Parachute Catchers for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical axis wind turbines face limitations in efficiency due to high aerodynamic resistance from support frames and ribs, and previous designs fail to effectively reduce pressure against the direction of rotation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid turbine design featuring flexible parachute-like catchers with bearing rings and valves, allowing for minimal aerodynamic resistance by folding and unfolding during rotation, utilizing ripstop nylon half-chambers and flexible connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If wide support frames and support ribs are used in vertical axis wind turbines, then structural strength is improved, but aerodynamic resistance increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid support frames and ribs with flexible parachute-like catchers made of thin fabric material. These catchers have no internal rigid support structure, allowing them to conform to aerodynamic loads without creating significant drag. The flexible material enables the catchers to efficiently capture wind energy while minimizing resistance, directly resolving the contradiction between structural strength and aerodynamic efficiency.
2Stress or pressure
If rigid canvas working elements with dead-end cavities are used, then pressure capture is improved, but aerodynamic resistance against rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rigid canvas elements into dynamic flexible parachute catchers that can change their configuration in response to wind pressure. The catchers expand to capture pressure when needed and can fold or deform to reduce resistance during rotation, enabling the system to adapt its pressure capture mechanism while maintaining rotational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the working elements from rigid fixed structures to flexible deformable structures. The parachute catchers can change their volume, shape, and orientation in response to wind pressure, allowing optimal pressure capture at different positions during rotation while minimizing aerodynamic resistance.
3Device complexity
If flexible connections are used to suspend catchers, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of pressure transmission may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible connections that are integrated with the parachute catcher material itself, creating a unified flexible structure rather than separate rigid components. This integration maintains reliability by ensuring continuous pressure transmission through the flexible material while keeping the overall construction simple and lightweight.
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 turbine achieves high efficiency by minimizing aerodynamic drag and maintaining balanced drag throughout rotation, with a simple, lightweight, and easy-to-produce structure.
Implementation Method 1
the wind enters the turbine from any direction (the direction it is indicated by arrows in the figure), thereby exerting pressure on all catchers (4)
Implementation Method 2
causes them vertically folding to a flat horizontal position - a shape with zero aerodynamic resistance
Implementation Method 3
the air intakes (7) begin to capture the wind before the corresponding catcher (4), still compressed, and feed it through their valves (6), thus accelerating the initial expansion of the catcher opening (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The device consists of a vertical axis (1), one or more bearing rings (2), rotor (3), one or more pairs of catchers (4) made of light and strong material, flexible connections (5) and valves (6) with air intakes (7). The device can be applied to capture mechanical pressure and extract energy from fluid flows. Since its catchers are made of flexible and light material, it is characterized by a simple structure, light weight, and easy production and repair. Also, the device has a large working area, and reduces to a negligible small value the aerodynamic resistance during the reversible half-turn of the rotor, which further increases its efficiency.