Wind turbine

By employing a reverse rotation mechanism and guide vanes to adjust the blade speed in a horizontal axis wind turbine, the problem of turbine start-up difficulties at low wind speeds has been solved, enabling the application of efficient small-scale wind power generation devices in urban environments.

CN121909329APending Publication Date: 2026-04-21雷奥内罗·加布里奇
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
雷奥内罗·加布里奇
Filing Date
2024-09-25
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing horizontal axis wind turbines are difficult to start and operate under low wind speed conditions, and their large size and complex installation make them unable to efficiently utilize wind energy in urban environments.

Method used

A horizontal axis wind turbine was designed, employing a counter-rotating mechanism with at least two sets of wind turbine blades rotating in the same direction but in opposite directions. Combined with a guide vane to adjust the blade speed, it ensures startup at low wind speeds and improves energy conversion efficiency.

Benefits of technology

It enables normal start-up and efficient operation of wind turbines under low wind speed conditions, reduces installation costs and complexity, and is suitable for small wind power generation devices in urban environments.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a wind turbine (1) having a horizontal axis (X), comprising: a first rotor (13) having a center of rotation (130) and configured to rotate about a support bar (11) in a first direction of rotation, arranged along an axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal axis (X); a second rotor (14) operably coupled to the first rotor (13) and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation in the first direction of rotation; at least one further rotating member (15) operably coupled to the support bar (11); a structure (3) having a first vertical strut (33) and a second vertical strut (34) dimensioned to accommodate the first rotor and the second rotor, the at least one further rotating member (15) and the rod (11); a counter-rotation mechanism (12) arranged between the at least one further rotating member (15) and at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor to reverse the at least one further rotating member (15) relative to the direction of rotation of the first rotor and the second rotor, the first rotor comprising a first plurality of blades (131), the second rotor comprising a second plurality of blades (132), the second rotor comprises a second plurality of blades (141), and wherein the structure (3) comprises a flow guide (32), and a flow guide configured to guide wind between the first blade (131 ', 141') and the second blade (131 '', 141'') of each of the plurality of blades to adjust a rotational speed of at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor with respect to the at least one further rotating member (15), the flow guide being configured to guide the wind between the first blade (131 ', 141') and the second blade (131 '', 141'') of each of the plurality of blades to adjust a rotational speed of at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor with respect to the at least one further rotating member (15).
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Description

[0001] This invention relates to an electric wind turbine, particularly a horizontal axis wind turbine equipped with a rotor that can adjust its rotational speed by regulating the kinetic energy of the received wind, thereby maximizing its efficiency. Technical Field

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a wind turbine of the type described above, comprising a plurality of rotors, specifically designed and implemented to supply electricity from the kinetic energy of wind in urban or rural environments without requiring high-intensity wind for rotational start-up, but which can be used for any application requiring the generation of electrical energy.

[0003] In the following description, the device comprising at least one wind turbine, such as a horizontal axis wind turbine equipped with a counter-rotating mechanism between the rotor and another rotating component, is intended for producing domestic electricity, but it is clear that it should not be considered limited to this particular purpose. Background Technology

[0004] As is well known, wind turbines use the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. The energy is first converted into mechanical energy by the rotation of the rotor connected to the blades, and then converted into electrical energy by the generator.

[0005] Generally, wind turbines are classified into vertical axis wind turbines and horizontal axis wind turbines according to the rotation axis of their blades. This rotation axis can be perpendicular to or parallel to the ground.

[0006] Currently, vertical axis turbines are more suitable for installation in urban environments because they can generate electricity regardless of wind direction, unlike horizontal axis wind turbines which are highly dependent on wind direction.

[0007] In addition, a disadvantage of large horizontal axis wind turbines (such as those currently on the market) is that they expose the blades to strong gusts of wind, which can damage the blades themselves and therefore require specialized maintenance.

[0008] In addition, due to its large size, installation requires specific equipment and turbine construction to assemble the parts on-site.

[0009] Despite the disadvantages listed above, horizontal axis turbines are superior to vertical axis turbines because the kinetic energy of the wind available at the top of the turbine (i.e., where the turbine is installed, i.e., where the rotor is installed) is greater and more efficient. This is different from vertical axis turbines, which utilize the kinetic energy of the wind at ground level, which has lower kinetic energy than the wind at the top.

[0010] Despite their good energy efficiency, a drawback of horizontal axis wind turbines is that they typically require strong or moderate winds to start. In fact, their ability to operate is very poor when wind speeds are below 6 m / s. In some cases, for such light winds, horizontal axis turbines may not even start.

[0011] In addition, wind speed variation is another limitation of commonly used horizontal axis wind turbines, as they do not have a system that can adjust the blade or rotor arrangement based on wind speed.

[0012] US 8907 515 B2 and AU 2012 339 606 B2 are representative of existing technology.

[0013] The necessity of using devices that can improve energy efficiency to overcome the problems mentioned above seems clear.

[0014] It is equally clear that there is a need for a small-sized device suitable for urban environments.

