EP1208301A2 - Power-transducer/conversion system and related methodology - Google Patents
Power-transducer/conversion system and related methodologyInfo
- Publication number
- EP1208301A2 EP1208301A2 EP99928716A EP99928716A EP1208301A2 EP 1208301 A2 EP1208301 A2 EP 1208301A2 EP 99928716 A EP99928716 A EP 99928716A EP 99928716 A EP99928716 A EP 99928716A EP 1208301 A2 EP1208301 A2 EP 1208301A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- power
- rotor
- wind
- electrical
- generator
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
- H02K7/1823—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines
- H02K7/183—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines wherein the turbine is a wind turbine
-
- 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
- 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
- F05B2270/00—Control
- F05B2270/10—Purpose of the control system
- F05B2270/1016—Purpose of the control system in variable speed operation
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention involves and discloses several modifications/versions of systems (and related methods) that transduce, or convert, power in a moving fluid (i.e., kinetic, fluid-flow power, such as wind power and water power) to electrical power, or vice versa.
- a moving fluid i.e., kinetic, fluid-flow power, such as wind power and water power
- a major field of use for the special features of, and contributions made by, this invention is that field which involves the conversion of wind power to electrical power. Accordingly, and while recognizing that there are several fields particularly suited for use of the present invention, we make a principal description of the invention hereinbelow in the field of wind-to-electrical- power activity. We also discuss briefly below the somewhat broader notion of the conversion of fluid-flow power to electrical power. Thus, a preferred way (and certain variations thereof) for implementing and practicing the system and methodology of this invention is(are) disclosed specifically in relation to wind- turbine, electrical-power generation - a realm of enthusiastic, "alternative- power" activity, wherein the various unique characteristics of the invention have been found to offer particular utility.
- aerodynamic, wind-driven, rotor-operated, electrical generator systems collect and convert variable-speed wind power to electrical power by gathering fluid-motion energy, via an aerodynamic rotor which is positioned in a selected wind path, and by coupling the fluid-flow energy which is extracted and collected by that rotor (and its rotation) to the rotor in an electrical generator.
- the resulting electrical power output (typically AC) created by such a system, wherein the aerodynamic rotor is usually a propeller- type (also referred to as a fan-blade-type) rotor, is coupled, ultimately, to a conventional, commercial electrical utility grid which, possessing certain well-known constraints, requires that electrical power delivered to and handled by it have a certain, fairly rigorously maintained "electrical quality".
- a grid normally imposes a "quality” constraint which requires that "received” power be delivered and maintained, at or very close to, a prescribed AC voltage, and as well, at a prescribed, and quite rigidly anchored, operating frequency (60-Hz is normal).
- prior art systems typically include a certain, necessary level of structural complexity - complexity which is "operationally disposed" intermediate the contributing aerodynamic rotor and the grid.
- High on the list of culprits to be dealt with in a system of this type is the fact that power derived from the usual flow of wind is unpredictable, and highly erratic, and also widely variable, because of wind-speed variations. If left unaddressed, such power would not be acceptably deliverable to such a grid.
- the invention has important applicability especially in relation (a) to fan-like aerodynamic rotors, (b) to hoop-shaped, or squirrel-cage-like (rotary-spool- like), aerodynamic rotors (and rotor sections), and (c) to various hybrids of (a) and (b) which have both squirrel-cage-like and fan-like characteristics.
- These three general kinds of rotors are also referred to herein, in order to convey a fuller understanding of the technical reach of this invention, as fluid-flow- dynamic, fluid-foil structures.
- the term "squirrel-cage" is a term with widely known familiarity in the art.
- rotors are referred to herein also, variously, as fluid-responsive assemblies, as fluid-foil substructures, as air-foil assemblies (and spools), as fluid-dynamic rotors and foil assemblies, as wind- responsive portions of revolution structures, as wind-power-responsive units, and as wind-responsive instrumentalities. More about such rotors will follow in the discussion below. As one will observe from a reading of the discussion below, even various conventional rotors can be employed.
- the invention also has what might be thought of as reverse- performance applications - such applications relating to systems and methods that convert electrical power to fluid-flow power, as, for example, is done with fans, pumps, air-thrust engines, etc.
- FIG. 1 provides a schematic illustration of a typical wind-turbine-type, power-conversion system 20.
- an aerodynamic, typically fan- type, rotor 22 (illustrated as a simple rectangle in Fig. 1) is connected, via a bearing-supported, rotating shaft 24, to the input side of a speed-increaser gearbox 26.
