Extended vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an extended vertical axis wind turbine comprising a support structure, a rotor assembly, and an articulated guide vane assembly. The support structure defines a central cavity and has an outer portion and an inner portion forming an outer periphery of the central cavity. The rotor assembly is configured to be movably coupled to the inner portion of the support structure to enable displacement of the rotor assembly about a first axis along the outer periphery of the central cavity while being supported from the inner portion of the support structure. The articulated guide vane assembly is coupled to the outer portion of the support structure to surround the support structure, the articulated guide vane assembly comprising a plurality of articulated guide vanes, the plurality of articulated guide vanes being positionable to rotationally displace the rotor assembly about the first axis by directing fluid impinging against the articulated guide vanes toward the rotor assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the extension of vertical axis wind turbines for use in harvesting energy from air / fluid currents. [Background technology]

[0002] Wind energy has been used to power machines since ancient times. Since then, the need to generate greener, renewable power sources such as wind has become more pressing, leading to the development of windmills to generate electricity.

[0003] Different wind turbine designs have been developed for different purposes and applications. For example, wind turbines may be classified according to whether the blades rotate around the axis of a shaft, with the blades positioned horizontally or vertically. Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) are often more efficient and therefore more commonly deployed. This is a result of the blades rotating perpendicular to the wind direction, capturing energy throughout their entire rotation. However, horizontal axis wind turbines have various drawbacks, particularly in the height, size, and weight of the tower and blade shear, making them extremely expensive to install, operate, and maintain. Horizontal axis wind turbines also require careful positioning into the wind and are unlikely to perform well in conditions where wind speed and direction are variable. Such turbines can also pose problems for everything from visual and wildlife interference to radio signal transmission.

[0004] A typical Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) has blades arranged vertically and in a circular pattern around the vertical axis, hence the name VAWT. VAWT blades have a blade profile shaped like an aircraft wing. When wind blows toward the blade assembly, two types of forces are generated by the blades: lift and drag. The purpose of shaping the blades like an aircraft wing is to generate lift from the pulling and pushing forces generated by the airflow against the rotor blades as the blades orbit in a circular path around the vertical axis. The faster the blades move, the greater the lift generated. Ideally, both the pulling and pushing forces on the blades are utilized to rotate the blade assembly at higher speeds.

[0005] The speed, or velocity, of a blade moving through the air determines the amount of lift it generates. Simply put, higher blade speeds result in more lift, which in turn provides an opportunity to harness the rotational force of the blade assembly to generate torque. When mechanically coupled to an alternator, the torque is converted into electricity. When a linear alternator is used, there is a close electromagnetic connection rather than a mechanical connection, which also generates electricity. Thus, it can be said that the ambient wind acting on the blades at their relative speeds and angles of attack relative to each blade initiates a complex "dance" of forces on the device, moving the blades, which in turn generate torque for the purpose of generating electricity.

[0006] Essentially, the relative speed and relative angle of attack of the air / wind direction to the blades are two of the most important contributions to the power output of a VAWT, with the mechanical and electromagnetic configurations also contributing to the overall system efficiency.

