Airflow generator for agricultural use

The airflow generator effectively addresses the inefficiencies of existing frost protection methods by using a turbine and deflector system to cover large agricultural areas with minimal devices, offering adjustable coverage and reduced ecological impact.

WO2025141165A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-07-03COLLABORATIVE ENERGY
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/EP2024/088576
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-27
Filing Date
2024-12-27
Publication Date
2025-07-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing methods to prevent frost damage in agriculture, such as water spraying and heating, are costly and ecologically unacceptable, while wind turbines are inefficient and aesthetically unappealing, and existing air ventilation devices are not effective in covering large areas.

Method used

An airflow generator comprising a mast with a turbine, intake duct, deflector, and collector that directs airflow radially and eccentrically to cover large areas, potentially incorporating heating elements for advection frost.

Benefits of technology

Efficiently protects large agricultural areas from both convective and advection frost with minimal devices, reducing ecological impact and costs, and allowing for adjustable coverage and rotation for enhanced protection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an airflow generator (1), comprising a mast (10), extending, along a longitudinal axis (Δ), from a base (11) placed on the ground, the generator comprising, supported by the mast: - a turbine (13), configured to generate an airflow; - an intake duct (20), extending from the turbine, towards the base, along the mast, the turbine being configured to admit air into the intake duct, such that the airflow flows, in the duct, along the mast, towards the base; - a deflector (30), configured to move the airflow away from the mast; - a collector (40), configured to collect the flow deflected by the deflector and to direct the deflected airflow around the mast, between the mast (10) and the peripheral wall (42); and - at least one air outlet opening (50), into which the collector opens.
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Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Airflow generator for agricultural use

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The technical field of the invention is an air flow generator, for example for outdoor use, in an agricultural environment, to prevent the occurrence of frost, whether convective frost or adviction frost.

[0005] PREVIOUS ART

[0006] Frost, when it occurs at certain times of the year, particularly after germination and bud break of certain crops, can be harmful. In the wine industry, for example, during the winter, vines are frost-resistant and can withstand very cold temperatures, well below 0°C. However, after the buds have developed their first green shoots, a few minutes or hours of cold can affect the harvest. Thus, spring frosts have a significant impact on the quality and yield of crops.

[0007] Spring frost is often a radiation frost, occurring overnight, and often late at night or early in the morning. Cold, heavier air moves toward the ground, while warm air rises from the ground. In the absence of cloud cover, an inversion phenomenon can occur, in which a layer of warm air forms above the ground, holding a pocket of cold air against the ground. The resulting pocket of cold air can cause new growth to freeze.

[0008] Another type of frost is advection frost, which forms in the presence of thick cold air masses, whereby the cold air can be pushed down to ground level by an inversion phenomenon, whereby the air is warmer at higher altitudes.

[0009] To protect against frost, different techniques can be considered, including:

[0010] Water spraying, which leads to the formation of an insulating layer of ice at the buds, according to the igloo principle. But this induces high water consumption, and poses a problem of cost and ecological acceptability. Such a solution is described in EP0115959.

[0011] Heating the air, for example by burning firewood at night before the temperature drops. This is also an expensive technique, which also raises the question of ecological acceptability, due to the consumption of fuel that releases CO2.

[0012] Ventilation, allowing mixing of cold air, so as to avoid the formation of the inversion layer previously mentioned: mixing allows an increase in temperature. AU2003266798 describes a device configured to generate a blast of air over crops. Ventilation can result from the blades of a wind turbine or a helicopter. While the use of a helicopter may raise questions of ecological acceptability, the use of a wind turbine is considered more acceptable. Regarding wind turbines, with a horizontal axis of rotation, the question of efficiency may arise. The less efficient the wind turbine, the greater the number of wind turbines that must be installed: this poses a problem of cost and aesthetics.

[0013] US3055145 describes a device designed to blow hot air at floor level.

[0014] The inventors propose a device that generates an airflow, allowing a large growing area to be reached. This allows a large growing area to be protected. Thus, large areas can be covered using a minimal number of devices. In addition, the device can address convective and advective frost.

