CA3008733A1

CA3008733A1 - Hybrid solar and helically-shaped, savonius-type small-wind vertical axis wind turbine

Info

Publication number: CA3008733A1
Application number: CA3008733A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Joel C. Goldblatt; Larry MAPES; John Cronin; Kaushik Mallick; Mickey SILVA; Josh VARN; Massimo TORRI; Jill SABLOSKY; Mike Stewart
Original assignee: BLUENERGY SOLARWIND Inc
Current assignee: BLUENERGY SOLARWIND Inc
Priority date: 2018-06-18
Filing date: 2018-06-18
Publication date: 2019-12-18

Abstract

A hybrid solar/wind turbine apparatus, which includes a blade and shelf assembly configured to provide wind impulsion and wind capture. The blade and shelf assembly are located between an upper and a lower platform assembly. The blade assembly is helically disposed about an axis, for generating torque. A transmission shaft is in communication with the blade assembly and configured to receive the generated torque. One or more photovoltaic cells are in communication with the blade assembly for photovoltaic energy generation, either alone or in combination, with the torque. A means to integrate and combine the photovoltaic energy generating photovoltaic cells into the wind capturing blade assembly.

Description

Docket #: 155-P06.CA
HYBRID SOLAR AND HELICALLY-SHAPED, SAVONIUS-TYPE SMALL-WIND
VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE
Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a uniquely designed helically-shaped, Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAVVT) that utilizes small-wind technology, together with integrated solar energy production, to create a clean, renewable energy source. More specifically the present invention is directed to a multi-component and multi-functional apparatus capable of creating an "open source" power supply, via conversion of natural energy sources (e.g. sun and wind), that is designed for urban, suburban or rural placement which evidences a flexible off-grid/on-grid, smart-grid or microgrid funding capability at or near the point of use. Further the present invention is quiet, visually pleasing, scalable and versatile - acting independently, plurally and/or integrateably into the existing power grid .. structure.
Description of the Related Art The derivation of power through the conversion of kinetic (wind) energy into mechanical /electrical energy is a concept that has been used throughout history ¨ first as a "panemone windmill" ( a "Vertical Axis Wind Turbine" itself consisting of wind sails horizontally .. adhered to a vertical, centrally disposed shaft for the pumping of water and milling of grain).
Although, lacking in efficiency, the "panemone windmill" and "panemone-type"
vertical windmills are nonetheless an aesthetically attractive design that has been visited and revisited numerous times by several inventors (See generally U.S. Pat. No. 4142822, U.S.
Pat. No.
4260325, FR1460602, and U.S. Pat. No. 7677862).

Docket #: 155-P06.CA
Indeed, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) are a sophisticated adaptation on the more traditional Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) which has been, to date, the most commonly employed means of generating wind derived power. Primarily, while the blades of the HAVVT move at right angles to the force of the wind (using lift as the primary means of blade movement), VAWTs move parallel to the wind, using drag as the primary means of motion creation thereby rotating a vertical axis. Yet, implementation of HAWTs have several disadvantages including (1) placement of the main rotor shaft and electrical generation on top of the tower up and away from accessible repair and maintenance (2) a requirement that the turbine be directed into the wind (3) and wear due to inertial forces and gravity where blades experience alternating loads dependent upon the position of the blade at different stages of the rotational cycle and the increased stress and wear that those vacillating forces bring to bear. In opposite, the overall configuration of the VAVVT, and its vertical arrangement, lends itself to a more useful implementation where (1) VAWTs simplified structure where the ability to receive wind from multiple directions obviates the need for a steering device and the harboring of a rotor assembly and generator that is at the base of the assembly affording a lower center of gravity and increased stability and ease of accessibility for repair and maintenance, (2) the VAWT is not limited to wind direction and does not have to be positioned in the direction of the wind (an advantage in areas with multidirectional wind or variant wind changes) and (3) the consistent inertial and gravitational forces that do not fluctuate and .. therefore lending themselves to less fatigue and operational longevity.
Furthermore, VAWTs display a larger power generation efficiency, exhibit a smaller rotational blade space, evidence a larger wind resistance capability (at nominal, turbulent and dynamic wind speeds), fewer environmental and ecological impacts (i.e. lower noise dB generation and effects on birds via design features due to compactness and low rotational speeds), reduced sensory impacts .. (e.g. sound/noise production/pollution, negative visual distractions and "shadow flicker") and

