Building-Edge Airfoil Wind Direction for Flow Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine systems fail to efficiently capture the increased wind speed generated over building edges due to flow separation, requiring large, expensive, and aesthetically obtrusive towers, which also block light for solar panels and are difficult to install.
Innovation Solution
A wind direction system utilizing lower and upper airfoils to manipulate airflow, incorporating a wind turbine mounted above the lower airfoil, which redirects and concentrates faster wind speed closer to the building surface, enhancing energy capture with a crossflow wind turbine configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large tower is used to capture wind speed at the building edge, then wind energy capture is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary airflow control structure (the airfoil-shaped element) that mediates between the building edge and the wind turbine. This intermediary device redirects and concentrates the airflow directly onto the turbine, eliminating the need for a large tower while maintaining effective wind energy capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a vertical approach (using tall towers to reach high-speed wind at building edges) to a horizontal/planar approach. The airfoil-shaped airflow control structure operates in the plane of the building roof, redirecting airflow laterally onto the turbine, thereby solving the problem without requiring vertical height.
2Productivity
If a large tower is used to capture wind speed at the building edge, then wind energy capture is improved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow control structure serves as a modular intermediary component that can be independently installed and configured. This modular approach allows for faster installation compared to constructing large towers, as the airfoil element can be positioned and secured without requiring extensive structural work.
3Productivity
If a large tower is used to capture wind speed at the building edge, then wind energy capture is improved, but light blockage for solar panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the wind capture mechanism from a vertical dimension (tall towers blocking light) to a horizontal dimension (airfoil structure on the building surface). This dimensional transition allows wind energy capture without vertical obstruction, thereby preserving light availability for solar panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoil-shaped intermediary structure redirects airflow in a controlled manner directly onto the turbine, achieving effective wind capture with minimal structural footprint. This reduces the overall structure's visual and physical presence, allowing solar panels to receive adequate light.
4Speed
If wind travels over the building edge, then wind speed increases, but flow separation occurs reducing capture efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoil-shaped airflow control structure acts as an intermediary that manages and directs the high-speed airflow from the building edge. By using aerodynamic shaping, it maintains smooth flow attachment and directs the energy-rich airflow onto the turbine, preventing flow separation and maximizing energy capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters of the airflow by using the airfoil structure to redirect and concentrate the flow. This modifies the flow's path, speed distribution, and direction, transforming the separated flow into a coherent, high-energy stream that efficiently reaches the turbine.
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 significantly increases energy capture by efficiently directing and concentrating wind speed near the building edge, reducing the need for large towers and lowering installation complexity while integrating seamlessly with building architecture.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lower airfoil having a leading edge, front surface, middle surface, rear surface, and trailing edge
Implementation Method 2
Pressure differences and concentration of wind created in this process naturally cause wind to speed up as it travels over the edge of a building
Implementation Method 3
wind turbine systems, more specifically a wind concentrator for directing wind as it passes over a building
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
The present invention is a wind direction system. The system includes at least one lower airfoil having a leading edge, front surface, middle surface, rear surface, and trailing edge, and at least one wind turbine mounted above the at least one lower airfoil. The lower airfoil is mounted to a building surface. The front surface of the lower airfoil is angled into an airflow relative to the middle surface. The lower airfoil causes wind airflow travelling over a building to "stick" to an upper surface of the building and be directed towards the wind turbine, resulting greater utilization of the wind and increased power generation through the turbine