[0007] It has been disclosed that articulated guide vanes can be used to better guide the airflow onto the blades, improving the efficiency of VAWTs. However, when articulated guide vanes having only a flat surface are used, a certain amount of the air impinging on the flat surface of the articulated guide vane is often diverted away from the intended flow direction towards the blade. Therefore, there is a need for articulated guide vanes to address the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, an extended vertical axis wind turbine is disclosed, comprising: a support structure defining a first axis, the support structure having an outer portion surrounding the first axis; a rotor assembly movably coupled to the support structure, the rotor assembly configured to be supported on the support structure to allow rotational displacement of the rotor assembly about the first axis; and an articulated guide vane assembly coupled to the support structure to surround the support structure, the articulated guide vane assembly comprising a plurality of articulated guide vanes that are positionable to guide fluid impinging on the plurality of articulated guide vanes towards the rotor assembly, thereby rotationally displacing the rotor assembly about the first axis. The articulated guide vane assembly comprises: a rig structure having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion and the outer portion forming opposite ends of the rig structure, the rig structure defining a rig plane and a blade axis adjacent the inner portion of the rig structure, an angle between the rig plane and the rotor assembly being variable about the blade axis, the inner portion being positioned closer to the rotor assembly than the outer portion, the rig structure comprising: a pair of rig joints configured on the inner portion of the rig structure for rotational connection to a support structure, and a pair of posts extending from the pair of rig joints; and a vane coupled to the rig structure and shaped to provide a groove in the flow of impingement fluid, the groove having a depth defined from the rig plane, the vane extending from the outer portion toward the inner portion of the rig structure and terminating at an inner edge defining an outlet, the vane having a body segment extending between the inner and outer portions of the rig structure, and two side segments extending from opposite sides of the body segment of the vane and coupled to each of the pair of posts. The blade body segment is substantially planar and substantially rigid, and fluid impinging on the blade is collected in the groove and redirected from an outlet for discharge toward the rotor assembly, and at least one of the mass flow rate and flow direction of the fluid directed toward the rotor assembly is determined by the angle between the rig plane and the rotor assembly about the blade axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows an exemplary partial perspective view of an articulated guide vane of an extended vertical axis wind turbine with fin assemblies and cantilevered passages according to an aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 illustrates an exemplary partial front view of the articulated guide vane of FIG. 1 without the fin assembly and cantilevered passages. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary partial perspective view of an extended vertical axis wind turbine according to an aspect of the present invention, without the articulated guide vane fin assemblies and cantilevered passages. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary partial perspective view of the extended vertical axis wind turbine of FIG. 3 without the articulated guide vane fin assemblies, cantilevered passages, and blades. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 shows a partial perspective view of the support structure of the extended vertical axis wind turbine of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 6 shows a partial perspective view of a segment of the support structure of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the rotor assembly of the extended vertical axis wind turbine of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the rotor assembly of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 6 shows a partial close-up perspective view of the inner rotating element of the support structure of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] 8 shows a partial front view of an inner rotating element configured using the upper inner guide rail of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] 2 shows a partial plan view of the articulated guide vane of FIG. 1 with a fin assembly and without cantilevered passages. [Figure 12] 2 shows another partial plan view of the articulated guide vane of FIG. 1 with a fin assembly and without cantilevered passages. [Figure 13] 2 shows a partial plan view of the articulated guide vane of FIG. 1 with both the fin assembly and the cantilevered passage. [Figure 14] 2 shows a partial plan view of the articulated guide vane of FIG. 1 with one body segment in contact with two side segments when the vane is spread out on a plane. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the articulated guide vane of FIG. 1 with a fin assembly and without a cantilevered passageway. [Figure 16] 1 shows a plan view configuration of an extended vertical axis wind turbine when each articulated guide vane is in a first general configuration (general configuration "A") relative to the general direction of the wind. [Figure 17] 1 shows a plan view configuration of an extended vertical axis wind turbine when each articulated guide vane is in a second global configuration (global configuration "B") relative to the general direction of the wind. [Figure 18] 1 shows the plan view configuration of an extended vertical axis wind turbine when each articulated guide vane is in the third overall configuration (a hybrid of overall assemblies "A" and "B") relative to the general direction of the wind. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This invention proposes an augmentation in the form of articulated guide vanes by substantially increasing the relative speed and relative angle of attack of the rotor blades relative to the assembly to increase the power output of a typical non-augmented VAWT by more than 20 times. Greater augmentation can increase power output by 50 times. This invention proposes the use of articulated guide vane assemblies with attachments to expand and optimize wind capture and manage airflow, momentum, pressure, velocity, and mass, angle of attack relative to the rotor blade assembly around the entire wind turbine, and pressure behind the entire turbine. The design of this invention increases the kinetic energy of the wind against the rotor blades, increasing power output by 20 to 50 times over a similarly sized non-augmented VAWT. This could potentially lead to a 95% reduction in the cost of power generation. Larger models may be implemented to provide even higher power outputs.

[0011] 1 to 18, an extended vertical axis wind turbine 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The extended vertical axis wind turbine 20 preferably comprises a support structure 22, a rotor assembly 24, and an articulated guide vane assembly 26. In the extended vertical axis wind turbine 20, the support structure 22 defines a first axis 28 and a central hollow 30 that is coextensive with the first axis 28. The support structure 22 has an outer portion 32 and an inner portion 34 that forms the outer periphery of the central hollow 30. The rotor assembly 24 is movably coupled to the support structure 22 and is configured to be supported by the support structure 22 to enable rotational displacement of the rotor assembly 24 about the first axis 28 along the outer periphery of the central hollow 30.

[0012] Rotor assembly 24 is preferably movably coupled to support structure 22 because this allows the weight of rotor assembly 24 to be distributed throughout inner portion 34 of support structure 22. This contrasts with supporting rotor assembly 24 from a central cylindrical portion or shaft (not shown) that is coplanar with and parallel to first axis 28 and serves as the axle for rotor assembly 24, which would result in the entire weight of rotor assembly 24 being concentrated at the central cylindrical portion. Furthermore, cantilevering rotor assembly 24 from the central cylindrical portion can result in eccentricities in weight and inertia that can contribute to uneven or premature wear during use and failures caused by static and dynamic imbalances of rotor assembly 24 at the central cylindrical portion.

[0013] The articulation guide vane assembly 26 is coupled to an outer portion 32 of the support structure 22, allowing the articulation guide vane assembly 26 to surround the support structure 22. The articulation guide vane assembly 26 includes a plurality of articulation guide vanes 36 that are positionable to direct fluid impinging thereon toward the rotor assembly 24, thereby rotationally displacing the rotor assembly 24 about the first axis 28. The rotor assembly 24 may then harvest energy, for example through the use of an alternator or similar energy conversion system.

