Apparatus for controlling fluid flow to turbine

Abstract

The invention provides an apparatus for introducing skew to a fluid flow directed onto one or more vertical axis turbines, the apparatus comprising a support structure (2, 4, 6) having a plurality of vertically spaced apart airfoils (8) mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced apart airfoils being arranged to surround the one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical spacing is selected and the airfoils are contoured and angularly arranged such that the fluid flow between the airfoils deflects before it is incident on the one or more vertical axis turbines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid to a turbine, and more particularly to a piping system that directs fluid and / or gas to certain types of turbines, thereby improving turbine efficiency. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines and water turbines can be divided into two main types: those that rotate around a horizontal axis (such as conventional wind mills and water mills) and those that rotate around a vertical axis.

[0003] A variety of different configurations of vertical axis wind turbines are known, and two widely studied types are wind turbines with Darrieus or Savonius configurations.

[0004] Savonius-type turbines include arrays of hollow blades or spoon-shaped objects (typically two or three) mounted for rotation about a vertical axis; see U.S. Patents 1,697,574 and 1,766,765.

[0005] The Darrieus-type wind turbine, named after its inventor Georges Darrieus, comprises multiple curved airfoil blades mounted on a rotating shaft or platform; see, for example, U.S. Patent No. 1,835,018. For a review of the Darrieus-type wind turbine, see Tjiu et al.'s "..." Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine for power generation I: Assessment of Darrieus VAWT configuration ( use Evaluation of the Darius Vertical Axis Wind Turbine I for Power Generation: Darius VAWT Configuration ( ), Renewable Energy, 75 (2015), 50-67, and Kuam et al. A Review on the Evolution of Darrieus Vertical axis Wind Turbine: Small Wind Turbine ( Regarding Dari An overview of the evolution of Ers vertical axis wind turbines: small wind turbines "Journal of Power and Energy Engineering", 2019, 7, 27-44.

[0006] Wind turbine blades can have fixed or variable pitch. Variable pitch vertical axis wind turbines are also known as gyro turbines or rotary turbines, and an example of such a turbine is the vertical axis wind turbine described by PW Carlin et al., Wind Energy, 2003;6:129-159, and the references cited therein, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] Various suggestions have been proposed to improve the efficiency of vertical axis wind turbines.

[0008] WO 2006 / 066310 describes a wind turbine device having a lower air collection chamber through which collected air is discharged upwards via a turbine rotor. In this device, the rotor is preferably a vertically mounted horizontal axis wind turbine rotor.

[0009] FR 2986282 discloses a vertical axis wind turbine device in which the turbine rotor is surrounded by a casing with openings between curved deflector plates through which air is directed upwards to the blades of the turbine rotor. The airflow through the rotor blades is primarily axial (as with horizontal axis wind turbines), rather than primarily transverse relative to the rotor's axis of rotation.

[0010] EP 4160002 discloses a wind turbine device including a vertical axis turbine housed within a shroud formed of a plurality of spaced, angled / curved blades or airfoils configured to guide airflow in an upward direction and pass the airflow through a rotor.

[0011] EP 3564525 discloses a wind turbine device that includes a wind deflector that directs air vertically upward and through a variable pitch rotor.

[0012] US 4309146 describes a wind turbine device in which wind is amplified by passing wind through a "first rotating chamber" to rotate the air before it is directed upward through the turbine.

[0013] US 8546971 describes a device for collecting wind and directing it upwards and through a wind turbine.

[0014] The suggestions discussed above all pertain to wind turbine arrangements in which wind is collected and then directed upwards through the turbine rotor. Therefore, the turbine is roughly used as a horizontal-axis wind turbine that is steered at 90°, rather than as a true vertical-axis wind turbine.

[0015] US 2009 / 00791998 discloses a protective cover for a wind turbine around a vertical axis. The cover appears to serve no useful purpose in enhancing the effect of wind on the turbine.

[0016] KR 20120085452 describes a device for a vertical axis wind turbine mounted on a wall. The device has a series of movable guide walls for controlling the flow of wind into the turbine.

[0017] GR 1008055 discloses a vertical axis wind turbine device that includes a static housing with “cones” and fins arranged around a plurality of stacked, independently rotating impellers.

[0018] In the device of GR 1008055, the driving force for impeller rotation is stated as: (a) the force of air entering the turbine from the side, which is stated as being compressed by the "cone" and fins, such that the air pressure incident on the blades of the turbine impeller (4) increases; and (b) the force of air motion generated by one impeller, which assists the rotation of adjacent impellers in the stack. It is disclosed that the impellers are configured to direct air downwards such that the uppermost impeller will assist the rotation of the impeller below it, and the next impeller below it will in turn assist the rotation of the impeller below it, and so on. Only the uppermost impeller does not benefit from the assistance provided by force (b).

[0019] Mertens et al. (“ Performance of an H-Darrieus in the Skewed Flow on a Roof ( H-Darius's performance in topslope flow The Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, November 2003, Vol. 125, pp. 433-439, has shown through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations that the H-Darius wind turbine can produce increased power output when the airflow incident on the turbine blades is deflected as it flows over the windward edge at the top of the turbine.

[0020] Mertens et al. observed that the deflection angle of air passing through a turbine mounted on top of a building varies particularly with the height of the building, with a larger deflection angle at the top of taller buildings and a smaller angle at the top of shorter buildings. They were able to demonstrate, through calculations and measurements obtained through wind tunnel experiments, that the turbine's coefficient of performance (C0)... P ) is a function of the skew angle (γ).

[0021] In principle, a vertical axis wind turbine should be able to tilt or tumble so that airflow is incident on the turbine blades at an optimal deflection angle. However, while tilting the turbine to deflect fluid flow in near-shore or riverine environments might be a problem of tethering the structure to the riverbed of a body of water and allowing wind or water movement to produce a tilting effect on a floating spars buoy structure (in roughly the same way a sailboat would tilt in the wind, for example), achieving such an effect on land is quite challenging. For example, a vertical axis wind turbine could theoretically be suspended on land from a horizontally supported structure (e.g., a structure with the profile of a football goalpost) and allowed to move freely in the wind, naturally tilting at an angle to the wind when the wind contacts the freely moving suspended turbine of appropriate weight. Alternatively, the entire turbine structure could be set at a fixed desired angle on its base (which, given local conditions, would require knowing the optimal angle) or mounted on a gimbal to allow for more dynamic tilting movements to deflect the flow through the turbine. The technical problems associated with this configuration will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, and range from the hazards and problems posed by a solid rotating object freely moving in a variable wind suspended on a tether to structural stresses placed on a fixed structure held at an angle significantly away from the vertical, or capable of being dynamically moved away from the vertical plane by mountings fixed to the ground. Even if such a structure is considered practical, the engineering and control of such a system will be expected to present significant challenges. Summary of the Invention

[0022] The object of the present invention is to provide a device that mitigates or eliminates at least one of the disadvantages of known or tested methods and apparatuses.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that is lightweight, robust and (when desired) easy to control, allows for the required flow deflection over a wide range of flow rates, and utilizes a plurality of stacked airfoils or tubes of specific dimensions and spacing that operate under a common control mechanism.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that can largely and dynamically prevent wind or fluid from entering a turbine when the dominant conditions are unsuitable (such as during the occurrence of very high-speed wind or water flow or when solid materials are entrained in the flow).

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to reduce or eliminate the danger to wildlife that is often inherent in generating energy from wind or water when employing certain turbine designs; specifically, but not limited to, bird or fish strikes.

[0026] Another objective of this invention is to blur the movement of turbine blades from the field of vision, thereby eliminating shadow flickering, environmental effects, and visual degradation of land and seascapes.

[0027] The present invention utilizes multiple airfoils, each airfoil being interconnected and optionally further connected to a control mechanism (e.g., a cable- or rod-based control mechanism), enabling all airfoils to move in close coordination with each other, wherein each airfoil guides the flow toward the adjacent airfoil to provide minimal resistance or obstruction to the flow, while also introducing a significant deflection into the flow, and thereby minimizing energy loss when sufficient deflection is obtained before the air or water contacts the turbine.

