Wind turbine

Abstract

There is provided a vehicle-mounted wind turbine comprising: a longitudinally extending airflow path; and an oblique axis wind turbine having an axis of rotation oblique to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path.

Description

[0001] Wind turbine

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to wind turbines and particularly, although not exclusively, to vehiclemounted wind turbines.

[0004] Background

[0005] Transportation, whether by road, air or sea, is one of the most energy demanding sectors. Until recent years, the majority of transportation was based on petrol or diesel combustion engines.

[0006] Awareness about the effects of vehicle emissions has triggered a number of innovations in the transport sector. One such innovation is the development of vehicles based on electric engines, referred to as electric vehicles or EVs.

[0007] On average, small size EVs require around 35kW of energy for a full charge. A full charge on a small EV can give a range of travel of roughly 200miles on average, depending on the driving conditions. Cold weather substantially reduces the efficiency of EVs, reducing the available miles per charge and increasing the number of charging sessions within a journey or between journeys.

[0008] In addition, no viable solution has been identified yet for heavy goods vehicles such as lorries, vans, ships, trains, etc. Heavy goods vehicles have a substantially higher power demand compared to small cars, and the larger batteries required to accommodate higher power demands would add a substantial additional weight to the vehicle, which also negatively impacts the efficiency of the vehicle.

[0009] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011] At its most general, the present disclosure relates to a wind turbine for extracting energy from an airflow, for example an airflow moving relative to a vehicle.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a vehicle-mounted wind turbine comprising: a longitudinally extending airflow path; and an oblique axis wind turbine having an axis of rotation oblique to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path.

[0013] There is provided a wind turbine adapted to be attached, or mounted, to a vehicle, having an airflow path extending in a longitudinal direction and an oblique axis wind turbine having an axis of rotation oblique to a longitudinal axis of the airflow path.

[0014] In other words, there is provided a wind turbine held at an angle, or oblique, to a longitudinal axis of a longitudinally extending airflow path. Put another way, there is provided a vehicle-mounted wind turbine having a wind turbine supported such that the axis of rotation of the wind turbine is oblique to a prevailing wind direction, i.e., the direction of the airflow along the airflow path.

[0015] The wind turbine is referred to as an oblique axis wind turbine. Conventionally, wind turbines are categorised as horizontal axis wind turbines or vertical axis wind turbines.

[0016] A horizontal axis wind turbine, a common example of which is an off-shore wind turbine for generating electricity to be provided to the national grid, has an axis of rotation that is parallel to the airflow, or wind, which drives the rotation of the horizontal axis wind turbine. In addition, horizontal axis wind turbines often include some mechanism for aligning the axis of rotation of the horizontal wind turbine with the airflow direction.

[0017] A vertical axis wind turbine, a common example of which is a smaller-scale wind turbine provided in an urban environment, has an axis of rotation perpendicular to the airflow, or wind, which drives the rotation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

[0018] The oblique axis wind turbine of the present disclosure may be distinguished from conventional examples of wind turbines in that the oblique axis wind turbine may be intentionally provided at an angle, i.e. oblique, i.e., neither parallel nor perpendicular, to the direction of the airflow that drives the rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine.

[0019] The vehicle-mounted wind turbine comprises a longitudinally extending airflow path. The longitudinally extending airflow path comprises a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis may extend in a longitudinal direction.

[0020] The longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path may define an airflow direction, or at least part of an airflow direction, for an airflow moving relative to the wind turbine of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine. The longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path may define a prevailing airflow direction for an airflow moving relative to the wind turbine of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine.

[0021] Accordingly, by having an oblique axis wind turbine with an axis of rotation oblique to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path, the oblique axis wind turbine may have an axis of rotation oblique to an airflow having an airflow direction aligned, or substantially aligned, with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path.

[0022] The longitudinally extending airflow path may be any structure for directing a flow of air. For example, the longitudinally extending airflow path may be defined at least in part by a housing, or duct, for receiving the oblique axis wind turbine. For example, the longitudinally extending airflow path may be defined at least in part by a surface to which the oblique axis wind turbine is attached, or mounted. For example, the longitudinally extending airflow path may be defined at least in part by a portion of a vehicle.

[0023] An oblique axis wind turbine as outlined above may be more space efficient, in particular for mounting on or to or in a vehicle, compared to a horizonal axis wind turbine or a vertical axis wind turbine. In some examples, an angle between the axis of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine and the longitudinal axis may be an acute angle.

[0024] The acute angle between the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis may be the smallest angle between the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis. A remaining angle between the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis may be an obtuse angle.

[0025] As outlined above, the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path may define an airflow direction, or at least part of an airflow direction, for an airflow moving relative to the wind turbine of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine. In some examples, airflow moving along the airflow path may have an airflow vector aligned with the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path.

