Device and method for positioning a movable component in a target position relative to a flowing fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) and to a method for positioning a movable component (2) in a target position relative to a fluid flow. The device (1) has at least two bearing surface elements (3), which when flowed around by the fluid have in each case a negative pressure side (4) and an overpressure side (5) and which are at least indirectly connected to the component (2), and has a connection element (6) which connects the two bearing surface elements rigidly or relative to one another, wherein the bearing surface elements (3) are constructed identically and are arranged such that in each case either their negative pressure sides (4) or their overpressure sides (5) face one another and the bearing surface elements (3), when flowed around, each generate a force (Fa, Fb) the force direction of which is at an angle to a flow direction (A) of the fluid.

Description

[0001] Device and method for positioning a movable component in a desired position relative to a flowing fluid

[0002] The invention relates to a device and a method for positioning a movable component in a desired target position relative to a flowing fluid, in particular relative to a wind flow, as well as to their use for special flow-driven components. The technical solution according to the invention enables a controlled positioning of a component relative to a fluid flow, in particular relative to the oncoming wind, in a target position in a comparatively simple manner.

[0003] Various applications are known from the prior art in which the energy contained in a fluid flow, in particular in a water flow or in flowing wind, is converted into kinetic energy, in particular to move vehicles, drive machines or ultimately generate electrical energy. The most optimal utilization of the energy contained in the respective flow generally requires that the component subjected to the flow and intended for energy conversion is positioned or aligned in the intended target position. This applies, for example, to the operation of hydroelectric power plants in rivers or on slopes, wind turbines and the propulsion of sailing ships. If the positioning of a component subjected to the flow is to be automated, various technical systems are known for this purpose.

[0004] In the field of electrical energy generation using wind turbines, it is known, for example, to provide suitable sensors, evaluation units, and control elements to achieve the most optimal rotor alignment possible, even when the direction of the incoming wind changes. Various measurement systems, such as lidar or ultrasonic sensors, are used for this purpose. A corresponding system is known, for example, from DE 10 2016 005 159 A1.

[0005] Due to their nature, these positioning systems require electrical energy and sometimes require a comparatively large amount of effort and high costs to mount the individual components on the wind turbines and to ensure reliable generation of measurement signals that represent the real characteristics of the incoming wind.

[0006] In this context, WO 2005 / 100785 A1, for example, discloses a wind turbine with a plurality of rotor blades that rotate around a vertical axis to convert the energy contained in the incoming wind into kinetic energy and ultimately into electrical energy. The described wind turbine has two control mechanisms for harnessing wind energy. A first control mechanism aligns the individual rotor blades' profiles longitudinally to the incoming wind at each point of their orbit around the vertical axis of rotation using a wind vane.A second control mechanism aligns the rotor blades on a horizontally arranged support to the wind in such a way that, depending on the support's angle of rotation relative to the wind vane and the support's rotational speed, the rotor blades' longitudinal axes are aligned at each orbital point in such a way as to enable optimal utilization of the energy contained in the wind stream. In this technical solution, a wind vane thus represents the central element for the automated positioning of the rotor blades exposed to the wind.

[0007] Furthermore, WO 2004 / 022969 A1 describes a wind turbine with a rotor that rotates around a horizontal axis of rotation to convert wind energy into kinetic energy, and with a positioning device designed to position and hold the rotor in the desired position relative to the oncoming wind. In this case, the positioning device is an alignment sail that is stretched on the leeward or downwind side of the rotor. The alignment sail is made of either a flexible or a rigid material.

[0008] Likewise, in so-called self-steering systems for sailing ships or sailing yachts, it is common practice to connect wind vanes, usually made of a solid material, to the sailing ship's steering system via a suitable movement mechanism whenever automatic steering on a specific course relative to the wind is desired. In this case, too, the wind vane is used to keep the ship on the desired course by automatically adjusting the rudder blade, depending on the direction of the oncoming wind.

