Assembly of a plurality of modules for harnessing wind or hydrokinetic power, each having a five- to nine-sided polygonal structure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular device for grouping individual 5- to 9-sided polygonal modules (100) for harnessing wind or hydrokinetic power, comprising a wind or hydrokinetic unit (10) with a vertical axis and a cage (20) in the form of a right prism with a 5- to 9-sided polygonal base, wherein the two bases (21a, 21b) are connected to one another at their respective vertices (23a, 23b) by uprights (24) arranged in such a way that each face (22) forms a panel perforated at its center for passage of air through the face (22); and wherein the unit (10) comprises a stage (11) formed by lower (12a) and upper (12b) plates that can be superposed in pairs, the plates (12a, 12b) of circular shape being parallel to one another and rigidly connected by blades (13), the unit (10) being rotatably mounted inside the cage (20) such that the fluid exerts on each of the blades (13) a force causing the unit (10) to rotate on itself.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: A set of multiple wind or hydro turbine modules, each having a polygonal structure of five to nine sides.

[0003] technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of vertical axis wind and hydro turbines.

[0005] The present invention relates more particularly to a set of several individual polygonal modules of five to nine sides, each module being in the form of a vertical axis wind turbine whose lightweight and small-sized structure is configured to ensure efficient and durable rotation while minimizing maintenance operations.

[0006] This type of assembly is applicable to wind turbine and hydro turbine modules.

[0007] The present invention will thus find many advantageous applications for the installation of wind turbines in an urban or rural environment, in particular on vertical walls or partitions or on the roofs of buildings such as collective buildings, community buildings, logistics or storage buildings or any other buildings with an unused roof area that presents a surface exposed to the wind.

[0008] The present invention will thus find many advantageous applications for the installation of hydro turbines in a river or maritime environment, in particular for regular currents at sea or in water flows.

[0009] The present invention will find other advantageous applications for the installation of wind turbines and hydro turbines in other types of environments: rural, maritime, port, nomadic etc.

[0010] The Applicant submits that the present invention can also be installed in the form of a partition.

[0011] Previous art

[0012] In the field of wind power, we are familiar with:

[0013] - vertical axis wind turbines; and

[0014] - horizontal axis wind turbines.

[0015] Horizontal axis wind turbines capture the wind from the front or the back with blades assembled in a helix around a horizontal mast.

[0016] Vertical-axis wind turbines differ from horizontal-axis wind turbines in that they have blades that rotate around a vertical shaft; these require less free space than horizontal-axis turbines while still capturing low wind speeds. Furthermore, vertical-axis wind turbines operate regardless of wind direction.

[0017] Vertical axis wind turbines therefore naturally find their place for installation in an urban environment, and in particular on the roofs of buildings.

[0018] The concept of the vertical axis wind turbine was developed by the Finnish engineer Savonius, who designed a rotor whose operation is based on an aerodynamic torque induced by the deflection of the flow on the blades.

[0019] The Savonius rotor, in its initial version, consisted of two slightly offset, semi-cylindrical buckets. It was compact, quiet, and blended into buildings without detracting from their aesthetics.

[0020] This vertical axis wind turbine technology has since been developed into various forms aimed primarily at improving efficiency and reducing noise levels.

[0021] The Applicant submits, however, that existing solutions remain complex and do not address all the constraints related to installation in an urban environment. These solutions remain cumbersome and bulky.

[0022] Current vertical axis wind turbines are generally dedicated to a single type of wind (strong winds or weak winds) and are therefore not adaptable.

[0023] Moreover, from a logistical, aesthetic and ecological point of view, the construction of wind turbines remains highly contested and requires obtaining a permit from the authorities.

[0024] Maintaining the facilities also remains very expensive.

[0025] Moreover, the vertical axis wind turbines known so far for installation in an urban environment represent heavy and bulky structures that are difficult to mount on roofs and also require reinforcement of the roofs of buildings.

[0026] The Applicant further submits that, theoretically, it is not possible to recover all the power because the wind is still present downstream of the wind turbine. Betz's theorem shows that the maximum recoverable energy is equal to 16 / 27 of the theoretical energy (approximately 60%). Other losses are also generated by wake rotation, drag, and the number of blades, which adds significant weight to the turbine.

[0027] In the field of tidal turbines, we know of tidal turbines that operate similarly to wind turbines. Such tidal turbines capture the energy of water currents instead of wind. The water drives a generator to produce electricity.

[0028] Current tidal turbines have the same shortcomings as wind turbines.

