Device for generating electricity from wind energy on fixed or moving objects

Abstract

Device for generating electricity from wind energy on fixed or movable objects, in particular structures, wherein the device consists of a plurality of rotors or turbines (3), each connected to a generator, and wherein the rotor or turbine (3) with the generator are each arranged in a round or rectangular housing, the housings each having round or rectangular air inlets (1) and air outlets (8), wherein at least three housings are arranged in series one behind the other and at least two of these three housings are arranged parallel to one another, wherein individual housings are each connected by a connecting piece (6), characterized by the fact that at least in one of the middle housings arranged in series, in addition to the front air inlet and the rear air outlet, a further opening (7) is arranged which serves as an additional air inlet, and that Both the front air inlets (1) of the parallel housings and the opening (7) in the side walls of the middle housings are designed to be closable, so that both the air inlets (1) and the opening (7) are closed from a certain wind force.

Description

State of the art

[0001] Wind energy, alongside solar, hydro, and biogas, is a significant energy source for supplying electricity to private households, businesses, and public facilities. Medium-sized or large wind turbines are typically installed as freestanding structures. Due to the generally large size of the rotors, generators, and masts, wind energy use results in a considerable visual impact and, in some cases, noise emissions that are relevant to the environment. These factors, taken together, reduce the overall efficiency of the turbines for society. Shadow flicker from horizontal rotors, combined with noise levels and risks such as ice throw, prevent widespread deployment near residential areas. Large-scale installations on open land far from housing require corresponding power lines and storage facilities to feed the electricity into the grid, which increases costs and thus further reduces efficiency.Reference should also be made to the burden on animals, especially birds.

[0002] Against this background, small wind turbines in the form of freestanding, stationary or rooftop installations have gained in relevance in recent years.

[0003] “DE4203058A1 - Wind power plant for car, home and industry” proposes a compact, universally applicable vertical axis wind power plant for use on flat roofs, which is visually striking like a large box and is difficult to integrate architecturally.

[0004] The same applies to “DE9115618U1 - Wind turbine for energy generation, suitable for placement on buildings, especially on pitched roofs”, which describes a vertical axis wind turbine for buildings, especially pitched roofs, which is mounted in a support bracket.

[0005] Other approaches, such as in “DE9314187U1 - Wind turbine for arrangement on buildings”, combine wind guidance devices and rotor axes aligned perpendicular to the wind direction in a compact unit, the lower part of which is adapted to the roof shape.

[0006] As a smaller, visually less intrusive solution, “EP3150847A1 - Wind power module for a wind turbine” proposes modular wind power systems with flow-optimized channels, as also suggested below, which are primarily installed at building edges (e.g. roof edges).

[0007] Against the backdrop of the unsightly external changes to buildings caused by the aforementioned structures, the goal of the optical and, if necessary, architectural or structural integration of energy generation into buildings or existing structures comes into focus.

[0008] For example, “DE3049624A1 - Wind-powered generator” describes a wind turbine with a horizontally arranged shaft, which is installed in the roof ridge of a building and is additionally exposed to the airflow due to the roof shape.

[0009] A similarly profound impact on the building is envisaged by “EP4116572A1 - Energy conversion system for converting wind energy into electrical energy”, whereby the horizontally longitudinal rotor with rotor blades is located in a tapered housing that is intended to run, for example, longitudinally or transversely through a pitched roof.

[0010] “DE202018001828U1 - Integrated small wind turbine for buildings” describes an encapsulated, self-aligning small wind turbine with a tube-in-tube system and a rotating hood, designed specifically for roof integration. The encapsulation minimizes noise emissions and visual impact.

[0011] “DE19506001A1 - Method for generating electrical energy by utilizing natural wind movements and thermals under sloping roofs” and “DE19644890A1 - Roof gable integrated wind energy converter system” describe systems with a horizontal axis that are mounted between roof rafters and partly provide a modular design with several roller rotors.

[0012] Apart from roof solutions, “DE102010005344A1 - Small energy generators” proposes integrating one or more combined generators with small rotors into the masonry of a building, whereby the rotor should be completely surrounded by the building material and be open to airflow from two sides.

