Self-Orientating Blades for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) face inefficiencies due to blades being in an effective position relative to wind direction for a short time, low rotation speed, and the opposing drag forces resisting turbine rotation, requiring external torque for initial rotation.
Innovation Solution
A VAWT design with self-orientating blades, featuring equally spaced horizontal arms and vertical blade shafts with stoppers to limit rotation, allowing blades to switch between drag and lift forces for optimal torque generation, with geometric features like tabs and central sections that adjust angles to maintain efficient wind interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If blades are designed to catch wind with drag force, then torque generation is improved, but rotation speed decreases due to opposing drag forces on opposite blades
Solution Approach 1:
The blade design dynamically transitions between drag and lift force modes during rotation. The blade geometry and orientation allow it to optimize its interaction with wind at different positions in the rotation cycle, switching from drag-dominated to lift-dominated forces to maintain high rotation speed while generating sufficient torque.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the aerodynamic parameters of the blade by adjusting its orientation and geometric configuration. By modifying the angle of attack and effective surface area throughout the rotation cycle, the blade optimizes the balance between drag and lift forces to resolve the contradiction between torque generation and rotation speed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If blades are positioned for maximum wind capture, then energy extraction is improved, but the effective position duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blade design ensures continuous effective interaction with wind throughout the rotation cycle. By optimizing the blade geometry and orientation, the system maintains useful aerodynamic interaction from start to finish, eliminating dead zones where the blade would be ineffective, thus extending the duration of useful action while maximizing energy extraction.
3Ease of operation
If external torque is applied for initial rotation, then turbine startup is enabled, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine design enables self-starting capability through optimized blade geometry and aerodynamic forces. The blade configuration allows wind forces alone to generate sufficient initial torque to overcome friction and inertia, eliminating the need for external torque application mechanisms and reducing operational complexity.
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
Enhances the efficiency and rotation speed of VAWTs by ensuring blades remain effective for longer periods and utilize both lift and drag forces, reducing resistance and increasing overall energy capture.
Implementation Method 1
When one of the blades is on a first side of the turbine and 'catches' the wind with its front side the turbine begins to rotate under the influence of the drag force on that blade
Implementation Method 2
increase the efficiency and the rotation speed of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) by means of a specific design of the blades... allowing for the blades be some time under lift force and some time under drag force
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a wind turbine that is part of a system for utilizing the energy of wind to produce electrical energy. The turbine is a vertical axis wind turbine that is characterized by the design of its blades. The blades are shaped and attached to the turbine in a way that allows them to self-adjust their orientation with respect to the direction in which the wind is blowing. In this way the torque that each blade exerts on the turbine consist of two portions. When the blade is on the windward side of the turbine, it exerts on the turbine torque from the drag force. When the blade is on the leeward side of the turbine, the torque that the blade exerts on the turbine is from lift force.