[0009] In addition to comparatively complex control systems based on the use of electronic measurement and control systems, technical solutions are also generally known that use mechanically operated components to enable the automated and controlled positioning or alignment of a component exposed to the wind, such as a wind rotor or a sailing yacht, relative to the wind. However, such systems often have the disadvantage that there is a delay in responding to changes in wind direction, and the required target position is reached or maintained only with a relatively high degree of inaccuracy. This is particularly the case when the speed of the incoming wind changes significantly or the wind is gusty.

[0010] Based on the technical solutions known from the prior art and the problems described above, the object of the invention is to specify a device and a method such that, using relatively simple means, in particular using mechanical components, an automated positioning or alignment of a component against which a fluid flow, in particular water or wind, is passed, is ensured in a desired target position relative to the flow. The positioning of the component against which the flow passes should be dependent on the direction of the respective flow and should take place in the target position in the event of changes in the flow direction without significant time delay and with comparatively high accuracy. Furthermore, the technical solution to be specified should be insensitive to changes in the flow velocity, even short-term changes, for example in the case of gusty winds.In addition, the solution to be specified for positioning a component exposed to flow in a desired position should also enable the forces and torques generated by the positioning device and transmitted for positioning the component to be adapted to the prevailing flow conditions in a relatively simple manner.

[0011] Furthermore, only the use of simple, preferably mechanically acting components should be required to implement the specified technical solution. A further object underlying the invention is that the specified device and method should be able to be integrated without significant effort into existing systems, for example, wind turbines, for positioning a component exposed to airflow during operation, such as a rotor. Furthermore, it is important that the specified solution can be implemented with comparatively simple means, both in terms of cost and design effort.

[0012] The above-described object is achieved with a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 8. Claims 6 and 7 each specify particularly suitable uses of a device which achieves the above-described object. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and are explained in more detail in the following description, partly with reference to the figures. Specific details of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention are also deemed to be disclosed for the device according to the invention and for the uses according to the invention, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made, or rather can be made, to each other.

[0013] The invention relates to a device for positioning a movable component in a desired target position relative to an oncoming fluid stream, which may contain a liquid and / or at least one gas. In particular, such a fluid stream can be wind flowing toward the component. In this context, positioning is understood not only to mean a movement of the component being flowed toward in the direction of the desired target position, but also a controlled holding of the component being flowed toward in this target position with the smallest possible position deviations despite changes in the flow direction and / or velocity of the fluid stream, in particular the wind direction and / or wind velocity.The device has at least two wing elements, each of which has a negative pressure side and a positive pressure side when the fluid flow, such as wind, flows around it and which are at least indirectly connected to the component being flowed against. The negative pressure side is understood to be the side of a wing element on which, when the fluid flow around it, a pressure lower than the ambient pressure develops, at least in some regions, while the positive pressure side is understood to be the side of a wing element on which, when the fluid flow around the surface, a pressure higher than the ambient pressure develops, at least in some regions. A corresponding design of wing elements is known in particular from aircraft construction. Furthermore, the device has a connecting element that connects the two wing elements so that they can move relative to one another or rigidly to one another.In this way, either a rigid connection can be created between the two wing elements or the connecting elements are designed in such a way that the wing elements can be moved relative to one another.

[0014] The wing elements are constructed identically and arranged such that their respective negative pressure or positive pressure sides face each other. When flowing around them, the wing elements each generate a force whose direction of force is inclined relative to the direction of the flowing fluid, for example, the oncoming wind. As soon as the component being flowed against is in the desired position, the lift forces emanating from the wing elements due to their flow around them cancel each other out due to the previously described design and arrangement of the two wing elements.If, on the other hand, the component is not in the desired position, the lift forces emanating from the two wing elements due to their flow around them differ in magnitude and / or direction, so that a resultant force is generated and a torque is transferred from the connected wing elements to the component to which the positioning device with the wing elements is attached.