[0013] All of the aforementioned and existing solutions either result in significant visual impairments and are tied to specific wind directions or flow conditions, or each requires special masonry or roof shapes or architectural prerequisites, which in particular make retrofitting into existing structures uneconomical.

[0014] Recently, to reduce visual impact without major building modifications, modular arrangements of small and micro-wind turbines (e.g., "US 2008 / 0095621 A1 - Modular wind turbine with multiple micro wind turbine units") in block, serial, and parallel configurations, or systems with a large number of panel-like mini-wind turbines (e.g., "DE202012009612U1 - Electrostatic wind energy system with mini-rotors") have been proposed. These rely on modularity and small rotors, but due to their arrangement, they are not yet sufficiently integrated, are freestanding, visible, and visually unappealing.

[0015] An optically integrated solution that takes advantage of the unique wind conditions on high-rise facades can be found in "DE102011107590B4 - Wind turbine on facades of tall buildings and wind deflectors." A vertical-axis wind turbine, in which several slim vertical rotors are coupled vertically to the facade, achieves a sleek, visually integrated design, thus reducing visual impact. This arrangement utilizes the increased wind speeds and turbulence found on high-rise facades, allows for cost-effective mounting directly to the building, and reduces the need for separate support structures. However, the performance of such systems is highly dependent on local wind conditions; furthermore, these systems are less suitable for large areas and low-rise buildings.

[0016] A promising approach for integration into various building structures is "AT525880B1 - Panel as a Wind Energy Converter and its Application," which features a horizontal impeller in a housing with multiple openings facing different directions. It offers protection against excessive wind pressure and, thanks to its flat mounting on building walls or similar structures, allows for good integration into the building. The disadvantages of this solution remain the visual impact resulting from the required spacing between individual panels and the potentially unsightly view from above of the rotors visible behind the openings.

[0017] Overall, it is evident that existing solutions either require significant structural modifications, are aesthetically unsatisfactory, or are only suitable to a limited extent for integration into modern, large-scale building facades or for mounting on other objects. Retrofitting existing buildings, in particular, is often associated with considerable effort, and the achievable performance is limited by the building's construction and wind conditions, which in turn can negatively impact the economic viability of a solution. Problem and solution

[0018] The problem with current wind power generation is that wind turbines, both large and small, cause significant visual impacts, noise emissions, reduced efficiency due to land use, and pose risks to wildlife. Furthermore, large, centralized installations require power lines and storage capacity to efficiently utilize the generated electricity and make it available to decentralized users. Decentralized systems, especially those mounted on houses, are either insufficiently efficient, too expensive to retrofit, or aesthetically unappealing.

[0019] The task, therefore, is to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and provide a solution that enables compact, modular, aerodynamically optimized, and architecturally integrated wind energy utilization, particularly on buildings and objects. The aim is also to ensure economical manufacturing, simple assembly and maintenance, flexible adaptation to various building types and sizes, and efficient energy yield even with changing wind directions and speeds. The effectiveness of energy generation is to be achieved through suitable rotor shape and arrangement, as well as visual integration without visible components, rotor rotation, shadows, etc. The proposed solution utilizes existing knowledge, including, among other things...the modular miniature construction, the parallel and serial or sequential arrangement, the shape of individual components with tapering to optimize wind flow, and corresponding closing mechanisms to protect against excessive airflow.

[0020] The proposed solution of small and micro-scale systems in the described designs also makes additional areas usable, significantly expanding the potential for decentralized power generation in buildings and infrastructure, as well as for mobile applications. The use of renewable energy is optimized through the decentralized generation of electricity from wind power in parallel with decentralized production using PV systems; dependence on large-scale systems is reduced. Design: 1) Conceptual Foundations Approach

[0021] Unlike the use of a few large generators and rotors for wind energy generation, this concept relies on the use of numerous small or micro-rotors or turbines with a diameter of approximately one to a few centimeters. These are connected individually, in groups, or in staggered configurations to very small to medium-sized generators. These mini-rotors are installed in blocks and arranged in a system, either serially, vertically, or horizontally, in units that can be combined in any number, making them highly flexible for covering various shapes and areas. This allows the system to be designed and scaled almost without limit, so that by combining many small rotors, a sufficiently large amount of energy can be generated for any application. The concept is therefore based on the quantity, rather than the size, of the rotors and generators.

