Energy harvesting system that regulates the irregular kinetic energies of different geographical locations and variable climatic conditions with adjustable controlled components

Abstract

The present invention relates to an energy harvesting system for obtaining mechanical energy and / or electricity from fluid movements such as wind and water currents. The invention provides an energy harvesting system that can operate in a wide speed range or under the influence of a flow with irregular speed. The developed energy harvesting system enables the conversion of kinetic energy by means of wings (3) oscillating under the influence of a restoring force along with wind or water current. The components generating the restoring force and other components can be adjusted in a controlled manner according to the conditions of the region of implementation. The invention also provides a modular structure which can be designed modularly for different environments, with the desired dimensions and number of wings (3), the parts of which can be easily transported to the site, and which is easy to install and maintain.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM THAT REGULATES THE IRREGULAR KINETIC ENERGIES OF DIFFERENT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS AND VARIABLE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS WITH ADJUSTABLE CONTROLLED COMPONENTS

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to an energy harvesting system for harvesting usable energy from fluid movements such as wind and water currents. In particular, the invention relates to an energy harvesting system which regulates the irregular kinetic energy of different geographical locations and variable climatic conditions by means of adjustable controlled components.

[0005] Prior Art

[0006] Renewable energy is energy obtained from sources that can be renewed faster than the rate of depletion. These resources provide limitation of environmental impacts arising from energy production. Especially compared to fossil energy sources, it can provide great advantages in terms of the emission of harmful gases.

[0007] Water (hydraulic), wind, solar (solar, photovoltaic), natural hot water and water vapour (geothermal), biomass, biogas, wave power, water current energy and tidal energy, hydrogen are the main renewable energy sources.

[0008] With the development of technology and research on the environmental damage of energy obtained from fossil fuels, the tendency towards renewable energy sources has increased.

[0009] Various developments for obtaining renewable energy sources are known in the art.

[0010] Nowadays, despite the high installation and operating costs of wind energy systems, sufficient efficiency to make them feasible can only be achieved by increasing the wind sweep area dimensions (blade length) and tower height. However, the moments acting on the structure also increase with the blade length and tower height. Due to the centrifugal effect especially on the blades and the high linear velocities reached by the blade tips, the turbine may need to be braked under the influence of fast winds. Turbines cannot be operated efficiently with slow or irregular winds. The narrow wind speed ranges that will provide efficient operating conditions cause the selection of the region of implementation to be determined by long-lasting statistical studies. These problems related to wind turbines are also valid for systems based on the current of water bodies.

[0011] In the document numbered EP3665386A1, a system which enables a regular energy output to be obtained from wind and current with irregular speed and direction is disclosed. The system comprises multiple wings that oscillate under the influence of wind and gravity, and connection elements that transfer the angular motion of the wings to a shaft in a single direction, allowing the shaft to be rotated in a regular manner by the irregular oscillation of the wings.

[0012] In the document numbered TR201821246 A2, a system in which the motion of the wings oscillating under the effect of wind and gravity is transferred to a shaft wherein the oscillation character of the wings can be regulated is disclosed. This system allows the oscillation character to be regulated by transferring a liquid stored in tanks located on the wing to tanks at different positions.

[0013] Objects and Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is the development of an energy harvesting system for converting the variable kinetic energy of moving fluids into usable forms of energy. In particular, it is the development of an energy harvesting system that allows the harvesting of irregular kinetic energy by regulating it with adjustable controlled components.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is the development of an energy harvesting system capable of operating over a wide velocity range or under the influence of flow with irregular velocity.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is the development of a modular energy harvesting system that can be designed in a modular form with the desired dimensions, number of wings and inclinations in different environments, the parts of which can be easily transported to the site and are easy to install and maintain.

