Wind turbine

Abstract

The present invention concerns a wind turbine (1 ) with a horizontal axis (X) which comprises a first rotor (13) having a center of rotation (130) and configured to rotate around a support rod (11 ) in a first direction of rotation arranged along an axis of rotation parallel to said horizontal axis (X), a second rotor (14) operatively coupled to said first rotor (13) and configured to rotate around said axis of rotation in said first direction of rotation, at least one further rotating member (15) operatively coupled to said support rod (11 ), a structure (3) having a first (33) and a second (34) vertical pillar sized to contain said first and second rotors, said at least one further rotating member (15) and said rod (11 ), a counter-rotation mechanism (12) arranged between said at least one further rotating member (15) and at least one of said first or second rotor, to invert the direction of rotation of said at least one further rotating member (15) with respect to said first and second rotors, said first rotor comprising a first plurality of blades (131 ), and said second rotor comprising a second plurality of blades (141 ), wherein said structure (3) comprises a conveyor (32) configured to convey the wind between a first blade (1ST, 14T) and a second blade (131", 141") of each of said plurality of blades, to modulate a rotation speed of at least one of said first and second rotor with respect to said at least one further rotating member (15).

Description

[0001] Wind turbine

[0002] *****

[0003] The present invention concerns a wind generator of electrical energy, in particular a horizontal axis wind turbine, equipped with rotors capable of modulating its rotation speed by adjusting the kinetic energy of the wind received, maximizing its efficiency.

[0004] Field of invention

[0005] More in detail, the invention concerns a wind turbine of the aforementioned type comprising a plurality of rotors, designed and realized in particular to provide electricity in an urban or rural environment starting from the kinetic energy of the wind, without the need to require high intensity winds for the rotation starter, but which can be used for any application for which the generation of electrical energy is necessary.

[0006] In the following the description will be directed to a device comprising at least one wind generator, for example, a horizontal axis wind turbine equipped with a counter-rotation mechanism between the rotor and a further rotating member, used for the production of electricity for domestic use, but it is clear that it should not be considered limited to this specific use.

[0007] Prior art

[0008] As is well known, wind turbines exploit the kinetic energy of the wind to produce electrical energy, through a first conversion into mechanical energy caused by the rotation of a rotor to which the blades are connected, and a second conversion into electrical energy, through a generator.

[0009] Commonly, wind turbines are distinguished between vertical axis wind turbines and horizontal axis wind turbines, depending on the axis of rotation of the blades, which can be perpendicular or parallel to the ground.

[0010] Currently, vertical axis turbines are more suitable for installation in urban environments because they are able to produce electricity regardless of the direction of the wind, unlike horizontal axis wind turbines which are highly dependent on the direction of the wind.

[0011] Furthermore, large horizontal axis wind turbines, such as those currently on the market, have the disadvantage of exposing the blades to strong gusts of wind, which can damage the blades themselves, requiring specialized maintenance.

[0012] Furthermore, again due to the large dimensions, the installation requires specific equipment and the construction of the turbine for parts to be mounted on the installation site.

[0013] Although horizontal axis turbines present the disadvantages listed above, their use is preferable to the vertical axis one due to the greater efficiency, given by the greater kinetic energy of the wind available at the top of the turbine, i.e. where the turbine is installed, namely where the rotor is installed, unlike vertical axis turbines which exploit the kinetic energy of the wind at ground level, which is lower than that present at top level.

[0014] Despite good energy efficiency, horizontal axis wind turbines have the disadvantage that to start them it is generally necessary for the wind to be at least strong or moderate in intensity. In fact, for winds below 6 m / s, the ability to work is very poor. In some cases, for such light winds, the horizontal axis turbine may even remain inactive.

[0015] Furthermore, wind variation is a further limitation for commonly used horizontal axis wind turbines, as there are no systems capable of adapting the blade or rotor arrangement based on the wind.

[0016] The need to overcome the problems mentioned above appears clear, with a device capable of increasing energy efficiency.

[0017] Also apparent is the need to provide a small-sized device, adaptable to the urban context.

[0018] Purpose of the invention

[0019] In light of the above, it is, therefore, the purpose of the present invention to provide a device capable of efficiently producing energy.

[0020] Another purpose of the invention is to allow start-up and operation even in adverse weather conditions, for example a wind lower than 6m / s.

[0021] A further purpose of the present invention is to reduce the costs necessary for the construction of the wind turbine.

[0022] Another purpose of the present invention is to propose a wind turbine of small dimensions and easy installation.