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VAWTs can begin their rotation cycle slowly and smoothly with low wind speed up to and including wind speeds in excess of a traditional HAWT - all leading to an increased applicability and use across a number of acceptable spaces: Urban, suburban, rural, commercial, residential, and cross over and dual-purpose areas alike.
Conversely, impact of environment factors (contamination and corrosion) on the turbine and its principal functional components (i.e. turbine blades) can be seen to more adversely effect the aerodynamics of HAWTs due to their turbine blade exposure and design than is experienced by conventional VAWTs (See generally W. Han, J. Kim, B. Kim. Effects of contamination and erosion at the leading edge of blade tip air foils on the annual energy production of wind turbines. Renewable Energy 115 (September 2017) 817 ¨ 823.
Equally, attempts have been made to address the combination of wind and solar power through merging collection sources ¨ all to varying degrees of success in terms of both implementation and efficiency.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,876, issued to Hickey, discloses a HAVVT exhibiting a "plurality of light sensitive cells" (abstract) as a secondary source of energy collection, in addition to the chief source (i.e. wind), where the system incorporates said cells on the surface of the rotationally active spirally shaped air vanes (blades) and performs a dual-function of environmental energy collection. Yet, the wind powered generator is of a horizontal configuration and subject to the resultant infirmities described above.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,863 discloses a VAWT with a closely combined "high density" and "open framework" wherein photo collectors and "vertical wind turbines" are integrated in an intricately configured, complicated system that intimately combines several functionally active and moveable features into lattice structure that is more compact than that of Hickey, but

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suffers from inefficiency of design and complexities that promote a vastly less desirable configuration.
No less complex or inefficient attempts have been formulated by Cifaldi (US6372978), Buels (US4471612), Baer (U.S. Pat. Application No. 2010/0294265), Manolis (US
Pat.
Application No. 2003/0160454) or Yang (U.S. Pat. Application No.
2009/0237918).
It is therefore a goal of the present invention to provide a system that combines solar and wind energy into one seamlessly cohesive assemblage for the creation of mechanical energy through naturally occurring renewable energy sources. Essentially, the present invention allows for collection and conversion of solar, and solar derived energy, combined to provide a more complete and independently operable solution to targeted and clean power generation.
Therefor is this significant, well-recognized, and unmet need in the art for inventions, methods and integrated "clean energy" systems that allow for varied forms of energy harnessing and conversion, via a diverse and interrelateable collection methods and modalities, to achieve an "open source" power supply that fits the needs of individuals, communities and entire populations alike through environmentally conscious, efficient and scalable energy production. The present invention satisfies this long-standing need in the art.
Summary of the Invention The present invention utilizes a 3-blade, helical geometry N-blade Savonious-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) that utilizes captured wind (via curved "air foils" or "curved blades") to create a force (i.e. torque) which is transferred to a vertically positioned shaft and ultimately an electrical generator for the production of energy. Additionally, the present invention consists of solar power cells (via photovoltaics and photochemistry) responsible for

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additional electrical energy production ¨ either direct, stored, or consisting of a hybridization, alone or in combination ¨ with generated wind energy.
The unique design and configuration of the hybrid solar/wind turbine utilizes a means to integrate and combine photovoltaic energy harnessing technology seamlessly into the wind capturing capabilities of a modular 3-blade, helical geometry N-blade Savonious-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAVVT) for the production of both wind and solar-derived electrical power.
Specifically, the present invention provides the integration of experimentally developed technology and laboriously examined design elements featuring tested efficiencies (through countless prototype permutations, modifications and realized improvements) to lead to the explicit (and disclosed) design that utilizes several unique and innovative improvements for renewable energy acquisition: (1) a light, durable blade and shelf assembly material that is (2) contoured in such a manner as to provide maximum wind impulsion, with (3) optimum wind capture through "capped" and "floored" top and bottom platform assemblies together with the added benefit of (4) photovoltaic energy generation.
Additionally, it is the modular construction of the present invention that provides an economic incentives and benefits (separable blade development being financially preferable to costly (and wasteful) whole piece constructions, heightened blade integrity through more uniform weight distribution via load bearing shelf assemblies and load-receiving bottom platform assembly, and detachably replaceable blade constructs). Moreover, the modular design of the present invention .. facilitates an ease of assembling and disassembly that is a hallmark of the method by which the hybrid turbine can be manufactured, placed and replaced.
It is a further objective of inventors to not only integrate wind and solar energy into a single platform ¨ each capable of working independently as well as in combination ¨ but also to assimilate the present invention into a single source/multi-source energy desegregation

