Wind Power Generation Using Continuously Variable Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind power generation systems face inefficiencies due to larger rotor assemblies requiring stronger winds, higher gear ratios, and exotic materials, limiting operational wind speed and reliability, and resulting in energy loss and component damage.
Innovation Solution
A wind power generation apparatus utilizing vertically stacked wind acceleration modules with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and electrical generator, allowing for adjustable rotational speed ratios and adaptive operation to optimize energy conversion across a broader range of wind speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a larger rotor assembly is used to increase power output, then power generation capacity is improved, but the operational wind speed range is reduced and component stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system that dynamically adjusts the gear ratio based on wind speed conditions. This allows the system to adapt the rotational speed ratio between rotor and generator continuously, enabling larger rotors to operate reliably across a broader wind speed range while maintaining optimal power generation capacity.
2Power
If a fixed-ratio gear box is used to convert rotor speed to generator speed, then power conversion is achieved, but energy loss occurs and operational flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The CVT system continuously optimizes the transmission ratio to maintain the generator within its optimal operating speed range across varying wind conditions. This dynamic adjustment minimizes energy losses that would occur with fixed-ratio transmissions operating outside their optimal parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission ratio parameter continuously based on operating conditions. By adjusting this key parameter in real-time, the system maintains optimal energy conversion efficiency across a wide range of wind speeds, preventing energy losses associated with suboptimal operating points.
3Power
If a larger rotor assembly is used to capture more wind energy, then power output is increased, but torque stress on the gear box increases requiring stronger materials
Solution Approach 1:
The CVT system dynamically manages torque transmission by continuously adjusting the gear ratio. This allows the system to distribute torque stress more evenly across the transmission components, reducing peak stresses on the gear box and enabling the use of conventional materials even with larger rotor assemblies.
4Ease of manufacture
If a smaller rotor assembly is used to reduce mass and increase rotational speed, then gear box requirements are reduced, but power generation capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The CVT system enables smaller rotor assemblies to achieve equivalent power generation capacity by continuously optimizing the speed ratio between rotor and generator. This dynamic speed multiplication allows small, lightweight rotors to drive generators at optimal speeds, maintaining power output while simplifying the overall system and enabling the use of conventional materials.
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 system enhances power generation efficiency by starting at lower wind speeds, maintaining optimal power output over a wider wind speed range, reducing component stress, and minimizing energy loss, while using conventional materials and smaller rotor assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor blades convert the energy of the moving air into a rotational motion of a drive shaft
Implementation Method 2
An electrical generator coupled to the drive shaft then converts the rotational motion into electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A wind power generating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically stacked wind acceleration modules that are shaped to accelerate wind passing between them. At least one of the modules includes a rotor assembly, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly, and an electrical generator mechanically coupled to the CVT. The electrical generator is capable of converting mechanical energy transferred by the CVT from the rotor assembly into electrical energy. A sensor may be mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly or the electrical generator and electrically coupled to a controller. The controller may control the CVT according to a signal received from the sensor such that the electrical generator operates within a predetermined range of rotational velocities.