[0029] The Applicant therefore submits that the solutions known in the prior art are not entirely satisfactory: they are not completely satisfactory in terms of efficiency, and are costly, heavy, and bulky. Consequently, wind turbines and tidal turbines are not adaptable to their environment and cannot be installed everywhere.

[0030] Summary of the invention

[0031] The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

[0032] The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the above disadvantages by proposing a solution of lightweight and compact vertical axis wind and / or hydro turbines that offer good efficiency while being easy to assemble.

[0033] Thus, according to a first aspect, the object of the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a plurality of modular wind or hydro energy devices, each device comprising a vertical axis wind or hydro block and a cage having the shape of a right prism with a polygonal base.

[0034] Advantageously, the cage according to the present invention is dimensioned to receive the wind turbine block inside.

[0035] Advantageously, the cage according to the present invention comprises:

[0036] - two polygonal bases with N sides; N being a positive integer between five and nine, and

[0037] - N vertical lateral faces.

[0038] Advantageously, the two bases are connected at their respective tops by uprights arranged so that each of the N lateral faces of the cage forms a panel with openings in its center for air to pass through the face in one direction or the other.

[0039] The present invention therefore relates to an assembly of a plurality of vertical axis wind or hydro turbine modules, each module being in the shape of a polygon comprising five to nine sides.

[0040] Advantageously, the assembly includes a first generator installed at one end of said assembly, transforming mechanical energy into electrical energy.

[0041] Advantageously, the assembly includes a second generator installed at the other end.

[0042] Each individual module defined in said assembly can be replaced by an energy storage system or a data processing system with associated sensors. Advantageously, the wind or hydro turbine unit comprises at least one stage formed by a lower plate and an upper plate that can be superimposed in pairs, the circular plates being parallel to each other and rigidly connected by N+a vertically extending blades. (o O and a NxP )

[0043] Advantageously, the wind or hydro turbine block is mounted to rotate inside the cage so that, under the effect of the passage of the fluid through one of the lateral faces of the cage, the fluid successively exerts on each of the N+ a blades a stress causing the fluid wind turbine block to rotate on itself around a vertical axis of rotation defined by the respective centers of the plates.

[0044] It should be noted that it is advantageous to have a number of blades that is different from or a multiple of the number of uprights in order to avoid alignments between the blades and the uprights.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, each blade is in the form of a flat or concave blade or in the shape of an airplane wing, depending on the uses.

[0046] In another embodiment, each blade has a helical shape.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment that can be combined with the previous embodiment, the ends of each blade are fixed to the periphery of the upper and lower plates. Advantageously, each blade is arranged obliquely with respect to the plates so as to have a front edge facing outwards from the plates and a rear edge facing inwards from the plates.

[0048] Having a plurality of obliquely arranged blades concentrically towards the center of the block optimizes airflow by allowing self-regulation of the airflow while absorbing acoustic noise.

[0049] Preferably, the wind or hydro turbine block and the cage are arranged so that the blades are flush with the uprights to draw maximum energy from the wind accelerated by the uprights.

[0050] In other words, the wind turbine block and cage are arranged relative to each other so that the leading edge of the blades, as the block rotates, comes as close as possible to the uprights. This configuration offers good performance.

[0051] Advantageously, the front edge comes to the outer edge of the upper and lower plates to optimize the dynamics of the airflow.

[0052] In an advantageous embodiment, each blade is oriented at an angle of incidence between 30° and 40° (preferably between 35° and 38°), said angle of incidence being formed by the blade and the radius of the lower or upper plate passing through the trailing edge of the blade. Preferably, the angle of incidence is 37°. In an advantageous embodiment that can be combined with the preceding embodiments, each of the two bases has a polygonal base with N sides; N being a positive integer between five and nine.

[0053] Advantageously, each upright has a V-shaped cross-section.

[0054] It is understood here that the upright conforms to the shape of each vertex of the base, with an element penetrating the polygon of dimension M > 0 symmetrically. The upright can be solid, with or without a hole in its center.

[0055] Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises one or more generators integrated within the cage.

[0056] Advantageously, each upright (24) has a 3-ply V-shaped cross-section.

[0057] Advantageously, the device according to the present invention includes a generator integrated under / on said cage (20).

[0058] Correspondingly, the object of the present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a wind or hydro energy system comprising a plurality of modular devices according to the first aspect of the invention, which are juxtaposed with each other by one of the openwork faces.

[0059] Preferably, adjacent devices are placed side by side, without separation space, and can combine several polygon bases.

[0060] In other words, they are glued together; according to initial tests, this improves efficiency by approximately 30% for a wind speed of approximately 8m / s.