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where the present invention is equally capable of stand-alone and group operations (in conjunction with other 3-blade, helical geometry N-blade Savonious-type vertical axis wind turbines/solar assemblies and/or assimilated into an entire grid of "like-operating" solar, wind or water generating devices) in order to establish a comprehensive, integrated communication among and across several similar and dissimilar apparatuses and organized systems of harvesting environmentally derived resources in a cost effective and aesthetic manner that creates stakeholder value and stimulates local economies in an environmentally responsible way.
What is more, and more specific to the points above, the present invention can be utilized to create a renewably generated and distributable power for commercial, residential and mixed-use areas for any number of energy requirements including, but not limited to:
back-up power generation, load sharing, resale to power companies, energy engineering projects, remote location energy generation, economically underserved areas, project funding, project and construction development and management and integration into existing (conventional) gas, coal and natural gas supplies.
And while the dimensions may vary, it is to be understood that slight modifications to the overall perimeters and specifications of the invention may be undertaken without deviating from the overall scope and spirit of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 depicts a completed 3-blade, helical geometry N-blade Savonious-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAVVT) with installed photovoltaic (PV) panels FIG. 2 depicts a perspective, disassembled view of the four sections of the turbine assembly complete with top and bottom platform assembly

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FIG. 3 shows a completed 3-blade assembly FIG. 4 depicts a turbine platform assembly with integration plate FIG. 5 discloses an unpainted lower platform assembly that is has been inverted FIG. 6 depicts turbine platform construct FIG. 7 illustrates individual blade braces (spokes and hubs) FIG. 8 coupling angle brackets for adherence of spoke to hub FIG. 9 shows individual small angle brackets for blade attachment to spoke FIG. 10 shows hub-spoke-blade assembly FIG. 11 shows vacuum bag schematic FIG. 12 depicts a CAD and actual blade mold composites FIG. 13 show fiberglass fabric on mold FIG. 14 illustrates Tool with release fabric, resin infusion strips (gray) and vacuum lines (blue) at perimeter FIG. 15 Tool with vacuum bag in process of installation. Note yellow sealant tape at right edge of tool and white sealant tape backer still in place on left edge of tool FIG. 16 illustrates two blade sections on shelf assembly FIG. 17 is a schematic of the shelf hub with specifications FIG. 18 is a shelf spoke with specifications FIG. 19 is the formed aluminum tooling FIG. 20 is the completed shelf assembly

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FIG. 21 depicts the transmission shaft configuration and support of the present invention Fig. 22 provides the lower shaft assembly, locking device and central shaft assembly FIG. 23 depicts a schematic of the brake, circuit and air source FIG. 24 shows the completed turbine base structure FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of most proximal shaft mounting FIG. 26 illustrates a cross section of shaft fabrication FIG. 27 shows wind turbine, shaft and solar panel base FIG. 28 depicts a perspective view of lower turbine platform, shaft and PV
panels FIG. 29 is a representation of lower, mid and upper weldment assemblies FIG. 30 is photograph of a half turbine, shaft and one PV panel FIG. 31 depicts power generation, power storage and output to the grid FIG. 32 shows mechanical energy input via the turbine, power receiving generator and control generator/brake FIG. 33 evidences a complete system schematic FIG. 34 depicts the braking mechanism FIG. 35 illustrates the generator and gearbox FIG. 36 shows the completed blade structure being hoisted for placement on the shaft FIG. 37 illustrates the full turbine lifted atop the shaft FIG. 38 depicts data acquisition and devices

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FIG. 39 plots recorded wind speed v. time FIG. 40 depicts wind speed v. rotation FIG. 41 shows rotation v. wind speed FIG. 42 indicates estimated power output as a function of wind speed FIG. 43 illustrates the actual assembled turbine compared to the CAD rendering FIG. 44 discloses an artistic rendering of the present invention FIG. 45 shows an artistic rendering of the present invention and disassociated segments of the 3-blade helical Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine and solar energy generator base assembly, base solar panels, blade sections and top plate sections FIG. 46 illustrates a completed hybrid wind 3-blade helical Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine and solar energy generator FIG. 47 illustrates a schematic of the present invention FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the present invention FIG. 49 is a side view of the present invention __ FIG. 50 is a top view of the present invention FIG. 51 evidences a smart system where the present invention evidences a "smart software"
function that allows to user to monitor and control energy input, energy output, energy consumption and energy deployment to the grid.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
DIMENSIONS