[0023] Object of the invention

[0024] These and other results are obtained according to the invention with a horizontal axis wind turbine provided with at least two sets of wind blades capable of rotating in the same direction of rotation, which is contrary to the direction of rotation of at least one further rotating member with which they cooperate. It is specific object of the present invention a horizontal axis wind turbine comprising: a first rotor having a center of rotation and configured to rotate around a support rod in a first direction of rotation; said support rod being arranged along a rotation axis parallel to said horizontal axis; a second rotor operatively coupled to said first rotor and configured to rotate around said rotation axis in said first direction of rotation; at least a further rotating member operatively coupled to said support rod; a structure having a first and a second vertical pillar dimensioned to contain said first and second rotor, said at least further rotating member and said support rod, wherein said support rod; a counter-rotation mechanism arranged between said at least further rotating member and at least one of said first or second rotor, to invert the direction of rotation of said at least further rotating member with respect to said first and second rotor; said first rotor comprising a first plurality of blades, and said second rotor comprising a second plurality of blades, each arranged around a respective center of rotation, said wind turbine being characterized in that said structure comprises a conveyor configured to convey the wind between a first blade and a second blade of each said first and second plurality of blades to modulate a relative rotational speed of at least one of said first and second rotor with respect to said at least further rotating member.

[0025] Always according to the invention, said turbine may comprise a means of rotative coupling to connect said structure to a support or a support base such that said structure rotates around an axis of rotation along a direction substantially vertical.

[0026] Still according to the invention, said means of rotative coupling may comprise a bearing and / or an abutment plate such that said structure abuts on said support.

[0027] Further according to the invention, said support may be configured to be installed on a building, a tower, or a pylon.

[0028] Advantageously according to the invention, said first rotor, second rotor and said further rotating member may be arranged at a predetermined distance from said means of rotating coupling, along said vertical direction.

[0029] Preferably according to the invention, said rod may extend from said first to said second vertical pillar and / or passes through the center of rotation of said first rotor and the center of rotation of said second rotor respectively.

[0030] Always according to the invention, said further rotating member may be arranged around said support rod and interposed between said first and second rotor.

[0031] Still according to the invention, said counter-rotation mechanism may be arranged concentric to said first and second rotor.

[0032] Further according to the invention, said counter-rotation mechanism may comprise a roller bearing.

[0033] Advantageously according to the invention, said turbine may further comprise a rotary manifold, arranged close to said counter-rotation mechanism.

[0034] Preferably according to the invention, each blade of said first or second plurality of blades may have a shape rectangular directable or hemispheric.

[0035] Always according to the invention, said turbine may comprise a tuning mechanism of the pitch of said plurality of blades, wherein said tuning mechanism comprises at least one deflector connectable to each blade of said pluralities.

[0036] Still according to the invention, said structure may further comprise a lower base dimensioned to receive said first and second vertical pillar and to operatively connect said conveyor.

[0037] Advantageously according to the invention, said conveyor may be arranged in operative connection with said lower base by means a hinge and arranged in operative connection with each of said first and second vertical pillar, by means of a pulley and a load or at least one spring respectively, to convoy the wind to push each blade of said pluralities of blades arranged above said center of rotation e to decrease the braking effect of the wind towards each blade of said pluralities of blades arranged below said center of rotation.

[0038] Further according to the invention, said convoy may be dimensioned for the self-tuning, such that said conveyor has a minimum slope with respect to said lower base when the speed of the wind is greater than a determined threshold of maximum wind and has a maximum slope with respect to said lower base when the speed of the wind is less than a determined threshold of minimum wind.

[0039] Preferably according to the invention, said structure may comprise a top base and a second conveyor arranged in operative connection with said top base.

[0040] Always according to the invention, said second conveyor may comprise a panel having a first end arranged in operative connection with said top base by means of a hinge, a fulcrum, or other constraint able to rotate said panel around said top base by the effect of the wind and a second end able to standing at a maximum high when the speed of the wind is greater than a determined threshold of maximum wind, said maximum high wherein said panel is substantially orthogonal to said top base, and able to standing at a minimum high when the speed of the wind is less than a determined threshold of minimum wind.

[0041] Brief description of the figures

[0042] The present invention will be now described, for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, with particular reference to the figures of the enclosed drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows, in perspective view, an embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine object of the present invention; figure 2 shows, in a side view, an embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine object of the present invention, arranged on a vertical support; figure 3 shows, in a side view, an embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine which is the object of the present invention; figure 4 shows, in a front view, an embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine which is the object of the present invention; figure 5 shows, in a side view, an embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine, equipped with two conveyors, which is the object of the present invention; figure 6 shows, in a front view, an embodiment of a horizontal axis wind turbine, equipped with two conveyors, which is the object of the present invention; figures 7A and 7B show different operating conditions of a turbine conveyor which is the subject of the present invention; figures 7C and 7D show different operating conditions of a turbine conveyor which is the subject of the present invention; figure 7E shows a turbine object of the present invention equipped with a fixed conveyor and a mobile conveyor; figure 8 shows a detail of an operating connection means between a pair of rotors and a further rotating member of the wind turbine object of the present invention; and figures 9 and 10 show an embodiment of a turbine object of the present invention equipped with two rotors and two rotating members; figure 11 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the wind turbine object of the present invention; figures 12A and 12B show respectively a side and top view of an embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present invention comprising a rotor operationally connected to two batteries of wind blades, and a further rotating member arranged along the same rotation axis; figures 13A and 13B show respectively a side and top view of an embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present invention comprising two rotors, in which each one is operationally connected to a respective battery of external wind blades, a further battery of central blades interposed between two rotating members, in turn interposed between the two rotors, and a plurality of bevel gears interposed between said rotating members, and capable of rotating said rotating members in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the external rotors; figures 14A and 14B show respectively a side and top view of an embodiment of a wind turbine like that shown in figures 13A and 13B, in which the counterrotation of the rotors with respect to the further rotating members occurs as a result of the arrangement of a plurality of conveyors; figures 15 and 16 show a sectional view from below of two embodiments of a support for a wind turbine according to the present invention; figures 17A, 17B and 17C show a side view of three embodiments of conveyors for a wind turbine included in the present invention; figure 18 shows a perspective view of a rotating collector according to an embodiment of the present invention; and figure 19 shows a perspective view of three bevel gears according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Detailed description