[0022] One or more mini-rotors or turbines are connected or installed in a housing with air inlets and outlets, which can be shaped as a duct or tube, either round or angular (especially for surface applications), depending on requirements. The components can be joined using screws, adhesive, or plug connections and are individually fixed to the substrate with screws, adhesive, or plug connectors to ensure airflow and energy transmission across the units. Openings along the path facilitate the intake of additional wind flow. Mechanical flaps, which close under wind pressure, protect against excessive wind.

[0023] In this system, the electricity is combined analogously to the bundling of energy from photovoltaic panels and routed via a reducing string network to one or more inverters. Following this logic, first the strings shown below are combined, then the panels, and finally all the blocks installed on an object. Shape of the rotors or turbines

[0024] The turbines or rotors of the system follow classic vertical or horizontal rotor or turbine shapes; apart from their arrangement and combination, they do not represent a novelty in the sense of this concept – for the avoidance of doubt, reference is made here to the numerous existing patents for rotors and turbines. Depending on the concept (open, bidirectional vs. single-direction), alternative rotor shapes are available. One option for bidirectional operation in a single unit, with a slight loss of efficiency, is a rotatable horizontal turbine. Other options include variants of vertical rotors, such as the Darrieus rotor, the H-rotor, or the Savonius rotor, or even a reaction radial turbine. The advantage to be utilized is the possibility of wind flow from at least two sides. Arrangement and shape are explained below. For installation units, horizontal rotors in the blocks, which are fixed in the wind direction, are recommended due to their higher efficiency. Basic concept of blocks, units and strands

[0025] A block is the smallest casing and consists of at least one energy-generating turbine. Several blocks or casings connected in series form a unit, e.g., a start, middle, and end block. Several units can form a string if they are connected directly or indirectly in series in one direction (e.g., at gaps). Several units or strings arranged parallel to each other form a surface.

[0026] A turbine block has air inlets and air outlets. The incoming air is directed onto the rotors or turbine by utilizing the chimney effect through a narrowing of the block's interior or compression of the air supply. This airflow sets the rotors in motion. In the turbine base, the kinetic energy is converted into voltage and electrical energy by the generator. The air exits the block through the air outlet.

[0027] The electrically generated energy is transmitted via conductors installed near or within the outer shell of the unit. Low resistance ensures minimal energy loss.

[0028] By default, one block, and thus one unit, is used for one wind direction. The air inlets are designed so that the airflow is supplied from the "front" and from "above" (or from "below") and, after passing the turbine, is directed to the rear. In the next, directly connected block of the unit, the airflow used from the first block is reused as an airflow from the front and amplified by further airflow through the opening "above" (or "below"). In multi-unit setups, two wind directions are covered by parallel and opposing streams.

[0029] One variant is bidirectional operation. Here, the turbine (e.g., vertical rotor or reaction radial turbine) can be fed by wind from two directions. This also means there are air inlets in two directions. The two opposing openings result in a slight loss of efficiency for the unit, as some of the airflow either escapes or has to expend its energy closing the flap for the air intake in the opposite direction. However, this loss is compensated for by the fact that two parallel wind banks can utilize two wind directions. In the single-direction model, one unit or even one wind bank must fully utilize one direction; the other unit or wind bank only supports the opposite direction.

[0030] The individual blocks can be connected to each other in any configuration to form units and strands of varying lengths using standardized click connections and stabilizing connectors. Strands can also be arranged in parallel across surfaces. Lengths and distances that cannot be accommodated by a single block or unit can be compensated for using connectors of varying intermediate lengths. Surfaces can be further stabilized by thin plates with corresponding cutouts for air inlets and outlets, connections to the strands, and by clamps spanning multiple strands.