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Height The complete VAVVT invention (turbine plus axially applied PV panels to the inwardly planing base) is 7.52m (25 ft) from bottom of the primary structure to the top of the turbine and weighs approximately 1995.8 kg (4400 pounds).
Turbine The turbine itself is constructed of 4 stacked blade section assemblies with turbine platforms on either end (top and bottom) with a total height of 5.4 m (17.7 ft) and weight of 544 kg (1200 pounds).
ASSEMBLY
Blade Section and Hub and Spoke Assemblies The Blade Section Assemblies consist of 3 glass fiber composite blades installed between two shelf assemblies with aluminum components. A total of 4 blade sections are stacked, positioned and fastened to one another in a hub and spoke configuration for replaceability and simplicity of assembly. What is more the hub and spoke configuration are additionally segregated into individual parts to avoid the significant excess material waste of a single piece of aluminum. The components of these hub and spoke assemblies are cut from formed angle extrusion and aluminum plate that are then milled to the final drawing specification cut from 0.5 inch aluminum plating. The blades are curved to a specific radius of 0.57m and the aluminum angle has to be formed to match. Note: There are two bracket sizes with the larger of the two is a coupling bracket for the spokes to the central hub. The discrete blade pieces are then attached thereto.
The process of building blade sections for the present invention is described below:

Docket #: 155-P06.CA
1. The lower shelf hubs and spokes, consisting of aluminum arms, are laid out and coupling brackets (small angle brackets) are installed on the spokes 2. With the brackets in place, the spokes are attached to the centrally disposed hub via longer coupling brackets 3. When the lower shelf assembly is completed a blade is aligned and holes are drilled for riveting (and repeated 2 more times) 4. Assembly of the top shelf is a mirror image process of the lower shelf assembly whereby both ends are "capped" for better wind capture 5. The top shelf is aligned to the 3 blades and holes are drilled for rivet placement 6. With top and bottom shelf assemblies fastened to the 3 blades, the completed blade section is then able to be stacked via shelf stacking ¨ one section atop the next ¨ to form the fully configured turbine where sections are then adhered to one another Turbine Platforms Supporting the entire aluminum/glass fiber composite rotor assembly is the turbine platform. It provides support for the turbine structure at its base, rigidity and stability (both on the base and atop the turbine structure) and an air dam capability to keep the wind from exiting the structure, both above and below the cavity of the turbine, further potentiating the ability of the turbine to capture air for enhanced assembly propulsion. The platform itself is made of 3 sections and an integration plate where there are two turbine platforms, one on each end of the Turbine with the lower platform being the strongest and heaviest of the two.

