Structural arrangement applied to a multifunctional structure for converting wind, solar and tidal energy into electricity

The multifunctional structure integrates aerodynamic blades with photovoltaic solar panels and an inverted tidal turbine to efficiently capture and convert wind, solar, and tidal energy, addressing integration and efficiency challenges, and providing a robust, sustainable, and cost-effective energy solution.

WO2025241011A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-11-27COSTA SABRINA VALÉRIA DA SILVA +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/BR2024/000008
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-20
Filing Date
2024-08-02
Publication Date
2025-11-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing renewable energy systems face limitations in integrating multiple energy sources, requiring separate facilities, increasing capital and operational costs, and geographical and environmental impacts, and requiring large installation areas, especially in densely populated regions or regions with geographical limitations.

Method used

The multifunctional structure is a multifunctional structure composed of a multifunctional structure that integrates aerodynamic blades directly coupled to the shaft of a large propeller, covered with photovoltaic solar panels and a submerged tidal turbine, and an inverted, submerged tidal turbine, which are corrosion- and wear-resistant materials, suitable for harsh marine environments, suitable for marine environments, integrating photovoltaic solar panels and a submerged tidal turbine, and an inverted, submerged tidal turbine, which are designed to maximize energy capture and storage of generated energy from multiple renewable sources, such as wind, solar and tidal energy, respectively, and tidal energy into electrical energy, respectively, and tidal energy, while protecting the equipment from debris and adverse sea conditions.

Benefits of technology

The multifunctional structure efficiently converts and stores energy from wind, solar, and tidal sources, reducing installation space, maintenance, and operational costs, and enhancing energy production and efficiency, with a robust and sustainable solution.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application for a utility model relates to a product pertaining to the renewable energy sector, and more particularly to a product which is useful in installations in marine and coastal environments, where conditions are conducive to the simultaneous exploitation of wind, solar and tidal energy. The application provides a multifunctional structure (1) intended for generating electricity, comprising an integrated set of aerodynamic blades (2) provided with photovoltaic solar panels (5) and an inverted and submerged tidal turbine (6), the configuration of which allows the simultaneous and optimized capture of wind, solar and tidal energy, thereby increasing energy efficiency and continuous energy production capacity. Integration of the three energy sources into a single structure reduces the need for multiple installations, maximizes the use of available space and minimizes the environmental impacts associated with the construction and operation of separate energy infrastructures.
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Description

[0001] CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A MULTIFUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE FOR CONVERTING WIND, SOLAR AND TIDAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY

[0002] BRIEF PRESENTATION

[0003]

[0001] This utility model patent application consists of a multifunctional structure designed for generating electricity, which efficiently integrates three different renewable energy sources: wind, solar, and tidal. The multifunctional structure is mainly composed of a set of aerodynamic blades directly coupled to the shaft of a large propeller, covered with photovoltaic solar panels, and an inverted, submerged tidal turbine. This arrangement allows for the simultaneous capture of solar and wind energy by the blades, while also harnessing ocean currents through the underwater turbine, thus maximizing the structure's energy efficiency. This convergence of technologies not only expands the capacity for clean energy production but also offers a robust and sustainable solution.

[0004] MODEL FIELD

[0005]

[0002] The present model has an application field focused on the renewable energy sector, more particularly, it is useful for installations in marine and coastal environments, where conditions are favorable for the simultaneous exploitation of wind, solar and tidal energy. In addition, the structure can be adapted for use in land areas, similarly harnessing wind and solar energy. The versatility of the model allows its application in a wide range of operations, from small independent installations to large integrated energy infrastructure projects, such as offshore and onshore wind and solar farms, and tidal energy projects.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE MODEL

[0007]

[0003] It is known that the installation of wind turbines for wind energy generation has been a growing practice since the first installation in Brazil in 1992, in Fernando de Noronha, a collaboration between the Brazilian Center for Wind Energy (CBEE), the Pernambuco Energy Company (Celpe), and a Danish institute. This practice is considered highly useful for diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Similarly, wind energy technology uses wind turbines, whose principle is the conversion of the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy through rotating blades coupled to a generator. In these technologies, a relevant characteristic is the need for large areas for the installation of wind farms, as well as the dependence on climatic conditions for energy efficiency.