[0015] It is particularly advantageous here that the wing elements are aligned and positioned in such a way that as soon as the component to be positioned is in the desired position and alignment, no forces and torques are transferred from the two connected wing elements to the component, because the lift forces generated due to the flow around it by the flowing fluid, in particular the wind, cancel each other out.Only in the event that the component is no longer in the desired target position, in particular because the flow direction of the fluid, in particular the direction of the oncoming wind, has changed or the component has been moved out of the target position relative to the fluid flow due to other influences, a torque is transmitted at least indirectly to the component subject to the flow using the two airfoil elements via their attachment to the component, so that this in turn moves into the desired target position and, for example in the case of a rotor subject to water or wind flow, an optimal conversion of the energy contained in the water or wind into kinetic energy or rotational energy is made possible.

[0016] The wing elements are thus arranged side by side and inversely aligned with respect to their cross-sectional profiles, so that, for example, the low-pressure sides and the upper sides of the wing elements face each other. The wing elements are arranged in such a way that the forces generated by the fluid flow, particularly by the wind, are aligned in such a way that the force vectors of these forces are neither straight nor parallel.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if two identical wing elements are used which, when the component subject to the flow is in the desired position, are arranged at least almost mirror-symmetrically to an axis of symmetry running centrally between the wing elements in the flow direction of the fluid.

[0018] As soon as the component being flown against is not in the optimal position relative to the direction of fluid flow, in particular the direction of the oncoming wind, lift forces are generated on the wing elements due to the pressure forces present on the overpressure sides and the suction forces present on the underpressure sides, which lift forces differ in terms of their magnitude and / or direction, so that a resultant force is generated. This force is finally introduced via fastening elements from the wing elements of the positioning device into the component to be positioned, thereby generating a torque to rotate the component about an axis which, for example, in a rotor positioned according to the invention, is arranged at least almost perpendicular to the rotor's axis of rotation, into the desired position.

[0019] While the invention is described below primarily in connection with the use of wind power as a fluid flow, the inventive concept expressly encompasses all solutions in which a movable component, in particular a component for converting flow energy into kinetic or rotational energy, is to be suitably positioned in a fluid flow, which may also contain a liquid such as water, or a gas or gas mixture. Thus, the technical solution according to the invention can be used preferably in wind currents, but also for utilizing the energy contained in flowing water, for example, in hydroelectric power plants, pumped-storage power plants, or river power plants.

[0020] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the magnitude of the resulting force generated by the wing elements and the resulting torque acting on the component to be positioned can be varied as required. It is particularly advantageous in this case if the profile around which the fluid flows and thus has a fluid-mechanical effect in the fluid flow, or the shape and / or contour of the cross-sectional area around which the fluid flows, of at least one of the wing elements, in particular both wing elements, is changed in order to be able to change the magnitude and / or direction of the generated lift forces and thus a resulting force formed from the lift forces.

[0021] For this purpose, suitable means such as spring elements, moldable materials, for example, plastics, shape-memory materials, foams, materials that expand and / or contract with temperature changes, and / or pumps or compressors combined with at least one actuator are provided to change the size, surface structure, and / or shape of at least one of the wing elements in a targeted and needs-based manner. It is essential here that technical measures and elements are provided with which the shape and / or size of the cross-sectional area or profile around which the airflow passes is changed, ultimately varying the magnitude and / or direction of the lift forces that can be generated.

[0022] In this context, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, a circumference and / or shape of a cross-sectional profile of at least one of the wing elements is variable. In this case, suitable adjustment elements are preferably provided to change the shape of the wing elements, so that the size of the wing elements and / or the shape of the cross-sectional profile or cross-sectional area around which the air flows changes.

[0023] In this context, it is conceivable that the surfaces of the wing elements are formed from a flexible material and that the wing elements contain air, gas or a gas mixture that can be subjected to a variable pressure by means of an adjusting element, which has at least one compressor unit and an actuator, so that the desired deformation of the surface can be achieved.