[0026] The angle between the airflow vector and a vector aligned with the axis of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine, and having a positive vector component in the direction of the airflow vector, may be an acute angle. The angle between the airflow vector and a vector aligned with the axis of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine, and having a negative vector component in the direction of the airflow vector, may be an obtuse angle.

[0027] In some examples, the angle may be between 10° and 80°. In some examples, the angle may be between 20° and 70°. In some examples, the angle may be between 30° and 60°. In some examples, the angle may be between 40° and 50°. In some examples, the angle may be 45°.

[0028] The wind turbine of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine may be adapted to function with the axis of rotation at an angle, or oblique, to an airflow direction, i.e. , the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path, as described in further detail below.

[0029] In some examples, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine may comprise a first generator coupled to the oblique axis wind turbine at a first side of the oblique axis wind turbine. The first generator may be adapted to convert rotational energy of the oblique axis wind turbine to electrical energy.

[0030] In this way, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine may generate electrical energy from airflow moving relative to the vehicle-mounted wind turbine, for example along the longitudinally extending airflow pathway as described above. The first generator may include a first mounting unit for mounting the oblique axis wind turbine, at a first side of the oblique axis wind turbine, to a surface of the longitudinally extending airflow path, for example to a vehicle, for example using an attachment member.

[0031] In some examples, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine may comprise a second generator coupled to the oblique axis wind turbine at a second side, opposite the first side, of the oblique axis wind turbine. The second generator may be adapted to convert rotational energy of the oblique axis wind turbine to electrical energy.

[0032] In this way, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine may generate electrical energy from airflow moving relative to the vehicle-mounted wind turbine, for example along the longitudinally extending airflow pathway as described above, using both the first generator and the second generator. The first generator and the second generator may be connected at opposite sides of the oblique axis wind turbine. One or more oblique axis wind turbines may be provided between the first and second generators. The second generator may include a second mounting unit for mounting the oblique axis wind turbine, at a second side of the oblique axis wind turbine opposite the first side, to a surface of the longitudinally extending airflow path, for example to a vehicle, for example using an attachment member.

[0033] In some examples, the oblique axis wind turbine may comprise a plurality of turbine blades rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation. Each turbine blade of the plurality of turbine blades may extend in a radial direction from the axis of rotation. Each turbine blade may extend in a longitudinal direction along the axis of rotation.

[0034] The turbine blades may be rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation. For example, the turbine blades may be connected to a drive shaft. The drive shaft may extend along the axis of rotation. The drive shaft may comprise a hollow elongate tube adapted to receive a first supporting member and / or a second supporting in a first end and / or a second end thereof, respectively. The first supporting member may be part of the first generator. The second supporting member may be part of the second generator.

[0035] The turbine blades may be uniformly spaced about the axis of rotation. The turbine blades may not be uniformly spaced about the axis of rotation.

[0036] The turbine blades may extend radially away from the axis of rotation. For example, a cross-section of the turbine blades may extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The turbine blades may extend longitudinally in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation. Each turbine blade may extend further in the longitudinal direction than in the radial direction.

[0037] In some examples, each turbine blade may comprise a deflected blade surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge spaced from the leading edge along the axis of rotation. The leading edge of the deflected blade surface may be rotationally offset from the trailing edge of the deflected blade surface about the axis of rotation. The leading edge of the deflected blade surface may be rotationally offset from the trailing edge of the deflected blade surface by more than 90°.

[0038] In the example where the turbine blades are mounted to a drive shaft, each turbine blade may comprise an outer edge arranged at an opposite edge of the turbine blade to the drive shaft. Put another way, the outer edge may be an edge of a turbine blade having a maximum radial displacement from the drive shaft, or axis of rotation, e.g., along a line perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The leading edge and the trailing edge may extend between the drive shaft, or the axis of rotation, and the outer edge.

[0039] The leading edge and the trailing edge may extend in the radial direction, i.e., perpendicular, or in a plane perpendicular, to the axis of rotation. The leading edge and / or the trailing edge may be straight. The leading edge and / or the trailing edge may be curved. The leading edge and the trailing edge may be curved such that a concave surface faces an airflow travelling along the longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow pathway.

[0040] The leading edge and the trailing edge may be rotationally offset from each other about the axis of rotation. The deflected blade surface of the turbine blade may connect the leading edge to the trailing edge, meaning that the deflected blade surface twists, or deflects, about the axis of rotation as the turbine blade extends in a longitudinal direction parallel to the axis of rotation between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0041] The leading edge and the trailing edge of the turbine blade may be rotationally offset from each other by more than 90°. In an example where the oblique axis wind turbine comprises four turbine blades uniformly spaced about the axis of rotation, a rotational offset of more than 90° between the leading edge and the trailing edge of each turbine blade provides an overlap between adjacent turbine blades. The overlap between adjacent turbine blades may prevent an airflow, or a part of an airflow, from passing through the turbine blades of the oblique axis wind turbine without impacting a deflected surface of a turbine blade. The overlap may be a rotational overlap and may be defined by an angle taken about the axis of rotation between the leading edge of one turbine blade and the trailing edge of another turbine blade, when projected onto the same plane.

