Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine Assembly for Building Corner Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional wind turbines for building energy generation face inefficiencies due to low efficiency in elevated temperatures, complex machinery requirements, and aesthetic and safety concerns, while solar systems have limited reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vertically mounted Savonius-type wind turbine assembly with a compact, helicoid shape, capable of operating in both horizontal and vertical modes, integrated into building corners to maximize energy harvesting, combined with a screening system and wind chamber for optimized energy yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional wind turbine with a large rotor is used, then power generation capacity is improved, but it presents danger to birds and is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine is divided into multiple vertical sections or modules that can be stacked along the building corner, allowing the overall power generation capacity to be increased by adding more segments rather than enlarging a single rotor. This segmentation also reduces the visual impact and bird hazard compared to a single large rotor.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a horizontal rotor configuration to a vertical axis turbine that exploits the third dimension (height) for power generation. The turbine blades rotate around a vertical axis parallel to the building corner, capturing wind from multiple directions throughout the day without requiring a large horizontal footprint.
2Power
If a solar system with auto tracking is used, then efficiency is improved, but complex machinery is introduced that requires energy and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical axis turbine design inherently captures wind from all directions without requiring active tracking mechanisms. The turbine structure itself, positioned at the building corner, passively utilizes prevailing wind patterns, eliminating the need for complex motors, sensors, and control systems required by solar tracking mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a compact turbine is mounted at building corner, then aesthetic integration and maintenance accessibility are improved, but available space for turbine installation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The turbine utilizes the vertical dimension along the building corner rather than requiring horizontal space. By stacking turbine modules vertically, the design maximizes the use of available corner space while maintaining a compact footprint that does not interfere with building operations or aesthetics.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency by leveraging accelerated wind at building corners, reduces maintenance complexity, and improves user acceptance through aesthetic integration, while the screening system and wind chamber enhance power generation by controlling wind flow and utilizing solar radiation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric generator that is adapted to generate electrical power from rotational energy of the wind turbine
Implementation Method 2
the wind may be compressed and decompressed when flowing around it. Thus a density of energy in the compressed or accelerated air may be increased
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine assembly includes a wind turbine defining a first axis as a vertical axis of rotation, an electric generator operatively connected to the wind turbine and configured to generate electrical power from rotational energy of the wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a first scoop and a second scoop conjointly defining a common interface plane and the scoops are displaceable relative to each other. The first and second scoops are arranged along a second axis running transversely to the first axis. A linear drive mechanism interconnects the first and second scoops for displacing the first and second scoops relative to each other along the second axis and the common interface plane. A control is connected to the linear drive mechanism for controlling the relative displacement of the first and second scoops.