[0015] Purpose of the invention

[0016] Therefore, in view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of generating energy efficiently.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to allow start-up and operation even under adverse weather conditions (e.g., winds below 6 m / s).

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to reduce the cost required to construct wind turbines.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine that is small in size and easy to install. Summary of the Invention

[0020] These and other results are obtained according to the invention by means of a horizontal axis wind turbine having at least two sets of wind turbine blades capable of rotating in the same direction of rotation, the direction of rotation being opposite to the direction of rotation of at least one other rotating member cooperating with them.

[0021] The specific objective of this invention is a horizontal axis wind turbine comprising: a first rotor having a center of rotation and configured to rotate about a support rod in a first rotational direction; the support rod being arranged along a rotational axis parallel to the horizontal axis; a second rotor operably coupled to the first rotor and configured to rotate about the rotational axis in the first rotational direction; at least one additional rotating member operably coupled to the support rod; and a structure having a first vertical support and a second vertical support, the first vertical support and the second vertical support being sized to accommodate the first rotor and the second rotor, the at least one additional rotating member, and the support rod, wherein the support rod; A reverse rotation mechanism is arranged between the at least one additional rotating member and at least one of the first rotor or the second rotor to reverse the rotation direction of the at least one additional rotating member relative to the first rotor and the second rotor; the first rotor includes a first plurality of blades, and the second rotor includes a second plurality of blades, each blade arranged around a respective rotation center, the wind turbine being characterized in that the structure includes a guide member configured to guide wind between the first and second blades of each of the first plurality of blades and the second plurality of blades to adjust the relative rotational speed of at least one of the first rotor and the second rotor relative to the at least one additional rotating member.

[0022] Throughout the invention, the turbine may include a rotary coupling device to connect the structure to a support or support base, such that the structure rotates about a rotation axis in a substantially vertical direction.

[0023] Still according to the invention, the rotary coupling device may include a support and / or an adjacent plate, such that the structure is adjacent to the support.

[0024] Furthermore, according to the invention, the support member can be configured to be installed on a building, tower, or pylon.

[0025] Advantageously, according to the invention, the first rotor, the second rotor, and the additional rotating member can be arranged along the vertical direction at a predetermined distance from the rotating coupling device.

[0026] Preferably, according to the present invention, the rod can extend from the first vertical support to the second vertical support and / or pass through the rotation center of the first rotor and the rotation center of the second rotor, respectively.

[0027] According to the invention, the additional rotating member can be arranged around the support rod and positioned between the first rotor and the second rotor.

[0028] Still according to the present invention, the reverse rotation mechanism can be arranged concentrically with the first rotor and the second rotor.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the reverse rotation mechanism may include a roller bearing.

[0030] Advantageously, according to the invention, the turbine may further include a rotary manifold arranged close to the reverse rotation mechanism.

[0031] Preferably, according to the present invention, each of the first plurality of blades or the second plurality of blades may have an orientable rectangular or hemispherical shape.

[0032] According to the invention, the turbine may include a pitch tuning mechanism for the plurality of blades, wherein the tuning mechanism includes at least one deflector connectable to each of the plurality of blades.

[0033] Still according to the invention, the structure may further include a lower base sized to receive the first vertical support and the second vertical support and operably connect to the flow guide.

[0034] Advantageously, according to the invention, the airflow guide can be arranged to be operably connected to the lower base by means of a hinge, and to be operably connected to each of the first and second vertical supports by means of a pulley and a load or at least one spring, respectively, to guide the airflow to push each of the plurality of blades arranged above the center of rotation, thereby reducing the braking effect of the airflow on each of the plurality of blades arranged below the center of rotation.

[0035] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the guide can be sized for self-tuning such that the guide has a minimum slope relative to the lower base when the wind speed is greater than a determined maximum wind threshold, and a maximum slope relative to the lower base when the wind speed is less than the determined minimum wind threshold.

[0036] Preferably, according to the present invention, the structure may include a top base and a second flow guide operably connected to the top base.

[0037] According to the invention, the second airflow guide may include a panel having a first end and a second end, the first end being operably connected to the top base by means of a hinge, pivot, or other constraint capable of rotating the panel about the top base by the action of wind, the second end being capable of being located at a maximum height when the wind speed is greater than a determined maximum wind threshold, wherein the panel is substantially orthogonal to the top base, and the second end being capable of being located at a minimum height when the wind speed is less than a determined minimum wind threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0038] For illustrative and not limiting purposes, the invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 An embodiment of the horizontal axis type wind turbine object of the present invention is shown in perspective view;

[0040] Figure 2 An embodiment of the horizontal axis type wind turbine object of the present invention is shown in a side view, which is arranged on a vertical support;

[0041] Figure 3 An embodiment of a horizontal axis type wind turbine, which is the subject of the present invention, is shown in a side view;

[0042] Figure 4 The previous views show an embodiment of a horizontal axis type wind turbine, which is the subject of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 An embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine, which is the subject of the present invention, is shown in a side view and is equipped with two guide vanes;

[0044] Figure 6 The previous view shows an embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine, which is the subject of the present invention, and is equipped with two guide vanes;