[0042] In this way, the torque applied to the oblique axis wind turbine by an airflow may be increased, meaning that a first and / or second generator with a higher resistance may be used to generate more electrical energy per rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine.

[0043] In some examples, each turbine blade may comprise a plurality of discontinuous blade portions spaced along the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation. Each discontinuous blade portion may be rotationally offset about the axis of rotation with respect to an adjacent discontinuous blade portion.

[0044] Each discontinuous blade portion may be rotationally offset about the axis of rotation with respect to an adjacent discontinuous blade portion, such that adjacent discontinuous blade portions overlap each other.

[0045] By providing discontinuous blade portions, the surface area exposed to airflow that would generate rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine in an adverse direction may be reduced, thereby improving the efficiency of the oblique axis wind turbine.

[0046] In some examples, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine may comprise a revolution speed sensor. The revolution speed sensor may be adapted to determine a speed of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine about the axis of rotation. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine further may comprise a braking system adapted to: determine whether the speed of rotation is greater than a threshold speed; and if the speed of rotation is greater than a threshold speed, limit the rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine about the axis of rotation. In some examples, the braking system may prevent rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine.

[0047] In this way, the braking system may prevent the oblique axis wind turbine from rotating at a speed that may damage the vehicle-mounted wind turbine. The threshold speed may be set at manufacture. The threshold speed may be adjustable.

[0048] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a vehicular wind turbine system comprising: a vehicle; and a vehicle-mounted wind turbine as described above, mounted to the vehicle.

[0049] There is provided a vehicular wind turbine system, a wind turbine system to be incorporated with, installed on, or in a vehicle.

[0050] In other words, there is provided a vehicle including a vehicle-mounted wind turbine as described above. In some examples, the vehicle may comprise a propulsion system for driving a movement of the vehicle in a direction of travel.

[0051] For example, the propulsion system may be an engine, such as a combustion engine, for example a petrol engine or a diesel engine or a biofuel engine. In some examples, the propulsion system may be an electric engine. The direction of travel in which the movement of the vehicle is driven by the propulsion system may be fixed along a given axis of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a steering system for controlling the path of the vehicle when the vehicle is driven in the direction of travel.

[0052] The vehicle-mounted wind turbine may be permanently mounted to the vehicle. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine may be releasably mounted to the vehicle. For example, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine may be selectively unmounted from the vehicle, for example for protection during transport, and selectively remounted to the vehicle.

[0053] In some examples, the vehicle may comprise a longitudinal vehicle axis parallel to the direction of travel. The axis of rotation may be oblique to the longitudinal vehicle axis.

[0054] The longitudinal vehicle axis may extend between a front face of the vehicle and a back face of the vehicle, opposite the front face. The direction of travel, parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis, may be a forward direction of travel, in which the vehicle may be propelled forward, or a backward direction of travel opposite the forward direction of travel, in which the vehicle may be propelled backward.

[0055] In some examples, the longitudinal axis of the airflow path may be parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis.

[0056] In other words, the airflow path, or at least part of the airflow path, may extend longitudinally along the longitudinal vehicle axis. In this way, airflow travelling along the airflow path may be at least substantially aligned with airflow moving passed the vehicle when the vehicle is moving in the direction of travel. The airflow path may include one or more additional airflow path portions, the longitudinal axes of which may not be aligned with the longitudinal vehicle axis. Put another way, the airflow path may include any number of airflow path portions leading to and / or leading from the oblique axis wind turbine in order to direct airflow moving relative to the vehicle to the oblique axis wind turbine along the longitudinal axis of the airflow path.

[0057] In some examples, the vehicle may comprise a transverse width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis. The transverse width axis may define a width of the vehicle. The transverse width axis may extend between a first side surface of the vehicle and a second side surface of the vehicle, opposite the first side surface. The vehicle may comprise a transverse height axis perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis and the transverse width axis. The transverse height axis may define a height of the vehicle. The transverse height axis may extend between a bottom surface of the vehicle and a top surface of the vehicle, opposite the bottom surface.

[0058] In some examples, the longitudinal axis and the transverse width axis may define a horizontal vehicle plane. The axis of rotation may be parallel to the horizontal vehicle plane. In other words, within the frame of reference of the vehicle, the axis of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine may be horizontal. Put another way, the axis of rotation may be parallel to a plane extending between the first and second side surfaces, and the front and back surfaces, of the vehicles.

