Wind Collector and Booster Arm for Thrust-Driven Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lift-based horizontal axis wind turbines are inefficient in transforming wind energy into usable electrical energy, capturing only a small fraction of the energy carried by wind.
Innovation Solution
A wind plant apparatus comprising a wind collector assembly, booster arm, and exit conduit system that enhances wind flowrate and generates a thrust force to rotate an exit conduit, which in turn produces torque for electrical power generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lift-based horizontal axis wind turbines are used to harvest wind energy, then electrical energy can be produced, but only a small fraction of wind energy is captured due to low efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine system is segmented into multiple functional components: a driving turbine with blades that capture wind energy, a driven turbine that converts mechanical energy, and a generator that produces electricity. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall energy capture efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A shaft serves as an intermediary element that couples the driving turbine to the driven turbine and generator. This mechanical intermediary transfers rotational energy efficiently from the wind-capturing blades through the driven turbine to the generator, maximizing energy transfer and minimizing losses
2Device complexity
If the wind turbine system is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but energy capture efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The driving turbine, driven turbine, and generator are merged into a single integrated wind turbine system with a common rotational axis. This merging reduces the number of separate components and connections needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining efficient energy conversion through the coupled turbine-turbine-generator arrangement
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 apparatus significantly increases the efficiency of wind energy capture and conversion to electrical power by leveraging forced-air-entrainment mechanisms and thrust forces to enhance wind flow and torque production.
Implementation Method 1
blades that are aerodynamically designed to experience lift from passing wind, which causes the blades to rotate
Implementation Method 2
The at least one exit conduit is configured to rotate with respect to the at least one booster arm in response to a thrust force generated by the wind stream exiting the exit conduit
Implementation Method 3
The driven turbine is configured to accelerate the wind stream
Data Source
AI summary
A wind plant includes at least one wind collector assembly configured to collect a wind stream; at least one booster arm in fluid communication with the at least one wind collector assembly, the booster arm configured to receive the wind stream and to increase the flowrate of the wind stream; and at least one exit conduit, the at least one exit conduit in fluid communication with the booster arm and rotatable with respect to the booster arm. The at least one exit conduit is configured to rotate with respect to the at least one booster arm in response to a thrust force generated by the wind stream exiting the exit conduit. A method of capturing energy from wind is also disclosed.