Peripheral Bearing Wind Turbine Alternator Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wind turbine power generation systems face failures under heavy wind conditions and are impractical for use in urban and suburban areas due to structural stresses and the need for central axis support, limiting their safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine alternator module with a peripheral support structure and bearings that maintain consistent separation between rotor magnets and stator coils, allowing for increased strength, stability, and energy production in varying wind conditions, eliminating the need for central axis support and enabling energy production in low winds and high wind speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional central axis support structure is used, then the turbine can be structurally supported, but it experiences large stresses under heavy wind conditions and is subject to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into multiple peripheral bearing points instead of using a single central axis support. The turbine assembly is supported at multiple locations around its periphery, distributing structural stresses across multiple bearing points rather than concentrating them at one central location, thereby improving reliability under heavy wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional central axis support model to a two-dimensional peripheral support distribution. Bearings are arranged in a circular pattern around the periphery of the turbine assembly, creating a distributed support system that spans multiple spatial dimensions and better resists multidirectional wind loads.
2Device complexity
If central axis support is used, then the turbine structure is simplified, but it is impractical for use in urban and suburban areas due to structural stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent peripheral bearing units rather than a single centralized support mechanism. This segmentation allows the turbine to be distributed across multiple mounting locations on buildings or structures in urban environments, increasing adaptability to various urban and suburban installations.
3Device complexity
If bearings are not used to maintain separation, then the structure is simpler, but rotor magnets and stator coils experience varying distances causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The bearings serve a dual function: they support the rotational weight of the turbine assembly and simultaneously maintain the precise separation distance between rotor magnets and stator coils. This self-service approach integrates support and spacing functions into a single component system, improving stability without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Power
If ferromagnetic rotor backing rings are used, then magnetic field is increased for better energy production, but friction and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor backing ring utilizes ferromagnetic materials that concentrate and strengthen the magnetic field generated by the magnets, improving energy production capability. The composite structure combines ferromagnetic properties for magnetic field enhancement with engineered design features that manage the weight implications.
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 module provides enhanced stability and energy production capabilities across all wind conditions, reducing failures and enabling safe deployment in various locations, including urban and suburban areas, by using ferromagnetic rotor backing rings and ceramic bearings for reduced friction and increased magnetic field, and bi-directional vanes for efficient energy capture.
Implementation Method 1
relative motion between the rotor magnets and stator coils induces a voltage across the stator coils
Implementation Method 2
one or more rotor backing rings are constructed of ferromagnetic material, which serves to increase the magnetic field from the mounted permanent magnets
Implementation Method 3
using ferromagnetic rotor backing rings and ceramic bearings for reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine alternator module having an enclosure, turbine and rotor assembly with peripheral magnets and multi-phase stator for the production of energy from air movement. A bi-directional symmetrical vane turbine and rotor assembly is suspended in the enclosure by guide bearings around the periphery to permit operation in all wind conditions. One or more wind turbine alternator modules are combined in a polygonal housing with bottom inlets and attached to a roof vent structure to generate power from wind and/or rising heated air. A low temperature heating circuit is used for protection in cold conditions. One or more wind turbine alternator modules are combined in a manually portable polygonal housing with storage batteries, charging circuit, inverter circuit, power connectors and ancillary convenience apparatuses such as lighting, radio, tv, and emergency locator.