Improvements to systems for capturing wind energy at a height

Abstract

The present invention relates to improvements to systems for capturing wind energy at a height, using rotating turbines or rows of rotating turbines at a great height, which are secured with cables at one end, the other end being free, and which are automatically oriented with the wind. Said improvements comprise: securing cables for securing the turbines to the ground, the turbines being: spherical caps, cones or hoods and parachutes with side slits or openings, and the helical turbines consisting of a spring having a steel rod peripheral to the helical-shaped fabric or canvas blade; generators, the shafts of which are secured and actuated by the securing cables; RPM multipliers between the turbines and the generators; systems for the initial lifting of the turbines using drones; earthing discharge systems for static current and lightning; warning systems with LED strobe lights; and a protective controller microprocessor which issues operation warnings.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] IMPROVEMENTS IN WIND ENERGY CAPTURE SYSTEMS AT HIGH ALTITUDES

[0003] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0004] In wind energy systems, which generate electricity for homes and agriculture; desalination of farm water, water pumping, feeding current back into the electrical grid, obtaining hydrogen by water electrolysis, and storing pressurized air in bags at great depths in the sea.

[0005] Objective of the invention and advantages

[0006] To provide a large source of energy by placing the turbines at a high altitude.

[0007] Using turbines that utilize sails or tarpaulins allows for very large dimensions, providing a large amount of energy at low cost. Without taking into account the generator, these turbines can have a cost between one tenth and one hundredth of that of a typical wind turbine.

[0008] They can be placed on any land surface.

[0009] Colors can be applied to be perceived only by aircraft, avoiding visual pollution.

[0010] In some cases, inflatable conduits can be used as masts, which simultaneously facilitate their retraction.

[0011] Being able to use electric generators, synchronous, with multiple pole pairs, with rpm multipliers, or installations with compressors or hydraulic pumps driven directly by the turbine shafts.

[0012] To provide a simple, high-performance system that is non-polluting, does not kill birds, produces no noise, vibrations, or radio interference, and requires no electrical devices to steer into the wind. Unlike other drones, it does not require complicated takeoffs and landings. At high altitudes, with the strong winds that exist, its power is very high: the cube of the wind speed. That is, applying 5 m / s results in a 125 times greater effect than with 1 m / s.

[0013] Being able to obtain electricity, hydrogen, desalination of seawater, and pneumatic storage at the bottom of the sea.

[0014] It can be considered within the AWES system, Aeroplane Wind Energy Systems. But using simpler and more economical systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION.

[0015] Current wind energy systems require advanced technologies, large dimensions, costly sites, and offshore placement to achieve high efficiency and avoid environmental pollution. They are difficult to control and complex. They produce electrical interference, kill birds, and are not widely accepted by the general public. The present invention eliminates these drawbacks by providing a simple, useful, and economical system using turbines with cables and sail surfaces: spherical caps or parachutes, paraglider-type cushions or mattresses, or canvas, fabric, or plastic kites filled with helium.

[0016] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Problem to be solved.

[0018] A lot of low-cost renewable energy is needed. Current systems have significantly reduced costs, but substantial subsidies are still required and must be repaid somehow. Long systems, often using strings of parachutes, paragliders, kites, etc., have problems extending from the ground without using large terminals. This is solved by lifting the outermost end with a drone equipped with rotating propellers, such as tricopters, quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters. The present invention solves most of these problems.

[0019] The improvements to the high-altitude wind energy capture systems of the invention utilize turbines or rows of turbines rotating at high altitudes, supported at one end, and characterized in that they comprise: a) Paraglider-type cushions or mattresses with fixed or variable fins or rudders on their trailing edges, b) Paraglider-type surfaces or fabrics with fins or rudders on their trailing edges, c) Spherical caps, cones, hoods, or parachutes with lateral slits or openings through which the inclined air exits due to the difference in length of the two edges of the slits, d) Helical turbines, e) Support systems using cords and cables, f) Systems for the initial lifting of the turbines using drones, quadcopters, or similar.g) Grounding systems for static currents and lightning, h) Warning systems with strobe LED lights and i) A microprocessor that controls, protects and gives warnings of its operation.

[0020] Generally, the turbines at the top ends can be inflatable and filled with helium to facilitate lifting. Alternatively, a helium balloon can be added. Another solution is to lift them with a quadcopter drone or similar.

