EP0038805A1

EP0038805A1 - Station for collecting wind energy

Info

Publication number: EP0038805A1
Application number: EP80901850A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Raoul Rougemont
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1979-09-28
Filing date: 1981-04-08
Publication date: 1981-11-04
Also published as: US4421452A; WO1981000887A1

Abstract

Station de captation d'energie eolienne constituee par une colonne creuse (1) comprenant du sommet a la base: une enceinte de captation (9) pourvue de volets d'admission (10); une enceinte de transfert (12) incluant les organes moteurs (6) qui entrainent par l'intermediaire d'arbres (7) et (20) les organes d'utilisation (8); une enceinte d'evacuation (16) pourvue de volets (11) exterieurs. Les fleches indiquent le sens de la circulation du flux d'air a l'interieur de la station. Les volets interieurs (10) exposes au vent s'ouvrent sous l'effet de ce dernier qui maintient fermes les autres volets. Les volets exterieurs (11) situes hors du vent s'ouvrent sous l'effet de la pression residuelle subsistant apres action sur les organes moteurs (6), tandis que les autres volets sont maintenus fermes sous la pression du vent. Des clapets de securite (3) sont prevus pour interdire toute surpression nuisible. La station inclut des moyens de demarrage des organes moteurs par vent faible et des moyens de regulation de flux d'air.Wind energy capture station constituted by a hollow column (1) comprising from top to bottom: a capture enclosure (9) provided with intake flaps (10); a transfer enclosure (12) including the driving members (6) which drive through the shafts (7) and (20) the operating members (8); an evacuation enclosure (16) provided with external flaps (11). The arrows indicate the direction of circulation of the air flow inside the station. The interior shutters (10) exposed to the wind open under the effect of the latter which keeps the other shutters firm. The external flaps (11) located out of the wind open under the effect of the residual pressure remaining after action on the drive members (6), while the other flaps are kept firm under the pressure of the wind. Safety valves (3) are provided to prevent any harmful overpressure. The station includes means for starting the driving members in low wind and means for regulating air flow.

Description

WIND ENERGY CAPTATION STATION.

There are already in the prior art devices intended to capture wind energy. These devices are substantially derived from the old windmills and include propellers with two, three or more blades, faired or not, with variable pitch or not, paddle wheels, etc. The driving members which constitute these propellers must obviously be located as high as possible to be actuated to the maximum by the force of the wind, which involves making them occupy a position in which they are exposed to jerks, gusts and jolts thereof. In addition, they must be movable in orientation according to the wind direction. Their precarious balance frequently turns into an imbalance when the wind blows in gusts from top to bottom or vice versa, causing particularly harmful violent shocks, hence the obligation to build a very robust frame and assembly and to use devices very elaborate. Despite this, these devices resist poorly and their height is very limited as well as the power that can be transmitted, which greatly reduces their interest, particularly with regard to the large stations intended to serve communities.

The subject of the present invention is a wind capture station which makes it possible to remedy all the drawbacks which have just been listed and therefore to produce very high power installations, the assembly of which is considerably simplified and makes them of a much more reliable operation. According to the invention, the station is constituted by a construction in the form of a hollow column, inside which are housed the driving members which, thus are fully protected, the wind being picked up at the top of the column at the using appropriate special means. The arrangement of this construction ensures by a simple set of articulated flaps the optimum action of the wind on the energy-capturing organs, such as propellers and blades, whatever the direction thereof, without requiring a change of orientation of these organs, even in the case of variations in direction or jerks.

The drive members are movable in rotation about a vertical axis, arrangement making it possible to provide support means placed at the eccentric end (far from the center) of these members which, by giving them great stability, make it possible to give them very large dimensions and thereby obtain very large powers.

In addition, safety valves protect the drive members against any possible overpressure which may be harmful.

Finally, according to the invention, means are also provided for causing the motor members to rotate in the event that the air flow is insufficient to determine the start-up as well as to determine the regulation of the rotational movement of said motor members. .

The drawing appended as an indication to allow a detailed description of the invention to be illustrated illustrates in schematic form various embodiments thereof. Figure 1 shows in elevation and partial section an overview of a station in the form of a column according to the invention as well as the components included therein.

