Ducted Floating Wind Turbine With Self-Aligning Rotatable Cowl
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large wind turbines face limitations in size and power generation capacity due to material constraints, environmental harshness, and logistical issues, leading to poor survivability and inefficiency, especially in offshore environments where harsh conditions require turbines to be shut down during strong winds and waves.
Innovation Solution
A ducted wind turbine system with a rotatable cowl and stabilizing arms that self-aligns with wind direction, featuring contra-rotating blades and a semi-submersible platform for offshore use, allowing for efficient energy harvesting while withstanding harsh conditions and minimizing structural loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbine size and power generating capacity are increased, then energy production capability is improved, but material constraints and structural strength are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple blades (typically 3-7 blades) that collectively capture wind energy, distributing the aerodynamic loads across separate structural elements. This segmentation allows the turbine to generate higher power without requiring a single oversized blade that would exceed material strength limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from horizontal-axis turbines to vertical-axis turbine configurations, changing the dimensional orientation of energy capture. This dimensional shift allows for more compact structural designs that can achieve high power output without proportionally increasing structural mass and stress requirements.
2Productivity
If wind turbine size is increased, then energy capture capability is improved, but aerodynamic forces and dynamic loads increase beyond material withstand capacity
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the rotor into multiple smaller blades rather than one large blade, the aerodynamic stress is distributed across multiple load-bearing elements. Each blade experiences reduced individual stress while collectively capturing the same or greater total energy from the wind.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies using composite materials for blade construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve high strength-to-weight ratios. This allows the blades to withstand increased aerodynamic stresses while maintaining the structural integrity needed for larger turbine designs.
3Productivity
If turbines are operated during harsh offshore conditions, then energy production is improved, but turbine survivability and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dynamic control systems that allow the turbine to adapt its operational parameters in real-time based on environmental conditions. This includes variable blade pitch angles and rotational speed adjustments that enable safe operation across a wider range of wind speeds and sea states, improving both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine design allows for changing operational parameters such as rotor speed, blade pitch, and generator output based on prevailing conditions. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the turbine can maximize energy capture during favorable conditions while protecting itself during extreme events, thereby improving overall reliability without sacrificing productivity.
4Reliability
If turbine shutdown during strong winds and waves is implemented, then turbine damage is prevented, but energy production is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic control system enables continuous operation across varying conditions by adjusting operational parameters rather than shutting down. The system can safely operate at reduced power levels during moderate extreme conditions, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost while maintaining protection through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine incorporates self-regulating mechanisms that automatically adjust operational parameters in response to environmental conditions without external intervention. This self-service capability allows the turbine to protect itself during harsh conditions while continuing to generate power, eliminating the need for manual shutdown decisions and associated energy losses.
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 enhances energy capture efficiency, extends turbine lifespan, and reduces maintenance by allowing operation during harsh conditions, with the ability to self-align and stabilize the turbine, thus optimizing energy production and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine assembly including a plurality of rotor blades rotating about a rotation axis for harnessing kinetic energy from an airflow
Implementation Method 2
some or all of the stabilising arms are provided with at least one buoyant hull member for providing buoyancy to cause or assist with flotation of the base platform and the turbine assembly and cowl supported thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A wind-energy-power-generating device is disclosed for flotation on a body of water. The device includes a turbine assembly having rotor blades rotating about a rotation axis for harnessing kinetic energy from an airflow. The device includes a cowl at least partially surrounding said turbine assembly and defining an airflow passageway between a cowl inlet and outlet, having an inlet and outlet axis, respectively. The inlet and outlet axis intersect at a redirect angle. The device includes a base platform adapted to support the turbine assembly and cowl on the water. The cowl is rotatably mounted on the base platform such that it is rotatable around the turbine assembly to self-align with a wind direction. Stabilising arms extend from the base platform and are spaced circumferentially around a platform axis, to stabilise it on the water. A wind-energy-power-generating device secured to the ground or other fixed non-floating structure is also described.