WO2003056139A1 - A single or multiple bladed rotor - Google Patents

A single or multiple bladed rotor Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003056139A1
WO2003056139A1 PCT/AU2003/000002 AU0300002W WO03056139A1 WO 2003056139 A1 WO2003056139 A1 WO 2003056139A1 AU 0300002 W AU0300002 W AU 0300002W WO 03056139 A1 WO03056139 A1 WO 03056139A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
rotor
axis
blade
golden section
logarithmic curve
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2003/000002
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jayden David Harman
Original Assignee
Pax Scientific, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AUPR9826A external-priority patent/AUPR982602A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPR9828A external-priority patent/AUPR982802A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPS1351A external-priority patent/AUPS135102A0/en
Priority claimed from AUPS1353A external-priority patent/AUPS135302A0/en
Application filed by Pax Scientific, Inc. filed Critical Pax Scientific, Inc.
Priority to AU2003201181A priority Critical patent/AU2003201181A1/en
Publication of WO2003056139A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003056139A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H1/00—Propulsive elements directly acting on water
    • B63H1/02—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type
    • B63H1/12—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type with rotation axis substantially in propulsive direction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
    • B01F27/113—Propeller-shaped stirrers for producing an axial flow, e.g. shaped like a ship or aircraft propeller
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
    • B01F27/114—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections
    • B01F27/1142—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections of the corkscrew type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H11/00—Marine propulsion by water jets
    • B63H11/02—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water
    • B63H11/04—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water by means of pumps
    • B63H11/08—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water by means of pumps of rotary type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C11/00—Propellers, e.g. of ducted type; Features common to propellers and rotors for rotorcraft
    • B64C11/005—Spiral-shaped propellers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64C—AEROPLANES; HELICOPTERS
    • B64C11/00—Propellers, e.g. of ducted type; Features common to propellers and rotors for rotorcraft
    • B64C11/16—Blades
    • B64C11/18—Aerodynamic features
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
    • F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
    • F01D5/00—Blades; Blade-carrying members; Heating, heat-insulating, cooling or antivibration means on the blades or the members
    • F01D5/12—Blades
    • F01D5/14—Form or construction
    • F01D5/141—Shape, i.e. outer, aerodynamic form
    • 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 
    • F03D1/06—Rotors
    • F03D1/0608—Rotors characterised by their aerodynamic shape
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D29/00—Details, component parts, or accessories
    • F04D29/26—Rotors specially for elastic fluids
    • F04D29/32—Rotors specially for elastic fluids for axial flow pumps
    • F04D29/38—Blades
    • F04D29/384—Blades characterised by form
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H1/00—Propulsive elements directly acting on water
    • B63H1/02—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type
    • B63H1/12—Propulsive elements directly acting on water of rotary type with rotation axis substantially in propulsive direction
    • B63H2001/122—Single or multiple threaded helicoidal screws, or the like, comprising foils extending over a substantial angle; Archimedean screws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H11/00—Marine propulsion by water jets
    • B63H11/02—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water
    • B63H11/04—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water by means of pumps
    • B63H11/08—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water by means of pumps of rotary type
    • B63H2011/081—Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water by means of pumps of rotary type with axial flow, i.e. the axis of rotation being parallel to the flow direction
    • 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
    • F05B2200/00—Mathematical features
    • F05B2200/20—Special functions
    • F05B2200/23—Logarithm
    • 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
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/20—Geometry three-dimensional
    • F05B2250/25—Geometry three-dimensional helical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
    • F05D2200/00—Mathematical features
    • F05D2200/20—Special functions
    • F05D2200/23—Logarithm
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T50/00—Aeronautics or air transport
    • Y02T50/60—Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft

Definitions

  • the rotor according to the invention may be one which is intended to induce a fluid flow or alternatively may be one which is intended to be influenced by a fluid flow, resulting in rotation of the rotor as a result of that influence.
  • Examples of the application of the rotor according to the invention comprise use as: a fan blade which is used to generate an air flow; a turbine blade which is used to generate a fluid flow or to react to a fluid flow; an impeller for use in a pump or compressor, or one which is reactive to a fluid flow; a mixer or bioreactor impeller; or a propeller or jet pump which may be used with watefcrafTancr aircraft.
  • the invention comprises a development of rotors which are disclosed in Australian Patent 694679 (AU-B-62946/96) and International Patent Application PCT/AU00/01438 (WO 01/38697) which comprise a rotor which has a configuration which conforms generally to the curve of a logarithmic configuration substantially conforming to an equiangular spiral of the Golden Section which is also known as the Phi ratio.
  • the contents of Australian patent 694679 and WO 01/38697 are incorporated herein by reference.
  • Rotors such as impellors, propellers turbine blades and fan blades have scarcely changed over the years and are relatively inefficient.
  • it is a common characteristic of such fan blades that their use results in the generation of a considerable amount of noise and in turbulence.
  • rotors are used in a liquid environment, if the rotors are caused to rotate too fast, this can result in cavitation on the surface and tips of the rotor which not only reduces the operational efficiency of the rotor but can result in destructive influences on the rotor and the surrounding housing associated with the rotor.
  • rotors force fluids into centrifugal moments, flinging the fluid to the extremities. This is used to advantage in centrifugal pumps, but also results in inefficiencies.
  • rotors according to the invention cause fluids to flow centripetally rather than centrifugally and subsequently are able to exploit associated efficiency.
  • the invention resides in a rotor comprising a hub supporting a blade, the blade having an axial extent and extending transversely outwardly from the hub to define a first and second face of substantially corresponding configuration which conform to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
  • the transverse cross sectional configuration of the faces is curved in conformity with the Golden Section.
  • the extent of the blade which is transverse to the longitudinal axes varies along the length of the rotor accordance with a logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
  • fluid flow relative to the rotor is centripetal.
  • the blade defines a helical vane having the configuration of a whorl.
  • the blade has a shell-like configuration where the transverse displacement of the surfaces at an intermediate location along the length of the rotor is greater than the transverse displacement at either end.
  • one end of the blade co-operates with the hub to define an open, generally axially directed opening, the other end being closed wherein the hub provides for fluid flow longitudinally through the rotor.
  • a single blade is mounted to the hub and the hub is provided with a counterweight positioned to balance the rotor in use.
  • At least two blades are mounted to the hub said blades being spaced angularly equidistant around the hub.
  • the curvature of the faces are of substantially equivalent form.
  • the curvatures of the reactive surfaces are uni-dimensional.
  • the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the axis.
  • the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis.
  • the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
  • the curvatures of the reactive faces are bi-dimensional.
  • the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the rotation path of that point about said axis and an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis.
  • the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
  • the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
  • the curvatures of the faces is three dimensional.
  • the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the rotation path, an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
  • the rotor comprises a fan blade which is intended to induce or react to a gaseous flow past the rotor.
  • the rotor comprises an aircraft propeller. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotor comprises a watercraft propeller.
  • the rotor comprises a marine jet pump impeller.
  • the rotor comprises a pump rotor.
  • the rotor comprises a turbine rotor.
  • the rotor comprises a mixer rotor.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric view of a rotor according to the first embodiment
  • Figure 2 is a side elevation of the rotor according to the first embodiment
  • Figure 3 is a plan view of the rotor according to the first embodiment
  • Figure 4 is an inverted end view of the rotor according to the first embodiment as shown at Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of the first embodiment illustrating the fluid flow that it is believed is generated by the rotation of the rotor
  • Each of the embodiments of the invention comprises a rotor having a hub supporting at least one blade. While embodiments having single blades are capable of operating satisfactorily, additional balancing would be required to enable satisfactory operation, it is envisaged that multi-bladed embodiments would generally be preferred to avoid the difficulties in balancing a single bladed rotor.
  • the rotors of the embodiments differ from prior art rotors by virtue of the blade or blades extending from the hub in an axial direction as well as extending transversely outwardly.
  • Each blade defines a first and second surface of substantially corresponding configuration which conforms to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
