Vertical Axis Wind Turbine V-Cup Vanes Multi-Generator Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine systems are limited in their ability to support multiple generators in a single construction, particularly for vertical axis windmills, and are often complex, making it difficult to array them efficiently or support multiple units with a simple support structure.
Innovation Solution
A vertical axis windmill turbine assembly with a central shaft supported by upper and lower bearings, featuring V-cup shaped vanes and multiple generators connected to the shaft, allowing for multiple assemblies to be mounted on a single platform, optimized for different wind conditions and directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple generators are mounted on a single vertical axis windmill, then power generation capacity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple generators are mounted on a single vertical axis windmill shaft, combining multiple power generation functions into one structural unit. This allows the system to capture wind energy and convert it to electrical power through multiple generators simultaneously, increasing overall power output while utilizing a shared support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vertical axis windmill structure serves multiple functions: it supports the rotational mechanism and simultaneously powers multiple generators. This multi-functional design allows one structural system to perform the work of what would traditionally require multiple separate windmills, reducing the number of independent support structures needed.
2Productivity
If multiple vertical axis windmill assemblies are mounted on a single platform, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vertical axis windmill assemblies are mounted on a single shared platform structure, combining multiple turbine units into one integrated installation. This configuration allows the platform to support multiple assemblies that can operate simultaneously, increasing total power production while utilizing common foundation and support infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The windmill assemblies are arranged in a tiered or multi-level configuration on the platform, utilizing vertical space and three-dimensional arrangement. This dimensional approach allows multiple assemblies to be positioned at different heights and orientations to optimize wind capture from various directions, maximizing productivity within the footprint of a single platform.
3Adaptability or versatility
If V-cup shaped vanes are used, then adaptability to different wind conditions improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vanes are shaped as V-cups with asymmetric geometry, featuring a closed leeward side and an open windward side. This asymmetric shape is specifically designed to interact with wind flow from different directions, allowing the turbine to capture wind energy effectively regardless of the wind's approach angle. The V-cup configuration creates pressure differentials that drive rotation adaptively across varying wind conditions.
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
Enables efficient electricity generation from wind power by allowing multiple vertical axis windmill assemblies to be positioned optimally based on wind directions and conditions, facilitating consistent power production in residential or small-scale applications where single-axis systems were previously inadequate.
Implementation Method 1
Each vane may have a V-cup shape with a closed leeward side formed from at least two planar members that join at a central ridge and an open windward side
Implementation Method 2
a central shaft is supported by upper and lower bearings allowing it to rotate
Implementation Method 3
Generators may be operatively connected to the central shaft at the lower end and the upper end
Data Source
AI summary
Vertical axis windmill turbine assemblies, as well as methods, systems and components related thereto. In one illustrative embodiment, a central shaft is supported by upper and lower bearings allowing it to rotate. Upper and lower support plates are disposed on the central shaft and support a plurality of vanes that extend therebetween. Each vane may have a closed leeward side formed from at least two planar members that join at a central ridge and an open windward side. Generators may be operatively connected to the central shaft at the lower end and the upper end. Multiple vertical axis assemblies may be disposed on a planar platform. Where multiple assemblies are present, they may be positioned to optimize production based on prevailing wind directions and may include windmill and turbine assemblies optimized for different wind conditions. In some systems, the assemblies may be disposed in a linear array.