Modular wind turbine with horizontal axis of rotation

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular wind turbine (100) with a horizontal axis of rotation (114), comprising at least two blades (140A, 140B, 140C, 140D) fixed to said horizontal axis of rotation and regularly spaced relative to each other, said wind turbine (100) being characterized in that it comprises at least one first module (M) having a cubic frame, an upper edge of said cubic frame (M) forming said horizontal axis of rotation (114). Abstract figure: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Modular wind turbine with horizontal axis of rotation technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wind energy conversion systems. More specifically, it concerns horizontally rotating axis devices used to capture wind energy, particularly in land-based or marine installations. State of the art

[0002] Faced with current and future climate challenges, reducing reliance on fossil fuels is essential. In this context, the energy transition towards renewable energy sources has become a global priority. Among renewable energy sources, wind power is experiencing increasing development both onshore and offshore.

[0003] There are different types of wind turbines on the market, including horizontal-axis and vertical-axis wind turbines. These turbines are typically fixed to the ground at a single anchor point, which requires substantial foundations to ensure the turbine's stability. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are the most common. They generally have three blades. Each blade is fixed at an anchor point to a hub, which is itself fixed to a horizontal axis of rotation relative to the ground and located at the top of a tower. The assembly consisting of the blades and the hub is commonly called the "rotor." The blades are driven in rotation by the wind, and the axis of rotation is connected, via a gearbox, to an electric generator, usually an alternator, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0004] However, even though existing wind turbines offer very good efficiency, their infrastructure is very complex and expensive. Installing a wind turbine requires, in particular, the construction of a massive concrete foundation, which can weigh several hundred tons, to ensure the stability of the turbine, which can reach a height of over one hundred meters. Furthermore, due to the size of the tower and blades of such a wind turbine, its transport and assembly require significant and costly logistics. Consequently, conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines, due to their size, infrastructure, and costs, cannot be installed just anywhere.

[0005] Solutions for simplifying the construction of wind turbines while maintaining their performance have been studied. Such solutions consist, for example, of Using lighter composite materials, employing a sectional, foldable, and / or telescopic mast for faster installation without a heavy crane, or manufacturing the blades in several parts that are assembled on-site are all possible solutions. However, despite these simplifications, wind turbines remain too complex to construct, difficult to install, and too expensive. They also cannot be easily dismantled, and the foundation, which is always required, poses an environmental problem during decommissioning.

[0006] In addition, there are small modular wind turbines designed for domestic use or for medium-sized wind farms. For example, the modular wind turbine developed by the American company Uprise Energy LLC fits in a container that can be towed by a vehicle and is installed quickly without requiring site preparation or wind studies. However, the modular solutions considered so far may lack robustness, making them less durable against inclement weather and wind variations. Some models also remain expensive and / or difficult to adapt to specific environments, thus limiting their widespread adoption.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to remedy at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to design a modular, horizontal-axis wind turbine with significantly reduced manufacturing, transport, and installation costs; one that is maneuverable, easily transportable, simple and quick to assemble and install on site without the need for heavy equipment; one that is robust over time; and one that is capable of integrating into any environment, such as rural areas, small communities, isolated sites, as well as rugged terrain and areas with variable wind conditions. Furthermore, the wind turbine must be scalable, meaning that its dimensions must be adjustable according to energy needs and the environment in which it is intended to be installed, without impacting its performance. Summary

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to a modular wind turbine with a horizontal axis of rotation, comprising at least two blades attached to said horizontal axis of rotation and regularly spaced from each other, said wind turbine being characterized in that it comprises at least a first module having a cubic frame, an upper edge of said cubic frame forming said horizontal axis of rotation.

[0009] As a result, this configuration offers an innovative technical solution that makes it possible to generate a more stable, modular and easily adaptable wind turbine, while limiting infrastructure constraints and installation costs. Furthermore, thanks to the use of a rigid cubic frame, one edge of which directly forms the axis of With its rotation, the assembly is simplified and the structure gains robustness while remaining fully demountable. Thus, the wind turbine can be manufactured, transported, installed and then dismantled with light equipment, on varied terrains or at sea, without resorting to massive foundations, unlike conventional wind turbines which require heavy foundations, complex logistical means and remain difficult to adapt to isolated or evolving sites.