  • the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings comprises a rotor which has particular application as a propeller for a water craft.
  • the rotor can be used as a fan, turbine, propeller, pump or mixer.
  • the rotor comprises a hub (112) which supports a set of two blades (111) extending both radially and axially from the hub.
  • the hub (112) is formed with a central shaft or tube which is adapted to be mounted to a rotatable shaft or tube which comprises, in the case of a fan blade intended to induce fluid flow, a drive shaft driven from a suitable motor.
  • Each of the blades are formed with an internal reactive face (114) which is of a concave configuration and which has a three dimensional curvature whereby the curvature in each dimension is about an axis which is radial to the central axis of the rotor, an axis which is tangential to the central axis of the rotor and an axis which is coincidental or parallel to the central axis of the rotor.
  • the curvature is in accordance with a logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
  • the blades (111) jointly define a generally concave internal face of the rotor.
  • each blade has a remote reactive face (115) which is remote from the reactive face (114) and which also has a three dimensional curvature of a convex nature whereby the curvature in each dimension conforms with a logarithmic curve according to the Golden Section, and whereby the curvature in each dimension is of the same form as the curvature of the reactive face (114) in each dimension.
  • the remote faces (115) jointly define a generally convex surface of the rotor.
  • Figure 1 generally takes the form of pairs of shells of the phylum Mollusca, classes Gastropoda and Cephalopoda.
  • the rotor according to the first embodiment is suitable for use in many applications such as pumping of liquids or gases, whereby with rotation of the rotor blade such that the one edge (116) forms the leading edge of each blade, fluid flow will be induced past the fan blade from the convex face to the concave face.
  • the other edge (117) may form the leading edge for opposite rotation. Because of the curvature of the reactive face of each of the radial blades of the embodiment, the fan blade induces a vortical fluid flow in the fluid medium as it both approaches the rotor and as it exhausts from the rotor as illustrated at Figure 5.
  • the rotation of the rotor generates a fluid flow through the rotor in which the flowing fluid maintains its own inertia and if the rotor is stopped the fluid flow will continue through the rotor for a period of time because of such inertia. It is believed that this is at least in part due to the circumstance that the use of the rotor of the first embodiment results in the generation of a fluid flow in which the pathway for the fluid flow though the rotor (as distinct from conventional rotors) is constant in its geometry from a position in advance of the entry to the rotor to a position beyond the exit from the rotor.
  • the second embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9 of the drawings comprises a rotor which also has application as a propeller for a water craft. Again it may also be used as a fan, pump, turbine, pond circulator or mixer.
  • the rotor of the second embodiment has a very different appearance from that of the first embodiment. Nevertheless, the blades have a configuration which conform in most respects to the configuration described in relation to the first embodiment. To clarify the similarities, in identifying the features of the embodiment as shown in the drawings, like numerals are used to denote like parts.
  • the rotor of the second embodiment also comprises a hub (12) which supports a set of two blades (11) extending both radially and axially from the hub.
  • the hub (12) is formed with a central shaft or tube which is adapted to be mounted to a rotatable shaft or tube which comprises, in the case of a fan blade intended to induce fluid flow, a drive shaft driven from a suitable motor.
  • Each of the blades are formed with an internal reactive face (14) which is of a concave configuration and which has a three dimensional curvature whereby the curvature in each dimension is about an axis which is radial to the central axis of the rotor, an axis which is tangential to the central axis of the rotor and an axis which is coincidental or parallel to the central axis of the rotor.
  • the curvature is in accordance with a logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
  • the blades (11) jointly define a generally concave internal face of the rotor.
  • each blade has a remote reactive face (15) which is remote from the internal reactive face (14) and which also has a three dimensional curvature of a convex nature whereby the curvature in each dimension conforms with a logarithmic curve according to the Golden Section, and whereby the curvature in each dimension is of the same form as the curvature of the reactive face (14) in each dimension.
  • the remote faces (15) jointly define a generally convex surface of the rotor.
  • the blades of the second embodiment have the configuration of a whorl. It will be seen from the drawings that the blades provided a maximum diameter near to the hub but the diameter then diminishes further from the hub.
  • Figure 10 illustrates the vortical flow induced by the rotor.
  • a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the impeller of a fluid mixer, pond circulator or bioreactor.
  • a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the impeller of a fluid pump.
  • a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the impeller of a compressor.
  • a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the turbine blade of a turbine.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Structures Of Non-Positive Displacement Pumps (AREA)

