Friction Limiting Turbine Gyroscope for VTOL Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric propulsion systems for VTOL/VSTOL aircraft are inefficient due to energy loss through gearbox and bearing assemblies, and instability leads to component wear, requiring complex and large generators that are not suitable for compact urban installations.
Innovation Solution
A friction limiting turbine gyroscope with aerodynamically shaped spokes and blades made of flexible composite materials containing shaped memory alloys, which can expand or contract, and are supported by magnetic bearings, allowing for efficient energy capture and stabilization, and conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy using permanent magnets and field coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a traditional turbine generator with gearbox and bearing assemblies is used, then energy conversion is achieved, but energy loss occurs through mechanical friction and component wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gearbox and bearing assembly with a direct-drive turbine generator design. The turbine rotor is directly coupled to the generator rotor, eliminating intermediate mechanical transmission components. This substitution removes the sources of mechanical friction and component wear while maintaining energy conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the gearbox and bearing assemblies from the traditional turbine generator system. By taking out these problematic mechanical components, the design eliminates energy loss through mechanical friction and prevents component wear, achieving a more reliable and efficient energy conversion system.
2Productivity
If the turbine is designed to capture energy efficiently, then the generator must be large and complex, but this reduces adaptability for compact urban installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the turbine and generator into a single integrated direct-drive unit. The turbine rotor and generator rotor share the same rotational axis and are directly coupled, combining two previously separate functions into one compact assembly. This integration maintains high energy capture efficiency while significantly reducing the overall size and complexity of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct-drive turbine generator design creates a multi-functional unit that performs both energy capture and electrical generation within a single compact structure. This universal design enables the system to be adapted for various installations including compact urban locations, high-rise buildings, and other space-constrained environments while maintaining productivity.
3Reliability
If the turbine operates in unstable fluid flow conditions, then component wear increases, but adding dampening or freezing mechanisms increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical dampening mechanisms and freezing systems with a direct-drive design that inherently reduces component stress. By eliminating the gearbox and intermediate bearings, there are fewer components subject to wear from unstable fluid flow conditions, reducing the need for complex protective mechanisms.
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 a more compact, efficient, and self-stabilizing energy conversion system that reduces mechanical stress and energy loss, allowing for higher energy capture and easier urban integration by minimizing friction and optimizing energy generation across varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The spokes contain an inner spar that can expand or contract through the use of a flexible composites containing shaped memory alloys that alter their shape when an electrical current is introduced
Implementation Method 2
permanent magnets are integrated along its perimeter with proximately located field coils to convert the flywheel's ration to electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
Because of the gyroscopic stabilizing effect, the invention can easily be supported by a magnetic bearing field eliminating mechanical stress and energy loss due to friction
Implementation Method 4
the invention can easily be supported by a magnetic bearing field eliminating mechanical stress and energy loss due to friction
Data Source
AI summary
A friction limiting turbine gyroscope is a compact and efficient means to convert the energy of a moving fluid into electrical energy. The gyroscope's flywheel rotates when a fluid passes through its spokes while magnets located along the perimeter act upon proximate movable field coils to produce electricity. The spokes of the flywheel are optimized for the flow and density of the fluid with the ability to trans mutate using shaped memory alloys as well as rotate about their center of pressure allowing the flywheel to capture more of the energy from the fluid passing over their surfaces in all conditions. Mechanical energy losses are reduced because of the inherent stabilizing effects created by the gyroscope. Because of the stabilization, a magnetic bearing field effectively supports the gyroscope eliminating mechanical interference in rotation.