Dual-Flow Wind Power Generation with Pressure-Driven Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines face limitations in converting fluid flow into electricity, particularly in built environments, due to single flow stream constraints and inefficiencies in pressure differentials, leading to high cost and complexity, which has hindered the adoption of small wind energy systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-driven power generation unit with two distinct flow streams, utilizing external airfoils to create a low-pressure potential that drives an internal flow stream through a separate inlet, which is then accelerated by inner surfaces to rotate a turbine and generate electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single flow stream is used in conventional wind turbines, then the structure is simpler, but the energy conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine system is divided into two separate flow streams: an external flow stream that passes over the rotor blades to generate lift and thrust, and an internal flow stream that passes through the rotor hub to drive the generator. This segmentation allows each flow stream to be optimized independently for its specific function, thereby improving overall energy conversion efficiency while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Power
If rotor thrust is increased to capture more wind energy, then power generation increases, but flow rate through the rotor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the power generation function into two independent flow streams, the system allows the external flow to maximize rotor thrust for power generation while the internal flow maintains adequate flow rate through the rotor hub to drive the generator, thus resolving the trade-off between power generation and flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor hub acts as an intermediary component that captures kinetic energy from the external flow stream and transfers it to the internal flow stream, which then drives the generator. This intermediary mechanism allows efficient energy transfer without requiring high flow rates through the entire rotor.
3Power
If diffusor airfoils are used to increase back pressure, then power coefficient increases, but flow circulation around the airfoils decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the flow paths so that diffusor airfoils operate in the external flow stream to generate back pressure and increase power coefficient, while the internal flow stream maintains independent flow circulation through the rotor hub, thus resolving the contradiction between power coefficient and flow circulation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If small wind turbines are deployed in built environments, then renewable energy access improves, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The two-flow-stream design allows the turbine to be optimized for specific built environment conditions, with the external flow capturing ambient wind and the internal flow providing consistent driver gas flow, enabling adaptable deployment while managing complexity through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions simultaneously: the external flow stream generates thrust and power, while the internal flow stream drives the generator and can be integrated with building ventilation systems or other HVAC applications, increasing versatility for built environment deployment.
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
This design enhances energy conversion efficiency, minimizes adverse effects on downstream devices, and allows for installation in various environments, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution for generating renewable energy.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flowing through openings between the elongate body element and the first and the second sets of airfoils is accelerated by inner surfaces of the first and the second sets of airfoils causing a reduced pressure within the power generation unit
Implementation Method 2
the reduced pressure drawing air past the turbine, through the manifold and the elongate body element, rotating the turbine, thereby driving the power generation unit to generate electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid-driven power generation unit, may include two sets of airfoils disposed on opposite sides of the power generation unit with their leading edges facing a windward end of the power generation unit; a body element having a curved front face and a back disposed, wherein at least a portion of the elongate body element is disposed between the first and second set of airfoils; and a power generation unit disposed in alignment with the body element, the power generation unit including at least a housing, and a turbine and an electrical generation unit actuated by the turbine disposed within the housing. As a fluid flows across the airfoils, the lifting force of the airfoils causes a reduced pressure within the power generation unit, drawing air past the turbine, through the body element and out the back of the body element, thereby extracting power from this secondary fluid flow stream.