[0044] In the various figures the similar parts will be indicated with the same numerical references.

[0045] Referring to figures 1 and 2, a horizontal axis wind turbine 1 comprises a plurality of rotors contained in a structure 3, preferably parallelepiped in shape, which is connected to a support 2, for example, a pin, by means of rotative coupling means 21 .

[0046] In some embodiments, said rotative coupling means 21 comprises a ball bearing and allows the rotation of the structure around a substantially vertical axis Y, which is integral with a dimension along which the support 2 predominantly extends, which it extends from a base 22 to a top 23.

[0047] Furthermore, the rotatable coupling means 21 can comprise a support plate to rest said structure 3 on said support 2, preferably near the top 23, and stabilize the rotation of the structure 3 around the support 2, for example, around said substantially vertical axis. In this way the structure 3 is able to orient itself autonomously by passively following the air flow determined by the wind, to collect the maximum amount of wind.

[0048] In some embodiments, said rotatable coupling means 21 can be arranged in correspondence with the perimeter of the structure 3, for example, in correspondence with one of its lower bars, as can be seen from figures 2, 3, 13A, and 14B.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, it being understood that the coupling between support 2 and structure 3 is of the rotatable type, support 2 is fixed and structure 3 is able to rotate with respect to the support.

[0050] Other embodiments include the rotatable support 2, which with its movement causes the rotation of the structure 3.

[0051] According to some embodiments, including the one shown in figure 2, the structure 3 is coupled to the support 2, near the top 23 of the support 2.

[0052] The structure 3 is essentially a metal cage or a material capable of withstanding the gusts of wind without changing its configuration.

[0053] In some embodiments, the structure 3 is a cage that has the shape of the frame of a parallelepiped, in which a first dimension extends horizontally and is between one and three meters. The remaining two dimensions of the cage can be smaller than, or equal to the first, and configured to contain a plurality of rotors, which can receive the wind impulse. The dimensions of the frame so small, compared to the turbines currently on the market, can favor massive use in the private sector, for example, allowing installation on the roof or terrace of a house or building.

[0054] The structure 3 can comprise one or more bars suitable for containing a plurality of rotors, for example, at least a first 13 and a second 14 rotor, which are described below.

[0055] Furthermore, the structure 3 comprises a conveyor 32, which is described below.

[0056] Said at least a first 13 and a second 14 rotor are each located in a plane offset with respect to a substantially vertical axis of rotation 20 and passing through the support 2 or the rotatable coupling means 21 .

[0057] In particular, in some embodiments said at least a first 13 and a second 14 rotor are arranged in such a way that said rotation axis 20 is interposed between them.

[0058] Furthermore, referring to figures 12A and 12B, the structure 3 includes a support rod 11 , which is arranged concentric with respect to each of said first 13 and second 14 rotors.

[0059] The support rod 11 can have a total length that extends from a first end of the structure 3 to a second end of the structure 3, but comprises at least two segments 11 A, 11 C, as shown in figure 12A, and preferably three segments 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, as can be seen from figure 13A.

[0060] The segments 11 A, 11 B, 11 C shown in the figure connect to the structure 3 guaranteeing the stability of said rod 11 (plurality of rods or segments), and consequently of said first 13 and second 14 rotor.

[0061] Furthermore, said structure 3 comprises a first 33 and a second 34 vertical pillar sized to contain said first 13 and second 14 rotor, said further rotating member 15 and said support rod 11 , wherein said rod 11 extends from said first 33 to said second 34 vertical pillar.

[0062] Referring to figure 2, each said first 13 and second 14 rotors comprise a plurality of blades 131 and 141 , which have a rectangular shape.

[0063] In some embodiments, not shown in the figures, the blades of each plurality of blades 131 and 141 can be arranged parallel to each other and be able to modify their angle with respect to the horizontal, for example, depending on the wind.

[0064] In some embodiments the blades have a hemispherical shape.

[0065] Furthermore, the blades of each plurality of blades 131 and 141 can provide a further pitch adjustment mechanism provided with at least one aileron 1310 and 1410 respectively, which can be coupled to said one or more blades.

