Wind power generation equipment

Abstract

This technology provides the capability to realize a wind power generation system that collects wind at the wind turbine using a novel form of wind collector. [Solution] The wind power generation device may include a wind turbine that rotates when it receives wind, a generator that generates electricity in conjunction with the rotation of the wind turbine, and a wind collector that collects wind for the wind turbine. The wind collector may include a first wind collection unit that collects wind at a predetermined first wind collection point. The first wind collection unit may include a first vertical plate extending parallel to the virtual axis on the radially outer side of a virtual axis that extends linearly toward the first wind collection point, a second vertical plate extending parallel to the virtual axis and inclined with respect to the first vertical plate so as it approaches the virtual axis, and a plurality of horizontal plates intersecting the first and second vertical plates respectively and extending so as they approach the virtual axis so as they approach the first wind collection point.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in the present specification relates to a wind power generator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wind power generator including a wind turbine that rotates upon receiving wind, a generator that generates power in conjunction with rotation of the wind turbine, and a wind collector that collects wind to the wind turbine. The wind collector includes a first wind collecting unit that collects wind at a predetermined first wind collecting location. The first wind collecting unit includes a conical wind collecting body centered on a virtual axis extending linearly toward the first wind collecting location, a cylindrical body disposed spaced apart from the wind collecting body in the axial direction of the virtual axis, and a strut that connects the wind collecting body and the cylindrical body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Like the wind power generator of Patent Document 1, there is an apparatus that collects wind (for example, wind generated by a difference in atmospheric pressure) to a wind turbine by a wind collector. The present specification provides a technology capable of realizing a wind power generator that collects wind to a wind turbine with a wind collector of a novel form.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a first aspect of this technology, the wind power generation device may include a wind turbine that rotates in response to wind, a generator that generates electricity in conjunction with the rotation of the wind turbine, and a wind collector that collects wind for the wind turbine. The wind collector may include a first wind collection unit that collects wind at a predetermined first wind collection point. The first wind collection unit may include a first vertical plate extending radially outward from a virtual axis that extends linearly toward the first wind collection point, parallel to the virtual axis, a second vertical plate extending parallel to the virtual axis and inclined with respect to the first vertical plate so as it approaches the virtual axis, and a plurality of horizontal plates intersecting the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate, and extending so as it approaches the virtual axis so as it approaches the first wind collection point.

[0006] According to the above configuration, wind flowing near the wind turbine flows into the space between the first and second vertical plates, and is guided by the first and second vertical plates respectively to flow towards the virtual axis, and also guided by the multiple horizontal plates to flow towards the first wind collection point. As a result, the wind is collected at the first wind collection point. Therefore, according to the above configuration, a wind turbine can be realized that collects wind at the wind turbine using a novel form of wind collector. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, since the main material used in the first wind collection unit is plate material (i.e., the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the multiple horizontal plates), the first wind collection unit can be manufactured at low cost, and consequently, the wind turbine can be manufactured at low cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 1. [Figure 2] This is an exploded view of the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 1, along the virtual axis AX. [Figure 4] This is a view of the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 1, taken at the IV-IV cross-section in Figure 3. [Figure 5]This figure shows the structure near the second wind collection unit 20 of the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 1 when the movable member 36 is in the closed position that closes the exhaust passage 32. [Figure 6] This figure shows the structure near the second wind collection unit 20 of the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 1 when the movable member 36 is in the open position that opens the exhaust passage 32. [Figure 7] This figure schematically shows the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 2. [Figure 8] This figure schematically shows the wind power generation device 2 according to Example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] In a second aspect of this technology, in the first embodiment described above, the first air collection unit may be arranged such that the virtual axis is aligned with the vertical direction.

[0009] Wind generated on the ground flows horizontally. With the above configuration, the space between the first and second vertical plates opens horizontally, allowing a large amount of horizontally flowing wind to be captured. This increases the amount of wind flowing into the space between the first and second vertical plates, and thus increases the amount of wind collected by the wind turbine. This allows for an increase in the rotational speed of the wind turbine, and thus increases the amount of electricity generated by the generator (i.e., power generated per unit of time).

[0010] In a third aspect of this technology, in the first or second aspect described above, the first air collection unit may be arranged such that the direction toward the first air collection point along the virtual axis is vertically upward. The outer surfaces of the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the plurality of horizontal plates may be colored black.