[0024] According to a particular development of the invention, the positioning device is arranged on the downwind side or the leeward side of the component exposed to the airflow. However, alternative arrangements are also conceivable, particularly those that do not impede the airflow to the component.

[0025] Furthermore, at least one movement means is preferably provided, by which a relative movement between the two wing elements can be initiated, thus allowing them to be moved relative to one another. It is particularly advantageous if the movement means is designed such that a relative movement dependent on the speed of the incoming wind can be initiated. In this way, the magnitude of a movement, i.e., the distance that a wing element travels at least partially during a relative movement, can be changed depending on a change in the speed of the incoming wind.

[0026] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the movement means is designed such that a vertical distance between leading edges of the wing elements, onto which the incoming wind impinges, is variable. According to this embodiment, it is thus advantageously provided that the wing elements are moved relative to one another such that an angle enclosed by the longitudinal axes of the wing cross-sectional profiles is variable. According to this embodiment, it is thus advantageously provided that a volume bounded on both sides by the two wing elements, in particular by the mutually facing surfaces of the wing elements, is changed due to the movement of the wing elements.Preferably, the movement means for initiating the relative movement acts on the connecting element, which in turn may have several sub-elements, with the aid of a suitable movement mechanism and a drive, such as an electrically driven servo motor.

[0027] Depending on the application, it is preferably provided that the angle enclosed by the longitudinal axes of the cross-sectional profiles of the wing elements becomes larger or smaller as the flow velocity of the incoming wind increases or decreases.

[0028] According to a very specific development of the invention, the torque generated by the flow around the wing elements, which acts on the component to be positioned as soon as the component is not in the desired target position, is set such that it optionally increases, decreases, or remains constant with increasing wind flow velocity. It is particularly advantageous if the torque acting on the component, such as a rotor, with the aid of the positioning device according to the invention increases with increasing wind strength.

[0029] Compared to the known wind vanes used for positioning movable components exposed to wind, a significant advantage of the positioning device according to the invention is that it allows the torques acting on the component to be positioned to be significantly varied, particularly as needed, or even regulated depending on the wind strength. According to particular developments of the invention, the orientation, movement, or shape of the two wing elements can be changed and even regulated as needed. A major advantage of the described embodiments of the positioning device according to the invention is thus that an independently operating positioning control is provided without the need for special measuring, control, and regulation systems, which usually have special sensors and actuators.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention also relates to the use of the previously described positioning device with or without at least one of the previously described special embodiments for the targeted positioning or controlled fixation in the desired target position of a rotor of a wind turbine with a horizontal or vertical axis of rotation. Likewise, the technical solution according to the invention is suitable for use in self-steering systems of sailing ships and sailing yachts. In this respect, the invention relates both to a wind turbine and to a self-steering system of a wind-powered vehicle, in particular a sailing ship or sailing yacht, with a device designed according to the invention with or without one of the previously described special embodiments.

[0031] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for positioning a movable component relative to the oncoming wind in a desired target position, wherein positioning also means holding or fixing the component at least almost in the desired position as well as changing the position depending on a change in wind strength. When carrying out the method, at least two structurally identical wing elements, during the flow around which a lower pressure compared to the ambient air pressure develops at least temporarily on a negative pressure side and a higher pressure compared to the ambient air pressure on a positive pressure side, are attached at least indirectly to the component to be positioned.Furthermore, the two wing elements are connected to one another rigidly or movable relative to one another via a connecting element and arranged in the oncoming wind in such a way that, as soon as the component is in the desired position, lift forces emanating from the two wing elements due to the flow around them cancel each other out and as soon as the component is not in the desired position, lift forces emanating from the two wing elements due to the flow around them are different, so that a resultant force is generated and a torque is transmitted from the connected wing elements to the component.