Abstract

A rotor comprising a hub (112) supporting a blade (111), the blade (111) having an axial extent and extending transversely outwardly from the hub to define a first (114) and second surface (115) of substantially corresponding configuration which conform to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.

Description

A Single or Multiple Bladed Rotor
Field of the invention
This invention relates to a rotor and in particular a single or multi-bladed rotor. The rotor according to the invention may be one which is intended to induce a fluid flow or alternatively may be one which is intended to be influenced by a fluid flow, resulting in rotation of the rotor as a result of that influence. Examples of the application of the rotor according to the invention comprise use as: a fan blade which is used to generate an air flow; a turbine blade which is used to generate a fluid flow or to react to a fluid flow; an impeller for use in a pump or compressor, or one which is reactive to a fluid flow; a mixer or bioreactor impeller; or a propeller or jet pump which may be used with watefcrafTancr aircraft.
Background art
The invention comprises a development of rotors which are disclosed in Australian Patent 694679 (AU-B-62946/96) and International Patent Application PCT/AU00/01438 (WO 01/38697) which comprise a rotor which has a configuration which conforms generally to the curve of a logarithmic configuration substantially conforming to an equiangular spiral of the Golden Section which is also known as the Phi ratio. The contents of Australian patent 694679 and WO 01/38697 are incorporated herein by reference.
Rotors such as impellors, propellers turbine blades and fan blades have scarcely changed over the years and are relatively inefficient. In addition, it is a common characteristic of such fan blades that their use results in the generation of a considerable amount of noise and in turbulence. Furthermore, where rotors are used in a liquid environment, if the rotors are caused to rotate too fast, this can result in cavitation on the surface and tips of the rotor which not only reduces the operational efficiency of the rotor but can result in destructive influences on the rotor and the surrounding housing associated with the rotor. Typically, rotors force fluids into centrifugal moments, flinging the fluid to the extremities. This is used to advantage in centrifugal pumps, but also results in inefficiencies.
It is an object of this invention to provide a single or multi-bladed rotor which can react to or induce a fluid flow and whereby the usage of that rotor results in a reduction of the degree of extraneous turbulence and tip vortices exerted on the fluid in its passage past the rotor with the resultant energy loss and noise generation when compared to conventional rotors which are currently in use. Typically rotors according to the invention cause fluids to flow centripetally rather than centrifugally and subsequently are able to exploit associated efficiency.
The preceding discussion of the" background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere as at the priority date of the application.
Disclosure of the Invention
Accordingly, the invention resides in a rotor comprising a hub supporting a blade, the blade having an axial extent and extending transversely outwardly from the hub to define a first and second face of substantially corresponding configuration which conform to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
According to a preferred feature of the invention, the transverse cross sectional configuration of the faces is curved in conformity with the Golden Section.
According to a preferred feature of the invention, the extent of the blade which is transverse to the longitudinal axes varies along the length of the rotor accordance with a logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section. According to a further preferred feature of the invention, fluid flow relative to the rotor is centripetal.
According to a preferred embodiment, the blade defines a helical vane having the configuration of a whorl.
According to a preferred embodiment, the blade has a shell-like configuration where the transverse displacement of the surfaces at an intermediate location along the length of the rotor is greater than the transverse displacement at either end.
According to a preferred feature of the invention, one end of the blade co-operates with the hub to define an open, generally axially directed opening, the other end being closed wherein the hub provides for fluid flow longitudinally through the rotor.
According to a embodiment, a single blade is mounted to the hub and the hub is provided with a counterweight positioned to balance the rotor in use.
According to a preferred feature of the invention at least two blades are mounted to the hub said blades being spaced angularly equidistant around the hub.
According to a preferred embodiment, the curvature of the faces are of substantially equivalent form.
According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the curvatures of the reactive surfaces are uni-dimensional. According to one embodiment the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the axis. According to another embodiment the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis. According to another embodiment the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the curvatures of the reactive faces are bi-dimensional. According to one embodiment the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the rotation path of that point about said axis and an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis. According to another embodiment the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis. According to another embodiment the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the curvatures of the faces is three dimensional. According to one embodiment the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the rotation path, an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
According a preferred feature of the invention, the rotor comprises a fan blade which is intended to induce or react to a gaseous flow past the rotor.
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotor comprises an aircraft propeller. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotor comprises a watercraft propeller.
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotor comprises a marine jet pump impeller.
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotor comprises a pump rotor.
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotor comprises a turbine rotor.
According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the rotor comprises a mixer rotor.
