Mechanical Bellows Energy Storage for Low-Wind Power Systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Small wind generator systems face challenges such as high maintenance costs, complexity, acoustic noise, aesthetic issues, and high wind damage, which increase operational and manufacturing costs, while existing energy storage solutions like fuel cells and chemical batteries are expensive and environmentally challenging.
Innovation Solution
A wind generator system with adjustable blades and a housing that channels wind efficiently, incorporating a wind directional apparatus and aerodynamic elements, along with a modular design and an energy storage system using a mechanical bellows to enhance energy harvesting and storage, reducing maintenance needs and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If small wind generator systems use large blades to harvest lower-energy winds, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but system complexity and maintenance costs increase due to high wind damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The wind generator system is divided into modular components including the turbine assembly, power converter, and control system that can be independently maintained and replaced. The turbine assembly with blades and hub can be serviced separately from the electrical components, reducing overall system complexity during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A power converter system acts as an intermediary between the turbine generator and the electrical load or grid. This intermediary component manages power flow, protects the system from high wind damage by controlling generator operation, and simplifies the connection between mechanical and electrical subsystems.
2Reliability
If protective means such as blade pitching or braking systems are added to prevent high wind damage, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically monitors wind conditions and adjusts turbine operation without requiring complex mechanical protective devices. The system self-regulates by controlling the generator and power converter based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for blade pitching mechanisms or mechanical brakes.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical protective systems such as blade pitching mechanisms and braking systems are replaced with an electrical control approach. The power converter and control electronics manage high wind protection by controlling generator output and turbine operation, substituting mechanical complexity with electrical control.
3Reliability
If routine maintenance is performed on protective means, then system reliability is maintained, but operating costs and maintenance downtime significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors system conditions and performs self-diagnosis, eliminating the need for routine manual inspection and maintenance of protective mechanisms. The system automatically detects and reports issues, reducing maintenance downtime and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical protective systems that require routine maintenance are extracted and replaced with solid-state electrical control components. The power converter and control electronics have no moving parts requiring maintenance, removing the maintenance burden entirely from the protective functionality.
4Quantity of substance
If existing energy storage solutions like fuel cells and chemical batteries are used, then energy storage capability is achieved, but manufacturing costs and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses conventional, readily available energy storage technologies such as lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries that are inexpensive to manufacture and replace. These standard batteries can be easily obtained from automotive or consumer electronics sources, avoiding the high costs and environmental concerns of fuel cells or specialized chemical batteries.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively harnesses low-velocity wind, reduces noise and visual impact, and provides reliable, cost-effective energy storage, minimizing maintenance and operational complexity, suitable for residential and remote applications.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical bellows having an outer flexible material casing that expands and contracts to store and release energy
Implementation Method 2
the outer flexible material casing includes one or more functional elements that act as actuators made of shaped memory material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an energy storage system comprising a mechanical bellows having an outer flexible material casing with one or more functional elements that operate as actuators for expanding and contracting the outer flexible material casing to store or deliver energy.