[0028] The airfoils can be arranged in a circular pattern around the turbine to guide and control the flow into and out of the turbine.

[0029] In the device of the present invention, the airfoil at least partially surrounds the wind turbine. This arrangement differs from the known Darwin wind turbine, in which a collector housing with multiple hinged flaps is positioned below the wind turbine, and the wind collected by the housing is guided upward through the turbine.

[0030] Therefore, in a first aspect (Example 1), the present invention provides an apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed to one or more vertical axis turbines, the apparatus comprising a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged to partially or completely surround one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected before it is incident on one or more vertical axis turbines.

[0031] Vertical spacing is typically chosen and airfoils are typically profiled and angled, such that the fluid flow is deflected as it flows between the airfoils and remains deflected as it is incident on at least one of the one or more vertical axis turbines.

[0032] In another aspect (Example 2), the present invention provides an apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed onto a vertical axis turbine. The apparatus includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon. The plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to partially or completely surround the vertical axis turbine. The vertical spacing is selected and the airfoils are profiled and angled, such that the fluid flow is deflected as it flows between the airfoils and remains deflected as it is incident on the vertical axis turbine.

[0033] In another aspect (Example 3), the present invention provides a vertical axis turbine assembly including a vertical axis turbine and means for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed toward the vertical axis turbine. The means includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon. The plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to partially or completely surround the vertical axis turbine. The vertical spacing is selected and the airfoils are profiled and angled such that the fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected as it flows between the airfoils and remains deflected as it is incident on the vertical axis turbine.

[0034] In another aspect (Example 4), the present invention provides an apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed onto one or more vertical axis turbines. The apparatus includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon. The plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to partially or completely surround one or more vertical axis turbines. The vertical spacing is selected and the airfoils are profiled and angled, such that the fluid flow is deflected as it flows between the airfoils and remains deflected as it is incident on one or more vertical axis turbines.

[0035] In another aspect (Example 5), the present invention provides a vertical axis turbine assembly including one or more vertical axis turbines and means for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed toward the one or more vertical axis turbines. The means includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the vertically spaced airfoils being arranged to partially or completely surround the one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected as it flows between the airfoils and remains deflected as it is incident on the one or more vertical axis turbines.

[0036] As used herein, the term "vertical axis turbine" refers to a turbine driven by a fluid flow from a predominantly transverse direction relative to the turbine's axis of rotation onto the turbine. Therefore, the vertical axis turbine and housing of the present invention differ from arrangements disclosed in WO 2006 / 066310, FR 2986282, EP 4160002, EP 3564525, US 4309146, and US8546971, in which the housing around the wind turbine deflects the wind in a generally upward direction such that the airflow through the turbine blades is generally aligned with the axis of the wind turbine, rather than primarily transversely relative to the wind turbine axis.

[0037] Unless the context otherwise indicates, the term "fluid" as used herein generally refers to gases and liquids. While the invention is illustrated primarily by reference to wind turbines, it should be understood that devices for use with or including water turbines or other turbines driven by liquids and gases are also within the scope of the invention.

[0038] In each of the foregoing five aspects (Examples 1 to 5) of the present invention, a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to partially or completely surround a vertical axis turbine (or one or more vertical axis turbines). The plurality of vertically spaced airfoils may be arranged to partially or completely surround a single vertical axis turbine or a group of more than one vertical axis turbine.

[0039] Further embodiments of the present invention are the following embodiments 6 to 23.

[0040] Example 6: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the airfoil is arranged to completely surround the vertical axis turbine (or one or more vertical axis turbines).

[0041] Example 7: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the airfoil is arranged to partially surround the vertical axis turbine (or one or more vertical axis turbines).

[0042] Example 8: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to completely surround a single vertical axis turbine.

[0043] Example 9: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 and Example 7, wherein a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to partially surround a single vertical axis turbine.

[0044] Example 10: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to completely surround a group of more than one vertical axis turbine.

[0045] Example 11: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 5 and Example 7, wherein a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are arranged to partially surround a group of more than one vertical axis turbine.

[0046] Example 12: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, as appropriate, wherein one or more vertical axis turbines consist of one to ten vertical axis turbines.

[0047] Example 13: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with only a single vertical axis turbine.

[0048] Example 14: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with two vertical axis turbines.

[0049] Example 15: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with three vertical axis turbines.

[0050] Example 16: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with four vertical axis turbines.

[0051] Example 17: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with five vertical axis turbines.

[0052] Example 18: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with six vertical axis turbines.

[0053] Example 19: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with seven vertical axis turbines.

[0054] Example 20: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with eight vertical axis turbines.

[0055] Example 21: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with nine vertical axis turbines.

[0056] Example 22: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 12, wherein the device is configured for use with ten vertical axis turbines.

[0057] Example 23: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 22, wherein when there is more than one vertical axis turbine as defined above, or when the device is configured for use with more than one vertical axis turbine as defined above, each of the vertical axis turbines (i.e., its rotor) is mounted on its own shaft.

[0058] The support structure can be static (i.e., non-rotatable) or it can be rotatable about a generally vertical axis. When the support structure is rotatable, the device preferably includes a control mechanism that enables the support structure to rotate to a desired degree. The control mechanism may include a motor, typically used to cause rotation. Therefore, in another embodiment, the invention provides:

[0059] Example 24: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the support structure is static, i.e., non-rotatable.

[0060] Example 25: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 23, wherein the support structure is rotatable about a generally vertical axis.

[0061] Example 26: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 25, wherein the device includes a control mechanism that enables the support structure to rotate to a desired extent.

[0062] Example 27: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 26, wherein the control mechanism includes a motor for generating rotation, typically an electric motor.

[0063] Airfoils can be mounted on a support structure to completely or partially surround one or more vertical axis turbines. Where the airfoils only partially surround one or more vertical axis turbines, one or more non-airfoil wall structures can be inserted between the areas of the airfoils around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the device. The non-airfoil wall structures are typically formed to prevent or restrict fluid flow and can extend from the top to the bottom of the support structure. When the support structure is rotatable, it can be rotated to bring the area containing the airfoils or the non-airfoil wall structures into a position facing the fluid flow, depending on whether it is desirable to expose the vertical axis turbine to the fluid flow or to completely or partially block the fluid flow to the turbine.

[0064] Accordingly, another embodiment (Embodiment 28) provides a device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the airfoil only partially surrounds the vertical axis turbine, and one or more non-airfoil wall structures are inserted between the areas of the airfoil around the periphery (e.g., circumference) of the device.

[0065] In another embodiment (Example 29), the present invention provides a device for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed to a vertical axis turbine. The device includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around the vertical axis turbine, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected before it is incident on the vertical axis turbine.

[0066] In another aspect (Example 30), the present invention provides an apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed onto a vertical axis turbine. The apparatus includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around the vertical axis turbine, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow is deflected as it flows between the airfoils and remains deflected as it is incident on the vertical axis turbine.

[0067] In another aspect (Example 31), the present invention provides a vertical axis turbine assembly including a vertical axis turbine and means for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed toward the vertical axis turbine. The means includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around the vertical axis turbine, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected as it flows between the airfoils and remains deflected as it is incident on the vertical axis turbine.

[0068] In another aspect (Example 32), the present invention provides a method for improving the efficiency of one or more vertical axis turbines, the method comprising: surrounding one or more vertical axis turbines with a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected before it is incident on one or more vertical axis turbines.