[0010] According to other optional features of the wind turbine: - a hub is arranged at each end of said horizontal axis of rotation and each blade is fixed on each of said hubs; - it includes a deviating wall inclined relative to a base plane of said at least a first cubic frame module, an upper edge of said cubic frame, located opposite said horizontal axis of rotation, forming an upper end edge of said deviating wall; - the deviating wall is inclined at an angle between 20 and 45° with respect to said base plane; - it is mounted to pivot around a vertical axis of rotation; - the cubic framework of said at least one first module includes uprights which are mounted on casters; - it includes a second cubic frame module contiguous to said first module and opposite the deviating wall in relation to said first module; - it further comprises at least two side panels fixed to the side faces of at least one of said first and / or second cubic frame module and oriented towards the rear of said wind turbine with respect to the vertical axis of rotation; - the cubic framework of said at least one first module includes uprights which are fixed on a floating platform; - it comprises four blades spaced apart at an angle of 90° around the horizontal axis of rotation; - the blades include faceted panels; - The cubic frame of said at least one first module is metallic, and the blades, the deflecting wall, and the side panels respectively comprise a frame formed by an assembly of metal tubes and a tarpaulin stretched and attached to said frame. Brief description of the figures

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures which represent:

[0012] [Fig. 1], a schematic perspective view of a wind turbine according to a first embodiment;

[0013] [Fig.2], a schematic top view of the wind turbine of [Fig.1] without its blades;

[0014] [Fig.3], a schematic view of the wind turbine blades according to a variant of realization ;

[0015] [Fig.4], a schematic perspective view of a wind turbine according to a second mode of realization.

[0016] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. Detailed Description

[0017] The terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "vertical", "front", "rear", "lateral", are defined according to an orthogonal coordinate system in which the wind turbine is inscribed, as shown in the figures, and which includes: - a longitudinal axis X, parallel to the ground and oriented from the front to the back of the wind turbine when it is positioned facing the wind; - a transverse axis Y, parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X; - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X and transverse axis Y.

[0018] The terms "superior" or "high" and "inferior" or "low" are used to designate elements in relation to each other along the vertical axis Z.

[0019] The term "scalable" refers to the ability of a machine to be adjusted or expanded to meet specific requirements. A scalable wind turbine thus has dimensions that can be modified and adjusted, without compromising its performance, to adapt to an energy need and the environment in which it is intended to be installed.

[0020] The term "modular" means the design of a construction in modules, modules that can be easily added or removed.

[0021] In the present invention, the term "tarpaulin" refers to a flexible, tensioned element made of a textile membrane, technical fabric, or composite material, capable of withstanding environmental stresses. It may be made, for example, of high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), or coated polyester, and fixed by any means allowing for lasting tension maintenance.

[0022] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of clarity, some elements are not shown and some other elements are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a simplified diagram of a modular wind turbine 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. This wind turbine 100 comprises at least one first module, referenced M, in the form of a cubic frame. This cubic frame M is formed by assembling uprights 115, 116, 117, 118 and lower cross members 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124 and upper cross members 111, 112, 113, 114. The uprights and cross members are preferably metal tubes, for example, aluminum or steel. Such a cubic frame provides the wind turbine with high stability and strength. The uprights and crossbeams of the cubic M frame are assembled using tube junctions which can be made of galvanized steel to reinforce the strength of the frame.

[0024] Depending on the dimensions of the wind turbine, two of the lateral faces of the cubic frame M, opposite each other along the transverse direction Y, i.e. the faces delimited by the uprights and cross members referenced 115, 113, 118, and 122 on the one hand and 116, 111, 117, and 120 on the other hand, can be reinforced by reinforcing tubes arranged in the diagonals of each face.

[0025] A horizontal upper edge 114 of the cubic frame of said first module M, oriented along a transverse direction Y of the wind turbine, forms the horizontal axis of rotation of the wind turbine. A hub 131, 132 is advantageously disposed at each end of this horizontal axis of rotation 114. The wind turbine comprises at least two blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D, each blade being fixed to said hubs 131, 132. This fixing of the blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D to the two hubs 131, 132, disposed at each end of the horizontal axis of rotation 114, ensures a uniform distribution of mechanical stresses. The wind turbine advantageously comprises more than two blades, and at least three blades. Preferably, the wind turbine 100 comprises four blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D regularly spaced from each other, at an angle of 90°, around the horizontal axis of rotation 114.

[0026] Advantageously, the upper edge 114 of the cubic frame M, which forms the horizontal axis of rotation of the wind turbine 100, is made of a rigid tube or a load-bearing profile 1150. This edge is designed to withstand the mechanical stresses generated by the rotation of the blades 140A to 140D. Such a configuration ensures a homogeneous distribution of stresses on the structure and contributes to the stability and durability of the rotor assembly.

