Urban Light Post Wind Turbine Layout for Autonomous Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urban light post arrangements with electricity generating systems are limited by weather conditions, particularly sun and wind availability, leading to inconsistent power generation and dependence on external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact vertical-axis wind turbine with apertures and a generation assembly that redirects air flow to enhance power generation efficiency, combined with a control unit and renewable energy sources, allowing autonomous operation and versatile installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wind power generator is added to provide autonomous power, then power generation reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wind power generator, solar panels, battery storage, and control systems into an integrated arrangement that couples to the urban light post. Multiple energy generation systems (wind and solar) are merged into a single autonomous power supply unit, reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability through diversified power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The arrangement serves multiple functions: generating electricity from wind and solar sources, storing energy in batteries, providing autonomous power to the light post, and potentially powering additional devices. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into one comprehensive solution.
2Area of stationary object
If a compact vertical-axis wind turbine design is used, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical-axis wind turbine is divided into distinct functional segments: the central vertical conduit for air intake, multiple apertures distributed around the conduit, the generation assembly with blades and shaft, and the generator. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard techniques, then assembled into the compact vertical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a horizontal-axis wind turbine to a vertical-axis design, changing the operational dimension from horizontal to vertical. This dimensional change enables the turbine to capture wind from any direction and allows the generation assembly to be positioned below the conduit, achieving compact space utilization while maintaining manufacturability through standardized vertical component assembly.
3Productivity
If air flow redirection is implemented to concentrate air against blades, then power generation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The central vertical conduit acts as an intermediary element that collects air through multiple distributed apertures and redirects it toward the generation assembly. This intermediary structure concentrates the air flow against the blades in a controlled manner, improving power generation efficiency without requiring complex individual flow control mechanisms at each aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes pneumatic principles to redirect air flow through the vertical conduit system. The apertures and conduit are positioned and sized to create optimal air flow patterns that concentrate wind force against the rotating blades, leveraging fluid dynamics to enhance efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple structural design.
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 efficient, reliable, and independent power generation and lighting/advertising capabilities, suitable for various weather conditions and environments, with enhanced energy efficiency and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a wind power generator, a lighting device for providing the required illumination
Implementation Method 2
a generator associated to the central shaft, such that the generator is configured for generating electricity from the rotary movement of the central shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for an urban light post. The arrangement (100) comprises coupling means (4) for being coupled to a light post, at least one electricity generating system (1) for generating electrical power from a renewable energy source, a lighting device (5) and an advertising device (3). The electricity generating system (1) comprises a vertical-axis wind turbine and is connected to at least one of said devices (3, 5). The electricity generating system (1) comprises a vertical conduit, some vertical apertures (1.3) distributed around the vertical conduit and communicated with the vertical conduit, and a generation assembly below the vertical conduit comprising a central shaft, several blades joined to the central shaft and a generator associated to the central shaft. The central vertical conduit comprises an air outlet facing the generation assembly (1.4).