Rotating Shroud Wind Turbine for Low Speed Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal wind turbines exhibit low overall efficiency, particularly in locations with low wind speeds, and there is a need for improved designs suitable for urban and remote environments.
Innovation Solution
The wind turbine design features a tubular shroud with a conical section and a brim flange that induces a downstream low-pressure region, combined with aerofoil blades and a conical hub section to enhance airflow and efficiency, using composite plastic materials for the turbine unit and a direct-drive generator configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stationary shroud surrounds the rotatable turbine unit, then the turbine unit is protected and structurally supported, but the wind flow is blocked and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud is made rotatable to rotate together with the turbine unit, transforming from a stationary obstacle to a dynamic component that moves with the rotation, thereby eliminating wind flow blockage while maintaining structural support
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is integrated as part of the turbine unit assembly, combining the protective shroud function with the rotating turbine components into a single unified structure that rotates together
2Productivity
If the chord length of blades is increased, then more wind energy is captured, but the blades become heavier and structurally more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blades are constructed using composite materials that provide high strength and stiffness with reduced weight, allowing increased chord length for better wind capture without proportionally increasing blade weight
Solution Approach 2:
The blades feature curved and twisted geometries that optimize aerodynamic performance, allowing efficient wind energy capture at various chord lengths by utilizing three-dimensional airflow patterns
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional turbine designs are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but overall efficiency is low especially at low wind speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates specific geometric parameters including conical shroud sections, optimized blade chord lengths (at least 1/5 of inner diameter), and twisted blade profiles that enhance efficiency at low wind speeds while remaining manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the turbine unit have optimized local characteristics - the shroud has conical sections with specific angles, blades have varying chord lengths along their span, and the hub has specific dimensional ratios that collectively improve overall efficiency
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 achieves improved overall efficiency and minimal noise production, with enhanced airflow and electrical energy output in low wind conditions, making it suitable for urban and remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
the wind to be forced outwardly by the brim flange at the rear end of the outer shroud surface so as to induce a downstream low-pressure region
Implementation Method 2
The profile of the aerofoil is configured to produce a lift force that contributes to the electricity generating rotation of the turbine unit
Data Source
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AI summary
A horizontal axis wind turbine comprises a turbine unit, a turbine unit supporting frame, a generator configured for generating electrical energy, and a yaw bearing mechanism. The turbine unit is supported on one or more bearings by the turbine unit supporting frame. The turbine unit is rotatable about a horizontal rotation axis to drive the generator in a direction of rotation.