A rotor with a lateral support structure for a vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract

A rotor with a lateral support structure for a vertical axis wind turbine, belonging to the field of wind power generation technology, includes a central shaft and blade assemblies uniformly arranged circumferentially along the central shaft. The blade assembly includes airfoil-shaped blades, an upper connecting rod and a lower connecting rod with airfoil structures, both inclined. One end of the upper connecting rod is connected to an upper flange connector at the upper end and a lower flange connector at the lower end of the central shaft, respectively, and the other end is connected to the blades via a pad. All three airfoil tips face the same direction. The blade assembly also includes an axial support located between the upper and lower connecting rods, with built-in reinforcing ribs. This structure eliminates the need for an additional drag wheel. At low wind speeds, the airfoil components work together to provide starting torque, and at high wind speeds, they assist in generating lift. This simplifies the structure and reduces costs, while enhancing rigidity for high-power models and improving reliability, making it suitable for low-wind-speed scenarios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of wind power generation technology, and mainly relates to a rotor of a horizontal support structure for a vertical axis wind turbine. Background Technology

[0002] China has abundant wind energy resources. Vertical axis wind turbines, with their strong adaptability to wind direction and flexible installation space, have shown important application value in low wind speed areas such as urban roads and industrial parks. Their development is of key significance for optimizing the regional green energy structure and promoting the construction of distributed energy systems.

[0003] Vertical axis wind turbines are divided into two main categories based on the type of driving force: drag-type and lift-type. These two types inherently contradict each other in terms of performance: "starting capability" and "high wind speed power generation efficiency." Drag-type vertical axis wind turbines (such as Savonius type): rely on the resistance generated by the airflow over the blades to drive rotation. They have high starting torque and excellent low wind speed starting performance, but the blades on the upwind side will be subject to significant wind resistance, resulting in extremely low wind energy capture efficiency at high wind speeds, making it difficult to meet actual power generation needs. Lift-type vertical axis wind turbines, such as the H-type, operate on a principle similar to an airplane wing. They are driven by the lift generated by air flowing over the blades. They have high wind energy utilization and stable power generation efficiency at high wind speeds, but they have low starting torque and require external assistance to start at low wind speeds, making them unsuitable for low wind speed applications.

[0004] To address the core requirements of "easy start-up" and "power generation" for wind turbines in low-wind-speed areas, existing technologies generally employ a "lift-drag composite" structure: this involves adding a Savonius-type inner wind tunnel drag wheel to the lift rotor to increase starting torque, while simultaneously pairing it with a permanent magnet synchronous motor generator with low starting torque requirements. The aim is to balance performance through the idea of ​​"drag wheel compensating for starting, and lift wheel compensating for efficiency." However, this approach has revealed multiple technical shortcomings in practical applications, making it difficult to meet the development needs of high-power wind turbines in low-wind-speed areas. First, although the inner wind tunnel drag wheel can improve low wind speed start-up, it will create additional wind resistance under high wind speed conditions, hindering the high-speed rotation of the wind turbine. This results in the suppression of the high wind speed power generation potential of the lift turbine, creating a contradiction of "start-up at low wind speeds, but low power generation at high wind speeds". The overall energy conversion efficiency is limited by the inherent characteristics of the drag wheel.

[0005] Secondly, on the one hand, the Savonius-type inner wind tunnel resistance wheel needs to be designed and molded separately and assembled with the lifting wind wheel, which increases the equipment material cost, processing cost and installation complexity; on the other hand, although the permanent magnet generator lowers the starting threshold, its magnetic circuit design results in a significantly higher energy loss rate than the traditional speed-increasing generator, further reducing the overall power generation efficiency and making it economically unsustainable in the long run.

[0006] Third, as vertical axis wind turbines develop towards higher power and larger size, the defects of the existing lift-drag composite structure are amplified. The additional wind resistance of the drag wheel increases sharply with the increase of the rotor diameter, resulting in more significant power generation loss. At the same time, the complex structure of multiple components working together will reduce the overall stiffness of the rotor, increase operation and maintenance risks, and ultimately lead to a longer project investment recovery period, which restricts its promotion in low wind speed and high power scenarios.