Docket #: 155-P06.CA
Both upper and lower platforms are fabricated from honeycomb core + glass fiber composite sandwich panels (fiberglass-honeycomb-fiberglass). The top skin is 1/8 inch and the bottom skin is 1/4 inch thick. Adhesive is applied on the surfaces of the honeycomb core to bond it to two identical, pre-cut, G10 glass fiber composite sheets on either side of the core and said sheets are aligned using steel dowels and trimmed in preparation for vacuum bagging. The sandwich panels are then vacuum bagged and left to cure overnight. Once cured, the panels are trimmed and prepared for edge finishing and paint. Edge finishing consists of covering the exposed polymer honeycomb with resin and body filler for a smooth and ready-to-paint surface. Once the body filler is cured, the panels are sanded and painted.
Blade Fabrication The wind blades for the present invention are fabricated using fiberglass and epoxy utilizing a Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Method (VARTM). Each blade is made from a high temperature epoxy and fiberglass composite exhibiting a smooth surface for each wind blades. The surface is treated with a chemical mold release agent to allow the epoxy/fiberglass part to be removed from the mold without difficulty. Next, an engineered fiberglass fabric stack is laid on the mold. The fiberglass fabric plies are cut oversize and the final cured part is trimmed to final dimensions to have a clean edge appearance. The fiberglass fabric is held in place with a spray adhesive that is epoxy compatible. The fiberglass stack is covered with a peel ply fabric that is porous to allow for air to be vacuumed out of the fabric and provides a flow path for the resin over the part. The peel ply also leaves a uniform finish when removed from the final part. Resin distribution channels, vacuum lines and resin infusion lines are attached to the blade and a non-permeable vacuum bag is attached to the mold with sealant tape. A vacuum pump removes all air from the inside of the bag. This "vacuum seal" provides compaction force as a result of the atmosphere pushing down on the Docket #: 155-P06.CA
outside of the bag. The final infusion step is to mix a two-part epoxy and to infuse the fiberglass. The pressure differential between the atmosphere and the vacuum forces the resin into the fiberglass on the tool. The part is left to cure at room temperature and then removed from the mold. The wind blade can now be trimmed to final dimensions and the tool is ready for another part.
Transmission Shaft The power transmission shaft is composed of 3 main components: the upper shaft, mid shaft and lower shaft. Breaking the shaft into multiple components is necessary to allow installation of the bearings. A tapered bearing is used to support axial and transverse loading and is installed on the upper shaft. The upper shaft must be heated to allow for an interference fit installation. The mid shaft ties the upper and lower shaft together via two joining discs that are welded in place. The lower shaft is the load path for the cylindrical bearing and only supports transverse loading. The inner race of the cylindrical bearing must be heated and pressed for an interference fit as well. A one-inch keyed shaft is installed through the center of the shaft and will be coupled to the gear box.
Material for all shaft components is selected to be AISI 4140 alloy steel for its strength and machinability. Together with the bearings the shaft weighs approximately 41 kgs.
Primary Structure An initial analysis was completed to determine the general, worst case, structural loads. At winds approaching 53 m/s (120 mph) the reactive load on the shaft bearing is around 142 KN (16 tons). Because of such high loads, a decision was made to use structural steel for the base components. The base component is a .66 m (26 in) diameter 2.54 cm(1 in) thick tube made from AISI 1026 steel with A36 steel bulkheads that are welded on.
Total height of Docket #: 155-P06.CA
all weldments assemble together is 1.98 m (78 in) and will weigh approximately 862kg (1900 lbs.).
Weldments The structure consists of 3 main weldments; lower, mid and upper weldments as shown in Figure 29 from left to right. The intent in breaking up the structure this way is to make the installation and handling less difficult. Such separation will also enable simpler parts repair and replacement. The upper weldment supports the tapered bearing housing while the lower supports the cylindrical bearing, brake, gearbox and generator.
Shaft Locking Assemblies The locking assemblies used in the shaft are commercially available mechanical devices which are keyless and self-centering allowing for stronger and well-balanced joints between the various shaft components. These assemblies eliminate the reliance on joining shaft members via welding or bolted joints. These assemblies thus also allow for relatively simple disassembly of the shaft for maintenance or transport. There is a circular pattern of bolts around each locking device. The quantity depends on the size of bore. To loosen the locking mechanism the bolts are moved to 'jacking holes' which allow the mechanism to spread apart. Once the device is geometrically able to slide over and between the two shaft components the bolts are placed into the 'locking holes'. They are then, gradually, torqued in a circular pattern until the specified torque for each bolt is attained.
TDO Installation Four machine-matched components make up the TDO bearing: two rows (called cones), a high precision spacer that provides the exact manufacturer designed gap between rows and an outer cup. The cones, which contain the rollers, are designed to have an Docket #: 155-P06.CA
interference fit with the central shaft and are pressed on. First the lower cone was pressed on, the spacer is placed on the shoulder of the lower cone and the outer cup was placed over.
Finally, the upper cone was pressed on to finish the TDO installation. The outer cup spins freely and is the direct link to the housing structure.
Upper Shaft and Collar Installation and Assembly The shaft collar is threaded on until it is seated against the TDO upper cone shoulder (although other modes of attachment can be contemplated). With the upper locking device placed over the central shaft and resting on the collar, the upper shaft is slipped into position.
Once in position the locking device is torqued 145 N-m (107 ft-lbs.) per bolt, and according to the manufacturers specifications, as partially described above.
Lower Shaft Installation and Assembly The lower shaft is then placed between a locking device and the central shaft located at the bottom of the central shaft. Locating the lower shaft must be precise where a scale is used to measure the shaft depth before torqueing the locking device. As described above, the same process for installing locking devices was used, except for the final bolt torque of only 61 ft-lbs. each resulted.
Cylindrical Bearing The cylindrical bearing is made up of two components: the inner race and outer roller bearing assembly. The inner race is pressed onto the lower shaft in a similar manner as the cones of the TDO bearing.
Turbine Brake Docket #: 155-P06.CA
A Nexen 1300 brake is installed just below the cylindrical bearing and operates on pneumatic pressure up to 600 Nm. The brake may be spring engaged, and air released -which is the present design. The pressure range to overcome the springs is 4-7 bar (60-100 psi). A locking device couples the shaft to the brake. A simple pneumatic circuit was fabricated to control the rotation of the turbine to safely arrest the turbine rotation where the brake is designed to work in conjunction with the generator to arrest the rotation -braking initially through the generator acting as a motor and then through the pneumatic brake for final parking.
Prototype Turbine Construction Ease of transport and assembly are two of the primary design considerations for the turbine and the total structure is -8 meters with the base. With component modularity and maneuverability as the focus the sequence of assembly is shown in these general steps:
1. Secure the primary structure to the ground.
2. Install the transmission shaft 3. Install the bottom platform assembly 4. Install blade assemblies 1-4 5. Install the top platform assembly 6. Install equipment (i.e. brake, generator, gearbox and controller) Final Assembly Blade Sections were assembled into two section towers inside - to ensure a windless environment, the blade sections were assembled indoors. The lower platform was fastened Docket #: 155-P06.CA
to the bottom of a section and then a 2nd section was lifted and fastened to the first. This was repeated for the remaining sections with the upper platform on top.
Lower blade section tower and upper blade section tower were assembled together outside. The two section towers were moved outside and staged for the crane to begin the final assembly process prior to placing the completed turbine on the primary structure. A
minimum of two individuals on ladders were required to fasten the two towers together.
The full turbine was lifted to the top of structure and mounted on the shaft plate. With the blade sections fully assembled, the crane lifted the turbine into position while personnel on the ground made fine adjustments to the shaft position (aligning the bolts and torque). A
scissor-jack lift was used to access the top of the turbine (7.8m/26 ft) and detach the crane from the turbine lifting bracket.
OPERATION
GENERATOR AND GEARBOX
Based on windspeeds between 5 m/s ¨ 10 m/s an estimated 97-794 W are estimated (See Fig. 42). The generator and gearbox are sized to optimize generator efficiency at the power range above and to be large enough to provide dynamic braking. Figure 35 shows the general geometry of the generator and attached gearbox. The generator installation is designed to accommodate different sizes can be tested to determine optimal performance.
CONTROLLER (DRIVE) The drive will control the generator through three (3) inputs: Velocity (RPM), current and position. The measured velocity will be used to control the torque and initiate dynamic braking when an overspeed event is detected. From the controller to the motor, there are 3 wires for power and 5 wires for a hall effect sensor (see FIG. 38). On the other side of the Docket #: 155-P06.CA
controller, there are two wires terminating at a DC power sink/source. This termination point is preferentially a set of batteries (e.g. 6 x 12 volt car batteries) to provide us approximately 80VDC but may another termination point. A charge controller will be used to protect the batteries, directing power through a resistor and dissipating the power should the batteries become overcharged.
Turbine RPM and torque will be transmitted via the transmission shaft which integrates with a pneumatically powered brake and a gear box. The latter allows the RPMs to step up while stepping down the torque. The AMC Drive will monitor the generator and determine if the turbine is within its design limits based on user input and programmable logic. If the specified limit power is reached the drive will begin to shut the generator down slowing the turbine. It will also control a switch tied to the compressed air, engaging the brake and fully parking the turbine once the power has been reduced to a specified level. An anemometer will be providing data to the drive to correlate power and wind speed.
The Charge Controller protects the battery bank from overcharging. The battery bank is used as the repository for generated electricity and provide power to the drive, anemometer and compressor.
EXPERIMENTAL TESTING OF OPERATION
Initial Testing and Equipment Initial performance testing on the vertical axis wind turbine was performed outside under natural wind conditions. Data collected were wind speed and turbine revolutions per minute. The wind speed was measured with an anemometer with a 0 to 2 volt output, mounted approximately 3.7 m (12 ft) off the ground and 1.8 m (6 ft) from the turbine.
The revolutions per minute of the rotating turbine were measured by a hall effect sensor set at the base of the Docket #: 155-P06.CA
turbine shaft. The signals from both travelled through an analog data acquisition device and then into a laptop via USB cable where the data was collected for analysis.
Each data point was time-stamped.
This experimental setup is sufficient to gain top level insight into the basic operating characteristics of the vertical axis turbine but is in no way intended to fully describe the operational envelope and full operating capacity of the VAWT. Error inherently exists for this rough data collection, including but not limited to building obstructions, turbulence, and single location anemometer readings. The site was not selected for good performance but was an initial setup to verify assembly and basic performance of this initial prototype. Future data collection efforts will be conducted both for scaled down wind tunnel testing, as well as more thorough real-world data collection to more fully characterize the performance. Information gathered is critical for complete optimization of the energy conversion system, including the gearbox, generator, and all electrical components.
The preliminary data recorded over a 24-hour duration on March 7-8,2018 was plotted to select valuable timeframes of information. One particularly interesting data set is included here for discussion, covering approximately 45 minutes beginning at 3:47pm on March 8th.
Based on this specific data set, effort was made to estimate and unloaded cut-in windspeed and to estimate the naturally driven tip speed ratio at which the turbine will rotate. This data is useful to confirm analytical predictions and to define expectations for real world prototype performance.
Windspeeds were recorded in Golden, Colorado at the time of interest. Shown in blue is the data collected form the anemometer located at the base of the turbine. For comparison, a plot of a local weather station's wind data across the same time interval is shown in orange. That weather station is located approximately 1/2 mile south-east of the Docket #: 155-P06.CA
site of the turbine, with data publicly available online at Weather Underground (https://www.wunderground.com/personal-weather-station /dashboard?1D=KCOGOLDE68#history /s20180308/e20180308/mdaily).
Again, substantial differences between the data are expected due to the obstructions and naturally variable ground level wind being detected. These two curves do show that independent anemometer readings across the same range of windspeeds at the time of data collection, with an average recorded wind speed at the turbine of just over 1.3 m/sec (3 mph) and a maximum recorded wind speed of around 4.5 m/sec (10 mph).
It is also important to note that the turbine is likely to have received higher winds than recorded due to the location of the anemometer. The anemometer was placed at a low height relative to the entire rotor cross section, which placed it at a level below the top of the adjacent building (approximately 3 m away). The top 1.5 meters of the turbine did extend above the roofline of the adjacent building, which is expected to sit in a location with higher incident wind speeds.
Plotting the same time interval with both the recorded wind speed and the turbine rotation in revolutions per minute (rpm) shows an expected correlation between the varying wind speeds and the turbine's rotation. Based on the rotational moment of inertia of the rotor assembly, there will be a lag between the recorded wind speed and the rotational speed of the turbine. Assuming that lag is on the order of seconds, the general trend of the measure rotation of the turbine follows the general trend of the fluctuating wind. As can be seen just before 4:00 pm, the rotation of the turbine decreases to zero as the wind speed fell below 1 m/sec (2 mph). It is clear that wind speeds above 1 m/sec (2 mph) will be required to impart sufficient torque to keep the unloaded turbine rotating. This minimum incident windspeed required will increase once drag is introduced from the energy conversion componentry.