- Rotor 22 typically operates at a rotational speed in the range of about 20- to about 300-rpm.
- Gear-box 26 translates the rotational speed of shaft 24 into a relatively higher rotational speed in an "output" shaft 28, which, in turn, is connected to the rotor in a conventional, electrical generator 30.
- a power- electronic, interface-control circuit 32 is sometimes (suggested by the dashed lines) used to control the generator (for example, rotor speed and shaft torque), and also to convert the generator's variable-voltage, variable-frequency power to a standard utility voltage and frequency (the previously mentioned grid constraints).
- a conventional utility grid 34 receives output power from the generator and the interface-control circuit.
- Rotor 22 is usually a propeller-type rotor, such as rotor 40 seen in Figs. 2 and 3.
- rotor 40 In this rotor, plural blades 42 drivingly connect with, and extend radially outwardly from, a central hub 44.
- Hub 44 is connected to one end of a relatively-small-diameter shaft 46, which is supported by bearings, such as bearings 48, and which rotates with hub 44, and blades 42, in response to naturally incident wind W impinging on the blades.
- Fig. 3 shows a front view of rotor 40, which rotor optimally receives wind from a direction normal to, and into the plane of, this figure.
- Squirrel-cage rotors which have not heretofore been directly linked to a direct-drive-type electrical generator, typically employ a hoop-shaped ring structure (a hoop member) which rotates around a horizontal central axis that is generally parallel to the direction of wind travel (usually nominally, generally parallel to the underlying "ground plane").
- a hoop-shaped ring structure (a hoop member) which rotates around a horizontal central axis that is generally parallel to the direction of wind travel (usually nominally, generally parallel to the underlying "ground plane").
- Such ring structure typically has peripherally, circumferentially and generally cylindrically arranged elongate air foils that direct air flow from the interior of the overall ring structure radially outwardly to the exterior, thereby causing the whole structure to rotate around the central axis.
- the mentioned air foils are typically disposed with their long axes substantially paralleling the central rotational axis.
- the standard four-pole induction or synchronous machine generates at 60-Hz electrical power at a nominal rotor rotational speed of 1800-rpm.
- the aerodynamic rotor may have a typical operating speed in the range of about 20- to about 300-rpm.
- the 20-rpm speed may apply to aerodynamic rotors designed to deliver about 600-kW to about 1500-kW of mechanical, rotating-shaft power.
- the 300-rpm speed might apply to much smaller rotors designed to deliver about 2-kW to about 10-kW of rotating-shaft.
- Use of a speed-increaser significantly increases: (a) the number of required parts in a system; (b) the cost of manufacturing; (c) the design complexity; (d) the expected requirements and related costs for routine maintenance; and (e) the potential for mechanical failure. Use of a speed-increaser also results in a reduction of power-conversion efficiency.
- Wind turbines that employ propeller-type rotors have been manufactured which do not require speed-increasers to translate shaft rotational speed between an aerodynamic rotor and a generator. Such systems are referred to as "direct-drive" wind turbines.
- another conventional, prior art power-conversion system 70 employs a propeller-type aerodynamic rotor 72.
- Rotor 72 is connected, via a rotaiy shaft 74, to the rotor in a direct-drive generator 76.
- Shaft 74 rotates with rotor 72.
- Shaft 74 is supported by suitably located bearings (not shown).
- Power-conversion system 70 is classifiable, generally, as a variable-speed configuration, which configuration employs appropriate, conventional power-electronic, interface- control circuitry 78 to control "electrical operation" of the generator (as well as other things such as the speed and torque matters mentioned earlier), and as a part of that control, to convert the generator's variable-voltage, variable- frequency power to a standard utility grid-quality voltage and frequency.
- One significant problem with prior wind-turbine systems, such as system 70 in Fig. 4, is that all rotational energy from the usual fan-like, aerodynamic rotor is transferred ultimately to the associated generator rotor through a shaft, like shaft 74.
- an important object of the present invention is to provide a unique, simple, easily manufactu able and efficiently operable, power-conversion system (and related methodology) for interconverting (potentially bidirectionally) moving-fluid-power and electrical power.
- the system of this invention is also referred to herein as a wind-power-deriving, electrical power generator system, and additionally, as an apparatus for converting kinetic, fluid- flow power to electrical power.
- each of these embodiments features a direct-drive system, and a related methodology, which are based upon the presence of a direct-drive coupling between an aerodynamic, fluid-power-acquisition rotor and the electromagnetic-generator rotor in an electrical generator.