Figures 2 and 3 are plan views of the top and bottom of the station, respectively.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 show different forms of flaps which the column can be provided.

Figure 7 shows in more detail the mounting of the drive members.

Figures 8 and 9 are plan views at the levels of Figure 7 indicated by dashed lines.

Figures 10 to 12 show means for rotating the engine members independent of the action of the wind.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the station in the form of a hollow column, the structure of which is metallic.

FIG. 1 4 is a diagrammatic section in plan along a-a of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 schematically represents the shrouding means of the station.

Figures 16 and 17 show respectively in elevation and in plan a device for obtaining the rotation of the driving members when the wind is insufficient to determine starting, which is associated with a regulating flywheel.

FIG. 18 represents the two positions that a propeller can occupy: rest or "flag" (solid bars) and work (in dashed lines).

FIG. 19 represents a device comprising the regulating flywheel visible in FIG. 16 applied to a motor member such as 6 in FIG. 7.

Figures 20 and 2ι are plan views at different levels of the regulating elements shown in Figure 19.

In the overview shown in Figure 1, the arrows indicate the direction of circulation of the air flow inside the station constituted by column 1. In this example, the upper and lower parts of the column have a hexagonal shape. it is obvious that they could just as well be cylindrical and that the number of sides of the polygon could be different from six and any.

This figure 1 will be described by listing the various constituent parts from the top to the base of the column shown.

The reference 9 designates the wind capture enclosure, provided around its entire periphery with internal shutters 10 hinged so as to open inwards, a condition the usefulness of which will be specified below.

Below the collection enclosure is located a transfer enclosure or sheath 12 around the periphery of which, at the top, are arranged safety flaps 3 whose function will also be specified later.

This enclosure 12 includes the driving members. In this example, these members are constituted by a plurality of superimposed propellers 6. These propellers respectively rest on ball bearing surfaces 4 themselves bearing on spacers 15 fixed on the chamber 12. The spacers 15 are shaped so as to offer minute resistance to the movement of the flow.

In this example, three propellers respectively operate concentric drive shafts. The upper propeller is secured to the central shaft 7, while the propellers of the lower stages are respectively secured to each of a tubular shaft 20a and 20b.

The aforementioned shafts 7, 20a and 20b each actuate respectively a means of use 8. The latter are shown diagrammatically because they do not come within the scope of the invention.

The transfer enclosure 12 is in communication with the evacuation enclosure 16, the outer periphery of which is provided with flaps 11 articulated so as to open towards the outside.

Reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 7 for the description of the various propeller support means. In this example, the upper propeller 6 (not shown in Figure 7) is fixed to the central shaft 7. It is integral with the upper part of the central ball bearing 4 whose lower part is integral with the spacer 15. The middle propeller 6 'is secured to the cage of a needle bearing 18' whose hub is secured to the rear central bre 7. This cage is integral with the upper part of the ball bearing 4 ′, itself integral with the tubular shaft 20a. The lower propeller 6 "is secured to the cage of a bearing 18" whose hub is secured to the inner tubular shaft 20a actuated by the middle propeller 6 '. The cage of this bearing 18 "is integral with the upper part of the ball bearing 4", itself made integral with the outer tubular shaft 20b. As shown in the figure, the lower part of the ball bearing surfaces 4, 4 'and 4 "is secured respectively to each of the corresponding fixed spacers 15, 15' and 15".

From the arrangement which has just been indicated it follows that the respective rotation regimes of the propellers, and consequently of the corresponding means of use 8, are strictly independent, which in practice can have numerous advantages.

It will be recalled that the parts designated by the references 8 are absolutely diagrammatic and can be both means of use and organs for transmitting a reducing as well as a multiplying movement, the said means of use being able to be placed at any point. appropriate.

We will now describe a particular provision relating to means for supporting the ends of the propellers. For each of the latter and at their level is provided a sealed circular track 14 provided with a raceway such as metallic 31. Axes 17 secured respectively to each of the blades, arranged in the extension of the latter, bear on the bearing 19 of a carriage 5 provided with rolling members, such as ball rollers, themselves bearing on the raceway 31.