[0027] The blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D have a parallelogram shape. They are preferably rectangular, as shown in [Fig. 1]. They can be formed from rigid panels. However, to ensure scalability of the wind turbine, a preferred embodiment consists of forming the blades from an assembly of metal tubes 141, 142, 143, forming a frame in the center of which a tarpaulin is attached. The tube assembly forming the frame comprises at less two longitudinal metal tubes 141, 143, one end of which is fixed respectively to a hub 132, 131, and the other end of which is fixed to a transverse metal tube 142 opposite the horizontal axis of rotation 114. The tarpaulin is attached to the frame formed by the metal tubes 141, 142, 143 by any known means, such as rings, hooks, or any other equivalent means, which allows the tarpaulin to be kept under tension. The tarpaulin is preferably made of a composite material, woven or non-woven, and recyclable and / or recycled. Such a material may, for example, be chosen from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and / or polyethylene (PE), woven or non-woven, possibly coated with polyurethane or silicone. Such materials have the advantage of being resistant to strong winds, ultraviolet radiation, tearing, and being recyclable.

[0028] The blades 140A, 140B, 140C, and 140D have a surface area that allows them to recover energy even under low wind speed conditions. The surface area of ​​each blade can advantageously vary between 1 m² and 100 m², depending on the dimensions of the cubic frame of the first module M, the energy requirements of the wind turbine, and its location.

[0029] As illustrated in the diagram in [Fig. 1], the base of the cubic frame of the first module M, formed by the cross members 119, 120, 121, 122, can be extended forward by tubes 125, 126, 127 in a basic plane P, formed along the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y and comprising said base of the cubic frame M. The lateral tubes 125, 126 extending said base of the cubic frame of the first module M are at least the same length as the uprights and cross members constituting said cubic frame M and may be longer. A deflecting wall 145 is positioned at the front of the wind turbine and inclined with respect to said basic plane P. This deflecting wall 145 is preferably formed by an assembly of metal tubes 127, 128, 129, 112, forming a frame in the center of which a tarpaulin is fixed.An upper horizontal edge of the cubic frame of the first module M, oriented along a transverse direction Y of the wind turbine and located opposite the horizontal axis of rotation 114, forms an upper edge 112 of the deflecting wall 145. The sheet constituting the deflecting wall 145 is preferably made of a material identical to that of the blades 140A to 140D.

[0030] The deflecting wall 145 directs and accelerates the airflow towards the blades 140A located on the opposite side of the deflecting wall, which in this example are in a downward phase. The small arrows in [Fig. 1] schematically illustrate how the deflecting wall 145 deflects the air and accelerates its speed before its impact on the blade 140A facing said airflow at the moment of impact. The air then causes the blades to rotate in the direction of the arrow referenced F. Such a deflecting wall 145 improves the rotation and efficiency of the wind turbine. Another function of This deflecting wall 145 consists of protecting the blades 140C, 140D rising up against the wind, thus reducing resistance and optimizing the rotation of the horizontal axis of rotation 114.

[0031] The deflecting wall 145 is inclined at an angle α with respect to the basic plane P, which can be between 20° and 45°, depending on the wind conditions. Indeed, when the wind is moderate with gusts, the wall can be inclined at an angle of 45° with respect to the basic plane P, whereas the angle of inclination will be, for example, 33° when the wind blows very strongly at times, or 25° when the environment where the wind turbine is installed experiences frequent storms.

[0032] According to the first embodiment of the wind turbine, schematically represented in [Fig. 1], the wind turbine is a land-based wind turbine. In this case, it is mounted to pivot about a vertical axis of rotation 130, so as to allow the wind turbine to pivot and position itself so that the deflecting wall 145 is oriented into the wind. Preferably, the wind turbine is anchored to the ground at a point 133 located below this axis of rotation 130, and the axis of rotation 130 allows the main cubic-framed module M to be connected to said anchor point 133.

[0033] In the diagram of [Fig.1], the vertical axis of rotation 130 passes through the middle of the cubic frame M. In this case, to allow the connection of the cubic frame M to the anchor point 133 via the axis of rotation 130, cross members 123, 124 can be provided along axes of symmetry of the base of the cubic frame M, said cross members intersecting in the middle of the base, at a point on the vertical axis of rotation 130 and opposite the anchor point 133.

[0034] Advantageously, the uprights 115, 116, 117, 118 of the cubic frame of said first module M are mounted on casters 134, 135, 136, 137 to facilitate the movement of the wind turbine around its vertical axis of rotation 130. Due to its cubic structure and its anchoring at a point 133 located below the vertical axis of rotation 130, the wind turbine can withstand very strong winds. The energy associated with the wind is further dissipated by the casters 134, 135, 136, 137 which rest on the ground. Thus, the wind turbine 100 is robust and can withstand stormy conditions over the long term.

