Apparatus for opening and closing a flexible funnel of a wind power generator

Abstract

Apparatus, suitable for opening and closing a flexible funnel 3 of a wind-powered electricity generator, comprising a winch 1 connected to a first cable 2 which itself is connected to a funnel 3 via a

Description

This invention relates to apparatus that facilitates the opening and closing of a flexible funnel of a wind power generator. 27 04 23 The reduced cost wind power generator as described in patent number GB2558649 shows a flexible funnel fluidly connected to a turbine and generator. The opening of the funnel needs to be supported to remain open to accept the oncoming wind, howeverr if wind speeds are in excess of the maximum loading that either the funnel material or generator or mast foundations can handle the funnel would need to be closed, as well as closed for maintenance reasons. The funnel, being of a flexible material would ideally require being tied up away from the wind, similar to the sails of a sailing boat. This should also be able to be done automatically remotely prior to storms or prior to maintenance visits. While there are potentially many ways of doing this, ideally a straightforward way of achieving this is required. To overcome this, the present invention proposes a funnel and means to open and close said funnel, wherein said means comprises winch means, wherein said winch means is connected to one end of a first cable means wherein another end of said first cable means is connected to a flexible funnel via pulley means wherein said pulley means is connected to a top of a mast / tower means wherein one end of a second and third cable means are connected to winch means wherein an other end of said second and third cable means are connected to opposite ends of a horizontal cross member via said pulley means wherein said cross member has a hole means wherein said mast / tower extends through said hole means wherein a part of said cross member either side of said hole is in physical, communication with rotatable cylinder means wherein said rotatable cylinder means are physically connected to spool means wherein said spool means are connected to one end of a fourth and fifth cable means wherein an other end of said fourth and fifth cable means are connected to said winch means wherein 'winching of said winch means raises and lowers said funnel and said cross member wherein said funnel wraps around said cylinder means when said winch means lowers said funnel and said cross member. When the winch means is operated the funnel is raised and lowered as required which can be as simple as remotely operating an electric motor to drive the winch. When the funnel and cross member is lowered the winch pulls the cable means connected to the spools which rotates the cylinders wrapping up the funnel keeping it away from any harsh conditions which could blow it about. Preferably, said winch means is driven by an electric motor. An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings : - figure 1 shows a front end view of apparatus for opening and closing a flexible funnel of a wind power generator; - figure 2 shows shows a front end view of apparatus for opening and closing a flexible funnel of a wind power generator and; - figure 3 shows a top end view of apparatus for opening and closing a flexible funnel of a wind power generator according to the invention. 27 04 23 Winch means 1 is connected to a first cable means 2 which is connected to a funnel 3 of a wind power generator via a pulley 4 anchored to the top of a mast 5. A second 6 and third 7 cable means is connected to the winch means and two arms of a cross member 8. The mast runs through a hole in the cross member to facilitate raising and lowering of the funnel and the cross member relative to the mast. Rotatable cylinders 9 have spools 12 connected to them which are connected to the winch means via fourth 13 and fifth 14 cable means. The cylinders rotate about the cross members to facilitate winding of the funnel onto them when the funnel and the cross member is lowered. The winch means may be driven by an electric motor. Figure 1 shows the funnel hoisted and figure 2 shows the funnel lowered and wrapped around the cross member. Figure 3 shows the hole in the cross member housing spring loaded rollerball means 10 which hug the mast as the cross member is raised and lowered as the mast becomes narrower with height. Clamp means 11 allow the hole in the cross member to be clamped onto the mast during construction. The hole in the cross member also allows the cross member and the funnel to rotate to accept wind from different directions. Initially when the funnel is wound onto the cylinders it collects on the outside of the cylinders and works it's way towards the centre. Finally the central part of the funnel collects behind the mast at the completion of the rolling.

Claims

27 04 231 A funnel and means to open and close said funnel, wherein said means comprises winch means, wherein said winch means is connected to one end of a first cable means wherein another end of said first cable means is connected to a flexible funnel via pulley means wherein said pulley means is connected to a top of a mast / tower means wherein one end of a second and third cable means are connected to winch means wherein an other end of said second and third cable means are connected to opposite ends of a horizontal cross member via said pulley means wherein said cross member has a hole means wherein said raast / 'tower extends through said hole means wherein a part of said cross member either side of said hole is in physical communication with rotatable cylinder means wherein said rotatable cylinder means are physically connected to spool means wherein said spool means are connected to one end of a fourth and fifth cable means wherein an other end of said fourth and fifth cable means are connected to said winch means wherein winching of said winch means raises and lowers said funnel and said cross member wherein said funnel wraps around said cylinder means when said winch means lowers said funnel and said c r o s s memo e r.2 A funnel and means to open and close said funnel according to claim 1, wherein said winch means is driven by an electric motor.

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