CA2808001C - Balloon based wind energy system - Google Patents
Balloon based wind energy system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2808001C CA2808001C CA2808001A CA2808001A CA2808001C CA 2808001 C CA2808001 C CA 2808001C CA 2808001 A CA2808001 A CA 2808001A CA 2808001 A CA2808001 A CA 2808001A CA 2808001 C CA2808001 C CA 2808001C
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- air intake
- upper air
- wind energy
- energy system
- based wind
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D1/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D1/04—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor having stationary wind-guiding means, e.g. with shrouds or channels
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/20—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus
- F03D9/25—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2240/00—Components
- F05B2240/10—Stators
- F05B2240/13—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines
- F05B2240/131—Stators to collect or cause flow towards or away from turbines by means of vertical structures, i.e. chimneys
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Wind Motors (AREA)
Abstract
A balloon based wind energy system has a base. The base has a lower air intake for allowing air to flow into the base, at least one turbine in fluid communication with the lower air intake, and a generator coupled to the at least one turbine for converting rotational energy from the turbine to electricity. A flexible piping mounted to the base on one end an upper air intake assembly on another end. The flexible piping defines an air channel which is in fluid communication with the lower air intake through the base. The upper air intake assembly has a wider portion and a narrower portion. A balloon is mounted to the upper air intake assembly for suspending it in the air. Wind flowing through the upper air intake assembly from the wider portion to the narrower portion accelerates through the narrower portion to create a lower pressure area which pulls air upwardly from the lower air intake through the turbine and flexible piping and towards the upper air intake assembly.
Description
BALLOON BASED WIND ENERGY SYSTEM
FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to wind energy conversion and, in particular to a balloon based energy system.
BACKGROUND
Throughout history, considerable interest has been given to wind power to be converted efficiently into mechanical and electrical energy. Most of the developments and advancements have been focused on the improvement of the aerodynamics of propeller-type turbines, known as wind turbines or windmills. In a conventional system. each turbine-generator system is mounted on the top of a tall tower, where the taller the tower, the higher the prevailing wind speed. The electrical power generated from a wind turbine is proportional to cubic order (i.e. to the third power) of the wind speed velocity. Longer turbine blades produce more power;
however, long blades are costly and tend to fail more frequently than shorter turbine blades. Also, the excessive noise and vibration of the large turbine blades in such systems limits where these turbines may be placed. The prior wind power generation technology suffers from high capital costs, unpredictable failures, and excessive noise and vibration. Due to higher wind speeds, large wind farms have recently been installed at sea. These sea-based systems suffer from even higher capital and maintenance costs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following drawings illustrate examples of the components of the invention disclosed herein, and are for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments that are substantially similar can use other components that have a different appearance.
FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
= CA 02808001 2016-03-01 =
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the Venturi assembly of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The balloon-based wind energy system includes a wind-intake system which accelerates wind to create a negative air pressure area. This negative pressure area in turn produces an updraft which may be harnessed with turbine(s) and an electrical generator. The use of piping of varying diameters to accelerate air flow is known as the Venturi principle. Negative air pressure means that the pressure within the area has a lower pressure than the surroundings.
The negative pressure area is the result of the accelerated air flow through the narrower part of the piping.
The balloon-based wind energy system of this invention also takes advantage of the natural updraft which takes place. In particular, air naturally rises in this system due to the pressure and temperature differences between air at the ground level and air balloon elevation within the system. The naturally rising air results in the ability to produce energy with this system even in the absence of wind. This is sometimes known as the "chimney effect-.
The system may be used to extract energy generated by airflow from the wind and converts it into electricity.
The system may also be used to extract energy generated by airflow from the naturally rising air and converts it into electricity.
In one embodiment, a helium filled balloon 6 (other lighter than air gases may be used) is used to lift a wind intake portion 12 of a wind energy conversion system in order to harness the wind energy. In this embodiment, balloon 6 is mounted inside the wind intake portion 12. The turbine 3 and the generator 2 are mounted on the ground or any solid platform. The intake nozzle assembly is configured to receive and to accelerate wind. The accelerated wind creates negative pressure area in the Venturi assembly 14 downstream of the balloon 6. The Venturi assembly 14 further includes a connection to a lightweight reinforced piping which allows air from the updraft intake 11 to be drawn upwardly towards the Venturi assembly 14. The resulting air movement
FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to wind energy conversion and, in particular to a balloon based energy system.
