Wind Turbine Power Beaming for Cable-Free Auxiliary Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of connecting wind turbines to a central power station, especially in offshore wind farms, due to the need for extensive electrical cables and storage units.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a power beaming apparatus in wind turbines, which includes receiving antennas that convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical current, allowing for the supply of electrical power to auxiliary devices even when the generator is not operational, without the need for electrical cables or large storage units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electrical cables are used to connect wind turbines to central power station, then electrical power can be transported from wind turbines, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from physical electrical cables and implements it through electromagnetic radiation (microwave or laser beams). The power beaming apparatus transmits electrical energy wirelessly from the wind turbine to the central power station, eliminating the need for extensive cable infrastructure while maintaining the essential function of power transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical cable system with an optical/electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. Instead of using physical conductors to transport electrical energy, the system converts electrical power into electromagnetic radiation (microwave or laser) that can be transmitted through air or vacuum, substituting a mechanical infrastructure with a field-based transmission medium.
2Reliability
If large storage units are installed at wind turbines to supply power during non-generation periods, then operational reliability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system - a central power station with backup power sources - that provides power to wind turbines during non-generation periods. Instead of each turbine carrying its own large storage unit, the central station acts as a shared intermediary that supplies power to multiple turbines as needed, reducing the storage burden on individual turbines while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The central power station serves multiple functions: it receives and stores power from operational wind turbines, provides backup power to idle turbines, and manages the overall power distribution network. This multi-functional approach allows a single centralized facility to replace numerous individual storage units that would otherwise be required at each turbine location.
3Power
If extensive electrical cable infrastructure is deployed for offshore wind farms, then power transport capability is ensured, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission function from physical electrical cables and implements it through electromagnetic radiation (microwave or laser beams). The power beaming apparatus transmits electrical energy wirelessly from the wind turbine to the central power station, eliminating the need for extensive cable infrastructure while maintaining the essential function of power transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical cable system with an optical/electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. Instead of using physical conductors to transport electrical energy, the system converts electrical power into electromagnetic radiation (microwave or laser) that can be transmitted through air or vacuum, substituting a mechanical infrastructure with a field-based transmission medium.
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 solution simplifies the installation and operation of wind turbines, particularly in offshore farms, by eliminating the need for extensive cabling and storage, and enables efficient power distribution to idle turbines, enhancing their operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The power beaming apparatus comprises at least one receiving antenna for receiving electromagnetic radiation and converting the received electromagnetic radiation into current
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine with a power beaming apparatus is provided, wherein the power beaming apparatus includes at least one receiving antenna for receiving electromagnetic radiation and converting the received electromagnetic radiation into current, and the wind turbine comprises one or more electrical devices electrically connected with the at least one receiving antenna for supplying the current from the receiving antenna to the one or more electrical devices. The one or more electrical devices of the wind turbine can be supplied with electrical power by power beaming even in the case that a generator of the wind turbine does not generate electrical power. In particular, neither an electrical cable connection of the wind turbine nor a large storage unit for storing electrical energy at the wind turbine are necessary.