[0015] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0016] A first object of the invention is an air flow generator, comprising a mast, extending, along a longitudinal axis, from a base, configured to be arranged on or above a ground, the generator comprising, carried by the mast:

[0017] - a turbine, configured to generate an air flow;

[0018] - an intake duct, extending from the turbine, towards the base, along the mast, the turbine being configured to admit air into the intake duct, so that the air flow flows, in the duct, along the longitudinal axis, towards the base; the generator being characterized in that it also comprises:

[0019] - a deflector, comprising a radial deflector extending around the mast, between the intake duct and the base, the radial deflector being configured to deflect the air flow in a radial direction, so as to direct the air flow away from the mast;

[0020] - a collector, located opposite the deflector, the collector comprising a lower wall, extending around the mast, and a peripheral wall, distant from the mast, and extending, from the lower wall, around the mast, the collector being configured to collect the flow deflected by the deflector and to direct the flow of air deflected around the mast, between the mast and the peripheral wall;

[0021] - at least one air outlet opening, into which the collector opens, eccentric relative to the mast, and inclined so that the air flow opens from the outlet opening, towards the ground, at a distance from the mast.

[0022] The base can be configured to be placed on a plinth, resting on the ground, or on a frame, possibly mobile, resting on the ground.

[0023] The deflector may comprise a transverse deflector, extending around the radial deflector, configured to deflect the air flow, in a plane perpendicular to the mast, in a direction of rotation, so as to cause a rotation of the air flow around the mast.

[0024] The transverse deflector may comprise at least one fin, parallel to the longitudinal axis, the fin forming a non-zero deflection angle with a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and passing through the fin.

[0025] According to one possibility:

[0026] - the collector extends, facing the deflector;

[0027] - the peripheral wall is distant from the longitudinal axis by a radius, the radius varying between a minimum radius and a maximum radius, the maximum radius corresponding to a portion of the peripheral wall adjacent to the outlet opening.

[0028] The minimum radius can correspond to a section furthest from the outlet opening, taking into account the direction of air flow in the collector.

[0029] According to one possibility:

[0030] - the collector has a section defined perpendicular to a direction of air flow in the collector;

[0031] - the collector section increases with decreasing distance from the outlet opening, the distance being determined according to the flow direction.

[0032] The collector is preferably rotatable about the longitudinal axis, so that under the effect of the air flow emerging from the outlet opening, the generator rotates about the longitudinal axis.

[0033] According to one possibility:

[0034] - the intake pipe is fixed relative to the mast;

[0035] - the manifold is rotatable relative to the intake pipe.

[0036] According to one possibility:

[0037] - the deflector is fixed relative to the mast; - the collector is mobile in rotation around the deflector.

[0038] According to one possibility:

[0039] - the generator has a rail extending around the mast;

[0040] - the collector is connected to the raceway by rollers, the rollers allowing rotation of the collector around the mast, along the rail.

[0041] The generator may comprise at least one heating element, arranged in the intake duct and / or in the deflector, so as to be in contact with the air flow. The generator may comprise several heating elements, distributed along the mast.

[0042] According to one possibility:

[0043] - the radial deflector extends, along the mast, between an upper opening and a lower end, the lower end extending between the upper opening and the base;

[0044] - the radial deflector extends, around the longitudinal axis, along a diameter;

[0045] - the diameter of the deflector increases between the upper opening and the lower end. Preferably, the diameter of the deflector increases continuously between the upper opening and the lower end.

[0046] According to one possibility, the collector opens into several outlet openings, each outlet opening being eccentric relative to the mast, and inclined so that the air flow opens towards the ground, at a distance from the mast.

[0047] The invention will be better understood by reading the description of the exemplary embodiments presented in the remainder of the description, in conjunction with the figures listed below.

[0048] FIGURES

[0049] Figures 1A and 1B show an overview of an exemplary device according to the invention.

[0050] Figure IC shows a diagram of an angle of inclination of the outlet opening

[0051] Figure 2 shows a turbine.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the baffle and the collector surrounding the baffle.

[0053] Figure 4A shows a sectional view of the deflector in a longitudinal plane.