[0069] According to the invention, the fluid flow to the vertical axis turbine is deflected before it reaches the turbine blades, and the spacing and profile of the airfoils are selected to impart a deflection angle (deflection angle) that enhances turbine performance (e.g., as determined by the turbine's performance coefficient (C)). P(represented by )). Therefore, given that Mertens et al. (ibid.) described a situation in which the deflection angle of the airflow is determined by the height and other characteristics of the building on which the wind turbine is mounted, the present invention provides a means of imparting a desired degree of deflection to the airflow (and other fluid flows) independent of any structure on which the turbine is mounted or the topography of adjacent structures.

[0070] Therefore, the present invention provides a means of exposing a vertical axis turbine to a skewed fluid flow that is equivalent to or similar to the skewed fluid flow that the turbine blades would be exposed to when the turbine is tilted or tilted, but without involving the disadvantages and complexities of providing a tilted turbine.

[0071] According to the invention, each vertical axis turbine is mounted on a fixed, non-tilted, generally vertical support, and a piping system is provided around the vertical axis turbine and to provide a desired deflected fluid flow to the turbine blades.

[0072] The vertical support can be rotatable at its base to present different surfaces to the fluid flow, or it can be non-rotatable.

[0073] Unless the context otherwise indicates, the embodiments, preferences and examples set forth below apply to various aspects of the invention as described above.

[0074] In this application, references to distance and length may be given in meters (abbreviated as “m” in some cases).

[0075] In some examples in this article, the term "array" is used to refer to "multiple wing surfaces".

[0076] The fluid flow onto the turbine blades is deflected, so that even after the deflection, the flow is still guided onto the turbine blades from a direction that is primarily transverse to the turbine's axis of rotation.

[0077] Preferably, the fluid flow experiences a deflection angle of up to ±30°, for example, from +10° to +30° or -10° to -30°. In one embodiment, the fluid flow experiences a deflection angle ranging from +25° to +29°. In another embodiment, the fluid flow experiences a deflection angle ranging from -25° to -29°.

[0078] Therefore, the fluid flow between the airfoils is incident on the turbine blades at an angle greater than 0° and at most ±30° (e.g., from +10° to +30° or -10° to -30°) relative to the horizontal plane. In one embodiment, the fluid flow is incident on the turbine blades at an angle from +25° to +29°. In another embodiment, the fluid flow is incident on the turbine blades at an angle from -25° to -29° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0079] In another embodiment, the fluid flow between the airfoils is incident on the turbine blades at an angle of 60° to 85° relative to the turbine's axis of rotation (e.g., 60° to 80° relative to the turbine's axis of rotation). In one embodiment, the fluid flow is incident on the turbine blades at an angle of 61° to 69° relative to the turbine's axis of rotation.

[0080] Therefore, in other embodiments 33 to 38, the present invention provides:

[0081] Example 33: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the fluid flow is subjected to a deflection angle of up to ±30° (e.g., from +10° to +30° or -10° to -30°).

[0082] Example 34: The device according to Example 33, wherein the fluid flow is subjected to (i) a skew angle in the range of +25° to +29°; or (ii) a skew angle in the range of -25° to -29°.

[0083] Example 35: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the device or vertical axis turbine assembly is configured such that the fluid flow that has passed through the airfoil is incident on the turbine blade at an angle greater than 0° and at most ±30° (e.g., from +10° to +30° or -10° to -30°) relative to the horizontal plane.

[0084] Example 36: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 35, wherein the fluid flow (a) is incident on the turbine blades at an angle from +25° to +29°; or (b) is incident on the turbine blades at an angle from -25° to -29° relative to the horizontal direction.

[0085] Example 37: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 32, wherein the device or vertical axis turbine assembly is configured such that the fluid flow that has passed through the airfoils is incident on the turbine blades at an angle of 60° to 85° relative to the axis of rotation of the turbine (e.g., an angle of 60° to 80° relative to the axis of rotation of the turbine).

[0086] Example 38: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 37 is configured such that the fluid flow is incident on the turbine blades at an angle of 61° to 69° relative to the axis of rotation of the turbine.

[0087] The vertical axis turbine can be a wind turbine, or it can be any other type of turbine (such as a water turbine), wherein the power of the turbine is provided by a fluid flow. Therefore, in other embodiments (Examples 39 to 47), the invention provides:

[0088] Example 39: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 38, wherein the vertical axis turbine is a wind turbine.

[0089] Example 40: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 39, wherein the vertical axis wind turbine is a wind turbine having a Darius configuration or a Savonius configuration.

[0090] Example 41: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 40, wherein the wind turbine has a Darius configuration.

[0091] Example 42: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 40, wherein the wind turbine has a Savonius configuration.

[0092] Example 43: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 41, wherein the vertical axis turbine is a variable pitch vertical axis wind turbine, which is differently referred to as a gyro turbine or a rotary turbine.

[0093] The example of the turbine in Example 43 is the vertical axis wind turbine described in PW Karin et al., Wind Energy, 2003; 6: 129-159 and the references cited therein, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0094] Example 44: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 39, wherein the wind turbine is a vertical axis wind turbine selected from the following:

[0095] (i) a turbine comprising a plurality of straight or curved elongated blades connected by one or more lateral support members to a common rotating shaft or hub; and

[0096] (ii) A turbine comprising a plurality of curved, elongated blades connected at their upper and lower ends to a common rotating shaft.

[0097] In the wind turbines of types (i) and (ii) of Embodiment 44, the blades are elongated in the principal axial direction (i.e., from top to bottom or vice versa). "Principal axial direction" means that the axial dimension of the elongated blades (the distance along which the blade extends) is greater than their radial dimension (i.e., the width of the blade in the radial direction).

[0098] Example 45: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 44, wherein the turbine is of type (i) and includes a plurality of generally straight elongated blades, each generally straight elongated blade being connected to a common axis of rotation by two or more transverse support members, wherein the generally straight elongated blades have an alignment generally parallel to the axis of rotation (i.e., the turbine has an H-type rotor configuration).

[0099] Example 46: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 44, wherein the turbine is of type (i) and includes a plurality of curved elongated blades, each curved elongated blade being connected to a common axis of rotation by two or more lateral support members, wherein the curved elongated blades have a generally helical alignment about the axis of rotation.

[0100] Example 47: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 44, wherein the turbine is of type (i) and includes a plurality of generally straight elongated blades, each generally straight elongated blade being connected to a common axis of rotation by two or more lateral support members, wherein each generally straight elongated blade rotates individually, wholly or partially, about an auxiliary axis that is generally parallel to the axis of rotation (“main axis”) of the turbine (e.g., the turbine has a rotary rotor configuration).

[0101] In the presence of more than one vertical axis turbine, they can all be of the same type and configuration, or there can be a mixture of vertical axis turbines of different types and configurations.

[0102] In another embodiment of the invention (Embodiment 48) as defined in any one of Embodiments 1 to 38, the vertical axis turbine is a hydraulic turbine. Examples of hydraulic turbines are those located in rivers or tidal estuaries or at sea where there is an electric current capable of powering the turbine.

[0103] The device includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around a turbine with a vertical axis. Each vertically spaced airfoil may be in the form of a single airfoil surrounding the turbine. Alternatively, each of the vertically spaced airfoils may include a plurality of airfoil segments joined together to surround the turbine.

[0104] In another embodiment, the airfoils or airfoil segments may be arranged to partially surround the vertical axis turbine, with the horizontal spacing between the airfoils or airfoil segments filled by one or more non-airfoil wall structures (e.g., panels) such that the airfoils or airfoil segments and non-airfoil wall structures together surround the vertical axis turbine.

[0105] In one embodiment, the wing (or multiple connected wing segments) is elliptical (e.g., circular) or annular in a plane (i.e., when viewed from above).

[0106] In another embodiment, the wing surface (or multiple connected wing surface segments) is polygonal (preferably regular polygonal) in the plane.

[0107] For example, the wing surface (or multiple connected wing surface segments) can be a square, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon, eleven-sided or dodecagon in the plane.

[0108] In another embodiment, the wing (or multiple connected wing segments) is elliptical in plan.

