Tilted Propeller Vane Tip for Wind Turbine Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines experience reduced rotational efficiency due to increased air resistance and wind escape in the centrifugal direction, particularly at the distal ends of propeller vanes with longer chord lengths.

Innovation Solution

The propeller vanes are designed with a tilted distal end part that directs wind towards the center of rotation, increasing wind-receiving efficiency by concentrating wind at the center and reducing air resistance, achieved by tilting the distal edge of the propeller vanes towards the front surface, with a chord length increase at the distal ends to enhance wind-receiving surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the chord length of the distal ends of propeller vanes is increased to increase wind-receiving surface area, then the wind-receiving efficiency is improved, but air resistance increases and rotational speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind-receiving surface areaVSAvoidrotational speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a tilted part at the distal end of the propeller vane that tilts forward in the rotational direction. This adds a new dimensional feature (tilt angle) to the conventional straight distal end, allowing the wind-receiving surface area to be increased while the tilt directs wind toward the center of rotation, reducing centrifugal escape and maintaining rotational speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilted part is applied locally only at the distal end portion of the propeller vane, not along the entire length. This localized modification allows the distal end to have enhanced wind-receiving capability with the tilt, while the proximal portions maintain their original configuration, optimizing the balance between wind reception and rotational performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If the chord length of the distal ends of propeller vanes is increased to increase axial torque, then the wind power efficiency is improved, but air resistance increases and rotational speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial torqueVSAvoidair resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forward tilt of the distal end introduces a new geometric dimension that directs wind flow toward the center of rotation. This dimensional change increases axial torque by improving wind direction alignment while simultaneously reducing air resistance by preventing wind escape in the centrifugal direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potentially harmful centrifugal escape of wind into a beneficial force by using the tilted distal end to redirect wind toward the center of rotation. The tilt transforms what would be wasted centrifugal flow into useful axial torque, improving efficiency while reducing harmful air resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Area of moving object

If the propeller vane length is increased to increase wind-receiving surface area, then the rotational efficiency is improved, but the structural rigidity and responsiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind-receiving surface areaVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the overall length of the propeller vane, the invention applies a localized tilted structure only at the distal end portion. This local modification increases the effective wind-receiving surface area without extending the vane length, thereby maintaining structural rigidity and responsiveness to wind direction changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This design enhances wind power efficiency by increasing axial torque and rotational speed, improving the overall efficiency of the wind turbine without lengthening the propeller vanes, while maintaining structural rigidity and responsiveness to wind direction changes.

Implementation Method 1

the distal end part is tilted toward the front surface in the rotational direction... causing the wind that comes in contact with the tilted parts to be concentrated towards the center of rotation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind flow direction control:

Implementation Method 2

a tilted part is formed so that the distal end parts of the propeller vanes of a wind turbine are tilted toward the front surfaces of the propeller vanes... increasing axial torque

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force:

Data Source

PatentUS8128338B2Propeller and horizontal-axis wind turbine

Publication Date: 2012.03.06 NTN CORP

AI summary

A propeller, wherein the tip parts of the propeller blades of a horizontal-shaft windmill are tilted in the front direction of the propeller blades to form inclination parts. The inclination angle of the tilted parts is set within the range of 25 to 50° relative to the longitudinal direction of the propeller blades.