According to an advantageous feature of the invention, the support means arranged at the end of the blades which have just been described may include propulsion means such as electric motors having the function of ensuring the rotation of the propellers in the case where the action of the air flow is insufficient to cause starting. The reference 22 in FIG. 8 designates their location in general form.

Figures 10 and 11 show a motor carriage comprising a tractor roller 24 circulating in the groove-shaped track 14 and carrying the axis 17 at its center. The motor 23 drives the carriage by means of a relay 25 with chain or V-belt. A roller ball 27 ensures the stability of the assembly. The power supply is provided by the metal raceway 31 and a second metal raceway 32 at the bottom of the groove 14 connected to the power source, on which wipers 33 ensure contact.

The linear motor can be used by placing the armature in place of the motor 23, the latter moving on the inductor 31 which replaces the raceway 31 and receives the first contact, the second being established by trolley 32 placed at the bottom of the groove 14 and wipers 33; the rollers 2 5 and 27, then all with balls, overlapping the inductor 31.

The starter boosters 22 having a useful function only in the case of light wind, a simple starting drive system can be used to free the drive members 6 at their end 17, from the dead weight of the propulsion carriages when they are not in use, the latter being set back from the ball rollers 5 of the blade tip and provided with freewheeling pawls acting in the direction propulsion and driving the blades by the end of the axes 17 provided longer for this purpose.

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the proprlsion means. According to this arrangement, a motor 23 carrying the axis 17 is placed inside the propeller blade 30 on spacers 29. This motor drives the roller 24 which, in turn, drives in its rotational movement the blade d propeller 30.

The current supply of the engine (s) and propulsion means can be controlled automatically by any suitable known means such as a contact anemometer, while the interruption can be obtained automatically when the wind drives the engine (s) 6 at the expected speed, for example by means of a rev counter recording the speed of rotation of the drive member.

We will now describe the operation of such a station.

It has been indicated that the flaps 10 with which the collection enclosure 9 is provided open inwards. Under these conditions, those of the shutters exposed to the wind undergo the effect of the latter and open, leaving passage to the air flow in the direction of the arrows in FIG. 1. Indeed, unlike the shutters exposed to the wind, all the others are applied to their seats by the pressure generated in the enclosure 9. It is evidently understood that the aforementioned flux actuates the organs motors constituted in this example by propellers, three in number. Number which can, depending on the case, be increased or decreased.

After this driving action, the air flow whose pressure is considerably reduced is directed towards the evacuation enclosure 16 whose flaps 11 located downwind allow evacuation, while the flaps exposed to the wind (on the left on figure) are kept closed by pressure.

As indicated, flaps 3 forming safety valves are arranged at the periphery of the transfer enclosure 12 and at the top of the column 1 in this example. These valves are calibrated in a known manner at the desired pressure, both by spring 21 (fig.l) and by mass (fig.6). Thus, any possible overpressure which may be harmful to the motor organs among others is made impossible.

The flap shown in FIG. 4 is articulated around a horizontal axis arranged so as to divide the total surface of each of said flaps into two parts, the surface of the part located above said axis being less than that of the part located below (such as flaps 10, Figure 1).

In Figure 5 is shown a flap articulated around a horizontal axis placed at the top (such as 11, Figures 1 and 3).

FIG. 6 represents a flap articulated under the same conditions, but provided with a mass in order to form a safety valve. It is obvious that we could also use flaps articulated around a vertical axis at the top and bottom of the flap, with stop limiting the flapping stroke before the position perpendicular to the wind flow.

The shutters used, whatever their type, can be wholly or partly made of any suitable material such as metal, sheet metal with axis and reinforcements, opaque or transparent reinforced plastics, plastic material on framing, frames or grilles.

These flaps can also be provided with springs and shock absorbers with free travel at the start of opening and closing, so as to prevent a sudden folding of the flaps under the effect of jerks of wind.

The station is favorably supplemented by vertical fins and canopies arranged around the perimeter of the column at the level of the collecting enclosure 9 and the evacuation enclosure 16, these fins being located at the edges when these enclosures are of polygonal shape. .

This assembly designated by the reference 13 forms an effective wind guide. The fins are distributed around the periphery of the column at predetermined angular intervals when the chambers are of cylindrical shape.

