Wind turbine and method for operating same

Abstract

The invention relates to a wind turbine (10) having a support section (16) that can be rotated about a main axis of rotation (20) and which can be coupled to a generator in a rotationally fixed manner. At least two rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) are mounted on or in the support section (16) so as to be rotatable about a rotor axis of rotation (24) running parallel to the main axis of rotation (20). According to the invention, at least some sections of the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) are guided in a guide (26) during a rotation of the support section (16) about the main axis of rotation (20).

Description

[0001] Applicant:

[0002] Walter Maier

[0003] Karlstrasse 20 / 1

[0004] 71332 Waiblingen

[0005] 27660003WO 14.10.2025

[0006] ABU / CHS / AME

[0007] Title: Wind turbine and operating procedures

[0008] Description

[0009] The invention relates to a wind turbine and a method for converting wind energy into electrical energy using a wind turbine.

[0010] Technical solutions for wind turbines with blades that can rotate around a horizontal or vertical axis of rotation are already known.

[0011] For example, DE 3505460A1 discloses a wind turbine with several support arms and blades arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The blades are freely rotatable about their axis of rotation on the support arms by means of a vertically arranged shaft between two stops. DE 10 2008 012 927Al discloses a wind turbine with a vertical central shaft supporting a vertical support structure. Blades and limit stops are arranged on the support structure. Each blade is rotatable about a peripheral axis and rests against the limit stop when in operation.

[0012] In DE 100 32 674 Al, DE 102 58 358 Al and AT 397 839 B, rotors and / or wind turbines are shown.

[0013] The disadvantage of this technology is that the blades are not always ideally oriented into the wind to efficiently convert wind power into usable rotational motion. As long as the blade is in contact with the stop, its rotational orientation relative to its support arm does not change. Continuous adjustment of the blade's rotational orientation to the wind is not possible.

[0014] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a wind power plant for the more efficient use of wind power.

[0015] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a wind turbine with a support section rotatable about a main axis of rotation, which can be coupled to a generator in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, in particular at least five, in particular at least six rotors are rotatably mounted on or in the support section about a rotor axis of rotation running parallel to the main axis of rotation, wherein the rotors are guided at least section by section in a guide when the support section is rotated about the main axis of rotation.

[0016] The wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity. The wind force acting on the rotor results in a thrust force acting on the support section, which sets the support section into a rotational motion around the main axis of rotation. The support section can be coupled to the generator in a rotationally fixed manner, for example via a gearbox. The generator produces electricity from the rotational motion of the support section.

[0017] Since the rotors are freely rotatable about a rotor axis parallel to the main axis of rotation, they tend to pivot into a rotational orientation parallel to the wind direction. In other words, the rotor rotates about its respective rotor axis until a longitudinal extension of a rotor cross-section is perpendicular to the rotor axis and parallel to the wind direction. If all rotors are aligned parallel to the wind direction, the supporting section remains essentially stationary at the main axis of rotation, as the resulting thrust driving the supporting section is insufficient.

[0018] To prevent the runners from permanently aligning themselves parallel to the wind direction, they are guided section by section within a guide. This guide implies that the rotational orientation of the runners relative to the wind direction is predetermined by the guide's shape along its length. The guide can extend laterally to a segment of the runner's circular path around its main axis of rotation, or to the entire circular path. The advantage of this design is that, without an active control mechanism, the runners are optimally, continuously, and / or seamlessly aligned with the wind direction. Wind power is thus utilized efficiently. Furthermore, such a guide is robust and simple to implement in terms of construction.

[0019] The main axis of rotation and the rotor axis of rotation of the wind turbine are preferably vertically aligned. Depending on the design of the rotors and the guide system, the support section of the wind turbine can rotate around the main axis of rotation in a main direction, either clockwise or counterclockwise. The guide system prevents the rotors from rotating in a direction where a thrust force opposes the main direction of rotation, thus inhibiting, interrupting, or reversing the rotation of the support section.

[0020] The runners can be arranged symmetrically on the support section in one embodiment, particularly with an even number of runners, and asymmetrically in an alternative embodiment, particularly with an odd number of runners. For example, with two runners, the runner axes of rotation can be arranged at an angle of 180° to each other around the main axis of rotation. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the two runners have an asymmetrical angle of 240° and 120° to each other, respectively. For example, with three runners, the runner axes of rotation can be arranged at an angle of 120° to each other around the main axis of rotation. The runners can advantageously be arranged such that at least one runner is always located in a thrust-generating circular path segment around the main axis of rotation.On surfaces of a runner that are not parallel to the wind direction, a resistance force directed in the wind direction acts, which can be used as a thrust force.

