Mastless Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Stationary Sails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical axis wind turbines are mechanically inefficient, cumbersome, and expensive due to the need for a central mast, which induces mechanical problems and increases cost and weight.
Innovation Solution
A mastless vertical axis wind turbine design that uses a platform to couple sails to a stationary support, eliminating the need for a central mast and incorporating stationary sails to redirect airflow and improve energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a central mast is used to anchor rotating vanes in vertical axis wind turbines, then structural support is provided, but mechanical inefficiency, increased weight, and mechanical breakdown occur due to torsional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central mast from the vertical axis wind turbine design. Instead of having a central mast anchor the rotating vanes, the design uses an external support structure with cables or struts that attach to the vanes at multiple points along their length. This extraction of the central mast eliminates the torsional force problems and mechanical inefficiency while maintaining structural support through the alternative external anchoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the support function by distributing the anchoring points along the length of each vane rather than concentrating support at a single central mast. Multiple attachment points along the vane length provide distributed structural support, reducing the mechanical stress and torsional forces that would occur with a centralized support system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a central mast is used to support rotating vanes, then structural stability is achieved, but cost and weight of materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The central mast is extracted from the design, replacing it with a system of cables or struts that extend from an external support structure to multiple points on the rotating vanes. This alternative support system achieves structural stability without requiring a heavy central mast, thereby reducing the overall weight of materials needed while maintaining the necessary structural stability.
3Strength
If heavy blades and wheels are used in vertical axis wind turbines, then structural integrity is maintained, but damage to surrounding objects and difficulty in transport occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible or semi-flexible vane materials that can dynamically adapt to wind loads rather than relying on heavy rigid structures. The vanes are designed to flex and deform under load, maintaining structural integrity through material properties and geometric design rather than through mass. This dynamic approach allows the turbine components to be lighter and easier to transport while still maintaining the necessary structural integrity during operation.
4Productivity
If multiple stages are added to increase energy output, then power generation improves, but cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameters of a single-stage vertical axis wind turbine design, including the number and configuration of vanes, their aerodynamic profiles, and the support structure geometry. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the design achieves high energy output from a single stage, avoiding the need for multiple stages. This parameter optimization allows the turbine to attain high productivity without the increased complexity, cost, and weight associated with multi-stage configurations.
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 mastless design enhances mechanical efficiency, reduces costs, and increases energy production by over 20% compared to conventional turbines, while also simplifying deployment and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of sails configured to, during operation of the mastless vertical axis wind turbine, rotate about a vertical axis under the influence of wind
Implementation Method 2
sails that rotate under the influence of wind
Implementation Method 3
a second plurality of sails configured to remain stationary as the first plurality of sails rotate under the influence of the wind during operation of the mastless vertical axis wind turbine
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure disclose a turbine that includes multiple rotating sails and multiple stationary sails. A mastless vertical axis wind turbine includes a first plurality of sails that are configured to rotate about a vertical axis under the influence of wind. A platform is coupled to the first plurality of sails. During operation of the mastless vertical axis wind turbine, the platform is in tension with the first plurality of sails at one or more points about a particular end of the first plurality of the sails. The mastless vertical axis wind turbine also includes a second plurality of sails having respective first ends that are coupled together and second ends that are each coupled to one or more stationary surfaces. The second plurality of sails are configured to remain stationary as the first plurality of sails rotate under the influence of the wind.