[0014] (Support structure) Each of the support structure 22 and the rotor assembly 24 preferably has a tubular shape extending between a first end 38 and a second end 40 along a first axis. This allows the rotor assembly 24 to be configured concentrically with the support structure 22. To facilitate assembly and subsequent maintenance of the support structure 22, the support structure 22 is separated about the first axis 28 into a plurality of segments 42, each extending between the first end 38 and the second end 40. Each of the plurality of segments 42 is preferably structurally independent and assembled to form a stand-alone truss structural module. Each of the plurality of segments 42 is preferably assembled from permanently interconnected channels, tubes, shafts, profiles, or any combination thereof. The interconnection of the plurality of segments 42 can be achieved by one or a combination of two or more of joining, fastening (e.g., bolts and nuts), and welding. In this regard, the plurality of segments 42 can be interconnected permanently, e.g., by welding, or removably, e.g., by using joints and fasteners. For ease of transportation, assembly, and maintenance, the support structure 22 preferably includes and is formed from six of the plurality of segments 42 .

[0015] The support structure 22 preferably further comprises an upper annular structure 43a at its first end 38 and a lower annular structure 43b at its second end 40. The support structure 22 further comprises a plurality of rods 43c for spatially offsetting the upper and lower annular structures 43a, 43b relative to each other.

[0016] (Rotor Assembly) The rotor assembly 24 includes a plurality of inner guide rails 44, and the support structure 22 includes a plurality of inner rotating elements 46 for operatively complementing the plurality of inner guide rails 44. The plurality of inner rotating elements 46 are arranged to define a plurality of inner paths, each corresponding to one of the plurality of inner guide rails 44. This allows the plurality of inner guide rails 44 to be engageable with the plurality of inner rotating elements 46, thereby movably connecting the rotor assembly 24 to the support structure 22 and causing each of the plurality of inner guide rails 44 to travel along a corresponding one of the plurality of inner paths.

[0017] The inner guide rails 44 are interconnected to form a rigid body. Each of the inner rolling elements 46 is preferably one of a polymer wheel, an elastomeric wheel, and a metal wheel disposed with one of a bushing and a bearing on a stem connected to an inner portion of the support structure 22. More preferably, each of the inner rolling elements 46 includes a layer of wear-resistant rubber or metal, a ball or roller bearing assembly, and an elastomeric layer in contact with the rubber layer and the bearing assembly. More preferably, the inner rolling elements 46 are positioned to substantially prevent movement of each of the inner guide rails 44 across a corresponding one of the inner paths.

[0018] Each of the plurality of inner guide rails 44 is preferably formed from one or more longitudinal tubular segments formed to form an endless circular loop. To reduce play and torsional distortion between the support structure 22 and the rotor assembly 24, the plurality of inner guide rails 44 are grouped into at least an upper inner guide rail 50 and a lower inner guide rail 52, which are spatially offset from one another. The upper inner guide rail 50 comprises at least one of the plurality of inner guide rails 44 disposed toward the first end 38 of the rotor assembly 24, and the lower inner guide rail 52 comprises at least one of the plurality of inner guide rails 44 disposed toward the second end 40 of the rotor assembly 24. Additional groups of the plurality of inner guide rails 44 may be used and positioned between the upper inner guide rail 50 and the lower inner guide rail 52.

[0019] Each of the plurality of inner paths is preferably substantially planar and defined by a plurality of sets of rotating elements 54. Each of the sets of rotating elements 54 includes at least one of the plurality of inner rotating elements 46. Each of the upper inner guide rail 50 and the lower inner guide rail 52 preferably has an end cross-section including two spatially offset circles formed by the inner guide rails 44 and the fastener extending between them. With the fastener positioned in a horizontal position, the cross-section shows left and right circles located at opposite ends of the fastener. Each of the sets of rotating elements 54 preferably has six rotating elements, three positioned to abut the left circle at the 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions, while another three abut the right circle at the 12, 3, and 6 o'clock positions. This configuration of each set of rotating elements 54 significantly reduces movement of each of the upper inner guide rail 50 and the lower inner guide rail 52 across the cross-sectional plane intersecting each of the multiple inner paths, while still allowing displacement into the cross-sectional plane along the multiple inner paths.

[0020] The linear alternator is preferably coupled to the rotor assembly 24 and the support structure 22 and configured to be interposed between the rotor assembly 24 and the support structure 22 such that the linear alternator generates electrical power from the relative displacement between the rotor assembly 24 and the support structure 22.

[0021] (rotor blades) The rotor assembly 24 includes a plurality of rotor blades 58 extending between the upper inner guide rail 50 and the lower inner guide rail 52. Each of the plurality of rotor blades 58 defines a rotor axis 60 along its length. The rotor axis 60 of each of the plurality of rotor blades 58 is substantially parallel to the first axis 28. Each of the plurality of rotor blades 58 is substantially rigid and has sufficient strength to withstand the rated bending and torsion of the extended vertical axis wind turbine 20 without reaching plastic deformation.

[0022] Each of the plurality of rotor blades 58 is formed from a single structural component, or alternatively, each of the plurality of rotor blades 58 is formed from a plurality of interconnected structural segments. Each of the plurality of rotor blades 58 is rotatably coupled to the upper inner guide rail 50 and the lower inner guide rail 52 to enable rotational displacement of each of the plurality of rotor blades about its own rotor axis.

[0023] For each of the plurality of rotor blades 58 , an upper rotor joint 62 connects one end of the rotor blade 58 to the upper inner guide rail 50 , while a lower rotor joint connects the other end of the rotor blade 58 to the lower inner guide rail 52 .