[0059] In some examples, the vehicular wind turbine system may comprise a plurality of vehicle-mounted wind turbines. The plurality of vehicle-mounted wind turbines may be provided at different positions and / or different orientations to each other about the vehicle. The plurality of vehicle-mounted wind turbines may arranged in a regular array. The plurality of vehicle-mounted wind turbines may be provided within a common housing for attaching to the vehicle in a single operation.

[0060] In some examples, the vehicular wind turbine system may comprise a first vehicle-mounted wind turbine mounted to the vehicle in a first position. The vehicular wind turbine system may comprise a second vehicle-mounted wind turbine mounted to the vehicle in a second position. The longitudinal axis and the transverse height axis may define a vertical vehicle plane and the first position and the second position may be equally and oppositely spaced from the vertical vehicle plane.

[0061] In some examples, the first vehicle-mounted wind turbine may comprise a first axis of rotation and the second vehicle-mounted wind turbine may comprise a second axis of rotation. A first angle between the first axis of rotation and the longitudinal vehicle axis may be equal and opposite to a second angle between the second axis of rotation and the longitudinal vehicle axis.

[0062] Put another way, two vehicle-mounted wind turbine may be mounted to a vehicle in a mirrored arrangement. In this way, the movements of the vehicle-mounted wind turbines may be balanced within, or on, a vehicle.

[0063] The vehicle may comprise an air inlet fluidically coupled with the airflow path and an air outlet fluidically coupled with the airflow path. The air inlet may be provided on a front surface of the vehicle. The air inlet may face the direction of travel. For example, the air inlet may be an air intake on the front of the vehicle, similar to an air intake for a conventional combustion engine. The air outlet may be provided on side surface of the vehicle or a back surface of the vehicle. The vehicle may comprise a plurality of air inlets and / or a plurality of air outlets.

[0064] The vehicle may comprise an air speed sensor adapted to determine a speed of an airflow moving relative to the vehicle. The air inlet may comprise an adjustable sealing member adapted to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the speed of the airflow moving relative to the vehicle.

[0065] The adjustable sealing member may be a movable surface for selectively covering and uncovering the air inlet to as to prevent and permit an airflow to enter the air inlet, respectively. The movement of the adjustable sealing member, e.g., the movable surface, may be driven by an actuator, such as a motor.

[0066] For example, when the speed of the airflow moving relative to the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold, the adjustable sealing member may be moved to the closed configuration in order to prevent excessive wind force being applied to the oblique axis wind turbine. For example, when the speed of the air flow moving relative to the vehicle falls below a predetermined speed threshold, the adjustable sealing member may be moved to the open configuration in order to allow airflow to reach the oblique axis wind turbine.

[0067] The adjustable sealing member may be moveable to one or more intermediate configurations between the open configuration and the closed configuration, based on the determined speed of the airflow, in order to control the amount of airflow entering the airflow pathway.

[0068] The vehicle may comprise a rechargeable power source. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine may be adapted to recharge the rechargeable power source using electrical energy converted from rotational energy of the wind turbine.

[0069] In particular, when the vehicle-mounted wind turbine comprises the first generator, or the first and second generators, described above, the generator(s) may be electrically connected to the rechargeable power source in order to recharge the rechargeable power source using electrical energy converted from rotational energy of the vehicle mounted-wind turbine. In examples where the vehicle comprises a propulsion system in the form of an electric motor, the rechargeable power source may be used to power the electric motor.

[0070] Accordingly, there may be provided a system for improving the efficiency of an electric vehicle in which a rechargeable power source of the vehicle, such as a battery, is recharged using energy harvested from the air flowing by the vehicle, for example when the vehicle is in motion. In this way, the range of an electric vehicle may be increased.

[0071] The vehicle may be one of: a land vehicle; a water vehicle; or an air vehicle.

[0072] For example, a land vehicle may be: a car; a van; a truck; a lorry; a motorbike; a scooter; a train; a tram; a tanker; a construction land vehicle; a military land vehicle; or any vehicle adapted to move across a land surface.

[0073] For example, a water vehicle may be: a boat; a ship; a ferry; a yacht; an ocean liner; an ocean tanker; a hovercraft; a military water vehicle; or any vehicle adapted to move across a water surface.

[0074] For example, an air vehicle may be: an aeroplane; a glider; a helicopter; a military air vehicle; or any vehicle adapted to move through the air.

[0075] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a kit for mounting a vehicle-mounted wind turbine to a vehicle, the kit comprising: the vehicle-mounted wind turbine as described above; and an attachment member for attaching the vehicle-mounted wind turbine to the vehicle.

[0076] The attachment member may be adapted to the vehicle the vehicle-mounted wind turbine is to be attached to. For example, the attachment member may comprise a bolt or a screw or a rivet or a latch system.