BACKGROUND
Throughout history, considerable interest has been given to wind power to be converted efficiently into mechanical and electrical energy. Most of the developments and advancements have been focused on the improvement of the aerodynamics of propeller-type turbines, known as wind turbines or windmills. In a conventional system. each turbine-generator system is mounted on the top of a tall tower, where the taller the tower, the higher the prevailing wind speed. The electrical power generated from a wind turbine is proportional to cubic order (i.e. to the third power) of the wind speed velocity. Longer turbine blades produce more power;
however, long blades are costly and tend to fail more frequently than shorter turbine blades. Also, the excessive noise and vibration of the large turbine blades in such systems limits where these turbines may be placed. The prior wind power generation technology suffers from high capital costs, unpredictable failures, and excessive noise and vibration. Due to higher wind speeds, large wind farms have recently been installed at sea. These sea-based systems suffer from even higher capital and maintenance costs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following drawings illustrate examples of the components of the invention disclosed herein, and are for illustrative purposes only. Other embodiments that are substantially similar can use other components that have a different appearance.
FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a further embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
= CA 02808001 2016-03-01 =
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the Venturi assembly of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The balloon-based wind energy system includes a wind-intake system which accelerates wind to create a negative air pressure area. This negative pressure area in turn produces an updraft which may be harnessed with turbine(s) and an electrical generator. The use of piping of varying diameters to accelerate air flow is known as the Venturi principle. Negative air pressure means that the pressure within the area has a lower pressure than the surroundings.
The negative pressure area is the result of the accelerated air flow through the narrower part of the piping.
The balloon-based wind energy system of this invention also takes advantage of the natural updraft which takes place. In particular, air naturally rises in this system due to the pressure and temperature differences between air at the ground level and air balloon elevation within the system. The naturally rising air results in the ability to produce energy with this system even in the absence of wind. This is sometimes known as the "chimney effect-.
The system may be used to extract energy generated by airflow from the wind and converts it into electricity.
The system may also be used to extract energy generated by airflow from the naturally rising air and converts it into electricity.
In one embodiment, a helium filled balloon 6 (other lighter than air gases may be used) is used to lift a wind intake portion 12 of a wind energy conversion system in order to harness the wind energy. In this embodiment, balloon 6 is mounted inside the wind intake portion 12. The turbine 3 and the generator 2 are mounted on the ground or any solid platform. The intake nozzle assembly is configured to receive and to accelerate wind. The accelerated wind creates negative pressure area in the Venturi assembly 14 downstream of the balloon 6. The Venturi assembly 14 further includes a connection to a lightweight reinforced piping which allows air from the updraft intake 11 to be drawn upwardly towards the Venturi assembly 14. The resulting air movement
2 rotates the turbine 3 and the generator 2. In the embodiment illustrated, the generator 2 and turbine 3 are mounted to the ground, which allows maintenance to be more economical due to relatively easy access.
The embodiment shown in FIG.1 comprises the following components:
= Basel = Generator 2 = Turbine 3 = Flexible Pipe 5 = Outer shell 7 = Balloon 6 = Venturi piping assembly (See also Fig. 3) 14 = Helium or lighter than air gas 8 The wind intake portion 12, balloon 6, and Venturi assembly 14 comprise the upper assembly of the balloon-based wind energy system of the present invention.
Wind enters the upper assembly via the wind intake 12 and flows between the inner surface of the outer shell 7 and outer surface of the balloon 6. The balloon is held in place by one or more shell attachments 8 and anchor cable 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the wind intake 12 is shaped similarly to the intake of a jet engine. Due to the laws of physics, wind speed increases as the diameter of the pipe through which air is flowing decreases. The increased air speed in the narrower portion of an air flow assembly creates an area of lower air pressure ¨ this is known as the Venturi effect. This effect is utilized in the upper assembly of the present invention. In particular, the outer shell 7 of the wind intake 12 is wider whereas Venturi assembly 14 is narrower. Air flowing through the wind intake 12 to the Venturi assembly 14 results in a negative pressure area created in the Venturi assembly
The embodiment shown in FIG.1 comprises the following components:
= Basel = Generator 2 = Turbine 3 = Flexible Pipe 5 = Outer shell 7 = Balloon 6 = Venturi piping assembly (See also Fig. 3) 14 = Helium or lighter than air gas 8 The wind intake portion 12, balloon 6, and Venturi assembly 14 comprise the upper assembly of the balloon-based wind energy system of the present invention.