[0109] In one particular embodiment, the support structure has a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around a turbine about a vertical axis, each of the airfoils being elliptical (e.g., circular) in a plan view.

[0110] In another particular embodiment, the support structure has a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around a turbine with a vertical axis, each airfoil comprising a plurality of straight airfoil segments connected together in a polygonal array to surround the turbine.

[0111] Each wing surface has an outer leading edge and an inner trailing edge. In a general embodiment of the invention (Example 49) as defined in any one of Examples 1 to 48, the vertical distance (d1) between the leading edges of adjacent wing surfaces is substantially the same as or differs from the vertical distance (d2) between the trailing edges of adjacent wing surfaces by no more than 10%, preferably no more than 5%.

[0112] In one embodiment of the invention (Embodiment 50) as defined in any one of Embodiments 1 to 49, the airfoils are static, i.e., they have a fixed angle and vertical spacing. In another embodiment of the invention (Embodiment 51) as defined in any one of Embodiments 1 to 49, the angle and / or vertical spacing of the airfoils are adjustable.

[0113] When the airfoils are static, the vertical spacing between the airfoils and the angle of the airfoils can be pre-selected to provide a skew angle optimized for a location using a vertical axis turbine.

[0114] As an alternative to static airfoils, airfoils can be adjustable in angle and / or vertical spacing, allowing them to provide optimal deflection in variable environmental conditions, such as varying wind speed and direction.

[0115] When the wing surfaces are adjustable, preferably, a control mechanism is coupled to each wing surface to allow them to move in a coordinated manner.

[0116] In one embodiment, the control mechanism is configured to cause all the wing surfaces to move together in a locked and coordinated manner.

[0117] In another embodiment, the control mechanism is configured such that multiple sets (or groups) of wing surfaces can move independently, each component in a set being able to move in a coordinated manner with the other components in that set.

[0118] In another embodiment, the control mechanism is configured such that each wing surface can move independently.

[0119] The control mechanism may include one or more articulated support cables or rods attached to or passing through the wing or wing array support, and at least one additional rod or cable capable of adjusting the angle of attack of the wing. When adjacent wing surfaces are connected or attached to the support cables of the rod, the wing surfaces are typically arranged to lock coordinated movement.

[0120] The electronic controller can be advantageously operatively coupled to multiple airfoils (airfoil arrays) via a control mechanism. The electronic controller is programmed or programmable to control the direction and / or rate of movement of the airfoils.

[0121] The electronic controller can be operatively coupled to one or more sensors for measuring wind speed and direction (or the flow direction and velocity of alternative fluids such as water), and the controller is programmed or programmable to control the movement of the airfoil in response to signals received from the sensors.

[0122] The wing surface can be pivotally mounted to adjust its angle (tilt). For example, the wing surface can be mounted on a pivot (e.g., a pivot rod) that is connected to a control cable, rod, motor driver, or other mechanism for rotating the pivot rod.

[0123] Alternatively, the wing can be connected to an adjacent wing via a rod or cable, such that movement of the rod or cable causes a coordinated tilt of the connected wing.

[0124] A rod or cable can be attached, for example, to the leading and trailing edges of the wing surface.

[0125] To prevent the airfoil from twisting or buckling when adjusting its angle, the airfoil can be designed with a certain degree of flexibility, so that when the airfoil is tilted, the radial inner edge and radial outer edge of the airfoil can be lengthened or shortened as needed.

[0126] The wing surface can be formed from a flexible textile material that extends over the wing surface profile and / or the tubular frame.

[0127] In one embodiment, each airfoil includes a support frame formed of tubing covered with a suitable, durable fabric, such as a woven textile or sheet material formed of a suitable polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane or polyurethane-coated fabric). In this embodiment, the tubing may be telescopically connected to allow the radially inner and radially outer edges of the airfoil to lengthen or shorten when the airfoil is tilted. Alternatively or additionally, the support frame may include one or more compression / expansion joints to allow the radially inner and radially outer edges of the airfoil to shorten or lengthen when the airfoil is tilted.

[0128] Instead of having radially inner and outer edges that can be shortened or lengthened, each airfoil may include multiple airfoil segments joined together to surround the turbine. For example, each airfoil may include two to ten airfoil segments (more typically three to eight and preferably four to six) arranged to form around the circumference (e.g., circumference) of the turbine. To prevent the airfoil segments from buckling when tilted, the airfoil segments may be spaced apart along the circumference (i.e., horizontally) when operatively joined, such that adjacent airfoil segments do not come into contact to the extent that they would collide with each other and cause mutual twisting when tilted.

[0129] In addition to being tiltable, at least some, and usually all, of the wing surfaces are also movable in the vertical direction (up or down), allowing adjustment of the vertical spacing between the wing surfaces. Therefore, the wing surfaces can be mounted on cables, sliders, or other mechanisms that allow them to move in a coordinated manner in the vertical plane. The mechanism for changing the vertical spacing between the wing surfaces is preferably operatively coupled to an electronic controller, such as a lock-lock mechanism.

[0130] In an alternative embodiment of the invention as defined in any of Embodiments 1 to 50 (Embodiment 52), the airfoils have a fixed configuration (i.e., they cannot be adjusted with respect to angle or spacing), but multiple vertically spaced airfoils are divided into two or more regions, wherein the airfoils in one region impart different deflection characteristics to the fluid flow than the airfoils in another region. In this embodiment, the support structure can be rotatable, such that different regions of the multiple airfoils can be arranged to face the fluid flow. In this embodiment, the airfoils in a given region can be configured to provide optimal fluid flow for specific environmental fluid flow conditions. Therefore, the entire structure can be rotated to present the region of the airfoils determined to be most suitable for the environmental fluid flow conditions to the fluid flow.

[0131] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment (Example 53) of the invention as defined in any one of Embodiments 1 to 50, a device is provided for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed to one or more vertical axis turbines. The device includes a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted thereon, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around a vertical axis turbine, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected before it incident on the vertical axis turbine; the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils are divided into two or more regions, wherein the airfoils in one region impart different deflection characteristics to the fluid flow than the airfoils in another region; and wherein the support structure is rotatable about a generally vertical axis such that different regions of the plurality of airfoils can be positioned facing the fluid flow.

[0132] In this embodiment, the support structure may be in the form of a tower, which includes an array of multiple upwardly extending frame members and stacked rows of winglets mounted on the support structure; each stacked row of winglets is configured to surround one or more vertical axis turbines; and each row includes multiple winglet segments; wherein each winglet segment is connected between a pair of adjacent upwardly extending frame members.

[0133] Multiple upward-extending frame members can be arranged in circular, elliptical, oval, or polygonal patterns to allow the turbine to rotate around a vertical axis.

[0134] In one embodiment (Example 54), the upwardly extending frame members are arranged in a circular pattern.

[0135] The tower comprises at least three upward-extending frame members and typically there will be between three and twenty such frame members.

[0136] In one embodiment (Example 55), there are eight to twelve upwardly extending frame members, and in a particular embodiment (Example 56), there are ten such frame members.

[0137] The airfoil segments connected between a given pair of adjacent, upwardly extending frame members together form segments of a stacked array of airfoils (“stacked segments”). Airfoil segments in one stacked segment can be configured to impart different skew characteristics to the fluid flow than airfoil segments in another stacked segment. Thus, one or more stacked segments can constitute a region as defined above.

[0138] In this embodiment, the tower can rotate about a generally vertical axis. This allows the different stacked sections to be oriented toward the fluid flow. The advantage of this arrangement is that it allows one or more stacked sections with their airfoils configured to be aligned with the fluid flow in a manner best suited to the ambient fluid flow conditions, and optimizes the fluid flow relative to the performance of the turbine rotor or multiple rotors.

[0139] The tower can be rotatable because it is mounted on the support columns of a vertical axis turbine, or it can be mounted on a separate structure. For example, it can be mounted on a rotating base or a slewing ring. Slewing rings are well-known and used in a variety of engineering applications.

