Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Rotor Blade with Uncovered Vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Savonius type vertical axis wind turbines face inefficiencies due to the design of rotor blades, which often obstruct airflow and do not effectively utilize aerodynamic drag forces to maximize torque at low rotation speeds.
Innovation Solution
The design of rotor blades with a central portion, high and low drag sides, and an uncovered vent with tapered fins and a planar and curved section, allowing unobstructed airflow and optimized drag force differences to enhance torque generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If rotor blades are designed to deflect wind toward the capturing side of the opposing rotor blade, then aerodynamic drag forces are utilized to rotate the shaft, but airflow is obstructed and torque generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is divided into distinct functional sections: a planar section for structural support and a curved section for aerodynamic performance. The curved section includes a leading edge, trailing edge, and a vent positioned between them, creating segmented airflow paths that reduce obstruction while maintaining drag force utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
A vent is introduced as an intermediary element between the leading and trailing edges of the curved section. This vent provides an unobstructed airflow path that mediates between the need for wind deflection and the need to minimize airflow obstruction, allowing air to pass through while maintaining the aerodynamic shape.
2Productivity
If rotor blades are designed with traditional solid structures, then manufacturing is simple, but airflow is obstructed and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The curved section of the rotor blade is designed as a thin-walled structure that maintains aerodynamic efficiency while minimizing airflow obstruction. The thin-walled construction reduces the amount of material needed while preserving the structural integrity and aerodynamic performance required for efficient wind energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent creates a porous-like structure within the blade, allowing airflow to pass through the curved section. This porous approach reduces airflow obstruction and improves turbine efficiency while the thin-walled design keeps the overall structure lightweight and manufacturable.
3Force
If rotor blades are designed to maximize drag forces, then torque is increased, but rotation speed is limited to low speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade design changes the aerodynamic parameters by creating a curved section with specific geometric characteristics (leading edge angle, trailing edge angle, vent positioning) that optimize the balance between drag force generation and rotation speed. The curved geometry allows for efficient airflow management that supports both torque generation and acceptable rotation speeds.
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 solution enhances torque generation by providing an unobstructed airflow path and optimized drag force differences, improving the efficiency of vertical axis wind turbines, particularly at low rotation speeds.
Implementation Method 1
A Savonius system utilizes aerodynamic drag forces creating high torque at low rotation speeds
Implementation Method 2
Each of the blade members also includes an uncovered vent comprising an opening through the blade member that provides an unobstructed path for airflow through the blade member
Implementation Method 3
The rotor blades operate to rotate the shaft due to differences in the drag forces on the wind-capturing and wind-deflecting sides of the opposing rotor blades
Implementation Method 4
A Darrieus system uses aerodynamic lift forces to rotate at high speeds
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a rotor blade for a vertical axis wind turbine comprises a central portion having a central axis and at least two blade members. The blade members each have a proximal end attached to the central portion, a high drag side and a low drag side that is opposite the high drag side. Each of the blade members also includes an uncovered vent comprising an opening through the blade member that provides an unobstructed path for airflow through the blade member. In one embodiment, a pair of fins are positioned adjacent the opening of the vent and extend from the high drag side of the blade member.