[0032] This means that no torque is transferred to the component unless the component to be positioned is in the desired target position. If, however, the actual position of the component to be positioned deviates from the target position, for example because the flow direction of the oncoming wind has changed or the component has been moved due to another force, the lift forces generated by the two wing elements do not cancel each other out and a resultant force and torque are generated. This torque is introduced into the component to be positioned, thus initiating a movement in the direction of the desired target position. This allows for a controlled positioning of the component subjected to the flow, for example a rotor of a wind turbine, depending on the flow direction of the oncoming wind, using simple means.

[0033] In a specific embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a circumference and / or shape of a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the wing elements is changed depending on the strength of the oncoming wind speed. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that a relative movement between the two wing elements is changed using a suitable movement means depending on the strength of the oncoming wind speed.The targeted modification of the circumference and / or shape of the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the wing elements subject to flow and / or the initiation of a relative movement of the wing elements to one another enables a modification of the force emanating from the connected wing elements and thus of the torque acting on the component to be positioned when necessary, namely as soon as this component is not in the desired target position relative to the oncoming wind. Furthermore, it can be provided that, depending on the strength of the speed of the oncoming wind, the wing elements are moved in such a way that a volume delimited on both sides by the two wing elements, in particular by the mutually facing upper sides on the pressure side, is modified.In this case, a vertical distance between the leading edges of the wing elements, at which the incoming wind impinges on the wing elements, is preferably changed, or an angle enclosed by the longitudinal axes of the two cross-sectional profiles of the wing elements is changed. According to this embodiment, it is thus possible to change the force generated by the wing elements and thus the torque exerted on the component as soon as it is not in the desired target position, as required, with the change preferably taking place depending on the speed of the incoming wind. It is particularly advantageous if a greater torque acts on the component to be positioned at high wind speeds than at lower wind speeds.

[0034] In a further particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a rotor or part of a rotor with a vertical or horizontal axis of rotation, in particular a rotor of a wind turbine, is used as the component, and a torque is transmitted at least indirectly to the component as soon as the component is not in the desired target position relative to the oncoming wind. The method according to the invention and its specific embodiments can thus be used in a particularly suitable manner for operating wind turbines. It is also conceivable that the method according to the invention and its specific embodiments are used in the operation of automatic steering systems for sailing ships or sailing yachts.

[0035] The invention will be explained in more detail below, without limiting the general inventive concept, using specific embodiments with reference to the figures. Identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Here:

[0036] Fig. 1: Schematic plan view of a device according to the invention for positioning a movable component exposed to the wind, in an operating state in which the component is in its desired position relative to the incoming wind;

[0037] Fig. 2: Schematic plan view of a device according to the invention for positioning a movable component exposed to the wind, in an operating state in which the component is not in its desired position relative to the incoming wind;

[0038] Fig. 3: Schematic plan view of two wing elements that are movably connected to each other, in two different orientations;

[0039] Fig. 4: Schematic top view of two wing elements with adjustment elements for changing the size and shape of the cross-sectional area flowing around

[0040] Fig. 5: Perspective side view of a rotor for a wind turbine with a positioning device designed according to the invention.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a top view of a positioning device 1 designed according to the invention with two wing elements 3a, 3b, which, when flowing around by the wind flowing in direction A, generate the lift forces FA and FB, respectively, shown by arrows. The wing elements 3a, 3b shown are shaped in such a way and have a cross-sectional profile that, when flowing around them, a lower pressure than the ambient air pressure develops on a negative pressure side 4, while a higher pressure than the ambient air pressure develops on a positive pressure side 5. In this way, when flowing around the wing elements 3a, 3b, the lift forces F aand Fb. The wing elements 3a, 3b are further connected via a connecting element 6 and, by means of a support arm 15, are attached to a component 2, such as a rotor 11, which is movably arranged in the wind stream. If necessary, a force emanating from the wing elements 3a, 3b can be transmitted via the connecting element e and the support arm 15, and a resulting torque can be introduced into the component 2 for positioning it in a desired target position relative to the wind.