[0140] The tower's rotation is typically motor-driven. The motor can be manually operated, or it can be connected to an electronic controller, which in turn connects to a remote control facility and / or sensors that sense ambient fluid flow conditions. Thus, in one embodiment (Example 57), the device is automated, automatically responding to changes in ambient fluid flow conditions. In this embodiment, the ambient fluid flow conditions are monitored by an electronic controller (or remote controller) and matched to a specific set of airfoil configurations. The tower is then rotated such that the area of ​​the airfoil that best matches the optimal airfoil configuration engages with the fluid flow surface on the ground.

[0141] It should be understood that a rotatable tower avoids the need for individual airfoils to be adjustable in response to changes in environmental conditions. Airfoils can be fixed in a specific configuration, thereby simplifying the construction of the device. However, there may still be situations where fine-tuning of the airfoil configuration is beneficial, and therefore a rotating tower can still include at least some airfoils that can be adjusted individually.

[0142] Therefore, in one embodiment (Example 58), the device may include a combination of fixed and adjustable airfoils.

[0143] The rotating tower also offers the ability to orient the entire structure and its rotor in a preferred orientation relative to the direction and velocity of the dominant fluid. It has also been found that fine-tuning of this orientation can provide significant performance benefits.

[0144] The wing surface can be defined by reference to its chord length, which is the length of a straight line between the leading and trailing edges of the wing surface.

[0145] A further characteristic of the wing surface may be its camber, which is a term that indicates the asymmetry between the upper and lower surfaces of the wing surface and refers to the curve of the centerline (geometric centerline) of the wing surface segment.

[0146] For example, the airfoil used in the device of the present invention may have a chord length of approximately 0.5 m. However, it will be understood that the device of the present invention allows for a range of chord lengths depending on the specific application.

[0147] Various wing profiles can be used, and examples are included in the wing profiles and their variations described and defined in the NACA (National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics) classification system.

[0148] The airfoil profile, chord length, vertical spacing, and tilt angle are selected to deflect the fluid flow so that the fluid flow remains deflected when it is injected onto the blades of the vertical axis turbine, while any reduction in fluid velocity is minimized.

[0149] By using CFD modeling, variables such as airfoil profile, vertical spacing, chord length, and airfoil tilt angle can be optimized for specific fluid velocities that may be encountered at a given operating location of a vertical axis turbine.

[0150] For example, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of stacked airfoil arrays has revealed that, where the airfoils have relatively shallow tilt angles (e.g., approximately 20°), if the vertical spacing relative to the chord length is too large at a given fluid velocity, the fluid flow initially deflects, but the fluid streamlines straighten downstream of the airfoils. Therefore, when the fluid comes into contact with the turbine blades, there is little or no remaining deflection. As illustrated in the figures that form part of this application, this problem can be solved by reducing the vertical spacing between the airfoils until the desired deflection angle is maintained downstream of the airfoils.

[0151] The required vertical spacing between wing surfaces will typically vary depending on the chord length of the wing surfaces. For example, the ratio of wing chord length to vertical spacing between wing surfaces can be approximately 5:2. Therefore, for a chord length of 0.5m, a spacing of 0.2m would be recommended. Similarly, if the chord length is 0.8m, the vertical spacing would be approximately 0.32m. The spacing should be adjusted proportionally to maintain a consistent ratio between the chord length and the vertical spacing.

[0152] The wing surfaces within a vertical array can be tilted to the same angle, as this contributes to a more optimized system. While the range of angles available can be combined across part or all of the array, using the same angle minimizes wall effects and promotes smoother, more controlled tubes. This approach contributes to better results in terms of overall performance and efficiency.

[0153] However, as mentioned above, in some embodiments, different regions of the wing array can be configured and optimized differently for different environmental fluid flow conditions.

[0154] In some embodiments of the invention, the chord length of the wing (or wing segment) toward the upper end of the support structure or tower may be reduced compared to the chord length of the wing or wing segment extending downward along the support structure or tower.

[0155] For example, there may be one or more stepped reductions in chord length from the bottom to the top of the supporting structure or tower. For instance, the chord length may decrease from 0.5 meters at the base of the supporting structure or tower to 0.31 meters at the top.

[0156] Within a given region of the wing array (e.g., a stacked section), the chord length can be reduced from the bottom to the top, as described above.

[0157] The angle of inclination of the wing surface is typically in the range of +40° to -40° relative to the horizontal plane, and more commonly in the range of +35° to -35° relative to the horizontal plane, for example, in the range of +30° to -30°.

[0158] As described below, iterative optimization is performed by utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to improve and refine the design. The system experiences significant variability in its flow, depending on fluid velocity, density, and other dynamic factors. Since the effective mathematical relationships between the various dynamic factors are not readily apparent, optimal airfoil positioning for a given (specifically, height-variable) condition has been achieved through trial and error.

[0159] Typically, multiple vertically spaced airfoils form a vertical stack of at least 10 airfoil heights, usually at least 20 airfoil heights, and more usually at least 50 airfoil heights, although it should be understood that the exact number of airfoils required depends largely on the height of the vertical axis turbine. Thus, for example, depending on the height of the vertical axis turbine, the vertically stacked airfoils can be 10 to 200 airfoil heights, more typically 20 to 100 airfoil heights.

[0160] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present invention provides:

[0161] Example 59: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 58, wherein a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils form a vertical stack of at least 10 airfoil heights, typically at least 20 airfoil heights, and more typically at least 50 airfoil heights.

[0162] Example 60: The device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to Example 59, wherein the vertical stacking of the airfoils is 10 to 200 airfoil heights, more typically 20 to 100 airfoil heights.

[0163] The airfoil will have a radius that depends on the dimensions of the vertical axis turbine (this term includes the equivalent dimension from the center to the apex of the polygonal airfoil or array of airfoil segments). For example, the airfoil radius can vary between 1m and 7m, depending on the specific design and requirements. This range allows for flexibility in customizing airfoil dimensions for different turbine configurations and operational needs.

[0164] The wing surface can have a constant radius from the top to the bottom of the wing surface stack.

[0165] Depending on the specific design and structure of the turbine, the radial clearance between the airfoil and blades of a vertical axis turbine typically falls within the range of 0.16m to 0.2m.

[0166] The device of the present invention can be enclosed by a cap having a dome-shaped or truncated conical profile, the inclined surface of which is used to deflect air above the top of the tower and minimize turbulence. The cap may have a notch or recess in its upper surface, the notch or recess having a profile designed to guide fluid (e.g., air) upward at an angle through the top of the structure and into the blades of an industrial-scale horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) that may be located next to the device of the present invention. Initial studies have shown that industrial-scale HAWT turbine performance is increased by approximately 3%–7% due to the co-positioning of HAWT and VAWT turbines in the same array.

[0167] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present invention provides:

[0168] Example 61: A device or vertical axis turbine assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 60, wherein the device is enclosed by a cap having a dome-shaped or truncated conical profile, the inclined surface of which is used to deflect air above the top of the tower and minimize turbulence.

[0169] Example 62: A combination of at least one vertical axis turbine assembly and at least one horizontal axis wind turbine as defined in any of the above examples.

[0170] Example 63: A combination of Example 62, wherein the vertical axis turbine assembly is configured to guide air passing through the device upward at an angle into the blades of the horizontal axis turbine.

[0171] Further embodiments and aspects of the invention will become clear from the description of the specific devices stated below. Attached Figure Description

[0172] Figure 1 The figure shows a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) rendering based on the NACA 18 profile airfoil with a chord of 0.5 meters, where all airfoils are angled downwards at 20 degrees from the horizontal plane (from the leading edge to the trailing edge), the vertical spacing between the airfoils is 0.5 meters, and the wind speed is 7.8 meters per second.

[0173] Figure 2 and Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The rendering shown is a closer view.