[0011] According to the above configuration, each of the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the multiple horizontal plates, which are colored black, absorbs light (e.g., sunlight) and generates heat, warming the air near each of the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the multiple horizontal plates. As the warmed air near each of the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the multiple horizontal plates rises, an updraft is generated that moves vertically upward. In the first wind collection unit, this updraft merges with the wind guided by each of the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the multiple horizontal plates and heads towards the first wind collection point. This increases the amount of wind collected at the first wind collection point, and thus increases the amount of wind collected by the wind turbine. This allows for an increase in the rotational speed of the wind turbine and an increase in the amount of electricity generated by the generator (i.e., power generated per unit of time).

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present technology, in any one of the first to third embodiments described above, the air collector may comprise a plurality of first air collecting units and an axial member extending along the virtual axis and connecting the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate of each of the plurality of first air collecting units. The first vertical plate and the second vertical plate of each of the plurality of first air collecting units may be arranged radially around the axial member.

[0013] According to the above configuration, regardless of the direction of the wind flowing near the wind power generation device, the wind flows into the space between the first and second vertical plates in at least one of the multiple first wind collection units. Therefore, regardless of the direction of the wind flowing near the wind power generation device, the wind can be collected at the first wind collection point by at least one of the multiple first wind collection units, and subsequently collected at the wind turbine.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of this technology, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments described above, the concentrator may further include a second concentrating unit that collects the wind gathered at the first concentrating location for the wind turbine. The second concentrating unit may include a duct that sends wind toward the wind turbine, an exhaust duct that sends wind toward a direction other than the wind turbine, and an introduction mechanism that introduces the wind gathered at the first concentrating location into at least one of the duct and the exhaust duct. The introduction mechanism may be configured to adjust the distribution of the airflow volume of the wind introduced into each of the duct and the exhaust duct.

[0015] If the amount of wind sent towards the wind turbine becomes excessively large, the wind turbine may rotate at an excessive speed, potentially leading to deterioration of the wind turbine (or generator). With the above configuration, the introduction mechanism can adjust the amount of wind introduced into the airflow path (i.e., the amount of wind sent towards the wind turbine), thereby preventing the amount of wind sent towards the wind turbine from becoming excessively large. This prevents the wind turbine from rotating at an excessive speed, thus preventing deterioration of the wind turbine (or generator).

[0016] In a sixth aspect of this technology, in the fifth aspect described above, the introduction mechanism may include a movable member that can move between an open position that opens the exhaust passage and a closed position that closes the exhaust passage more than the open position. The introduction mechanism may adjust the distribution of the airflow volume introduced into the air supply passage and the exhaust passage by moving the movable member between the open position and the closed position.

[0017] The above configuration allows for a simplified implementation mechanism.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the present technology, in the above-described sixth aspect, the first wind collecting unit may be arranged such that the direction toward the first wind collecting location along the virtual axis is a vertically upward direction. The movable member may include a placement portion that can be placed on the respective vertically upward ends of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate, and a lid portion that receives the wind collected at the first wind collecting location by the first wind collecting unit from the vertically downward direction. The closed position may be a position where the placement portion is placed on the respective vertically upward ends of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate. The open position may be a position where the movable member moves vertically upward from the closed position, and the placement portion is separated from the respective vertically upward ends of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate. When the movable member is in the open position, a gap formed between the respective vertically upward ends of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate and the placement portion may function as the exhaust passage.

[0019] According to the above configuration, when the volume of wind received by the lid portion (that is, the wind collected at the first wind collecting location) is large, the movable member moves vertically upward against gravity, and the exhaust passage is opened. As a result, compared with the case where the exhaust passage is closed, the distribution of the volume of wind introduced into the exhaust passage increases, and the distribution of the volume of wind introduced into the air supply passage (that is, the volume of wind sent toward the wind turbine) decreases. This makes it possible to suppress an excessive increase in the volume of wind introduced into the air supply passage (that is, the volume of wind sent toward the wind turbine). On the other hand, when the volume of wind received by the lid portion (that is, the wind collected at the first wind collecting location) is small, the movable member is held in the closed position by gravity, and the exhaust passage is closed. As a result, compared with the case where the exhaust passage is open, the distribution of the volume of wind introduced into the exhaust passage decreases, and the distribution of the volume of wind introduced into the air supply passage (that is, the volume of wind sent toward the wind turbine) increases. This makes it possible to suppress an excessive decrease in the volume of wind introduced into the air supply passage (that is, the volume of wind sent toward the wind turbine). Therefore, according to the above configuration, the volume of wind sent toward the wind turbine can be adjusted to an appropriate amount without requiring an external driving force (for example, a driving force from a motor).

