Wind Power Generator with Adjustable Buoyant Tethers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for harnessing energy from horizontal currents in fluids, such as winds and sea currents, are inefficient due to reliance on ground-level wind speeds, which are slower than higher altitudes, limiting the conversion of kinetic energy into usable mechanical energy.
Innovation Solution
The method involves adjustable tethering cables or chains to position buoyant bodies at varying altitudes within horizontal currents, leveraging higher flow speeds to drive a revolving element, combined with variable impact cross sections to optimize energy conversion, allowing for efficient mechanical energy generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If buoyant bodies are positioned at ground level to harness wind energy, then device complexity is reduced, but flow speed and energy conversion efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from ground-level (2D horizontal plane) to aerial (3D vertical dimension) positioning of buoyant bodies. By deploying bodies at elevated altitudes where wind speeds are higher, the system captures kinetic energy from faster-moving air currents while maintaining structural complexity through tower-supported configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the positioning parameter (altitude/height) of buoyant bodies to optimize performance. By varying the vertical position along the tower structure, the system accesses different wind speed regimes, capturing energy from higher-velocity flows at greater heights while managing device complexity through controlled parameter variation.
2Speed
If tethering cables are made longer to reach higher altitude currents, then flow speed increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tower structure serves as an intermediary element that provides structural support at elevated heights, eliminating the need for excessively long tethering cables. The tower acts as a fixed reference point, allowing shorter cables to achieve the same altitude access that would otherwise require much longer flexible tethers, thereby reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes buoyant bodies filled with gas (aerostatic principle) to achieve elevation without mechanical propulsion. The buoyancy force naturally positions these bodies at higher altitudes along the tower, reducing the need for active positioning mechanisms and complex cable management systems while maintaining access to high-velocity currents.
3Productivity
If multiple buoyant bodies are used at different altitudes, then energy conversion efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy capture function across multiple discrete buoyant bodies positioned at different altitudes along the tower. Each body independently harvests kinetic energy from its local flow regime, and the segmente d configuration allows modular assembly and maintenance while collectively achieving superior overall energy conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The tower structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, acts as a positioning framework for buoyant bodies, enables access to various altitude zones with different flow characteristics, and facilitates the deployment of multiple energy-harvesting elements. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering enhanced productivity.
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 approach effectively converts kinetic energy from horizontal currents into mechanical energy, enabling efficient transportation and electrical energy production, with reduced environmental impact compared to fossil fuels or nuclear processes.
Implementation Method 1
buoyant bodies moving in the current that are fixed to a revolving element via tethering cables or tethering chains are adjusted to different altitudes relative to the ground
Implementation Method 2
The difference between the flow speeds engaging the buoyant bodies produces a resultant flow speed that drives the system comprising the revolving element and the buoyant bodies in a direction of revolution and thus delivers useful mechanical energy to this system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for converting kinetic energy in horizontal currents of naturally occurring fluids above ground into mechanical energy. A circulating element is guided in a closed cycle and is arranged substantially in a plane parallel to the ground. The circulating element has two lengthwise adjustable traction ropes/chains fastened in two opposite positions. The ropes/chains have buoyancy elements at their free ends. The buoyancy elements have cross-sections for the current to impact. In an embodiment, a traction rope/chain fixed to a section of the circulating element facing the horizontal current is adjusted to be longer than the traction rope/chain fixed to a section of the circulating element facing away from horizontal current. The lengths of the two traction ropes/chains in the region of the points of return of the circulating element are reversed upon which the course of the circulating element relative to the horizontal current is reversed, when seen in the direction of circulation of the circulating element.