Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Mounted on Utility Poles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind energy technologies face challenges in efficiently harnessing wind power due to the need for substantial economic investment, visual pollution, and contentious land use issues, while also failing to effectively utilize existing infrastructure like utility poles for renewable energy generation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a vertical axis wind turbine system that incorporates a generator housed within a housing structure, with blades extending vertically, which can be mounted on utility poles, allowing for the efficient capture and distribution of wind energy using existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional horizontal axis wind turbines are used, then wind energy can be generated, but substantial economic investment and visual pollution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal axis wind turbine design by using a vertical axis configuration. This inversion allows the turbine to capture wind from any direction without needing to face the wind, eliminating the need for large visible blades and towers. The vertical axis design with curved blades rotating around a central hub creates a compact structure that generates wind energy while minimizing visual impact on the landscape.
2Productivity
If large wind farms are established, then wind energy generation increases, but land use issues and geographic limitations arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the conventional horizontal dimension of wind turbine placement to a vertical dimension. By orienting the turbine axis vertically and having blades rotate around it, the design can be mounted on existing vertical structures such as utility poles, light poles, and building rooftops. This dimensional change enables wind energy generation in urban and suburban environments without requiring extensive land areas, thereby increasing adaptability to various locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If utility poles are not utilized for energy generation, then existing infrastructure remains idle, but renewable energy potential is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes utility poles multi-functional by enabling them to serve both their original purpose of supporting electrical infrastructure and a new function of generating renewable energy. The vertical axis wind turbine is specifically designed to be mounted on utility poles, allowing these existing structures to simultaneously support power lines and capture wind energy, thereby maximizing the utility and energy production capability of the infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wind turbine system enables utility poles to generate their own energy, making them self-sufficient. The turbines mounted on utility poles can generate electricity that offsets the energy consumed by the poles themselves and contributes to the local grid, allowing the infrastructure to serve itself rather than merely consuming energy without production capability.
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 solution enables the efficient creation and distribution of renewable energy, reduces dependency on centralized electric energy generation, minimizes fossil fuel use, and creates a new renewable energy business model while utilizing existing infrastructure, thereby reducing energy costs and enhancing energy independence.
Implementation Method 1
a blade extending along the housing vertically
Implementation Method 2
a generator housed within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising a vertical axis wind turbine comprising an arm, a housing coupled to the arm, a generator housed within the housing, and a blade extending along the housing vertically.