[0031] While the basic model does result in a certain loss of efficiency, as it only supports a maximum of two wind directions at a time, this is mitigated by using the example of a house with roof overhangs, where four sides can be utilized. Therefore, all four directions are supported twice each. Furthermore, the wind guidance provided by the building walls and roofs creates a corresponding wind orientation. This should ensure sufficiently good efficiency.

[0032] The proposed solution stipulates that at least three blocks or housings are always connected in series with a connector to form a unit, and that two of these units are always connected in parallel. Designs for pile-like objects may deviate from this. 2) Detailed design of the blocks and units

[0033] As a preliminary note to the following illustrations, it should be noted that the components shown here are small, ranging in size from one to a few centimeters. This allows them to be easily integrated into the existing visual appearance of, for example, a building, even in large numbers, while simultaneously producing sufficient energy due to their quantity. Smaller and larger dimensions are conceivable, but in the example of a building or house shown below, these dimensions should not be exceeded or fallen short of in order to balance efficiency and visual impact. Furthermore, it should be noted that the following are schematic representations; the actual design may vary, but it follows the basic principles presented here. In the following figures, broad arrows indicate the airflow and its direction.

[0034] The in Fig. The basic variant shown in cross-section represents the "single-direction unit" with a string consisting of three blocks. These include a start and end section, which are virtually identical except for the turbine orientation, and a middle section that can be connected to and extended with additional middle sections as needed. Air flows in through the main opening (1) in the start section and out through another opening (8) in the end section. An additional airflow is fed into the string through an opening (7) in the middle sections, which is suspended relative to the mounting point. The shape of the air inlets (at 2 and 7) creates a certain degree of compression due to the chimney effect. The narrowing opening 7 counteracts the escape of air from the preceding start or middle section and generates an additional chimney effect. The airflow then strikes the turbines (3), which, as sketched above, can be simple turbines or propellers.Both vertical and horizontal rotors are suitable. The system aims for maximum turbine efficiency, so horizontal rotors should be used. They are fixed to the housing in a bracket (4) – alternatively, they can be fixed at the top and bottom or at multiple points. The generator in the suspension (part of 4) generates electrical energy from the rotor's movement. This generator in the suspension (part of 4) transmits the generated current through a conductor located in the fixed outer wall (5) to the entire system or to an individual block, optionally along with activity information if a corresponding measuring and control device is used. Each individual block of a system is fixed to a surface or to the substrate facing away from the wind flow using appropriate connections (e.g., plugs, screws, clamps).The individual blocks are additionally connected to each other in a row using a standardized plug or screw connection (6) to ensure airflow and the transmission of the generated current. The connectors are designed to allow easy replacement of the individual blocks by simply loosening the connection. Depending on requirements, the connected elements are covered with plates with corresponding openings (resulting in a plate / board shape with small openings).

[0035] To counteract excessive stress during storms, measures are taken as in Fig. Figure 2 shows mechanical locking mechanisms with springs (12) that require a force corresponding to the wind force – with a “safety margin” – which the structure can just barely handle. If the wind force is too high, the devices close automatically due to the load and open again when the wind force is lower. Additional barriers can also be inserted into the individual blocks in this way to reduce the airflow. In the Fig. In the two simple variants shown, number 9 denotes a rubber or plastic flap with a lip (10) that is held in the outer shell of the structure by a spring (11 or 12) and guided laterally in recesses or rails in the housing. The lip is angled slightly to the wind direction ("vane"), so that as the wind increases, the force on the closing mechanism increases until the flap is finally fully extended or folded downwards by the pressure on the lip, thus reducing or completely preventing the majority of the airflow.

[0036] As an alternative to the outlined solution, the closing process can also be carried out electromechanically by measuring the wind speed at a central point. An electrical impulse triggered when a wind speed threshold is exceeded closes the flaps electromechanically via additional motors installed in the front, middle, and end sections.

[0037] For the sake of simplicity, the following figures do not use this locking mechanism.

