Wind-Generating Vertiport Ring Structure for Compact UAM Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urban air mobility vehicles require a compact take-off and landing area that can generate electricity for lighting and charging, typically relying on commercially available electricity, which may not be feasible or efficient.
Innovation Solution
A vertiport equipped with a wind turbine generator that harnesses wind energy during aircraft take-off and landing to produce electricity, featuring a ring-shaped portion with elevating and rotating mechanisms to expose generators for power generation and a control system for optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a compact take-off and landing area is used for urban air mobility vehicles, then the area occupied is reduced, but electricity generation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable ring-shaped structure that can rotate and change position dynamically. The ring-shaped portion with generators rotates to different positions based on wind direction and aircraft operations, allowing the compact vertiport to capture wind energy from optimal directions and generate electricity dynamically rather than statically
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational movement in the horizontal plane and vertical elevation capability to the generator system. The ring-shaped portion can rotate around the central axis and elevate/lower generators, transforming a two-dimensional compact footprint into a three-dimensional energy capture system that maximizes power generation within limited space
2Power
If generators are exposed externally for power generation, then electricity production is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring-shaped structure serves multiple functions: it supports and positions the generators, provides rotational movement to optimize wind capture, enables elevation and lowering of generators, and acts as a protective enclosure when in closed position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The generators are nested within the ring-shaped structure when not in use, and the ring itself can be elevated within the vertiport structure. This nesting approach allows the generators to be compactly stored when not generating power and easily deployed when needed, reducing overall system complexity
3Power
If generators are positioned to maximize wind energy capture, then power generation efficiency is improved, but positioning control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives information about wind direction and aircraft operations, processes this data, and automatically adjusts the ring-shaped structure's position and generator orientation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically optimize power generation without manual intervention or complex manual positioning mechanisms
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 vertiport efficiently generates electricity from wind energy, enhancing energy independence and reducing reliance on commercial power sources, while supporting eco-friendly operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of generators disposed on the ring-shaped portion, and configured to produce electricity using wind generated during take-off and landing of the aircraft
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment vertiport includes a main body portion having a lower space, a take-off and landing zone disposed in the lower space and spaced apart from the main body portion by a predetermined gap, a door portion disposed in the gap and configured to open or close the gap, a plurality of elevating portions disposed to surround the take-off and landing zone in the lower space, a ring-shaped portion surrounding the take-off and landing zone and connected to the plurality of elevating portions, wherein the ring-shaped portion is configured to be elevated by the plurality of elevating portions, and a plurality of generators disposed on the ring-shaped portion in a fixed position.