Vertical Axis Rotor Tube for Wind Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind energy conversion devices face inefficiencies due to tip vortices, noise production, and visual impact, along with limitations in power generation and social acceptance, particularly at high locations where wind speed is limited.
Innovation Solution
A converting device featuring a rotor with vanes mounted on a tube to minimize tip vortices, optimized for large surface area and energy transfer, with a spiral connection line for aerodynamic twist, and a stator tube for reduced noise and expanded flow path, allowing for efficient energy conversion and quieter operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wind turbines are placed at high locations to access faster wind speeds, then energy generation efficiency is improved, but visual impact and social acceptance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor is divided into multiple individual vanes (at least three) distributed around the tube perimeter, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the rotor to capture wind energy effectively while the modular structure reduces visual impact compared to a solid blade structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional horizontal-axis wind turbines to a vertical-axis rotor configuration with a tube and radially distributed vanes. This dimensional change allows the rotor to be placed at high locations for better wind access while the compact vertical structure reduces visual footprint and landscape intrusion.
2Productivity
If the surface area of wind turbine blades is increased to generate more power, then energy generation is improved, but noise production and visual impact worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor surface area is achieved through multiple discrete vanes arranged radially around the tube, rather than one or two large blades. This segmentation distributes the power-generating surface across many smaller elements, reducing the noise typically associated with large blade movements while maintaining effective power generation area.
Solution Approach 2:
The vanes are designed with curved aerodynamic profiles and the rotor adopts a circular tube configuration. This curvature optimizes airflow patterns, reduces turbulence and vortex formation, thereby minimizing noise generation while maintaining effective power generation from the total vane surface area.
3Device complexity
If conventional rotor designs with outer support elements are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but tip vortices cause energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The outer support elements of individual vanes are merged into a single continuous tube structure that connects all vane outer ends. This merging eliminates the discrete tip regions where vortices form in conventional designs, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining structural simplicity through the unified tube configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube structure, which could be seen as an added complexity, actually serves to eliminate the harmful tip vortex effect. By providing a continuous outer boundary, the tube converts the potential harm of exposed vane tips into a beneficial closed flow path, reducing energy losses while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
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 achieves increased efficiency and reduced noise production while enabling larger power generation, with a stable and aesthetically less intrusive design, optimized for various flow conditions and medium types.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (3) connected to the rotor (2)... converting kinetic energy of a flowing medium to electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
one or more vanes (5) arranged in the tube (4)... converting kinetic energy of a flowing medium to electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for converting kinetic energy of a flowing medium to electrical energy, comprising a rotor for placing in the flowing medium and a generator connected to the rotor. The rotor comprises a tube with one or more vanes mounted on the inner side of the tube and extending radially to the centre thereof, wherein the tube is mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis. A length of the tube in horizontal direction amounts here to at least 25% of a diameter of the tube in vertical direction. An outflow part diverging in the flow direction can connect to a rear edge of the tube as seen in flow direction of the medium. The tube can be bearing-mounted in a frame via a central shaft mounted on the inner ends of the vanes. The frame can on the other hand comprise an outer bearing, for instance a stator tube, enclosing the tube. The inner ends of the vanes can then lie at a distance from each other, so leaving clear a central passage. The generator can be connected to the externally mounted tube via a cardan shaft or endless connecting member, in particular a belt or chain, co-acting with the periphery of the tube, or can be operatively connected to the central shaft in the case of a central mounting.