Wind enters the upper assembly via the wind intake 12 and flows between the inner surface of the outer shell 7 and outer surface of the balloon 6. The balloon is held in place by one or more shell attachments 8 and anchor cable 10 (see FIGS. 1 and 2).
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the wind intake 12 is shaped similarly to the intake of a jet engine. Due to the laws of physics, wind speed increases as the diameter of the pipe through which air is flowing decreases. The increased air speed in the narrower portion of an air flow assembly creates an area of lower air pressure ¨ this is known as the Venturi effect. This effect is utilized in the upper assembly of the present invention. In particular, the outer shell 7 of the wind intake 12 is wider whereas Venturi assembly 14 is narrower. Air flowing through the wind intake 12 to the Venturi assembly 14 results in a negative pressure area created in the Venturi assembly
3 14 (see FIG. 3).
The Venturi assembly 14 is also the connection point to the vertical pipe (i.e., flexible pipe 5) which leads to the turbine 3 and the generator 2. As mentioned above, the turbine 3 and generator 2 may be mounted at or near ground level, and may be mounted to any suitable platform or base 1. The negative air pressure area within the Venturi assembly 14 results in air flowing upwardly in the flexible pipe 5 from updraft intake 11 to the upper assembly. The updraft intake 11 may be an opening to allow air to flow into the base 1 and through the generator 2 and turbine 3. The air flowing upwardly causes the turbine 3 to spin. A generator 2, connected to the turbine 3, converts the mechanical spinning motion of the turbine into electricity.
The lower assembly of the system is made up of the turbine 3, the generator 2, and the base 1.
The lower assembly is attached to the flexible pipe 5 via a flexible joint 4.
The flexible joint 4 and flexible pipe 5 allow the upper assembly to rotate relative to the lower assembly.
A high strength cable system extends from the ground to the upper assembly to prevent the upper assembly, lower assembly, and interconnecting components from detaching due to uplift forces and due to wind including that of bad weather conditions (i.e. high wind speed). The high strength cable system may include one or more anchor cables 10 which are anchored to the ground and mounted to the upper assembly. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the anchor cable 10 is mounted to the balloon 6; in Fig. 2 it is moved to the outer shell.
The upper assembly turns towards the wind with the help of the one or more stabilizer fins 9. As wind blows in a particular direction past the balloon-based wind energy system of the present invention, the one or more stabilizer fins 9 acts as a rudder for the upper assembly and allows repositioning of the upper assembly relative to the lower assembly. This allows the upper assembly to be repositioned to take advantage of winds which change directions. The stabilizer fins 9 may be provided with -wing type" surfaces (generally perpendicular to the stabilizer fins) which function to provide an uplifting force. The uplifting forces allow less lighter than air gas to be used in the balloon 6.
The operating altitude of the system can be approximately 10 to 20 meters. In rural areas, the upper assembly can be elevated to 100 meters or beyond.
The Venturi assembly 14 is also the connection point to the vertical pipe (i.e., flexible pipe 5) which leads to the turbine 3 and the generator 2. As mentioned above, the turbine 3 and generator 2 may be mounted at or near ground level, and may be mounted to any suitable platform or base 1. The negative air pressure area within the Venturi assembly 14 results in air flowing upwardly in the flexible pipe 5 from updraft intake 11 to the upper assembly. The updraft intake 11 may be an opening to allow air to flow into the base 1 and through the generator 2 and turbine 3. The air flowing upwardly causes the turbine 3 to spin. A generator 2, connected to the turbine 3, converts the mechanical spinning motion of the turbine into electricity.
The lower assembly of the system is made up of the turbine 3, the generator 2, and the base 1.
The lower assembly is attached to the flexible pipe 5 via a flexible joint 4.
The flexible joint 4 and flexible pipe 5 allow the upper assembly to rotate relative to the lower assembly.