The invention will be more fully understood in the light of the following description of several specific embodiments.
Brief Description of the Drawings
The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a rotor according to the first embodiment;
Figure 2 is a side elevation of the rotor according to the first embodiment;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the rotor according to the first embodiment;
Figure 4 is an inverted end view of the rotor according to the first embodiment as shown at Figure 3; Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of the first embodiment illustrating the fluid flow that it is believed is generated by the rotation of the rotor
Detailed Description of Several Embodiments
Each of the embodiments of the invention comprises a rotor having a hub supporting at least one blade. While embodiments having single blades are capable of operating satisfactorily, additional balancing would be required to enable satisfactory operation, it is envisaged that multi-bladed embodiments would generally be preferred to avoid the difficulties in balancing a single bladed rotor.
The rotors of the embodiments differ from prior art rotors by virtue of the blade or blades extending from the hub in an axial direction as well as extending transversely outwardly. Each blade defines a first and second surface of substantially corresponding configuration which conforms to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
The first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings comprises a rotor which has particular application as a propeller for a water craft. Alternatively, the rotor can be used as a fan, turbine, propeller, pump or mixer.
As shown at Figures 1 to 4, the rotor comprises a hub (112) which supports a set of two blades (111) extending both radially and axially from the hub. The hub (112) is formed with a central shaft or tube which is adapted to be mounted to a rotatable shaft or tube which comprises, in the case of a fan blade intended to induce fluid flow, a drive shaft driven from a suitable motor. Each of the blades are formed with an internal reactive face (114) which is of a concave configuration and which has a three dimensional curvature whereby the curvature in each dimension is about an axis which is radial to the central axis of the rotor, an axis which is tangential to the central axis of the rotor and an axis which is coincidental or parallel to the central axis of the rotor. In each case the curvature is in accordance with a logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section. As a result, the blades (111) jointly define a generally concave internal face of the rotor.
In addition, each blade has a remote reactive face (115) which is remote from the reactive face (114) and which also has a three dimensional curvature of a convex nature whereby the curvature in each dimension conforms with a logarithmic curve according to the Golden Section, and whereby the curvature in each dimension is of the same form as the curvature of the reactive face (114) in each dimension. As a result, the remote faces (115) jointly define a generally convex surface of the rotor. As a result of this blade arrangement, the transverse displacement of the surfaces at an intermediated location along the length of the rotor is greater than the transverse displacement at either end.
It may be seen that the general appearance of the embodiment as shown at Figure 1 generally takes the form of pairs of shells of the phylum Mollusca, classes Gastropoda and Cephalopoda.
It has been found that the rotation of the rotor induces a fluid flow which is centripetal rather than centrifugal and subsequently are able to exploit associated efficiencies.
It is a particular characteristic which results from the configuration of the blades of the rotor as described above, that fluid flowing relative to the blades will be directed centripetally, that is inwardly towards the axis. This surprising effect which follows from the vortical motion of the fluid provides a number of advantages. In particular, it is found that when a rotor according to the embodiment is used as a propeller for a water craft, it is not necessary to use a shroud or the extent of shrouding required is significantly reduced.
The rotor according to the first embodiment is suitable for use in many applications such as pumping of liquids or gases, whereby with rotation of the rotor blade such that the one edge (116) forms the leading edge of each blade, fluid flow will be induced past the fan blade from the convex face to the concave face. Alternatively, the other edge (117) may form the leading edge for opposite rotation. Because of the curvature of the reactive face of each of the radial blades of the embodiment, the fan blade induces a vortical fluid flow in the fluid medium as it both approaches the rotor and as it exhausts from the rotor as illustrated at Figure 5.
It has been found that in use of the first embodiment the rotation of the rotor generates a fluid flow through the rotor in which the flowing fluid maintains its own inertia and if the rotor is stopped the fluid flow will continue through the rotor for a period of time because of such inertia. It is believed that this is at least in part due to the circumstance that the use of the rotor of the first embodiment results in the generation of a fluid flow in which the pathway for the fluid flow though the rotor (as distinct from conventional rotors) is constant in its geometry from a position in advance of the entry to the rotor to a position beyond the exit from the rotor.
The second embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9 of the drawings comprises a rotor which also has application as a propeller for a water craft. Again it may also be used as a fan, pump, turbine, pond circulator or mixer.
As shown in the drawings, the rotor of the second embodiment has a very different appearance from that of the first embodiment. Nevertheless, the blades have a configuration which conform in most respects to the configuration described in relation to the first embodiment. To clarify the similarities, in identifying the features of the embodiment as shown in the drawings, like numerals are used to denote like parts.
The rotor of the second embodiment also comprises a hub (12) which supports a set of two blades (11) extending both radially and axially from the hub. The hub (12) is formed with a central shaft or tube which is adapted to be mounted to a rotatable shaft or tube which comprises, in the case of a fan blade intended to induce fluid flow, a drive shaft driven from a suitable motor. Each of the blades are formed with an internal reactive face (14) which is of a concave configuration and which has a three dimensional curvature whereby the curvature in each dimension is about an axis which is radial to the central axis of the rotor, an axis which is tangential to the central axis of the rotor and an axis which is coincidental or parallel to the central axis of the rotor. In each case the curvature is in accordance with a logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section. As a result, the blades (11) jointly define a generally concave internal face of the rotor.