[0054] Figure 4B shows a sectional view of the deflector in a transverse plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0055] Figure 4C shows a perspective view of the deflector.

[0056] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the collector.

[0057] Figure 5B shows a top view of the generator. Figure 6 shows an example of a system allowing rotation of the collector around the longitudinal axis.

[0058] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment in which the collector has two outlet openings.

[0059] Figures 8A and 8B show overviews of other device configurations according to the invention.

[0060] PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Figures 1A and 1B show an example of an airflow generator 1 according to the invention. The generator comprises a mast 10, carrying an assembly of five main components. The mast 10 extends between a base 11, intended to be fixed on a base, for example on a floor, or a frame arranged on the floor, and an end 12. The base 11 and the end 12 define a longitudinal axis A. In use, the longitudinal axis is preferably vertical A. The mast 10 supports:

[0062] - a turbine 13, configured to generate an air flow: the turbine is arranged at the end 12. It is intended to suck in outside air, located above the turbine, so as to create an air flow entering the generator. The turbine is powered by a power supply 16, arranged on the mast, preferably near the base 11. This may be an electrical power supply or a socket intended to be connected to a power take-off of a tractor. In the event of convective frost, the air entering the generator is warmer than the stagnant air near the ground.

[0063] - an intake duct 20, extending from the turbine, towards the base, along the mast. The air flow generated by the turbine is admitted into the intake duct, so that the air flow flows, in the duct, along the mast, towards the base 11. The intake duct is preferably cylindrical and coaxial with the mast 10.

[0064] - a deflector 30, into which the intake duct 20 opens. The deflector 30 extends around the mast 10, between the intake duct 20 and the base 11. The deflector is preferably coaxial with the mast 10. The deflector may have a symmetry of revolution, around the longitudinal axis A. The deflector is arranged to receive the air flow from the intake duct 20 and direct it in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the deflector is also configured to orient the air flow in a direction of rotation, around the mast 10. - a collector 40, located opposite the deflector 30, the collector comprising a lower wall, forming a bottom 40i, extending around the mast, and a peripheral wall 42, distant from the mast. The peripheral wall 42 extends, from the lower wall 40j, around the mast.The collector being configured to collect the flow deflected by the deflector and to direct the air flow around the mast, between the deflector and the peripheral wall.

[0065] - at least one air outlet opening 50, into which the collector 40 opens. The air outlet opening 50 is eccentric relative to the mast 10. It is inclined so that the air flow emerges from the generator by being directed towards the ground, away from the mast.

[0066] When the generator 1 is placed on the ground, the longitudinal axis A is usually vertical. The purpose of the generator is to generate an air flow, oriented towards the ground, at an orientation angle, relative to the horizontal, sufficiently small so that the flow can propagate, along the ground, over a significant distance, for example several tens of meters.

[0067] In addition to the ground, the air generator can be placed on a chassis remote from the ground, for example a trailer.

[0068] Figure 1B shows the main dimensions of the generator. The mast 10 extends along the longitudinal axis A, at a height hio, which may be between 3m and 10m, for example 5m. The intake pipe 20 may extend:

[0069] - perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, along a diameter <t>2o, between 50 cm and 200 cm, for example 100 cm.

[0070] - along the longitudinal axis A, at a height h2o of between 50 cm and 2 m, for example 1 m. The intake duct 20 is configured to form an air flow flowing, towards the base 10, parallel to the longitudinal axis A, or as parallel as possible, preferably being laminar. Preferably, the height h2o is greater than or equal to 0.75 times the radius of the intake duct.

[0071] The deflector 30 extends under the intake duct, being surrounded by the manifold 40. The deflector 30 extends along the longitudinal axis A, at a height h3o of between 50cm and 2m, for example 1m.

[0072] The collector 40 extends around the deflector 30, so as to collect the air flow deflected by the deflector 30. The collector wraps around the mast 10, so as to direct the air flow around the mast, up to the outlet opening 50. The collector 40 extends along the longitudinal axis A, at a height h4o preferably corresponding to the height h3o at which the deflector 30 extends. The height h4o is for example between 50 cm and 2 m, for example 1 m.

