Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Deflector Plenum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vertical axis wind turbines face inefficiencies due to high pressure on the windward side causing low pressure on the leeward side, which restricts operation and lowers efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A vertical axis wind turbine system with a deflector that diverts wind from the windward side to the leeward side, using a plenum and venturi to increase air pressure on the leeward concave face and reduce drag by redirecting air flow, thereby enhancing turbine efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wind impacts the turbine vanes on the windward side, then the turbine generates rotational power, but high pressure on the windward side creates low pressure on the leeward side which restricts operation and lowers efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A deflector device is introduced as an intermediary component between the wind source and the turbine vanes. The deflector redirects the wind flow from directly impacting the windward side to directing air along the leeward side, mediating the wind-turbine interaction to eliminate the harmful low-pressure zone while preserving power generation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful low-pressure effect on the leeward side into a beneficial force. By directing wind flow along the leeward side, the previously harmful pressure differential is transformed into a productive force that enhances turbine rotation without creating restrictive low-pressure zones
2Productivity
If a deflector is added to redirect wind flow, then turbine efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector is designed with rotational capability about the vertical axis, allowing it to dynamically orient itself toward the wind source. This dynamic adjustment enables the deflector to maintain optimal positioning for redirecting wind flow regardless of wind direction changes, improving efficiency without requiring complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector serves multiple functions: it redirects wind flow to eliminate low-pressure zones, generates rotational motion through wind impact, and can be positioned to capture wind from different directions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing system complexity
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 increases the efficiency of the turbine by reducing drag and improving power generation by pressurizing the low-pressure area on the leeward side, allowing the turbine to operate more effectively irrespective of wind direction.
Implementation Method 1
high pressure from the wind that impacts the turbine vanes on the windward side results in a low pressure on the leeward side
Implementation Method 2
high pressure from the wind that impacts the turbine vanes on the windward side results in a low pressure on the leeward side
Implementation Method 3
A venturi is disposed above the vertical axis wind turbine and is rotatably mounted about the shaft for rotation about the vertical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical axis wind turbine system includes a vertical shaft rotatably mounted about a vertical axis and an upper platen coupled to the vertical shaft. Vanes are coupled to the vertical shaft and extend downward from the upper platen. Each vane has a concave face and an opposing convex face. A lower platen is coupled to the vertical shaft and to each vane. The lower platen has an opening formed therein proximate to the concave face of each vane. A plenum is disposed below the vertical axis wind turbine and is rotatably mounted about the shaft for rotation about the vertical axis. The plenum includes a top portion disposed proximate to the lower platen and has an outlet port therein. The outlet port is in fluid communication with at least one of the lower platen openings. A plenum passage provides fluid communication between a plenum inlet and the outlet port.