[0021] The lower ends of the cables can be fixed to the ground with the generator near the turbines, or they can be rotating with the generator at the lower end, i.e., on the ground. The cables can be made of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant plastic polymers, such as polyester, polyethylene, etc., and must be conductive with a mixture of conductive material in order to divert static currents and lightning strikes to the ground.

[0022] The turbines automatically direct the airflow to the wind.

[0023] In one variant, instead of using sail surfaces in the form of caps, triangular sails are used. In large turbines, RPM multipliers can be applied between the turbine and the generators.

[0024] When possible, the mechanical energy obtained can be used to compress air or hydrogen, storing it in flexible bags or containers submerged at medium or great depths in the sea until needed. Materials that can be used include stainless steel, zinc, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. The tanks or tarpaulins can be made of natural or synthetic fibers reinforced with graphene.

[0025] Protection from strong winds is achieved by retracting the turbines when a wind speed sensor detects excessive intensity.

[0026] The system can be set to orange or soft red colors to make it visible to aircraft. However, it is advisable not to exceed 400 meters. The generated current can power not only the equipment but also the strobe LED lights used to determine and warn of its position. In an emergency, it provides battery power.

[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of a helical turbine surrounded by a helical and conical spring

[0029] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a turbine formed by a fabric or canvas divided longitudinally into three surfaces. Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a paraglider or kite-type turbine fairing.

[0030] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a turbine formed by a row of rotating spherical caps or parachutes. Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a row of paraglider-type turbines.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a schematic and sectioned view of a turbine with three curved triangular surfaces.

[0032] Figure 0 shows a schematic side view of retracted turbines and an extension system.

[0033] Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of turbines extended by means of a drain. Figure 10 shows a schematic side view of a row of parachutes using the ground-mounted electric generator.

[0034] Figure 11 shows several types of turbines that can be used with the present system.

[0035] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows an embodiment with a helical turbine (1) consisting of a conical helical spring (20) that runs along the periphery of a canvas or fabric (21) and extends to approximately 400 m. The canvas or fabric is shaped like a helical fin and may have a small tube on its outer edge through which the wire or rod of the spring is inserted. The spring allows the turbine to be extended or retracted, thus occupying very little space. The turbine is attached to and drives the generator shaft (o), and the lower end of the shaft (6) is attached to the winch (7), which is driven by the electric motor (7m).

[0036] Section 2. The turbine (f) is formed by a piece of canvas or fabric arranged between a point attached to the generator shaft (5) and the section or support (16) in a broken shape at the opposite end, creating three triangular surfaces. The turbine is attached to and drives the generator shaft (5), and the lower end of the cable is attached to the winch (7), which is driven by the electric motor (7m).

[0037] FIG, 3 shows the turbine (1) formed by a rotating paraglider whose canvas or fabric (2) is attached with two cardons (3) to the generator shaft (5); The acetas (4) act as rudders producing the rotation of the turbine. The turbine is attached to and drives the generator shaft (5), and its lower end of the cable (6) is attached to the winch (7), which is driven by the electric motor (7m). Fig. 4 shows the turbine (1) formed by a row of caps or parachutes crossed by the support cable (da) and peripheral cords (3). Each of the caps or parachutes has lateral slits (9) through which the inclined air exits, shown by the arrows (10), generating the rotational torque as a reaction. The turbine is attached to and drives the generator shaft (5), and the lower end of the cable (6) is attached to the winch (7), which is driven by the electric motor (7m).

[0038] FIG. 5 shows the turbine (1) formed by a row of rotating paragliders, which can be kites, held by lateral cables (3s) : which apply the rotation of these to the generator shaft (5). Add some du&teites lights (20) to show the position. The turbine is attached and drives the generator shaft (5) and the lower end of the cable (6) is attached to the winch (7) which is driven by the electric motor (7m).

[0039] Figure 6 shows the turbine (1) formed by a row of cross-shaped caps or parachutes joined together by peripheral cords (3), its lower end being attached to the cable (»). Each of the caps or parachutes has lateral slits through which the inclined air exits, generating torque as a reaction. The turbine is connected to and drives the generator shaft, not shown in the figure, and the lower end of the cable (6) is attached to the winch (?) which is driven by the electric motor (7m).