[0017] The system developed according to the invention comprises at least one wing which performs an oscillating motion under the influence of a fluid such as moving air or water and at least one restoring mechanism, and at least one collecting mechanism which harvests energy from the angular oscillating motion of the wing. The restoring mechanism may comprise flexibility elements made of a spring or elastic material, or may comprise structures consisting of electromagnetically acting magnets and windings. The restoring mechanism may be supported by gravity and / or buoyancy. The collecting mechanism may also comprise at least one collector shaft through which the oscillating motion is transmitted in the form of a rotational motion in a single direction, and / or structures consisting of magnets and windings positioned in such a way that electricity can be obtained directly from the motion of the wing and forming an alternator. According to various embodiments of the invention, the wings may oscillate around a vertical, horizontal or inclined axis. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the characteristics of the restoring mechanism, such as its response to wing motion and axis inclination, can be adjusted in a controlled manner in accordance with the region of application. The energy harvesting system of the invention can be designed modularly with the desired dimensions and number of wings in different environments, its parts can be easily transported to the field, and its installation and maintenance can be carried out easily. In summary, the invention relates to energy harvesting systems comprising components (including spring-like elements of the restoring mechanism with adjustable behaviour, adjustable joint angle, adjustable sweep areas, adjustable amount of lifting material, alternator windings and magnets with adjustable locations and capacities) that can be adjusted and thus adapted in order to effectively harvest the changing dynamics of fluids as energy under different geographical and climatic conditions.

[0018] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0019] The system for achieving the objects of the present invention is shown in the accompanying figures.

[0020] Figure 1 is a frontal schematic view of a system having one wing according to the invention, with an flexibility element positioned between the part of the wing facing the shaft and the shaft.

[0021] Figure 2 is a frontal schematic view of a system having one wing according to the invention, with two flexibility elements positioned between the free moving part of the wing and the shaft. Figure 3 is a frontal schematic view of a system having one wing according to the invention, with an flexibility element positioned between the free moving part of the wing and the frame.

[0022] Figure 4 is a frontal schematic view of the connection of multiple wings according to the invention to the shafts and collector shafts.

[0023] Figure 5 is a frontal schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising an electromagnetically acting restoring mechanism.

[0024] Figure 6 is a top schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising an electromagnetically acting restoring mechanism.

[0025] Figure 7 is a front schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising a carrier.

[0026] Figure 8 is a side schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising a vane.

[0027] Figure 9 is a top schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising a vane. Figure 10 is a top schematic view of a system according to the invention comprising front and rear bumpers.

[0028] Figure 11 is a frontal schematic view of a vertically oriented system according to the invention comprising more than one wing.

[0029] Figure 12 is a frontal schematic view of a vertically oriented system according to the invention comprising more than one wing.

[0030] Figure 13 is a frontal schematic view of a vertically orientated system according to the invention comprising more than one wing.

[0031] Figure 14 is a frontal schematic view of a horizontally oriented system according to the invention comprising more than one wing.

[0032] Figure 15 is a frontal schematic view of a system according to the invention, which comprises more than one wing and whose inclination can be adjusted.

[0033] Figure 16 is a schematic side view of a system according to the invention, which comprises more than one wing and whose inclination can be adjusted.

[0034] Figure 17 is a schematic side view of a system according to the invention which comprises more than one wing and whose inclination can be adjusted, in an inclined state.

[0035] The parts in the figures are numbered one by one with the corresponding numbers given below.

[0036] 1. Shaft 2. Collector shaft

[0037] 3. Wing

[0038] 4. Flexibility element

[0039] 5. Frame

[0040] 6. Protrusion

[0041] 7. Winding

[0042] 8. Magnet

[0043] 9. Alternator

[0044] 10. Joint

[0045] 11. Carrier

[0046] 12. Front bumper

[0047] 13. Rear bumper

[0048] 14. Vane

[0049] 15. Lifting material

[0050] 16. Hull

[0051] The energy harvesting system according to the invention, which enables the irregular kinetic energy of fluids such as moving air and water to be converted into usable energy forms depending on different geographical locations and variable climatic conditions, essentially comprises at least one shaft (1), at least one wing (3) connected to the shaft (1) that is capable of angular motion around the point where it is connected to the shaft (1) under the influence of the fluid acting on its surface, at least one collecting mechanism for harvesting energy from the angular motion of the wing (3); and at least one restoring mechanism that applies a force in the opposite direction to the wing (3) moving with the effect of the fluid in order for the wing (3) to perform an oscillating motion

[0052] The wings (3) are pushed in the direction of fluid motion by the fluid acting on them. With this motion of the wings (3), a force in the opposite direction is generated by the restoring mechanism. Thus, the wings (3) oscillate under the influence of the fluid and the restoring mechanism. The collecting mechanism in turn harvests energy from the oscillating motion. The shaft (1) may extend vertically, horizontally or at an incline towards the direction of fluid motion. In embodiments of the invention in which the shaft (1) extends vertically, all the restoring force required for oscillation is generated by the restoring mechanism. In embodiments of the invention in which the shaft (1) extends horizontally or at an incline, the restoring force required for oscillation can be provided by the weight and / or buoyant force acting on the wings (3) together with the restoring mechanism.

