Foldable Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine for Container Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical axis wind power generation devices for non-electrified areas and disaster zones face challenges in achieving sufficient power generation capability and transportability due to their compact configurations, with horizontal axis turbines being inefficient at low wind speeds and occupying unnecessary space during transport.
Innovation Solution
A vertical axis wind power generation device with a foldable or disassemblable design, accommodated in a standard-sized container for efficient transport and installation, utilizing a support-column fixing part and folding mechanisms to ensure easy setup and operation, along with a container-accommodated hydropower generation device for enhanced transportability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If horizontal axis wind turbines are used for compact configuration, then transportability is improved, but power generation efficiency deteriorates at low wind speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal axis wind turbine design by adopting a vertical axis configuration. This inversion allows the turbine to operate effectively at low wind speeds while maintaining compact dimensions for transportability. The vertical axis orientation enables the blades to capture wind from any direction without requiring precise orientation, solving the contradiction between compact transportable size and power generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs foldable blades that can be dynamically adjusted between extended and retracted positions. During transport, the blades are folded to minimize the overall dimension of the wind turbine, enabling easy transportation. At the installation site, the blades are extended to maximize the swept area and power generation capability, thus resolving the contradiction between transportability and power generation efficiency.
2Productivity
If vertical axis wind turbine with extended blades is used, then power generation capability is improved, but transportability deteriorates due to increased dimension
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine is designed with dynamically adjustable blade length through foldable mechanisms. The blades can be extended to maximum length for optimal power generation at the installation site, and retracted to minimum length for compact transport. This dynamic configuration allows the system to achieve both high power generation capability and good transportability at different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade structure is segmented into multiple foldable sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the blades to be compacted into a small package for transport while maintaining the capability to extend to full length for power generation. The segmented design resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
3Ease of operation
If compact wind turbine configuration is used, then transportability is improved, but power generation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine employs dynamic blade extension mechanisms that allow compact configuration during transport and extended configuration during operation. The blades can be folded to reduce the overall dimension for transportability, then extended at the installation site to maximize the swept area and power generation efficiency, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and generation efficiency.
4Volume of moving object
If horizontal axis wind turbine is used, then compact configuration is achieved, but power generation at low wind speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal axis design to a vertical axis configuration, which inherently performs better at low wind speeds. The vertical axis orientation allows the turbine to capture wind energy more effectively regardless of wind direction and at lower velocities. Combined with the compact vertical footprint, this inversion resolves the contradiction between compact configuration and low-speed power generation capability.
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 solution enables efficient power generation at low wind speeds, optimal transport efficiency, and easy installation in compact configurations, addressing the limitations of horizontal axis turbines and ensuring reliable power supply in non-electrified areas and disaster zones.
Implementation Method 1
a wind turbine of a vertical axis type including a support column, a main shaft disposed on an upper portion of the support column so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis, a plurality of blades extending in a vertical direction around the main shaft
Implementation Method 2
a power generator configured to generate electric power by rotation of the main shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a vertical axis wind power generation device including a wind turbine of a vertical axis type including a support column, a main shaft disposed on an upper portion of the support column so as to be rotatable, a plurality of blades coupled to the main shaft through arms; a power generator; and a container having a standard dimension for freight transport. The wind turbine is accommodatable in a folded or disassembled state in the container together with the power generator. The container is provided with a support-column fixing part configured to fix the support column of the wind turbine to the container. The container may include an inclining mount inside the container, the inclining mount being configured to accommodate a folded body of the wind turbine.