- a generator rotor is also called herein a mechanical-rotation-responsive instrumentality.
- the required, associated generator stator is also referred to as a rotary-magnetic- energy-responsive instrumentality.
- the electrical generator employed has a generally cylindrical configuration, with either the rotor or the stator functionally nested within the other one of these two components.
- the generator has a generally pancake-like configuration, with the rotor and the stator functionally facing one another in the manner of two axially-stacked, relatively thin circular disks.
- Each embodiment of the system of this invention also features an electronic interface circuit (or power-electronic control structure).
- This interface circuit (which could be either AC or DC in "nature") includes input and output sides connected, respectively, to the generator and to the final system-electrical-power-output which can be connected to a conventional, commercial power grid.
- the most preferred embodiment employs a hoop-like aerodynamic rotor coupled, without the presence of any intervening rotary shaft, directly to the rotor in an electrical generator.
- the aerodynamic rotor and the electrical generator rotor are also spoken of herein collectively as a unitary revolution structure, and as a barrel-shaped, power-conversion device.
- Another embodiment utilizes a fan-type aerodynamic rotor, also coupled, without there being any intervening rotary shaft, directly to such a generator rotor.
- a third embodiment does employ a rotary power-transmission shaft, with a hoop-like aerodynamic rotor coupled directly through this shaft to the rotor in an electrical generator.
- Still other embodiments have hybrid fan-like and hoop-like qualities.
- one specific object of the present invention thinking of the same in one, unidirectional, power-conversion sense, is to provide a novel system which functions to convert fluctuating wind power efficiently into electrical power - especially, into grid-quality (or other regulated and controlled) electrical power.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a wind-turbine system which does not require a speed-increaser to couple torque and power from an aerodynamic rotor to an electrical machine - i.e., a direct-drive kind of system.
- a further object, one which is related to that just stated immediately above, is to provide a system of the type generally described, wherein fluid- power is extracted and acquired by the system in what, according to one preferred embodiment, can be visualized as an axially elongate, annular, hollow-cylindrical zone, or region, of space and manner, and then is conveyed, by way of mechanical rotation, also in an annular, hollow-cylindrical space/manner, and via what is referred to herein as a hollow, annular, cylindrical zone of rotating magnetic power, directly to a rotor in an electrical generator.
- perimetral, rim-to-rim coupling between (a) the perimetral rim structure in the aerodynamic portion of the rotating structure (which collects wind-power), and (b) the perimetral rim structure in the portion of the rotating structure (which works in conjunction with an electrical generator stator), effectively transfers all rotating power between these two rim structures without the presence of any intervening, small-diameter rotating shaft which, in accordance with prior art structures, becomes loaded with substantial cyclical, fatiguing, power-compromising torque.
- a preferred system construction which employs this "rim-to-rim” approach utilizes a hoop-, or squirrel-cage-like, aerodynamic rotor coupled directly to the rotor in an electrical generator.
- the aerodynamic rotor has a perimetral air-foil structure including aerodynamic vanes, or air foils (surface structure), which are spaced circumferentially to accommodate the radial passage of wind.
- the preferred unitaiy aerodynamic rotor and the generator rotor are refeired to as being elongate, and as having a common, long, rotational (coincident) axis.
- one further important contribution of certain other implementations of the system and methodology of the present invention is the direct linking of a hoop-type aerodynamic rotor with the rotor in an electrical generator, regardless of whether or not any intervening rotary drive shaft is used.
- the direct-drive combination of such a hoop-type rotor and generator rotor, even in the presence of an intercoupling rotaiy shaft, has been found (in some instances) to be desirable, and an advance over prior art approaches.
- Still another important object of the invention in certain ones of its proposed configurations, is to employ a fixed (anchored), stationary shaft, and on that shaft, a support bearing structure (journal mechanism) for an aerodynamic rotor, which configuration minimizes to the point of substantially eliminating the fluctuating bending moments that always inescapably occur when a rotating shaft is used.
- a further object is to provide a wind-turbine design that adapts to fluctuating wind velocity, and that minimizes the risk of failure at exceptionally high incident wind speeds.
- various features and objects of the most preferred embodiment of the present invention perhaps an important way of summarizing and characterizing an undeipinning and key feature of this invention, which feature results in its offering substantial improvements over related, prior art, power-conversion systems and methods, and expressing this feature with reference to that which (above) has been characterized as the most preferred embodiment of the invention, is to focus on the fact that that applicant's system and related methodology preferentially employ(s) direct, rotary shaftless coupling between a rotaiy, hoop-type air-foil and the rotor in an electrical generator.
