Building Wind Turbine with Rotating Funnel for Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for harnessing wind energy in high-rise buildings are not efficiently scalable for retrofitting into existing structures and often require higher wind speeds to generate usable energy.
Innovation Solution
A scalable wind energy system comprising a wind-capturing funnel directing wind to a turbine connected to a direct current generator, which produces hydrogen through electrolysis for storage and on-demand energy generation, with adjustable funnel designs and a rotating platform to optimize energy capture across varying wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing wind energy systems are used in high-rise buildings, then wind energy can be harnessed, but the systems are not efficiently scalable for retrofitting into existing structures and require higher wind speeds to generate usable energy
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine system is divided into modular components including a wind capture funnel, turbine unit, and generator that can be independently installed and scaled. The funnel can be configured in different sizes and the turbine-generators can be added or removed based on building requirements, enabling efficient retrofitting into existing structures without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable funnel designs and rotating platforms that can adapt to varying wind conditions. The funnel geometry can be modified to optimize wind capture at different speeds, and the rotating platform allows the turbine to maintain optimal orientation regardless of wind direction, ensuring reliable energy generation across a range of wind speeds rather than requiring consistently high winds.
2Productivity
If a wind capture funnel is used to direct wind to the turbine, then wind energy capture is improved, but the funnel requires precise alignment with prevailing winds which may be challenging in existing buildings
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a rotating platform that can dynamically adjust the orientation of the turbine and funnel assembly to face the direction of prevailing winds. This rotational capability eliminates the need for precise fixed alignment during installation, as the system can adapt its orientation in response to changing wind patterns while maintaining optimal energy capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel design incorporates adjustable geometric parameters including angle, diameter, and shape that can be optimized for different wind conditions. These parameters can be modified to match local wind patterns without requiring precise alignment, allowing the system to maintain high productivity across varying environmental conditions while simplifying the manufacturing and installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses electrolysis to produce hydrogen from electrical energy, then energy storage and on-demand power generation is enabled, but the process requires additional equipment and space
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolysis system is integrated with the existing turbine-generators to create a multi-functional energy storage and power generation system. The same electrical energy produced by the turbines can be used for immediate power needs or converted to hydrogen for storage and on-demand generation, allowing the system to serve multiple purposes without requiring entirely separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrolysis unit is combined with the turbine-generators and hydrogen storage system into an integrated assembly that can be installed within existing building spaces. This merged configuration reduces the overall equipment footprint and simplifies installation compared to having separate independent systems, while still providing comprehensive energy storage and on-demand power generation capabilities.
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 converts prevailing winds into usable energy, even at lower wind speeds, allowing for efficient energy storage and on-demand electricity generation, making it suitable for retrofitting into existing buildings and providing reliable power.
Implementation Method 1
a wind-capturing funnel to direct the prevailing winds toward a wind turbine
Implementation Method 2
a wind turbine connected to a direct current generator
Implementation Method 3
The direct current is used for producing hydrogen through electrolysis
Data Source
AI summary
In general a building, preferably a skyscraper, is situated with a face toward the prevailing winds of the area. Within the building is a system for capturing the prevailing winds and converting the prevailing winds into energy for use by the building or for local energy needs. The system is capable of being retrofitted into existing buildings because the elements of the system are scalable.