[0021] In a further development, it is provided that the support section is arranged on a mast extending along the main axis of rotation. The mast can be arranged on the installation area of ​​the wind turbine, in particular vertically. The support section can be rotatably mounted on the mast. Alternatively, the support section can be rotationally fixed to a mast section, so that the mast rotates at least partially with the support section around the main axis of rotation.

[0022] In a further development, it is provided that the support section comprises support arms which extend essentially perpendicular to the main axis of rotation, with at least one runner arranged on each support arm. In a view along the main axis of rotation, the support section can be star-shaped. Support arms are a material-saving way of forming the support section. Alternatively, the support section can also be designed as a disk, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0023] In a further development, the support section is provided with first support arms extending in a first plane and second support arms extending in a second plane. The first and second planes are preferably spaced apart from each other along the main axis of rotation and / or parallel to each other. The runners are each arranged at least partially between a first and a second support arm and rotatably mounted on them. Advantageously, the runners supported on two sides can withstand stronger winds than runners supported on only one side, and / or can be dimensioned larger along and / or perpendicular to the respective runner axis of rotation. Larger runners with a larger wind-attack area achieve a greater thrust.

[0024] In a further development, it is provided that the runners have a guide section, in particular a roller, which can be guided section by section within the guide. As described above, the wind forces the runner into a rotational orientation parallel to the wind direction. The guide section engaging in a guide limits the rotational orientation of the runner by pressing it against the guide. Advantageously, the rotational orientation of the runner relative to the wind direction can be predetermined. If the guide section is designed as a roller, it can roll along the guide with minimal resistance. It would also be conceivable for the guide section to be designed only as a projecting section, in particular as a sliding section, and / or to be made of a material with low frictional resistance.

[0025] In a further development, it is provided that the rotors of the wind turbine each have a primary section and a secondary section extending along the rotor axis of rotation. The secondary section is preferably arranged on a side of the support section facing away from the primary section, and / or the primary and secondary sections are connected in a rotationally fixed manner. In other words, the rotor is designed in two parts along the rotor axis of rotation. If the primary and secondary sections are coupled to each other in a rotationally fixed manner, the rotational orientation of the rotor relative to the wind direction can be predetermined by means of a guide. Advantageously, a secondary section allows the wind attack surface of the rotor to be increased, and thus also the thrust force acting on the support section in the area of ​​the guide. For example, the primary section could be designed to align with the guide.

[0026] According to the invention, the rotors have an asymmetric airfoil profile in a cross-section extending perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation. An asymmetric airfoil profile has a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side extending away from the high-pressure side along the longitudinal extent of the rotor cross-section. The low-pressure side can be curved, i.e., as a kind of protruding bulge. The high-pressure side can also be curved, with the curvature being less pronounced than on the low-pressure side. Alternatively, the high-pressure side can be essentially parallel to the longitudinal extent or formed as a depression. The asymmetric airfoil profile is designed such that, due to the resulting airflow, a higher flow velocity and a lower pressure develop on the low-pressure side than on the high-pressure side.Together with the air deflected towards the high-pressure side, this results in a buoyancy force pointing towards the low-pressure side.

[0027] The runner with an asymmetrical cross-section thus experiences a lift force essentially perpendicular to a wind force component oriented along the longitudinal extent of the runner cross-section. This wind force component acts primarily when the runner is oriented differently from a rotational orientation perpendicular to the wind direction. The lift force can act as a further thrust force component on the supporting section. Advantageously, the wind force is thus used not only as a drag force but also as a lift force to utilize more energy from the wind. Even if the longitudinal extent of the runner cross-section is essentially parallel to the wind direction, the lift force of a runner generates a thrust force that can additionally be used to set the supporting section into a rotational motion about the main axis of rotation.

[0028] In a further development, it is stipulated that the rotors have a rotor blade running parallel to the main axis of rotation. The extent of the rotor blade forms the wind attack surface.

[0029] In a further development, the rotor axis of rotation is shifted midway relative to the rotor cross-section, which runs perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation. This supports the optimal alignment of the rotors around the circumference of the circular path. This advantageously contributes to improved dynamic behavior of the rotors. As a result, this leads to smoother and more stable operation of the wind turbine.

[0030] In a further development, it is provided that the rotor cross-section, running perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation, has a convex end and a pointed end. The rotor axis of rotation is preferably shifted midway towards the convex end. Thus, the length of the rotor from the rotor axis of rotation to the convex end is shorter than the length from the rotor axis of rotation to the pointed end. Consequently, more wind force is absorbed at the wind-engaging surface, particularly the rotor blade, which extends along the rotor axis of rotation, in the area between the rotor axis of rotation and the pointed end, and the rotor tends to rotate with its pointed end into the wind direction.

