Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Shielding for EV Drag Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching vertical axis wind turbines to Electric Vehicles (EVs) are inefficient, leading to inadequate power generation, high costs, excessive drag, and unreliable performance.

Innovation Solution

The method involves partial shielding of the side of the vertical axis wind turbine where the blade is not facing the wind, allowing only the blade facing the wind to interact with the wind, thereby reducing drag and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the vertical axis wind turbine is attached to Electric Vehicles without partial shielding, then the structure is simpler, but the drag on blades not facing the wind increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturbine structureVSAvoidblade drag

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A partial shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the wind and the blades not facing the wind direction. This shield diverts the wind flow, preventing direct contact with the rear-facing blades, thereby reducing drag on these blades while maintaining the overall simplicity of the turbine structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield is positioned specifically on one side of the turbine to create localized wind flow modification. Rather than shielding the entire turbine, only the specific area where rear-facing blades would experience excessive drag is protected, optimizing performance while minimizing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Speed

If partial shielding is implemented on the vertical axis wind turbine, then the angular rotation speed increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular rotation speedVSAvoidturbine structure

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The partial shield acts as a mediator that redirects wind flow to enhance the force on forward-facing blades while protecting rear-facing blades from excessive drag. This simple intermediary structure achieves increased angular rotation speed without requiring complex mechanical modifications to the turbine itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than implementing complete shielding around the entire turbine, only a partial shield on one side is used. This partial action is sufficient to achieve the desired increase in angular rotation speed by optimizing wind interaction with the blades, avoiding the complexity of full shielding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If partial shielding is used to reduce drag on rear-facing blades, then power generation efficiency improves, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The partial shield is a relatively simple intermediary structure that can be manufactured from common materials. While it does add to manufacturing cost compared to an unshielded design, the complexity remains low enough that the power generation efficiency improvements justify the additional cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield modifies the wind flow parameters (direction and velocity distribution) around the turbine blades. By changing how wind interacts with the blades, power generation efficiency is improved. The shield itself is designed to be simple in construction, minimizing the impact on manufacturing cost while achieving the desired parameter changes in wind flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enhances the angular rotation speed of the turbine, requires less wind to generate power, and effectively charges EVs while driving, reducing energy costs and eliminating the need for frequent charging station visits.

Implementation Method 1

partial shielding the side of a vertical axis wind turbine where the blade is not facing the wind and only allowing the wind to interact with the blade opening facing the wind

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind flow direction control:

Implementation Method 2

This reduces drag of the returning blades by diverting or partial shielding it from high wind

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDrag reduction: Drag

Implementation Method 3

The wind pushes the blades open facing the wind causing the turbine to spin efficiently

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power: Wind Power

Implementation Method 4

The wind is the source of the drag. The partial shield reduces the amount and the speed of wind in contact with the blades not facing the wind direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS12297802B2Vertical axis wind turbine system for transportation vehicles

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 CEESAY KAAB

AI summary

A vertical axis wind turbine system for charging transportation vehicles while the vehicles are in operation. The system comprising at least one vertical axis wind turbine comprising a plurality of blades and a shield located upstream of the at least one vertical axis wind turbine. The shield partially overlaps the at least one vertical axis wind turbine in a horizontal direction such that only open facing blades of the plurality of blades are exposed to a wind. The system is mounted above, inside of or in front of the transportation vehicle.