Hub-Mounted Fluidic Turbine Structure for Rotor-Root Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal-axis wind turbines face inefficiencies due to Rotor-Root Leakage, which reduces kinetic energy extraction below the Betz Limit, and noise emissions are significant at higher linear velocities, while existing active yaw and blade pitch systems have delays and require electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic structure is designed to be attached to the hub of a wind turbine, incorporating curved fluidic elements that rotate with the rotor blades, redirecting incident wind to the suction side of the blades and creating a high-pressure area to increase torque and efficiency, and optionally includes sensors for real-time data processing to optimize operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If rotor blades operate at higher linear velocities to increase power output, then power generation increases, but aeroacoustic noise becomes significant and operation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful low-pressure area caused by rotor-root leakage into a beneficial feature by designing the hub with a pressure equalization system that uses this low-pressure zone to reduce pressure differential and minimize leakage, thereby reducing noise while maintaining power generation efficiency
2Productivity
If active yaw and blade pitch systems are used to optimize turbine operation, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases and electrical power consumption is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-adjusting passive flow control elements that automatically orient and adapt to wind conditions without requiring external power or complex control systems, allowing the turbine to optimize its operation through passive aerodynamic mechanisms
3Productivity
If rotor blade design is optimized to extract maximum kinetic energy, then energy extraction efficiency increases, but Rotor-Root Leakage develops causing efficiency to drop below Betz Limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-equalizing pressures at the rotor root before leakage can occur through controlled venting pathways, preventing the formation of significant pressure differentials that would otherwise cause energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary flow control elements and venting pathways that mediate the pressure differential between the rotor interior and exterior, allowing controlled pressure equalization that prevents energy loss while maintaining aerodynamic performance
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 fluidic structure enhances energy capture efficiency, reduces noise emissions, and improves operational performance by increasing the induction factor and mass flow through the rotor, potentially exceeding the Betz Limit and reducing turbulence.
Implementation Method 1
redirecting incident wind to the suction side of the blades
Implementation Method 2
creating a high-pressure area to increase torque
Implementation Method 3
Wind incident on the rotor blades applies lift causing the rotor blades to move by rotating the shaft
Implementation Method 4
incorporating curved fluidic elements that rotate with the rotor blades, redirecting incident wind
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic structure configured to be mounted onto the hub of a fluidic turbine comprising a hub that rotates about a center axis, aligned to a main shaft that contributes torque to the main shaft of the turbine via the principle of lift and/or drag. The fluidic structure is mounted onto the hub of a primary turbine that contributes torque to the main shaft through increasing at least one of lift and drag, and the fluidic structure includes two or more curved fluidic elements that extend from an upstream tip that aligns to the center axis of rotation, to a downstream end at a radial position away from the center axis, and rotates about the center axis to contribute torque to the primary turbine; and a sensor positioned at or proximate to an upstream tip of the fluidic structure for determining environmental and turbine conditions and transmits information to a supervisory control and data acquisition system of the primary turbine.