Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blade Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical-axis wind turbines have lower efficiency compared to horizontal-axis wind turbines due to the braking effect caused by blades when they rotate against the wind or change direction, which existing blade orientation systems have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The design features blades that radially overlap in their rest position to form a shield against wind infiltration, a radial gap to enhance wind thrust, and a concave surface with specific curvature to optimize airflow, along with a linear electric generator and free wheel to prevent reverse rotation, and additional turbines positioned at varying heights to counterbalance centripetal forces and increase energy production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blades are positioned to capture wind thrust, then energy production is improved, but braking effect occurs when blades rotate against the wind
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into multiple segments along its span, with each segment independently adjustable in angle. This allows different portions of the blade to be optimized for different functions: the root portion maintains a fixed angle for structural stability, while the mid and tip portions can be independently angled to reduce braking effects during reverse rotation, thereby minimizing energy loss without compromising energy capture during productive rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade angle is made dynamically adjustable through an actuation system that can change the angle of attack of blade segments in real-time based on rotational position. During the power stroke, blades are positioned at optimal angles for maximum thrust capture, while during the reverse rotation phase, the system dynamically adjusts angles to minimize resistance, thus reducing braking effects and energy loss.
2Productivity
If blade orientation systems are added to reduce braking effect, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade orientation system utilizes the rotational motion of the turbine itself as the driving force for adjustment. The actuation mechanism is passively driven by the rotation, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex control systems. The system automatically adjusts blade angles based on rotational position, making the complexity inherent in the mechanism but avoiding additional complexity from external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A simple mechanical linkage system acts as an intermediary between the rotating shaft and the blade mounting structure. This intermediary mechanism translates rotational motion into angular adjustment of the blades, providing the necessary orientation control through a straightforward mechanical connection rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
3Productivity
If radial gap between blades is increased to enhance wind thrust, then energy capture is improved, but wind infiltration between blades increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade design implements different gap configurations at different radial positions. The root portion of the blades maintains a smaller gap to prevent wind infiltration and maintain structural integrity, while the mid and tip portions have larger gaps optimized for wind capture. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously minimize energy loss from infiltration while maximizing energy capture from the wind.
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 configuration significantly reduces the braking effect, enhances energy production, and simplifies the design while reducing wear on the support frame, leading to improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness for vertical-axis wind turbines.
Implementation Method 1
configured to intercept the thrust of the wind and put into rotation the shaft (102) about the rotation axis (Z)
Implementation Method 2
the blades that are in the rotation portion of the shaft in the contrary direction to the wind substantially form a shield that prevents the wind from infiltrating between said blades
Implementation Method 3
an electric generator mechanically connected to the shaft for transforming the rotation of the shaft due to the thrust of the wind on the blades into electrical energy
Implementation Method 4
a free wheel connected to the shaft adapted to prevent a rotation of the shaft in contrary direction with respect to the rotation direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A wind turbine (100) comprising: a support frame (101), a shaft (102) rotatably associated with the support frame (101) according to a substantially vertical rotation axis (Z), an electric generator (103) mechanically connected to the shaft (102), a plurality of arms (104) integral with the shaft (102), a plurality of monolithic blades (105) configured to intercept the thrust of the wind so as to put the shaft (102) into rotation about the rotation axis (Z) according to a rotation direction (S), each of which: is hinged to a respective arm (104) according to a hinge axis (U) perpendicular to the rotation axis (Z), is delimited in the transverse direction to the hinge axis (U) by a first edge (106), which is proximal to a successive blade (105) of the plurality of blades (105) with respect to the rotation direction (S), and a second edge (107) which is distal from said successive blade (105), and rotates with respect to the hinge axis (U) between a rest position, in which the distance is minimum between the first edge (106) and the hinge axis (U) of the successive blade (105) with respect to the rotation direction (S) of the shaft (102), and an active position, in which the distance is maximum between the first edge (106) and the hinge axis (U) of the successive blade (205) with respect to the rotation direction (S) of the shaft (102); said wind turbine (100) also comprising a plurality of elastic elements (112), each interposed between a blade (105) and the corresponding arm (104) and configured to exert a force on the respective blade (105) which promotes the movement of said blade (105) from the active position to the rest position.