[0066] Furthermore, each rotor can provide a plurality of spokes, 133 and 143 respectively, which extend from the center of rotation of each rotor, for example, 13 and 14, outwards to support, respectively, said plurality of blades 131 and 141.

[0067] In particular, the plurality of spokes 133 of the first rotor forms a first rim and, similarly, the second plurality of spokes 143 forms a second rim.

[0068] Furthermore, the structure 3 includes a counter-rotation mechanism 12, configured to connect the further rotating member 15 with at least one of said first 13 and second 14 rotors to reverse the direction of rotation of said further rotating member 15 with respect to said first 13 and second 14 rotor. In this way, the counter-rotation means 12, by rotating the rotating member 15 in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation common to the first 13 and the second 14 rotor, allows generating a greater quantity of energy than systems which have one rotor only. In fact, the amount of kinetic energy to be converted into mechanical energy is approximately double the kinetic energy that would be used with a single rotor.

[0069] In some passages of the present description the rotating member 15 is also indicated with the terms stator (although it rotates, unlike a conventional stator) or counter-rotor.

[0070] Advantageously, the counter-rotation of the rotating member 15 with respect to the rotors 13 and 14 causes a relative / contrary movement between the two parts of the generator itself which increases performance compared to a conventional generator equipped with a rotary axis and a fixed stator (the static part).

[0071] The presence of a stator and a rotor in conventional generators is due to the consideration that it is usually more practical to keep one of the two parts of the generator stationary, in order to prevent the related electrical wires from twisting or in order to avoid the development of a complex design of the generator itself.

[0072] Figure 18 shows an electric rotary manifold 100, connected to a counter rotor 15 by means of electric cables 112, 114, in which the electric rotary manifold 100 is arranged close to a plurality of bevel gears 110, which are shown in detail in figure 19.

[0073] Said collector 100 is able to prevent the electrical wires from twisting together during the rotation of the further rotating member 15. As can be seen from figure 19, the bevel gears 110 can be operationally connected to the support rod 11 (axis of rotation) using special supports 116.

[0074] Furthermore, some embodiments having a plurality of rotating members 15, 15' and / or 15", provide a plurality of rotating electric manifold, for example each manifold 100 in correspondence with a respective coupling between a rotor and a further rotating member.

[0075] In particular, in the embodiments of figures 13A and 13B, two rotors 13, 14 are shown, each of which is operationally connected to a corresponding set of wind blades 131 , 141 , two rotating members 15, 15' interposed between the two rotors and a plurality of bevel gears 110 interposed between said rotating members 15, 15' and designed to rotate said rotating members in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotors 13, 14.

[0076] Similarly, figures 12A and 12B show a simplified embodiment compared to the example shown in figure 13, in which a single rotor 13 and a single rotating member 15 are shown, in which two batteries of blades 131 , 141 rotate around the rotation axis 11 due to the rotation of the rotor 13.

[0077] In particular, the support rod 11 of figures 12A and 12B comprises two segments 11 A, 11 C, separated from each other, in which the segment 11 C extends from a vertical support in correspondence with the second pillar 34 to the bevel gears 110, with the which it is connected by bearings. The segment 11A extends from a vertical support in correspondence with the first pillar 33 to a bearing through which it connects to the first rotor 13. Both segments 11A and 11 C are arranged along the rotation axis 11 , which is improperly called support rod since it includes two segments separated from each other.

[0078] With reference to figure 13A, the support rod 11 includes three segments 11 A, 11 B, 11 C, therefore arranged along the axis of rotation of the rotors, in which each segment is separated from the other two, and the segment 11 B is placed between the segments 11 C and 11 A.

[0079] In the example of figure 13A, a first segment 11 C extends from a vertical support in correspondence with the first pillar 33 to the first rotor 13, with which it is connected by bearings. Furthermore, a second segment 11 B is connected to two pairs of bevel gears 110, arranged at the ends of the segment 11 B and configured to rotate the counter rotors 15 and 15' in the direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the set of blades 131 and 141. Furthermore, the segment 11A extends from a vertical support at the second pillar 34, to a bearing through which it connects to the second rotor 14.

[0080] Furthermore, figure 11 shows an embodiment equipped with two rotors 13, 14, two counter-rotors 15, 15', arranged around a rotation axis coinciding with the support rod 11 , and each in contact with an electric rotary manifold. Each rotary manifold is furthermore arranged in proximity to a respective plurality of bevel gears 110, which are interposed between the sets of blades of the rotors 131 , 141. Furthermore, as can be seen from figure 11 , a central set of blades is interposed between the two pluralities of bevel gears 110. This central set of blades rotates in the same direction as the external blades 131 , 141 and, by means of bevel gears 110, causes the counter-rotors 15 and 15' to rotate in the opposite direction. Further embodiments of the present invention, as shown in figures 14A and 14B, allow at least one of the sets of blades connected to the rotors 13, 14 to rotate in the opposite direction to the further rotating member 15, 15', 15", by means of a staggered arrangement of a plurality of conveyors. The letters A-C-A of figure 14A indicate that each external conveyor (corresponding to sections A) is arranged in correspondence with a set of external blades, which rotates clockwise while the central conveyor (corresponding to section C) is arranged in such a way that the central blades can rotate anticlockwise.