[0031] To determine the direction and / or orientation of the rotor about its axis of rotation, the rotor may have a control element, in particular a rudder. The rudder may be located on the side of the rotor that forms the pointed end of the rotor cross-section. The rudder projects at an angle to the longitudinal extent of the rotor cross-section and extends at least partially parallel to the rotor axis of rotation. When the rudder is perpendicular to the wind direction, a torque is generated that rotates the rotor about its axis of rotation in a predetermined direction.

[0032] In a further development, it is provided that the rotors and the guide are movable relative to each other parallel to the main axis of rotation, so that the rotors can be moved into an engagement position with the guide and into a free-running position outside the guide, the guide being designed as an airfoil, in particular an asymmetrical one. Thus, a lift force can be achieved even with a guide that has no angle of attack. This allows the guide to be arranged simply perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In the engagement position, the rotor is guided at least partially within the guide. In the free-running position, the rotors and the guide are spaced apart from each other, so that the rotors can each rotate freely about the rotor axis and align themselves at least substantially parallel to the wind direction, regardless of their position relative to the main axis of rotation.This helps prevent damage to the wind turbine in strong winds or gusts, such as during a storm. It is conceivable that the rotors are movable relative to the guide and / or the guide is movable relative to the rotors. Such a mechanism can be driven manually or by a drive unit.

[0033] The airfoil profile of the guide can be designed such that the guide experiences a lift force essentially parallel to the main axis of rotation in windy conditions, whereby if the lift force acting on the guide through the airfoil profile exceeds a defined lift resistance of the guide against a movement of the guide parallel to the main axis of rotation, the guide is moved relative to the runners so that they are transferred into the free-running position.

[0034] In other words, this means that in strong winds or high wind speeds, for example during storms and / or strong gusts, the lift force acting on the guide can exceed the guide's drag, causing the guide to move from its starting position relative to the runners, thus separating the guide and runners. This puts the runners into the free-running position. When the wind or wind speed decreases, the guide returns to its starting position and the runners are returned to the engagement position.

[0035] The airfoil profile of the guide can be designed such that the guide is moved towards or away from the mounting surface of the wind turbine by the lift force acting upon it. The airfoil profile can be designed as an asymmetric airfoil and / or can have an angle of attack of less than 90° between the guide and the main axis of rotation.

[0036] The buoyancy resistance of the guide can be determined by the weight of the guide, a frictional connection and / or a spring force.

[0037] In a further development, the guide is designed separately and offset from the support section along the main axis of rotation. For example, with a vertical main axis of rotation, the guide can be located above or below the support section. If the support section has support arms, the guide can be located outside an area between the first and second levels. A runner has two runner ends along the runner axis of rotation. The runner guide can be easily implemented structurally adjacent to one of the runner ends.

[0038] In a further development, it is stipulated that the guide has at least one entry opening into which the guide section of a runner can be received when moving into the engagement position. When the runners and / or the guide are moved into the engagement position, the runners may initially have a rotational orientation about the runner axis of rotation, in which the guide section does not engage with the guide. Therefore, the guide may, for example, have several entry openings. When the support section rotates in the main direction of rotation, the guide section engages with the guide via the entry openings. The entry opening can be formed radially inside or outside the guide, or within the guide, relative to the main axis of rotation. An entry guide may be provided at an entry opening.Depending on the position of the inlet opening, the inlet guide projects radially inwards or outwards at an angle from the guide, so that when the support section rotates about the main axis of rotation, the guide section of a rotor is pressed against the inlet guide. With further rotation of the support section in the main direction of rotation, the guide section slides along the inlet guide and moves towards the inlet opening. The guide section of the rotor is received in the guide via the inlet opening. Advantageously, the rotors can thus be quickly transferred into a desired rotational orientation about the rotor's axis of rotation.

[0039] In a further development, the guide is designed to limit the rotational orientation of the rotors in such a way that a wind force acting on the rotor results in a thrust force that is tangential to a circular path around the main axis of rotation. Because the thrust force is tangential to the circular path, it is efficiently converted into a rotational movement of the support section. The rotor's axis of rotation moves along the circular path during one revolution of the rotor around the main axis of rotation. Advantageously, the guide is designed such that no or only minor forces occur that impede the rotational movement of the support section, for example, forces that are opposite to and / or greater than the thrust force.