[0053] In an embodiment in which the shaft (1) extends horizontally, the wings (3) are positioned above and below the shaft (1) such that they remain in a substantially vertical plane when not oscillating. In this embodiment, the wings (3) above the shaft (1) are stabilised by the restoring mechanism.

[0054] In an embodiment in which the shaft (1) extends at an incline, the wings (3) are positioned on the sides of the shaft (1) with respect to the direction of inclination. In this embodiment, at least one front bumper (12) is provided below the shaft (1) relative to the direction of inclination, i.e. on the side of the shaft (1) facing the direction of fluid motion, which limits the range of motion of the wings (3). The front bumper (12) prevents the wings (3) from falling forward under the influence of gravity in such a way that they cannot interact effectively with the fluid. Preferably, the front bumpers (12) are of a material and structure which does not produce noise as a result of the impact of the wings (3).

[0055] Preferably, the inclination of the shaft (1) extending at an incline can be adjusted depending on the fluid velocity and other ambient conditions. For this purpose, the system comprises at least one shaft (1), the inclination of which can be adjusted by at least one joint (10).

[0056] The inventive system may also comprise at least one rear bumper (13), which is opposite to the direction of fluid motion for any orientation of the shaft (1) and limits the range of motion of the wings (3). The rear bumper (13) prevents the wings (3) from being orientated in such a way that they cannot effectively interact with the fluid at excessive flow rates. The rear bumpers (13) are preferably of a material and structure which does not produce noise as a result of the impact of the wings (3).

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the front bumpers (12) and the rear bumpers (13) can convert the thrust acting on them by the motion of the wing (3) into electrical energy for energy harvesting with at least one alternator (9). In an embodiment of the invention, the restoring mechanism comprises at least one flexibility element (4). The flexibility element (4) is positioned between the components which move relative to each other. Preferably, the stiffness and / or effective length of the flexibility element (4) can be adjusted. Thus, the response of the restoring mechanism to the oscillation of the wing (3) and, accordingly, the oscillation character of the wing (3) can be regulated. The stiffness and / or effective length of the flexibility element (4) can be controlled mechanically or electromechanically, by means of wired or wirelessly transmitted signals.

[0058] The flexibility element (4) may be a spring or a structure made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0059] The flexibility element (4) may be positioned between the shaft (1) and the part of the wing (3) facing the shaft (1), between the shaft (1) and the free moving part of the wing (3), between the free moving part of the wing (3) and an external point, between the free moving part of the wing (3) and a frame (5) surrounding all the wings (3), between the free moving part of the wing (3) and the free moving part of a wing (3) on a second shaft (1), or in any other manner capable of producing a restoring force depending on the motion of the wing (3).

[0060] The flexibility element (4) may be of a structure such as a leaf spring, for example, which twists with the motion of the wing (3), such as a leaf spring, for example, which bends with the motion of the wing (3), such as a coil spring, for example, whose length changes with the motion of the wing (3). The restoring mechanism may also comprise at least one wire whose free length changes with the motion of the wing (3), at least one spool on which the wire is wound, and at least one flexibility element (4) which works depending on the angular position of the spool due to the motion of the wing (3).

[0061] In another embodiment of the invention, the restoring mechanism comprises magnets (8) and windings (7) which move relative to each other during the motion of the wing (3) and which act electromagnetically on the wing (3) and can also constitute an alternator (9). Preferably, the response of the electromagnetically acting restoring mechanism to the oscillation of the wing (3) can be regulated. Thus, the oscillation character of the wing (3) can be regulated. The response of the electromagnetically acting restoring mechanism can be controlled mechanically, electromechanically or electronically by means of wired or wirelessly transmitted signals. Regulation of the response can be achieved by regulating the impedance, by creating a force against the movement and / or by actively expending energy during the movement in the direction against the flow. Thus, in systems according to the invention where weight or lifting force can be utilised, such as applications where the shaft (1) extends horizontally or at an incline, a restoring force can be generated by expending only a portion of the energy generated.

