Multi-Platform Wind Tower for Variable Wind Conditions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind power turbine mounting systems are limited to either single tower installations for residential or large-scale commercial use, failing to efficiently utilize multiple turbine heads for optimal output across varying wind conditions at a single location.

Innovation Solution

A platform tower assembly with a central shaft supporting multiple planar platforms, allowing for the positioning of multiple wind turbine assemblies optimized for different wind conditions, along with integrated solar panels for additional power generation and storage facilities for batteries and control circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single tower or pole is used for mounting wind turbines, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the power generation output is limited and cannot optimize for different wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation outputVSAvoidtower structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single tower structure is segmented into multiple platforms at different heights, each capable of supporting wind turbine assemblies. This segmentation allows different turbines to operate at optimal heights for various wind conditions while maintaining a unified support structure, thereby increasing overall power generation without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tower structure is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a support structure and as a platform for multiple turbine assemblies. The same tower body supports multiple platforms that can each host turbines optimized for different wind speeds and directions, making the structure adaptable to varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple turbine heads are mounted on a single installation, then optimal output over different wind conditions is achieved, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different wind conditionsVSAvoidplatform tower structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a single-point mounting to a multi-level vertical arrangement. By distributing turbine assemblies across multiple platforms at different heights along the central shaft, the system exploits the vertical dimension to capture wind energy from different atmospheric layers, each with potentially different wind characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The platform tower structure employs a nested configuration where multiple platforms are integrated along a central shaft. Each platform is nested within the vertical space of the tower structure, allowing multiple turbine assemblies to be housed within a compact footprint while maintaining structural efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If residential or small-scale installations use limited space, then the installation footprint is reduced, but the capacity for multiple turbine assemblies is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation footprintVSAvoidnumber of turbine assemblies
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system resolves the space constraint by transitioning from horizontal to vertical utilization. Multiple turbine assemblies are arranged vertically along the central shaft at different heights, allowing the installation to fit within a small footprint while accommodating multiple turbines that would otherwise require significant horizontal space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables efficient electricity generation from wind power across varying wind conditions, enhancing power output and flexibility in residential or small-scale installations by optimizing turbine placement and incorporating solar power, making wind energy generation feasible in locations previously unsuitable.

Implementation Method 1

The uppermost platform may include one or more solar panels for additional power generation capability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

A central shaft may support a series of planar platforms along its length, each platform constructed to support a plurality of wind turbine assemblies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWind power conversion: Wind Power

Data Source

PatentUS10495065B2Multi-turbine platform tower assembly and related methods systems, and apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.03 FORTNER WILLIAM O
  • US10495065B2 patent drawing
  • US10495065B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Platform tower assemblies for mounting wind turbine assemblies, as well as methods, systems and components related thereto. A central shaft may support a series of planar platforms along its length, each platform constructed to support a plurality of wind turbine assemblies. The wind turbine assemblies may be positioned to optimize production based on prevailing wind directions, and may include turbine assemblies optimized for different wind conditions. The platform tower may include a housing around a lower portion for storage of batteries and control circuitry. The uppermost platform may include one or more solar panels for additional power generation capability.