[0035] To facilitate the orientation of the wind turbine into the wind by rotation around its vertical axis 130, the wind turbine advantageously comprises at least two lateral panels 160A, 160B. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of the wind turbine without its blades. As shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2, the lateral panels 160A, 160B are advantageously fixed behind the wind turbine 100 relative to the vertical axis of rotation 130.

[0036] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vertical axis of rotation 130 passes through the middle of the first cubic frame module M. In this case, it is preferable to double the module M towards the rear. In other words, a second cubic-framed module M2 is added to the rear of the first module M1. The second cubic-framed module M2, contiguous to the first module M, is thus formed by assembling metal tubes. The second cubic module M2 therefore provides sufficient surface area to install side panels 160A, 160B, each covering at least one lateral face of said second cubic-framed module M2 located at the rear of the wind turbine 100 and opposite the deflecting wall 145 relative to said first module M. The side panels 160A, 160B can extend to the middle of the lateral faces of the first module M. The side panels 160A, 160B can therefore extend from a vertical axis parallel to the vertical rotation axis 130, towards the rear of the wind turbine 100.According to this variant, in which the 100 wind turbine includes a second cubic module M2 positioned at the rear of the first cubic module M, a 160C panel can also be installed on the rear face of said second cubic module M2.

[0037] In another example where the vertical axis of rotation 130 passes through the middle of the cross members 112, 119 constituting the front face of the cubic frame of said first module M, parallel to the uprights 115, 116 of said front face, it is then not necessary to double said first module M. The side panels can in fact be installed directly on the side faces of the cubic frame of said first module M. The panels are then arranged towards the rear with respect to the vertical axis of rotation 130, and the space located in front of the vertical axis of rotation 130, that is to say the space located under the deviating wall 145 in this example, is left empty.

[0038] These side panels 160A, 160B are preferably made of a tarpaulin formed from the same material as the blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D or the deflector wall 145, i.e., from a recyclable and / or recycled polymer material, woven or non-woven. They are attached to the uprights and cross members of the side faces of the cubic frame of the first and / or second module M or M2, by any known means such as rings, hooks or any other equivalent means, which allows the tarpaulin to be kept under tension.

[0039] The side panels 160A, 160B thus make it easier to orient the wind turbine towards the wind. Indeed, when the wind blows against one of the panels 160B, as shown schematically by the arrows in [Fig.2], the panel 160B creates wind resistance, generating a force that is exerted on the panel, causing the wind turbine to move around its vertical axis of rotation 130 until it is aligned towards the wind, that is to say until its deflecting wall 145 is oriented towards the wind, thus optimizing energy production without requiring a motorized system.

[0040] According to one example, the deflecting wall 145 also fulfills a complementary function of assisting in the automatic orientation of the wind turbine 100. When exposed to the wind laterally, this wall generates an aerodynamic torque which temporarily unbalances the structure around the vertical axis 130. This imbalance promotes the progressive repositioning of the wind turbine 100 until the said deflecting wall 145 is correctly aligned facing the wind, thus improving energy capture without the use of a motorized system.

[0041] In the example illustrated in [Fig.1], the blades are rectangular. According to an alternative embodiment, illustrated in the diagram in [Fig.3], the blades can also include faceted panels, so that the blades have a curved shape, the concave part of the blades then being oriented towards the wind.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a simplified diagram of a modular wind turbine 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. According to this second embodiment, the wind turbine is intended to be installed at sea or on a body of water. In this case, the uprights 115, 116, 117, 118 of the cubic frame of said first module M are fixed to a floating platform 200. This platform 200 can also take the form of two catamaran hulls 210, 220, as schematically shown in Figure 4. In this case, the uprights 116, 117 on the one hand and 115, 118 on the other hand, delimiting respectively a lateral face of the first module M are fixed on a hull respectively 210, 220 of the platform 200. When the floating platform 200 is fixed to an anchor, the anchor attachment point on the platform 200 is advantageously positioned opposite the deflecting wall 145.