[0020] In an eighth aspect of the present technology, in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects described above, the wind turbine may include a central portion disposed along the rotation axis of the wind turbine, a wind receiving portion disposed radially outward of the rotation axis as viewed from the central portion, and a connection portion connecting between the central portion and the wind receiving portion. The air duct may send air in a direction toward the wind receiving portion of the wind turbine.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the wind receiving portion disposed at a position distant from the rotation axis of the wind turbine receives the wind sent from the air duct. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the wind turbine receives wind at a position close to the rotation axis, a larger torque can be applied to the wind turbine, and in turn a larger torque can be applied to the generator.

[0022] In a ninth aspect of the present technology, in any one of the first to eighth aspects described above, the wind turbine generator may be attached to an outer wall of a building.

[0023] Strong wind (also referred to as building wind) may occur around buildings (e.g., buildings, residences). According to the above configuration, power can be generated using the strong wind generated around the building.

[0024] In a tenth aspect of the present technology, in any one of the first to eighth aspects described above, the wind turbine generator may be attached to a utility pole.

[0025] According to the above configuration, since the wind turbine generator can be attached to an existing utility pole, there is no need to newly secure a space for installing the wind turbine generator. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the power generated by the generator can be distributed via the distribution lines supported by the utility pole.

[0026] (Example 1: Wind turbine generator 2) As shown in Figure 1, the wind power generation device 2 comprises a foundation 4, a wind collector 6, a wind turbine 8, and a generator 10. The foundation 4 is fixed to the ground G (see Figure 3) by piles 12 (see Figure 3), etc. The foundation 4 has a disc shape that extends horizontally. The wind collector 6 is positioned vertically above the foundation 4 and collects the wind flowing on the ground for the wind turbine 8.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the wind turbine 8 is positioned vertically above the wind collector 6 and rotates around the shaft 46. The generator 10 incorporates a rotor connected to the shaft 46 of the wind turbine 8 and a stator positioned around the rotor. When the shaft 46 rotates, the rotor rotates relative to the stator, and the generator 10 generates electricity. The generator 10 is connected to an external power transmission and distribution network (for example, the power transmission and distribution network of a power company) via power lines 14. The electricity generated by the generator 10 is supplied to the outside via power lines 14.

[0028] The wind collector 6 comprises a shaft member 16 extending vertically upward from the upper surface of the foundation 4, a plurality of first wind collecting units 18 arranged around the shaft member 16, and a second wind collecting unit 20 positioned vertically above the plurality of first wind collecting units 18. The shaft member 16 extends along a virtual axis AX that extends vertically. The shaft portion 46 of the wind turbine 8 also extends along the virtual axis AX.

[0029] The first air collection unit 18 comprises a first vertical plate 22, a second vertical plate 24, and a plurality of horizontal plates 26. Both the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24 extend parallel to the virtual axis AX on the radially outer side of the virtual axis AX. Specifically, both the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24 are arranged such that their longitudinal direction is parallel to the virtual axis AX and their transverse direction is parallel to the radial direction of the virtual axis AX. The second vertical plate 24 is tilted relative to the first vertical plate 22 so that it approaches the first vertical plate 22 as it approaches the virtual axis AX. Therefore, the circumferential width of the space defined between the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24 (hereinafter referred to as the guide space 28) narrows as it approaches the virtual axis AX. Each of the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24 is connected to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 16. The plurality of horizontal plates 26 are arranged vertically within the guide space 28. Multiple horizontal plates 26 intersect with the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24, and extend vertically upward as they approach the virtual axis AX. The multiple horizontal plates 26 are positioned spaced apart from the outer surface of the shaft member 16.

[0030] Each of the first vertical plate 22, the second vertical plate 24, and the multiple horizontal plates 26 is made of a flat board material. Each of the first vertical plate 22, the second vertical plate 24, and the multiple horizontal plates 26 can be made of, for example, plastic or metal material, and sometimes recycled plastic is used. Although not shown in the figure, the outer surfaces of each of the first vertical plate 22, the second vertical plate 24, and the multiple horizontal plates 26 are colored black.

