Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Torque Cascade
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) require higher wind speeds to start than to maintain operation due to high start-up torque, limiting their efficiency and applicability, especially for larger units.
Innovation Solution
A double-vertical-axis-turbine system with a torque-amplifying cascade arrangement, where a lower wind speed vertical axis turbine starts a higher wind speed turbine using electrical motors/generators and power electronics to manage energy distribution, including an auxiliary blade for wind acceleration and Neodymium magnets for reduced stiction and braking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a vertical axis wind turbine uses conventional blade configurations and mechanical stiction, then it can maintain rotation at lower wind speeds, but it requires higher wind speeds to start the turbine due to high start-up torque
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wind turbine into two separate units: a lower wind speed turbine (LWST) and a higher wind speed turbine (HWST). The LWST is designed to start at lower wind speeds (3 mph) while the HWST requires higher wind speeds (8 mph) to start but can operate at lower speeds (5 mph) once started. This segmentation allows each turbine to be optimized for its specific starting conditions, resolving the contradiction between low start-up torque and low operating wind speed requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The LWST acts as an intermediary device that captures energy at lower wind speeds and transfers it to the HWST through electrical power transmission. The electrical motor/generator in the HWST serves as an intermediary mechanism to convert electrical energy from the LWST into mechanical torque to initiate HWST rotation. This intermediary approach allows the system to overcome the high start-up torque barrier of the HWST using energy captured at lower wind speeds.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vertical axis wind turbine is designed to start at lower wind speeds, then it can operate in lighter winds, but it requires higher wind speeds to maintain continuous rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the wind turbine functionality into two distinct units with different operational characteristics. The LWST is optimized for starting in light winds (3 mph) but requires higher wind speeds (5 mph) to maintain rotation, while the HWST is optimized for maintaining rotation at higher wind speeds (8 mph) but can operate at lower speeds (5 mph) once started. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying wind conditions by utilizing the appropriate turbine for each condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the LWST and HWST into a single integrated wind energy capture system where both turbines operate simultaneously or sequentially based on wind conditions. The electrical power from the LWST is transmitted to the HWST electrical motor/generator, creating a combined system that can start in light winds and maintain operation across a broader range of wind speeds. This merging resolves the contradiction by combining the complementary strengths of both turbines.
3Device complexity
If a single vertical axis wind turbine is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot efficiently capture energy across varying wind speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power generation function into two separate turbines with different operational characteristics. The LWST captures energy at lower wind speeds (3-5 mph) while the HWST captures energy at higher wind speeds (8+ mph). This segmentation allows the system to capture energy across a broader range of wind speeds, improving overall productivity while maintaining relatively simple individual turbine designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined LWST-HWST system provides universal functionality across varying wind conditions. The system can start in light winds (3 mph), maintain operation at moderate winds (5 mph), and capture energy at higher winds (8+ mph). This multi-functionality is achieved by having both turbines operational with the LWST providing starting torque and the HWST providing sustained power generation, thereby improving overall power generation efficiency across all wind 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
Enables the lower wind speed turbine to initiate rotation at 3 miles per hour and sustain higher wind speed turbines at 5 miles per hour, improving power generation efficiency and reliability across varying wind conditions without mechanical transmission losses.
Implementation Method 1
a lower wind speed vertical axis turbine operatively connected to a first electrical motor/generator... designed to begin rotating at a wind speed of approximately 3 miles per hour
Implementation Method 2
Electrical power from the first electrical motor/generator is directed to at least one second electrical motor/generator
Implementation Method 3
at least one second electrical motor/generator... to start the higher wind speed turbine
Implementation Method 4
An auxiliary blade that deploys at an angle to the main blades by use of a passive tail to serve as a wind directing and accelerating scoop blade
Implementation Method 5
Neodymium magnets for reduced stiction and braking
Data Source
AI summary
Wind turbine system. The system includes a lower wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to a first electrical motor/generator and a higher wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to at least one second electrical motor/generator. Electrical power from the first electrical motor/generator is directed to the at least one second electrical motor/generator and mag-lev system to cause the higher wind speed turbine to begin turning.