[0073] The collector 40 is arranged at a height H4o, relative to the base 11, the height H4o being for example between 3 and 6 m, for example 4 m. The outlet opening 50 is arranged at a height H 50 , relative to the base 11, preferably greater than 2 m, for example 3 m or 4 m. The height H 50 is adjusted taking into account the type of crop to be protected.

[0074] A particular feature of the device is that the outlet opening 50 is eccentric relative to the longitudinal axis A. The eccentric distance d5o, shown in FIG. 1B, is for example between 1.5 m and 3 m, for example 2 m. The eccentric distance d5o corresponds to a distance between the longitudinal axis A and the center of the outlet opening. Under the effect of the air flow emerging from the outlet opening, a reaction force is generated, which can cause the collector 40 to rotate around the mast. This aspect is described in detail below.

[0075] The outlet opening 50 is centered around an evacuation axis A 50 . The evacuation axis is thus perpendicular to the outlet opening 50 and centered relative to the latter. The evacuation axis A5o forms an angle a v with an axis A' parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The angle a v is an acute angle, and preferably greater than 45°. The angle a v is shown schematically in Figure IC. Thus, when the longitudinal axis A is vertical, which corresponds to the usual usage configuration, the evacuation axis A5o is inclined at an angle a H acute, and preferably less than 45°, relative to a horizontal axis H. The angle a H is preferably less than 30°. The angle a H of the Aso evacuation axis relative to the horizontal is defined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the intended application. When the angle has H is low, the range of the generator, i.e. the surface receiving the air flow, is significant, because the air flow reaches the ground at a low angle of incidence: it can propagate, along the ground, over a significant distance.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 1B, the largest diameter D4o along which the collector 40 extends is shown, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The largest diameter D4o is for example between 100 cm and 250 cm. In this example, the diameter of the intake pipe is less than the largest diameter D4o of the collector. According to one possibility, the largest diameter of the collector D4o is equal to the diameter of the intake pipe.

[0077] Figure 2 is an example of a turbine 13, arranged at the end 12 of the mast 10 or adjacent to the latter. The turbine 13 is formed of blades 14, configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis A. Preferably, each blade has, at its end, a fin 15, perpendicular to the blade, usually designated by the term winglet in the field of aeronautics. This limits the formation of turbulence in the air flow generated by the turbine. The power of the turbine can for example be 5000 W.

[0078] Figure 3 shows the manifold 40, surrounding the deflector 30. As previously indicated, the deflector 30 is configured to deflect the air flowing from the intake duct in a radial direction, for example perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis A. The deflector 30 and the manifold 40 are coaxial. They can extend, along the longitudinal axis A, to the same height.

[0079] The deflector 30 comprises a radial deflector 31, intended to deflect the air flow towards the collector, away from the mast 10. The collector 40 has an opening 41, allowing the admission of the air deflected by the deflector 30. The collector 40 is configured to collect the air deflected by the deflector 30 so as to conduct it towards the outlet opening 50 to form an outlet flow off-center with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0080] The deflector 30 extends along the mast, between a lower end 30i forming a solid bottom, and an upper opening 30 s , into which the intake pipe 20 opens. The lower end 30i is arranged, along the longitudinal axis A, between the upper opening 30 s and the base 11. The radial deflector 31 is arranged around the longitudinal axis A, and its geometry makes it possible to deflect the air flow flowing from the air intake duct away from the mast.

[0081] Preferably, the deflector 30 may comprise a transverse deflector 32, forming a crown around the radial deflector 31. The transverse deflector 32 is configured to deflect the air in a plane perpendicular to the mast, giving it a direction of rotation. Thus, the transverse deflector 32 contributes to directing the air into the collector, orienting it towards the outlet opening 50. In this example, the transverse deflector 32 is formed of curved fins 33. The transverse deflector 32 forms an interface between the deflector 30 and the collector 40.