[0043] According to this embodiment, the wind turbine 100 can be oriented passively into the wind without the use of a motorized system. The floating platform 200 is then connected to an anchor at a single attachment point located opposite the deflecting wall 145. The configuration of the wind turbine, equipped with its side panels 160A, 160B, generates, under the effect of the wind, a rotational torque that drives the platform 200 until the deflecting wall 145 is oriented into the airflow. The wind turbine 100 can thus self-position itself, by weathervane effect, according to the prevailing wind conditions. According to this second embodiment, the anchoring of the platform alone is sufficient to orient the wind turbine towards the wind and the side panels 160A, 160B constitute an optional and not necessary feature for positioning the wind turbine towards the wind.Thanks to its floating anchor and the platform's ability to pivot in the face of wind and waves, the wind turbine is particularly well-suited for offshore installations.

[0044] In a manner known per se, the wind turbine further comprises an electricity generator, not shown in the figures, arranged along one of the uprights and eccentric with respect to the horizontal axis of rotation 114. The transmission of mechanical energy to The generator, to be converted into electricity, is achieved by a conventional mechanical multiplication system, comprising, for example, a succession of plates of different sizes and chains connecting said plates. This mechanical system thus makes it possible to convert the slow rotational speed of the horizontal axis of rotation 114 into a rotational speed sufficient for the generator.

[0045] The wind turbine 100 described above has the advantage of being fully demountable. It is made by assembling tubes to form a cubic frame and coverings made of recyclable composite material. The design and assembly of the wind turbine are simplified, and manufacturing does not require machining complex parts. It allows for mass production, transport, and quick and inexpensive installation. Its dimensions can be easily adapted according to energy requirements and the installation site.

[0046] The materials used are primarily recycled and recyclable, which minimizes environmental impact. By incorporating recyclable materials into its design, this wind turbine contributes to the circular economy and promotes a more sustainable approach to energy production. This wind turbine, with its simple design, offers an economical, easy-to-install solution suitable for a wide range of climatic conditions, while also contributing to renewable energy production.

[0047] Thanks to the cubic structure and the double anchoring point of the blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D on two end hubs 131, 132 of the horizontal axis of rotation 114, the mechanical stresses are better distributed, which increases the durability of the wind turbine even under extreme conditions. The deflector wall 145 redirects the wind towards the blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D that catch the wind, increasing energy production, while protecting the blades 140A, 140B, 140C, 140D that rise up into the wind and thus reducing efficiency losses. The wind turbine does not require permanent foundations, which allows for rapid installation on land or at sea, with the possibility of easy dismantling and transport. The modular design and cube-shaped structure reduce production costs while minimizing maintenance requirements.

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the examples described above. Although other embodiments are possible, for example by combining features described above, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Modular wind turbine (100) with a horizontal axis of rotation (114), comprising at least two blades (140A, 140B, 140C, 140D) attached to said horizontal axis of rotation and regularly spaced from each other, said wind turbine (100) being characterized in that it comprises at least a first module (M) having a cubic frame, an upper edge of said cubic frame (M) forming said horizontal axis of rotation (114).

2. Modular wind turbine (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that a hub (131, 132) is disposed at each end of said horizontal axis of rotation (114) and in that each blade (140A, 140B, 140C, 140D) is fixed on each of said hubs (131, 132).

3. Modular wind turbine (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a deflecting wall (145) inclined with respect to a base plane (P) of said at least a first cubic frame module (M), an upper edge (112) of said cubic frame (M), located opposite said horizontal axis of rotation (114), forming an upper end edge of said deflecting wall (145).

4. Modular wind turbine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is mounted pivotally about a vertical axis of rotation (130).

5. Modular wind turbine according to claim 4, characterized in that the cubic frame of said at least one first module (M) comprises uprights (115, 116, 117, 118) which are mounted on casters (134, 135, 136, 137).

6. Modular wind turbine (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that it comprises a second cubic frame module (M2) contiguous to said first module (M) and opposite the deflecting wall (145) with respect to said first module (M).

7. Modular wind turbine (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises at least two side panels (160A, 160B) fixed on side faces of at least one of said first and / or second cubic frame module (M, M2) and oriented towards the rear of said wind turbine (100) with respect to said vertical axis of rotation (130).

8. Modular wind turbine (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cubic frame of said at least one first module (M) comprises uprights (115, 116, 117, 118) which are fixed on a floating platform (200).

9. Modular wind turbine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises four blades (140A, 140B, 140C, 140D) spaced apart from each other at an angle of 90° around the horizontal axis of rotation (114).

10. Modular wind turbine (100) according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the cubic frame of said at least one first module (M) is metallic, and in that the blades (140A, 140B, 140C, 140D), the deflecting wall (145) and the side panels (160A, 160B) respectively comprise a frame formed by an assembly of metal tubes and a tarpaulin stretched and attached to said frame.

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