In addition, a deflecting means, designated by the references 34 and 35 (FIG. 7) can be placed in the center of the column, covering the central elements. This means deviated tor thus determines an overpressure of the air flow, directing it towards the external parts of the motor organs, the most efficient parts, and this results in a very significant improvement in efficiency.

The structure of a station as just described can be either entirely or partially metallic, made of prestressed concrete or other, or in conventional masonry. In this order of idea, we will now describe by means of Figures 13 and 14 a column whose structure is metallic. In these figures, the structure consists of elements in the form of fins 36 integral with main belts forming awnings, two of which are designated by the reference 37a, and of secondary belts also forming awnings, two of which are designated by the reference 37b. These latter belts can advantageously constitute supports for the articulations of the flaps.

The reference 55 designates external attachment means provided for the purpose of fixing guy lines.

We will now describe with reference to Figures 16 and 17 another device for obtaining the rotation of the drive members when the only direct action of the wind on them is insufficient.

According to the embodiment shown in these figures, in the transfer enclosure 12 is included a hollow reverse truncated cone 38 in duct connection with the tubes 39 at one end of which are arranged the propeller blades 40 constituting the driving members, here hollow.

In this example, the cone 38 is located inside the deflector means 34-35 shown diagrammatically in FIG. 7. This assembly as well as rotation regulating means which will be described later rest on a spacer 15 in accordance with what has been indicated. in the description relating to FIGS. 1 and 7. According to this embodiment, the transmission shaft 7 integral with the tubes 39 and the propeller blades 40 is also hollow. In accordance with what has been described above, the propeller blades 40 are provided, it will be recalled, with axes 17 whose role has already been defined. The ends of the propeller blades 40 are provided with a nozzle 41. Each of the blades can pivot axially around support bearings 52, lockable at 54, the walls of the tubes 39 also forming complementary support bearings for the propeller blades by means of interposed bearings.

Thus, the air flow entering the truncated cone 38 then passes through the tubes 39 and the blades 40 to escape through the nozzles 41. Due to the shape given to the nozzles this action of the air flow causes a pivoting along their axis of the propeller blades 40 which thus take the position shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. This results in a reaction effect the rotation of the blades in the direction indicated by the arrows F.

According to a variant embodiment not shown, the air flow from the cone 38 can be transmitted to the nozzles via external tubes integral with each propeller blade and linked aerodynamically to these.

Figure 18 which is a detail view, shows a propeller blade 40 in the rest position or "flag" solid lines) and in the working position (broken lines). In this figure, the references 43, 44 and 45 respectively designate the stop for the propeller blade in the working position, the return spring determining the return of the propeller blade to the rest position (or flag) and the stop: corresponding to this last position.

In the examples shown in Figures 16, 18, 19 to 21, the drive members are provided with a flywheel regulating the rotational movement made integral with these by means of a centrifugal clutch. The regulating flywheel, of annular shape, is designated by the reference 46. This flywheel bears on supports constituted by dice 47 by means of balls 48. Safety guides 56 can be added to the flywheel 46.

Internally to the annular mass 46 are arranged on a support 51 secured to the transmission shaft 7 of the counterweights 50 recalled respectively by springs 49.

In the example shown in Figures 20 and 21, the weights are six in number and arranged to act in two stages in groups of three. It is thus understood that during the rotation of the transmission shaft 7, the centrifugal action is exerted first on a group of weights as shown in FIG. 20 and then on the other group of weights, thus determining a particularly favorable two-stroke clutch to overcome wind jerks

In the example shown in FIG. 16, it has been indicated that the transmission shaft 7 is hollow so that the air flow can possibly act on other motor members, these being arranged in superposition. In the case of using a single drive member, the tubular shaft 7 can be closed as indicated in 53.

FIG. 19 represents an arrangement comprising a regulating flap but devoid of the starting device in accordance with FIGS. 16 and 17.

The weighted devices could be replaced by a magnetic clutch controlled by means of either an anemometer or a tachometer, to determine the operation either according to the wind or according to the rotation speed.

