Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Curved Blades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal axis wind turbines are limited by requiring high maintenance, expensive construction, and inefficiency at varying wind speeds and directions, with complex designs that demand significant materials and are costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A vertical axis wind turbine with a novel geometrical configuration and mathematical curve-shaped blades, supported by baffle means and efficiency enhancers, allowing operation independent of wind direction with balanced torque and low flow resistance, suitable for low wind conditions and simple maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If horizontal axis wind turbines are used to achieve high power output, then the power generation capacity is improved, but the construction cost and maintenance requirement increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal axis wind turbine design by adopting a vertical axis configuration. This fundamental inversion allows the turbine to capture wind from all directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex yaw mechanisms and blade angle adjustments, thereby reducing construction complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining power generation capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine is divided into multiple independent blade elements arranged vertically around the axis. Each blade element operates independently to capture wind energy, allowing the system to process wind from multiple directions simultaneously. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining high power output
2Productivity
If horizontal axis wind turbines operate at high heights to access faster wind speeds, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the material requirement and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal plane operation to vertical axis operation, utilizing the vertical dimension to capture wind energy. This dimensional change allows the turbine to effectively process wind from all horizontal directions simultaneously, increasing the effective capture area and energy conversion efficiency without requiring installation at greater heights
3Productivity
If wind turbines implement multidirectional blade orientation to optimize energy production, then the energy production efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of actively adjusting blade orientation to track wind direction, the patent inverts the approach by using a vertical axis configuration that passively accepts wind from all directions. The vertical blades naturally intercept wind regardless of its horizontal origin, eliminating complex orientation control systems while maintaining optimal energy production across varying wind directions
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 vertical axis wind turbine operates consistently across varying wind speeds and directions with reduced flow resistance, maintaining high effectiveness and cost-efficiency, and is resilient to wind load changes and height variations.
Implementation Method 1
The blades (12) have a curved surface, which redirects the incoming air flow tangentially, producing a lifting effect, causing the rotor (F) to rotate
Implementation Method 2
Baffle means (1) for redirecting wind flow axially through the rotor (F), having a curved surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to a wind turbine with vertical axis (3), having a rotor (F) and a generator (7) connected with said axis (3), and a supporting structure holding the axis (3) of said rotor (F) by means of bearings, and said rotor (F) consists of an axis (3) fitted with an upper bearing mounted in an upper part of an upper console (10) and with a lower bearing mounted in a building (20) formed along the ground level (8), and supporting rings (11) perpendicularly attached to the axis (3) spaced apart along said axis (3), and a plurality of arcuate beams (2) fitted with said rings (11) and supporting turbine blades (12).