[0045] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Different operating conditions of the turbine guide vane, which is the subject of this invention, are shown;

[0046] Figure 7C and Figure 7D Different operating conditions of the turbine guide vane, which is the subject of this invention, are shown;

[0047] Figure 7E A turbine object of the present invention is shown, which is equipped with a fixed guide and a movable guide;

[0048] Figure 8Details of the operational connection devices between a pair of rotors and additional rotating components of the wind turbine object of the present invention are shown; and

[0049] Figure 9 and Figure 10 An embodiment of the turbine object of the present invention is shown, which is equipped with two rotors and two rotating members;

[0050] Figure 11 A perspective view of one embodiment of the wind turbine object of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 12A and Figure 12B A side view and a top view of an embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present invention are shown, the wind turbine including a rotor operably connected to two sets of wind turbine blades and additional rotating components arranged along the same axis of rotation.

[0052] Figure 13A and Figure 13B The side view and top view of an embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present invention are shown respectively. The wind turbine includes two rotors, wherein each rotor is operatively connected to a corresponding set of external wind turbine blades, a set of central blades disposed between two rotating members, and further disposed between the two rotors, and a plurality of bevel gears disposed between the rotating members and capable of rotating the rotating members in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the external rotors.

[0053] Figure 14A and Figure 14B They are shown respectively as follows Figure 13A and Figure 13B The side and top views of an embodiment of a wind turbine are shown, wherein the rotor rotates in the opposite direction relative to other rotating components due to the arrangement of multiple guide elements.

[0054] Figure 15 and Figure 16 Cross-sectional views are shown from below, representing two embodiments of a support for a wind turbine according to the invention.

[0055] Figure 17A , Figure 17B and Figure 17C Side views of three embodiments of a guide vane for a wind turbine included in the present invention are shown;

[0056] Figure 18 A perspective view of a rotating collector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0057] Figure 19 A perspective view of three bevel gears according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0058] In each figure, similar parts will be indicated with the same reference numerals.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The horizontal axis wind turbine 1 includes a plurality of rotors housed in a structure 3, which is preferably parallelepiped in shape and is connected to a support 2, such as a pin, by means of a rotary coupling device 21.

[0060] In some embodiments, the rotary coupling device 21 includes ball bearings and allows the structure to rotate about a substantially vertical axis Y, which is aligned with the dimension along which the support 2 extends primarily from the base 22 to the top 23.

[0061] Furthermore, the rotatable connecting device 21 may include a support plate to rest the structure 3 on the support 2, preferably near the top 23, and to stabilize the rotation of the structure 3 about the support 2, for example, about the substantially vertical axis. In this way, the structure 3 can autonomously orient itself by passively following the airflow determined by the wind in order to collect the maximum amount of wind.

[0062] In some embodiments, the rotatable connecting device 21 can be arranged corresponding to the periphery of the structure 3, for example, corresponding to one of the lower bars of the structure, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 13A and Figure 14B As shown.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, it should be understood that the connection between the support 2 and the structure 3 is rotatable, the support 2 is fixed, and the structure 3 is rotatable relative to the support.

[0064] Other embodiments include a rotatable support 2, which causes the structure 3 to rotate by its movement.

[0065] According to some embodiments, including Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, structure 3 is connected to support 2 near the top 23 of support 2.

[0066] Structure 3 is basically a metal cage or a material that can withstand gusts of wind without changing its configuration.

[0067] In some embodiments, structure 3 is a cage with a parallelepiped frame shape, wherein a first dimension extends horizontally and is between one and three meters in length. The remaining two dimensions of the cage may be smaller than or equal to the first dimension and are configured to accommodate multiple rotors capable of receiving wind impacts. The frame is very small in size compared to turbines currently on the market, which can facilitate large-scale use in the private sector, for example, allowing installation on the roofs or terraces of houses or buildings.

[0068] Structure 3 may include one or more bars adapted to accommodate multiple rotors (e.g., at least a first rotor 13 and a second rotor 14, which are described below).

[0069] In addition, structure 3 includes the flow guide 32 described below.

[0070] The first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14 are each located in a plane offset relative to a substantially vertical axis of rotation 20 that passes through the support 2 or the rotatable connecting device 21.

[0071] In particular, in some embodiments, the at least first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14 are arranged such that the rotation axis 20 is positioned between them.

[0072] In addition, refer to Figure 12A and Figure 12B Structure 3 includes a support rod 11, which is arranged concentrically relative to each of the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14.

[0073] The support rod 11 may have a total length extending from the first end of the structure 3 to the second end of the structure 3, but includes at least two segments 11A and 11C, such as Figure 12A As shown, and preferably including three segments 11A, 11B, and 11C, as from Figure 13A visible.

[0074] The segments 11A, 11B, and 11C shown in the figure are connected to structure 3 to ensure the stability of the rods 11 (multiple rods or segments), and thus ensure the stability of the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14.