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This minimum required incident wind speed for sustained rotation is also different from the cut in wind speed, which will be higher due to static friction within the driveline and bearings. As can be seen after 4:00 pm, wind speed of around 2.7 m/sec (6 mph) were sufficient to get the turbine rotating at approximately 12 rpm. This suggests that the cut in wind speed for the unloaded turbine is likely between 1 and 2.7 m/sec (2 and 6 mph, respectively). This information supports the criticality of minimizing resistance throughout the system, as well as minimizing rotational moment of inertia. The lightweight composite turbine constructed for this initial prototype is an excellent example of minimal rotating mass and will establish a baseline for future turbines. Future design revisions will consider that for all components within the driveline and into the generator.
An attempt was made to correlate the rotation of the turbine with windspeed to better understand the naturally driven tip speed ratio (TSR) of this design. The average tip speed ratio was calculated to be 0.65 assuming that the average windspeed for the time frame being discussed was 1.4 m/sec (3.2 mph) and the average turbine rotation was 9 rpm.
Based on aerodynamic analysis and the publicly available literature, that TSR falls within the expected range of 0.4 to 0.7. This averaging approach is a way to grossly estimate the envelope but does not account for fluctuating winds nor for the dynamic effects of rotation.
The initial attempt to capture rotation vs windspeed, and similar plots created, verified assumed time delays of a few seconds. Although, the data is noisy from the real-world environment (and cannot be used to clearly draw a conclusion regarding operational tip speed ratio as can be done in the controlled environment of a wind tunnel). While further real time data analysis will not be considered, these data sets will be informative to bound the system design.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Docket #: 155-P06.CA
In one embodiment the present invention the hybrid solar and wind system of the present invention can provide a completely integratable "open source" energy, via renewable energy sources, that can be seamlessly integrated into existing power grids to provide primary, secondary as well as alternate power in a variety of settings that is scalable, flexible, urban-friendly (both auditorily and visually), environmentally clean and is utilized at the source of consumption (where individuals live and work).
Another preferred embodiment seeks to integrate photovoltaic technology onto the surface and/or into the vanes of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAVVT) whereby the blades themselves are the means of photovoltaic collection.
It is yet another preferred embodiment envisioned by the inventors that the present invention could by led and operated via digital intellect controls and software that could enhance the efficiencies of the present invention through data collection and data assimilation to further augment the invention's overall capacity to share and distribute energy more efficiently and effectively while decreasing deficiencies of the presently used VAVVTs both in terms of captured and transformed wind energy, harvested solar and thermal energy, or a combination of all of these energies.
In another embodiment a smart system and devoted software can be used to operate and analyze the functions of the present invention via evidencing a "smart software" function that allows to user to monitor and control energy input, energy output, energy consumption and energy deployment to the grid thereby allowing the individual consumer of derived power to self-assimilate power use and initiate and modulate power sell to existing grids and networks based on production and cost.
In another preferred embodiment, the present invention has the capability to deliver energy directly to the consumer at the point of power consumption (as opposed to reliance Docket #: 155-P06.CA
upon a distance power supplier and "community" distribution channels). This direct distribution would have the advantageous effects of both "smart-grid" (software enhanced) and "micro-grid"(individually and personally guided and adapted power use), decreased reliance upon established supply channels, and a "clean" renewable alternative to environmentally .. detrimental energy sources.
It is yet another preferred embodiment that the present invention could provide "containerized", movable and placeable self-contained and self-sustained units or "pods" that could easily operate independently of resources or environment as, among other facilities, a mobile medical unit, water processing plant or telecom center in areas previous thought too remote and inaccessible.
It is another preferred embodiment where both the blades and upper and lower turbine platforms of the helical 3-blade Savonius-type vertical axis wind turbine (VAVVT) themselves would act as a receiver of photovoltaic energy by exhibiting photovoltaic cells on or about their surfaces.
In another embodiment inventors can either contract to build and install the hybrid turbines that are the present invention, license a distributorship or provide a "kit", utilizing the technology herein, and method of manufacture for "self-assembly" and build or semi-autonomous assembly and build.
In another embodiment the hybrid solar/wind turbine that is the present invention can be used atop another structure (e.g. a cell phone tower or street light) to provide tower power generation to facilitate or replace the power supply required for operation, either intermittently or permanently.

