Vortex-Induced Oscillating Pole Generator with Magnetic Resonance Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing renewable energy technologies based on fluid motion, such as multi-blade aerogenerators and piezoelectric generators, face challenges including high maintenance costs, bird impact issues, and inefficiencies in converting oscillatory movements into electrical energy, particularly when wind speeds are low or variable.
Innovation Solution
A power generator system utilizing a pole-shaped structure that generates vortices in a fluid, with a magnetic repulsion mechanism to automatically adjust its natural oscillation frequency to match the frequency of vortex formation, enhancing energy capture by varying the resonance frequency in response to wind speed changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multi-blade aerogenerators are used to generate electrical energy from wind, then electrical energy production is achieved, but maintenance costs increase due to numerous moving parts and lubricant consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex rotating mechanical components (gears, bearings, lubrication systems) from the energy conversion system. Instead of using a traditional rotating generator, the invention uses a stationary generator that is driven directly by the oscillating motion of the pole through magnetic coupling, removing the need for moving parts and lubricants that cause maintenance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating system with a magnetic field-based system. The oscillating pole generates a time-varying magnetic field that directly induces electrical current in the stationary generator coils, substituting mechanical rotation with electromagnetic induction to eliminate wear and maintenance requirements.
2Power
If multi-blade aerogenerators operate at high blade speeds to generate electrical energy, then power output increases, but bird life is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by making the generator stationary rather than rotating. The pole oscillates at low speeds in response to wind forces, while the generator remains fixed with only magnetic fields moving. This reversal eliminates high-speed rotating blades that pose threats to birds, allowing energy generation at much lower tip speeds.
3Power
If piezoelectric elements are used to convert oscillatory movement into electrical energy, then conversion is achieved, but efficiency decreases at low or variable wind speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resonance tuning system where the magnetic repulsion force between magnets on the pole and stationary structure automatically adjusts the pole's natural oscillation frequency. This dynamic adjustment ensures the pole remains in resonance with the vortex shedding frequency across a wide range of wind speeds, maintaining high energy conversion efficiency from oscillatory motion to electrical energy regardless of wind conditions.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the pole diameter is increased with height to achieve vortex synchronisation, then vortex synchronisation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the pole diameter as a function of height to achieve vortex synchronisation. The diameter increases with height according to a specific profile that matches the vortex shedding frequency to the pole's natural oscillation frequency across different sections, ensuring coherent vortex-induced oscillations throughout the pole's length without requiring complex active control systems.
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 increases the efficiency of energy conversion by widening the 'lock-in' range of wind speeds, reducing maintenance needs, and eliminating the requirement for lubricants and rotating parts, while effectively harnessing wind energy across a broader range of speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a first part, for example, in the shape of a post, pillar or pole, configured to be located in a fluid... generates vortices in said fluid... a lift force is generated on the first part producing an oscillating movement
Implementation Method 2
a lift force is generated on the first part producing an oscillating movement of the first part
Implementation Method 3
a system for generating a magnetic field which produces a magnetic repulsion force between the first part and the second part, a repulsive force that varies with the oscillating movement of the first part and which has a maximum value... which increases when the amplitude of the oscillating movement of the first part increases
Implementation Method 4
automatic adjustment of the resonance frequency of the pole as a function of wind speed... the maximum value of the repulsion force also increases... allowing the system to store potential energy in the magnets which is completely or substantially converted to kinetic energy
Implementation Method 5
a subsystem of magnets... and at least one coil and is configured such that the oscillatory movement of the first part produces a relative displacement between the subsystem of magnets and said at least one coil, such that an electromotive force is generated in said at least one coil
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical power generator, comprising a first part (1) configured to be located in a fluid and configured such that, when said fluid moves, it generates vortices in the fluid, so that a lift force is generated on the first part (1), which produces an oscillating movement of the first part (1), said oscillating movement having an amplitude. The natural oscillation frequency of the first part may be adjusted to wind speed by means of magnets, which repel each other. Magnets may also be used to generate electrical currents in coils. The first part (1) can have a diameter that increases with distance above the base of the generator.