[0061] It should be noted that it is possible in a system to provide a cage or within the generator containing an electronic system one or more sensors to carry out different measurements (wind speed, etc.) or to identify the performance of other modules.

[0062] Advantageously, the individual modular devices defined above are assembled together by a load-bearing structure comprising a cable support and upper and lower support bars that sandwich the devices. There is no limit to the number of modules that can be assembled by a load-bearing structure.

[0063] Advantageously, the wind turbine system according to the present invention includes a front panel covering.

[0064] Such a panel can serve a purely ornamental function, minimizing its visual impact on its surroundings, particularly in urban settings. In one variation, such a cladding panel can also feature fins that act as deflectors, directing wind towards the devices.

[0065] Advantageously, the fins on this facade are adjustable.

[0066] Other variations are possible for the cladding panel, such as a panel with a honeycomb structure to prevent birds from getting caught in the blades.

[0067] Advantageously, it is also possible to include a trim panel on the rear facade.

[0068] Advantageously, the system according to the present invention also includes a pivoting base supporting the load-bearing structure and capable of tilting to flatten the devices, for example in the event of gusts of wind.

[0069] Thus, thanks to the various functional and structural characteristics described above, it becomes possible to design lightweight and compact vertical axis wind turbines that are easy to install and offer very attractive yields.

[0070] Advantageously, the protective panel for hydro turbines is designed to deflect objects or animals with a shape adapted to the context.

[0071] Description of the figures

[0072] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description below, with reference to the accompanying figures which illustrate several embodiments without limitation and on which:

[0073] [Fig l]

[0074] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a modular wind or hydro turbine energy device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Fig-2]

[0075] Figure 2 represents a schematic top view of a modular wind energy device conforming to Figure 1 with a wind or hydro turbine block and a cage according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0076] [Fig.3]

[0077] Figure 3 represents a schematic top view of a wind or hydro turbine block equipped with a blade arrangement according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] [Fig.4]

[0079] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of a wind or hydro turbine block equipped with a blade arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Fig-5]

[0080] Figure 5 represents a schematic perspective view of a system comprising a plurality of a wind or hydro turbine block equipped with a plurality of modular wind energy devices according to an example of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0081] [Fig.6]

[0082] Figure 6 represents a schematic perspective view of a system conforming to Figure 5 equipped with a finned cladding panel;

[0083] [Fig.7a] - [Fig.7b]

[0084] Figures 7a and 7b each represent a front view of a system conforming to Figure 5 equipped with a base capable of pivoting to tilt the modular devices according to the present invention.

[0085] [Fig.8]

[0086] Figure 8 represents a set of individual basic modules of polygons with five to nine different sides

[0087] [Fig.9]

[0088] Figure 9 illustrates a configuration of an assembly according to the present invention

[0089] [Fig.10]

[0090] Figure 10 illustrates the different generator positioning variants

[0091] Detailed description

[0092] A modular wind or hydro power device and its associated system will now be described in what follows with joint reference to figures 1 to 10.

[0093] Firstly, let us recall here that the object of the present invention is to provide a compact and quiet wind or hydro turbine solution while offering interesting yields.

[0094] This is achieved in the following example.

[0095] For this purpose, in the example described here and as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, we have a modular wind or hydro turbine energy device 100 which includes: A cage 20; and

[0096] A wind or tidal power unit 10.

[0097] Cage 20 and wind turbine block 10 are dimensioned relative to each other so that block 10 fits inside cage 20, which acts as a fairing. As previously mentioned, wind or tidal turbine block 10 is of the vertical axis type.

[0098] The wind or hydro turbine block 10 has a specific geometry, characteristic of the present invention.

[0099] In this example, the wind or hydro turbine block comprises a stage formed by a lower plate 12a and an upper plate 12b which can be superimposed in pairs.

[0100] Here, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4 in particular, the plates 12a and 12b, with respective centers 14a and 14b, are circular and parallel to each other. These are advantageously connected by N+ a blades 13 which extend vertically (N and P being positive integers, a 0 and a NxP)). In this example, we note that N = 6, i.e. 7 blades.

[0101] In this example, each blade 13 is in the form of a substantially flat blade.

[0102] This simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces material costs. The applicant also notes that using flat blades as cutting edges allows for very satisfactory performance while limiting manufacturing and maintenance costs in case of replacement.

[0103] In the example described here and illustrated in figures 2, 3 and 4, the ends 13a and 13b of each of said blades 13 are fixed to the peripheral edge P of the lower plate 12a and upper plate 12b.