[0081] The rotation, for example clockwise, of the set of external blades 131 and 141 can be achieved by means of an arrangement of the conveyors in correspondence with the rotors 13 and 14 as shown in figure 17A or 17B, while the counter-rotation, for example anti-clockwise, of the blades internal parts of figures 14A and 14B can be achieved by means of an arrangement of further conveyors in correspondence with the rotating members 15 and 15' as shown in figure 17C.

[0082] This solution has the advantage of not using gears. It is therefore less expensive and produces less friction, limiting the expenditure of mechanical energy.

[0083] Again, with reference to figures 17A and 17B, the conveyor 32' has a curved profile to channel a flow of wind in a preferred direction to push the set of rotating blades in the same direction as the wind flow.

[0084] According to some embodiments, the counter-rotation mechanism 12 essentially comprises three bevel gears 110. However, said mechanism may comprise a different number of differently arranged gears, or any other equivalent system capable of producing the counter-rotation. In this way, it is also possible to calibrate the reduction ratios between said first 13 and second 14 rotors, for example, by means of a 1 :1 ratio.

[0085] According to some examples, the counter-rotation mechanism 12 can be arranged concentric both to the rotors and to the further rotating member 15.

[0086] This configuration allows combined loads to be supported and ensures low friction during the relative rotation between each rotor and the additional rotating member.

[0087] In some embodiments, the geometry of the first 13 or second 14 rotor can be adapted to reduce the overall dimensions by means of a recess 13r so as not to interfere, while rotating, with the operation of the counter-rotation mechanism 12 and to allow its housing without increasing the total size, as shown in figures 4 and 8.

[0088] Referring to figures 7A and 7B, the structure 3 comprises a conveyor 32' for channeling the wind between at least a first blade, for example 131 ' or 141 ', and at least a second blade, for example, 131" or 141".

[0089] Said conveyor 32 and / or said conveyor 32' guarantees the start-up and full operation of the turbine even when the wind is low, for example, less than 6 m / s.

[0090] In fact, the conveyor 32 is configured to arrange itself obliquely and modulate the speed of the blades. In particular, as can be seen from figures 7C and 7D, the conveyor 32 is capable of braking the wind that blows against the return motion of a first set of blades carried out at a given instant of the rotary movement of each rotor and conveying said wind to a second battery of blades that moves in the opposite direction, i.e. in the same direction as the wind, at the same time instant.

[0091] The conveyor 32' shown in figures 7A and 7B is capable of functioning in a similar way to the conveyor 32, to modulate the speed of the blades, conveying the wind to accelerate a set of blades, arranged for example above the respective center of rotation.

[0092] As can be seen from figures 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, the structure 3 comprises at least one lower base 31 , preferably arranged at a distance from the center of rotation 130 or 140 of each rotor (not shown in figures 7, but in figure 5), greater or equal to the distance between the peripheral end of each blade and the center of rotation 130 or 140 itself.

[0093] In particular, the lower base 31 is arranged below the rotation centers 130 and 140 at a height equal to, or lower than the minimum height at which each blade is positioned, in rotation, during operation.

[0094] Advantageously, the lower base 31 of the structure 3, as shown in figure 15 or figure 16, can serve to connect a support for the rotating support 21 , for example by means of threaded screws.

[0095] In some embodiments the structure 3 has an upper base 3T, for example a quadrilateral that joins the vertical pillars 33, 34, 43, and 44, as can be seen from figure 6, and figures 17B and 17C.

[0096] Similarly, where present, the upper base 3T is arranged above the centers of rotation 130 and 140 at a height equal to or greater than the maximum height at which each blade is positioned, in rotation, during the operation.

[0097] The presence of said lower 31 or upper 3T base allows the wind to be directed, by means of the conveyor 32, from at least a first half of blades, for example the blades below the respective center of rotation, to a second half of blades, for example the blades above the respective center of rotation, and, therefore, maximize the wind conveyed on said second half of blades.

[0098] According to some embodiments, the conveyor 32 is arranged in connection with said lower base 31 by means of a pulley and a weight, at least one spring 311 , a hinge, and / or another type of fulcrum, in such a way as to convey the wind to push a first blade 131 ' of said first plurality 131 and a first blade 141 ' of said second plurality 141 , each of said first blades being arranged above the respective center of rotation, 130 or 140, and to reduce the braking effect of the wind towards a second blade 131 " of said first plurality 131 and a second blade 141 " of said second plurality 141 , each of said second blades being arranged below said rotation centers 130 and 140.

[0099] Referring to the figures 7C and 7D, the connection means 311 can cooperate with a second connection means 60, equipped for example with a pulley, a rope, and a weight sized to define the inclination of the conveyor 32 based on the wind.

[0100] The operation of the conveyor described above is as follows.