[0075] Furthermore, the structure 3 includes a first vertical support 33 and a second vertical support 34, which are sized to accommodate the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14, the additional rotating member 15, and the support rod 11, wherein the rod 11 extends from the first vertical support 33 to the second vertical support 34.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 Each of the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14 includes a plurality of blades 131 and 141 having a rectangular shape.

[0077] In some embodiments not shown in the figures, each of the plurality of blades 131 and 141 may be arranged parallel to each other and may change their angle relative to the horizontal plane, for example, according to the wind.

[0078] In some embodiments, the blade has a hemispherical shape.

[0079] In addition, each of the plurality of blades 131 and 141 may be provided with an additional pitch adjustment mechanism, which is provided with at least one aileron 1310 and 1410 respectively, which can be coupled to the one or more blades.

[0080] In addition, each rotor may be provided with a plurality of spokes 133 and 143, which extend outward from the rotation center of each rotor (e.g., 13 and 14) to support the plurality of blades 131 and 141 respectively.

[0081] Specifically, a plurality of spokes 133 of the first rotor form a first rim, and similarly, a plurality of spokes 143 form a second rim.

[0082] Furthermore, structure 3 includes a reverse rotation mechanism 12 configured to connect an additional rotating member 15 to at least one of the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14, such that the rotation direction of the additional rotating member 15 is reversed relative to the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14.

[0083] In this way, by rotating the rotating member 15 in a direction opposite to the common rotational direction of the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14, the counter-rotating device 12 allows for the generation of a much larger amount of energy than a system with only one rotor. In fact, the amount of kinetic energy to be converted into mechanical energy is approximately twice the kinetic energy used by a single rotor.

[0084] In some paragraphs of this specification, the rotating member 15 is also referred to by the terms stator (although it rotates, it is different from a conventional stator) or reverse rotor.

[0085] Advantageously, the counter-rotation of the rotating member 15 relative to the rotors 13 and 14 causes relative / opposite motion between the two parts of the generator itself, which improves performance compared to conventional generators equipped with a rotating shaft and a fixed stator (static part).

[0086] The presence of a stator and rotor in a traditional generator is due to the consideration that it is usually more practical to keep one of the two parts of the generator stationary in order to prevent the related wiring from twisting or to avoid the development of complex designs for the generator itself.

[0087] Figure 18An electrically operated rotary manifold 100 connected to a reverse rotor 15 via cables 112, 114 is shown, wherein the electrically operated rotary manifold 100 is arranged close to a plurality of bevel gears 110, which are in... Figure 19 It is shown in detail in the text.

[0088] The collector 100 prevents the wires from twisting together during the rotation of the additional rotating member 15. (As from...) Figure 19 As can be seen, the bevel gear 110 can be operably connected to the support rod 11 (rotation axis) using a special support member 116.

[0089] Furthermore, some embodiments having multiple rotating members 15, 15' and / or 15'' provide multiple rotating electric manifolds, for example, each manifold 100 corresponding to a corresponding connection between the rotor and the additional rotating member.

[0090] In particular, Figure 13A and 13B In one embodiment, two rotors 13, 14 are shown, each of which is operatively connected to a corresponding set of wind turbine blades 131, 141. Two rotating members 15, 15' are positioned between the two rotors, and a plurality of bevel gears 110 are positioned between the rotating members 15, 15' and are designed to cause the rotating members to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the rotors 13, 14.

[0091] Similarly, Figure 12A and Figure 12B A simplified embodiment is shown compared to the example shown in FIG13, wherein a single rotor 13 and a single rotating member 15 are shown, wherein two sets of blades 131, 141 rotate about the axis of rotation 11 due to the rotation of the rotor 13.

[0092] In particular, Figure 12A and Figure 12B The support rod 11 comprises two separate segments 11A and 11C. Segment 11C extends from a vertical support corresponding to the second strut 34 to a bevel gear 110, and is connected to the bevel gear via a bearing. Segment 11A extends from a vertical support corresponding to the first strut 33 to a bearing, and is connected to the first rotor 13 via the bearing. Both segments 11A and 11C are arranged along a rotation axis 11, which is inappropriately referred to as the support rod because it comprises two separate segments.

[0093] refer to Figure 13A The support rod 11 includes three segments 11A, 11B, and 11C, which are arranged along the rotation axis of the rotor, wherein each segment is separate from the other two segments, and segment 11B is placed between segments 11C and 11A.

[0094] exist Figure 13A In the example, the first segment 11C extends from the vertical support corresponding to the first strut 33 to the first rotor 13, and is connected to the first rotor via a bearing. Furthermore, the second segment 11B is connected to two pairs of bevel gears 110, which are arranged at the ends of segment 11B and configured to cause the counter-rotating rotors 15 and 15' to rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the blade groups 131 and 141. Additionally, segment 11A extends from the vertical support at the second strut 34 to a bearing, and is connected to the second rotor 14 via this bearing.

