Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blade Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vertical axis wind turbines experience inefficiency due to 50% of their rotation occurring when blades face and move against the wind, leading to significant power generation losses.
Innovation Solution
A vertical axis wind turbine design featuring rotatable blades that maintain a fixed angular orientation relative to each other, utilizing motion limiters and gravitational and wind forces to optimize blade positioning, ensuring blades are mostly perpendicular to the wind for efficient energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vertical axis wind turbine blades are allowed to rotate freely, then the turbine can capture wind energy, but 50% of rotation occurs when blades face and move against the wind causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blade orientation adjustable rather than fixed. The blades can dynamically change their angle relative to the wind direction through the motion limiting means, transitioning from a static configuration to a dynamic one that adapts to wind conditions, thereby reducing energy loss during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of blade orientation angle. By using motion limiting means, the system controls the angular position of the blades relative to the wind direction, optimizing the angle to minimize drag and maximize energy capture efficiency throughout the rotation cycle.
2Productivity
If motion limiting means are added to control blade rotation, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motion limiting means is designed to operate automatically using the wind's own forces. The system uses aerodynamic forces and gravity to self-regulate blade positioning without requiring external motors or complex control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with simpler aerodynamic and gravitational forces. Instead of using motors, sensors, or electronic controls to regulate blade angle, the system relies on wind forces and gravity to naturally position the blades, substituting mechanical complexity with physical principles.
3Loss of energy
If blades are positioned perpendicular to wind, then drag is minimized and efficiency increases, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade positioning system serves itself by using the wind's own forces and gravity to automatically adjust blade orientation. The motion limiting means works passively with the wind flow and gravitational forces, eliminating the need for active control systems, thereby achieving optimal blade positioning without significant complexity increase.
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 design enhances energy efficiency by minimizing drag when blades face the wind and reduces manufacturing complexity, allowing for scalable and cost-effective power generation with reduced energy losses.
Implementation Method 1
employing aerodynamic and gravitational forces to tilt or swivel the angle of the wind turbine blades
Implementation Method 2
employing aerodynamic and gravitational forces to tilt or swivel the angle of the wind turbine blades
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a rotatable vertical shaft; a first horizontal shaft attached to the vertical shaft, and extending on either side of the vertical shaft; a first wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the first wind turbine extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft; a second wind turbine blade fixedly attached to the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade extending in a generally perpendicular direction from the first horizontal shaft, the second wind turbine blade fixed at an operational angle with respect to the first wind turbine blade; a first and second motion limiting means attached to the vertical shaft, where each motion limiting means extends into the rotational travel of a turbine blade.