[0101] When the wind blows along Z, as shown in figures 5 and 7C, the conveyor 32 tilts so that the air flow arriving below each center of rotation 130 and 140 is braked. In this way, the blades, which in the rotary motion around their center of rotation are in the return phase, against the wind, and positioned below the respective center of rotation 130 or 140, do not suffer the braking effect of the wind. As a result of the same inclination of the conveyor 32, said conveyor acts as a wind accelerator for the blades which are located above the respective center of rotation 130 and 140, which rotate around their center of rotation, with the wind in favor.

[0102] During the rotation of the wind turbine 1 , the rotatable coupling means 21 rotates, to position the structure 3 so that the lower base 31 , and in particular, one of its bars, is substantially perpendicular to the wind, which, consequently, blows in the direction of rotation of the blades of each plurality 131 or 141 .

[0103] Therefore, the combination of the rotatable coupling means 21 with the conveyor 32 increases the efficiency of converting the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy of the blades. In fact, thanks to the presence of the conveyor 32, inclined with respect to the wind flow, with respect to each center of rotation of the blades and constrained to the lower base 31 , during the rotation of the turbine 1 , the inclination of the conveyor 32 itself is in the position of maximum efficiency, i.e. with the blades exposed in the direction of the wind flow in a higher position than the conveyor 32 itself, so as to receive the maximum thrust, and the other blades in an intermediate position or in the lowest position of the rotary motion it performs, sheltered from the wind by the conveyor 32, so that the wind flow opposes a reduced resistance compared to a turbine without said conveyor 32. It follows that the torsional moment is always greater than the resistant moment, the latter being almost zero, with consequent increase in the efficiency of the wind turbine.

[0104] When the wind blows along Z in the opposite direction to that described above, it is to be expected that the structure 3 rotates around the rotatable coupling means 21 and the conveyor 32 tilts in the manner described above, therefore ensuring the energy conversion efficiency wind kinetics in mechanical energy of the blades, which, due to the effect of the wind, rotate as described above and shown, for example, in figure 7C.

[0105] Referring to figure 7D, an operating step is shown, in which the presence of wind is minimal, i.e., the wind speed is less than, or equal to 4 m / s. As can be seen from the figure, the conveyor 32 has an end hinged to a lower base 31 and an end free to tilt and arranged near the first 13 and the second rotor 14. With these meteorological conditions, which are mostly adverse for wind power systems of moderate dimensions, said conveyor 32 tends to lift its free end to reduce the braking effect that would occur in the absence of the conveyor on the blades below the respective rotation center 130 or 140, and at the same time to increase the kinetic energy, which pushes the blades that rotate in the same direction as the wind flow, for example the blades that are above the center of rotation.

[0106] In one embodiment of the wind turbine 1 , the structure 3 comprises a lower base 31 , of rectangular shape, in which said first 33 and second 34 vertical pillars coincide with two contiguous edges of the lower base 31 , and a third 43 and a fourth 44 pillar are arranged respectively between each of said first and second pillars and each of the remaining two edges of the lower base 31. In this embodiment the conveyor 32 is connected to at least one hinge and a rod passing through the two edges, free from vertical pillars, which hinge allows the rotation of the conveyor between a horizontal position and a position of maximum inclination determined, for example, by a stop positioned on at least one of said third 43 or fourth 44 vertical pillar. Empirical tests carried out on the embodiment described above have shown that a wind speed equal to 4 m / s, measured using an anemometer placed on top of structure 3, favors the generation of electrical energy equivalent to a potential difference equal to 12 V, measured downstream of turbine 1 .

[0107] In some embodiments, the structure comprises a lower base 31 and an upper base 31 ', to which a first lower conveyor 32 and a second upper conveyor 32' are operationally connected respectively.

[0108] In some embodiments the second upper conveyor 32' comprises a panel arranged in operative connection with the upper base 3T by means of a pulley and a weight, at least one spring 311 , a hinge, a fulcrum, and / or another type of connecting means, and it is sized to tilt upwards in the presence of a wind speed greater than or equal to 12 m / s.

[0109] In particular, said second conveyor 32' can comprise a panel having a first end 320', arranged in operative connection with said upper base 31 ' by means of a connection means, for example, a rotary constraint capable of rotating said panel around said base upper 31 ' due to the effect of the wind, and a second end 320", capable of assuming a maximum height when the wind speed is greater than a certain maximum wind threshold, and a minimum height when the wind speed is less than a certain minimum wind threshold.

[0110] In some embodiments, one or more conveyors is a panel of aluminum, steel, or any other rigid, or semi-rigid material.

[0111] Some preferred shapes involve the use of aluminum or plexiglass as these materials are not subject to wear or rust.

[0112] Some embodiments provide that said second conveyor 32' is connected to a support bracket 321 ' of the second conveyor 32', which, as can be seen from figure 17C, is connected to the upper base 3T.

[0113] Said maximum height is to be understood, for example, as that in which said panel is substantially orthogonal to said upper base 31 '.

[0114] In some embodiments, said second conveyor 32' is capable of rotating between 0 and 90°, or between -10° and 80°, with respect to the horizontal.