[0031] In this embodiment, in two adjacent first air collection units 18, one plate material functions as both the first vertical plate 22 of one first air collection unit 18 and the second vertical plate 24 of the other first air collection unit 18. This reduces the number of plate materials used in the air collector 6.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, when viewed from vertically above, the second vertical plate 24 is offset counterclockwise from the first vertical plate 22 around the virtual axis AX. As a result, the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24 of each of the multiple first air collection units 18 are arranged radially around the axis member 16. The guide space 28 is also arranged radially around the axis member 16.

[0033] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, when wind blows near the wind turbine 2, the wind flows into the guide space 28 of at least one first wind collection unit 18. The wind that flows into the guide space 28 is guided by the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24 and flows toward the virtual axis AX, and is also guided by the multiple horizontal plates 26 and flows vertically upward, and finally flows vertically upward along the outer surface of the shaft member 16. In this way, the wind blowing near the wind turbine 2 is collected by the first wind collection unit 18 into the space vertically above the first wind collection unit 18, that is, the space where the second wind collection unit 20 is located. Note that in the drawings from Figure 3 onward, the wind flow is illustrated using arrows.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the second wind collection unit 20 includes a blower 30 that sends air toward the wind turbine 8, an exhaust 32 (see Figure 6) that sends air toward a direction other than the wind turbine 8, and an introduction mechanism 34 that introduces the air collected by the multiple first wind collection units 18 into at least one of the blower 30 and the exhaust 32.

[0035] The introduction mechanism 34 includes a movable member 36 that is mounted so as to be movable vertically with respect to the shaft member 16. The movable member 36 includes a cylindrical portion 38, a lid portion 40, a mounting portion 42, and a plurality of air outlets 44. The cylindrical portion 38 extends along the virtual axis AX and is slidably fitted to the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 16. The lid portion 40 widens radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 38, then bends and extends vertically downward. The mounting portion 42 is the lower end surface of the lid portion 40 and is mounted on the upper ends of the first vertical plates 22 and second vertical plates 24 of the plurality of first air collection units 18. The plurality of air outlets 44 are arranged on the upper surface of the lid portion 40 so as to be aligned in the circumferential direction of the virtual axis AX. Each of the plurality of air outlets 44 is directed toward the wind receiving portion 48 of the wind turbine 8. Each of the multiple air outlets 44 communicates with the space that the inner surface of the cover portion 40 faces. The passages through each of the multiple air outlets 44 function as the air passage 30.

[0036] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lid portion 40 covers the vertically above the multiple first wind collection units 18 and receives the wind collected by the multiple first wind collection units 18. Since the wind collected by the multiple first wind collection units 18 flows vertically upward, the wind collides with the inner surface of the lid portion 40, generating a lift force on the movable member 36 (i.e., a force that biases the movable member 36 vertically upward).

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, when the volume of wind collected by the multiple first wind collection units 18 is large and the lift force acting on the movable member 36 exceeds the gravitational force acting on the movable member 36, the movable member 36 moves vertically upward against gravity. When the movable member 36 moves vertically upward, the mounting portion 42 separates from the upper ends of the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24, creating a gap between the upper ends of the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24 and the mounting portion 42. This gap functions as an exhaust passage 32. When the exhaust passage 32 is opened, the distribution of the volume of wind introduced into the air supply passage 30 (i.e., the volume of wind sent towards the wind turbine 8) becomes relatively small compared to the volume of wind collected by the multiple first wind collection units 18. This prevents the volume of wind introduced into the air supply passage 30 (i.e., the volume of wind sent towards the wind turbine 8) from becoming excessively large.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, when the amount of wind collected by the multiple first wind collection units 18 is small and the lift force acting on the movable member 36 is less than the force of gravity acting on the movable member 36, the movable member 36 is biased vertically downward by gravity and is held in a position where the mounting portion 42 is placed on the upper ends of the first vertical plate 22 and the second vertical plate 24, respectively. In this case, the exhaust passage 32 is closed. By closing the exhaust passage 32, the distribution of the amount of wind introduced into the air supply passage 30 (i.e., the amount of wind sent toward the wind turbine 8) becomes relatively large compared to the amount of wind collected by the multiple first wind collection units 18. This prevents the amount of wind introduced into the air supply passage 30 (i.e., the amount of wind sent toward the wind turbine 8) from becoming excessively small.

[0039] The movable member 36 can adjust the amount of wind sent towards the wind turbine 8 to an appropriate level without requiring an external driving force (for example, a driving force from a motor).