[0040] For this purpose, the guide around the main axis of rotation can be positioned on a path leading to

[0041] The rotors are arranged on the windward side (LUV side). On the leeward side (LEE side), the rotors move through an unguided section and align themselves parallel to the wind direction. Specifically, the guide comprises an entry section and a thrust section, which connect to the unguided section in the main direction of rotation. At the beginning of the entry section, the rotors are still essentially parallel to the wind direction. In the main direction of rotation towards the thrust section, the guide limits the rotational orientation of the rotors such that the thrust force acts tangentially to the circular path. The thrust force results in particular from the drag force and / or the lift force. From the thrust section of the guide towards the unguided section, the rotors again assume a rotational orientation parallel to the wind direction.

[0042] For example, the guide can be semicircular along at least one circular path segment. The guide has an inner wall located radially inside the main axis of rotation, and an outer wall located radially outside the path, between which the runner is guided. The guide preferably extends at least 90°, in particular at least 120° and preferably at least 150°, and / or a maximum of 270°, in particular a maximum of 240°, preferably a maximum of 210°. The wind forces the runners into a rotational orientation parallel to the wind direction and thus against the inner wall within the guide. The inner wall accordingly limits the rotational orientation of the runner, so that the wind force in the thrust section results in the driving thrust force.

[0043] A beginning lying in the main direction of rotation of the

[0044] The inlet section of the guide can be designed as an inlet opening. Preferably, the outer wall has an extended section oriented parallel to the wind direction, which guides the rotor into the guide via the funnel-shaped inlet opening formed by the inner and outer walls. The inner and outer walls in the inlet section of the guide are designed such that the rotor's rotational orientation is initially parallel to the wind direction. Subsequently, in the main direction of rotation, the outer wall is designed almost parallel to the circular path. The radial distance between the inner wall and the main axis of rotation decreases, so that the rotor is continuously transitioned to a rotational orientation perpendicular to the wind direction up to an end region of the thrust section. When the rotor transitions from the end region of the thrust section into the unguided section, the rotors rotate parallel to the wind direction due to the wind force.

[0045] In a further development, an intermediate wall is provided in the end region of the thrust section between the inner and outer walls, so that a runner section of the runner is guided between them. This allows the runner to be aligned perpendicular to the wind direction in the main direction of rotation, and only aligns itself parallel to the wind direction when the runner is transferred into the unguided section. For example, the guided runner section can be a guide section of the runner, in particular a roller.

[0046] In a further development, the guide is designed to be rotatable around the main axis of rotation independently of the support section. This allows the guide to be aligned towards the upwind side. An advantage is that the wind turbine can be adapted to different wind directions. The alignment of the guide can be performed manually or by a motor. In another further development, an alignment element is provided on the guide for adjusting its position in response to changing wind direction. Advantageously, the alignment element is designed to align the guide with the wind direction. For example, the alignment element can be a wing, particularly with an airfoil-shaped or airfoil-like cross-sectional profile. The wing is arranged on the guide such that when it aligns itself parallel to the wind direction, the guide is oriented towards the upwind side.This solution offers a structurally simple way to adapt the guidance to changing wind directions without the need for motor components and sensors.

[0047] In a further development project, the wind turbine is designed to include a generator. The generator is specifically coupled to the support structure in a rotationally fixed manner. This coupling can enable generator operation and / or idle operation. For example, a gearbox may be provided between the generator and the support structure.

[0048] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for converting wind energy into electrical energy using a wind turbine, which is in particular a wind turbine according to the invention. The aforementioned advantages of the wind turbine according to the invention also apply to the method described below.

[0049] The wind turbine has a guide and at least two, in particular at least three, in particular at least four, in particular at least five, in particular at least six rotors which are rotatable about a main axis of rotation, wherein the rotors are each rotatable about a rotor axis of rotation parallel to the main axis of rotation, wherein the rotors have an asymmetric airfoil profile in a rotor cross-section perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation.

[0050] The process includes the following steps:

[0051] Driving a device extending along the main axis of rotation

[0052] Masts, whereby the wind forces the runners into a rotational orientation parallel to the wind direction, sectionally limiting the rotational orientation of the runners about the runner axis of rotation by the wind, in particular by means of the guide, during a revolution of the runners about the main axis of rotation, so that a wind force acting on the runners results in a thrust force. The thrust force is in particular directed tangentially to a circular path extending about the main axis of rotation.

[0053] Driving the mast can involve directly rotating at least one section of the mast. Alternatively, driving can involve rotating an element attached to the mast, such as a support section for the runners.

[0054] In a further training course, the process also includes the following steps:

[0055] Rotational alignment of the runner parallel to the wind direction in an unguided section adjoining the guide, and / or insertion of a guide section of a runner into the guide to limit the rotational alignment of the runner, and / or

[0056] Limiting the rotational orientation of the runner by the guide, so that the runner is transferred along the guide from an orientation parallel to the wind direction to an orientation perpendicular to the wind direction, whereby in an end area of ​​the guide the runner is released so that the runner rotates again parallel to the wind direction.