[0115] In some embodiments said second conveyor 32' is capable of rotating between -45° and 45°.

[0116] The rotary constraint that connects the second conveyor 32' to the upper base 3T is capable of rotating substantially by 90°, to allow the inclination of the panel between 0 and approximately 90°, i.e. from a position in which the panel is parallel to the upper base 31 ', to a position in which the panel is substantially perpendicular to said upper base.

[0117] When the panel is in a substantially perpendicular position to the upper base 31 ', it deflects the air flows immediately above the blades, moving them away from the blades themselves and, in combination with the first conveyor 32, which is arranged horizontally, reduces a variation, or differential flow between the blades above and below the center of rotation.

[0118] In this way, when the wind speed exceeds 12 m / s, said upper conveyor 32' tilts upwards and brakes the wind to avoid damaging the blades exposed to this wind.

[0119] Furthermore, when the wind speed is less than 6 m / s it favors the rotation of the blades in the direction of the wind. In fact, in the absence of wind or with weak wind, the upper 32' conveyor is slightly inclined downwards, for example between 5° and 10° compared to the horizontal, due to its own weight. This inclination allows the wind to be conveyed towards the upper blades, thus increasing their kinetic energy.

[0120] In some embodiments, a fifth pillar 53, arranged between said first 33 and second 34 pillars and said third 43 and 44 pillars, is sized to receive a free end of the conveyor 32' and keep the latter inclined a few degrees below a horizontal line passing through the constraint 31 T, for example 10° below said line. In this way, even with weak winds, it is possible to direct the wind towards the blades which are located above the respective rotation center 130 0 140.

[0121] In some embodiments, said fifth pillar can comprise two columns 531 and 532, which are arranged respectively between said first 33 and third 43 pillars, and between said second 34 and fourth 44 pillars.

[0122] The wind turbine 1 shown in figure 7E comprises a third conveyor 32", which has a first end that extends from said third pillar 43 up to said fourth pillar 44, and a second end that extends between the two columns 531 and 532.

[0123] Referring to figure 7E, said first end of said third conveyor 32" is fixed to the third 43 and the fourth 44 pillar by means of a shelf, 431 and 441 respectively (fourth pillar 44 and respective shelf 441 not visible in the figure), or other support means, and said second end of said third conveyor 32" is fixed, for example arranged above, to said fifth pillar 53. Said third conveyor 32" is capable of cooperating with said first 32 or with said second 32' conveyor to create a preferential channel through which the wind flow pushes the rotating blade battery in the same direction as the wind flow. In the example of figure 7E, the wind is channeled between the first conveyor 32 and the third conveyor 32" to maximize the kinetic energy which the blade 131 ' is subjected to.

[0124] According to some embodiments, as shown in figures 9 and 10, the further rotating member 15 comprises two rotating members, 15' and 15" respectively, arranged between said first 13 and second 14 rotor, and the counter-rotation mechanism 12 is constituted from a set of blades 12b' and a flow diverter 12a' arranged in such a way as to act in an opposite manner with respect to the operating mode of the first conveyor 32. In fact, when the conveyor 32 favors the wind to push the blade 131 ' (and the blade 141 ' not shown in the figure), the flow diverter 12a' is arranged with an inclination such as to brake the blades 12b' which are located above the center of rotation of the rotors and rotating parts, thus favoring that the stators, integral with the battery of blades 12b' rotate in the opposite direction to the rotors.

[0125] As can be seen from figures 9 and 10, the diverter 12a', where present, is sized to extend along a dimension equal to the dimension occupied by said set of blades 12b', with which it cooperates, in which said dimension is substantially parallel to the axis passing through the centers of rotation of the stators 15' and 15".

[0126] Furthermore, to favor the counter-rotation of the rotating members 15' and 15" with respect to the rotors 13 and 14, the rod 11 can be a hollow rod, so that inside said rod 11 the axis of rotation of the further rotating members can extend. Advantages

[0127] An advantage of the present invention provides a wind turbine of small dimensions, suitable for installation in urban or rural environments, of low cost and having a high energy efficiency.

[0128] A further advantage of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine capable of being activated even in the presence of weak wind.

