades 214. The air may transfer a portion of its kinetic energy to the impeller 212, causing the impeller 212 to rotate. The higher the amount of kinetic energy possessed by the air, the greater the rotational torque supplied to the impeller 212 to cause it to rotate. Because the converging section 206 increases the kinetic energy of the air, the impeller 212 can rotate at a greater torque (i.e., at a higher speed) than it would without the converging section 206.

[0063] Furthermore, because the convergence section 206 causes air acceleration, the device 200 can be implemented in areas where the ambient wind speed may be low. In other words, the device 200 can be implemented in areas where the air received by the receiving section 204 has a low speed. The low-speed air can then be accelerated to a suitable or desired speed through the convergence section 206.

[0064] In some embodiments, impeller 212 may define a flow area Af. The flow area Af may refer to the cross-sectional area of ​​the impeller 212 through which air flows. The flow area Af of impeller 212 may be a constant or uniform value. The flow area Af may be predetermined during the initial manufacturing or assembly process of impeller 212. Furthermore, impeller 212 may define a design velocity Vf. The design velocity may refer to the velocity of the air passing through impeller 212 that promotes optimal rotation of impeller 212.

[0065] In some embodiments, impeller 212 may be a tangential flow impeller or an axial flow impeller. (See reference) Figure 1A The system 100 may include a combination of wind turbine units based on tangential flow impellers and wind turbine units based on axial flow impellers to be stacked on top of each other.

[0066] Refer again Figures 1A to 2 The device 200 also includes an outlet 216 disposed downstream of the impeller 212. The outlet 216 is adapted to allow air from the impeller 212 to exit the device 200.

[0067] In some embodiments, the device 200 includes a shaft (not shown) coupled to an impeller 212. This shaft is adapted to carry the rotational motion of the impeller 212. The shaft can then be coupled to a generator 104, thereby causing the generator 104 to generate electrical energy.

[0068] Figure 3A schematic flowchart of a method 300 for conveying air to an impeller 212 of a device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. (See also:) Figures 1A to 3 In step 302, method 300 includes providing an inlet 202 comprising a receiving section 204 and a converging section 206. In step 304, method 300 further includes guiding air received through the receiving section 204 to the converging section 206. In step 306, method 300 further includes guiding air from the converging section 206 toward the impeller 212 to allow the received air to impact the impeller 212, thereby causing the impeller 212 to rotate.

[0069] Figure 4A An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of device 400 is shown, device 400 having a first value for a first cross-sectional area A1 for its inlet 202. Device 400 is substantially similar to Figure 2 Device 200. Common elements between devices 200 and 400 are indicated by the same reference numerals. In device 400, the receiving section 204 of inlet 202 has a first cross-sectional area A1-a. Figure 4A In the embodiment shown, the design flow velocity Vf can be 5 meters per second (m / s); the ratio of the first cross-sectional area A1-a to the flow area Af can be A1-a / Af = 5; and the velocity of the air entering the receiving section 204 of the device 400 can be V1 = 1 m / s.

[0070] Device 400 can operate based on the continuity equation and Bernoulli's principle. In other words, the mass flow rate of air through device 400 can be constant. Therefore, Mass flow rate through the inlet = Mass flow rate through the impeller , , .

[0071] Therefore, having a first cross-sectional area of ​​A1-a when V1 is 1 m / s is beneficial for achieving a design flow velocity of 5 m / s.

[0072] Figure 4B An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of device 450 is shown, which has a second value for a first cross-sectional area A1 for its inlet 202. Device 450 is substantially similar to Figure 4A Device 400. Common elements between devices 400 and 450 are indicated by the same reference numerals. In device 450, the receiving section 204 of inlet 202 has a first cross-sectional area A1-b. Figure 4BIn the embodiment shown, the design flow velocity Vf can be 5 meters per second (m / s); the area A1-b can be twice the area A1-a; the ratio of the first cross-sectional area A1-b to the flow area Af can be A1-b / Af = 2×(A1-a) / Af = 2×5 = 10; and the velocity of the air entering the receiving section 204 of the device 400 can be V1 = 0.5 m / s. Mass flow rate through the inlet = Mass flow rate through the impeller , , .

[0073] Therefore, having a first cross-sectional area of ​​A1-b when V1 is 0.5 m / s is beneficial for achieving a design flow velocity of 5 m / s.

[0074] Figure 4C An exemplary schematic cross-sectional view of device 470 is shown, which has a third value for a first cross-sectional area A1 for its inlet 202. Device 470 is substantially similar to Figure 4A Device 400. Common elements between device 400 and device 470 are indicated by the same reference numerals. In device 470, the receiving section 204 of inlet 202 has a first cross-sectional area A1-c. Figure 4C In the embodiment shown, the design flow velocity Vf can be 5 meters per second (m / s); the area A1-c can be one-quarter of the area A1-a; the ratio of the first cross-sectional area A1-c to the flow area Af can be A1-c / Af = 0.25 × (A1-a) / Af = 0.25 × 5 = 1.25; and the velocity of the air entering the receiving section 204 of the device 400 can be V1 = 4 m / s. Mass flow rate through the inlet = Mass flow rate through the impeller , , .

[0075] Therefore, having a first cross-sectional area of ​​A1-c when V1 is 4 m / s is beneficial for achieving a design flow velocity of 5 m / s.