[0057] In a continuing education course, the procedure includes the following step:

[0058] Aligning the guide with an alignment element to the wind direction, so that the wind force acting on the runners results in the thrust force, which is tangential to the circular path running around the main axis of rotation.

[0059] The following sections explain various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic, partially cutaway representation of a wind turbine;

[0061] Figure 2 is a detailed view of a runner.

[0062] Wind turbine according to Figure 1;

[0063] Figures 3a-h are a simplified top view of the wind turbine, schematically illustrating one rotation of the rotors around a main axis of rotation of the wind turbine; and

[0064] Figure 4 shows an example

[0065] The process flow is shown as a flowchart. A wind turbine is represented in Figure 1 by the reference numeral 10. In the present embodiment, the wind turbine 10 has a vertical mast 12, which stands vertically on a horizontal base extending transversely to the mast 12 by means of a base section 14. A support section 16 is rotatably arranged on the mast 12 in a main direction of rotation 18 about a main axis of rotation 20, which can be coupled to a generator in a rotationally fixed manner (not shown). The main axis of rotation 20 extends along the mast 12. In this case, three rotors 22j are each rotatably mounted on the support section 16 about a rotor axis of rotation 24 running parallel to the main axis of rotation 20. The rotors 22 are guided at least partially in a guide 26 during one revolution of the support section 16 about the main axis of rotation 20. The guide 26 is arranged above the runner 22 in Figure 1.Alternatively, two, four or five runners can be provided for.

[0066] The support section 16 comprises support arms 28, which extend perpendicular to the main axis of rotation 20. In this embodiment, three first support arms 28a extending in a first plane 30 and three second support arms 28b extending in a second plane 32 (indicated in Figure 1) are formed. In the embodiment shown, two support arms 28 adjacent to each other in the main direction of rotation 18 enclose an angle of 120° (see Figures 3a-h). The first plane 30 and the second plane 32 are spaced apart from each other along the main axis of rotation 20 and arranged parallel to each other. In Figure 1, one first and one second support arm 28a, 28b are arranged one above the other along the main axis of rotation 20, between which a runner 22 is arranged at least partially and is rotatably mounted on the support arms 28.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of one embodiment of a runner 22. Each runner 22 has a primary section 34 and a secondary section 36 extending along the runner axis of rotation 24, which are connected in a rotationally fixed manner. The primary section 34 of the runner 22 is arranged between the support arms 28. The secondary section 36 is located on a side of the support section 16 facing away from the primary section 34 and, in Figure 1, is positioned below the primary section 34. Parallel to the runner axis of rotation 24, the primary section 34 extends further than the secondary section 36.

[0068] The rotor 22 has a rotor blade 38 parallel to the rotor axis of rotation 24. In some embodiments, the rotor cross-section 40 of the rotor 22, running perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation 24, can be configured with a bulbous end 42 and a pointed end 44. Overall, the rotor cross-section 40 has an asymmetric airfoil profile.

[0069] In Figure 2, the primary section 34 of the runner 22 has a control element 46 in the form of a rudder (hereinafter referred to as rudder 46). The rudder 46 is arranged on the side of the runner 22 that forms the pointed end 44 of the runner cross-section 40. The rudder 46 projects from the runner 22 at an angle to a longitudinal extension 48 of the runner cross-section 40 (visible in Figure 2 in the drawn runner cross-section 40) and extends at least partially parallel to the runner axis of rotation 24. The runners 22 are attached to the support section 16 such that the runner axis of rotation 24 is center-displaced relative to the runner cross-section 40 and, in this case, center-displaced towards the bulbous end 42. Thus, a length A from the rotor rotation axis 24 to the bulbous end 42 of the rotor cross-section 40 is shorter than a length B from the rotor rotation axis 24 to the pointed end 44 of the rotor cross-section 40 .

[0070] At an upper end 50 of the runner 22, pointing away from the secondary section 36, a guide section 52 is formed towards the pointed end 44 of the runner cross-section 40, which can be guided section by section in the guide 26. The guide section 52 can be designed as a roller or roller-like and projects from the runner end 50 parallel to the runner axis of rotation 24.

[0071] The guide 26 is arranged separately and offset upwards along the main axis of rotation 20 relative to the support section 16. The guide 26 can be rotatably mounted on the mast 12 about the main axis of rotation 20 independently of the support section 16. Furthermore, an alignment element 54 in the form of a vertical wing is arranged on the guide 26 (Figure 1).