[0038] Through the in Fig. The parallel and opposing arrangement of units or strands shown in Figure 3 covers two wind directions. The example illustration shows two units, each consisting of a start and end piece, and two middle pieces (blocks). The openings of the respective start, end, and middle pieces (marked here as dark semicircles) are aligned with the same wind direction. Depending on the wind direction, only one of the strands generates an electric current. The units (or strands) shown here as round can also be rectangular, thus creating the impression of a surface with openings.

[0039] Another, and significantly more flexible, option is the bidirectional option, which is used in Fig. Figure 4 shows that all blocks—the start, end, and middle sections—are equipped with turbines or rotors that can utilize airflow from two sides to generate electricity. These are typically vertical rotors (3), such as the Darrieus rotor, H-rotor, or Savonius rotor.

[0040] Besides the turbines or rotors, the most distinctive feature is the intermediate sections used for the wind turbine strands. These are shown below as an example. Statements regarding the turbine apply analogously to the start and end sections. Turbine 3, as mentioned above, is a bidirectional rotor. The airflow from the preceding intermediate section or the respective start / end section flows into the intermediate section through the connecting pieces (6). The airflow is augmented by the additional flow from the appropriately oriented openings (7) on the side of the device facing away from the ground. The narrowing shape (in 7) creates the aforementioned chimney effect of the main airflow and counteracts the pressure of escaping air. An efficiency-enhancing option is to use a lightweight, windproof, movable flap (13) to close the opening 7 that is not aligned with the wind direction.In the image above, an airflow from the left would enter through the left openings of connector 6 and opening 7 on the left, closing the right flap (13) in the direction of the airflow. This prevents airflow from escaping through the right opening 7 and increases the efficiency of the duct.

[0041] If water ingress is possible due to the construction, e.g. through rain, it is possible to provide small point-shaped water outlets at the end / connecting pieces, although these will reduce efficiency.

[0042] The strand arrangements shown here are particularly suitable for surfaces, edges, and corners, as illustrated below. Another variant, suitable for round objects or situations where only very short strands are possible, or where, for example, only the width of a block in the wind direction is available, is the one shown in Fig. The layered unit shown in section 5 consists of a "stack" of individual blocks—or individual units made up of several blocks stacked one behind the other, depending on the pile size. Each block uses a vertical rotor capable of processing airflows from opposite directions; units use bidirectional units. Air inlets and outlets utilize the chimney effect. The turbine or rotor (3) is located in the center of each block. Electricity is generated analogously using small generators, and the power is secured and transmitted via the base (4). The individual blocks (or units) are stacked on top of each other, secured, and, depending on requirements, further fixed to the ground with plates (resulting in a "board shape") and / or clamps for increased stability. The electricity is conducted through a conduit (14) located in the cover, inner or outer skin, or cladding of the layered blocks / units.

[0043] In Fig. Figure 6 shows, analogous to the preceding diagram, the cross-section of a pole or similar object, viewed from above or below. Number 17 designates the pole-like object. This object is surrounded by a clamping system (16) to which the individual blocks (15) are attached. By arranging the blocks (or units) at approximately 90° angles to the next block (or unit), four wind directions are optimally covered. The airflow (arrows) from the respective directions can enter and exit through the grid- or net-like protective and connecting pieces (18). The outer structure gains additional stability and protection from external damage from the grids or nets (18). Due to the flexible design of the internal structure, the solution can be used analogously for any pole-like shape, whether angular, oval, or round.

[0044] The layer units are also suitable for use on long, round or square objects. This layer unit can be arranged in multiple rings, and thus practically along the entire length of a post or similar object, stacked on top of each other or without gaps. Fig. Figure 7 schematically indicates the arrangement (shown here with spacing). Figure 17 is the round, pole-like object, and Figure 19 is the composite piece made up of four elements (one unit or block per side; shown here as rectangular, but actually appearing octagonal from the outside). A visually appealing appearance can be achieved by using appropriate cladding with air vents. 3) Application of the presented solution to a building example

[0045] The solutions presented here, due to their small size and high flexibility, can be installed on various objects, surfaces, and structures to generate electricity from wind power. The possible applications are schematically illustrated below using a building as an example. Beyond this, a multitude of other uses exist. Examples include display boards, streetlights, traffic lights, flagpoles, the base and support structures of existing wind turbines, the underside of photovoltaic systems (especially in open fields), all buildings including roof and shelter structures, parked mobile objects such as cars, trucks, motorhomes, electric vehicles, boats, and ships, as well as artificial or naturally occurring outdoor features such as rock and stone surfaces, trees, etc.