In addition, each blade has a remote reactive face (15) which is remote from the internal reactive face (14) and which also has a three dimensional curvature of a convex nature whereby the curvature in each dimension conforms with a logarithmic curve according to the Golden Section, and whereby the curvature in each dimension is of the same form as the curvature of the reactive face (14) in each dimension. As a result, the remote faces (15) jointly define a generally convex surface of the rotor.
While these features are identical to those of the first embodiment, the blades of the second embodiment have the configuration of a whorl. It will be seen from the drawings that the blades provided a maximum diameter near to the hub but the diameter then diminishes further from the hub. Figure 10 illustrates the vortical flow induced by the rotor.
According to a third embodiment of the invention a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the impeller of a fluid mixer, pond circulator or bioreactor.
According to a fourth embodiment of the invention a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the impeller of a fluid pump. According to a fifth embodiment of the invention a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the impeller of a compressor.
According to a sixth embodiment of the invention a rotor of a similar form to that of the first or second embodiment is used as the turbine blade of a turbine.
It should be appreciated that the scope of the present invention need not be limited to the particular scope described above.
Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1. . A rotor comprising a hub supporting a blade, the blade having an axial extent and extending transversely outwardly from the hub to define a first and second face of substantially corresponding configuration which conform to at least one logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
2. A rotor as claimed at claim 1 wherein the transverse cross sectional configuration of the faces is curved in conformity with the Golden Section.
3. A rotor as claimed at claim 1 or 2 wherein the extent of the blade which is transverse to the longitudinal axes varies along the length of the rotor in accordance with a logarithmic curve conforming to the Golden Section.
4. The rotor as claimed at any one of the proceeding claims wherein the blade defines a helical vane having the configuration of a whorl.
5. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the blade has a shelllike configuration where the transverse displacement of the surfaces at an intermediate location along the length of the rotor is greater than the transverse displacement at either end.
6. A rotor as claimed at claim 5 wherein one end of the blade co-operates with the hub to define an open, generally axially directed opening, the other end being closed wherein the hub provides for fluid flow longitudinally through the rotor.
7. A rotor as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims wherein the rotor comprises at least 2 blades, the blades being spaced angularly equidistant around the hub to provide a balanced arrangement.
8. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein a single blade is mounted to the hub and the hub is provided with a counterweight positioned to balance the rotor in use.
9. A rotor as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims wherein fluid flow relative to the rotor is centripetal.
10. A rotor as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims wherein the face of at least one blade remote from the reactive face also has the configuration of a logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section.
11. A rotor as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims wherein the curvature of reactive face and remote face are of a substantially equivalent form.
12. A rotor as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims wherein the curvatures of the faces is uni-dimensional.
13. A rotor as claimed in claim12 wherein the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the axis.
14. A rotor as claimed in claims 13 wherein the curvature of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis.
15. A rotor as claimed in claim 13 wherein the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
16. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the curvatures of the faces is bi-dimensional.
17. A rotor as claimed in claim 16 wherein the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the rotation path of that point about said axis and an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis.
18. A rotor as claimed in claim 16 wherein the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
19. A rotor as claimed in claim 16 wherein the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
20. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the curvatures of the faces is three dimensional.
21. A rotor as claimed in claim 16 wherein the curvatures of the faces according to the logarithmic curve substantially conforming to the Golden Section is about an axis which is substantially radial to the rotation path, an axis which is substantially tangential to the rotation path about said axis and an axis which is substantially coaxial with or substantially parallel with said axis.
22. A rotor as claimed in any one of the proceeding claims wherein the rotor comprises a fan blade which is intended to induce or react to a gaseous flow past the rotor.
23. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the rotor comprises an aircraft propeller.
24. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the rotor comprises a watercraft propeller.
25. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the rotor comprises a marine jet pump impeller.
26. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the rotor comprises a pump rotor.
27. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the rotor comprises a turbine rotor.
28. A rotor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21 wherein the rotor comprises a mixer rotor.
29. A rotor substantially as herein described.
PCT/AU2003/000002 2002-01-03 2003-01-03 A single or multiple bladed rotor WO2003056139A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003201181A AU2003201181A1 (en) 2002-01-03 2003-01-03 A single or multiple bladed rotor