[0129] A further advantage of the present invention is given by the ability to modulate the kinetic energy and, consequently, increase the capacity to convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. In particular, the energy modulation is guaranteed by the presence of a conveyor, which allows reducing the fluctuations in the number of revolutions per minute of the blades. In fact, by maximizing the speed of revolution of a set of blades in the same direction as the wind and minimizing the braking effect of the wind against a set of blades that moves against the direction of the wind at a given instant in time, the conveyor allows for stable the blade revolution. A further advantage is to provide a generator connected to a turbine equipped with horizontally arranged wind blades which uses a system of fixed and / or mobile conveyors to optimize the kinetic energy of the wind. In particular, the conveyor system allows reducing the effect of the air, which would slow down the returning blades and to convey it towards the outgoing blades. Another advantage of the present invention is to provide mobile conveyors which, when there is such a strong wind as to compromise the optimal functioning of a wind generator, are arranged to convey part of the wind onto the returning blades, partially braking them, adapting the rotation of the blades to the optimal operation of the generator. The present invention has been described for illustrative but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that modifications and / or changes can be introduced by those skilled in the art without departing from the relevant scope as defined in the enclosed claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A horizontal axis (X) wind turbine (1 ) comprising: a first rotor (13) having a center of rotation (130) and configured to rotate around a support rod (11 ) in a first direction of rotation; said support rod (11 ) being arranged along a rotation axis parallel to said horizontal axis (X); a second rotor (14) operatively coupled to said first rotor (13) and configured to rotate around said rotation axis in said first direction of rotation; at least a further rotating member (15) operatively coupled to said support rod (11 ); a structure (3) having a first and a second vertical pillar dimensioned to contain said first (13) and second (14) rotor, said at least further rotating member (15) and said support rod (11 ), wherein said support rod (11 ); a counter-rotation mechanism (12) arranged between said at least further rotating member (15) and at least one of said first (13) or second (14) rotor, to invert the direction of rotation of said at least further rotating member (15) with respect to said first (13) and second (14) rotor; said first rotor (13) comprising a first plurality of blades (131 ), and said second rotor (14) comprising a second plurality of blades (141 ), each arranged around a respective center of rotation (130, 140), said wind turbine (1 ) being characterized in that said structure (3) comprises a conveyor (32) configured to convey the wind between a first blade (131 ’, 141 ’) and a second blade (131 ”, 141 ”) of each said first and second plurality of blades (131 , 141 ) to modulate a relative rotational speed of at least one of said first (13) and second (14) rotor with respect to said at least further rotating member (15).

2. The wind turbine (1 ) according to claim 1 , which comprises a means of rotative coupling (21 ) to connect said structure (3) to a support (2) or a support base such that said structure (3) rotates around an axis of rotation (2) along a direction substantially vertical (Y).

3. The wind turbine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said means of rotative coupling (21 ) comprises a bearing and / or an abutment plate such that said structure (3) abut on said support (2).

4. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of claims 2 or 3, wherein said support (2) is configured to be installed on a building, a tower, or a pylon.

5. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of claims 2-4, wherein said first rotor(13), second rotor (14) and said further rotating member (15) are arranged at a predetermined distance from said means of rotating coupling (21 ), along said vertical direction (Y).

6. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of preceding claims, wherein said rod (11 ) extends from said first (33) to said second (34) vertical pillar and / or passes through the center of rotation (130) of said first rotor (13) and the center of rotation (140) of said second rotor (14) respectively.

7. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of preceding claims, wherein said further rotating member is arranged around said support rod (11 ) and interposed between said first (13) and second (14) rotor.

8. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of preceding claims, wherein said counter-rotation mechanism (12) is arranged concentric to said first (13) and second(14) rotor.

9. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of preceding claims, wherein said counter-rotation mechanism (12) comprises a roller bearing.

10. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of preceding claims, further comprising a rotary manifold (100), arranged close to said counter-rotation mechanism (12).11 . The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of preceding claims, wherein each blade of said first or second plurality of blades (131 , 141 ) has a shape rectangular directable or hemispheric.

12. The wind turbine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, comprising a tuningmechanism of the pitch of said plurality of blades (131 , 141 ), wherein said tuning mechanism comprises at least one deflector connectable to each blade of said pluralities (131 , 141 ).

13. The wind turbine (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said structure (3) further comprises a lower base (31 ) dimensioned to receive said first and second vertical pillar and to operatively connect said conveyor (32).

14. The wind turbine (1 ) according the preceding claim, wherein said conveyor (32) is arranged in operative connection with said lower base (31 ) by means a hinge and arranged in operative connection with each of said first and second vertical pillar, by means of a pulley and a load or at least one spring (311 ) respectively, to convoy the wind to push each blade of said pluralities of blades (131 , 141 ) arranged above said center of rotation (130, 140) e to decrease the braking effect of the wind towards each blade of said pluralities of blades (131 , 141 ) arranged below said center of rotation (130, 140).

15. The wind turbine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said convoy (32) is dimensioned for the self-tuning, such that said conveyor (32) has a minimum slope with respect to said lower base (31 ) when the speed of the wind is greater than a determined threshold of maximum wind and has a maximum slope with respect to said lower base (31 ) when the speed of the wind is less than a determined threshold of minimum wind.

16. The wind turbine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said structure (3) comprises an upper base (3T) and a second conveyor (32’) arranged in operative connection with said upper base.

17. The wind turbine (1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second conveyor (32’) comprises a panel having a first end arranged in operative connection with said upper base (3T) by means of a hinge, a fulcrum, or other constraint able to rotate said panel around said upper base (3T) by the effect of thewind and a second end able to standing at a maximum high when the speed of the wind is greater than a determined threshold of maximum wind, said maximum high wherein said panel is substantially orthogonal to said upper base (31’), and able to standing at a minimum high when the speed of the wind is less than a determined threshold of minimum wind.

Images