Runner-Supported Wind Sails for Frozen Surface Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cost-effective and efficient renewable energy solutions in cold weather climates with limited direct solar energy availability, particularly for meeting energy demands without greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm.
Innovation Solution
A wind energy harvesting system designed for frozen surfaces, utilizing fluid-foil means supported by runner-supported movable frames and connected through a closed-loop cable system, which converts wind energy into electrical energy using rotatable pulleys and energy conversion means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If wind energy harvesting system is deployed on frozen surfaces in high-latitude regions, then renewable energy availability is improved, but system complexity increases due to specialized runner-supported structures
Solution Approach 1:
The wind energy harvesting system is divided into modular components including runner-supported movable frames, fluid-foil means, rotatable pulleys, and generator means. Each module can be independently deployed and assembled on the frozen surface, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining energy harvesting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The runner-supported movable frames serve multiple functions: they support the fluid-foil means for wind energy capture, provide mobility across the frozen surface, and enable easy deployment and reconfiguration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby managing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If runner-supported movable frames are used to operate on frozen surfaces, then adaptability to cold climate environments is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The runner-supported movable frames utilize low-friction runners that can be manufactured as simple geometric shapes optimized for gliding on ice and snow. These runners are designed with streamlined contours to minimize resistance on frozen surfaces while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes using conventional molding or machining techniques.
3Productivity
If fluid-foil means are used to capture wind energy, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to control system requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid-foil means are designed to dynamically adjust their orientation and angle of attack in response to wind conditions. The runner-supported movable frames allow the fluid-foil elements to move freely and self-align with the wind flow, maximizing energy capture efficiency without requiring complex active control systems or sensors.
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 system efficiently harvests wind energy on frozen surfaces, providing a scalable and environmentally friendly solution for energy needs in high-latitude regions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
fluid-foil means (3) for contacting proximate flow fields of an air current (5) when said air current exists and carries wind energy
Implementation Method 2
fluid-foil means (3) for contacting proximate flow fields of an air current (5) when said air current exists and carries wind energy in the form of fluid-dynamic kinetic energy
Implementation Method 3
The motion of said fluid-foil means (3) drives a rotatable pulley (37) which serves as a rotating member (27R)
Implementation Method 4
which energy conversion means further includes generator means (27G) for generating electrical power from the rotational motion
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an environmentally friendly renewable energy harvesting system for harvesting wind energy on a frozen surface, as in cold weather climatic regions associated with higher latitudes or higher altitudes, with snow or ice surfaces. A plurality of ski, skate or runner supported wings or sails are connected together to form a wind energy harvesting system, and capture wind energy by appropriate setting of wing or sail angles of attack so as to drive a cyclic motion that in turn can drive energy capture means such as electric generator means. The invention thus provides a wind energy harvesting system which is supported by a frozen surface, which includes fluid-foil means for interfacing with an air current such as a wind and which includes energy harvesting means utilizing periodic motion of the fluid-foil means for capturing wind energy and converting it into usable energy in a desired form such as electricity. The present invention is intended to provide devices, methods and systems for harvesting renewable energy which can be efficient and cost-effective for small-scale, medium-scale and large-scale applications, to provide real and substantial benefits to meet local energy needs while also more broadly serving humanity and our global environment.