[0072] Figures 3a to 3h show a simplified top view of the wind turbine 10, depicting the guide 26, the rotors 22, and the support arms 28, with a wind direction 56 symbolically indicated. The guide 26 is oriented about the main axis of rotation 20 towards a windward side 58 (LUV side). The guide 26 automatically aligns itself towards the LUV side 58 because the wing-shaped alignment element 54 aligns itself parallel to the wind direction 56 (process step S 100, Figure 4). On a leeward side 60 (LEE side), the rotors 22 move through an unguided section 62 adjoining the guide 26 during operation of the wind turbine 10. In particular, the guide 26 comprises an inlet section 64 and a thrust section 66, which connect to the unguided section 62 in the main direction of rotation 18.

[0073] The guide 26 extends laterally along a circular path 68, on which the rotor axes 24 move about the main axis of rotation 20. Sectionally, the guide 26 is semicircular and can extend along at least half of the circular path 68. The guide 26 has an inner wall 70 located radially inside the main axis of rotation 20 and an outer wall 72 located radially outside the main axis of rotation, between which the rotor 22 or the guide section 52 of the rotor 22 is guided.

[0074] The beginning of the inlet section 64 of the guide 26, located in the main direction of rotation 18, has an extended section 74 of the outer wall 72 oriented parallel to the wind direction 56. In the main direction of rotation 18, a funnel-shaped inlet opening 76, formed by the inner wall 70 and the outer wall 72, adjoins the extended section 74 of the outer wall 72. The inner wall 70 and the outer wall 72 then converge almost parallel to the inlet opening 76, so that the rotational orientation of the rotor 22 about the rotor axis of rotation 24 is initially oriented parallel to the wind direction 56 in this area. Following the main direction of rotation 18, the outer wall 72 is formed almost parallel to the circular path 68. A radial distance C between the inner wall 70 and the main axis of rotation 20 decreases over the thrust section 66. In the end area 78 of the thrust section 66, an intermediate wall 80 is provided between the inner wall 70 and the outer wall 72.The guide section 52 of the runner 22 can be guided between the inner wall 70 and the partition wall 80.

[0075] Inlet openings 76, each with an inlet guide 82, are formed on the inner wall 70 and the intermediate wall 80. The inlet guide 82 projects radially inwards from the inner wall 70 and radially outwards from the intermediate wall 80.

[0076] Because the rotors 22 are freely rotatable about a rotor axis 24 parallel to the main axis of rotation 20, they tend to pivot in a rotational orientation parallel to the wind direction 56. As a result of the rotor axis 24 being center-displaced, the rotor blade 38 offers a larger attack surface to the wind in the area between the rotor axis 24 and the pointed end 44 than in the area between the rotor axis 24 and the bulbous end 42. The rotor 22 tends to rotate with its pointed end 44 in the wind direction 56.

[0077] The guide 26 is designed to limit the rotational orientation of the runners 22 section by section during one revolution about the main axis of rotation 20 (process step S 110, Figure 4) such that a wind force acting on the runner 22 results in a thrust force acting, in particular, on the support section 16. The thrust force is tangential to the circular path 68 extending around the main axis of rotation 20 and drives the support section 16 with the runners 22 in the main direction of rotation 18 and thus the mast 12 around the main axis of rotation 20 (process step S 120, Figure 4). The thrust force results mainly from a drag force and / or a lift force. On surfaces of a runner 22 that are not oriented parallel to the wind direction 56, the drag force resulting from the wind force and directed in the wind direction 56 acts.Due to the asymmetric airfoil profile of the runner cross-section 40, the runner 22 experiences the lift force perpendicular to a wind force component oriented along the longitudinal extent 48 of the runner cross-section 40.

[0078] Figure 3a shows a first runner 22a, a second runner 22b, and a third runner 22c in different positions around the main axis of rotation 20. The main direction of rotation 18 of the runners 22 is shown clockwise around the main axis of rotation 20. The rotation of the first runner 22a around the main axis of rotation 20 is described below as an example for all runners 22. The first runner 22a is located in Figure 3a in the unguided section 62 on the LEE side 60. The support arms 28 of the first runner 22a are parallel, and the first runner 22a is oriented approximately parallel to the wind direction 56, with the first runner 22a's bulbous end 42 of the runner cross-section 40 aligned with the main axis of rotation 20. The first runner 22a is rotated in the main direction of rotation 18 in the direction of the extended section 74 ( Figures 3a-3e ).When the support arms 28 of the first runner 22a are oriented approximately perpendicular to the wind direction 56, the guide section 52 slides along the inner wall 70 of the funnel-shaped inlet opening 76, thereby engaging the guide section 52 in the main direction of rotation 18 between the inner wall 70 and outer wall 72 of the guide 26 (process step S 130, Figure 4) (Figure 3b). Because the inner wall 70 and outer wall 72 converge parallel to each other in the inlet section 64, the first runner 22a is held parallel to the wind direction 56 by the guide section 52, so that in this area where the first runner 22a is moving against the wind direction 56, it presents the smallest possible surface area to the wind. Consequently, the main direction of rotation 18 is not impeded (Figure 3b).

