Gyroglider Tether Power Generation with Dynamic Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for harnessing wind energy using terrestrial windmills are limited by their duty cycle and efficiency, as they are dependent on predictable weather patterns and require substantial engineering efforts to optimize wind velocity and direction, making it difficult and expensive to develop wind energy effectively.
Innovation Solution
A gyroglider apparatus is developed, comprising a rotor with adjustable pitch blades and a tether system that includes tension management and control mechanisms to optimize energy capture by adjusting rotor and blade pitch in response to wind conditions, converting rotational energy into power using a capstan and converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If terrestrial windmills are used to harness wind energy, then power generation is achieved, but the duty cycle is limited and efficiency is reduced due to dependence on predictable weather patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroglider employs dynamic pitch adjustment of rotor blades and rotor tilt control to adapt to varying wind conditions. The blade pitch angle is continuously adjusted based on wind speed and direction, allowing the system to maintain optimal energy capture across a wider range of operating conditions compared to fixed-blade windmills, thereby increasing the duty cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including rotor pitch angle, blade pitch angle, and rotor tilt angle in response to wind conditions. These parameter adjustments enable the gyroglider to operate effectively in variable wind environments, improving both duty cycle and efficiency compared to conventional windmills with fixed parameters.
2Productivity
If terrestrial windmills are used to harness wind energy, then power generation is achieved, but substantial engineering efforts are required to optimize wind velocity and direction
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroglider uses dynamic control mechanisms including adjustable rotor pitch, blade pitch, and rotor tilt to automatically adapt to wind conditions. This dynamic system reduces the need for complex pre-engineering optimization of wind velocity and direction, as the system self-adjusts during operation, thereby improving efficiency while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gyroglider incorporates self-regulating control systems that automatically adjust blade pitch and rotor orientation based on real-time wind conditions. This self-service capability reduces the need for extensive external engineering intervention to optimize performance, allowing the system to maintain high efficiency with reduced engineering complexity.
3Productivity
If terrestrial windmills are used to harness wind energy, then power generation is achieved, but it is difficult and expensive to develop wind energy effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The gyroglider serves multiple functions: it generates power through wind energy capture while also being capable of autonomous flight and adaptation to various wind conditions. This multi-functionality increases power generation effectiveness across different environments without proportionally increasing development cost, as the same dynamic control mechanisms serve both flight stabilization and energy optimization purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable parameters including rotor pitch, blade pitch, and rotor tilt that can be optimized for different operating conditions. This flexibility allows the same basic design to be deployed in various wind environments, improving power generation effectiveness without requiring costly custom engineering for each location.
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 gyroglider apparatus enhances wind energy capture by increasing the duty cycle and efficiency, allowing for effective power generation even in variable wind conditions, reducing the need for extensive engineering and infrastructure, and providing a more reliable energy source.
Implementation Method 1
The blade of an autogyro is a wing. The wing rotates or 'windmills' in response to wind passing through the blade or wing from the underside thereof. As wind passes through the underside of the blade, the angle of the blades with respect to the wind results in the blades responding as sails, transferring momentum from the wind into the blade
Implementation Method 2
If the blade is made as more than a windmill, the blade may have a comparatively flatter undersurface and a rounded airfoil shape on its upper surface. Accordingly, as the blade moves through the air, under the motivation of the wind passing through the blade from underneath the blade, the airfoil develops a reduced pressure along the upper surface thereof, developing lift to raise the blade
Implementation Method 3
As wind passes through the underside of the blade, the angle of the blades with respect to the wind results in the blades responding as sails, transferring momentum from the wind into the blade, turning the blade, and diverting the wind. As the wind is diverted, momentum corresponding to the change in direction and speed of the wind is transferred as momentum into the movement of the blade or wing
Implementation Method 4
a capstan adapted to receive the output state of the tether and further adapted to cyclically reel in or payout the tether proximate the first end thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A power generation apparatus and method comprises at least one gyroglider rotary wing flying at an altitude above the nap of the earth. A strong and flexible tether, connected to the gyroglider frame is pulled with a force generated by the rotary wing. The force is transmitted to a ground station that converts the comparatively linear motion of the tether being pulled upward with a lifting force. The linear motion is transferred to a rotary motion at the ground station to rotate an electrical generator. The tether is retrieved and re-coiled about a drum by controlling the gyroglider to fly down at a speed and lift force that permit recovery of the gyroglider at a substantially reduced amount of retrieval force compared to the lifting force during payout of the tether. Thus, the net difference in force results in a net gain of energy.