[0024] (Articulated Guide Wing Assembly) The articulating guide vane assembly 26 includes a plurality of outer guide rails, while the support structure 22 includes a plurality of outer rotating elements, each of which corresponds to one of the plurality of outer guide rails and is arranged to define a plurality of outer paths along which one of the plurality of outer guide rails passes. In use, the plurality of outer guide rails movably connect the articulating guide vane assembly 26 to the support structure 22 by engaging the plurality of outer rotating elements, allowing each of the plurality of outer guide rails to travel along a corresponding one of the plurality of outer paths.

[0025] The multiple outer guide rails are interconnected to form a rigid body. Each of the multiple outer rolling elements is preferably one of a polymer wheel, an elastomeric wheel, and a metal wheel disposed with one of a bushing and a bearing on an axle connected to an inner portion of the support structure 22. More preferably, each of the multiple outer rolling elements includes a wear-resistant rubber or metal layer, a ball bearing or roll bearing assembly, and an elastomeric layer in contact with the rubber layer and bearing assembly. More preferably, the multiple outer rolling elements are positioned to substantially prevent movement of each of the multiple outer guide rails across a corresponding one of the multiple outer paths.

[0026] Each of the plurality of outer guide rails is preferably formed from one or more longitudinal tubular segments shaped to form an endless circular loop. To reduce play and torsional strain between the support structure 22 and the articulating guide vane assembly 26, the plurality of outer guide rails are grouped into at least upper and lower outer guide rails that are spatially offset from one another. The upper outer guide rail comprises at least one of the plurality of outer guide rails that is disposed toward the first end 38 of the support structure 22, while the lower outer guide rail comprises at least one of the plurality of inner guide rails that is disposed toward the second end 40 of the support structure 22. Additional groups of the plurality of outer guide rails may be used and positioned between the upper and lower outer guide rails.

[0027] The articulation guide vane assembly 26 includes an outer rack extending along an arc of an adjacent one of the upper and lower outer guide rails, and an outer actuator. The outer rack is engageable with one of a pinion, a bevel gear, and a worm gear driven by the outer actuator, thereby enabling control by the outer actuator for angular positioning of the articulation guide vane assembly 26 about the first axis 28. Alternatively, a linear displacement stage driven by the outer actuator may be used for angular positioning of the articulation guide vane assembly 26 about the first axis 28.

[0028] The articulation guide vane assembly 26 further includes an outer frame 94 interconnecting the plurality of outer guide rails and spatially offsetting the upper outer guide rail from the lower outer guide rail. The outer frame 94 is preferably formed from a plurality of interconnected structural segments configured to internally enclose at least a portion of the outer structure. The plurality of articulation guide vanes 26 are rotatably coupled to the outer frame 94 and spatially distributed about the first axis 28. A rack and pinion assembly may be coupled to the outer frame 94 for angular positioning of the articulation guide vane assembly 26 about the first axis 28.

[0029] (Rig structure) Each of the plurality of articulated guide vanes 36 includes a rig structure 126 that can be configured with a rotor assembly 24 and a vane 128. The rig structure 26 has an inner portion 130 and an outer portion 132 that form opposite ends of the rig structure 26. The inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126 is positioned closer to the rotor assembly 24 than the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126. The rig structure 126 defines a rig plane 134 and a vane axis 135. The angle that the rig plane 134 establishes with the rotor assembly 24 is variable about the vane axis 135. The vane 128 is shaped to couple to the rig structure 126 to provide a channel 136 for the flow of an impingement fluid. The impingement fluid may be one or a combination of wind, water, or any type of fluid. In this exemplary implementation, the fluid is interpreted as air, more specifically, wind.

[0030] The vanes 128 are formed from a flexible material to allow displacement of the grooves 136 by the impinging fluid across the rig plane 134. The grooves 136 have a depth 140 defined from the rig plane 134. The vanes 128 extend from the outer portion 132 toward the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126 and terminate at an inner edge 142 that defines an outlet 144. Fluid impinging on the vanes 128 is collected in the grooves 136 and redirected from the outlet 144 toward the rotor assembly 24.

[0031] The rig structure 126 includes a pair of rig joints 148 configured on the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126, and a pair of columns, specifically a first column 150 and a second column 152, extending from the pair of rig joints 148. The pair of rig joints 148 rotationally connect the rig structure 126 to the support structure 22, preferably to the outer frame 94 of the support structure 22, to enable pivoting of the articulated guide vanes about the wing axis 135 and relative to the support structure 22.

[0032] Each of the rod 43c, the first column 150, and the second column 152 is preferably formed from a truss structure. However, other types of elongated structures having solid core, hollow core, or frame-based constructions are not precluded from being used in forming or assembling the rod 43c, the first column 150, and the second column 152. For example, each of the first column 150 and the second column 152 may be formed from a tubular shaft or truss structure having a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0033] The vanes 128 have upper and lower edges 156, 158 connected to the first and second posts 150, 152, respectively. The vanes 128 are preferably slidably connected to the first and second posts 150, 152, allowing the vanes 128 to fold from an extended state toward the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126 to a retracted state. Each of the first and second posts 150, 152 is preferably constructed to allow bending. Thus, as an alternative to a truss structure, the first and second posts 150, 152 can be constructed of H-shaped / I-shaped beams, elongated composite material, or similar structures to allow the first and second posts 150, 152 to swing.