[0007] Fourth, existing combined lift and drag structures, such as the "Savonius-type drag and lift rotor sharing the same main shaft", require separate design of support and transmission mechanisms for the drag and lift rotors. This results in uneven load distribution on the main shaft and fatigue damage at the connection points of multiple components, affecting reliability and service life.

[0008] In summary, existing vertical axis wind turbines designed for low wind speed areas face technical bottlenecks in the synergistic optimization of "easy start-up at low wind speeds", "efficient power generation at high wind speeds", "low-cost simplified structure" and "large-scale adaptation to high power". There is an urgent need for a solution that does not require an additional drag wheel, has a simpler structure, and more balanced performance, in order to overcome the inherent defects of the existing lift-drag composite structure. Utility Model Content

[0009] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, this utility model provides a rotor for a lateral support structure of a vertical axis wind turbine.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: A rotor for a lateral support structure of a vertical axis wind turbine, comprising: Central axis; A plurality of blade assemblies are uniformly arranged circumferentially along the central axis, the blade assembly comprising: The blade has an airfoil-shaped cross-section; The upper connecting rod has an airfoil structure, with one end connected to the upper end of the central shaft and the other end connected to the part of the blade near the upper end; The lower connecting rod has an airfoil structure, with one end connected to the lower end of the central shaft and the other end connected to the part of the blade near the lower end; An axial support is located between the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod; The airfoil tip of the blade faces the same direction as the airfoil tip of the upper and lower connecting rods.

[0011] The axial support is a rigid member with an airfoil structure, and the airfoil tip side is in the same direction as the airfoil tip side of the blade.

[0012] The axial support is a rigid member with a semi-circular cross-section and internal reinforcing ribs. The opening of the axial support faces the same direction as the airfoil tip of the blade.

[0013] Both the upper and lower connecting rods are inclined.

[0014] The upper end of the central shaft is provided with an upper flange connector, and the lower end is provided with a lower flange connector. The upper flange connector is connected to one end of the upper connecting rod, and the lower flange connector is connected to one end of the lower connecting rod.

[0015] The blade is provided with a pad, the side of the pad that contacts the blade is an arc surface and the other side is a flat structure. The blade is connected to the ends of the upper connecting rod and the lower connecting rod through the pad.

[0016] Due to the adoption of the technical solution described above, this utility model has the following advantages: 1) Balancing low-wind-speed start-up and high-wind-speed power generation efficiency: There is no need to set up an additional Savonius-type inner wind tunnel drag wheel. Through the upper and lower connecting rods and axial support of the airfoil structure, the starting torque can be generated simultaneously at low wind speeds to improve start-up performance. At high wind speeds, no additional wind resistance will be generated. Instead, it can help generate lift, ensuring that the lift of the blades plays a dominant role and avoiding the contradiction of the existing structure that "can start at low wind speeds but generate less power at high wind speeds".

[0017] 2) Simplify the structure and reduce costs: Eliminate redundant resistance wheels and special support mechanisms, reduce the number of parts, and reduce the complexity of design, processing and assembly; it can be adapted to traditional generators with speed increasers, without relying on permanent magnet generators. At the same time, the components are highly standardized, making later operation and maintenance convenient and the total life cycle cost is better.

[0018] 3) Enhanced rigidity to adapt to high power and large size: The upper and lower connecting rods and axial supports are optimized in structure, such as the axial supports with built-in reinforcing ribs and the upper and lower connecting rods are tilted to improve bending resistance and load-bearing capacity, effectively distribute blade load and enhance the overall rigidity of the wind turbine; the central shaft is subjected to uniform force, reducing fatigue damage, and can adapt to the needs of models with higher power and longer blades.

[0019] 4) Improve assembly reliability and scene adaptability: The pad fits the blade with the arc surface and connects with the connecting rod with the flat surface, avoiding stress concentration between the blade and the connecting rod and enhancing connection reliability; the overall structure retains the strong adaptability of the vertical axis fan to the wind direction, without the need for an additional direction adjustment mechanism, and can be stably adapted to low wind speed scenarios such as urban roads and industrial parks. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the impeller structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the airfoil-shaped connecting rod of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the rotor of the present invention receiving wind.