[0174] Figure 4 It shows that based on, Figure 1 The image shows a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) rendering of the NACA 18 airfoil profile, where all airfoils are at a 20-degree angle to the horizontal and the wind speed is 7.8 m / s, but the vertical spacing between the airfoils is 0.2 m instead of 0.2 m. Figure 1 The 0.5-meter spacing used.

[0175] Figures 5 to 9 It shows Figure 4 Further view of the 0.2-meter stack.

[0176] Figure 10 This is a schematic side view of a device comprising a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the airfoils form an angle of +25 degrees with the horizontal plane. In this figure and... Figures 11 to 15 In the diagram, the details of the support structure have been minimized. Therefore, for example, structural elements connecting the wing surfaces to the support structure and control elements such as cables and control rods are not shown.

[0177] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional view of the equipment.

[0178] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 and Figure 11 An enlarged stereoscopic view of the upper part of the device.

[0179] Figure 13 yes Figure 10 and Figure 11 An enlarged side view of the upper part of the device.

[0180] Figure 14 It corresponds to Figure 13 An enlarged side view, but showing the wing surface tilted at a -25 degree angle to the horizontal plane.

[0181] Figure 15 Is it like this? Figure 14 A further magnified stereoscopic view of a portion of the device as shown in the diagram.

[0182] Figure 16 This is a view of one side of a device comprising a plurality of vertically spaced wings according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] Figure 17 From Figure 16 A view of the opposite side of the device.

[0184] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 A longitudinal sectional view of the equipment.

[0185] Figure 19 This is a top view of the device.

[0186] Figure 20 This is a front view of a device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 Rear view of an embodiment.

[0188] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 and Figure 21 A side view of the device.

[0189] Figure 23 yes Figures 20 to 22 A plan view of the equipment.

[0190] Figure 24 This is a schematic perspective view of a type of Darius vertical axis wind turbine used according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the turbine has an H-type rotor configuration.

[0191] Figure 25 This is a schematic perspective view of another type of Darius vertical axis wind turbine used in this invention.

[0192] Figure 26 This is a schematic perspective view of another type of Darius vertical axis wind turbine used according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the turbine has a helical configuration.

[0193] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram from above of another type of Darius vertical axis wind turbine used according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the turbine has a variable pitch or gyrotron configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0194] The invention will now be illustrated by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the specific embodiments described in the accompanying drawings.

[0195] Figures 10 to 13 The figure shows an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes a support frame, representative portions of which are shown as elements (2), (4), and (6), and a plurality of wing surfaces (8) are mounted on the support frame.

[0196] Figures 10 to 13 The device shown can be provided in the form of a fixed wing or a tiltable wing. When the wing is at a fixed angle, the wing is fixed to the support structure (2), (4), (6) by support elements (not shown).

[0197] When the wing surfaces are variable in angle, they are typically connected to control levers or cables, which in turn are connected to a control mechanism for moving the cables and control levers to tilt the wing surfaces. The control mechanism is then connected to an electronic controller that can respond to manual input and / or input from sensors such as wind speed and wind direction sensors to change the angle of the wing surfaces and optionally also change the vertical spacing between the wing surfaces.

[0198] The control lever, cables, control mechanism, electronic controller, and sensors are not shown in the figure.

[0199] exist Figures 10 to 13 In the middle, the wing surface forms an angle of +25° with the horizontal plane, that is, the leading edge of the wing surface is inclined upward from the horizontal plane at an angle of +25°.

[0200] In this embodiment of the invention, the wing surface is formed by a frame of tubes covered with a tightly stretched skin, which is formed of a suitable tough, durable and weather-resistant fabric.

[0201] Alternatively, they can be formed by molding or extruding appropriately tough and preferably lightweight plastic or metal materials (such as aluminum).

[0202] The airfoil is shown as a circle in a plane. When airfoils are designed to be tiltable, they need to be flexible enough to ensure they do not buckle or twist when tilted. This can be achieved by using telescopic tubes for the airfoil frame, allowing the leading and trailing edges of the airfoil to expand or contract circumferentially as needed when tilted. The telescopic tubes can be connected by springs or other elastic elements, causing them to be elastically biased towards each other, absorbing any distortion of the airfoil shape when tilted, and then restoring the airfoil to its normal shape after tilting.

[0203] As an alternative to a circular airfoil in the plane, each airfoil may include multiple partially circular airfoil segments with lateral (circumferential) space between them. This arrangement will reduce airfoil buckling during tilting. Each of the partially circular airfoil segments may be formed by a tubular frame covered in a fabric skin, and like a fully circular airfoil, the frame may include telescopic tubes and resilient biasing elements (such as springs) to absorb any torsion during tilting.

[0204] The figure also shows the support column (S) for the vertical axis turbine. For clarity, the turbine itself has been omitted.

[0205] exist Figure 14 and Figure 15 The diagram shows a device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The device's construction is similar to... Figures 10 to 13The structure shown is the same or similar, except that the wing surface is inclined at an angle of -25° from the horizontal plane, that is, the leading edge of the wing surface is inclined downwards at an angle of -25° from the horizontal plane. As... Figures 10 to 13 The embodiment shown, Figure 14 and Figure 15 The equipment is subject to the fact that necessary control levers or cables can be provided in fixed-angle or variable-angle configurations. Figure 14 and Figure 15 The embodiments shown can also be provided in variations, wherein each wing surface includes multiple partially circular wing surface segments.

[0206] Figures 10 to 15 The wing surfaces shown in the equipment can be selected from the profiles defined in the NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) classification system and its variants. One specific profile that has been used and tested is the NACA 18 profile.

[0207] exist Figures 16 to 18 The diagram illustrates an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention. The apparatus is in the form of a tower (100) comprising a plurality (in this particular case ten) upwardly extending frame members (102) arranged in a generally circular pattern and mounted at their lower ends on a base (104) securely anchored to the ground below. Support columns S' for a vertical axis wind turbine are also provided in the base (104). Figure 18 Only the short support column (S') is shown. For clarity, the rest of the support column and the wind turbine mounted on it are omitted.

[0208] An array of stacked annular rows of fixed airfoils (108, 108') is mounted on the frame member (102). Each annular row of airfoils comprises multiple (in) Figures 16 to 18 In the specific embodiment shown, there are 10 arcuate airfoil segments, with both ends of each airfoil segment fixed to the frame member (102). Although the figures show a multi-row airfoil consisting of ten airfoil segments, it should be understood that a row can be formed by fewer or more segments, and the number of frame members (102) can be adjusted accordingly.

[0209] The wing surface may have the profile described above with respect to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0210] The wing sections (108, 108') are typically formed from recyclable and / or recycled polymers produced via additive manufacturing (3D printing), and the frame members (102) are formed from suitable steel that is corrosion-resistant or coated with a corrosion-resistant protective material. Engineering polymers may also be used for all or part of the frame members (102).

[0211] The airfoils that make up the array can all have the same configuration and can all be mounted at the same angle on their respective frame members. However, more commonly, airfoils with several different profiles can be used, and the airfoils can be grouped together on their support frames at different angles to adapt to different wind conditions.

[0212] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the wing (108') located at the upper end of the stack can have a shorter chord length than the wing (108) located below the stack. The chord length between different regions at different heights in the stack can have a small number of steps (e.g., one, two, or three) or the chord length towards the top of the stack can have a more continuous decrease (i.e., more smaller steps).

[0213] The variation in the chord length of the wing surface was chosen to optimize the array's performance in light of the prevailing wind conditions.

[0214] In a similar manner, the angle of the wing surface can be varied along the length (height) of the stack to provide optimal performance.

[0215] The wing's tower can be viewed as a plurality of generally vertically oriented stacked segments (110), each stacked segment comprising a plurality of stacked arcuate wing segments, each arcuate wing segment having its two ends attached to the same two adjacent frame members. Figures 16 to 19 The device shown contains ten such stacked sections. Stacked sections (110a), (110b), (110c), (110d), and (110e) are located in... Figure 16 As shown, the stacked sections (110f), (110g), (110h), (110i), and (110j) are in Figure 17 As shown in the image.