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the wind turbine 8 comprises a shaft portion 46 extending along a virtual axis AX, a wind receiving portion 48 positioned radially outward from the virtual axis AX as viewed from the shaft portion 46, and a connecting portion 50 connecting the shaft portion 46 and the wind receiving portion 48. The shaft portion 46 is supported by a shaft member 16 so as to be rotatable around the virtual axis AX. The connecting portion 50 has a disc shape that extends radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 46. The wind receiving portion 48 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the shaft portion 46. When the wind receiving portion 48 receives the wind discharged from the air outlet 44, a torque is generated that rotates the wind turbine 8 around the virtual axis AX. As the wind turbine 8 rotates around the virtual axis AX, the generator 10 generates electricity.

[0041] (Example 2: Wind power generation device 202) As shown in Figure 7, the wind turbine 202 of this embodiment is a modified version of the wind turbine 2 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 2) that can be attached to the exterior wall of the building 250. Therefore, some of the components of the wind turbine 202 are common to those of the wind turbine 2 of Embodiment 1. Common components between the two are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0042] Of the wind power generation device 202, the wind turbine 8 and the generator 10 are positioned on the upper surface 252 of the building 250. The wind collector 6 is positioned to straddle the front 254 and the left side 256 of the building 250. The wind collector 6 includes a front guide space 204 that opens into the space in front of the building 250 and a left guide space 206 that opens into the space to the left of the building 250. Building wind flowing to the left along the front 254 of the building 250 flows into the front guide space 204. Building wind flowing forward along the left side 256 of the building 250 flows into the left guide space 206. The building wind that flows into the front guide space 204 (or the left guide space 206) is collected by the wind collector 6 and directed to the wind receiving section 48 of the wind turbine 8. Therefore, the wind power generation device 202 can generate electricity using building wind.

[0043] (Example 3: Wind power generation device 302) As shown in Figure 8, the wind turbine 302 of this embodiment is a modified version of the wind turbine 2 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 2) that can be attached to a utility pole 350. Therefore, some of the components of the wind turbine 302 are common to those of the wind turbine 2 of Embodiment 1. Common components between the two are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0044] Of the wind power generation device 302, the wind collector 6 is mounted around the utility pole 350. The utility pole 350 passes through the shaft member 16 of the wind collector 6. The wind turbine 8 and generator 10 are rotatably mounted around a rotating shaft 304 that protrudes from the outer surface of the utility pole 350. The power line 14 extending from the generator 10 is connected to the distribution line 352 supported by the utility pole 350. The wind collector 6 collects the wind flowing near the utility pole 350 at the wind receiving section 48 of the wind turbine 8. The wind power generation device 302 can generate electricity by utilizing the wind flowing near the utility pole 350.

[0045] Since the wind turbine 302 can be attached to existing utility poles 350, there is no need to secure new space for installing the wind turbine 302. Also, since there are a large number of utility poles 350 throughout the country (for example, 36 million), a large number of wind turbines 302 can be installed by installing one on each pole. As a result, a large amount of power can be obtained by summing the power generated by each wind turbine 302. Furthermore, the wind turbine 302 can distribute the power generated by the generator 10 via the distribution line 352 supported by the utility pole 350.

[0046] (modified version) The wind turbines 2, 202, and 302 do not necessarily have to be equipped with multiple first wind collection units 18.

[0047] The first wind collection unit 18 may be positioned such that the virtual axis AX is aligned with a direction other than the vertical (for example, the horizontal direction). Furthermore, the direction toward the first wind collection point (i.e., the location where the second wind collection unit 20 is positioned) along the virtual axis AX may be a direction other than the vertically upward direction (for example, the vertically downward direction).

[0048] The outer surfaces of the first vertical board 22, the second vertical board 24, and the multiple horizontal boards 26 may be colored with a color other than black (for example, white).

[0049] The wind turbines 2, 202, and 302 do not necessarily have a second wind collection unit 20. In this case, the wind collected by the first wind collection unit 18 may flow directly towards the wind turbine 8.

[0050] When the movable member 36 is in the closed position (i.e., the position shown in Figure D1), the exhaust passage 32 does not need to be completely closed; in other words, the exhaust passage 32 only needs to be partially closed.

[0051] The wind turbine 8 is not limited to those described in the embodiment, but may also be, for example, a propeller-type wind turbine, a Dutch-type wind turbine, a multi-blade wind turbine, a sail-type wind turbine, a Darrieus-type wind turbine, a Badr-type wind turbine, a Savonius-type wind turbine, or an S-shaped rotor-type wind turbine.