[0095] also, Figure 11 An embodiment is shown equipped with two rotors 13, 14 and two counter-rotors 15, 15', arranged about a rotation axis coinciding with a support rod 11, and each rotor is in contact with an electric rotary manifold. Each rotary manifold is further arranged close to a corresponding plurality of bevel gears 110, which are positioned between the rotor blade sets 131, 141. Furthermore, as from... Figure 11 As can be seen, the central blade assembly is positioned between the two sets of bevel gears 110. This central blade assembly rotates in the same direction as the outer blades 131 and 141, and, by means of the bevel gears 110, causes the counter-rotors 15 and 15' to rotate in opposite directions.

[0096] like Figure 14A and Figure 14B As shown, other embodiments of the invention allow at least one set of blades connected to rotors 13, 14 to rotate in the opposite direction to the other rotating members 15, 15', 15" by means of a plurality of guides arranged in an alternating manner. Figure 14A The letters ACA indicate that each external guide (corresponding to section A) is arranged in relation to a set of external blades that rotate clockwise, while the central guide (corresponding to section C) is arranged such that the central blades can rotate counterclockwise.

[0097] like Figure 17A or Figure 17B As shown, the rotation (e.g., clockwise rotation) of a set of outer blades 131 and 141 can be achieved by means of the arrangement of guides corresponding to rotors 13 and 14, and as Figure 17C As shown, Figure 14A and Figure 14B The reverse rotation (e.g., counterclockwise rotation) of the inner part of the blade can be achieved by means of the arrangement of other guides corresponding to the rotating members 15 and 15'.

[0098] The advantage of this solution is that it does not use gears. Therefore, it is cheaper and produces less friction, thus limiting the consumption of mechanical energy.

[0099] Refer again Figure 17A and Figure 17B The guide element 32' has a curved profile to guide the flow of air in a preferred direction, thereby propelling the set of rotating blades in the same direction as the air flow.

[0100] According to some embodiments, the reverse rotation mechanism 12 mainly comprises three bevel gears 110. However, the mechanism may include different numbers of gears in different arrangements or any other equivalent system capable of producing reverse rotation. In this way, the reduction ratio between the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14 can also be calibrated, for example, by means of a 1:1 ratio.

[0101] According to some examples, the reverse rotation mechanism 12 can be arranged concentrically with both the rotor and the additional rotating component 15.

[0102] This configuration allows for support of combined loads and ensures low friction during relative rotation between each rotor and the additional rotating components.

[0103] In some embodiments, the geometry of the first rotor 13 or the second rotor 14 may be adapted to reduce the overall size by means of the recess 13r, so as not to interfere with the operation of the reverse rotation mechanism 12 during rotation, and to allow it to be accommodated without increasing the overall size, such as Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown.

[0104] refer to Figure 7A and Figure 7B Structure 3 includes a guide element 32' for directing airflow between at least one first blade (e.g., 131' or 141') and at least one second blade (e.g., 131" or 141").

[0105] The guide element 32 and / or the guide element 32' ensures the turbine's start-up and full operation even at low wind speeds (e.g., less than 6 m / s).

[0106] In fact, the guide vane 32 is configured to be arranged at an angle and to adjust the speed of the blades. Specifically, as from... Figure 7C and Figure 7D It can be seen that the guide 32 can brake the wind blown by the return motion of the first set of blades at a given moment of the rotation of each rotor, and can simultaneously guide the wind to the second set of blades moving in the opposite direction (i.e. in the same direction as the wind).

[0107] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The guide element 32' shown can operate in a similar manner to the guide element 32 to adjust the speed of the blades and direct the airflow to accelerate a set of blades (e.g., arranged above the corresponding center of rotation).

[0108] As from Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C and Figure 7D As can be seen, structure 3 includes at least one lower base 31, which is arranged at the rotation center 130 or 140 of each rotor (not shown in Figure 7, but...). Figure 5 (As shown in the figure) at a certain distance, which is greater than or equal to the distance between the outer peripheral end of each blade and the rotation center 130 or 140 itself.

[0109] Specifically, the lower base 31 is arranged below the rotation centers 130 and 140, and its height is equal to or lower than the minimum height at which each blade is positioned during operation and rotation.

[0110] Advantageously, such as Figure 15 or Figure 16 As shown, the lower base 31 of structure 3 can be used to connect (e.g., by means of a threaded screw) the support of the rotating support 21.

[0111] In some embodiments, structure 3 has an upper base 31', such as a quadrilateral connecting vertical pillars 33, 34, 43 and 44, as shown from... Figure 6 as well as Figure 17B and Figure 17C visible.

[0112] Similarly, where present, the upper base 31' is arranged above the rotation centers 130 and 140, and its height is equal to or greater than the maximum height at which each blade is positioned during rotation during operation.

[0113] The presence of the lower base 31 or the upper base 31' allows wind to be guided from at least one first half-blade (e.g., the blade located below the corresponding center of rotation) to the second half-blade (e.g., the blade located above the corresponding center of rotation) by means of the guide 32, and thus maximizes the wind guided on the second half-blade.