[0042] In the operating state shown in Fig. 1, the component to be positioned is in the desired target position relative to the incoming wind. In this operating state, the lift forces F generated by the two wing elements 3a, 3b cancel each other out. a, Fb, so that no force is transmitted via the connecting element 6 and the support arm 15, and no torque is transmitted to the component 2 to be positioned. The component 2 to be positioned thus remains in the desired target position.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a device designed according to the invention in a second operating state, in which the movable component 2 to be positioned is not in the desired target position, so that the positioning device 1, which has two wing elements 3a, 3b, exerts a resultant force FR and introduces a torque 13 into the component to be positioned. The direction of the incoming wind is indicated by A.

[0044] According to the operating condition shown in Fig. 2, the wind does not strike the two wing elements 3a, 3b in the same direction, so that the lift forces F generated by the two wing elements 3a, 3b a, Fb, which are composed of the forces generated on the underpressure sides 4 and the overpressure sides 5, respectively, are different. Since the lift forces generated by the two wing elements 3a, 3b are different, the sum of these lift forces results in F a , Fb a resulting force FR, which is ultimately transferred from the connected wing elements 3a, 3b to the component 2 to be positioned and causes a torque 13, so that the component 2 is moved toward the desired target position. As soon as the component 2 to be positioned has reached the target position, the operating state as shown in Fig. 1 occurs again.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a schematic plan view of a special embodiment of the invention in which the two wing elements 3a, 3b of a positioning device 1 according to the invention are movably connected to one another. In this case, movement means 9 are provided which act on the connecting element 6 between the wing elements 3a, 3b in such a way that the two wing elements 3a, 3b can be moved relative to one another. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the movement of the two wing elements 3a, 3b occurs as a function of a change in the speed of the oncoming wind, so that the resulting force FR generated by the two wing elements 3a, 3b and the resulting torque 13 acting on the component 2 to be positioned can be changed as required. It is conceivable, for example, that the movement means 9 shown in Fig.3 is designed such that at higher wind speeds a greater force is generated by means of the positioning device 1 and thus a greater torque 13 is caused to move the component 2 to be positioned.

[0046] In this context, Figure 3a) shows an alignment state in which the two wing elements 3a, 3b have been moved relative to one another such that the leading edges 12 are at a comparatively large distance from one another. The movement of the two wing elements 3a, 3b was carried out using a movement mechanism used as a movement means 9. In comparison, Figure 3b) shows an alignment state in which there is a comparatively small distance between the two leading edges 12 and the longitudinal axes of the cross-sectional areas 8 of the wing elements 3a, 3b around which the air flows run at least almost parallel. In order to move from the operating state according to Fig. 3a) to the operating state according to Fig. 3b), the two wing elements were thus moved relative to one another such that the distance between the leading edges 12 was increased or the angle enclosed by the longitudinal axes of the cross-sectional areas was reduced.Depending on the position of a pivot point around which the wing elements 3a, 3b are moved relative to one another, it is further conceivable that a volume 10 delimited on both sides by the two mutually facing surfaces of the wing elements 3a, 3b is changed due to a relative movement of the wing elements 3a, 3b, so that in particular the cross section of a flow channel formed between the wing elements 3a, 3b, through which the incoming wind flows, changes.

[0047] With increasing speed of the oncoming wind, in the positioning device 1, as shown in Fig. 3, the orientation of the wing elements 3a, 3b relative to the wind is changed in such a way that the resulting force FR emanating from the wing elements 3a, 3b and thus the torque 13 acting on the component 2 to be positioned is increased.

[0048] Furthermore, Fig. 3 shows a device designed according to the invention for positioning a movable component 2 subject to flow in an operating state, as is also shown in Fig. 1, in which the component 2 to be positioned is in its desired position, so that the lift forces F generated from the sum of the lift forces F generated by the wing elements 3a, 3b a , Fb so that no resultant force FR is present and no torque 13 acts on the component 2 to be positioned.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows a schematic plan view of another specific embodiment of a device according to the invention for positioning a movable component exposed to air flow in a desired target position. The positioning devices 1 shown in Fig. 4 are in an operating state, as also shown in Fig. 1, in which the lift forces F generated by the two wing elements 3a, 3b a, Fb cancel each other out, so that the resulting force FR is equal to 0 (zero) and no torque 13 is transmitted to the component to be positioned. The component to be positioned is thus in its target position even in the operating state shown in Fig. 4.

