Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Drag Reduction and Speed Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical wind turbines face efficiency issues due to drag on non-driving blades and instability at varying wind speeds, leading to reduced power output and energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of wind shield means, such as airfoil-shaped shields with venting slots, and load compensation means, like fluid-filled cells with movable baffles, to minimize drag and stabilize rotational speed across different wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vertical wind turbine blades rotate continuously, then power generation is enabled, but drag on non-driving blades significantly reduces power output and energy conversion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful drag effect by introducing wind shield means that physically block the oncoming wind from acting on the non-driving blades. The shields are positioned to intercept the wind before it reaches the return blades, effectively taking out the drag problem from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind shield means act as an intermediary element between the oncoming wind and the non-driving blades. Rather than letting the wind directly impact the blades (causing drag), the shields intercept and redirect the wind flow, mediating the interaction to eliminate the harmful drag effect.
2Power
If turbine rotational velocity increases at high wind speeds, then power generation capacity increases, but instability and excessive vibration occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the load compensation mass movable rather than fixed. The compensation mass automatically adjusts its position based on rotational velocity: moving outward at high speeds to increase moment of inertia and reduce velocity, and moving inward at low speeds to decrease moment of inertia and maintain velocity. This dynamic adjustment stabilizes the turbine across varying wind conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the moment of inertia parameter dynamically through the movable compensation mass. By varying the radial position of the mass, the system adjusts the rotational dynamics parameter (moment of inertia) to maintain stable operation across different wind speeds and power generation demands.
3Power
If load is applied to the turbine, then power generation becomes viable, but angular momentum of uncompensated turbine is insufficient to maintain even speed
Solution Approach 1:
The load compensation mechanism operates as a feedback system that continuously responds to changes in rotational velocity. The movable mass automatically adjusts its position based on the current rotational state, providing real-time compensation to maintain even speed under varying load conditions. This feedback control ensures stable power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation mass functions as a counterweight that provides balancing moment to offset the effects of variable load and drag. By positioning the mass appropriately, the system creates counteracting torques that maintain rotational equilibrium and even speed under load.
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 effectively reduces drag on non-driving blades and stabilizes rotational speed, enhancing energy conversion efficiency and maintaining consistent power output across varying wind speeds.
Implementation Method 1
airfoil-shaped shields with venting slots
Implementation Method 2
reducing drag on the non-driving (return) blades
Implementation Method 3
fluid-filled cells with movable baffles
Implementation Method 4
load compensation means
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical axis wind turbine system is provided that converts wind energy into electrical or mechanical energy. The turbine comprises at least one turbine rotor with a plurality of curved blades for receiving head-on wind generated airflow. Shield means mountable around at least a portion of the rotor serve to protect the upstream-moving blades from head-on wind airflow and thereby reduce drag. In one embodiment, load compensation means are provided to adjust the moment of inertia of the turbine rotor. One or more of the turbine rotor blades is hollow and defines a closed volume for holding a fluid, the fluid being displaceable in use through baffle means towards or away from the vertical axis of the rotor as the rotational velocity of the rotor changes.