Docket #: 155-P06.CA
In another embodiment the present invention can be used for natural stationary sea bound areas (e.g. islands), where energy is expensive to procure, man-made stationary sea bound oil rigs and observation stations and lighthouses, where energy is difficult to generate, and moveable sea bound vessels (e.g. large ships and freight carriers) requiring great amounts of energy for operation ¨ all having ample access to both wind and solar energy sources.
In yet another embodiment the present invention can be integrated into a "smart home"
that uses other "green features" such as, but not limited to, bioenergy, geothermal energy, additional solar energy, additional wind energy, hydroelectricity, energy efficient appliances, recycling, improved and maintainable air quality, environmentally preferable building material and design ("green engineering", urban patterns of development, water efficiency, waste reduction, greenhouse gas reduction, "green" agricultured roofs, solar paneled roofing and shingles, enhanced insulation, environmentally conscious landscaping, eco-friendly pesticide use and the like.

Claims

We claim:

1. A hybrid solar/wind turbine apparatus comprising:
a blade and shelf assembly configured to provide wind impulsion and wind capture, the blade and shelf assembly being located between an upper and a lower platform assembly the blade assembly being helically disposed about an axis, for generating torque;
a transmission shaft in communication with the blade assembly and configured to receive the generated torque;
one or more photovoltaic cells in communication with the blade assembly for photovoltaic energy generation, either alone or in combination, with the torque; and a means to integrate and combine the photovoltaic energy generating photovoltaic cells into the wind capturing blade assembly.