[0104] Being at the periphery P of the plates 12a and 12b facilitates fluid dynamics and allows for good efficiency.

[0105] In this example, each blade 13 is arranged obliquely with respect to the plates 12a, 12b.

[0106] Here, we can see in figures 2, 3 and 4 that each blade 13 has a front edge 13c turned outwards and a rear edge 13d turned inwards.

[0107] In the example described here and in particular that illustrated in figure 3, each blade 13 is oriented at an angle of incidence a between 37°, this angle of incidence a being formed by the blade 13 and the radius R of the lower plate 12a (or upper plate 12b) passing through the rear edge 15b of the blade.

[0108] The example described here in figure 10 illustrates the different possible positions of generator denoted G. The illustration is that of a single generator, at each end and distributed over the whole of the wind or hydro block.

[0109] In the example described here and illustrated in figure 4, the blades 13 each straddle the peripheral edge P of the lower plates 12a and upper plates 12b.

[0110] In the example described here and illustrated in figure 2, the front edges 13c of the blades each come to the outer edge of the lower plate 12a and upper plate 12b. The cage 20 also has a specific geometry, characteristic of the present invention.

[0111] More specifically, cage 20 is in the form of a right prism with a polygonal base.

[0112] According to the present invention, cage 20 comprises:

[0113] - two polygonal bases 21a and 21b with N sides; and

[0114] - N lateral faces 22 vertical.

[0115] In the example described here and as illustrated in figure 1, the bases 21a and 21b are hexagonal in shape (N=6).

[0116] A person skilled in the art will understand that bases 21a and 21b can present other forms such as a polygonal shape of five to nine sides.

[0117] In the example described here and illustrated in figure 1, the two bases 21a and 21b are connected to each other at their respective vertices 23a and 23b by uprights 24 arranged so that each of the lateral faces 22 forms a panel with openings in its center for air to pass through the face 22 in one direction or the other.

[0118] In this example, as illustrated in Figure 2, each upright 24 has a V-shaped cross-section. It is understood here that the point of the V follows the associated vertex 23a-23b, this point of the V being oriented outwards to act as a wind deflector. Figure 9 shows the extension of the V by a distance M (M > 0) depending on the size of the system. The upright can thus be hollow, semi-solid, or solid depending on the mechanical strength requirements or the material used.

[0119] In the example in Figure 8, the association of different types of individual basic modules of five- to nine-sided polygons allows the directions to be adapted according to the context without breaking the association.

[0120] In the example described here, it is planned to house a generator (not shown here) under cage 20.

[0121] Thus, this specific geometry of the elements 10 and 20 constituting the device 100 allows a wind block 10 to be mounted in rotation inside the cage 20 so that, under the effect of the passage of the wind through one of the lateral faces 22 of said cage 20, the wind exerts successively on each of the blades 13 a stress causing the wind block 10 to rotate on itself around a vertical axis of rotation A defined by the respective centers 14a and 14b of said plates (12a, 12b).

[0122] It is understood here that each device 100 constitutes an autonomous module. In this example, we also plan to design a system 200 which is composed of several modular devices 100 aligned with each other as illustrated in Figure 5.

[0123] Such alignment makes it possible to equip roofs, or even walls.

[0124] It is envisaged within the framework of the present invention to assemble together several devices 100. This is made possible by the design of a load-bearing structure 210 comprising upper support bars 211 and lower support bars 212 sandwiching the devices 100. In the example described here and illustrated in figure 6, it is envisaged to position on the front facade a cladding panel 220.

[0125] Here, this panel 220 features fins 221 (fixed or adjustable) serving as a deflector to direct the wind towards the devices 100.

[0126] Other shape variants could be envisaged for the deflector function, for example cells (of the simple grid type) or any other shape allowing the fluid flow to be guided as best as possible towards the wind or hydro turbine blocks 10.

[0127] In the example described here and illustrated in figures 7a and 7b, a base 230 is designed which is capable of supporting the load-bearing structure 210 and which includes means configured to ensure a pivoting of the load-bearing structure 210 so as to flatten the devices 100 for example in the event of gusts of wind.

[0128] The inventive concept on which the present invention is based consists in particular of designing a fairing serving as a cage which provides a rigid structure while creating perforated panels on the lateral faces of the cage. Such openings thus reduce the exposure to the wind and increase the wind speed on the turbine part of the wind turbine assembly (Bernoulli's law - Venturi effect).

[0129] The design of these perforated panels thus increases the theoretical speed by approximately 40%.