[0082] Figure 4A shows a section of the deflector 30 in the longitudinal plane, which is a plane passing through the longitudinal axis. The radial deflector 31 is formed by a surface which moves away from the mast between the upper opening 30 s and the lower end 30j. The surface may be continuous, from the upper opening 30 s towards the lower end 30j, which is preferable, and corresponds to the example shown. By continuous surface, it is meant that the distance between the surface of the radial deflector 31 and the mast increases progressively from the upper opening 30 s towards the lower end 30j. Alternatively the surface of the deflector 31 may be discontinuous: the distance between the surface of the radial deflector 31 and the mast increases by one or more discontinuities, from the upper opening 30 s towards the lower end 30j. The shape of the radial deflector 31 induces a deflection of the air flow away from the mast.

[0083] In this example, the radial deflector 31 extends, around the longitudinal axis A, along a diameter. The diameter of the radial deflector increases between the upper opening 30 s and the lower end 30j.

[0084] Heating elements 35 may be arranged on the radial deflector 31, between the upper opening 30 s and the lower end 30j. In this example, the heating elements are resistors forming concentric rings, around the longitudinal axis A. Alternatively or additionally, heating elements 35 can be arranged in the intake duct 20, for example around the mast or on the wall of the intake duct 20. The use of heating elements makes it possible to generate hot air, which is useful in the case of advection frost. This makes it possible to generate a stream of hot air, the generator of which ensures the channeling towards the outlet opening. Thus, a stream of hot air emerges from the outlet opening, being directed towards the crops to be protected. The combination of hot air and channeling makes it possible to gain in efficiency.

[0085] The radial deflector 31 makes it possible to deflect the air in the longitudinal plane, towards the collector. In Figure 4A, the air flow, in the longitudinal plane, towards the collector 40 is represented by curved arrows.

[0086] In the example shown, the deflector 30 comprises a transverse deflector 32, formed by a succession of fins 33 arranged along a crown surrounding the radial deflector 31. Figure 4B shows a sectional view of the deflector 30 in a transverse plane, perpendicular to the mast 10. The geometry of each fin can be observed, forming a non-zero deflection angle 0 with respect to a diameter of the transverse deflector. The diameter of the transverse deflector corresponds to a straight line orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and connecting the longitudinal axis to the fin. More precisely, each fin comprises a straight portion 33i, optional, extending along the continuity of the diameter of the transverse deflector. Each fin 33 comprises an inclined portion 332, forming a deflection angle 0 with respect to the diameter of the transverse deflector. The inclined parts 332 contribute to directing the air flow in the same direction of rotation in the collector 40.In Figure 4B, the air flow in the transverse plane at the level of the transverse deflector is represented by curved arrows.

[0087] In this example, the fins 33 are fixed. Alternatively, at least one fin or each fin is free to rotate about an axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis A. The transverse deflector 32 is optional.

[0088] Figure 4C shows a perspective view of the deflector 30. Around the lower end 30i, the deflector 30 comprises a planar annular support 34, extending the lower end 30j, comprising a rail 36. The rail 36 is configured to receive a guide, for example a roller, connected to the collector 40, so as to guide a rotation of the collector 40 around the deflector 30.

[0089] Figure 5A shows the collector 40, surrounding the deflector 30 and collecting the air deflected by the latter. The collector has a cylindrical opening 41, around the longitudinal axis A, surrounding the deflector 30. The collector is delimited by a solid peripheral wall 42, extending around the longitudinal axis A. The peripheral wall 42 is arranged facing the cylindrical opening 41, so that the air admitted into the collector flows between the cylindrical opening 41 and the peripheral wall 42. According to one possibility, the peripheral wall is cylindrical: the radius R between the peripheral wall 42 and the longitudinal axis A is constant. Advantageously, the radius R between the cylindrical wall 42 and the longitudinal axis A increases between a minimum radius Rmin and a maximum radius R ma x-

