Vertical Axis Turbine Polygonal Core Wave Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertical axis turbines for wave energy conversion, such as those described in US2011/0250069 A1, DE102010045801 A1, and WO2012/008862 A2, suffer from low energy efficiency due to non-symmetrical blade configurations, increased passive friction, and turbulence, leading to reduced torque and high noise and vibration, especially under low wave conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact, symmetrical vertical axis turbine with a rotating polygonal central core and NACA-type blades, featuring adjustable compartments and grooves for optimized fluid flow management, which maintains efficiency during reversed fluid flow and varying wave conditions, and includes valves for variable displacement to achieve high specific power and low noise operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-symmetrical blade configuration is used, then the turbine can be designed for unidirectional flow, but energy efficiency decreases and torque is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it uses symmetrical blade configuration instead of asymmetrical design. The blades are identical on both sides of the rotor, allowing the turbine to efficiently process bidirectional fluid flow (inhalation and exhalation phases) without energy loss, directly resolving the contradiction between unidirectional optimization and overall energy efficiency.
2Strength
If reliefs are applied to conveyor walls for stiffening, then structural strength is improved, but passive friction increases and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reliefs from the conveyor walls entirely. Instead of adding stiffening reliefs that increase friction, the design uses a smooth-walled conveyor system where the polyethylene material itself provides sufficient structural strength, eliminating the harmful friction effect while maintaining necessary strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter by using polyethylene for the conveyor walls, which provides adequate strength without requiring additional geometric stiffening features like reliefs, thus reducing surface friction and improving energy efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If flat blade surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but turbulence increases and energy recovery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the blade surfaces, giving them an aerodynamic profile rather than flat surfaces. This curved configuration reduces turbulence as fluid passes over the blades, improving energy recovery efficiency while the overall simple blade geometry maintains ease of manufacture.
4Power
If high blade speed is achieved through high RPM, then power output increases, but noise and vibration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a variable speed drive system that dynamically adjusts the rotor speed based on operating conditions. This allows the turbine to operate at lower RPM during normal conditions to minimize noise and vibration, while still achieving high power output when needed through optimized blade design and control systems.
5Productivity
If aeration devices are added to increase oxygen transfer, then biological activity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-aeration mechanism where the turbine's rotational motion and blade design naturally create air entrainment and mixing in the fluid. This passive aeration system eliminates the need for separate active aeration devices, maintaining high oxygen transfer efficiency while avoiding increased device complexity.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency, reduces noise and vibration, and maintains high torque at low RPM, ensuring efficient energy conversion from wave motion to mechanical energy, even under low wave conditions, and supports efficient operation in OWC plants with both low and high wave pressures.
Implementation Method 1
mounts naca type blades for aerodynamic lift
Implementation Method 2
the thrust exerted on the blades by the fluids that pass through the turbine rotor
Implementation Method 3
The rotor blades, not being shaped with the inner surface always concave and the outer surface always convex, generate passive turbulence in correspondence of the central core
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention can be classified as vertical axis turbine (free or ducted) and consists of a multi blades turbine with central core with polygonal cross-section that converts renewable energies (coming from the wind and the wave motion of the sea) into mechanical energy, available to the axis of the device itself, that with further applications can be transformed into electricity for a wider use.