Multi-stage Radial Turbine Low-speed Energy Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional axial flow wind turbines and hydroelectric turbines are less efficient at low to moderate fluid speeds, as they are limited by the energy content of the fluid stream and require higher wind speeds or water flow rates to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage radial turbine design that directs fluid streams at an angle of ±50° perpendicular to the axis of rotation, capturing the momentum vector delta to extract energy efficiently, even at low speeds, and can be used as a liquid pump, gaseous phase fan, or compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If axial flow turbine design is used, then the turbine can operate at higher wind speeds, but efficiency decreases at low to moderate fluid speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional axial flow approach by using radial flow turbines oriented perpendicular to the wind direction. Instead of having blades face into the wind (axial), the blades are arranged radially with fluid directed from interior to exterior regions, capturing momentum vector delta efficiently at low speeds while maintaining operational capability across a broader speed range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the flow orientation parameter from axial to radial, and utilizes multi-stage configurations with specific blade angle arrangements (±50° perpendicular to rotation axis) to optimize performance characteristics. This parameter change enables the turbine to maintain high efficiency at low to moderate speeds while still operating effectively at higher speeds
2Device complexity
If conventional axial flow turbine design is used, then the turbine structure is simpler, but energy extraction efficiency is limited by fluid stream energy content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the turbine into multiple stages with alternating blade orientations (first stage blades at one angle, second stage blades at opposite angle). This segmentation allows each stage to capture momentum vector delta independently, multiplying the overall energy extraction efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional axial flow to three-dimensional radial flow with momentum vector delta capture. By directing fluid from interior to exterior regions perpendicular to the rotation axis and utilizing radial outward flow, the system extracts energy from an additional dimensional component of the fluid momentum, significantly improving efficiency without proportionally increasing structural complexity
3Loss of energy
If radial flow direction is used (interior to exterior), then efficiency increases at low speeds, but device complexity increases due to multi-stage configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into integrated components: alternating blade stages are mounted on a common rotating hub, fluid distribution channels are integrated into the housing structure, and the multi-stage blade arrangements share common support structures. This merging reduces the overall structural complexity despite the increased functional complexity of multi-stage radial flow configuration
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 radial turbine design achieves significantly higher efficiency and energy extraction compared to axial flow designs, operating effectively in slower flow conditions and producing more power with reduced rotational speeds, with potential applications in wind energy, hydroelectric power, and mobile energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
capturing the momentum vector delta to extract energy efficiently, even at low speeds
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage radial turbine for usage in energy capture from fluid streams with low to moderate relative speed.