[0008]

[0004] Given these considerations, the search for more integrated and efficient solutions that can optimize the use of space and available energy sources led to the development of the described model. This change in the context of energy generation, where the aim is to maximize efficiency and energy production, directly affects the use of the model, since it combines wind, solar, and tidal energy generation in a single structure. This not only increases production capacity but also allows for installation in diverse environments, adapting to the specific characteristics of each location, whether on land or in marine environments, thus reducing the exclusive dependence on favorable weather conditions for wind generation.

[0009] PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

[0010]

[0005] Given the existing wind turbines in the field of renewable energy generation, several limitations are identified, such as:

[0011] • The lack of complete integration between different renewable energy sources in a single structure;

[0012] • Existing installations typically use only one or two energy sources, which limits overall efficiency and the ability to generate a consistent power supply, especially in variable weather conditions where one source may be less effective;

[0013] • The need for multiple separate facilities and infrastructures for each type of power generation;

[0014] • The increased capital costs and the environmental impact associated with the construction and maintenance of multiple facilities mean that a commonly used temporary solution is the installation of hybrid systems, which still face challenges in terms of integration and operational efficiency;

[0015] Problems arise due to the construction, installation, and maintenance of conventional technologies, which require different equipment and management for each type of energy;

[0016] • Greater complexity and operational costs, as well as requiring a larger area for installation, which may be impractical in densely populated regions or those with geographical limitations.

[0017] STATE OF THE ART

[0018]

[0006] Document BR 102012014531-6, published on 05 / 08 / 2014, is known from the current state of the art. It deals with a metallic structure that serves as a support for a wind catcher and atmospheric air heating chamber to move the assembly, which also consists of concave convex spherical mirrors that serve to capture and direct solar rays through absorption windows and heat the interior of the same, causing the expansion and ascent of the air inside, and being expelled through the exhaust windows, causing the movement of the aforementioned catcher, upon impact with its fins, which activates a central shaft, fixed by an upper bearing, connected to an emergency brake, and with fixing rods that go to the electricity generator located in the ground floor hall of the power plant, containing a thermal partition along with the ceiling, where a main brake is fixed and where the auxiliary ventilation doors are located.Located near the air intake inlets, which will be heated and expanded when closed by a cutting door, the system also includes a ladder for internal plant maintenance, auxiliary doors for external inspection from above, a protective screen against bird or bat impacts, and fixing rods with height warning lights. The assembly also includes a motor-compressor that feeds a compressed air reservoir to provide emergency air supply when there is no "external wind," through an air duct pipe to the wind intake, which is located inside the intake, providing "extra wind" in this exceptional situation and ensuring the system remains in a constant minimum operational state. This is managed by information from an anemometer located at the top of the plant and analyzed, corrected, and balanced by a computer system.It also contains a rainwater reservoir, which expels the water through another pipe into the chamber where it is heated, causing it to expand and rise, thus rotating the wind collector and consequently powering the electric generator, producing electrical energy.

[0019]

[0007] Document BR 102023004084-5, published on 11 / 21 / 2023, which deals with a tank supported by at least one vertical gear, such that the tank moves in an upward and downward direction with at least one vertical gear, the displacement of the tank being based on a vertical movement of a tide that raises and lowers the tank; at least one circular gear coupled to at least one vertical gear, such that at least one circular gear rotates when at least one vertical gear moves in the upward and downward directions; a shaft connected to at least one circular gear, such that the shaft rotates when at least one circular gear rotates; and a dynamo attached to the shaft, such that the rotation of the shaft is transmitted to the dynamo for energy generation.

