Variable Camber Wind Turbine Wings for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing small-scale wind turbines face challenges in being space-efficient and easy to use while maintaining effectiveness in energy generation, particularly in compact designs like the Darrieus wind turbine, where rotor blades occupy significant space and require folding or extension mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates adjustable wings with a longitudinal section change mechanism, utilizing a spindle drive with a threaded rod and sleeve to alter the wing's configuration from a compact transport position to an expanded, balloon-like structure for maximum wind resistance, integrated with a motor and planetary gear to generate electrical energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rotor blades are designed to be folded or extended to reduce space occupation, then the space efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blades are designed with a variable longitudinal profile that can dynamically change between a compact straight configuration for transport and a curved cambered configuration for operation. This dynamic transformation allows the blades to adapt their shape rather than requiring complex folding or extension mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the rotor blades, specifically the longitudinal profile curvature, to achieve compact storage. By adjusting the camber parameter from high (operational) to low (transport), the blades can be stored in a compact form without requiring additional mechanical systems for folding or extension.
2Productivity
If the wings are extended to offer maximum resistance to the wind, then the energy generation effectiveness is improved, but the space required for storage and transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blades dynamically adjust their longitudinal profile from a compact straight shape during transport to a curved cambered shape during operation. This dynamic shape change allows the blades to provide maximum wind resistance and energy generation effectiveness when needed, while occupying minimal space during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the spatial configuration of the rotor blades by changing their curvature in the longitudinal dimension. The blades transition from a linear arrangement in transport to an arched configuration in operation, effectively utilizing the third dimension to achieve compact storage without sacrificing operational surface area.
3Productivity
If a fixed camber design is used to maximize wind resistance, then the energy generation is improved, but the adaptability for different positions and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blades incorporate a variable camber design that can dynamically adjust the longitudinal profile curvature. This allows the blades to adapt to different operational conditions and positions, providing optimal energy generation across varying wind conditions while maintaining the ability to transform to a compact configuration for transport and storage.
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 allows for a compact, space-saving wind energy generator that can easily transition between transport and operational positions, maximizing energy production with minimal resistance in the rest position and optimal wind interaction in the working position.
Implementation Method 1
The unit consisting of upper and lower connections, vanes, and the linear actuator, which are connected to the motor/rotor, for example, via a planetary gear set, generates the corresponding electrical current in the stator when this unit rotates.
Implementation Method 2
a simple linear drive in the form of a spindle drive is preferred. This means that a threaded rod is connected to one connection and a threaded sleeve to the other, with the threaded rod rotating within the threaded sleeve. When the threaded rod and/or the threaded sleeve is rotated, the distance between the two connections is increased or decreased.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
In a device for generating electrical energy from wind, which rotates wings (6) around an axis, wherein this rotation can be transferred to a generator (3, 8), at least part of the wings (6) should be variable in their longitudinal section.