Ground-Level Wind Energy Extraction via Aerodynamic Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind energy systems face challenges such as high material costs, maintenance difficulties, noise pollution, wildlife threats, and aesthetic issues due to large machinery and external rotor blades, with existing alternative systems not providing commercially viable solutions for efficient and reliable flow energy extraction.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow energy extraction system utilizing self-amplifying aerodynamic assemblies with airfoils and perforations to generate high pressure potential, eliminating the need for external rotor blades by creating a pressure differential that drives airflow through a channel connected to a turbine and generator, placed at ground level for reduced noise and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wind energy systems use large rotor blades and tall towers to extract wind power efficiently, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but materials usage and system weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation equipment from the elevated position on the tower and places it at ground level. The aerodynamic structure remains on the tower to capture wind energy, but the heavy generator and transmission components are removed from the tower structure, significantly reducing system weight and materials usage while maintaining energy extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible shaft or rod as an intermediary element that transmits rotational energy from the aerodynamic structure at height to the generator at ground level. This allows separation of the wind capture function (at height) from the power generation function (at ground level), resolving the contradiction between efficient energy extraction and reduced system weight.
2Productivity
If conventional wind energy systems place machinery at height on tall towers, then wind energy extraction is improved, but maintenance difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the generator and major maintenance-requiring components from the elevated tower position and places them at ground level. Only the aerodynamic elements (blades or sails) remain at height, which are simpler in design and easier to maintain. The complex mechanical and electrical components are accessible at ground level for routine maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the system into two distinct segments: the aerodynamic capture elements at height and the power generation elements at ground level. This segmentation allows independent maintenance of each component, with the ground-level generator being easily accessible while the aerodynamic elements can be maintained separately, reducing overall maintenance difficulty.
3Power
If conventional wind energy systems use large external rotor blades, then power generation capability is improved, but noise pollution and wildlife threat increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the noise-generating components (generator, gearbox, and large rotating blades) from the operational wind capture process. The aerodynamic structure at height is designed to move minimally or not rotate at all, capturing wind energy through pressure differentials or linear motion, thereby eliminating noise pollution and reducing wildlife threats while maintaining power generation capability through the ground-level generator.
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 extracts energy with reduced noise, land use, and wildlife impact, achieving higher efficiency and economic viability by maximizing pressure potential and airflow velocity, suitable for both consumer and utility-scale applications.
Implementation Method 1
fluid flow across the aerodynamic assembly causes a negative inner aerodynamic assembly plenum pressure (Pi) relative to an ambient pressure (Pa) resulting in fluid flow through the energy extraction device, into the plenum and out through the perforations of the aerodynamic assembly due to the pressure differential, Pi−Pa
Implementation Method 2
The aerodynamic assembly may further comprise one or more airfoils arranged to generate low pressure regions near the perforations
Implementation Method 3
An energy extraction device is in fluid communication with the plenum through a channel and comprises an inlet and an outlet. The energy extraction device may be connected to one or more electric generators or one or more hydraulic pumps
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system and method for both consumer and utility scale energy extraction from flow-based energy sources. The passive system may utilize directing perforations on a surface in order to create and air jet vortex generators. Alternatively the system may provide for flow through discrete orifices aligned with the span of an aerodynamic assembly in a co-flow direction, utilizing a Coanda effect. Further additional configurations include directing flow through a perforated surface skin that is near the trailing edge on the suction side. Even further are embodiments for blowing air directly out of the trailing edge of an airfoil. The disclosed systems and methods support a wide variety of scenarios for fluid flow energy extraction, such as wind or water flow, as well as for related products and services.