Oscillating Vertical Wing Fluid Power Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art wind turbines are expensive to manufacture and maintain due to high forces at the blade root, require strong and costly materials for towers, pose a threat to birds and bats, and have aesthetic and noise issues, making them less viable for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
The wind fin technology harnesses kinetic energy using an oscillating aerodynamic apparatus with a vertical wing structure that pivots on a mast, converting fluid motion into unidirectional rotation for power generation, reducing material complexity and cost, and minimizing lethality and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines are used, then power generation capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and maintenance expense increase due to high forces at blade root requiring strong materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional wind turbine design by using a vertical-axis oscillating wing structure instead of horizontal-axis rotating blades. The wing oscillates back and forth in the wind stream, converting bidirectional oscillation to unidirectional rotation through a power take-off mechanism. This inversion eliminates the high centrifugal forces and bending moments at the blade root that characterize conventional turbines, allowing use of lighter, less expensive materials while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic oscillating wing structure that automatically adjusts its angle of attack relative to the wind stream during oscillation. The wing pivots about a horizontal axis and oscillates in the vertical plane, with the angle of attack varying dynamically throughout the oscillation cycle. This dynamic behavior allows the structure to harvest wind energy efficiently without requiring the rigid, over-engineered blade designs needed in conventional turbines to withstand static high loads.
2Reliability
If high-lift-capable service equipment is used for maintenance of motor/generators located at top of towers, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor/generator from the elevated position on the tower and relocates it to ground level. The oscillating wing structure is positioned above ground, but the power take-off mechanism and motor/generator are located at or near ground level, eliminating the need for high-lift-capable service equipment. This extraction of the heavy maintenance equipment from the tower top significantly reduces device complexity and maintenance cost while preserving reliability through accessible maintenance.
3Productivity
If high-rotation tip speeds are used in smaller turbines, then power generation efficiency is improved, but harmful factors to birds and bats increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic oscillating wing structure that moves slowly back and forth in the wind stream, rather than rotating at high speeds. The oscillation frequency is naturally limited by the aerodynamic and structural characteristics of the wing, resulting in much lower tip speeds compared to conventional turbines. This dynamic, slow oscillation maintains power generation efficiency while eliminating the high-speed rotational motion that causes lethality to birds and bats.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex gearing is used for blade feathering in modern turbines, then adaptability to high winds is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex feathering gearing system from the turbine design entirely. Instead of using geared mechanisms to rotate blades along their longitudinal axes for feathering, the oscillating wing structure uses a simple pivot mechanism with no gears. The wing automatically adjusts its orientation relative to the wind through its oscillating motion, and the power take-off mechanism uses simple overrunning clutches and a flywheel for speed control, eliminating the need for expensive feathering gearing while maintaining adaptability to varying wind conditions.
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
Wind fin technology is more cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and environmentally friendly, capable of generating power at lower wind speeds, reducing maintenance needs, and expanding wind power's contribution to global energy supply.
Implementation Method 1
present airfoil surfaces to the moving fluid stream that generate lift first in one direction that is transverse the direction of movement of the moving stream and then in another direction that is opposite said one direction during an oscillation of said airfoils in the moving fluid stream
Implementation Method 2
converting the oscillating, bidirectional rotation of the vertical wing structure into unidirectional rotation in order to drive an electricity generator
Implementation Method 3
drive an electricity generator
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for harvesting the kinetic energy of a fluid flow for power generation with a vertically oriented, aerodynamic wing structure comprising one or more airfoil elements pivotably attached to a mast. When activated by the moving fluid stream, the wing structure oscillates back and forth, generating lift first in one direction then in the opposite direction. This oscillating movement is converted to unidirectional rotational movement in order to provide motive power to an electricity generator. Unlike other oscillating devices, this device is designed to harvest the maximum aerodynamic lift forces available for a given oscillation cycle. Because the system is not subjected to the same intense forces and stresses as turbine systems, it can be constructed less expensively, reducing the cost of electricity generation. The system can be grouped in more compact clusters, be less evident in the landscape, and present reduced risk to avian species.