[0034] Each of the first and second columns 150, 152 includes a pulley line assembly that can be used to control the deployment of the vanes 128 between an extended state and a folded state. The pulley line assemblies can be connected to separate upper and lower cranks or a common crank operable to impart motion to the respective pulley line assemblies. The cranks can be manual or can be connected to a motor for operation.

[0035] (Mandrel folding) The rig structure 126 further includes a fastener structure 160 and a mandrel 162 formed along the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126 to receive the vanes 128 as they are folded toward the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126. The mandrel 162 allows each of the plurality of articulated guide vanes 36 to stop moving while the vanes 128 slide along the first and second posts 150 and are stored in the mandrel 162. The fastener structure 160 is preferably substantially a C-channel and is positioned such that an opening of the C-channel faces toward the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126. Furthermore, the C-channel is shaped and sized to receive the mandrel 162 therein to shield the vanes 128 stored therein from fluid-related threats. The fastener structure 160 defines a distance between the first and second posts 150, 152 at the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126. This allows the first and second pillars 150, 152 to spatially diverge or diverge outward from the inner portion 130 toward the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126. As a result, the distance between the first and second pillars 150, 152 at the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126 is greater than the distance between the first and second pillars 150, 152 at the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126. The vanes 128 are formed from a flexible material, such as a woven fabric, denim fabric, polymer mesh, cellulose mesh, metal mesh, or any combination thereof. When the vanes 128 are in an extended state, the depth 140 of the grooves 136 increases closer to the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126.

[0036] (feather) The blade 128 includes a main body segment 164 extending between the inner portion 130 and the outer portion 132 of the rig structure 126, and two side segments 166 extending from opposite sides 167 of the main body segment 164 of the blade 128 for connection to each of the pair of posts 150 / 152. Preferably, the main body segment 164 of the blade 128 is substantially planar and substantially rigid, such that fluid impinging on the blade 128 is collected in the grooves 136 and redirected from the outlets 144 for discharge toward the rotor assembly 24. At least one of the mass flow rate and flow direction of the fluid directed toward the rotor assembly 24 is determined by an angle, specifically a blade angle 174, between the rig plane 134 and the rotor assembly 24 about the blade axis 135. Preferably, the main body segment 164 and each of the two side segments 166 are substantially linear in shape. The vanes 128 preferably have a substantially rectangular or square shape to minimize collapse of the vanes 128 when folded and stored on the mandrel 162. The difference in distance between the first posts 150 and second posts 152 in the outer and inner portions 132, 130 of the rig structure 126 allows the vanes 128 to shape and fold in the transition areas between the main body segment 164 and both side segments 166 to form and shape the outlet 144.

[0037] The rig structure 126 further includes a plurality of stiffeners formed with the vane 128 to form the groove 136. Forming the body segment 164 and the two side segments 166 substantially linearly and / or using a plurality of stiffeners facilitates maintaining the body segment 164 substantially rigid and planar during use. Each of the plurality of stiffeners is elongated and spatially offset from one another along the intermediate segment 170 of the vane 128 from the outer portion 132 toward the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126. Each of the plurality of stiffeners extends between the outer portion 132 and the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126. Each of the plurality of stiffeners is shaped and formed to be resiliently biased to accommodate and flex the intermediate segment 170 of the vane 128. Additionally, the plurality of stiffeners are arranged to define parallel fold lines thereon, allowing the vane 128 to substantially twist along the fold lines when subjected to a fluid impinging thereon, further forming grooves 140 in the vane 128.

[0038] Each of the first and second pillars 150, 152 includes a pair of cantilevered passages 172 that extend outwardly from each of the first and second pillars 150, 152 and overhang a portion of the vane 128 that is angled relative to the rig plane 134. The pair of cantilevered passages 172 in each of the first and second pillars 150, 152 is adapted to reduce fluid leakage from the vane across the pair of pillars 150 / 152.

[0039] The first and second pillars 150, 152 are rotatably connected to the outer frame 94 by a pair of rig joints, enabling a blade angle 174 of the rig plane 34 about a blade axis 135 relative to the rotor assembly 24 to be varied. The blade axis 135 is defined substantially adjacent to or coextensive with the pair of rig joints 148. Specifically, the blade angle 174 is referenced to the tangent of a reference circle circumscribing the outer circumference of the rotor assembly 24. The rig structure 126 includes a pair of crossbars 176, actuators, e.g., linear and rotary motors, and linkage assemblies, which impart displacement to the first and second pillars 150, 152 about the blade axis 135. Each of the crossbars 176 is configured to be positioned substantially perpendicular to one of the pair of pillars, and both ends of the pair of pillars are connected to actuators by the linkage assemblies for controlling the angular positioning of the pair of pillars about the blade axis 135 by the actuators. The linkage assembly is at least one of a pulley assembly, a translation linkage, and a plurality of gears that are interposed between the actuator and the first and second pillars 150, 152 via a pair of cross bars 176. The cross bars 176 are sized and positioned to abut each end of the cross bars 176 against the outer frame 94 or an abutting surface of the outer frame 94 to limit angular displacement of the rig structure 126 about the wing axis 135 and thus prevent collision between adjacent articulated guide vanes 36 during use.

