Multi-Axis Wind Rotor with Integrated Solar Airfoils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind energy devices with single-axis rotation are inefficient in harnessing wind energy, as they do not effectively utilize the kinetic energy from wind streams across multiple axes, leading to suboptimal power generation and limited adaptability to varying wind speeds.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wind energy device with multiple rotor wheels and airfoils configured to rotate about multiple axes, featuring a controller to manage airfoil speed and angle of attack, and integrated solar panels for enhanced energy production, allowing for optimized power generation across varying wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-axis rotation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but energy capture efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-axis rotation to multi-axis rotation, adding rotational degrees of freedom. The airfoils rotate about a first axis while the entire assembly rotates about a second axis, enabling energy capture from wind streams in multiple directions and planes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The wind energy device is divided into multiple independent rotor wheels (first, second, third, fourth rotor wheels) that can rotate independently about different axes. Each rotor wheel with its associated airfoils functions as a separate energy capture module, allowing segmented operation and optimized performance
2Productivity
If multiple rotor wheels and multi-axis rotation are implemented, then energy capture efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple rotor wheels and airfoil assemblies are merged into a single integrated structure where the first and second rotor wheels are connected to the first shaft, and the third and fourth rotor wheels are connected to the second shaft. This combining approach reduces the number of independent support structures while maintaining multi-axis rotation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoils serve multiple functions: they generate lift for rotation, produce downward impulse for additional power generation, and their surfaces can be equipped with solar panels for dual energy capture (wind and solar). The multi-axis rotation system simultaneously captures wind energy from different directions
3Power
If downward impulse is generated by airfoils, then power generation is enhanced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airfoils are designed with adjustable pitch angles that can be dynamically modified during operation. The controller adjusts the pitch angle in real-time based on wind conditions to optimize both the downward impulse generation and the rotational speed, allowing adaptive control of power output
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including airfoil pitch angle, rotation speed, and angle of attack to optimize performance. The controller monitors wind speed and direction, then adjusts these parameters to maximize power generation while maintaining stable operation
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
This configuration enhances energy capture by generating a downward impulse and utilizing solar panels to increase energy output by up to three times during daylight hours, while maintaining efficient rotation speed and torque control, thereby improving overall power generation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of airfoils may be configured to generate a downward impulse when a stream of air strikes a plurality of leading airfoils of the plurality of airfoils
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of airfoils may be configured to generate a downward impulse when a stream of air strikes a plurality of leading airfoils
Implementation Method 3
Substantially half of a first side of a leading edge of each airfoil of the plurality of airfoils may include a first solar panel and substantially half of a second side of the trailing edge of each airfoil may include a second solar panel
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of wind energy devices may include a frame coupled to each of a first rotor wheel, a second rotor wheel, a third rotor wheel, and a fourth rotor wheel. Implementations of wind energy devices may also include a first cable configured to rotate about the first rotor wheel and the second rotor wheel and a second cable configured to rotate about the third rotor wheel and the fourth rotor wheel. Implementations of wind energy devices may also include a plurality of airfoils coupled between the first cable and the second cable. Implementations of wind energy devices may include a first generator and a second generator. Implementations of wind energy devices may include a controller coupled to the first generator and the second generator. The controller may be configured to control a speed of rotation of the plurality of airfoils.