Reflective Ground Covering for Artificial Wind Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to create artificial wind in regions with low natural wind speeds, making it economically viable to establish wind farms in areas like deserts or grassland-like regions that are not suitable due to insufficient natural wind.
Innovation Solution
A wind farm design featuring a first ground portion with a high albedo reflective surface and a second ground portion with a low albedo surface, creating a temperature and pressure gradient that generates artificial wind, which is harnessed by wind turbines placed in the second ground portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wind farms are established in regions with low natural wind speed, then the availability of suitable locations increases, but the energy production and economic viability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the thermal parameter (temperature) of the ground surface by applying reflective covering to create a temperature difference between the covered and uncovered ground portions. This temperature difference generates pressure gradient and induces artificial wind flow, transforming the wind speed parameter from low (natural condition) to sufficient levels for wind turbine operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective covering acts as an intermediary element that mediates between solar radiation and the ground surface. By reflecting solar radiation, it creates a temperature difference that serves as the driving force for artificial wind generation, enabling wind energy production in previously unsuitable locations.
2Speed
If reflective covering is applied to create artificial wind, then wind speed increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by covering only a specific portion (first ground portion) of the total ground area with reflective material, while leaving the second ground portion uncovered. This localized approach creates the necessary temperature difference without requiring complete coverage, thereby reducing material costs and installation complexity while still generating sufficient artificial wind.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective covering can be implemented using relatively simple and inexpensive materials such as white paint or basic reflective sheets. These materials are easy to apply and remove, allowing for flexible deployment without significant investment in complex or permanent structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reflective covering is applied to generate artificial wind, then wind farm establishment becomes possible in new regions, but the environmental impact and ecological disruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By limiting the reflective covering to a portion of the ground rather than the entire area, the invention minimizes the environmental footprint. The uncovered portions maintain their natural characteristics and ecological functions, while the covered portion generates the necessary temperature difference for artificial wind production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes natural solar radiation as the energy source to drive the artificial wind generation, requiring no additional fuel or energy input. The temperature difference created by the reflective covering naturally drives convection currents, making the system self-sustaining and free from operational emissions or environmental degradation.
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
This design generates wind speeds sufficient for operational wind farms, even in low-wind areas, by leveraging temperature differences to create a circulation comparable to sea breezes, potentially achieving wind speeds up to 26 m/s, making previously unsuitable locations viable for wind energy production.
Implementation Method 1
the first ground portion being covered with a reflecting first artificial covering so as to provide the first ground portion with a reflecting surface having a higher albedo
Implementation Method 2
providing the first ground portion with a reflecting surface having a higher albedo than the albedo of the surrounding second ground portion
Implementation Method 3
generating a lower temperature and a higher pressure in the first ground portion than in the second ground portion and as a result thereof, a wind having a wind speed in a direction from the first ground portion towards the second ground portion
Implementation Method 4
creating a temperature and pressure gradient that generates artificial wind, which is harnessed by wind turbines
Data Source
AI summary
A wind farm comprising a number of wind turbines arranged on a ground comprising a first ground portion having a first ground surface and an outer periphery and a second ground portion having a second ground surface and surrounding the first ground portion. The first ground portion is covered with a reflective artificial covering to provide a reflecting surface having an albedo higher than the albedo of the second ground portion and thereby generating a lower temperature and a higher pressure in the first ground portion than in the second ground portion and a wind having a speed in a direction from the first ground portion towards the second ground portion. Some of the wind turbines are arranged in the second ground portion in such a distance from the periphery of the first ground portion that they are subjected to the wind coming from the first ground portion.