- these two rotors rotate along with one another within a path, region or zone which is referred to herein as being described by, or as describing, a generally cylindrical locus.
- the invention employs an aerodynamic rotor which effectively: (a) "collects", on the kinetic-power side of the system, fluid-derivable (fluid-flow) power that exists in a given cross-sectional area of a flow of incident wind; and (b) extracts such energy/power from this flow at the perimeter of a rotating structure.
- This rotor then directly conveys captured and extracted power, in the form of mechanical rotation (or rotaiy mechanical power), and in a hollow, perimetral, rim-to-rim, rotating annular fashion (or connection), into the periphery of a rotor in an electrical generator.
- the electrical generator on the electrical-power side of the system, converts such rotaiy power to electrical power.
- control structure By connecting what can be thought of as the electrical output side of such an electrical generator to the input side of an appropriate power-electronic control structure, that control structure (which is offered as a component of the present invention) can be operated easily and effectively (at its output side) to eliminate telegraphing to the electrical (grid) side of the system fluctuations which would otherwise be introduced (by virtue of the fact that fluid-flow power, such as wind power, may be widely variable over time).
- the structure therein which rotates can be thought of as including (on the aerodynamic side of the system) a rotaiy, elongate, cup- wall structure.
- This cup-wall structure includes: (a) a generally open-ended airfoil-rotor-wall-portion at the system's wind-receiving front end; and (b) an electrical-generator-rotor- wall-portion, which forms part of the generator employed in the system.
- the generator's stator is located operationally adjacent the generator-rotor-wall-portion (either within, next to, or circumsurrounding the mentioned generator-rotor-wall-portion), and is also talked about herein as being an end-wall, electrical-generator stator structure.
- the rotational components of the system rotate on and about a common longitudinal rotational axis, which axis nominally substantially parallels the plane of the underlying ground where the structural rendition of the invention is installed for use.
- the "closure” structure preferably includes what is referred to herein as a change- configuration, infinitely adjustable, back door structure - also referred to herein as a wind-barrier structure, and as a back door assembly.
- This part of the system includes change-position door structure that has selectively openable and closeable openings in the foim of openable and closeable doors, or door expanses.
- the openness and/or closedness of these openings is adjusted, typically, directly under the influence of impinging wind activity, and is used to promote an operational behavior which allows the system to capture, and to use, as much wind-derivable power as possible, while at the same time dealing effectively with possible damaging wind overload conditions.
- this back door structure under circumstances of overly high-velocity winds, opens appropriately to allow a certain amount of impinging wind effectively to escape the system without damagingly loading it.
- Various specific kinds of back door arrangements are described and illustrated herein.
- One very interesting and promising modification of the present invention is one which includes a fluid-flow rotor, wherein positionally adjustable fluid- flow foils (the aerodynamic foils in an air-flow system) are disposed effectively in attack-angle "planes" that are disposed at oblique angles relative to the rotor's axis of rotation.
- Such foils can be employed both to capture fluid-flow power in order to impart rotation to the associated rotor, and as well, simultaneously, to act as a kind of back-panel, or back-door, airangement.
- a "close cousin" to this kind of embodiment is one wherein foil- positioning adjustability is omitted.
- Fig. 1 is a simplified, schematic/block diagram illustrating components of one type of conventional, wind-turbine, electrical power-generating system.
- Figs. 2 and 3 show schematic, isolated, simplified, side and front views, respectively, of a conventional, propeller-type (fan-type), aerodynamic rotor isolated from other components in a conventional system.
- Fig. 4 (mentioned above) is a simplified, schematic/block diagram of a conventional wind-turbine, electrical power-generating system employing a direct-drive-type generator.
- Fig. 5 A illustrates, for the purpose of general preliminary exposition and comparison, and in simplified, schematic block form, side elevations of three different (upper, middle and lower views) preferred structural renditions (embodiments) of portions of a novel wind-turbine system proposed by the present invention. If these three views are considered alternatively in a "reverse-operation" sense of thinking, they can function as several illustrations of an integrated system which converts electrical power to fluid-flow power. Each of these system embodiments is refeired to herein generally as an annular, power-hand-off, power-transduction system.