[0090] Considering a flow direction in the collector, along the peripheral wall, the minimum radius Rmin and the maximum radius R ma x correspond respectively to sections of the peripheral wall respectively close to and far from the outlet opening 50. Preferably, without this being necessary, the increase in the radius R is progressive: the minimum radius Rmin corresponds to the point furthest from the outlet opening, taking into account the direction of flow. The maximum radius R ma x corresponds to the adjacent section of the outlet opening 50. Figure 5B is a top view of the generator. It can be seen that in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, the peripheral wall 42 extends along a contour forming a spiral around the longitudinal axis A. The increase in radius as one approaches the outlet opening makes it possible to conform to the increasing volume of air entering the collector, having been previously deflected by the deflector 30. In Figure 5B, the dashed arrow F1 corresponds to the direction of flow in the collector 40. The solid arrows F2 correspond to the intake of air into the collector 40. The maximum diameter D4o mentioned in connection with Figure 3 has also been shown. The closer one gets to the outlet opening 50, the more the cross-section of the collector increases.The collector section corresponds to a section of the collector in a plane perpendicular to the direction of air flow in the collector.

[0091] The collector 40 extends, along the longitudinal axis, between an upper wall 40 s and a bottom wall 40j. The top and bottom walls are solid and preferably parallel. In this example, the top and bottom walls are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. According to one possibility, the top and bottom walls are inclined relative to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0092] Under the combined effects of the deflector and the collector, the air flow, reaching the deflector while heading parallel to the longitudinal axis, becomes a circular flow, flowing around the longitudinal axis, until it reaches the outlet opening.

[0093] In this example, the collector has a quadrilateral cross-section. Other geometries can be considered, for example a circular geometry.

[0094] Preferably, the collector is rotatable about the longitudinal axis A. Thus, under the effect of the air flow through the outlet opening 50, the collector rotates about the longitudinal axis, in a direction opposite to the direction in which the air flow emerges from the outlet opening. This results from the fact that the outlet opening 50 is offset from the longitudinal axis A. In Figure 5B, the arrows F3 represent the direction in which the air flow emerges from the collector. The arrow F4 materializes the direction of rotation of the collector 40, in reaction to the air flow emerging from the outlet opening.

[0095] The rotation of the collector 40 around the longitudinal axis constitutes an important advantage of the invention: this makes it possible to significantly increase the cultivation surface covered by the device. Preferably, as previously described, the rotation is carried out under the effect of the off-center air flow emerging from the outlet opening 50, and without specific motorization. The rotation is the consequence of the admission of air into the generator, under the effect of the turbine 13. The greater the eccentric distance d 50 between the central evacuation axis A 50 and the longitudinal axis A is high, the greater the rotation torque: this makes it possible to increase the rotation speed for the same air flow coming out of the outlet opening.

[0096] In the collector 40, a flap 43 prevents the air, channeled towards the outlet opening, from recirculating in the collector. The section of the outlet opening can be adapted according to the power or the surface area of ​​the air flow that one wishes to obtain at the outlet of the generator.

[0097] Figure 6 shows an example of mechanical coupling of the manifold 40 around the intake deflector 30, and more precisely the planar annular support 34. The planar annular support comprises a rail 36, forming the previously mentioned raceway (see Figure 4C), in which rollers 37 are inserted, mounted around a rotation shaft 37' secured to the lower wall of the manifold 40j. Preferably, there are at least three rollers 37 distributed around the manifold, for example according to a rotational symmetry of 120°. At each roller 37, a brake system comprises a pad 38 folded to a support 39. The support 39 comprises a spring configured to move the pad 38 relative to the roller 37, so as to allow controlled support of the pad on the roller.

[0098] Some alternative embodiments of the invention are now described.

[0099] In Figure 7, a collector 40 is shown having two outlet openings 50i, 502, having rotational symmetry. The collector is then divided into as many parts as there are outlet openings 50. Each outlet opening is preferably arranged at an equal distance from the mast. The number of outlet openings may be greater than 2, for example 3 or 4.

[0100] Figures 8A and 8B show different geometric configurations, with heights h 50 , h 40 and h 20 variables.

[0101] According to one possibility, the assembly formed by the turbine, the intake duct, the deflector and the manifold can be moved in translation along the longitudinal axis, so as to adapt the height. According to another possibility, the angle of inclination of the outlet opening can also be adjustable. The outlet opening can also be associated with an adjustable deflector to adjust the inclination of the air flow emerging from the latter.