[0130] If we take a wind speed of 10 m / s over a surface of 1 m 2, we can calculate the theoretical power, i.e. P=.5*1*1*103 = 500w, with the window P=.5*1 *1*143 = 1372w.

[0131] The generator is directly on the axis of the wind turbine block and behaves like a plateau of inertia. For the tidal turbine, there is little inertia effect to consider.

[0132] The 200 system is designed as a structure that encloses the 100 modules, holding them together. The fact that the 100 modules are joined together without any gaps creates a positive interaction that allows for regulation between the modules, thus avoiding the need for energy-consuming control systems.

[0133] The simple module design improves industrialization and reduces costs with easily produced parts. Its small size and the use of wind-limiting supports on the aerodynamic system allow it to handle strong winds, and the same principle applies to currents on the tidal turbine.

[0134] The presence of the wind gust switching system surprisingly increases energy production even on flat ground.

[0135] The tests also show that polygonal shapes with five to nine sides are advantageous because the air exits laterally relative to the wind direction, with no velocity at the rear of the module. This gives the device good noise absorption properties. For creating a barrier, octagonal or hexagonal shapes are preferable.

[0136] It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but in no way does this description limit the scope of the invention; on the contrary, its purpose is to remove any possible inaccuracy or misinterpretation of the following claims.

[0137] It should also be noted that the reference signs placed in parentheses in the following claims are in no way intended to be limiting; these signs are solely intended to improve the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims and the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

Demands 1. Modular wind or tidal energy device (100) comprising a vertical-axis wind or tidal turbine unit (10) and a cage (20) in the shape of a right prism with a polygonal base, said cage (20) being dimensioned to receive within it said wind or tidal turbine unit (10) and comprising: - two polygonal bases (21a, 21b) with N sides; N being a positive integer, and - N vertical lateral faces (22), in which said two bases (21a, 21b) are connected to each other at their respective apexes (23a, 23b) by uprights (24) arranged so that each of the N lateral faces (22) forms a panel with an opening in its center for the passage of air through said face (22) in one direction or the other;and in which said wind turbine block (10) comprises at least one stage formed (11) by a lower plate (12a) and an upper plate (12b) which are superimposable in pairs, said plates (12a, 12b) being circular in shape parallel to each other and connected by N+l blades (13) extending vertically, said wind turbine block (10) being mounted in rotation inside said cage (20) in such a way that, under the effect of the passage of a fluid such as, for example, wind through one of the lateral faces (22) of said cage (20), the fluid successively exerts on each of said N+l blades (13) a stress causing said wind turbine block (10) to rotate about itself around a vertical axis of rotation (A) defined by the respective centers (14a, 14b) of said plates (12a, 12b).; 2. Device (100) according to claim 1, each blade (13) is in the form of a flat blade.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the ends (13a, 13b) of each of said blades (13) are fixed to the peripheral edge (P) of the lower (12a) and upper (12b) plates.

4. Device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each blade (13) is arranged obliquely with respect to the plates (12a, 12b) so as to have a front edge (13c) turned outwards from said plates (12a, 12b) and a rear edge (15d) turned inwards from said plates (12a, 12b).

5. Device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the front edges (13c) each come to the outer edge of the lower (12a) and upper (12b) plates.

6. Device (100) according to claim 4, in which the blades (13) each straddle the peripheral edge (P) of the lower (12a) and upper (12b) plates.

7. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein each blade (13) is oriented at an angle of incidence (a) between 30 and 40°, said angle of incidence (a) being formed by said blade (13) and the radius (R) of the lower plate (12a) or upper plate (12b) passing through the rear edge (15b) of the blade.

8. Device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the angle of incidence (a) is equal to 37°.

9. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the two bases (21a, 21b) has a hexagonal or octagonal shape.

10. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each upright (24) has a 3-ply V-shaped cross-section 11. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, which includes a generator integrated under / on said cage (20).

12. Wind power system (200) comprising a plurality of modular devices (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 aligned with each other.

13. System (200) according to claim 12, wherein the devices (100) are assembled together by a load-bearing structure (210) comprising upper support bars (211) and lower support bars (212) sandwiching said devices (100).

14. System (200) according to claim 12 or 13, which includes on the front face a cladding panel (220) having fins (221) serving as a deflector to direct the wind towards said devices (100).

15. System (200) according to claim 14, wherein the fins (221) are orientable.

16. System (200) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, which includes a base (230) supporting the carrier structure (210) and capable of tilting horizontally to flatten said devices (100) for example in the event of gusts of wind.

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