Wind Turbine Vane Receptacle for Self-Starting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbines, particularly Darrieus type, have low energy conversion rates and are not self-starting, requiring external assistance to initiate rotation, and their configuration-dependent receptacles lead to negative wind energy conversion when traveling against the wind.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine design that allows the receptacle to adopt configurations independently of wind direction using internal means, such as mechanical or electromechanical components, to maximize energy conversion and reduce negative energy conversion when traveling against the wind, enabling self-starting at low wind velocities and adjustable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the receptacle configuration is dependent on wind direction (as in conventional turbines), then the structure is simpler, but the energy conversion rate decreases and negative conversion occurs when traveling against the wind
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is made dynamically configurable between open and closed states based on the vanes' rotational position rather than wind direction. The receptacle opens when the vane travels with the wind and closes when traveling against the wind, optimizing energy conversion at each phase of rotation while avoiding the complexity of wind-direction-sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vanes' own rotational motion and position to automatically control the receptacle configuration without requiring external wind direction sensing or complex control systems. The receptacle self-regulates its state based on the mechanical position of the vanes during rotation.
2Productivity
If the receptacle maintains high conversion capacity in all positions, then maximum energy is captured, but negative conversion occurs when traveling against the wind direction
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle dynamically changes its configuration based on the vanes' rotational phase. When the vane travels with the wind, the receptacle remains open to maximize energy capture. When the vane travels against the wind, the receptacle closes to prevent negative conversion, eliminating energy loss during the return stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle configuration follows a periodic pattern synchronized with the vanes' rotation cycle, opening during the productive phase and closing during the non-productive phase, ensuring maximum energy conversion while minimizing losses.
3Productivity
If conventional wind turbines are used, then the structure is simpler, but they cannot self-start at low wind velocities below 5 m/s
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic receptacle configuration enables the turbine to self-start at low wind velocities by optimizing the aerodynamic profile during the initial rotation phase. The receptacle opens to maximize surface area and wind capture during startup, allowing operation at velocities below 5 m/s without requiring external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the receptacle's geometric parameters (open/closed state) based on rotational position, allowing the turbine to adapt its aerodynamic characteristics to different operational phases including startup, enabling self-starting capability at low wind speeds.
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
Significantly improves energy conversion rates, especially at low wind speeds, and allows for efficient starting and speed control of the turbine, minimizing negative wind energy conversion when traveling against the wind.
Implementation Method 1
A wind turbine typically is an impulse turbine. The turbine changes the direction of flow of the wind and the resulting impulse spins the turbine
Implementation Method 2
a Darrieus uses lift forces generated by the wind hitting aerofoils to create rotation
Implementation Method 3
the receptacle has a first capacity to convert wind force into motion of the vane
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine for converting wind into mechanical energy, includes a support and a vane rotatably connected to the support, the vane including a wind receptacle that can adopt a first configuration when the vane is in a position to travel in the direction of the wind, in which first configuration the receptacle has a first capacity to convert wind force into motion of the vane, and a second configuration when the vane is in a position to travel against the direction of the wind, in which second configuration the receptacle has a second capacity to convert wind force into motion of the vane, the second capacity being lower than the first capacity, wherein the turbine is provided with an arrangement that is operable to force the receptacle to adopt at least one of the configurations independent from the direction of the wind.