Rotatable Duct Wind Turbines for Urban Vertiport Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of providing stops for vertical takeoff and landing mobility devices in urban areas, especially on rooftops, and the need for eco-friendly renewable energy sources in densely populated cities where large wind power generators are difficult to install, along with the requirement for continuous monitoring and management of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A wind power generation structure for vertiports comprising a takeoff-and-landing deck with rotatable duct structures and sensors that adjust the position of wind turbines based on the position of mobility device rotors to optimize power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large-sized wind power generators are installed to meet renewable energy demand, then power generation capacity is improved, but installation feasibility deteriorates in densely populated cities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wind power generation system into multiple small-sized wind turbines distributed around the vertiport facility, rather than using a single large generator. Each small turbine is positioned to capture wind from different directions, collectively providing sufficient power generation capacity while fitting within the limited urban space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by positioning wind turbines at different heights and angles around the vertiport structure. The duct structures extend vertically and laterally to intercept rotor wash from multiple elevation levels, effectively three-dimensionalizing the wind capture approach to maximize power generation within constrained horizontal footprint
2Loss of energy
If duct structures are positioned to maximize wind power generation, then energy efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different mobility device positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable and rotatable duct structures that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation based on the real-time location and rotor configuration of the mobility device. This dynamic adaptability ensures optimal alignment with rotor wash patterns regardless of device position, maintaining high energy efficiency while accommodating versatile operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position of the mobility device and its rotors, feeding this information to a control system that adjusts the duct structure positions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the ducts to automatically optimize their alignment with the rotor wash, balancing energy capture efficiency with adaptability to varying device positions
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
Efficient wind power generation is achieved by aligning wind turbines with the direction of rotor winds, reducing energy consumption and enabling continuous monitoring of mobility devices while providing a distributed power source.
Implementation Method 1
Each duct structure, of the plurality of duct structures, may comprises a wind turbine of a plurality of wind turbines; and is rotatable in a first direction perpendicular from a top surface of the takeoff-and-landing deck
Data Source
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AI summary
A wind power generation structure for a vertiport includes a takeoff-and-landing deck and a plurality of duct structures provided along an edge of the takeoff-and-landing deck. Each duct structure of the plurality may individually have a wind turbine and be individually rotatable in a vertical direction.