Hydraulic-Pneumatic CVT Control for Variable Wind Turbine Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous variable transmission (CVT) systems are mechanically complex, expensive, and have limited control modes, which hinders efficient power generation from turbines, especially under varying wind conditions.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatically-assisted hydraulic CVT system that uses a programmable logic controller to manage hydraulic and pneumatic aspects for variable speed control, incorporating pneumatic energy storage and micro-level speed adjustments, allowing for efficient power generation during low or high wind conditions by monitoring AC electrical characteristics and adjusting the speed of the generator shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional mechanical CVT systems are used with pumps, pistons, gears, belts, pulleys, clutches, or valves, then macro speed control is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes traditional mechanical components (pumps, pistons, gears, belts, pulleys, clutches, valves) from the CVT system, replacing them with a direct-drive hydraulic coupling system that achieves speed control through fluid pressure differentials alone, thereby eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining macro speed control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical transmission system with a hydraulic system that uses fluid pressure differentials between first and second hydraulic chambers to control the coupling between turbine and generator shafts, substituting mechanical components with hydraulic pressure-based control mechanisms
2Speed
If traditional CVT systems are used, then basic speed regulation is possible, but control precision is limited for micro-level adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third pneumatic chamber as an intermediary system between the hydraulic chambers and the shaft coupling mechanism. This pneumatic chamber provides precise micro-level speed control by regulating pneumatic pressure that acts on a smaller scale than the hydraulic system, enabling fine-tuned adjustments without affecting the overall mechanical structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different control mechanisms at different scales: the hydraulic system handles macro-level speed control through large-volume fluid pressure, while the pneumatic system handles micro-level adjustments through smaller-volume pressure regulation, creating a multi-scale control architecture that optimizes precision at each level
3Productivity
If turbine speed is adjusted to match load requirements, then power generation efficiency improves, but system adaptability to varying wind conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic control system where the coupling between turbine and generator shafts can continuously vary based on real-time conditions. The hydraulic and pneumatic pressure chambers can be independently adjusted to change the degree of coupling, allowing the system to adapt its speed ratio dynamically in response to varying wind conditions and load requirements, thereby maintaining optimal power generation efficiency across different operating scenarios
4Speed
If mechanical CVT components are used for speed control, then speed regulation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes expensive mechanical components (pumps, pistons, gears, belts, pulleys, clutches, valves) from the system design, replacing them with a simplified hydraulic-pneumatic chamber system that achieves the same variable speed control function with fewer parts, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic and pneumatic chambers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide both macro and micro speed control, act as energy storage mechanisms, and enable direct coupling between shafts without requiring traditional transmission components. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, lowering manufacturing costs
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 provides improved macro and micro level speed control, enabling efficient power generation by minimizing load erraticism and optimizing power supply to the electrical distribution grid, even during low or high wind conditions, through the use of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system having first hydraulic chamber linked to the turbine output shaft and a second hydraulic chamber linked to the electrical generator input shaft. The first and second hydraulic chambers are in hydraulic communication with each other
Implementation Method 2
The first pneumatic chamber is linked to the turbine output shaft for producing compressed air and storing it in at least one storage tank
Implementation Method 3
The second pneumatic chamber is linked to the electrical generator input shaft and the at least one storage tank for one or more of micro speed adjustment of the electrical generator input shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic continuous variable transmission is provided to connect a wind turbine and a generator. The hydraulic continuous variable transmission has a primary paddle wheel and a number of secondary paddle wheels for macro speed control. Also provided are pneumatic paddle wheels for micro speed control. A controller is included that measures AC electrical characterized output to load or line for speed control.