A high strength cable system extends from the ground to the upper assembly to prevent the upper assembly, lower assembly, and interconnecting components from detaching due to uplift forces and due to wind including that of bad weather conditions (i.e. high wind speed). The high strength cable system may include one or more anchor cables 10 which are anchored to the ground and mounted to the upper assembly. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the anchor cable 10 is mounted to the balloon 6; in Fig. 2 it is moved to the outer shell.
The upper assembly turns towards the wind with the help of the one or more stabilizer fins 9. As wind blows in a particular direction past the balloon-based wind energy system of the present invention, the one or more stabilizer fins 9 acts as a rudder for the upper assembly and allows repositioning of the upper assembly relative to the lower assembly. This allows the upper assembly to be repositioned to take advantage of winds which change directions. The stabilizer fins 9 may be provided with -wing type" surfaces (generally perpendicular to the stabilizer fins) which function to provide an uplifting force. The uplifting forces allow less lighter than air gas to be used in the balloon 6.
The operating altitude of the system can be approximately 10 to 20 meters. In rural areas, the upper assembly can be elevated to 100 meters or beyond.
4 The use of balloon 6 and a flexible pipe 5 instead of solid towers and propeller-type vanes (such as is found in the prior art) is for safety, simplicity of manufacturing and operation, and lower operating and manufacturing costs. The system allows the power of the stronger winds at higher altitudes to be harnessed without the need for the massive towers and foundations of conventional wind turbines.
The balloon-mounted wind collection system is more economical to build and install. The design forgoes large turbine blades, eliminates low frequency noise and eliminates interference with television signals. In addition, the maintenance of the turbine and generator can be done safely and economically on the ground. Overspeed protection for the turbine (a mechanism for preventing the turbine from turning at speeds beyond its design limit) may be provided in a relatively simple way.
Since the heavier components of the system are located on the ground, the lighter balloon construction will be safer for people on the ground if the balloon descends to the ground due to the helium or lighter than air gas leak.
Just like a wind turbine, the system will make power rain or shine, as long as the wind is blowing or there is sufficient updraft due to the stack or chimney effect. The stack or chimney effect describes the tendency of air to rise in a tubular structure where there is a temperature and pressure differential between the air in the upper part of the tube (typically lower temperature and pressure) and the lower part of the tube. Thus, even in the absence of wind flowing through the venture assembly 14 to create a negative pressure area to draw air upwardly through the flexible pipe, some air naturally rises within the tube and may be sufficient to move turbine 3.
The balloon 6 and outer shell 7 may be coated which allows the upper assembly to be water resistant and resistant to adhesion from snowfall (and thus weighing down the upper assembly). The ground mounted turbine and electric generator may be housed in a weatherproof enclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention. The balloon in this embodiment is "doughnut shaped", meaning that it in the shape of a torus.
In this embodiment, more than one wind intake 12 is provided. Air is permitted to enter the upper
The balloon-mounted wind collection system is more economical to build and install. The design forgoes large turbine blades, eliminates low frequency noise and eliminates interference with television signals. In addition, the maintenance of the turbine and generator can be done safely and economically on the ground. Overspeed protection for the turbine (a mechanism for preventing the turbine from turning at speeds beyond its design limit) may be provided in a relatively simple way.
Since the heavier components of the system are located on the ground, the lighter balloon construction will be safer for people on the ground if the balloon descends to the ground due to the helium or lighter than air gas leak.
Just like a wind turbine, the system will make power rain or shine, as long as the wind is blowing or there is sufficient updraft due to the stack or chimney effect. The stack or chimney effect describes the tendency of air to rise in a tubular structure where there is a temperature and pressure differential between the air in the upper part of the tube (typically lower temperature and pressure) and the lower part of the tube. Thus, even in the absence of wind flowing through the venture assembly 14 to create a negative pressure area to draw air upwardly through the flexible pipe, some air naturally rises within the tube and may be sufficient to move turbine 3.
The balloon 6 and outer shell 7 may be coated which allows the upper assembly to be water resistant and resistant to adhesion from snowfall (and thus weighing down the upper assembly). The ground mounted turbine and electric generator may be housed in a weatherproof enclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention. The balloon in this embodiment is "doughnut shaped", meaning that it in the shape of a torus.
In this embodiment, more than one wind intake 12 is provided. Air is permitted to enter the upper
5 assembly from any wind intake 12 and is exhausted out one or more of the other wind intakes 12.