[0114] According to some embodiments, the guide member 32 is arranged to be connected to the lower base 31 by means of pulleys and counterweights, at least one spring 311, hinges and / or another type of support shaft, so as to guide the wind to drive the first blade 131' of the first plurality of blades 131 and the first blade 141' of the second plurality of blades 141, each of the first blades being arranged above a respective rotation center 130 or 140, and to reduce the braking effect of the wind on the second blade 131" of the first plurality of blades 131 and the second blade 141" of the second plurality of blades 141, each of the second blades being arranged below the rotation centers 130 and 140.

[0115] refer to Figure 7C and Figure 7D The connecting device 311 can cooperate with the second connecting device 60, which is equipped with, for example, pulleys, ropes and counterweights, and is sized to limit the inclination of the guide 32 based on the wind.

[0116] The operation of the above-mentioned flow guide is as follows.

[0117] like Figure 5 and Figure 7C As shown, when the wind blows along Z, the guide vane 32 tilts, causing the airflow reaching below each rotation center 130 and 140 to be braked. In this way, the blades (which are in the headwind return phase of their rotational motion around their respective rotation centers and are positioned below the corresponding rotation centers 130 or 140) are not braked by the wind. Since the guide vane 32 has the same tilt angle, it acts as a wind accelerator for the blades located above the respective rotation centers 130 and 140, which rotate around their rotation centers where the wind direction is favorable.

[0118] During the rotation of the wind turbine 1, the rotatable coupling device 21 rotates to position the structure 3 such that the lower base 31 (specifically, one of its rods) is substantially perpendicular to the wind, so that the wind blows in the direction of rotation of each of the plurality of blades 131 or 141.

[0119] Therefore, the combination of the rotatable coupling device 21 and the guide vane 32 improves the efficiency of converting the kinetic energy of the wind into the mechanical energy of the blades. In fact, due to the presence of the guide vane 32 (inclined relative to the wind flow, inclined relative to each rotation center of the blades, and constrained to the lower base 31), during the rotation of the turbine 1, the guide vane 32 itself is in a position of maximum efficiency, i.e., the blades are exposed at a higher position in the direction of the wind flow than the guide vane 32 itself, in order to receive maximum thrust, while the other blades are in the middle or lowest position of their rotational motion. The guide vane 32 blocks the wind, thus reducing the resistance to the wind flow compared to a turbine without the guide vane 32. Therefore, the torque is always greater than the drag torque, and the drag torque is almost zero, thereby improving the efficiency of the wind turbine.

[0120] When the wind blows along Z in the opposite direction to the aforementioned direction, it is expected that structure 3 will rotate around the rotatable connecting device 21, and the guide 32 will tilt in the manner described above. This ensures efficient energy conversion of wind kinetic energy into the mechanical energy of the blade. Due to the influence of the wind, the blade, as described above and for example... Figure 7C Rotate as shown.

[0121] refer to Figure 7DThe diagram illustrates the operating steps where the presence of wind is minimal, i.e., the wind speed is less than or equal to 4 m / s. As can be seen from the diagram, the guide member 32 has an end hinged to the lower base 31 and a free end angled and arranged near the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14. Under these meteorological conditions, which are unfavorable for medium-sized wind power systems, the guide member 32 is designed to elevate its free end to reduce the braking effect on the blades located below the respective rotation centers 130 or 140 in the absence of the guide member, while increasing kinetic energy that propels the blades rotating in the same direction as the wind flow (e.g., blades located above the rotation centers).

[0122] In one embodiment of the wind turbine 1, structure 3 includes a rectangular lower base 31, wherein the first vertical support 33 and the second vertical support 34 coincide with two consecutive edges of the lower base 31, and a third support 43 and a fourth support 44 are respectively arranged between each of the first and second supports and each of the remaining two edges of the lower base 31. In this embodiment, a guide 32 is connected to at least one hinge and a rod passing through the two edges without vertical supports, the hinge allowing the guide to rotate between a horizontal position and a maximum tilt position, the maximum tilt position being determined, for example, by a stop positioned on at least one of the third vertical support 43 or the fourth vertical support 44.

[0123] Empirical tests conducted on the above embodiments show that a wind speed of 4 m / s measured using an anemometer placed on top of structure 3 is conducive to generating electrical energy equal to a potential difference of 12 V measured downstream of turbine 1.

[0124] In some embodiments, the structure includes a lower base 31 and an upper base 31', with a first lower guide 32 and a second upper guide 32' operably connected to the upper base and the lower base, respectively.

[0125] In some embodiments, the second upper guide 32' includes a panel arranged to be operatively connected to the upper base 31' by means of pulleys and counterweights, at least one spring 311, hinges, pivots and / or another type of connecting device, and the panel is sized to tilt upwards in the presence of wind speeds greater than or equal to 12 m / s.

[0126] Specifically, the second airflow guide 32' may include a panel having a first end 320' and a second end 320'. The first end is operatively connected to the upper base 31' by means of a connecting device (e.g., a rotational constraint that allows the panel to rotate about the upper base 31' due to wind influence). The second end is capable of exhibiting a maximum height when the wind speed is greater than a certain maximum wind threshold and a minimum height when the wind speed is less than a certain minimum wind threshold.