[0040] FIG. 7 shows a turbine formed by three curved triangular fabrics (21) held by the cable (o) and some cords not shown in the figure that hold the vertices of the fabrics with the cable (6).

[0041] Figure 8 shows the turbine (?) formed by several retracted caps or parachutes. A quadcopter-type propeller (8) is used to facilitate initial extension, as it is usually quite long. The turbine is attached to and drives the generator shaft, not shown in the figure, and the lower end of the cable (6) is attached to the winch (7), which is driven by the electric motor (7m).

[0042] Figure 9 shows the turbine (1) formed by several caps or parachutes (1). A quadcopter-type propeller drone (8) is used to facilitate the initial extension, as it is usually quite long. The turbine is attached to and drives the generator shaft, not shown in the figure, and the lower end of the cable (6) is attached to a winch (7), which is operated by the electric motor (7m). Figure 10 shows the turbine formed by multiple spherical caps or parachutes attached by the cable (6) to the generator shaft (5r), forming a rotating element (19a) whose axis rotates on the support base (19) on the ground. This rotating support system is valid for the turbines in the other figures.

[0043] Figure 11 shows several types of turbines that can also use this system: the (Ir) turbine formed by a twisted beam or plate, the (1s) helical turbine with an arched section and no shaft, and the (1t and tv) worm gear turbines with a shaft

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Improvements in high-altitude wind energy capture systems that use turbines or rows of rotating turbines (1) at high altitude, held by cables (6. 6a) at one end and characterized in that they comprise: a) Paraglider-type cushions or mattresses with fixed rudders or stabilizers at their trailing edges. b) Paraglider-type surfaces or fabrics with fins or fins at their trailing edges. c) Spherical caps, cones, hoods or parachutes with lateral slits or openings (9) through which inclined air escapes due to the difference in length of the two edges of the slits. d) Helical turbines. e) Fastening systems using cords and cables, f) Initial turbine lifting systems using drones (8), quadcopters or similar, g) Grounding systems for static electricity and lightning, h) Warning systems with strobe LED lights and I) A microprocessor that controls, protects and gives warnings about its operation.

2. Improvements according to claim i, characterized in that the cables are rotatable and attached to the generator shaft (5), forming an element or assembly (19a), which in turn rotates on the support base (19) embedded in the ground. 3 Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that the generators are placed between the clamping end of the turbines and the cable which is fixed, 4. Improvements according to claim 1. characterized in that the cables are made of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant plastic polymers, polyester, and must be conductive with a mixture of conductive material in order to divert static currents and lightning to the ground.

5. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that the turbines automatically adjust to the airflow or wind.

6. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that, in one variant, the parachute caps are replaced by triangular sails.

7. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that in large turbines Dimensions are applied multipliers ds rpm between the turbine and the rollers.

8. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical energy obtained is used to compress air or hydrogen, storing it in bags or flexible containers submerged in the sea at medium or great depth until the time of use.

9. Improvements according to claim "i . characterized in that they use stainless materials based on steel, zinc, fiberglass or carbon, and fabrics or tarpaulins of natural or synthetic fibers reinforced with graphite.

10. Best according to claim 1 : characterized in that protection from strong winds is achieved by retracting the turrets when a sensor detects excessive speed, 11. Improvements according to claim 1. characterized park ai system soft orange or red colors are applied to make it visible to aircraft.

12. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that the generated current itself is used in the electrical circuits and the strobe LED lights and in emergency batteries, 13. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical turbines are constituted by a spring (30) of wire or steel rod which is inserted into a tube whose outermost or peripheral edge forms the fin of fabric or canvas in a helical shape.

14. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that the helical turbines are made up of a wire or steel rod spring, which is sewn with the outermost or peripheral edge that carries the helical fabric or zipper fin. 15 Meleras according to claim 1 characterized in that the turbines are formed by a canvas or fabric arranged between a point attached to the generator shaft (5) and the frame or support element (16) in a broken shape at the opposite end, which create three triangular surfaces.

16. Improvements according to claim 1. characterized in that the parachute-shaped turbines have cords (3) that connect the periphery of the turbines, spherical caps or parachutes with the support cables. IT. Improvements according to claim 1, characterized in that the turbines are formed by a twisted beam or plate (ir), a helical turbine with an arched section and without a ere (1s), and worm gear turbines with a shaft (1t and 1v).

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