[0052] The wind turbines 2, 202, and 302 may be attached to structures other than building 250 (for example, houses).

[0053] The technical elements described herein or in the drawings demonstrate technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated herein or in the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 2: Wind power generation equipment 4: Basics 6: Air collector 8: Windmill 10: Generator 12:Pile 14: Electric wire 16: Shaft member 18: First Collection Wind Unit 20: Second Collection Wind Unit 22: First vertical board 24: Second vertical board 26:Horizontal board 28: Guide Space 30: Airflow channel 32: Exhaust passage 34:Introduction mechanism 36: Movable member 38:Cylinder part 40: Lid part 42: Mounting section 44: Air outlet 46: Shaft section 48: Wind-receiving section 50: Connection part 202: Wind power generation equipment 204: Front guide space 206: Left-side guide space 250: Building 252: Top of the building 254: Front of the building 256: Left side of the building 302: Wind power generation equipment 304: Rotating shaft 350: Utility pole 352: Power distribution lines AX: Virtual Axis

Claims

1. A windmill that rotates in the wind, A generator that generates electricity in conjunction with the rotation of the wind turbine, The wind turbine is equipped with a wind collector for collecting wind, The aforementioned air collector includes a first air collection unit that collects air at a predetermined first air collection point. The first wind collection unit is, On the radially outer side of the virtual axis that extends linearly toward the first air collection point, a first vertical plate extends parallel to the virtual axis, A second vertical plate extends parallel to the virtual axis and is inclined with respect to the first vertical plate such that it approaches the first vertical plate as it approaches the virtual axis, A wind power generation device comprising: a plurality of horizontal plates intersecting each of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate, and extending so as they approach the virtual axis they approach the first wind collection point.

2. The wind power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first wind collection unit is arranged such that the virtual axis is aligned with the vertical direction.

3. The first air collection unit is arranged such that the direction toward the first air collection point along the virtual axis is vertically upward. The wind power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the outer surfaces of the first vertical plate, the second vertical plate, and the plurality of horizontal plates are colored black.

4. The aforementioned air collector is, Multiple first air collection units, It comprises an axis member that extends along the virtual axis and connects the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate of each of the plurality of first air collection units, The wind power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate provided in each of the plurality of first wind collecting units are arranged radially around the axial member.

5. The aforementioned wind collector further comprises a second wind collection unit that collects the wind gathered at the first wind collection point and directs it to the wind turbine. The aforementioned second air collection unit is A wind duct that sends air toward the wind turbine, An exhaust passage that directs air in a direction other than towards the wind turbine, It includes an introduction mechanism that introduces the air collected at the first air collection point into at least one of the air supply passage and the exhaust passage, The wind power generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the introduction mechanism is configured to adjust the distribution of the amount of wind introduced into the air supply passage and the exhaust passage, respectively.

6. The introduction mechanism includes a movable member that can move between an open position that opens the exhaust passage and a closed position that closes the exhaust passage more than the open position. The wind power generation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the introduction mechanism adjusts the distribution of the amount of wind introduced into the air supply passage and the exhaust passage by moving the movable member between the open position and the closed position.

7. The first air collection unit is arranged such that the direction toward the first air collection point along the virtual axis is vertically upward. The aforementioned movable member is A mounting portion that can be placed on the vertically upward end of each of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate, It comprises a cover portion that receives the wind collected at the first wind collection point by the first wind collection unit from a vertically downward direction, The closed position is the position in which the aforementioned mounting portion is placed on the vertically upward ends of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate, The open position is the position where the movable member moves vertically upward from the closed position, and the aforementioned mounting portion is spaced apart from the vertically upward ends of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate. The wind power generation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when the movable member is in the open position, the gap created between the vertically upward ends of the first vertical plate and the second vertical plate and the aforementioned mounting portion functions as the exhaust passage.

8. The aforementioned wind turbine, The central part is positioned along the rotation axis of the wind turbine, A wind receiving portion is positioned radially outward from the center of the rotation axis, It includes a connecting part that connects the central part and the wind receiving part, The wind power generation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the air passage sends air toward the wind receiving portion of the wind turbine.

9. A wind power generation device according to claim 1, which is attached to the exterior wall of a building.

10. A wind power generation device according to claim 1, which is attached to a utility pole.

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