Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Flap Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind turbines disturb the wind flow, limiting their proximity to each other and having a limited operational time range of around 2800 hours, with inefficiencies in energy conversion and vulnerability to high winds.
Innovation Solution
A wind energy conversion device with a hollow mast and modules of general shape around the mast, featuring flaps that pivot between retracted and extended positions based on wind direction, minimizing wind disturbance and allowing for efficient energy conversion into mechanical or electrical energy, with means to deactivate flaps in high winds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional bladed rotors are used to convert wind energy, then energy conversion can be achieved, but the wind flow is greatly disturbed and turbines cannot be placed close to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple independent flap modules arranged around the mast. Each flap can be independently controlled to be in extended or retracted position, allowing selective engagement with the wind flow. This segmentation enables the rotor to process wind energy while minimizing overall disturbance to the wind field, as not all flaps are extended simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps are designed to be dynamically adjustable between extended and retracted positions based on their angular position around the mast. The control system activates flaps only when they are in contact with the wind (downwind position) and deactivates them when moving against the wind (upwind position). This dynamic control optimizes energy capture while reducing wind flow disturbance.
2Productivity
If conventional wind turbines operate continuously, then energy production is maintained, but the operational time range is limited to around 2800 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates protective measures in advance by being able to retract all flaps to a closed position during high wind conditions or storms. This beforehand protection prevents damage to the rotor structure, allowing the turbine to survive extreme weather events and continue operation, thereby extending the operational time range beyond conventional turbines.
Solution Approach 2:
The operational parameters of the turbine are dynamically adjusted based on wind conditions. The flaps can be retracted during high winds to protect the structure, and extended during favorable conditions for energy generation. This parameter change capability allows the turbine to operate safely across a wider range of environmental conditions, extending its operational lifespan.
3Productivity
If flaps are kept extended to maximize energy capture, then conversion efficiency improves, but energy is lost when flaps advance against the wind
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps operate in a periodic manner, being extended only during the portion of their rotational cycle when they are in contact with the wind (downwind position) and retracted when moving against the wind (upwind position). This periodic action ensures that flaps are positioned to capture energy only when beneficial, eliminating energy losses associated with moving against the wind direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback based on the angular position of each flap around the mast to determine when to extend or retract. Flaps are activated only when sensors detect they are in the downwind position where they can effectively capture wind energy, and deactivated when moving upwind. This feedback control optimizes energy capture while minimizing energy loss during flap movement.
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 device reduces wind flow disturbance, enabling closer placement and extending operational time beyond 4000 hours, with improved efficiency and the ability to withstand high winds by maintaining flaps in a closed position.
Implementation Method 1
By indexing the position of the flap, between its deployed or retracted positions, on the angular position of this flap around the mast, it is possible to open this flap only when it is in contact with the wind, and to close it when he moves against the wind.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention relates to a device for converting wind energy, that is to say the kinetic energy of the wind, into an energy of another nature, in particular mechanical and/or electrical energy.
Implementation Method 3
a shaft, arranged in the hollow mast coaxially with the module, connected in rotation with this module around said axis, and cooperating with a converter of the mechanical energy of rotation of the shaft into said energy of the other nature.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device (10) comprises a base (11), a hollow mast (12) mounted on the base (12) along a vertical axis (Z), and at least one module (13) able to rotate about the mast (12). Said module (13) comprises at least one flap (18) that can be moved about a pivot connection (26) between a retracted position and a deployed position, and means (40) for moving the flap (18) between its deployed and retracted positions according to the angular position of this flap (18) about the mast (12). A shaft (15) positioned inside the hollow mast (12) rotates as one with this module (13) and collaborates with a converter (17) that converts the mechanical energy of rotation of the shaft (15) into said mechanical or electrical energy.