Variable Speed Clutch Wind Generator for Dual-Stage Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines are limited by reaching maximum rotational speed, leading to wasted kinetic energy and increased stress at high wind speeds, and require a gearbox for low wind speed operation.
Innovation Solution
A wind energy harvesting apparatus with a pair of electric generators equipped with a variable speed clutch arrangement, where a driving clutch on the primary generator and a driven clutch on a secondary generator are connected by an endless elongated member, allowing energy conversion at both low and high wind speeds without a conventional gearbox.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional gearbox is used to accommodate low wind speeds, then the wind turbine can operate at low wind speeds, but the device complexity increases and the wind turbine cannot efficiently utilize remaining wind energy at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine is divided into two separate generator systems: a primary generator with blades for low-speed operation and a secondary generator for high-speed operation. This segmentation allows each generator to be optimized for specific wind speed ranges without requiring a complex gearbox, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable speed clutches that can dynamically engage or disengage the secondary generator based on wind speed conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to varying wind speeds efficiently, achieving versatility without the mechanical complexity of a traditional gearbox
2Power
If the propeller reaches maximum rotational speed, then the electric generator reaches maximum output, but the remaining wind energy is wasted and additional stress is generated on the wind turbine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by having the secondary generator engage when the primary generator reaches maximum output. This allows the system to continue converting wind energy into electricity even after the primary generator is at full capacity, eliminating energy waste and maintaining continuous productive operation across varying wind speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching from primary to secondary generator engagement based on wind speed and load conditions. This parameter change allows the wind turbine to operate efficiently across a broader range of wind speeds, capturing remaining energy that would otherwise be wasted
3Power
If the propeller reaches maximum rotational speed, then the electric generator reaches maximum output, but additional stress and wear and tear are generated on the wind turbine components
Solution Approach 1:
The variable speed clutch arrangement dynamically engages the secondary generator when the primary generator reaches maximum output. This dynamic switching prevents the primary generator and its associated components from operating under excessive stress and wear conditions, thereby improving reliability and component durability while maintaining power output
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 energy conversion across a range of wind speeds, reducing stress and wear, and increasing energy output by utilizing both generators effectively, with the secondary generator producing significantly more energy at high winds.
Implementation Method 1
conventional wind turbines include a blade assembly (propeller) mounted on a rotor shaft
Implementation Method 2
an electric generator mounted on the mast... configured to convert the kinetic energy of the wind flow into the electric energy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus configured to convert kinetic energy of wind flow into electric energy. The apparatus includes a mast, a primary electric generator mounted on the mast, a secondary electric generator mounted on the mast in a tandem arrangement with the primary electric generator, blades affixed to a rotor shaft of the primary electric generator, a driving clutch affixed to the rotor shaft of the primary electric generator, a driven clutch affixed to a rotor shaft of the secondary electric generator, and endless elongated member connecting the driving clutch with the driven clutch. The apparatus is configured to convert a kinetic energy of a wind flow into an electric energy at one or both of the primary and secondary electric generators.