[0040] (fin assembly) The rig structure preferably further includes a fin assembly 182 extending between a pair of posts 150 / 152 adjacent the outer portion 32 of the rig structure 26. The fin assembly 182 preferably has an outer surface 184 facing outward from the inner portion 130 of the rig structure 126 and two inner surfaces 186, each of which forms a slope with the rig plane 134 for at least one of directing fluid to the vanes and reducing fluid leakage from the vanes 128 across the fin assembly 182. The inner surfaces 186 of the fin assembly 182 are preferably one of planar and curved. The fin assembly 182 is preferably formed integrally with the C-channel of the fastener structure 160.

[0041] In one implementation, the articulation guide vane assembly 26 is not rotationally displaceable about the first axis 28 relative to the support structure 22. In other implementations, the articulation guide vane assembly 26 may be adapted to be rotationally displaceable about the first axis 28 relative to the support structure 22.

[0042] Illustrative Implementation In one exemplary implementation of the present invention, the basic articulated guide vane assembly 26 includes horizontal structural members at the top and bottom, with a pair of horizontal guide vanes fitting from first and second columns 150, 152. The set of horizontal guide vanes is pivotally mounted to a support structure 22 that houses an assembly of rotor blades 58 that rotates about a vertical central axis, specifically a first axis 28. The pivoted ends of the articulated guide vane assembly 28 are provided with industry-standard devices, such as a hydraulic drum or winch, to articulate or yaw the articulated guide vane assembly 28 from left to right to achieve the best angle of attack.

[0043] A vane 128 is suspended between a pair of top and bottom horizontal guide vanes. The vane 128 is preferably constructed of a UV-resistant vane 128 fabric, but is not limited to such fabric. Alternative materials may include metallic or composite materials. The vane 128 is designed in a scoop-like shape with a tight outer end and a discharge opening near the rotor assembly 24. The vane 128 can be deployed or retracted. If necessary, the vane 128 can be retracted near the rotor assembly 24 as desired. When not needed, the vane 128 can be withdrawn or folded into a housing, and the vane 128 fabric is wound on a rotating mandrel through a C-channel in the fastener structure 160 and into an adapted vane boom housing.

[0044] The vanes 128 have a straight dorsal profile and are designed to create a slip effect that maximizes the momentum of the air parcels flowing from the vanes 128 and exiting the exhaust, as this increases the velocity of the airflow into the rotor assembly 24.

[0045] To maximize wind capture, each articulated guide vane assembly 28 uses cantilevered passages that extend horizontally on either side along the horizontal guide vane, providing resistance to the air flowing across the horizontal guide vane. The cantilevered passages essentially add depth to the vanes 128, effectively improving wind capture. The greater the wind capture area, the greater the mass and momentum of the airflow, resulting in a higher air velocity toward the rotor assembly 24. The higher the air velocity toward the rotor blades, the greater the lift generated, and therefore, more power, even in slower wind speeds.

[0046] Another embodiment is a guide vane outer fin assembly 182 that extends the entire length from the outer end of the top horizontal guide vane to the outer end of the bottom horizontal guide vane. There is a "C" section within the fin assembly that connects both the top outer guide vane and the bottom outer guide vane. The fin assembly has a flattened back at its outermost end, with radial fins extending from either side of the flattened back plate to the outer guide vane. Within the "C" segment is a mandrel that folds the vanes 128, protecting them from direct sunlight when not deployed.

[0047] (Articulated guide vane implementation) The articulated guide vane assembly 26 may preferably include six to eight articulated guide vanes 36 spaced at equal angular intervals about the first axis 28. Based on the incoming wind direction, each of the plurality of articulated guide vanes 36 may function to guide and shape air received on the upwind side of the turbine and eject it toward and displace the plurality of rotor assemblies 24. Unused articulated guide vanes 36 are "deactivated" by collapsing and folding their blades 128.

[0048] The grooves 136 also allow air pressure to build up therein, increasing the mass flow rate of air discharged through the outlets 144. Further assistance is provided by a pair of cantilevered passages 172 in each of the first and second columns 150, 152, which reduce air leakage from the upper and lower edges 156, 158 of the vanes 128, thus mitigating pressure loss through the grooves 136. Each of the rotor blades 58 is formed with a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side that extend from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the rotor blade 58 along the chord. When wind or fluid is directed at the rotor blade 58, a low-pressure zone is created along the low-pressure side, which provides lift to the rotor blade 58.