[0077] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Summary of the Figures

[0078] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0079] Figures 1A and 1 B show perspective views of a vehicle-mounted wind turbine according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0080] Figures 2A and 2B show a plan view and an elevation view, respectively, of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine shown in Figures 1A and 1 B.

[0081] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine of Figures 1 A and 1 B and Figures 2A and 2B.

[0082] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a vehicle-mounted wind turbine according to another aspect of the disclosure.

[0083] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a system including the vehicle-mounted wind turbine of Figures 1A and 1 B.

[0084] Figures 6A to 6E show various schematic representations of vehicle-mounted wind turbines as shown in Figures 1A and 1 B mounted to different vehicles.

[0085] Figure 7 shows a graph of wind speed against voltage generated for a vehicle-mounted wind turbine according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0086] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0087] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0088] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of a vehicle-mounted wind turbine 100 according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 1A, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine 100 comprises a longitudinally extending airflow path 110 and an oblique axis wind turbine 120. The longitudinally extending airflow path 110 shown in Figure 1A comprises a planar structure defined by a longitudinal axis 130 and a transverse axis 140, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 130. In use, airflow may flow along, or at least substantially along, the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110.

[0090] The oblique axis wind turbine 120 has an axis of rotation 150 about which the oblique axis wind turbine 120 rotates in response to an airflow moving along the longitudinally extending airflow path 110. The axis of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 is oblique to the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110. In Figure 1A, the axis of rotation 150 has been projected onto the longitudinally extending airflow path 110 to illustrate the angle 160 formed between the axis of rotation 150 of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 and the longitudinally extending airflow path 110, i.e., between the axis of rotation 150 and the longitudinal axis 130.

[0091] In the example shown in Figure 1A, the angle 160 between the axis of rotation 150 of the oblique axis wind turbine 120, as illustrated by the projection of the axis of rotation 150, and the longitudinal axis 130 is an acute angle. In some examples, the angle 160 is 45°.

[0092] Figure 1 B shows a perspective view of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine 100 of Figure 1A.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 1 B, the axis of rotation 150 of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 is in the same horizontal plane 170 as the longitudinal axis 130 of the airflow path. Figure 1 B further shows a vertical plane 180, which is perpendicular to the horizontal plane 170, parallel to the longitudinal axis and intersects with the horizontal plane 170 at the longitudinal axis 130.

[0094] The axis of rotation 150 of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 is parallel to the horizontal plane 170 and no component of the axis of rotation 150 lies in the vertical plane 180.

[0095] When the vehicle-mounted wind turbine is provided in, or on, a vehicle, the horizontal plane 170 may be parallel to a horizontal vehicle plane and the vertical plane 180 may be parallel to a vertical vehicle plane as described in further detail below.

[0096] Figures 2A and 2B show two different elevation views of the vehicle-mounted wind turbine 100 of Figure 1 B. Figure 2A shows an elevation view of the horizontal plane 170 and Figure 2B shows an elevation view of the vertical plane 180.

[0097] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the oblique axis wind turbine 120 is only oblique to the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path by angle 160 in the horizontal plane 170. There is no angle between the axis of rotation 150 of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 and the longitudinal axis in the vertical plane 180 because the axis of rotation 150 is parallel to the horizontal plane 170.

[0098] In the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the airflow 190 travelling along the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path is shown. The oblique axis wind turbine 120 is oblique to the airflow 190 as shown in Figure 2A.

[0099] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 shown in Figures 1 A to 2B illustrating the geometry of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 shown in Figures 1 A to 2B.

[0100] In the example shown in Figure 3, the oblique axis wind turbine 120 comprises a plurality of turbine blades 200, 210, 220 and 230 rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 150 to a drive shaft 205. Each turbine blade of the plurality of turbine blades 200, 210, 220 and 230 extends in a radial direction from the axis of rotation 150, the radial direction being perpendicular to the axis of rotation 150, and in a longitudinal direction along the axis of rotation 150, the longitudinal direction being parallel to the axis of rotation 150. For example, turbine blade 200 extends in radial direction 240 and in longitudinal direction 250. Each turbine blade of the plurality of turbine blades 200, 210, 220 and 230 comprises a deflected blade surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge spaced from the leading edge along the axis of rotation and rotationally offset from the trailing edge about the axis of rotation.

[0101] For example, turbine blade 200 comprises a leading edge 202 and a trailing edge 204 at opposite sides of a deflected surface 206. The leading edge 202 is rotationally offset from the trailing edge 204 about the axis of rotation 150, which is in part the cause of the deflection of the deflected surface 206, by an angle 208. As illustrated in Figure 3, the trailing edge 204 is rotationally offset from the leading edge 202 by angle 208 of more than 90° as shown by comparison to right angle 209.

[0102] In addition, the leading edge 202 and the trailing edge 204 are curved. The deflected surface 206 may therefore be described as a curved, or convex, surface that twists around the axis of rotation 150. Put another way, the deflected surface 206 may be deflected with respect to the radial direction 240 and deflected with respect to the longitudinal direction 250.