[0050] What is essential about the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is that adjustment elements 7 are provided to change a size and / or a profile of the cross-sectional area 8 of the wing elements 3a, 3b as needed. In Fig. 4a), the wing elements 3a, 3b are shown in an operating state in which the cross-sectional areas 8 have a first size, so that first lift forces F ai, FN are generated by the wing elements 3a, 3b. In contrast, Fig. 4b) shows an operating state in which the two wing elements 3a, 3b have been deformed by the adjusting element 7 in such a way that the circumference of the cross-sectional areas 8 of the wing elements 3a, 3b around which the air flow is directed has increased and second lift forces Fa2, F b2 generated by the wing elements 3a, 3b. By increasing the cross-sectional areas 8, comparatively large lift forces F a 2, F b2generated and, as soon as the component 2 is not in the desired position, an equally comparatively large torque 13 is generated in order to move the component 2 to be positioned into its desired position. An enlargement of the shape and / or circumference of the cross-sectional areas 8 of the wing elements 3a, 3b according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 is carried out when the speed of the oncoming wind increases in order to be able to provide a greater torque 13 to move the component 2 into its desired position if necessary. The adjusting element 7 has a compressor unit and actuators for this purpose in order to change the pressure inside the wing elements 3a, 3b, which are filled with air, for example to increase it, so that the in this case flexible outer skin of the wing elements 3a, 3b stretches as needed and the profile of the cross-sectional area around which the flow occurs becomes larger.

[0051] Fig. 5 shows a perspective side view of a specific application for a device 1 designed according to the invention for positioning a movable component against which the wind flows in a desired position. The component 2 shown in Fig. 5 is a rotor 11 for a wind turbine which rotates about a horizontal axis when the wind flows in. With the help of the rotor 11 shown, the energy contained in the oncoming wind can be converted into kinetic energy, which is later used to generate electrical energy, for example with a connected generator. It is essential for the operation of the rotor 11 shown in Fig. 5 that the efficiency of converting the energy contained in the oncoming wind into kinetic energy is always most efficient when the rotor 11 is in the desired position relative to the oncoming wind.To ensure this, a positioning device 1 according to the invention is arranged on the leeward side of the rotor 11. The positioning device 1 used again has two wing elements 3a, 3b, which are of identical construction and whose negative pressure sides 4 are arranged facing each other. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the two wing elements 3a, 3b are rigidly connected via a connecting element 7, which in turn is connected to the holder 14 of the rotor 11 via a support arm 15. The holder 14 receiving the rotor 11 is mounted in the lower region in such a way that the holder 14 can rotate together with the rotor 11 about a vertical axis, so that the rotor 11 can be moved into the desired target position during operation, thus enabling an effective conversion of the energy contained in the oncoming wind into rotational energy.

[0052] By means of the wing elements 3a, 3b of the positioning unit 1, lift forces F a , Fb. As soon as the rotor 11 is not in the desired target position relative to the incoming wind, the two wing elements 3a, 3b generate different lift forces F a , Fb, so that the sum of these buoyancy forces F a , Fb results in a resultant force FR. This resultant force FR is transmitted via the connecting element 7 and the support arm 15 to the bracket 14 and causes a torque 13, so that the bracket 14 is moved together with the rotor 11 around the vertical axis in the direction of the desired target position. As soon as the rotor 11 has reached the desired target position relative to the oncoming wind, the lift forces F generated by the two wing elements 3a, 3b a , Fb again have the same value, so that the two buoyancy forces F a, Fb is equal to 0 (zero). Once this operating state is reached, no torque 13 is transmitted to the bracket and the rotor 11 attached thereto for movement around the vertical axis.