In a further embodiment, a minimum of three wind intakes 12 are provided. Wind intakes 12 are arranged in a circle so that wind may be captured from any direction resulting in an embodiment that allows omnidirectional wind intake. This embodiment may be stationary and does not need to change direction depending on the direction of the wind. Each wind intake 12 is provided with a wider diameter portion and a narrower diameter portion. As discussed above, wind speed increases as the diameter of the pipe through which air is flowing decreases.
The increased air speed in turn creates an area of lower (or "negative") air pressure. Thus, air flowing through the wind intake 12 to the Venturi assembly 14 results in a negative pressure area created in the Venturi assembly 14 (see FIG. 3).
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in order to be more clearly understood, the above description is made by way of example and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. It is contemplated that various modifications apparent to the person of skill in the art could be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is to be determined by the following claims.
In a further embodiment, a minimum of three wind intakes 12 are provided. Wind intakes 12 are arranged in a circle so that wind may be captured from any direction resulting in an embodiment that allows omnidirectional wind intake. This embodiment may be stationary and does not need to change direction depending on the direction of the wind. Each wind intake 12 is provided with a wider diameter portion and a narrower diameter portion. As discussed above, wind speed increases as the diameter of the pipe through which air is flowing decreases.
The increased air speed in turn creates an area of lower (or "negative") air pressure. Thus, air flowing through the wind intake 12 to the Venturi assembly 14 results in a negative pressure area created in the Venturi assembly 14 (see FIG. 3).
Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in order to be more clearly understood, the above description is made by way of example and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. It is contemplated that various modifications apparent to the person of skill in the art could be made without departing from the scope of the invention which is to be determined by the following claims.
6
Claims (19)
1. A balloon based wind energy system, comprising:
a base, comprising:
a lower air intake for allowing air to flow into the base;
at least one turbine in fluid communication with the lower air intake; and a generator coupled to the at least one turbine for converting rotational energy from the turbine to electricity;
a flexible piping mounted to the base having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being mounted to the base, the flexible piping defining an air channel, the air channel being in fluid communication with the lower air intake;
an upper air intake assembly having a wider portion and a narrower portion, wherein the upper air intake assembly is mounted to the upper portion of the flexible piping such that the air channel is in fluid communication with an inner portion of the upper air intake assembly; and a balloon mounted to the upper air intake assembly for suspending the upper air intake assembly above the base;
whereby wind flowing through the upper air intake assembly from the wider portion to the narrower portion accelerates through the narrower portion to create a lower pressure area to pull air upwardly from the lower air intake through the turbine and flexible piping and towards the upper air intake assembly.
a base, comprising:
a lower air intake for allowing air to flow into the base;
at least one turbine in fluid communication with the lower air intake; and a generator coupled to the at least one turbine for converting rotational energy from the turbine to electricity;
a flexible piping mounted to the base having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being mounted to the base, the flexible piping defining an air channel, the air channel being in fluid communication with the lower air intake;
an upper air intake assembly having a wider portion and a narrower portion, wherein the upper air intake assembly is mounted to the upper portion of the flexible piping such that the air channel is in fluid communication with an inner portion of the upper air intake assembly; and a balloon mounted to the upper air intake assembly for suspending the upper air intake assembly above the base;
whereby wind flowing through the upper air intake assembly from the wider portion to the narrower portion accelerates through the narrower portion to create a lower pressure area to pull air upwardly from the lower air intake through the turbine and flexible piping and towards the upper air intake assembly.
2. The balloon based wind energy system of claim 1, wherein the balloon is mounted on the inner portion of the upper air intake assembly.
3. The balloon based wind energy system of any of claims 1-2, wherein the upper air intake assembly comprises a venturi nozzle.
4. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claim 1-3, wherein the upper air intake assembly further comprises an exhaust in fluid communication with the inner portion of the upper air intake assembly.
5. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising at least one stabilizer fin mounted to an outer surface of the upper air intake assembly for controlling a direction of the upper air intake assembly.
6. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 1-5, further comprising at least one tailplane mounted to an outer surface of the upper air intake assembly for providing horizontal stability to the upper air intake assembly.
7. The balloon based wind energy system of claim 5, wherein the at least one stabilizer fin further comprises a tailplane for providing horizontal stability to the upper air intake assembly.
8. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the base is mounted to a ground surface or any other solid surface.
9. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 1-8, further comprising at least one anchor cable for mounting the upper air intake assembly to a ground surface or any other solid surface.
10. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the balloon based wind energy system is part of a wind farm comprising a plurality of balloon based wind energy systems.
11. A balloon based wind energy system, comprising:
a base, comprising:
a lower air intake for allowing air to flow into the base;
at least one turbine in fluid communication with the lower air intake; and a generator coupled to the at least one turbine for converting rotational energy from the turbine to electricity;
a flexible piping mounted to the base having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being mounted to the base, the flexible piping defining an air channel, the air channel being in fluid communication with the lower air intake;
a plurality of upper air intake assemblies, each having a wider portion and a narrower portion, wherein the plurality of upper air intake assemblies are mounted to the upper portion of the flexible piping such that the air channel is in fluid communication with respective inner portions of the plurality of upper air intake assemblies; and at least one balloon mounted to at least one of the plurality of upper air intake assembly for suspending the plurality of upper air intake assembly above the base;
whereby wind flowing into one of the plurality of upper air intake assemblies from the wider portion to the narrower portion accelerates through the narrower portion to create a lower pressure area to pull air upwardly from the lower air intake through the turbine and flexible piping and towards the upper air intake assembly.
a base, comprising:
a lower air intake for allowing air to flow into the base;
at least one turbine in fluid communication with the lower air intake; and a generator coupled to the at least one turbine for converting rotational energy from the turbine to electricity;
a flexible piping mounted to the base having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being mounted to the base, the flexible piping defining an air channel, the air channel being in fluid communication with the lower air intake;
a plurality of upper air intake assemblies, each having a wider portion and a narrower portion, wherein the plurality of upper air intake assemblies are mounted to the upper portion of the flexible piping such that the air channel is in fluid communication with respective inner portions of the plurality of upper air intake assemblies; and at least one balloon mounted to at least one of the plurality of upper air intake assembly for suspending the plurality of upper air intake assembly above the base;
whereby wind flowing into one of the plurality of upper air intake assemblies from the wider portion to the narrower portion accelerates through the narrower portion to create a lower pressure area to pull air upwardly from the lower air intake through the turbine and flexible piping and towards the upper air intake assembly.
12. The balloon based wind energy system of claim 11, comprising three or more upper air intake assemblies.
13. The balloon based wind energy system of claim 12, wherein the three or more upper air intake assemblies are in a circular arrangement.
14. The balloon based wind energy system of claims 11-13, wherein the balloon is mounted on the inner portion of the plurality of upper air intake assemblies.
15. The balloon based wind energy system of any of claims 11-14, wherein each of the upper air intake assemblies comprise a venturi nozzle.
16. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 11-15, whereby wind flowing into one of the plurality of upper air intake assemblies may flow out from any one of the other upper air intake assemblies.
17. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 11-16, wherein the base is mounted to a ground surface or any other solid surface.
18. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 11-17, further comprising at least one anchor cable for mounting the plurality of upper air intake assemblies to a ground surface or any other solid surface.
19. The balloon based wind energy system of any one of claims 11-18, wherein the balloon based wind energy system is part of a wind farm comprising a plurality of balloon based wind energy systems.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2808001A CA2808001C (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2013-02-20 | Balloon based wind energy system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2808001A CA2808001C (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2013-02-20 | Balloon based wind energy system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2808001A1 CA2808001A1 (en) | 2014-08-20 |
| CA2808001C true CA2808001C (en) | 2016-10-11 |
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|---|---|---|---|
| CA2808001A Active CA2808001C (en) | 2013-02-20 | 2013-02-20 | Balloon based wind energy system |
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| CA (1) | CA2808001C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104533722B (en) * | 2014-11-26 | 2017-08-25 | 内蒙古久和能源科技有限公司 | A kind of high altitude wind power plant |
| US11679855B2 (en) * | 2020-04-07 | 2023-06-20 | Anumá Aerospace, LLC | System for the structure, control, and energy management of low-pressure cells for aerostatic lift |
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2013
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| Publication number | Publication date |
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| CA2808001A1 (en) | 2014-08-20 |
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Effective date: 20141023 |