[0024] Among them, 1. Blade; 2. Upper connecting rod; 3. Lower connecting rod; 4. Axial support; 41. Reinforcing rib plate; 5. Central shaft; 6. Upper flange connector; 7. Lower flange connector; 8. Gasket; 9. Tower; 10. Generator. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0026] Combined with appendix Figure 1 The rotor of a vertical axis wind turbine with a lateral support structure shown includes: a central shaft 5 and a plurality of blade assemblies evenly arranged circumferentially along the central shaft 5. The blade assembly includes: blade 1, upper connecting rod 2, lower connecting rod 3, and axial support 4.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the blade 1 has a cross-section of NACA0024 airfoil and is made of fiberglass. The blade 1 has connecting holes that connect the upper and lower connecting rods and are connected to the generator 10 through the central shaft 5 to capture wind energy.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the central shaft 5 is a rigid cylindrical structure. Its upper end is fixed by welding the upper flange connector 6, and its lower end is fixed by welding the lower flange connector 7. The lower end of the central shaft 5 is also coaxially connected to the rotor shaft of the generator 10. The generator 10 is fixed to the top of the tower 9, and the central shaft 5 directly drives the rotor of the generator 10 as the power output end.

[0029] The upper flange connector 6 and the lower flange connector 7 are disc-shaped structures, symmetrically distributed along the central axis 5, and evenly spaced connection holes are provided on the flanges for connection with the upper and lower connectors, ensuring that subsequent components can be evenly arranged circumferentially along the central axis.

[0030] One end of the upper connecting rod 2 is fixed to the connecting hole of the upper flange connector 6 by bolts, and one end of the lower connecting rod 3 is fixed to the connecting hole of the lower flange connector 7 by bolts. Since the upper and lower connecting rods are both inclined and evenly distributed along the circumference of the flange, the blade 1 can be prevented from having an excessively long cantilever, thus reducing swaying.

[0031] The other end of the upper connecting rod 2 is connected to the upper part of the blade 1 via a pad 8, and the other end of the lower connecting rod 3 is also connected to the lower part of the blade 1 via a pad 8. Both the upper and lower connecting rods adopt an airfoil cross-section structure, consisting of a rectangular tube and an airfoil-shaped skin in the middle. The airfoil is not limited to the standard airfoils in the NACA database, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the airfoil tip side is completely aligned with the airfoil tip side of blade 1. This structure solves the problems of additional wind resistance at high wind speeds and reliance on redundant components for startup at low wind speeds in traditional drag wheels. At low wind speeds, the airfoil of the upper and lower connecting rods generates startup torque synchronously with the blade, eliminating the need for an additional drag wheel; at high wind speeds, the airfoil of the upper and lower connecting rods generates auxiliary lift without additional wind resistance, thus improving the overall power generation efficiency.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the axial support 4 is located between the upper connecting rod 2 and the lower connecting rod 3, and is distributed in a vertical direction.

[0033] The first type of axial support 4 is a rigid component with a semi-circular cross-section and an internal reinforcing rib 41 to enhance its bending resistance. Its semi-circular opening faces the same direction as the airfoil tip of the blade 1. The axial support 4 increases the impeller sweeping area and the impeller starting torque.

[0034] The second structure of the axial support 4 is a rigid component with an airfoil structure, and the tip of its airfoil is aligned with the tip of the airfoil of blade 1. The axial support 4 not only effectively distributes the blade load and enhances the overall rigidity of the wind turbine, but also, under low wind speed conditions, the airfoil structure of the axial support 4, in conjunction with the upper and lower connecting rods, assists the blade in generating a starting torque, compensating for the insufficient lift of a single blade, and helping the wind turbine overcome starting resistance to achieve smooth startup under low wind speed conditions. Under high wind speed conditions, this airfoil structure does not generate additional wind resistance like traditional drag rotors; instead, it assists in generating lift with the airflow, further improving the wind turbine's wind energy capture efficiency. Together with the upper and lower connecting rods, it ensures the full utilization of the blade's lift-dominant role, avoiding the contradiction of "starting at low wind speeds and generating less power at high wind speeds," and optimizing the overall energy conversion effect of the turbine.

