Peripheral Support Wind Turbine with Varying Blade Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines do not effectively maximize torque and efficiency due to suboptimal blade design and support structures, particularly in the Critical Space of a Wind Cell, where wind speed profiles are non-linear.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine design featuring a Rotor with Constant Cord Blades of Increasing Thickness, supported by a Peripheral Rotating Ring and a Light Hub, which maximizes torque by adapting airfoil thickness and twist angle to match wind speed profiles, and includes a Protective Folding System to manage high wind speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional wind turbine blade designs are used with uniform thickness and standard support structures, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the torque and efficiency are not maximized in non-linear wind speed profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The blade design implements varying thickness along its span, with thicker sections near the root and thinner sections toward the tip. This local variation in geometric properties optimizes the blade's aerodynamic performance across different radial positions where wind speed and loading conditions differ, thereby maximizing the power coefficient without requiring overly complex structures throughout the entire blade.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade incorporates a twist angle that varies along its length, creating a dynamic geometric configuration that adapts to the non-linear wind speed profile. This progressive twisting optimizes the angle of attack at different radial positions, enabling the blade to efficiently capture energy across the entire span while maintaining structural feasibility.
2Productivity
If blades with varying thickness and twist angles are used to maximize torque, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple sections along its span, with each section having optimized thickness and twist characteristics. This segmentation allows the complex varying geometry to be broken down into manageable manufacturing stages, where each section can be formed with controlled precision rather than requiring the entire blade to meet stringent uniform tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The design systematically varies geometric parameters (thickness, twist angle) along the blade length according to optimized profiles. By establishing continuous parameter variations rather than discrete steps, the design achieves high aerodynamic efficiency while providing clear guidance for manufacturing processes that can progressively form these variations using standard molding or composite layup techniques.
3Loss of energy
If a peripheral support structure is used instead of a central hub, then aerodynamic losses are reduced, but the complexity of the support system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the primary support function from a traditional central hub and relocates it to the peripheral region where the blade tips are located. This peripheral support structure provides the necessary structural functions while minimizing interference with the aerodynamic flow through the central region, thereby reducing aerodynamic losses associated with hub-induced turbulence and wake interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of concentrating support structures in the traditional central (axial) dimension, the design transitions to a peripheral (radial) support arrangement. This dimensional repositioning allows the support structure to be located where it is structurally most effective while being aerodynamically least intrusive, as it sits at the periphery of the rotor disk where wake effects are minimized.
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 design achieves a power coefficient at least 1.6 times higher than conventional horizontal axis wind turbines, reduces aerodynamic losses, and provides greater flexibility by maintaining safe operational velocities during adverse wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the twist angle in the section next to the Critical Space wall (504) of the Wind Cell (301) is greater than the rest of the blade sections; wherein the cord length is constant along the length of the blades (A1/01); where the thickness of the airfoils is increasing along the extension of the blades
Implementation Method 2
The present invention relates to a wind turbine specially designed to operate in the Critical Space (504) of a Wind Cell (301), characterized by revolving around an Axial Shaft (A0) and comprising a Rotor with Constant Cord Blades of Increasing Thickness (A1)
Implementation Method 3
US6064123A, published on May 16, 2000, which mentions a wind turbine wherein the blades radiate from a peripheral, rotating edge, wherein this peripheral edge comprises a plurality of magnets and a stator disposed below the peripheral edge, wherein as the magnets in the peripheral edge pass through the stator, electricity is generated
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a peripheral support wind turbine designed to take advantage of non-linear wind speed profiles, wherein the turbine comprises a rotor with blades of constant cord and increasing thickness, the blades being supported by a peripheral rotating ring, wherein the twist angle of the blade section attached to the peripheral rotating ring is greater than the rest of the blade sections; wherein the cord length of the airfoils is constant along the length of the blade; wherein the thickness of the airfoils is increasing along the length of the blade, with thinner airfoils near the center; and wherein the turbine has an automatic protective folding system designed to radially fold the blades so that the turbine enters an aerodynamic stall.