[0127] In some embodiments, one or more flow guides are panels made of aluminum, steel, or any other rigid or semi-rigid material.

[0128] Some preferred shapes involve the use of aluminum or plexiglass because these materials do not wear or rust.

[0129] Some embodiments specify that the second guide member 32' is connected to the support bracket 321' of the second guide member 32', such as from Figure 17C As can be seen, the support bracket is connected to the upper base 31'.

[0130] For example, the maximum height should be understood as the height of the panel when it is substantially orthogonal to the upper base 31'.

[0131] In some embodiments, the second guide member 32' is rotatable relative to the horizontal plane between 0° and 90° or between -10° and 80°.

[0132] In some embodiments, the second guide member 32' is rotatable between -45° and 45°.

[0133] The rotational constraint that connects the second guide 32' to the upper base 31' is substantially capable of rotating 90° to allow the panel to tilt between 0° and approximately 90°, i.e., from a position where the panel is parallel to the upper base 31' to a position where the panel is substantially perpendicular to the upper base.

[0134] When the panel is in a position substantially perpendicular to the upper base 31', the panel deflects the airflow directly above the blades, causing them to move away from the blades themselves, and in conjunction with the horizontally arranged first guide 32, reduces airflow variations or differential flow between the blades located above and below the center of rotation.

[0135] In this way, when the wind speed exceeds 12 m / s, the upper guide 32' tilts upward and brakes the wind to avoid damaging the blades exposed to the wind.

[0136] Furthermore, when the wind speed is less than 6 m / s, it facilitates the rotation of the blades along the wind direction. In fact, in the absence of wind or in weak wind conditions, the upper guide 32' is slightly tilted downwards, for example, between 5° and 10° compared to the horizontal direction, due to its own counterweight. This tilt allows the wind to be directed towards the upper blades, thus increasing their kinetic energy.

[0137] In some embodiments, a fifth pillar 53, arranged between the first pillar 33 and the second pillar 34 and the third pillar 43 and the pillar 44, is sized to receive the free end of the guide member 32' and to tilt the guide member a few degrees below the horizontal line passing through the constraint member 311', for example, 10° below the line. In this way, even in weak wind conditions, the wind can be directed toward the blades located above the respective rotation centers 130, 140.

[0138] In some embodiments, the fifth support may include two columns 531 and 532, which are respectively arranged between the first support 33 and the third support 43 and between the second support 34 and the fourth support 44.

[0139] Figure 7E The wind turbine 1 shown includes a third guide 32”, which has a first end extending from the third support 43 to the fourth support 44 and a second end extending between the two supports 531 and 532.

[0140] refer to Figure 7E The first end of the third flow guide 32” is fixed to the third pillar 43 and the fourth pillar 44 by means of the shelves 431 and 441 (the fourth pillar 44 and the corresponding shelf 441 are not visible in the figure) or other support devices, and the second end of the third flow guide 32” is fixed to the fifth pillar 53, for example, arranged above the fifth pillar.

[0141] The third guide element 32'' can cooperate with the first guide element 32 or the second guide element 32' to form a priority guide path, through which the airflow propels the rotating blade assembly in the same direction as the airflow. Figure 7E In the example, the wind is guided between the first guide 32 and the third guide 32” to maximize the kinetic energy borne by the blade 131'.

[0142] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the additional rotating component 15 includes two rotating components 15' and 15" respectively arranged between the first rotor 13 and the second rotor 14, and the reverse rotation mechanism 12 consists of a set of blades 12 b 'and splitter 12a The reverse rotation mechanism is configured to operate in a manner opposite to that of the first guide vane 32. In fact, when the guide vane 32 favors the wind-driven blades 131' (and blades 141' not shown), the splitter 12... a 'Arranged at an angle to brake the blades 12 located above the rotation center of the rotating parts and rotor.' b This is beneficial for the blade group 12 b The stator, which is an integral unit, rotates in the opposite direction to the rotor.

[0143] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, shunt 12 a (If present) sized along the blade assembly 12 b The 'dimension extends to an equal dimension, and the splitter cooperates with the blade assembly, wherein the dimension is substantially parallel to the axis passing through the rotation center of stator 15' and 15"'.

[0144] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the counter-rotation of rotating components 15' and 15" relative to rotors 13 and 14, rod 11 may be a hollow rod, such that the rotation axis of the other rotating component may extend inside rod 11.

[0145] Advantages

[0146] One advantage of this invention is that it provides a smaller-sized wind turbine suitable for installation in urban or rural environments, with low cost and high energy efficiency.

[0147] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a wind turbine that can start even in the presence of weak winds.

[0148] Another advantage of this invention is its ability to adjust kinetic energy, thereby increasing the ability to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. In particular, the presence of the guide vane ensures energy regulation, which allows for reduced fluctuations in the blade's revolutions per minute. In fact, by maximizing the rotational speed of one set of blades in the same direction as the wind and minimizing the braking effect of the wind on a set of blades moving against the wind direction at a given moment, the guide vane allows for stable blade rotation.