[0008] However, the present model differs from patent documents BR 102012014531-6 and BR 102023004084-5 by means of its multifunctional structure for energy generation. While document BR 102012014531-6 describes a complex system that uses solar and wind energy indirectly, through air heating and movement of a wind catcher, the present model directly integrates aerodynamic blades with photovoltaic solar panels and a tidal turbine, simplifying the conversion of wind, solar and ocean current energy into electrical energy in a direct and efficient manner.

[0020]

[0009] Furthermore, document BR 102023004084-5, although presenting a system for harnessing tidal energy, is limited to the vertical movement of a tank to drive a dynamo. In contrast, the present model employs an inverted tidal turbine configuration that, in addition to capturing energy from ocean currents, is integrated into a single structure that simultaneously captures solar and wind energy. That is, the present invention promotes a new technical effect, namely multifunctional integration, allowing for continuous and more efficient operation, regardless of individual variations in energy sources, as well as offering a more sustainable and effective solution for renewable energy generation.

[0021] PROPOSED SOLUTION

[0022]

[0010] The present model in question is a multifunctional structure composed of a set of aerodynamic blades coated with photovoltaic solar panels, a large propeller coupled to the blade shaft, and an inverted, submerged tidal turbine. These components are constructed using corrosion- and wear-resistant materials, suitable for harsh marine environments. The multifunctional structure includes high-efficiency energy converters, which allow for the optimized conversion of energy captured from multiple renewable sources, such as wind, solar, and tidal power. The integration of solar panels into the aerodynamic blades allows the structure to capture solar energy without compromising the aerodynamic efficiency of the blades, while the propeller and tidal turbine utilize air and sea currents, respectively.Furthermore, the inverted configuration of the tidal turbine facilitates the capture of energy from ocean currents and protects the equipment from potential damage caused by debris or adverse sea conditions.

[0023]

[0011] Additionally, the energy captured by each of the components is efficiently converted and stored in integrated battery systems or transferred directly to an electrical grid.

[0024] MODEL OBJECTIVES

[0025]

[0012] The model's objectives include:

[0026] • To provide a multifunctional structure for electricity generation, offering the capacity to maximize energy capture from multiple renewable sources (wind, solar and tidal), increasing energy efficiency;

[0027] • To develop a multifunctional structure that is highly durable and corrosion-resistant, ensuring a long service life and reduced maintenance;

[0028] • To provide an efficient and sustainable solution, integrating photovoltaic solar panels into aerodynamic blades and a submerged tidal turbine in a single structure, to take advantage of available environmental conditions;

[0029] • To provide an excellent cost-benefit ratio by reducing operational and infrastructure costs, by combining three energy sources into a single piece of equipment;

[0030] • To enable the efficient conversion and storage of generated energy, using high-efficiency energy converters and integrated battery systems, which optimize energy production and minimize losses.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032]

[0013] The following illustrations of the present model are attached:

[0033]

[0014] Fig. 1: shows a perspective view of the multifunctional structure for converting wind, solar and tidal energy into electrical energy;

[0034]

[0015] Fig. 2: shows a perspective view of the multifunctional structure for converting wind, solar and tidal energy into electrical energy, showing the set of aerodynamic blades with photovoltaic solar panels;

[0035]

[0016] Fig. 3: shows a perspective view of the multifunctional structure for converting wind, solar and tidal energy into electrical energy, showing the tidal turbine;

[0036]

[0017] Fig. 4; shows the front view of the multifunctional structure for converting wind, solar and tidal energy into electrical energy, showing the battery system and the energy converter.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODEL

[0038]

[0018] The constructive arrangement applied in a multifunctional structure for converting wind, solar and tidal energy into electrical energy, the subject of this utility model patent application, consists of a multifunctional structure (1) applied in a way intended for the generation of electrical energy, efficiently integrating three different renewable energy sources: wind, solar and tidal. The multifunctional structure (1) is specially designed to maximize energy capture in marine environments, although it can also be adapted for land-based use.