[0076] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further modifications are possible beyond those already described without departing from the inventive concept herein. Therefore, the subject matter of the invention is not limited except within the spirit of the appended claims. Furthermore, in interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprising” and “including” should be interpreted as referring to an element, component, or step in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced element, component, or step may be present, used, or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly referenced. When the specification or claims refer to at least one element selected from the group consisting of A, B, C… and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element to be selected from that group, rather than A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying present knowledge without departing from the general concept; therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be understood within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation. Therefore, although embodiments herein have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be practiced and adapted to the embodiments herein within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0077] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, other and further embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to them. Advantages of the invention

[0078] The present invention provides a wind turbine device that operates with improved efficiency.

[0079] This invention provides a wind turbine device that can operate under low wind speed and variable speed conditions.

[0080] The present invention provides a wind turbine device that can operate with wind flowing in any direction.

[0081] This invention provides a wind turbine device that can be easily installed on-site.

[0082] This invention provides a compact wind turbine device.

[0083] The present invention provides a system for generating electrical energy, the system comprising one or more wind turbine units stacked on top of each other.

[0084] This invention provides a scalable system for generating electrical energy.

Claims

1. A wind turbine assembly (200), comprising: Entry point (202), the entry point (202) includes: Receiving section (204), said receiving section (204) being adapted to receive air along a first direction (110) of said wind turbine device (200); and A convergence section (206), disposed after and downstream of the receiving section (204), is adapted to receive the air and guide it in a second direction (112) of the wind turbine assembly (200), wherein the convergence section (206) is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end (208) of the convergence section (206) toward a second end (210) of the convergence section (206); and An impeller (212) is disposed downstream of the inlet (202) along the second direction (112) and is adapted to receive the air from the converging section (206), wherein the received air impacts the impeller (212) to achieve rotation of the impeller (212).

2. The wind turbine device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the wind turbine device (200) further includes an outlet (216) disposed downstream of the impeller (212) and adapted to allow the air to be discharged from the impeller (212) from the wind turbine device (200).

3. The wind turbine device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving section (204) has a first cross-sectional area (A1) and wherein the converging section (206) has a tapered profile that varies from the first cross-sectional area (A1) at a first end (208) of the converging section (206) to a second cross-sectional area (A2) at a second end (210) of the converging section (206) that is smaller than the first cross-sectional area (A1).

4. The wind turbine device according to claim 3, wherein the first cross-sectional area (A1) is defined as a function of the height (h1) of the receiving segment (204) along the second direction (112).

5. The wind turbine assembly (200) according to claim 4, wherein the wind turbine assembly (200) includes an actuator operable to change the height (h1) of the receiving section (204) by moving either the top wall (203-1) or the bottom wall (203-2) of the inlet (202).

6. The wind turbine assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the wind turbine assembly (200) includes a shaft coupled to the impeller (212), the shaft being adapted to transmit rotational motion generated by the impeller (212).

7. The wind turbine assembly (200) according to claim 4, wherein the shaft is adapted to be coupled to a generator (104) configured to generate electrical energy based on the rotational motion of the shaft.

8. The wind turbine assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein the wind turbine assembly (200) is adapted to be mounted on a mounting structure (102), and wherein the mounting structure (102) is a rod.

9. The wind turbine assembly (200) according to claim 8, wherein the mounting structure (102) is adapted to accommodate one or more wind turbine assemblies (200).

10. The wind turbine device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the impeller (212) is either an axial flow impeller or a tangential flow impeller.

11. A method (300) for conveying air to an impeller (212) of a wind turbine unit (200), the method (300) comprising: Provide an entry point (202), the entry point (202) including: Receiving section (204), said receiving section (204) being adapted to receive air along a first direction (110) of said wind turbine device (200); and A convergence section (206) is disposed after and downstream of the receiving section (204) and is adapted to receive the air and guide the air in a second direction (112) of the wind turbine device (200), wherein the convergence section (206) is adapted to accelerate the received air as the air moves from a first end (208) of the convergence section (206) to a second end (210) of the convergence section (206); The air received through the receiving section (204) of the inlet (202) is guided to the converging section (206), wherein the converging section (206) is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves through it; and The air from the converging section (206) is directed toward the impeller (212) to allow the received air to impact the impeller (212), thereby achieving rotation of the impeller (212).

12. A system (100) for generating electrical energy, the system (100) comprising: One or more wind turbine units (200), the one or more said wind turbine units (200) are stacked on the mounting structure (102) along a second direction (112), each of the one or more said wind turbine units (200) comprising: Entry point (202), the entry point (202) includes: Receiving section (204), said receiving section (204) being adapted to receive air along a first direction (110) of said wind turbine device (200); and A convergence section (206), disposed after and downstream of the receiving section (204), is adapted to receive the air and guide it in a second direction (112) of the wind turbine assembly (200), wherein the convergence section is adapted to accelerate the received air as it moves from a first end (208) of the convergence section (206) toward a second end (210) of the convergence section (206); and An impeller (212) is disposed downstream of the inlet (202) along the second direction (112) and adapted to receive air from the converging section (206), wherein the received air impacts the impeller (212) to achieve rotation of the impeller (212); and At least one generator (154) is connected to one or more of the wind turbine units (200) and is configured to generate electrical energy based on the rotational motion of the respective impellers (212) of the one or more wind turbine units (200).

13. The system (100) of claim 12, wherein the system (100) further comprises a central shaft coupled to one or more impellers (212) of a corresponding one or more of the wind turbine units (200), and wherein at least one of the generators (154) is coupled to the central shaft.

14. The system (100) of claim 12, wherein at least one of the generators (154) comprises one or more generators (154), each of the one or more generators (154) being coupled to a corresponding wind turbine unit (200).

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