[0079] In the thrust section 66 of the guide 26, which follows the main rotation direction 18, the first runner 22a is initially moved laterally to the wind direction 56. The inner wall 70 limits the rotational orientation of the first runner 22a parallel to the wind direction 56 counterclockwise. The first runner 22a, together with the guide section 52, pushes against the inner wall 70 and is initially set at an angle to the wind direction 56 in a clockwise direction (Figure 3c). This results in a thrust force from the wind force of the first runner 22a on the support section 16 in the main rotation direction 18.

[0080] The inner wall 70 aligns the first runner 22a perpendicular to the wind direction 56 towards the end section 78 of the thrust section 66 (process step S 140, Figure 4). To prevent the first runner 22a from prematurely aligning itself parallel to the wind direction 56 in the end section 78, the guide section 52 is guided between the inner wall 70 and the intermediate wall 80 (Figures 3d and 3e) until the support arms 28 of the first runner 22a assume an approximately perpendicular orientation to the wind direction 56. Subsequently, the rotational orientation of the first runner 22a is not limited by the guide 26 and the first runner 22a rotates in the unguided section 62 counterclockwise approximately parallel to the wind direction 56 (process step S 150 , figure 4 ) ( figure 3 f and 3g) in order to then be transferred to the initial position in the main direction of rotation 18 .

[0081] The rotational orientation of the first rotor 22a is predetermined by the rudder 46. When the rudder 46 is perpendicular to the wind direction 56, a torque is generated which rotates the first rotor 22a around the rotor axis 24 in a predetermined direction.

[0082] The rotors 22 and the guide 26 are movable relative to each other parallel to the main axis of rotation 20. For example, the guide 26 could be designed as an asymmetric airfoil, as shown in Figure 1. The asymmetric airfoil of the guide 26 allows it to move upwards away from the support section 16 in very strong winds, or downwards onto the support section 16 to return to its initial position in normal winds. This allows the rotors 22 to be moved into an engagement position with the guide 26 and into a free-running position outside the guide 26. In the free-running position, for example, the guide sections 52 of the rotors 22 do not engage with the guide 26, allowing the rotors 22 to rotate freely around the rotor axis of rotation 24. In strong winds, such as a storm, this prevents damage to the wind turbine 10.In the insertion position, the guide sections 52 can be inserted into the guide 26 via the inlet openings 76 regardless of their rotational orientation in the main direction of rotation 18.

[0083] If a runner 22 is located in the unguided section 62, for example, the guide section 52 of the runner 22 is guided via the extended section 74 of the outer wall 72 of the guide 26 into the inlet opening 76 at the inlet section 64. If a runner 22 is located in the area of ​​the guide 26 after being moved into the engagement position, the guide section 52 of the runner 22 is forced against one of the inlet guides 82 when the support section 16 rotates in the main direction of rotation 18. With further rotation of the support section 16 in the main direction of rotation 18, the guide section 52 can slide along the inlet guide 82 and is moved towards the subsequent inlet opening 76 at the inner or intermediate wall 70, 80. The guide section 52 of runner 22 is taken into the guide 26 via the corresponding inlet opening 76.

[0084] Reference list Wind turbine Mast Base section Support section Main direction of rotation Main axis of rotation Rotor a First rotor b Second rotor c Third rotor Rotor axis of rotation Guide Support arms a First support arms b Second support arms First level Second level Primary section of the rotor Secondary section of the rotor Rotor blade Rotor cross-section Bulbous end of the rotor cross-section Pointed end of the rotor cross-section Control element (also called rudder) Longitudinal extent Upper rotor end Guide section Alignment element Wind direction 58 A side facing the wind (also called LUV side)

[0085] 60 A side facing away from the wind (also called the LEE side)

[0086] 62 Unguided Section

[0087] 64 Inlet section

[0088] 66 Thrust section

[0089] 68 Circular path on which the rotor axes of rotation move around the main axis of rotation

[0090] 70 Interior wall

[0091] 72 Exterior wall

[0092] 74 Extended section of the outer wall

[0093] 76 Inlet opening

[0094] 78 End section of the thrust section

[0095] 80 partition wall

[0096] 82 Inlet guide

[0097] A Length from the rotor axis of rotation to the bulging end of the rotor cross-section