[0053] By using the technical solution according to the invention, reliable, fast, and controllable positioning of components 2 exposed to airflow, in particular rotors 11 of wind turbines or the wind vanes of self-steering systems for sailing ships or yachts, is thus possible in a comparatively simple manner and with easily manufactured components. In particular, the invention can be implemented without the use of additional sensors or actuators that require electrical power.

[0054] List of reference symbols

[0055] 1 Device for positioning a movable component (2) relative to the incoming wind in a desired position

[0056] 2 component

[0057] 3 wing element

[0058] 3a first wing element

[0059] 3b second wing element

[0060] 4 Vacuum side

[0061] 5 Overpressure side

[0062] 6 Connecting element

[0063] 7 Adjustment element

[0064] 8 Cross-sectional area

[0065] 9 Means of movement

[0066] 10 volumes

[0067] 11 Rotor

[0068] 12 leading edge

[0069] 13 Torque

[0070] 14 Bracket

[0071] 15 Support arm

[0072] A Direction of the oncoming wind

[0073] F a Lift force of the first wing element

[0074] Fb lift force of the second wing element

[0075] FR resulting force

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (1) for positioning a movable component (2) in a desired position relative to a fluid flow, comprising at least two support surface elements (3) which, when the fluid flows around them, each have a negative pressure side (4) and a positive pressure side (5) and which are at least indirectly connected to the component (2), and comprising a connecting element (6) which connects the two support surface elements rigidly or so as to be movable relative to one another, wherein the support surface elements (3) are of identical construction and are arranged such that their negative pressure sides (4) or their positive pressure sides (5) face one another and the support surface elements (3) each exert a force (F a , Fb) whose direction of force is inclined relative to a flow direction (A) of the fluid.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one adjusting element (7) is provided, by means of which a circumference and / or a shape of a cross-sectional area (8) around which air flows of at least one of the wing elements (3) can be changed.

3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjusting element (7) is designed to initiate a relative movement dependent on the speed of the incoming fluid.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one movement means (9) is provided by which a relative movement between the two support surface elements (3) can be initiated.

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the movement means (9) is designed to initiate a relative movement dependent on the speed of the incoming fluid.

6. Device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the movement means (9) is designed to change a vertical distance between leading edges (12) of the wing elements (3) on which the inflowing fluid impinges.

7. Wind turbine with a device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

8. Self-steering system of a wind-powered vehicle with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Water wheel or water turbine with a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Method for positioning a movable component (2) relative to a flowing fluid in a desired position relative to the fluid flow, in which at least two identically constructed wing elements (3), in the flow around which at least temporarily a lower pressure is formed on a negative pressure side (4) compared to the ambient pressure and a higher pressure is formed on a positive pressure side (5) compared to the ambient pressure, are fastened at least indirectly to the component (2) to be positioned, are connected to one another rigidly or so as to be movable relative to one another via a connecting element (6) and are arranged in the flowing fluid in such a way that, as soon as the component (2) is in the desired position, lift forces (F a, Fb) and as soon as the component (2) is not in the desired position, lift forces (F a , Fb) are different, so that the buoyancy forces (F a , Fb) a resultant force (FR) is generated and a torque is transmitted from the connected wing elements (3) to the component (2).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that a circumference and / or a shape of a cross-sectional area (8) around which the fluid flows of at least one of the wing elements (3) is changed depending on the strength of the velocity of the incoming fluid.

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, depending on the velocity of the incoming fluid, a relative movement between the two wing elements (3) is initiated.

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, depending on the velocity of the incoming fluid, the wing elements (3) are moved in such a way that a volume (10) bounded on both sides by the two wing elements (3) is changed.

14. Method according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that a rotor (11) or part of a rotor (11) is used as the component (2) and a torque is transmitted at least indirectly to the component (2) as soon as the component (2) is not in the desired position relative to the incoming fluid.

Images