Perpendicular-Axis Wind Motor with Segmented Sail Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines are inefficient in converting kinetic energy from flowing fluids, such as wind and water, into rotational energy for mechanical loads due to suboptimal design and structural alignment, which limits their energy conversion efficiency and mechanical load application.
Innovation Solution
A wind motor design featuring a plurality of plate structures and sail/wing structures that rotate around a perpendicular axis, with a drive shaft that transfers rotational energy to mechanical loads, utilizing a tongue and groove joint system for secure attachment and enhanced energy transfer, and incorporating bracing structures for stability and protection against environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional wind turbine designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the energy conversion efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple independent sail/wing structures (at least three) arranged around the rotation axis, each capable of independently capturing wind energy. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for energy capture while collectively improving overall conversion efficiency without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal-axis or vertical-axis designs to a perpendicular-axis configuration where the rotation axis is substantially perpendicular to the air flow direction. This dimensional change enables the sail/wing structures to capture kinetic energy more effectively by presenting optimal surfaces to the flowing fluid from multiple angles simultaneously.
2Loss of energy
If perpendicular axis rotation is implemented, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but structural stability becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the structure have specialized functions: the sail/wing structures are optimized for energy capture with aerodynamic shapes, the plate structures provide rigid support and mounting surfaces, and the bracing structures offer targeted reinforcement at critical stress points. This local optimization allows the perpendicular-axis design to achieve both high energy conversion efficiency and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor assembly combines multiple material types and structural forms: rigid plate structures for support, aerodynamic sail/wing structures for energy capture, and flexible bracing elements for shock absorption. This composite approach enables the structure to simultaneously achieve the strength needed for stability and the aerodynamic efficiency required for high energy conversion.
3Power
If multiple sail/wing structures are added, then energy capture increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sail/wing structures serve multiple functions: they act as aerodynamic surfaces for energy capture, provide structural support for mounting plate structures, and contribute to the overall rigidity of the rotor assembly. This multi-functionality allows the structure to generate high power output without proportionally increasing complexity, as each component performs several roles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sail/wing structures with the plate structures into integrated assemblies where the plate structures provide mounting surfaces and structural support while the sail/wing structures capture energy. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining high power generation capability through the coordinated action of multiple integrated units.
4Strength
If tongue and groove joints are used, then attachment strength improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tongue and groove joint design incorporates built-in alignment features and tolerance compensation mechanisms that prevent misalignment issues before they occur. The geometry of the tongue and groove interfaces is designed to self-align during assembly, and the joint structure includes features that accommodate reasonable manufacturing variations, thereby reducing the stringency of precision requirements while maintaining high attachment strength.
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 effectively converts kinetic energy from flowing fluids into rotational energy, improving energy efficiency and mechanical load application, while providing structural stability and protection against damage from transient loads and environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sail/wing structures (102)... such that the passage of the flowing fluid through the plurality of sail/wing structures rotates the combined structure
Implementation Method 2
The turbine converts the kinetic energy of a flowing fluid into rotational energy
Data Source
AI summary
The windmill converts the kinetic energy of a flowing fluid into rotational energy that can be used to power a mechanical load. The turbine incorporates a plurality of plate structures, a plurality of sail/wing structures, and a drive shaft. The plurality of plate structures attach to the plurality of sail/wing structures such that the passage of the flowing fluid through the plurality of sail/wing structures rotates the combined structure. The combined structure formed by the plurality of plate structures and the plurality of sail/wing structures rotates around an axis of rotation. The drive shaft attaches to the combined structure formed by the plurality of plate structures and the plurality of sail/wing structures such that the rotation of the combined structure rotates the drive shaft.