[0098] B Length from the rotor's axis of rotation to the pointed end of the

[0099] Runner cross-section

[0100] C Radial distance between inner wall and main axis of rotation

[0101] S 100 Procedure step

[0102] S 110 Procedure step

[0103] S 120 Procedure step

[0104] S 130 Procedure step

[0105] S 140 Procedure step

[0106] S 150 Procedure step

Claims

Patent claims 1. Wind turbine (10) with a support section (16) rotatable about a main axis of rotation (20), which can be coupled to a generator in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein at least two rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) are rotatably mounted on or in the support section (16) about a rotor axis of rotation (24) running parallel to the main axis of rotation (20), wherein the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) are guided at least sectionally in a guide (26) when the support section (16) is rotated about the main axis of rotation (20), characterized in that the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) have an asymmetric airfoil profile in a rotor cross-section (40) running perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation (24).

2. Wind turbine (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support section (16) is arranged on a mast (12) extending along the main axis of rotation (20).

3. Wind turbine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support section (16) comprises support arms (28, 28a, 28b) which extend perpendicular to the main axis of rotation (20), wherein at each Support arm (28, 28a, 28b) at least one runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) is arranged.

4. Wind turbine (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the support section (16) has first support arms (28a) extending in a first plane (30) and second support arms (28b) extending in a second plane (32).

5. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) have a guide section (52) which can be guided section by section in the guide (26).

6. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) of the wind turbine (10) each have a primary section (34) and a secondary section (36) extending along the rotor axis of rotation (24).

7. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) have a rotor blade (38) extending parallel to the main axis of rotation (20).

8. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor axis of rotation (24) is shifted centrally to the rotor cross-section (40) which is perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation (24).

9. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotor cross-section extending perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation (24) (40) has a bulbous end (42) and a pointed end (44), and that the rotor axis of rotation (24) is shifted centrally towards the bulbous end (42).

10. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) and the guide (26) are movable relative to each other parallel to the main axis of rotation (20), so that the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) can be brought into an engagement position with the guide (26) and into a free-running position outside the guide (26), wherein the guide (26) is designed as an airfoil profile.

11. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (26) is designed separately and offset along the main axis of rotation (20) to the support section (16).

12. Wind power plant (10) according to one of claims 5 to 11, characterized in that the guide (26) has at least one inlet opening (76) into which the guide section (52) of a rotor (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) can be received when being moved into the engagement position.

13. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (26) is designed to limit the rotational alignment of the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) in such a way that a wind force acting on the rotor (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) results in a thrust force which is directed tangentially to a circular path (68) extending around the main axis of rotation (20).

14. Wind turbine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide (26) is rotatable about the main axis of rotation (20) independently of the support section (16).

15. Wind turbine (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that an alignment element (54) for aligning the guide (26) in the event of changing wind direction (56) is arranged on the guide (26).

16. Wind power plant (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a generator, wherein the generator is coupled to the support section (16) in a rotationally fixed manner.

17. Method for converting wind energy into electrical energy by means of a wind turbine (10) with a guide (26) and at least two rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) which are rotatable about a main axis of rotation (20), wherein the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) are each rotatable about a rotor axis of rotation (24) parallel to the main axis of rotation (20), wherein the rotors (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) have an asymmetric airfoil profile in a rotor cross-section (40) perpendicular to the rotor axis of rotation (24), wherein the method comprises the following steps: Driving a mast (12) extending along the main axis of rotation (20), whereby the wind forces the runners (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) into a rotational orientation parallel to the wind direction (56), sectionally limiting the rotational orientation of the runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) about the runner's axis of rotation (24) by the wind during a rotation of the runners (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) around the main axis of rotation (20) , such that a wind force acting on the runners (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) results in a thrust force which is tangential to a circular path (68) running around the main axis of rotation (20).

18. The method of claim 17, characterized by the following steps, Rotational alignment of the runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) parallel to the wind direction (56) in an unguided section (62) adjoining the guide (26) , Receiving a guide section (52) of a runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) into the guide (26) to limit the rotational orientation of the runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) , Limiting the rotation direction of the runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) by the guide (26) , so that the runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) is transferred along the guide (26) from an orientation parallel to the wind direction (56) to an orientation perpendicular to the wind direction (56), wherein in an end region (78) of the guide (26) the runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) is released so that the runner (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) rotates again parallel to the wind direction (56).

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, characterized by the following step, Aligning the guide (26) by means of an alignment element (54) with the wind direction (56), so that the The wind force acting on the runners (22, 22a, 22b, 22c) results in a thrust force which is directed tangentially to the circular path (68) running around the main axis of rotation (20).

Images