[0035] The pad 8 is a transition connector, corresponding to the connection points of the upper and lower connecting rods and the blade 1 respectively; one side of it is an arc-shaped surface that is completely in contact with the arc-shaped outer surface of the blade 1, and the other side is a flat surface that is in contact with the end plane of the upper connecting rod 2 or the lower connecting rod 3. It is fixed by bolts penetrating the connection holes of the pad 8, the connecting rod and the blade 1.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, when airflow acts on the rotor, different components generate different aerodynamic forces depending on the wind speed conditions: When operating at low wind speeds, the airfoil surface of blade 1 generates basic lift, but this lift alone is insufficient to start the wind turbine. At this time, the airfoil structures of the upper connecting rod 2 and the lower connecting rod 3, being aligned with the blade, generate an auxiliary starting torque as the airflow passes over their surfaces. Simultaneously, the semi-circular airfoil of the axial support 4 increases the swept area, further enhancing the starting torque. These three elements form a triple driving force of "blade lift + connecting rod torque + axial support torque," easily overcoming the starting resistance of the generator 10 and causing the wind turbine to begin rotating.

[0037] When operating under high wind speed conditions, blade 1 becomes the main source of lift. The airflow forms a strong lift on the blade airfoil surface, driving the wind turbine to rotate faster. At this time, the airfoils of the upper and lower connecting rods no longer only provide starting torque, but also generate auxiliary lift with the airflow, avoiding the wind resistance on the headwind side of the traditional drag wheel. The semi-circular airfoil of the axial support 4 plays the role of "stabilizing the airflow", reducing turbulence interference when the wind turbine rotates, ensuring stable transmission of lift, and there is no additional wind resistance loss in the whole process, maximizing the utilization rate of wind energy.

[0038] The parts not detailed above are existing technologies and therefore have not been described in detail.

Claims

1. A rotor of a horizontal support structure of a vertical axis wind generator, characterized by: include Central axis (5); A plurality of blade assemblies are uniformly arranged circumferentially along the central axis (5), the blade assembly comprising: Blade (1), with an airfoil cross-section; The upper connecting rod (2) has an airfoil structure, one end of which is connected to the upper end of the central shaft (5), and the other end is connected to the part of the blade (1) near the upper end; The lower connecting rod (3) has an airfoil structure, one end of which is connected to the lower end of the central shaft (5), and the other end is connected to the part of the blade (1) near the lower end; An axial support (4) is located between the upper connecting rod (2) and the lower connecting rod (3); The airfoil tip of the blade (1) faces the same direction as the airfoil tip of the upper connecting rod (2) and the lower connecting rod (3).

2. The rotor of a vertical axis wind turbine transverse support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The axial support (4) is a rigid member with an airfoil structure, and its airfoil tip side is in the same direction as the airfoil tip side of the blade (1).

3. The rotor of a vertical axis wind turbine transverse support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The axial support (4) is a rigid component with a semi-circular cross-section and is provided with a reinforcing rib (41) inside. The opening of the axial support (4) is oriented in the same direction as the airfoil tip of the blade (1).

4. The rotor of a lateral support structure for a vertical axis wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the upper connecting rod (2) and the lower connecting rod (3) are inclined.

5. The rotor of a vertical axis wind turbine transverse support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the central shaft (5) is provided with an upper flange connector (6), and the lower end is provided with a lower flange connector (7). The upper flange connector (6) is connected to one end of the upper connecting rod (2); the lower flange connector (7) is connected to one end of the lower connecting rod (3).

6. The rotor of a lateral support structure for a vertical axis wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blade (1) is provided with a pad (8). The side of the pad (8) that contacts the blade (1) is an arc surface, and the other side is a planar structure. The blade (1) is connected to the ends of the upper connecting rod (2) and the lower connecting rod (3) through the pad (8).

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