[0049] The rotor blades 58 are not only exposed to ambient wind conditions. The surface geometry of the articulated guide vanes 36, e.g., the blade angle, can be manipulated to increase the wind speed, specifically the mass flow rate of the air discharged from the articulated guide vanes 36, and to control the angle of attack of the discharged wind relative to the rotor blades by optimizing the angle at which the discharged wind / air strikes the rotor blades 58. This allows the rotor blades 58 to displace at a higher speed than the ambient wind speed. This also reduces the rotor blades 58's dependence solely on the ambient wind, thereby reducing unexpected forces created by the ambient wind. Additionally, the wind capture area provided by the articulated guide vanes 36 with extended or deployed vanes 128 is much larger than the wind capture area of ​​the rotor assembly 24, thus providing a much greater force to rotate the blade assembly.

[0050] The articulated guide vanes also have extensions, such as "passages," specifically cantilevered passages 172, to capture air, thereby reducing significant losses at the outer ends of the articulated guide vanes where the vane housing is attached. The vanes 128 are shaped with a flat back surface, specifically the body segment 164 of the vane 128, allowing air to slide off the vane with increased momentum, thereby increasing velocity. The increased velocity exiting the vane outlet is intended to act on the rotor blades 58.

[0051] The rotor assembly 24 includes a plurality of aerodynamically shaped vertical blades. Each rotor blade 58 includes a connector hub that is supported by a set of rails, which may be formed using a multiple rail or monorail assembly, that are components of the rotor assembly 58. The rails are held in place and supported by rail guide assemblies, which may be supported by mechanical wheels or magnetically levitated, for example.

[0052] In this invention, the extended vertical axis wind turbine 20 may have six articulated guide vanes 36. In this configuration, two of the six articulated guide vanes 36 form the primary driving force that rotates the rotor assembly 58. The use of more than two articulated guide vanes 36 is envisioned in complex wind conditions.

[0053] In a six articulated guide vane 36 configuration, a six rod 148 configuration is preferred, and in an eight articulated guide vane 36 configuration, an eight rod 148 configuration is preferred. Fewer rods 148 are required when the preferred articulated guide vanes 36 are arranged in circumferential concentric rings of the vertical axis rotor assembly to rotate as a whole.

[0054] In this invention, the increased volume and velocity of air exiting the blades and acting on the rotor assembly is the driving force for the high rotational speed of the rotor assembly 58. In this invention, the high speed of each rotor blade is due to the force generated by the increased velocity and volume of air created by the blades.

[0055] This increased rotational speed replaces the reliance on ambient wind speed. The lift generated by the faster rotor blades 58 rotating about the first axis 281 is significantly greater than the lift generated if the rotor assembly were dependent on ambient wind speed. In this specific example of a six-vane / articulated guide vane 36 configuration, the air velocity leaving the exhaust for each 200 m2 area is 5 m.s. when the ambient speed is 3 m.s. This increased air velocity has enough force to move the rotor blade assembly at a speed of 20 m.s.—much faster than would be possible if the rotor assembly were dependent on ambient air speed.

[0056] This increase in rotational speed provides greater lift due to the higher blade speed of the rotor blades 58 and more predictable lift due to an angle of attack that is less affected by ambient wind. Relatively strong ambient winds can impair the efficiency of the entire rotor assembly 58 due to tangential forces generated by the ambient wind. These tangential wind forces are reduced if the rotor assembly speed is much higher than the ambient wind speed. This is similar to the winds acting on a supersonic fighter plane and is virtually negligible compared to the winds acting on a slow World War I biplane. This invention reduces the inefficiencies in typical vertical air turbines.

[0057] (Overall layout) In the general configuration "A" of the extended vertical axis wind turbine 20 shown in Figure 16, the articulated guide vane assemblies 26 are extended to capture air that increases the pressure on the windward side, increasing the airflow and airspeed to the VAWT.

[0058] In general configuration "B" shown in Figure 17, the articulated guide vane assemblies 26 are extended to a rearward position relative to the wind direction, deflecting the wind and creating a low pressure on the downwind side of the VAWT. This low pressure causes the VAWT to act like a vacuum cleaner, sucking air up rather than blowing it out. This increases the airflow from the upwind side onto and through the VAWT. This cycle results in lower stresses on the structure than in general configuration "A," making the extended vertical axis wind turbine 20 more suitable for conditions beyond its design limits.

[0059] It is assumed that global configuration "A" is suitable for wind speeds between 2 m / s and 18 m / s, and global configuration "B" is suitable for wind speeds between 18 m / s and 30 m / s. The options are not limited to global configuration "A" and global configuration "B" as there are numerous other options depending on wind speeds and changing weather conditions. In other configurations, global configurations may be implemented to balance pressure requirements on rotor assembly 24, as shown in FIG. 18.

