Segmented Airfoil Design for Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines face limitations in blade size and cost due to structural requirements, maintenance challenges, and inefficiencies caused by rigid designs and complex pitch control systems, as well as issues with alignment and vibration of perimeter rims, which affect energy optimization and output.
Innovation Solution
A segmented wind turbine design featuring self-positioning airfoils with adjustable angles of attack, carried by cables between a hub and rim, allowing for independent rotation and automatic adjustment to wind direction and speed, eliminating the need for traditional blade pitch control systems and reducing maintenance complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional rigid blade design is used, then structural strength is maintained, but manufacturing cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by flexible joints. Each segment can be manufactured separately and assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining overall structural strength through the segmented architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade incorporates flexible joints that allow dynamic adjustment of segment angles during operation. This enables the blade to adapt to varying wind conditions, optimizing performance while using lighter, less expensive materials compared to a fully rigid blade of equivalent strength.
2Power
If blade length is increased to capture more wind energy, then power generation increases, but centrifugal forces and bending forces increase requiring stronger and more expensive blades
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the blade into multiple sections connected by flexible joints, the structure can span longer distances without requiring proportionally increased material strength. Each segment supports only its local load, and the flexible joints allow the structure to adapt to centrifugal and bending forces, enabling longer blade lengths at reduced cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible joints enable the blade to dynamically adjust its configuration in response to rotational forces and wind loading. This dynamic adaptation reduces peak stresses in the structure, allowing longer blades to be constructed with lighter, less expensive materials while maintaining structural integrity.
3Productivity
If traditional pitch control systems are used, then blade angle optimization is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible jointed structure enables the blade segments to automatically adjust their angles in response to wind conditions and rotational dynamics. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex motorized pitch control systems, reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining energy capture efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic flexibility of the jointed blade structure allows automatic adaptation to optimal angles of attack under varying operating conditions. This passive dynamic control replaces active mechanical pitch control systems, simplifying the overall device while preserving productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If perimeter rim is made rigid to maintain alignment, then generator alignment is improved, but vibration and stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter rim incorporates flexible elements that allow controlled movement and vibration absorption. This dynamic design maintains generator alignment through adaptive adjustment rather than rigid constraint, reducing stress and harmful vibrations while preserving manufacturing precision.
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 enhances energy capture by optimizing blade angle and pitch automatically, reduces maintenance needs, and simplifies transportation and installation, while minimizing drag and vibration, leading to improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of airfoils rotatably carried by the cable and disposed between the hub and the rim
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improved wind turbine comprising: a wind turbine wheel having a hub, a rim and a cable extending between the hub and the rim; a set of airfoils rotatably carried by the cable and disposed between the hub and the rim; a cinch attached to the cable and disposed between adjacent airfoils; and, an upturned section included in at least one airfoil in the set of airfoils and disposed at a trailing edge of the airfoil wherein each airfoil has a different angle of attack relative to an adjacent airfoil.