Modular Multi-Axial Rotor With Helical Foil
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity generating devices, such as Savonius-type rotors, are inefficient when not aligned perpendicular to fluid flow and lack modularity, while solar panels require optimal sunlight exposure, which is difficult to achieve with fixed mounts and expensive tracking systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular, scalable electricity generating apparatus with a helically configured foil that interacts with fluid flow, allowing power generation regardless of fluid direction and orientation, and incorporating photovoltaic materials for efficient energy production from both kinetic and solar sources, enabling flexible installation and integration into structural assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a Savonius-type rotor is used for electricity generation, then the device can generate power from fluid flow, but the efficiency significantly decreases when the fluid flow is not perpendicular to the rotor foil
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple foils arranged in a star pattern around a central axis, with each foil being a separate segment that can independently interact with fluid flow from different directions, allowing the system to maintain efficiency across various flow orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The foils are configured with asymmetric geometries and arranged at specific angles around the central axis, creating an asymmetric overall structure that captures fluid energy effectively regardless of the flow direction relative to any single foil
2Ease of manufacture
If solar panels are fixedly mounted to capture sunlight, then the installation is simple and cost-effective, but the panels cannot maximize exposure to light throughout the day
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels are mounted on the rotor structure, which rotates with the fluid-driven motion, dynamically reorienting the panels throughout the day to continuously track the sun's position without requiring complex active tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel mounting system is merged with the rotor structure, combining the electricity generation function with the structural support function, eliminating the need for separate fixed mounting hardware while enabling both wind-powered rotation and solar energy capture
3Productivity
If solar trackers are used to continually reorient solar panels, then the sunlight capture is maximized, but the device becomes expensive and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor structure serves its own dual purpose: it is both the structural support for mounting solar panels and the tracking mechanism that rotates to follow the sun, eliminating the need for separate complex tracking systems while maximizing sunlight capture
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electricity from fluid flow, provides structural support for mounting solar panels, and acts as a passive tracking mechanism that orientates the panels toward the sun throughout the day
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 apparatus achieves efficient energy production from various orientations and fluid directions, reduces the need for complex tracking systems, and allows for versatile structural integration, enhancing electricity generation in diverse locations, including non-traditional sites like bridges and enclosed spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The foil may be configured to interact with a passing fluid such that a force is generated on the foil via the passage of the fluid. When the central member is rotationally mounted between two fixed points, the force generated by the passage of fluid may induce a rotation of the foil and/or central member about a central axis of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 2
the foil comprises at least one surface which is disposed helically about the central member. As such, the power generated by the foil is generally independent of the direction of fluid flow relative to the apparatus. This is because the helical configuration allows at least some portion of the surface area of the foil to always be presented to the fluid flow.
Implementation Method 3
incorporating photovoltaic materials for efficient energy production from both kinetic and solar sources
Data Source
AI summary
A modular, electricity generating apparatus comprises an elongate, central member comprising a first end and a second end; at least one foil disposed about the central member in fluid interacting relation thereto; the solar foil comprising an outer surface having photovoltaic properties; the first end and the second end dimensioned and configured to be connected to a connecting node; and, the elongate central member at least partially formed of an electrically conductive material and configured to conduct electricity from at least one of the connecting nodes to the other of the connecting nodes.