Wind Energy Device with Adjustable Blades for Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face inefficiencies and structural damage due to the limitations of blade length and material properties when exposed to varying wind velocities and environmental conditions, which affect energy conversion and mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A wind energy conversion device with a housing, directing elements, air exit openings, separating surfaces, and a transmission system, featuring carousel-like structures with adjustable blades and a frame structure that allows for optimal wind alignment and reduced environmental exposure, enabling adjustable positioning and enhanced energy capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the blade length is increased to create a larger moment and produce greater power, then the power output is improved, but the weight of the blades increases and the structural stress increases leading to material fatigue and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable and adjustable blades that can change their position and orientation dynamically. The blades are connected via hinge-like structures that allow them to adjust their angle relative to the wind direction, optimizing the moment created while reducing the effective length and stress during high-wind conditions. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing long blades for power generation while mitigating their weight and stress through positional adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the blades by allowing adjustment of their length, angle, and position. The blade system can modify its geometric parameters in response to varying wind conditions, thereby optimizing power output at lower speeds while reducing stress and effective lever arm at higher speeds to prevent material fatigue and damage.
2Power
If the blade length is increased to create a larger moment, then the power output is improved, but the velocity of wind required to cause motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable blade mechanism allows the system to optimize its moment arm dynamically. At lower wind velocities, the blades can be positioned to maximize the moment for efficient motion initiation. At higher velocities, the blades adjust to maintain optimal power transfer without requiring excessively high wind speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between power output and wind velocity requirements.
3Power
If the device is exposed to strong wind to maximize energy capture, then the energy output is improved, but the device can be damaged by excessive wind force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment system where blades can be repositioned or retracted in response to wind speed variations. This allows the device to capture maximum energy during moderate winds while protecting itself from damage during storms or excessively strong winds, thereby maintaining both high energy output and device reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates a control system that monitors wind conditions and adjusts blade positioning accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the device operates at optimal efficiency under normal conditions while automatically reducing exposure to harmful wind forces, thus preventing damage and maintaining reliability.
4Productivity
If the structure is elevated to a height where wind velocity is suitable, then the energy conversion efficiency is improved, but the structure is exposed to more environmental conditions such as rain, lightning, storm, and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a housing structure that encloses and protects the internal components from environmental factors. This protective shell allows the device to be positioned at optimal heights for wind energy capture while shielding sensitive parts from rain, humidity, lightning, and other weather conditions, thus maintaining both high productivity and component reliability.
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 device maximizes wind energy conversion by adjusting to wind direction and velocity, reducing structural stress and enhancing energy output while protecting components from environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
a directing element for directing wind flow into the housing
Implementation Method 2
each blade is twisted for the purpose of being aerodynamically fit for smooth movement though the air
Implementation Method 3
utilizing the wind and the aerodynamic shape of the surface
Implementation Method 4
When the wind hits a surface which is at some distance from the central axis, a moment is created. The size of the moment is in direct proportion to the force produced by the wind and the distance between the central axis and the point where the wind hits the blades
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an energy conversion device driven by wind power, comprising a housing to protect the working components of the device from environmental damage and to insure correct flow of air through the device, at least one directing element, connected to the housing, air exit and entrance openings, one or more separating surfaces inside the housing, inside components forming a carousel, a frame structure surrounding the components inside the housing, set of sails, wherein each sail is comprised of a pair of blades connected by a hinge-like structure, wherein the free end of one of said blades is connected to said separating surface by a rail and the free end of the other of said blades is connected to a fixed point on said frame structure, a transmission system and lifting means for adjustment of the height of the structure above the ground or water.