Retractable Wing Profiles for High-Altitude Wind Energy Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind energy generation systems face challenges in efficiently capturing energy across varying wind speeds and intensities, particularly struggling to optimize wing surface exposure and material resistance during strong winds, and inefficient recovery mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system employs retractable, rotating lightweight wing profiles that can extend or retract to adjust the working surface based on wind intensity, using a central body with mechanical and electromechanical means to control wing profile extension, allowing for optimal energy capture across different wind conditions and safe descent mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the wing surface is extended to capture more wind energy, then energy generation is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to strong winds and material stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a retractable wing profile mechanism that allows the wing surface area to be dynamically adjusted based on wind conditions. The wing profiles can be extended to capture maximum energy during moderate winds and retracted during strong winds, transforming the static structure into a dynamic system that adapts to varying environmental conditions, thus resolving the contradiction between energy generation and system vulnerability.
2Reliability
If the wing surface is reduced for strong winds, then system reliability is improved, but the range of usable wind speeds decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable wing profile mechanism enables the system to adapt its surface area dynamically, allowing it to operate reliably across a broader range of wind speeds. By extending the wings for low-to-moderate winds and retracting for high winds, the system maintains versatility and can harness energy from various wind conditions without compromising reliability.
3Strength
If the wing profiles are made stronger to resist strong winds, then material resistance is improved, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy, strong materials to resist strong winds, the patent employs a lightweight structure with retractable wing profiles. The dynamic retraction capability allows the use of lighter materials that would otherwise be insufficient for strong wind resistance, as the wings can be retracted when wind loads exceed the material's capacity, thus reducing overall system weight while maintaining strength.
4Device complexity
If the recovery mechanism is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but the efficiency of the recovery process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery mechanism is designed to utilize the system's own kinetic energy and aerodynamic forces to assist in the retraction of the wing profiles. The rotating motion generated by wind capture automatically drives the retraction mechanism, reducing the need for external power sources or complex control systems, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining efficient recovery performance.
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 solution enhances energy generation by regulating the wing surface exposure, increasing the range of usable wind speeds, and improving the efficiency of the recovery process, ensuring safe operation under strong winds and efficient energy conversion to electric power.
Implementation Method 1
The rotation of the wing profiles, induced by wind, generates a force (lift) aligned to the rotation axis and whose direction is opposite to the constraint point of the system
Implementation Method 2
The transfer to the ground of energy produced by the system occurs through a constraining cable which, through a suitable pulley, connects the rotor, placed at a height, to a generator of electric energy
Implementation Method 3
connects the rotor, placed at a height, to a generator of electric energy
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~3A
AI summary
A system (1) is described for generating electric energy by exploiting wind at a height, comprising at least one ultra-light component of the kite type composed of two or more retractable wing profiles (11, 12) which can be extended or retracted through means placed inside a central housing (13), thereby obtaining both the chance of more easily rising and descending the kite, and the chance of regulating/controlling the working surface of the wing profiles (11, 12) depending on a wind intensity.