[0062] The restoring mechanism and / or the collecting mechanism may comprise at least one winding (7) and at least one magnet (8), which are positioned in opposition to each other on the components moving relative to each other. Exemplary embodiments of the invention, may comprise a series of windings (7) arranged along at least one circular protrusion (6) surrounding the shaft (1) and at least one magnet (8) positioned on the part of the wing (3) facing the protrusion (6), or comprise windings (7) positioned on the shaft (1) and magnets (8) surrounding the shaft (1), or windings (7) and magnets (8) arranged in some other manner. The magnets (8) may also be electromagnets (8).

[0063] The restoring mechanism can also include a combination of flexibility elements (4) and electromagnetically acting components.

[0064] The collecting mechanism is preferably a mechanism for converting the angular oscillating motion of the wing (3) into rotational motion in one direction. For this purpose, the collecting mechanism comprises at least one collector shaft (2) parallel to the shaft (1), which is connected to the shaft (1) by at least two connection points that transfer the rotational movement in directions opposite to each other. The collecting mechanism preferably comprises two gears, one on the shaft (1) and one on the collector shaft (2), engaged with each other, two pulleys, one on the shaft (1) and one on the collector shaft (2), connected to each other by a belt, and one-way bearings in the hub of one gear and one pulley.

[0065] After conversion of the oscillating motion into rotational motion in one direction, electrical energy can be obtained by means of an alternator (9). Instead, the collecting mechanism can also harvest energy directly by means of alternators (9) associated with the wings (3) or shafts (3).

[0066] The wings (3) may have any geometrical shape. The surfaces of the wings (3), which determine the sweeping area, may also be changeable in size and shape during operation. The energy harvesting system according to the invention also comprises a lifting material (15) having a density lower than the density of the fluid, which is located inside the wing (3). The lifting material (15) may be helium for a wind-driven system according to the invention, or air for a water-driven system. By means of the lifting material (15), it is possible to prevent the weight of the wing (3) from being transferred to the components providing the connection between the wing (3) and the shaft (1) and to prevent wear and tear of said components.

[0067] An amount of lifting material (15) may also be used which allows a buoyant force to be generated which is greater than the weight of the wing (3). In this case, the restoring force can be generated by the buoyant force together with the restoring mechanism.

[0068] The lifting material (15) can be positioned inside at least one chamber within the wing (3).

[0069] The inventive energy harvesting system may comprise at least one circular protrusion (6) surrounding the shaft (1) and at least one carrier (11) positioned on the part of the wing (3) facing the protrusion (6), which bears the weight of the wing (3). By means of the carrier (11), the transfer of the weight of the wing (3) to the components providing the connection between the wing (3) and the shaft (1) and the wear of said components can be prevented. The carrier (11) may comprise at least one sliding element or wheel.

[0070] Preferably, the energy harvesting system according to the invention further comprises at least one steering mechanism which enables to orientate the energy harvesting system according to the direction of flow in order to utilise the fluid movement effectively. The steering mechanism may, for example, provide for keeping the bisector of the range of motion of the wings (3) on the shaft (1) perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement. The steering mechanism may comprise a sensor for detecting the direction of flow and a steering motor actuated by said sensor. Instead, the steering mechanism may also comprise a vane (14) which allows the system to be spontaneously rotated by the effect of the flow.

[0071] The energy harvesting system comprises a hull (16) which protects the shaft (1), the collector shaft (2) and the connection and transmission elements therebetween from environmental influences, and which enables the system to carry loads, including its own weight. The surface of the hull (16) may be shaped for aerodynamic and similar effects. The energy harvesting system can also include integrated solar panels on the wing (3) surfaces, hull (16) surfaces and other surfaces. Thus, a hybrid energy harvesting system can also be obtained.

[0072] The energy harvesting system may also comprise multiple alternators (9) mechanically connected in series, which are sequentially activated to operate with varying torque levels.

