Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Variable Pitch Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vertical axis wind turbines face challenges in optimizing blade pitch for varying wind velocities, leading to oscillation, vibration, noise, and wear, while also needing to withstand high winds without exceeding mechanical constraints.

Innovation Solution

A control mechanism with two differentially resilient elements and a damping element is used to adjust the angular disposition of blades relative to their supporting arms, allowing for optimized power output and overspeed protection by varying blade pitch in response to wind velocity and rotational speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If blade pitch is optimized for maximum energy extraction, then power output is improved, but blade oscillation and vibration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidblade oscillation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the pitch angle of blades dynamically in response to changing wind conditions and rotational speed. The control mechanism adjusts the angular disposition of blades relative to the rotor plane, optimizing the angle of attack to maximize energy extraction while preventing oscillation. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to fluctuating wind velocities and maintain stable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through a control mechanism that monitors rotational speed and wind conditions to adjust blade pitch accordingly. The system uses sensors to detect operational parameters and automatically modifies blade angular disposition to maintain optimal performance. This closed-loop feedback prevents oscillation by continuously adapting blade orientation to current operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Strength

If blade pitch is increased to withstand high winds, then structural strength is improved, but rotational speed is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind resistanceVSAvoidrotational velocity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making blade pitch adjustable rather than fixed. The control mechanism enables real-time modification of blade angular disposition based on wind conditions and rotational speed. During high wind events, the system dynamically increases pitch angle to enhance wind resistance and protect structural integrity, while automatically reducing pitch when rotational speed approaches mechanical limits to maintain optimal power generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If blade pitch is continuously adjusted, then energy extraction efficiency is improved, but mechanical wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy extraction efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through a passive control mechanism that utilizes the natural aerodynamic forces and centrifugal effects acting on the blades during rotation. The system automatically adjusts pitch angle in response to wind conditions and rotational speed without requiring external actuators or complex mechanical linkages. This self-regulating approach minimizes mechanical wear while maintaining high energy extraction efficiency across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 mechanism ensures peak power output across a range of wind speeds, maintaining rotational velocity within mechanical limits and minimizing blade oscillation, thereby enhancing energy extraction efficiency and turbine stability.

Implementation Method 1

at least two differentially resilient elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a damping element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 3

The horizontal sections of each of said blades are airfoil shaped

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Implementation Method 4

outward rotation of said blade increasing with increasing rotational velocity of said turbine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS9903339B2Vertical axis wind turbine with variable pitch mechanism

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 AXOWIND

AI summary

A vertical axis wind turbine including a vertical central shaft and a plurality of vertical blades. Each of the vertical blades is supported by a radial supporting arm extending from the central shaft. The shaft is such that the angular disposition of each of the blades is relative to its radial supporting arm, and is controlled by a control mechanism. The control mechanism includes two differential resilient elements and a damping element.