[0060] Aspects of specific embodiments of the present disclosure address at least one aspect, problem, limitation, and / or shortcoming associated with existing vertical axis wind turbines. While features, aspects, and / or advantages associated with particular embodiments have been described in this disclosure, other embodiments may exhibit similar features, aspects, and / or advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily exhibit similar features, aspects, and / or advantages, to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the above-disclosed structures, components, or alternatives thereof may be combined as desired to produce alternative structures, components, and / or applications. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may make various variations, modifications, and / or improvements to the various disclosed embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. An extended vertical axis wind turbine, a support structure defining a first axis, the support structure having an outer portion surrounding the first axis; a rotor assembly movably connected to the support structure, the rotor assembly configured to be supported by the support structure to allow rotational displacement of the rotor assembly about the first axis; an articulation guide vane assembly coupled to the support structure so as to surround the support structure, the articulation guide vane assembly comprising a plurality of articulation guide vanes, the plurality of articulation guide vanes being positionable to guide fluid impinging against the plurality of articulation guide vanes towards the rotor assembly, thereby rotationally displacing the rotor assembly about the first axis; and Equipped with The articulated guide vane assembly comprises: a rig structure having an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion and the outer portion forming opposite ends of the rig structure, the rig structure defining a rig plane and a wing axis adjacent the inner portion of the rig structure, an angle between the rig plane and the rotor assembly being variable about the wing axis, the inner portion being located closer to the rotor assembly than the outer portion, the rig structure comprising: a pair of rig joints configured on the inner portion of the rig structure for rotational connection to the support structure; and a pair of columns extending from the pair of rig joints; a vane coupled to the rig structure and shaped to provide a channel for a flow of impingement fluid, the channel having a depth defined from the rig plane, the vane extending from the outer portion toward the inner portion of the rig structure and terminating at an inner edge defining an outlet, the vane having a body segment extending between the inner and outer portions of the rig structure, and two side segments extending from opposite sides of the body segment of the vane and coupled to each of the pair of posts; Equipped with the body segment of the blade is substantially planar and substantially rigid, the fluid impinging on the blade is collected in the groove and redirected from the outlet toward the rotor assembly for discharge therefrom, and at least one of a mass flow rate and a flow direction of the fluid directed toward the rotor assembly is determined by the angle between the rig plane and the rotor assembly about the blade axis; the rig structure further comprises a fin assembly extending between the pair of posts adjacent the outer portion of the rig structure, the fin assembly having an outer surface facing outward from the inner portion of the rig structure and an inner surface that forms a slope with the rig plane to guide the fluid to the vanes and reduce leakage of the fluid from the vanes across the fin assembly; the blade body structure comprises a plurality of stiffeners formed with the blade, the stiffeners forming the grooves and defining the shape of the body segments to hold the body segments substantially planar; the wings are slidably coupled to each of the pair of posts and are slidably displaceable toward the outer portion of the rig structure for folding; the rig structure further comprising a fastener structure and a mandrel formed along the outer portion of the rig structure; the clamping structure has a shape of a C-channel that receives the mandrel therein and is arranged with an opening facing the inner portion of the rig structure, and the mandrel is configured to slide and store the blade while each of the plurality of articulated guide vanes is stopped in operation.

2. 2. The extended vertical axis wind turbine of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of pillars has at least one cantilevered passage extending from each of the pair of pillars substantially perpendicular to the rig plane to reduce leakage of the fluid from the blades across the pair of pillars.

3. 2. The extended vertical axis wind turbine of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the fin assembly is one of flat and curved.

4. the rig structure includes a pulley system and a pair of crossbars; 2. The extended vertical axis wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein each of the crossbars is configured substantially perpendicular to one of the pair of pillars, and both ends of the pair of pillars are connected to the actuators via the pulley system for controlling the angular positioning of the pair of pillars about the blade axes by the actuators, thereby controlling the spatial configuration between the blades and the rotor assembly.

5. the rotor assembly includes a plurality of rotor blades extending between upper and lower inner guide rails; 2. The extended vertical axis wind turbine of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rotor blades defines a rotor axis along a length of the plurality of rotor blades, the rotor axis of each of the plurality of rotor blades being substantially parallel to the first axis, and each of the plurality of rotor blades is arranged about the rotor axis to generate lift by providing an optimal angle relative to at least one of a fluid discharged from the outlet of the blade and surrounding air.

6. 6. The extended vertical axis wind turbine of claim 5, wherein the generated lift is due to one of displacing and contributing to a displacement of the rotor assembly about the first axis, thereby operating at least one generator coupled to the rotor assembly to produce electrical energy from the at least one generator.

7. 2. The extended vertical axis wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein the support structure and the rotor assembly each have a tubular shape extending along the first axis between a first end and a second end, and the rotor assembly is configured concentrically with the support structure.

8. 8. The extended vertical axis wind turbine according to claim 7, wherein the support structure comprises an upper annular structure at the first end of the support structure and a lower annular structure at the second end of the support structure, and a plurality of rods for spatially offsetting the upper and lower annular structures with respect to each other, the upper and lower annular structures being formed from a truss structure.

9. the articulated guide vane assembly includes a plurality of outer guide rails, and the support structure includes a plurality of outer rotating elements arranged to define a plurality of outer paths, each of the outer rotating elements corresponding to one of the plurality of outer guide rails; 8. The extended vertical axis wind turbine according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of outer guide rails movably connect the articulated guide vane assembly to the support structure by engaging with the plurality of outer rotating elements, and enable each of the plurality of outer guide rails to travel along the corresponding one of the plurality of outer paths.

10. The articulated guide vane assembly comprises: an outer frame configured concentrically with the support structure; a rack and pinion assembly coupled to the outer frame for angular positioning of the articulated guide vane assembly about the first axis; 10. The extended vertical axis wind turbine of claim 9, further comprising:

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