[0103] The plurality of turbine blades 200, 210, 220 and 230 are uniformly distributed about the axis of rotation 150, with an angle of 90° between each leading edge of each turbine blade. Therefore, the rotational offset of the trailing edge 204 from the leading edge 202 by angle 208 of more than 90° about the axis of rotation 150 means that there is a rotational overlap 211 between the trailing edge 204 of turbine blade 200 and the leading edge 212 of turbine blade 210.

[0104] In the example shown in Figure 3, the plurality of turbine blades 200, 210, 220 and 230 are not aerofoils and so can be driven by an airflow moving in either direction along the longitudinal axes described above with respect to Figures 1 A to 2B.

[0105] Figure 4 shows an oblique axis wind turbine 300 where each turbine blade 310 comprises a plurality of discontinuous blade portions 312, 314, 316 and 318. The plurality of discontinuous blade portions 312, 314, 316 and 318 are spaced along the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation 150 and wherein each discontinuous blade portion of the plurality of discontinuous blade portions 312, 314, 316 and 318 is rotationally offset about the axis of rotation 150 with respect to an adjacent discontinuous blade portion.

[0106] For example, discontinuous blade portion 312 is rotationally offset about the axis of rotation 150 with respect to discontinuous blade portion 314. For example, discontinuous blade portion 314 is rotationally offset about the axis of rotation 150 with respect to discontinuous blade portion 312 and discontinuous blade portion 316. For example, discontinuous blade portion 316 is rotationally offset about the axis of rotation 150 with respect to discontinuous blade portion 314 and discontinuous blade portion 318. For example, discontinuous blade portion 318 is rotationally offset about the axis of rotation 150 with respect to discontinuous blade portion 316.

[0107] Each discontinuous blade portion comprises a leading edge 322 and a trailing edge 324 at opposite sides of a deflected surface 326.

[0108] In the example shown in Figure 4 there is a rotational overlap between each adjacent discontinuous blade portion of the plurality of discontinuous blade portions 312, 314, 316 and 318. For example, the leading edge 332 of discontinuous blade portion 314 has a rotational overlap with the trailing edge 324 of discontinuous blade portion 312.

[0109] In the example shown in Figure 4 there is a rotational overlap between each turbine blade. For example, the leading edge 352 of discontinuous blade portion 342 has a rotational overlap with the trailing edge 354 of discontinuous blade portion 318.

[0110] Figure 5 shows the oblique axis wind turbine 120 of Figures 1A to 3 coupled to a first generator 400 at a first side of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 and a second generator 410 at a second side, opposite the first side, of the oblique axis wind turbine 120.

[0111] The first generator 400 and the second generator 410 are adapted to convert rotational energy of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 to electrical energy. In addition, by securing the oblique axis turbine 120 to generators at either side, the stability of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 may be improved during rotation.

[0112] The oblique axis wind turbine 120 may be coupled to the generators by a drive shaft 420.

[0113] In the example shown in Figure 5, the vehicle-mounted wind turbine further comprises a revolution speed sensor 422 adapted to determine a speed of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 about the axis of rotation 150. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine further comprises a braking system 424 adapted to: determine whether the speed of rotation is greater than a threshold speed; and if the speed of rotation is greater than a threshold speed, limit the rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine 120 about the axis of rotation 150.

[0114] The first generator 400 and the second generator 410 may be provided with mounting plates 430 for mounting the vehicle-mounted wind turbine to a vehicle using one or more attachment members 440.

[0115] Figure 6A shows a vehicular wind turbine system in the form of a car 500 having a mirrored pair of vehicle-mounted wind turbines 100 mounted within a front cavity of the car.

[0116] The car 500 comprises a rechargeable power source 510 electrically connected to the vehicle-mounted wind turbines 100 such that the rechargeable power source 510 may be recharged using electrical energy generated by the rotation of the oblique axis wind turbines of the vehicle-mounted wind turbines 100. The car 500 further comprises a propulsion system 520, such as an electric engine, for driving a movement of the vehicle in a direction of travel 530.

[0117] The car 500 comprises a longitudinal vehicle axis 540 extending between a rear surface 542 of the vehicle and a front surface 544 of the vehicle, and parallel to the direction of travel 530. The axes of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbines are oblique to the longitudinal vehicle axis 540.

[0118] The car 500 comprises a transverse width axis 550 perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis 540. The transverse width axis 550 extends between a first side surface 552 of the vehicle and a second side surface 554 of the vehicle and defines a width of the vehicle. The car 500 further comprises a transverse height axis perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis and the transverse width axis, wherein the transverse height axis defines a height of the vehicle. The axes of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbines are parallel to a horizontal vehicle plane defined by the longitudinal vehicle axis 540 and the transverse width axis 550.