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPR9828 2002-01-03
AUPR9826 2002-01-03
AUPR9826A AUPR982602A0 (en) 2002-01-03 2002-01-03 A single or multiple bladed volute rotor
AUPR9828A AUPR982802A0 (en) 2002-01-03 2002-01-03 A single or multi-bladed rotor-twist
AUPS1351A AUPS135102A0 (en) 2002-03-26 2002-03-26 A single or multiple bladed volute rotor
AUPS1351 2002-03-26
AUPS1353 2002-03-26
AUPS1353A AUPS135302A0 (en) 2002-03-26 2002-03-26 A single or multi-bladed rotor 2

Publications (1)

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PCT/AU2003/000002 WO2003056139A1 (en) 2002-01-03 2003-01-03 A single or multiple bladed rotor

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US7644804B2 (en) * 2002-01-03 2010-01-12 Pax Streamline, Inc. Sound attenuator
WO2015012706A1 (en) * 2013-07-25 2015-01-29 Treyvasz Ernest Propeller
WO2023283590A1 (en) * 2021-07-07 2023-01-12 3Silk, Inc. Fluid propulsion system

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SU431850A1 (en) * 1972-07-03 1974-06-15 Специальное Экспериментально-Конструкторское Бюро Промышленного Рыболовства Submersible fish pump
SU858896A1 (en) * 1979-12-19 1981-08-30 Предприятие П/Я Р-6956 Rotor-type comminuting device
FR2666031A1 (en) * 1990-08-27 1992-02-28 Saget Pierre Process for the centrifugal separation of the phases of a mixture, and centrifugal separator having longitudinal blades implementing this process
US5934877A (en) * 1995-07-10 1999-08-10 Harman; Jayden David Rotor with logarithmic scaled shape
WO2001038697A1 (en) * 1999-11-25 2001-05-31 Jayden David Harman A single or multi-bladed rotor

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SU431850A1 (en) * 1972-07-03 1974-06-15 Специальное Экспериментально-Конструкторское Бюро Промышленного Рыболовства Submersible fish pump
SU858896A1 (en) * 1979-12-19 1981-08-30 Предприятие П/Я Р-6956 Rotor-type comminuting device
FR2666031A1 (en) * 1990-08-27 1992-02-28 Saget Pierre Process for the centrifugal separation of the phases of a mixture, and centrifugal separator having longitudinal blades implementing this process
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WO2001038697A1 (en) * 1999-11-25 2001-05-31 Jayden David Harman A single or multi-bladed rotor

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7644804B2 (en) * 2002-01-03 2010-01-12 Pax Streamline, Inc. Sound attenuator
US20120016461A1 (en) * 2002-01-03 2012-01-19 Jayden David Harman Fluid Flow Controller
US8381870B2 (en) 2002-01-03 2013-02-26 Pax Scientific, Inc. Fluid flow controller
WO2015012706A1 (en) * 2013-07-25 2015-01-29 Treyvasz Ernest Propeller
WO2023283590A1 (en) * 2021-07-07 2023-01-12 3Silk, Inc. Fluid propulsion system
US20230053621A1 (en) * 2021-07-07 2023-02-23 3Silk, Inc. Fluid propulsion system

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