Variable Swept Area Wind Turbine for Higher Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines are limited by Betz's coefficient, which restricts energy capture to 16/27 (59.3%) of the kinetic energy of the wind, and using diffusers to increase swept area is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine with a control device that dynamically moves the swept area through translational and rotational movements, optimizing the swept area based on wind conditions to increase energy capture, and a wind park control device for coordinated turbine movements to minimize wake effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a diffuser is used to cover a larger swept area, then more energy can be extracted, but the structure becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the swept area movable rather than static. The control device dynamically adjusts the swept area position and orientation in real-time to capture more wind energy without requiring a permanently larger or more complex diffuser structure. This resolves the contradiction by achieving enhanced energy extraction through temporal variation rather than spatial expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the swept area (position, orientation, size) dynamically through control devices. By varying these parameters in response to wind conditions, the system extracts more energy without permanently increasing structural complexity or cost, thus resolving the technical contradiction.
2Power
If the swept area is moved to increase effective area, then power output increases, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device adjusts swept area parameters (position, orientation, size) dynamically based on wind conditions to maximize power output. This parameter variation approach increases power while keeping control complexity manageable through automated adjustment rather than complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses feedback from wind conditions to automatically adjust the swept area, simplifying the control system while maximizing power output. The feedback mechanism allows the system to respond to changing conditions without requiring overly complex control architecture.
3Power
If the swept area moves faster to cover larger area, then energy capture increases, but the induction zone development time decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by moving the swept area in oscillating or reciprocating motions rather than continuous fast movement. This allows the induction zone to develop during certain phases of the cycle while still achieving enhanced energy capture over time, resolving the contradiction between speed and induction zone development.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the movement speed and pattern of the swept area to optimize the balance between covering larger areas and allowing sufficient time for induction zone development. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by adapting movement characteristics to operational 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
Enhances energy capture by increasing the effective swept area and optimizing wind farm power production, reducing levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and mechanical loads.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor mounted rotatable relatively to the nacelle about a rotation axis and comprising at least one blade, wherein the blade, when rotating about the rotation axis, is configured to span a swept area
Implementation Method 2
a control device which is configured to control an actuator so as to move the swept area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
It is described a wind turbine (100) comprising a tower (130), a nacelle (160) mounted at the top of the tower (130), a rotor mounted rotatable relatively to the nacelle (160) about a rotation axis (107) and comprising at least one blade (140), wherein the blade (140), when rotating about the rotation axis (107), is configured to span a swept area (200), and a control device which is configured to control an actuator so as to move the swept area (200).