[0216] Stacked segments may have the same combination of airfoil configurations and airfoil angles as one or more other stacked segments, or each stacked segment may have a different set of airfoil configurations and airfoil angles than all other stacked segments. For example, in the illustrated device, a group of four consecutive stacked segments (e.g., stacked segments (110a), (110b), (110c), (110d)) may have a common set of airfoil configurations and airfoil angles, and two other groups of three stacked segments (e.g., groups (110e), (110f), (110g) and groups (110h), (110i), (110j)) may share different common sets of airfoil configurations and airfoil angles.

[0217] Each stack segment or group of stack segments can be configured to provide optimal performance for a given set of wind conditions. For example, a group consisting of four stack segments (110a), (110b), (110c), and (110d) can have a set of airfoil configurations and angles optimized for typically prevailing wind conditions (such as wind direction and speed), while two groups of three stack segments can have multiple sets of airfoil configurations and angles optimized for different wind conditions. To present the most appropriate group of stack segments to the wind, the tower can be rotated about a generally vertical axis so that the stack segments or groups of stack segments optimized for the prevailing wind conditions can be arranged to face the wind.

[0218] For clarity, the mechanism for rotating the tower is omitted from the accompanying drawings, but this mechanism can take various forms. For example, the tower may be rotatably mounted on a support column (S') of a wind turbine. However, more commonly, the tower is mounted on a standard commercially available type of slewing ring.

[0219] The tower is typically kept free from free rotation, but can be rotated to present desired stacked sections or groups of stacked sections to the wind via a motorized drive mechanism (not shown). Instruments for sensing wind direction and speed are typically connected to the motorized drive via an electronic controller, allowing the tower to rotate automatically in response to changes in wind conditions. Alternatively, the motorized drive can be operated manually.

[0220] The top of the tower (100) is enclosed by a cap (112) having a dome-shaped or truncated conical profile, with an inclined surface (112a) designed to deflect air above the top of the tower and minimize turbulence. A notch or recess (114) is provided in the upper surface of the cap, resembling a dimple in a golf ball. The notch or recess (104) has a profile designed to guide fluid (e.g., air) flowing through the top of the structure at an upward angle into the blades of a practical-scale horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) that can be located adjacent to the device of the present invention. Initial studies have shown that industrial-scale HAWT turbine performance is increased by approximately 3%–7% due to the co-location of HAWT and VAWT turbines in the same array.

[0221] At the base of the tower (100) and extending outwards therefrom are blades (116). In the embodiment shown in the figure, there are six blades (116), but more or fewer blades may be present if desired. The blades (116) are generally airfoil-shaped and lie in a generally vertical plane. The geometric mean line of the blade is typically at an angle of 50°–70° relative to the tangent to the circular surface of the tower. The purpose of the blades (116) is to alter the fluid flow at the base of the tower.

[0222] It is known that fluid velocities tend to be significantly lower, and that the characteristics near the ground tend to be more turbulent than those found at higher altitudes. Therefore, at lower levels, the impeller (116) is used to achieve “capture and stabilize” the fluid. In this way, more fluid is captured and meaningfully collected into the tower, and more laminar flow can also be introduced in this manner.

[0223] Extended blades also serve to prevent fluid leakage; because on a circular or tubular structure, the fluid will guide itself with sufficient volume and velocity around the periphery of the structure to draw fluid behind it and generate currents detrimental to turbine performance; although it can be intended to enhance the performance of other separate but nearby towers. Extended blades (116) can be used to draw and stabilize the fluid in cases where it is desired to direct as much useful fluid as possible into the turbine; the blades can extend on either side up to or beyond the diameter of the entire tower.

[0224] When combined with rotation, it has been found that operating the impeller facing the incoming fluid as an extension tube, while completely enclosing the airfoil to either side of the tower and opening the airfoil backward to exit via another set of blades, produces a highly desirable effect. In this way, the tower functions as a wind tunnel and also allows for further direction of the fluid within the tower.

[0225] Depending on the dominant fluid conditions, extended impellers can also be added at different points further away on the tower.

[0226] A maintenance door (118) is provided at the base of the tower, which allows access to the interior of the tower and the wind turbines therein, and can optionally be closed by a lockable door for security.

[0227] exist Figures 10 to 19 In the illustrated embodiment, the wing array extends around the entire circumference of the device. However, in an alternative embodiment, the turret with extended blades has wing surfaces at the front and rear of the turret, but no outward-facing wing surfaces on the sides. Instead of the wing array, the sides are enclosed by wall panels. Figures 20 to 23 This embodiment is shown in the figure.

[0228] therefore, Figures 20 to 23 The equipment has the same Figures 16 to 19The device has a similar structural framework, but instead of a stack of airfoils (208) completely surrounding the vertical axis of the turbine, it has two opposing airfoil arrays (220, 222) each extending from the top to the bottom of the tower, and two horizontal regions (224, 226) located between the airfoil arrays, in which there are no outward-facing airfoils. These two regions (224, 226) can be formed from curved panels molded from a suitable, tough plastic or composite material. The inner surface of the curved panels can be provided with airfoils for other fluid guiding elements to further shape and guide the fluid flow within the tower.

[0229] Four blades (216) are installed at the bottom of the tower, each blade having an airfoil profile in cross-section. The blades (216) are located at the boundary between the airfoil array (220, 222) and the two regions (224, 226) and are used to deflect the fluid flow along the direction of the airfoil.

[0230] and Figures 16 to 19 Similar to the equipment, the top of the tower (200) is closed by a cap (212), which has a dome-shaped or truncated conical profile and multiple notches or recesses (214), as described above regarding Figures 16 to 19 The device describes how it functions.

[0231] Fluid (e.g., air) flows between the airfoils in the "front" array (220), through the vertical axis turbine within the tower, and out between the airfoils in the "rear" array (222). At or near ground level where fluid velocity is lower and / or turbulence is greater, the blades (216) help overcome the influence of the ground surface on the fluid flow and direct the fluid into the airfoil array (220). Because the sides of the tower are enclosed by panels in regions (224, 226), Figures 20 to 23 The interior of the tower shown is used as a wind tunnel.

[0232] As will be understood from the foregoing, the device of the present invention can be configured in one of several main ways.

[0233] In one overall embodiment, the tower or wing array does not rotate, and the individual wings have a fixed angle and do not rotate. In this embodiment, the wing configuration and wing angle are fixed and selected to be optimal for the prevailing wind conditions.

[0234] In another overall embodiment, the tower or wing array does not rotate, but the individual spacing between the wings and the angle of the wings can be adjusted to suit wind conditions.

[0235] In another embodiment, the tower can rotate to bring the desired airfoil assembly into the wind. In this embodiment, because the tower can rotate, the angle and spacing of the individual airfoils do not necessarily need to be adjustable.

[0236] In another embodiment, the tower is rotatable, and the individual wing surfaces can be adjustable.

[0237] In another embodiment, the tower is rotatable and has opposing regions supporting the wing surfaces and is located between the opposing regions, the opposing regions having smooth outer surfaces and no outward-facing wing surfaces.

[0238] Figures 10 to 23 The embodiments shown typically house a single vertical axis turbine. However, by constructing a device with sufficient dimensions (e.g., diameter), it is possible to house more than one vertical axis turbine. In one embodiment, seven separate turbines are housed within the device and extend over the entire height of the structure, each turbine rotating about a separate vertical axis.

[0239] Figures 24 to 27 Examples of types of vertical axis wind turbines that can be used with or are part of the devices of the present invention are shown.