It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and that all variants may be made concerning inter alia the shape and the number of the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Fixed wind capture station, intended for the use of the energy produced by them regardless of the direction, characterized in that it is constituted by a construction in the general shape of a hollow column comprising in superposition as listed below, from top to bottom: a collection enclosure; a transfer enclosure forming a transmission conduit, this enclosure including motor members such as propellers and blades, movable in rotation about a vertical axis and in connection with the elements of use; an evacuation enclosure; said collecting enclosure being provided on its inner periphery with hinged flaps so as to open towards the inside, so that said flaps exposed to the wind form intake valves inside said enclosure, while that all the others are kept automatically closed by the pressure of the introduced air, which is then successively directed towards the said transfer enclosure including the driving members and, after driving action, towards the said evacuation enclosure, which is at this effect provided, on its outer periphery, with flaps hinged so as to open towards the outside, so that those of said flaps located downwind form exhaust valves under the effect of the residual pressure of the air included, while those exposed to the outside wind are then kept closed.

2. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow column is of polygonal shape, the edges of the polygon being provided with vertical fins, while awnings are arranged in the upper and lower parts respectively of the capture enclosure and of the evacuation enclosure so as to form a wind guide.

3. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that the column is of cylindrical shape, the collection and evacuation enclosures being provided with awnings disposed respectively at their upper and lower parts, while vertical fins are distributed at the periphery of said column, separated by predetermined intervals, so that said canopies and said fins form wind guide.

4. Station according to claims 1,2, 3, characterized in that the structure of the hollow column-shaped construction is metallic, formed by fins and canopies themselves connected by a plurality of horizontal belts, protruding parts said belts being provided to form supports for the articulations of the flaps.

5. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that safety valves are provided to prohibit any overpressure which may be harmful, in particular to the drive members, the said valves being constituted by elements such as flaps opening outwards and calibrated by any known means such as masses as well as springs, the said flaps being arranged at points such as at the periphery of the transfer enclosure as well as at the upper part of the capture enclosure.

6. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that the flaps are articulated around a horizontal axis arranged so as to divide the total surface of each of said flaps into two parts, the surface of the part located above said axis being less than that of the part located below.

7. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive members are constituted by a plurality of means such as propellers and blades, arranged in superposition and respectively actuating independent transmission means, said transmission means comprising a central shaft and tubular shafts concentric with the said central shaft.

8. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive members such as propellers and blades are provided at their eccentric end with rotary support means such as rollers bearing on a circular raceway disposed at the periphery of the colomee at level of the motor organ considered.

9. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that deflecting means are arranged longitudinally in the center of the column in order to direct the air flow 'towards the eccentric ends of the driving members such as propellers and blades, so as to increase the effectiveness of the action of said flow.

10. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that means such as electric motors are integral with the eccentric ends of the motor members and housed in a circular path disposed at the periphery of the column at the level of said mo organs motors, the said electric motors being provided with running and power supply members such as rollers and wipers, so as to ensure the rotation of the said driving members of the station when the action of the air flow is insufficient to cause startup.

11. Station according to claim 10, characterized in that current switch means slaved to the rotational movement of the motor members are provided to suppress the supply of electric motors as soon as said rotational movement is ensured by the action of the flow of air.

12. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that it is provided with a device intended to ensure the rotation of the driving members constituted by propellers when the direct action of the wind on the blades is insufficient to determine the start , said device comprising a hollow truncated cone placed in the transfer enclosure and the small base of which forming the lower part is in duct connection with a hollow transmission shaft secured to said propellers, themselves hollow, to be in duct connection with the said shaft and pierced at their eccentric ends with nozzles oriented in such a way that the air flow passing through the said cone trunks and hollow shaft then enters the said propellers to escape through the say nozzles by causing by reaction the required rotation.

13. Station according to claim 1, characterized in that a regulating flywheel is provided to be made secured to a drive member by means of a centrifugal clutch interposed between said flywheel and said member, the attachment being subject to the actuation of said clutch, said actuation being dependent on the rotation speed.

14. Station according to claim 13, characterized in that the regulating flywheel is constituted by an annular mass at the center of which weights are arranged recalled by springs and mounted on a support integral with the motor member, the assembly constituted by said annular mass and flyweights being placed concentrically and under the drive member.

15. Station according to claim 13, characterized in that the regulating flywheel is made integral with the engine member by means of a magnetic clutch 'controlled both by means of an anemometer and by a tachometer, to determine operation either according to the wind or according to the rotation speed.