[0039]

[0019] The multifunctional structure (1) consists of a set of aerodynamic blades (2), which are directly coupled to the shaft (3) of a large propeller (4). The set of aerodynamic blades (2) are covered with photovoltaic solar panels (5), which are integrated in such a way as not to compromise the aerodynamic efficiency of the set of aerodynamic blades (2). The integration of the photovoltaic solar panels (5) with the set of aerodynamic blades (2) allows the multifunctional structure (1) to harness solar energy while simultaneously capturing wind energy, significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the system.

[0040]

[0020] At the bottom of the multifunctional structure (1), an inverted tidal turbine (6) is employed. The tidal turbine (6) is designed with a support (7) with a horizontal axis (8), equipped with symmetrical two-bladed propellers (9). The tidal turbine (6) is smaller and more robust, operating submerged, optimized to capture the energy of ocean currents without interfering with the operations of the aerodynamic blade assembly (2), above the water surface. The inverted and submerged position of the tidal turbine (6) facilitates the capture of energy from ocean currents, while protecting the equipment from potential damage caused by debris or adverse sea conditions.

[0041]

[0021] The multifunctional structure (1) is constructed with corrosion and wear-resistant materials, suitable to withstand the adverse conditions found in marine environments. Furthermore, the construction of the multifunctional structure (1) takes into account the specific loads and forces associated with wind, solar and tidal power generation, providing a long service life and reduced maintenance.

[0042]

[0022] The energy captured by each of the components — aerodynamic blade assembly (2) with photovoltaic solar panels (5) and tidal turbine (6) — is efficiently converted and stored in integrated battery systems (B) or transferred directly to an electrical grid. The multifunctional structure (1) includes high-efficiency energy converters (C) to ensure that the energy is processed in an optimized manner, maximizing production and minimizing energy losses.

[0043]

[0023] In due course, as shown in Fig. 2, it is possible to visualize the multifunctional structure (1), with only the set of aerodynamic blades (2) with photovoltaic solar panels (5), where the multifunctional structure (1) can operate only on land, i.e., using only solar and wind energy. FUNCTIONING

[0044]

[0024] The photovoltaic solar panels (5) mounted on the aerodynamic blades (2) are configured to efficiently capture solar radiation. Each photovoltaic cell in the photovoltaic solar panels (5) converts sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect, where light energy excites electrons, creating a direct electric current. In parallel, the tidal turbine (6) employs symmetrical configuration two-bladed propellers (9) which are specially designed to maximize the conversion of the kinetic energy of ocean currents into rotational mechanical energy. This symmetrical arrangement ensures that the symmetrical configuration two-bladed propellers (9) can capture energy from water flows in both tidal directions, increasing energy efficiency. The combination of these technologies in the multifunctional structure provides a robust and continuous solution for the generation of renewable energy converted into electrical energy.

[0045]

[0025] The present model offers a highly efficient and robust solution for the generation of renewable energy converted into electrical energy, simultaneously harnessing wind, solar and tidal energy sources.

[0046]

[0026] However, due to the advantages it offers and its truly innovative characteristics, the CONSTRUCTIVE ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A MULTIFUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE FOR CONVERTING WIND, SOLAR AND TIDAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY meets the necessary conditions to merit a Utility Model Patent.

Claims

CLAIM DOG 1) CONSTRUCTIONAL ARRANGEMENT APPLIED IN A MULTIFUNCTIONAL STRUCTURE FOR CONVERTING WIND, SOLAR AND TIDAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY, consists of a multifunctional structure (1) composed of a set of aerodynamic blades (2), which are directly coupled to the shaft (3) of a large propeller (4) and a tidal turbine (6), characterized by a set of aerodynamic blades (2) being coated with photovoltaic solar panels (5) for capturing solar energy while simultaneously capturing wind energy; furthermore, the multifunctional structure (1) comprises a tidal turbine (6) designed with a support (7) with a horizontal axis (8), equipped with symmetrical two-bladed propellers (9) of inverted submerged configuration to capture the energy of ocean currents;also, the energy captured by the set of aerodynamic blades (2) with photovoltaic solar panels (5) and tidal turbine (6) is converted and stored in integrated battery systems (B) or transferred directly to an electrical grid and; includes energy converters (C).;

Citation Information

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