[0102] The invention can be applied to different crops, both at ground level, or at human height relative to the ground (for example, vines), or at a greater height (for example, fruit trees). The geometric parameters can be adapted accordingly, in particular the inclination of the outlet axis relative to the ground or the height to which the outlet opening extends. The invention makes it possible to cover a large cultivated area, by adjusting the inclination at which the air flow emerges, and by the possible rotation of the collector.< / t>

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Air flow generator (1), comprising a mast (10), extending, along a longitudinal axis (A), from a base (11), configured to be placed on or above a ground, the generator comprising, carried by the mast; - a turbine (13), configured to generate an air flow; - an intake duct (20), extending from the turbine, towards the base, along the mast, the turbine being configured to admit air into the intake duct, such that the air flow flows, in the duct, along the longitudinal axis, towards the base; - a deflector (30), comprising a radial deflector (31) extending around the mast, between the intake duct and the base, the radial deflector being configured to deflect the air flow in a radial direction, so as to direct the air flow away from the mast; the generator being characterized in that it also comprises: - a collector (40), located opposite the deflector, the collector comprising a lower wall (40i), extending around the mast, and a peripheral wall (42), distant from the mast, and extending, from the lower wall (40i), around the mast, the collector being configured to collect the flow deflected by the deflector and to direct the flow of air deflected around the mast, between the mast (10) and the peripheral wall (42); - the collector (40) is rotatable around the longitudinal axis, so that under the effect of the air flow emerging from the outlet opening, the collector rotates around the longitudinal axis; - at least one air outlet opening (50), into which the collector opens, eccentric relative to the mast, and inclined so that the air flow opens from the outlet opening, towards the ground, at a distance from the mast, the opening extending around an evacuation axis (A5o) inclined at an acute angle of inclination and greater than 45° relative to the longitudinal axis, so that when the longitudinal axis is vertical, the air flow generated is oriented towards the ground, at an orientation angle, relative to the horizontal, which is sufficiently small.

2. Generator according to claim 1, in which the deflector (30) comprises a transverse deflector (32), extending around the radial deflector, configured to deflect the air flow, in a plane perpendicular to the mast, in a direction of rotation, so as to generate a rotation of the air flow around the mast.

3. Generator according to claim 2, in which the transverse deflector (32) comprises at least one fin (33), parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), the fin forming an angle of non-zero deflection (0) with a diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and passing through the fin.

4. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the collector extends, facing the deflector (30); - the peripheral wall is distant from the longitudinal axis by a radius, the radius varying between a minimum radius (Rmin) and a maximum radius (R ma x), the maximum radius corresponding to a portion of the adjacent peripheral wall of the outlet opening (50).

5. Generator according to claim 4, in which the minimum radius (Rmin) corresponds to a section furthest from the outlet opening, taking into account the direction of air flow in the collector.

6. Generator according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein - the collector has a section defined perpendicular to a direction of air flow in the collector; - the collector section increases as a function of a decreasing distance from the outlet opening, the distance being determined according to the flow direction.

7. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the intake pipe is fixed relative to the mast; - the manifold is rotatable relative to the intake pipe.

8. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the deflector is fixed relative to the mast; - the collector is mobile in rotation around the deflector.

9. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein - the generator comprises a rail (36) extending around the mast; - the collector (40) is connected to the raceway by rollers (37), the rollers allowing rotation of the collector around the mast, along the rail.

10. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one heating element (35), arranged in the intake duct and / or in the deflector, so as to be in contact with the air flow.

11. Generator according to claim 10, comprising several heating elements, distributed along the mast.

12. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: - the radial deflector (31) extends, along the mast, between an upper opening (30 s ) and a lower end (30j), the lower end extending between the upper opening and the base; - the radial deflector extends, around the longitudinal axis, along a diameter; - the diameter of the deflector increases between the upper opening and the lower end.

13. A generator according to claim 12, wherein the diameter of the deflector increases continuously between the upper opening and the lower end.

14. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the collector opens into several outlet openings, each outlet opening being eccentric relative to the mast, and inclined so that the air flow opens towards the ground, at a distance from the mast.

15. Generator according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outlet opening is arranged at a height (H5o) greater than 2 m relative to the base (11).

Citation Information

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