[0119] In the example shown in Figure 6A, the car 500 comprises an air inlet 560 fluidically coupled with the airflow path 110 of the vehicle-mounted wind turbines 100 and air outlets 562 fluidically coupled with the airflow path 110 of the vehicle-mounted wind turbines 100. The airflow 564 generated by the relative movement of air when the vehicle moves in the direction of travel 530 enters the airflow path 110 through the air inlet 560. As the airflow moves along the airflow path 110, the oblique axis wind turbines are caused to rotate, thereby generating electrical energy that may be used to recharge the rechargeable power source 510. The airflow may then be vented from the car at the air outlets 562 in the side surfaces 552, 554 of the car 500.

[0120] In some examples, the car 500 may comprise an air speed sensor adapted to determine a speed of the airflow 564 moving relative to the vehicle. The air inlet 560 comprises an adjustable sealing member adapted to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the speed of the airflow moving relative to the car 500.

[0121] Figures 6B to 6E show other examples of vehicular wind turbine systems as applied to different vehicles.

[0122] For example, Figure 6B shows a truck 600 having an array of vehicle-mounted wind turbines 610 mounted to the cab 605 of the truck 600. In the example shown in Figure 6B, the array of vehiclemounted wind turbines 610 is temporarily mounted to the top of the cab 605 and may be removed and deployed as desired. The array of vehicle-mounted wind turbines 610 comprises six of the vehiclemounted wind turbines described above. The array of vehicle-mounted wind turbines 610 may be provided in a single housing, such the oblique axis wind turbines are provided within a common longitudinally extending airflow path. The array of vehicle-mounted wind turbines 610 may comprise a plurality of array modules, each comprising one or more vehicle-mounted wind turbines, which may be arranged to form arrays of vehicle-mounted wind turbines of different sizes, shapes and energy generation capacities.

[0123] Figure 6C shows the array of vehicle-mounted wind turbines 610 attached to a train 630 and Figure 6D shows the array of vehicle-mounted wind turbines 610 attached to a ship 640. Figure 6E shows two vehicle-mounted wind turbines 100 mounted to a wing 651 of a plane 650.

[0124] In each of the examples shown in Figures 6A to 6E, the vehicles comprise a rechargeable power source electrically connected to the vehicle-mounted wind turbines such that the rechargeable power source may be recharged using electrical energy generated by the rotation of the oblique axis wind turbines of the vehicle-mounted wind turbines. The vehicles further comprise a propulsion system, such as an electric engine, for driving a movement of the vehicle in a direction of travel 530.

[0125] In each of the examples shown in Figures 6A to 6E, the airflows are shown as being generated by movement of the vehicle along the direction of travel. However, the airflows may be generated by air movement relative to the vehicles when they are stationary, for example due to wind. In addition, as the oblique axis wind turbines are bidirectional as described above, the airflows may travel in the opposite direction shown in the Figures, for example from air outlet 562 towards air inlet 560 in Figure 6A, whilst still generating electrical energy.

[0126] Figure 7 shows a graph 700 of wind speed against voltage generated for a vehicle-mounted wind turbine according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0127] The graph 700 shown in Figure 7 comprises a first plot 710 and a second plot 720. The first 710 and second 720 plots illustrate the voltage generated by a single generator 400 for an oblique axis wind turbine 120 as described above.

[0128] The first plot 710 illustrates the voltage generated for an oblique axis wind turbine 120 having an angle 160 of 7.5° between the axis of rotation 150 and the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110.

[0129] The second plot 720 illustrates the voltage generated for an oblique axis wind turbine 120 having an angle 160 of 15° between the axis of rotation 150 and the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110.

[0130] Comparing the first plot 710 to the second plot 720, Figure 7 shows an 17% increase in the voltage generated by the oblique axis wind turbine 120 having an angle 160 of 15° between the axis of rotation 150 and the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110 compared to the oblique axis wind turbine 120 having an angle 160 of 7.5° between the axis of rotation 150 and the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110.

[0131] In addition, the graph 700 shows a third plot 730 and a fourth plot 740, which illustrate a predicted voltage generated for an oblique axis wind turbine 120 having an angle 160 of 0° between the axis of rotation 150 and the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110 and 45° between the axis of rotation 150 and the longitudinal axis 130 of the longitudinally extending airflow path 110, respectively.

[0132] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0133] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0134] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0135] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%.

Claims

Claims:1 . A vehicle-mounted wind turbine comprising: a longitudinally extending airflow path; and an oblique axis wind turbine having an axis of rotation oblique to a longitudinal axis of the longitudinally extending airflow path.

2. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in claim 1 , wherein an angle between the axis of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine and the longitudinal axis is an acute angle.

3. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle is between 10° and 80°, for example between 20° and 70°, for example between 30° and 60°, for example between 40° and 50°.

4. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in claim 3, wherein the angle is 45°.

5. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle-mounted wind turbine further comprises a first generator coupled to the oblique axis wind turbine at a first side of the oblique axis wind turbine, wherein the first generator is adapted to convert rotational energy of the oblique axis wind turbine to electrical energy.

6. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in claim 5, wherein the vehicle-mounted wind turbine further comprises a second generator coupled to the oblique axis wind turbine at a second side, opposite the first side, of the oblique axis wind turbine, wherein the second generator is adapted to convert rotational energy of the oblique axis wind turbine to electrical energy.

7. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the oblique axis wind turbine comprises a plurality of turbine blades rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation, wherein each turbine blade of the plurality of turbine blades extends in a radial direction from the axis of rotation and in a longitudinal direction along the axis of rotation.

8. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in claim 7, wherein each turbine blade comprises a deflected blade surface having a leading edge and a trailing edge spaced from the leading edge along the axis of rotation, wherein the leading edge of the deflected blade surface is rotationally offset from the trailing edge of the deflected blade surface about the axis of rotation.

9. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in claim 8, wherein the leading edge of the deflected blade surface is rotationally offset from the trailing edge of the deflected blade surface by more than 90°.

10. The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in any of claims 7 to 9, wherein each turbine blade comprises a plurality of discontinuous blade portions spaced along the longitudinal direction of the axis of rotation, wherein each discontinuous blade portion is rotationally offset about the axis ofrotation with respect to an adjacent discontinuous blade portion.11 . The vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the vehicle-mounted wind turbine further comprises a revolution speed sensor adapted to determine a speed of rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine about the axis of rotation, and wherein the vehicle-mounted wind turbine further comprises a braking system adapted to: determine whether the speed of rotation is greater than a threshold speed; and if the speed of rotation is greater than a threshold speed, limit the rotation of the oblique axis wind turbine about the axis of rotation.

12. A vehicular wind turbine system comprising: a vehicle; and a vehicle-mounted wind turbine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 , mounted to the vehicle.

13. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in claim 12, wherein the vehicle comprises a propulsion system for driving a movement of the vehicle in a direction of travel.

14. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in claim 13, wherein the vehicle comprises a longitudinal vehicle axis parallel to the direction of travel, and wherein the axis of rotation is oblique to the longitudinal vehicle axis.

15. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in claim 14, wherein the longitudinal axis of the airflow path is parallel to the longitudinal vehicle axis.

16. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in any of claims 14 to 15, wherein the vehicle comprises a transverse width axis perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis, wherein the transverse width axis defines a width of the vehicle, and a transverse height axis perpendicular to the longitudinal vehicle axis and the transverse width axis, wherein the transverse height axis defines a height of the vehicle.

17. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in claim 16, wherein the longitudinal axis and the transverse width axis define a horizontal vehicle plane, and wherein the axis of rotation is parallel to the horizontal vehicle plane.

18. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the vehicular wind turbine system comprises a plurality of vehicle-mounted wind turbines.

19. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in claim 18, when dependent on any of claims 16 to 17, wherein the vehicular wind turbine system comprises a first vehicle-mounted wind turbine mounted to the vehicle in a first position and a second vehicle-mounted wind turbine mounted to the vehicle in a second position, and wherein the longitudinal axis and the transverse height axis define a vertical vehicle plane, and wherein the first position and the second position are equally and oppositely18 spaced from the vertical vehicle plane.

20. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in claim 19, wherein the first vehicle-mounted wind turbine comprises a first axis of rotation and the second vehicle-mounted comprises a second axis of rotation, wherein a first angle between the first axis of rotation and the longitudinal vehicle axis is equal and opposite to a second angle between the second axis of rotation and the longitudinal vehicle axis.

21. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in any of claims 12 to 20, wherein the vehicle comprises an air inlet fluidically coupled with the airflow path and an air outlet fluidically coupled with the airflow path.

22. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in claim 21 , wherein the vehicle comprises an air speed sensor adapted to determine a speed of an airflow moving relative to the vehicle, and wherein the air inlet comprises an adjustable sealing member adapted to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on the speed of the airflow moving relative to the vehicle.

23. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in any of claims 12 to 22, wherein the vehicle comprises a rechargeable power source, and wherein the vehicle-mounted wind turbine is adapted to recharge the rechargeable power source using electrical energy converted from rotational energy of the wind turbine.

24. The vehicular wind turbine system claimed in any of claims 12 to 23, wherein the vehicle is one of: a land vehicle; a water vehicle; or an air vehicle.

25. A kit for mounting a vehicle-mounted wind turbine to a vehicle, the kit comprising: the vehicle-mounted wind turbine claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 ; and an attachment member for attaching the vehicle-mounted wind turbine to the vehicle.

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