Vertical Axis Wind Converter Guide Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind converters with vertical axes suffer from low power coefficients, inefficiency in weak winds, and are affected by turbulence, shadows, and heavy mast constructions, leading to reduced performance and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates adjustable rotor blades with a sawtooth-shaped surface and asymmetric recesses, made from foamed materials, and a magnetic bearing system, along with guide elements that direct airflow obliquely onto the blades, enhancing airflow efficiency and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional vertical-axis rotor designs (Savonius, Darieus) are used, then the structure is simple and suitable for small wind turbines, but the power coefficient is low and efficiency in weak winds is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blades feature an asymmetric cross-section with a concave suction side and a convex pressure side, combined with a sawtooth-shaped leading edge. This asymmetric geometry creates favorable pressure distributions that enhance lift forces and improve power coefficient while maintaining structural simplicity suitable for small wind turbines
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor blades incorporate curved surfaces including a concave suction side and a convex pressure side, with a sawtooth-shaped leading edge. These curved geometries optimize airflow attachment and reduce turbulence, thereby increasing the power coefficient compared to conventional straight-blade designs
2Productivity
If guide elements are added to improve airflow direction and power coefficient, then efficiency increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure is divided into multiple discrete guide elements arranged circumferentially around the rotor. Each guide element can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing optimization of airflow direction without requiring a complex integrated structure. This segmented approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly while achieving improved power coefficients
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements are designed with adjustable positions and angles, allowing the system to adapt to varying wind conditions. This dynamic adjustability enables optimization of airflow direction and rotor blade attack angles, improving power coefficient without permanent structural complexity
3Productivity
If magnetic bearing is used to reduce friction, then efficiency in weak winds improves, but manufacturing precision and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic bearing system replaces traditional mechanical contact bearings with a non-contact magnetic field-based support system. This substitution eliminates friction and wear associated with mechanical bearings, enabling the rotor to start and operate efficiently in very weak winds. The magnetic bearing uses permanent magnets arranged in alternating polarity patterns to provide levitation and radial support without physical contact
4Productivity
If rotor blades with sawtooth surface and asymmetric recesses are used, then airflow efficiency and leverage effect improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sawtooth-shaped leading edge and asymmetric recesses are pre-formed as integral features of the rotor blade structure during manufacturing. By incorporating these airflow-optimizing geometries into the basic blade shape rather than adding them as separate components, the design achieves high airflow efficiency while minimizing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps
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
This configuration improves power coefficient and efficiency, especially in weak winds, while minimizing noise and vibration, and allows for flexible installation and adaptability to various locations with reduced structural weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The wind converter particularly preferably has a magnetic or floating bearing for the rotor
Implementation Method 2
guide elements that direct airflow obliquely onto the blades, enhancing airflow efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a wind converter (1) in particular for small wind turbines, comprising a rotor (2) that rotates about a vertical axis of rotation (4) and is provided with rotor blades (3). A wind converter system equipped with a wind converter as well as a wind turbine are also described. The wind converter is characterized, inter alia, in that guiding elements (9) for deflecting and guiding the air flow onto the rotor blades (3) are provided. A horizontal wind flow is received by the wind converter (1) and is then discharged in a substantially vertical direction, resulting in a new flow pattern.