Cylindrical wind rotor with integrated LED signaling, energy generation and optional gas detection

Abstract

Cylindrical, energy-autonomous safety signaling device, characterized in that a wind rotor rotatable about a vertical axis with LED modules integrated into its rotor blades generates electrical energy via an electric generator coupled to the rotor, which is used by a rectifier and control electronics to supply the LED modules and an energy storage device, wherein the LED modules are controlled in such a way that their light intensity is regulated proportionally to the rotational speed of the rotor or a measured environmental parameter.

Description

1. Purpose of the invention

[0001] The invention serves to provide an energy-autonomous, wind-activated safety and signaling system that can be used particularly on highways, in road tunnels, underground parking garages, construction sites, and urban areas. The rotor generates electrical energy through wind or airflow, powers integrated LED modules, and can optionally include CO or CO2 sensors for hazard warning. 2. Technical Problem

[0002] Conventional safety lights require external power supply, regular maintenance or solar cells, which do not work in tunnels and underground car parks.

[0003] What's missing is a system that: • works autonomously, • uses wind or ventilation as an energy source, • reacts visually clearly to dangers, • No wiring required, • continues to shine even in calm conditions. 3. Technical field

[0004] The invention lies in the field of: • the wind energy microgenerators, • the safety and traffic signaling, • tunnel and garage ventilation, • the self-sufficient lighting systems. 4. Object of the invention

[0005] Provision of a robust, modular and energy-autonomous system that: • converts wind or air current into electrical energy, • LED signals generated proportional to wind speed, • optionally detects gas hazards, • works without an external power source, • is suitable for safety-critical environments. 5. Solution to the task

[0006] The problem is solved by a cylindrical wind rotor with: • vertical axis (VAWT type), • integrated LED modules in the rotor blades, • a brushless generator, • an energy storage device (battery or supercapacitor), • an electronic control unit, • optional gas or environmental sensors. 6. Solution approach of the invention

[0007] The rotor uses natural or artificial airflow (e.g., fans in tunnels or garages) to generate electrical energy.

[0008] The LED modules are powered directly from this energy and generate a dynamic, wind-dependent light signal.

[0009] A battery enables operation in calm conditions.

[0010] Optionally, a CO or CO2 sensor detects dangerous concentrations and activates an alarm mode. 7. Components 7.1 Mechanical Module • Cylindrical rotor (Savonius or Darrieus type) • Rotor blades made of plastic, aluminum or composite material • Transparent or translucent LED channels • Mounting with low-friction ball bearings • Protective housing (optional) 7.2 Electrical Module • Brushless generator • Rectifier and voltage regulator • LED driver • Battery (LiFePO4 or supercapacitor) • Microcontroller (optional) • CO / CO2 sensor (optional) • Communication module (optional) 8. Functionality and advantages • Self-sufficient energy supply • LED brightness proportional to wind speed • Visibility day and night • Warning signal in case of gas danger • No wiring required • Low maintenance • Ideal for tunnels, garages, highways, construction sites 9. Compatibility with standard products • Mounting on existing guideposts, tunnel walls, garage supports • Compatible with standard LED drivers • Optionally integrable into smart city networks 10. State of the art and comparison

[0011] Known systems: • LED fans (PC area) • Solar warning lights • Tunnel CO sensors • Static guidepost lights

[0012] None of these systems combine: • Wind energy, • LED signaling, • Energy storage, • Gas detection, • Modular security application. 11. Comparison to the state of the art

[0013] The invention offers: • Self-sufficient energy without solar cells, • dynamic signaling, • Integration of multiple functions, • Usability in enclosed spaces (tunnels, garages). 12. Degree of innovation

[0014] The combination of: • Wind rotor, • LED signaling, • Energy storage, • Gas detection, • The safety-critical application is new and not described in the state of the art. 13. Ergonomic and sustainable features • No glare thanks to diffuse LED light • Low energy consumption • Utilizing existing airflow • Long service life • Recyclable materials

Claims

[1] Cylindrical, energy-autonomous safety signaling device, characterized by , that a wind rotor rotatable around a vertical axis with LED modules integrated into its rotor blades generates electrical energy via an electric generator coupled to the rotor, which is used by a rectifier and control electronics to supply the LED modules and an energy storage device, wherein the LED modules are controlled in such a way that their light intensity is regulated proportionally to the rotational speed of the rotor or a measured environmental parameter. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the rotor is designed as a Savonius rotor or Darrieus rotor. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the LED modules are integrated into translucent or transparent channels within the rotor blades. [4] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the energy storage device is a LiFePO4 battery or a supercapacitor. [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control electronics include a microcontroller for regulating the LED brightness. [6] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that a CO or CO2 sensor is integrated, the measured value of which influences the LED signaling. [7] Device according to claim 6, characterized by , that if a limit value is exceeded, an alarm mode with increased or flashing LED intensity is activated. [8] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotor is driven by natural wind flow or by artificial airflow from a ventilation system. [9] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is used for safety markings on highways. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is installed in road tunnels and utilizes the airflow from the tunnel fans. [11] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is used in underground car parks to indicate elevated CO concentrations. [12] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it serves for autonomous lighting on construction sites, parking lots or in urban smart city environments. [13] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the LED modules produce a diffuse, eye-friendly light. [14] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that a wireless communication unit (LoRa, BLE, WLAN) is provided for transmitting measurement data or status information. [15] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotor can be mounted on standard guideposts, tunnel walls or garage supports. [16] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is operated in combination with a CO or CO2 warning system, with the LED signaling providing a visual enhancement of the measured gas exposure. [17] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is installed near traffic-related information signs, in particular emission warning signs, speed limits or tunnel signs, and supports their warning effect through dynamic light signals. [18] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it serves as an additional optical warning level of an existing CO or CO2 measuring system and is automatically activated or put into a more intense signaling mode when a limit value is exceeded. [19] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that it is installed in tunnels and uses the airflow from the tunnel fans to generate a light signal that varies proportionally to the ventilation intensity. [20] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is used in underground car parks and reacts to both natural air movement and the airflow of mechanical ventilation systems. [21] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the LED signaling is in several colors, with each color corresponding to a specific level of danger or exposure, in particular normal operation, increased CO exposure or acute danger. [22] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is installed in a row along roads, tunnels or garage entrances to create a continuous visual guideline or hazard indicator. [23] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it serves as a self-contained supplement to existing traffic signs and improves their perception in poor visibility conditions. [24] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the control electronics are designed to receive measured values ​​from external CO or CO2 sensors and integrate them into the light signaling. [25] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it is used in hazardous areas with limited visibility, especially in tunnels, underpasses, parking garages and industrial halls, to improve visual orientation.

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