[0240] Figure 24 This is a schematic perspective view of a Darius-type vertical axis wind turbine with an H-type rotor configuration. The turbine (300) includes a base structure (305) on which a rotating shaft (301) is mounted. Attached to the rotating shaft (301) by upper and lower support arms (303) and diagonal reinforcing struts (304) are three elongated turbine blades (302) generally parallel to the rotating shaft (301). When exposed to wind from a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) the axis of rotation of the shaft (301), the airflow above the blades (302) causes the shaft (301) to rotate. The rotational motion is converted into electrical energy either by means of a generator set into a hub in the base structure (305) or by means of a generator connected to the shaft (301) via a mechanical linkage mechanism (not shown).

[0241] Figure 25This is a schematic perspective view of another variation of the Darius vertical axis wind turbine according to the invention. The turbine (400) includes a support shaft (401) on which a hub (402) is mounted. A rotating shaft (404) extends upward from the hub (402). Elongated, curved rotor blades (403) are attached to the top of the shaft (404) and to rotating elements within the hub (402). Diagonal struts (405) provide structural reinforcement. When exposed to wind, airflow over the blades (403) in a transverse direction relative to the axis of rotation of the shaft (404) causes the turbine to rotate. Rotational motion can be converted into electrical energy by a generator set to the hub (402) or by a generator connected by mechanical elements (e.g., the rotating shaft) through the support shaft (401).

[0242] Figure 26 This is a schematic perspective view of a Darius vertical axis wind turbine (500), in which turbine blades (502) are arranged in a helical configuration around a rotation axis (501).

[0243] Figure 27 This is a schematic diagram viewed from above a Darius vertical axis wind turbine with a variable pitch or rotary rotor configuration. The turbine 600 includes four pairs of upper radial arms 601 and lower radial arms (lower arms not shown) extending outward from a vertically oriented rotating shaft 602. The rotating shaft 602 is mounted in a suitable support structure (not shown), and the rotational output from the shaft is used directly or indirectly via mechanical linkages to drive a generator. Turbine blades (603) with airfoil profiles are vertically mounted between each pair of radial arms (601). The turbine blades are pivotally mounted on the radial arms, allowing the angle (pitch) of the turbine blades to be changed to optimize turbine performance (see, for example, Benmussa et al.'s "..."). Enhancement of a cycloidal self-pitch vertical axis wind turbine performance through DBD plasma actuators at low tip speed ratio (Improving the performance of cycloidal self-pitch vertical axis wind turbines at low tip speed ratios using DBD plasma actuators), *International Journal of Thermofluids*, November 29, 2022, and Lazauskas and Leo (January 1992). Three pitch control systems for vertical axis wind turbines compared (Comparison of three pitch control systems for vertical axis wind turbines) Wind Engineering, 16(5):269-282.

[0244] Example

[0245] Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling is performed on several airfoil configurations to show the effects of airfoil size, spacing, and angle on fluid flow.

[0246] Figure 1 The CFD presentation shows the airflow passing through a vertical array of airfoils with a chord of 0.5 meters along the outline of NACA 18, where all airfoils are angled at +20° and the airfoil spacing is 0.5 meters, with a wind speed of 7.8 meters per second.

[0247] Figure 1 The wing spacing is shown to be invalid, and it can be seen that the wind direction is relatively unaffected and unbiased.

[0248] These figures illustrate fluid velocities, with red representing fast-moving air and blue representing slow-moving air. Note in particular the low-velocity region to the top of the airfoil stack array, which remains horizontal as the fluid moves horizontally downwards after passing through the airfoils. Velocity increases in the narrow band but does not maintain deflection downstream of the airfoils. Instead, the airflow returns to a generally horizontal orientation.

[0249] Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is a closer view of the velocity pattern and further proves that there is no skewed flow.

[0250] Figure 4 It is an alternative CFD rendering method, in which the use of and Figures 1 to 3 The CFD in the image shows the same airfoils and the same wind speed, but the vertical spacing between the airfoils is reduced from 0.5 meters to 0.2 meters. This causes the wind to change direction at a 20° angle with minimal speed loss. Note that the wind speeds before and after the airfoil stacking are the same color, indicating the same or very similar speeds. However, it should be noted how the low-speed blue area is now pulled downwards by the deflected flow, illustrating the effect of the airfoil spacing. A slightly increased velocity line emanating from the airfoil array can also be observed, but in this case at an appropriate deflection angle. Therefore, in the arrangement with a 0.2-meter vertical spacing, the deflection angle imparted to the airflow as it passes between the airfoils is maintained downstream of the airfoils, and thus the deflected airflow can then be guided to the blades of the vertical axis wind turbine downstream of the airfoils, thereby improving turbine performance.

[0251] Using the templates described above, technicians will be able to easily determine the configuration and spacing of other wing profiles and wind speeds.

[0252] equivalent

[0253] The examples described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the specific embodiments described without departing from the basic principles of the invention, and all such modifications and alterations are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed to one or more vertical axis turbines, the apparatus comprising a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted on the support structure, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged to partially or completely surround the one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that a fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected before the fluid flow is directed onto the one or more vertical axis turbines.

2. An apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed to one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical axis turbines being driven by a fluid flow from a principal transverse direction relative to the turbine's axis of rotation to the turbine, the apparatus comprising a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted on the support structure, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged to partially or completely surround the one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected by a deflection angle of up to ±30°, for example from +10° to +30° or -10° to -30° (e.g., a deflection angle in the range of +25° to +29°; or a deflection angle in the range of -25° to -29°) before incident on the one or more vertical axis turbines.

3. An apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed to one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical axis turbines being driven by a fluid flow from a predominantly transverse direction relative to the turbine's axis of rotation to the turbine, the apparatus comprising a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted on the support structure, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged to partially or completely surround the one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that when the fluid flow flows between the airfoils, it is deflected by a deflection angle of up to ±30°, for example from +10° to +30° or -10° to -30° (e.g., a deflection angle in the range of +25° to +29°; or a deflection angle in the range of -25° to -29°), and the fluid flow remains deflected upon incident on the one or more vertical axis turbines.

4. The apparatus for introducing deflection into a fluid flow directed onto one or more vertical axis turbines according to claim 3, the apparatus comprising a support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils mounted on the support structure, the plurality of vertically spaced airfoils being arranged around the one or more vertical axis turbines, the vertical spacing being selected and the airfoils being profiled and angled such that the fluid flow is deflected when flowing between the airfoils and the fluid flow remains deflected when incident on the one or more vertical axis turbines.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The support structure is rotatable about a generally vertical axis.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, Two or more outwardly extending blades are located at or near the lower end of the support structure.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device is configured for use with one or more wind turbines.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the device is configured for use with one or more wind turbines having a Darius configuration or a Savonius configuration, for example, with one or more variable pitch vertical axis wind turbines.

9. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The wing surface is static, that is, the wing surface has a fixed angle and vertical spacing.

10. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The wing surfaces are adjustable in angle and / or vertical spacing.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The plurality of vertically spaced wing surfaces form a vertical stack, wherein the vertical stack is: (a) At least 10 wing surface heights; (b) At least 20 wing surface heights; (c) At least 50 wing surface heights; (d) 10 to 200 wing surface heights; or (e) 20 to 100 wing surface height.

12. A vertical axis turbine assembly comprising one or more vertical axis turbines and means for introducing deflection into a fluid flow as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The vertical axis turbine assembly of claim 12, wherein the vertical axis turbine assembly has a Darius or Savonius configuration, such as a variable pitch vertical axis wind turbine.

14. A method for improving the efficiency of a vertical axis turbine, the method comprising utilizing a support structure surrounding the vertical axis turbine, the support structure having a plurality of vertically spaced airfoils as defined in any one of claims 1 to 11 mounted on the support structure, selecting the vertical spacing, and profiled and angled the airfoils such that a fluid flow between the airfoils is deflected before incident on the vertical axis turbine.

15. A combination of at least one vertical axis assembly and at least one horizontal axis wind turbine as defined in claim 12 or claim 13.

16. The invention as defined in any one of Examples 1 to 63.

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