[0073] The sequential windings (7), magnets (8) or electromagnets (8) of the alternators (9) can be controlled mechanically, electromechanically or electronically by wired or wirelessly transmitted signals. The system may also include components such as regulators to regulate the output at different frequencies.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An energy harvesting system, which enables the irregular kinetic energy of fluids such as moving air and water to be converted into usable energy forms depending on different geographical locations and variable climatic conditions, comprises at least one shaft (1), at least one wing (3) connected to the shaft (1) that is capable of angular motion around the point where it is connected to the shaft (1) under the influence of the fluid acting on its surface, at least one collecting mechanism for harvesting energy from the angular movement of the wing (3), having at least one collector shaft (2) parallel to the shaft (1), connected to the shaft (1) by at least two connection points that transfer the rotational movement in directions opposite to each other, and / or at least one winding (7) and at least one magnet (8) opposing each other on the components moving relative to each other and is characterized by further comprising at least one flexibility element (4) and / or at least one restoring mechanism comprising at least one winding (7) and at least one magnet (8) positioned in opposition to each other on the components moving relative to each other; which applies a force in the opposite direction to the wing (3) moving with the effect of the fluid in order for the wing (3) to perform an oscillating motion2. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) whose stiffness and / or effective length can be adjusted.

3. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) positioned between the shaft (1) and the part of the wing (3) facing the shaft (1).

4. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) positioned between the shaft (1) and the free moving part of the wing (3).

5. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) positioned between the free moving part of the wing (3) and an external point.

6. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) positioned between the free moving part of the wing (3) and a frame (5) surrounding all the wings (3).

7. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) positioned between the free moving part of the wing (3) and the free moving part of a wing (3) on a second shaft (1).

8. An energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 3-7, characterised in that the at least one flexibility element (4) twists with the motion of the wing (3).

9. An energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 3-7, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) bends with the motion of the wing (3).

10. An energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 3-7, characterised by the at least one flexibility element (4) changing in length with the motion of the wing (3).

11. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by at least one wire whose free length varies with the movement of the wing (3), at least one spool on which the wire is wound, and at least one flexibility element (4) which works depending on the angular position of the spool due to the motion of the wing (3).

12. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a restoring mechanism comprising a series of windings (7) arranged along at least one circular protrusion (6) surrounding the shaft (1) and at least one magnet (8) positioned on the part of a wing (3) facing the protrusion (6).

13. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by a restoring mechanism comprising windings (7) positioned on the shaft (1) and magnets (8) surrounding the shaft (1).

14. An energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 12-13, characterised by a restoring mechanism forming at least one alternator (9).

15. An energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 12-13, characterised by a restoring mechanism whose response can be regulated.

16. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least one collector shaft (2) parallel to the shaft (1), connected to the shaft (1) by at least two connection points which transfer the rotational movement in oppositedirections, for collecting the angular oscillatory movement of the wing (3) in the form of rotational motion in one direction.

17. An energy harvesting system according to claim 16, characterised in that it comprises two gears, one on the shaft (1) and one on the collector shaft (2), engaged with each other, two pulleys, one on the shaft (1) and one on the collector shaft (2), engaged with each other by a belt, and one-way bearings in the hub of one gear and one pulley.

18. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a lifting material (15) having a density lower than the density of the fluid, located inside the wing (3).

19. An energy harvesting system according to claim 18, characterised in that the wing (3) comprises an amount of lifting material (15) which enables a buoyant force to be generated that is greater than the weight of the wing (3).

20. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one shaft (1) oriented vertically.

21. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one shaft (1) oriented horizontally.

22. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one shaft (1) oriented at an incline towards the direction of fluid motion.

23. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised by the at least one shaft (1), the inclination of which is adjustable by the at least one joint (10).

24. An energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 20-22, characterised in that it comprises at least one rear bumper (13) located opposite the direction of fluid motion and limiting the range of motion of the wings (3).

25. An energy harvesting system according to any one of claims 20-22, characterised in that it comprises at least one front bumper (12) located in the direction of fluid motion and limiting the range of motion of the wings (3).

26. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises at least one circular protrusion (6) surrounding the shaft (1) and at least one carrier (11) positioned on the part of the wing (3) facing the protrusion (6), which bears the weight of the wing (3).

27. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised in that the wings (3) comprise a steering mechanism which provides for keeping the bisector of the range of motion of the wings (3) on the shaft (1) perpendicular to the direction of fluid movement.

28. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, comprising integrated solar panels on the wing (3) surfaces and hull (16) surfaces.

29. An energy harvesting system according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises multiple alternators (9) connected mechanically in series, which are sequentially activated to operate with varying torque levels.

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