[0046] In Fig.Figure 8, number 20, represents any roof overhang or roof edge. Here, surfaces consisting of several parallel bidirectional units or strands, or parallel single-direction units, are used along the entire length of each individual roof overhang or edge. The units are rotated 180° relative to the previous figures and mounted "upside down" under the roof or roof overhang. The additional air inlets of the center sections point downwards. Gables or dormers can also be utilized in this way. This allows a very large, visually unobtrusive area to be used for wind energy generation. Panels over the strands with the aforementioned corresponding air inlet / outlet openings can improve the visual appearance. Similarly, installation under PV modules in fields for additional wind energy generation would be possible.

[0047] Section 21 indicates the roof edge profiles. Here, units or strands can be used unidirectionally or bidirectionally. Alternatively, a layered model can be used. Again, all roof corners are used. Additionally, entire roof surfaces with vertically or horizontally oriented units, strands, or areas can be used.

[0048] Number 22 refers to the use of walls or flat surfaces that can be used unidirectionally or bidirectionally for a large number of parallel units or strands or surfaces. Partial mounting on a house wall is also an option if structurally or aesthetically more suitable.

[0049] Furthermore, window sills and rowlock courses (23), as well as projecting window frames, can be used for bidirectional units or strands. These are again mounted under the aforementioned components and objects and, as a rule, "upside down," analogous to the installation under the roof overhangs. Entrance areas (24) and overhangs also offer rain protection. Surfaces and edges on the underside and / or top that are not visually relevant can be used.

[0050] Another application is the underside or the respective edges of PV systems (25) or collectors for generating hot water. Layer units can be installed on downpipes and between the house wall and the downpipe (26), utilizing the airflow at the corners of the house. Accordingly, roof gutters (27) can be used unidirectionally or bidirectionally for one or a few units or runs, analogous to the solution for the roof overhang.

[0051] Analogous to 22 and 23, rectangular chimney shafts and their projections (28) can be utilized for energy generation. Chimney caps can be installed according to the roof surfaces (22). Round chimney runs can be fitted with "round" layer units, analogous to downpipes. Fences, gates, and gate systems (29) can be used in the same way. Again, the units can be installed according to 22 and 23. Finally, posts and similar structures (30) such as flagpoles, lampposts, signs, display boards, etc., can be utilized by layer units.

[0052] Partial implementation, as well as combinations or use of other buildings or parts of buildings, and connection with other energy solutions such as PV systems, is possible.

Claims

Device for generating electricity from wind energy on fixed or movable objects, in particular structures, wherein the device consists of a plurality of rotors or turbines (3), each connected to a generator, and wherein the rotor or turbine (3) with the generator are each arranged in a round or rectangular housing, the housings each having round or rectangular air inlets (1) and air outlets (8), wherein at least three housings are arranged in series one behind the other and at least two of these three housings are arranged parallel to one another, wherein individual housings are each connected by a connecting piece (6), characterized in that at least in one middle of the at least three housings arranged in series one behind the other, in addition to the front air inlet and the rear air outlet, a further opening (7) is arranged, which serves as an additional air inlet.and that both the front air inlets (1) of the parallel housings and the opening (7) in the side walls of the middle housings are designed to be closable, so that both the air inlets (1) and the opening (7) are closed from a certain wind speed. Device for generating electricity from wind energy according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is arranged on surfaces of buildings, in particular exterior walls or roofs, or on overhangs, in particular roof projections, or on structures such as gutters, downpipes, lampposts, advertising or flagpoles, or on railings, or on signs, or on photovoltaic systems, or on movable devices or objects such as land and water vehicles, or on plants, in particular trees.

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