[0149] Another advantage is that it provides a generator that connects to a turbine equipped with horizontally arranged wind turbine blades, which uses a system of fixed and / or movable guide vanes to optimize the kinetic energy of the wind. In particular, the guide vane system allows for the reduction of the effect of air slowing down returning blades and directs that air toward departing blades.

[0150] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a movable guide that, when strong winds are present and could jeopardize the optimal operation of a wind turbine, is arranged to direct a portion of the wind to the returning blades, partially braking them and adapting the rotation of the blades to the optimal operation of the turbine.

[0151] The invention has been described for illustrative and non-limiting purposes based on preferred embodiments thereof, but it should be understood that those skilled in the art may introduce modifications and / or alterations without departing from the relevant scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A horizontal axis (X) type wind turbine (1), comprising: A first rotor (13) having a center of rotation (130) and configured to rotate about a support rod (11) in a first rotational direction; The support rod (11) is arranged along a rotation axis parallel to the horizontal axis (X); A second rotor (14) is operatively coupled to the first rotor (13) and configured to rotate about the axis of rotation in the first rotational direction; At least one additional rotating member (15) is operably connected to the support rod (11). Structure (3) having a first vertical support and a second vertical support, the first vertical support and the second vertical support being sized to accommodate the first rotor (13) and the second rotor (14), the at least one additional rotating member (15) and the support rod (11), wherein the support rod (11). A reverse rotation mechanism (12) is arranged between the at least one additional rotating member (15) and at least one of the first rotor (13) and the second rotor (14) to reverse the rotation direction of the at least one additional rotating member (15) relative to the first rotor (13) and the second rotor (14); The first rotor (13) includes a first plurality of blades (131), and the second rotor (14) includes a second plurality of blades (141), each blade being arranged around a corresponding rotation center (130, 140), the wind turbine (1) being characterized in that, The structure (3) includes a guide (32) configured to guide airflow between the first blade (131', 141') and the second blade (131'', 141'') of each of the first plurality of blades (131) and the second plurality of blades (141) to adjust the relative rotational speed of at least one of the first rotor (13) and the second rotor (14) relative to the at least one additional rotating member (15).

2. The wind turbine (1) according to claim 1, comprising a rotary coupling device (21) for connecting the structure (3) to a support (2) or a support base such that the structure (3) rotates about the axis of rotation (2) in a substantially vertical direction (Y).

3. The wind turbine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The rotary coupling device (21) includes a support and / or an adjacent plate, such that the structure (3) is adjacent to the support (2).

4. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein, The support (2) is configured to be installed on a building, tower or pylon.

5. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein, The first rotor (13), the second rotor (14) and the additional rotating member (15) are arranged along the vertical direction (Y) at a predetermined distance from the rotating connecting device (21).

6. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rod (11) extends from the first vertical support (33) to the second vertical support (34) and / or passes through the rotation center (130) of the first rotor (13) and the rotation center (140) of the second rotor (14), respectively.

7. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The additional rotating member is arranged around the support rod (11) and positioned between the first rotor (13) and the second rotor (14).

8. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The reverse rotation mechanism (12) is arranged concentrically with the first rotor (13) and the second rotor (14).

9. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The reverse rotation mechanism (12) includes roller bearings.

10. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a rotating manifold (100) arranged close to the reverse rotation mechanism (12).

11. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each of the first plurality of blades (131) and the second plurality of blades (141) has an orientable rectangular or hemispherical shape.

12. The wind turbine (1) according to the preceding claim, comprising a pitch tuning mechanism for the plurality of blades (131, 141), wherein, The tuning mechanism includes at least one deflector that can be connected to each of the plurality of blades (131, 141).

13. The wind turbine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structure (3) further comprises: The lower base (31) is sized to receive the first vertical support and the second vertical support and is sized to be operablely connected to the guide (32).

14. The wind turbine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The guide (32) is operably connected to the lower base (31) by means of a hinge, and is operably connected to each of the first and second vertical pillars by means of a pulley and a load or at least one spring (311) to guide the airflow to push each of the plurality of blades (131, 141) arranged above the rotation center (130, 140), thereby reducing the braking effect of the wind on each of the plurality of blades (131, 141) arranged below the rotation center (130, 140).

15. The wind turbine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The flow guide (32) is sized for self-tuning, such that the flow guide (32): The slope is minimal relative to the lower base (31) when the wind speed is greater than a determined maximum wind threshold, and It has the maximum slope relative to the lower base (31) when the wind speed is less than a determined minimum wind threshold.

16. The wind turbine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The structure (3) includes an upper base (31') and a second guide (32') arranged to be operatively connected to the upper base.

17. The wind turbine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The second airflow deflector (32') includes a panel having a first end and a second end, the first end being operably connected to the upper base (31') by means of a hinge, pivot, or other constraint capable of rotating the panel about the upper base (31') by the action of the wind, the second end being capable of being at a maximum height when the wind speed is greater than a determined maximum wind threshold, wherein the panel is substantially orthogonal to the upper base (31'), and the second end being capable of being at a minimum height when the wind speed is less than a determined minimum wind threshold.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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