- Fig. 5B is a simplified, and fragmentary, schematic diagram (somewhat more detailed) of the system embodiment which is generally pictured in the upper view in Fig. 5A. This system is here illustrated with visual reference made in the figure to certain axes, angles and directions that are referred to below in the detailed specification. Fig.
- 5B also illustrates, generally, the basic cooperative components of an overall rotaiy-component support structure, including (a) a substantially vertical support post which furnishes what is referred to herein as an axially outboard direct supportive connection to and for the rotaiy structure, (b) a generally horizontal, elongate, stationaiy shaft anchored near the top of this post, and (c) appropriate bearings, or journal mechanism, which mount(s) the system's rotaiy components on this shaft.
- a substantially vertical support post which furnishes what is referred to herein as an axially outboard direct supportive connection to and for the rotaiy structure
- a generally horizontal, elongate, stationaiy shaft anchored near the top of this post
- appropriate bearings, or journal mechanism which mount(s) the system's rotaiy components on this shaft.
- Fig. 6A is an isolated (i.e., without any attached electrical generator components, or physical mechanical support structure) perspective view of a peripheral-air-foil-including and back-door-structure-employing, "squirrel- cage", or "hoop-type", aerodynamic rotor.
- Fig. 6B illustrates, in a simplified, fragmentary side elevation, an aerodynamic nose cone, which can be employed on an axial central portion (the wind-facing side) of the rotor shown in Fig. 6A.
- Figs. 6C and 6D provide veiy simplified, and very schematic, axial views of a rotor like that pictured in Fig. 6A, with Fig. 6C depicting such a rotor which employs sixteen air foils, or vanes, and with Fig. 6D showing such a rotor which employs eighteen air foils, or vanes.
- Fig. 6C depicting such a rotor which employs sixteen air foils, or vanes
- Fig. 6D showing such a rotor which employs eighteen air foils, or vanes.
- 6E* is a simplified, fragmentary side elevation of a modified form of the invention, illustrating a rotaiy structural airangement which includes a generally truncated, frustro-conical, squirrel-cage-like, and also somewhat fanlike, hybrid aerodynamic rotor coupled (without the presence of any interconnecting, rotaiy shaft) to the rotor in an axially, very-thin, pancake-like electrical generator.
- air- foil vanes are provided which offer dual functionality in that they function both as (1) devices for capturing and extracting air-flow power, and (2) devices for providing back-door wind-pressure relief.
- Fig. 6E 2 a fragmentary axial view taken generally from the left side of Fig. 6E ⁇ , cairies a divided exposition responsibility in this specification, with its respective left and right sides schematically illustrating two different articulation mountings provided for air-foil vanes, which mountings permit the vanes to function simultaneously for wind-flow power extraction, and for wind- flow, "back-door", bypass control.
- Fig. 6E 3 is a stylized, schematic drawing which furnishes an axial view of another type of squirrel-cage-like, and also fan-like, hybrid aerodynamic rotor built in accordance with the present invention.
- Fig. 6E 4 is a stylized, schematic drawing taken generally (and very fragmentarily) from the right side of Fig. 6E 3 .
- certain "angular" features of elongate air foils illustrated there are highly exaggerated, as will be explained below.
- Fig. 7 is a simplified, schematic illustration of certain features of an integrated rotor-generator system made in accordance with the present invention.
- Fig. 8A is a simplified, fragmentary, isolated, schematic/block side view, employing somewhat greater detail than that used in Fig. 7, of an integrated rotor-generator system made according to the invention.
- Fig. 8B shows a front view of the system shown in Fig. 8A.
- Fig. 8C which is very much like Fig. 8A, shows a simplified, fragmentary, isolated, schematic/block side view of an integrated rotor- generator system constructed in accordance with one alternative embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 9A shows a simplified, fragmentary, schematic/block side view of one modified system embodiment of the invention, which embodiment employs an integrated rotor-generator that contains a propeller-type (fan-blade-type) aerodynamic rotor.
- Fig. 9B shows a front view of the system pictured in Fig. 9A.
- Fig. 9C is a front view of another integrated rotor-generator system embodiment of the invention, which embodiment also contains a propeller-type aerodynamic rotor.
- Fig. 10 is a simplified, fragmentary, isolated, schematic side view of portions of an integrated rotor-generator system which includes a wind vane for directing the aerodynamic rotor (a squiirel-cage-type is shown) toward oncoming wind.
- Fig. 1 1 is a partial sectional view of an electric rotor employed in one embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the rotor shown in Fig. 1 1.
- Figs. 13 and 14 are partial sectional views of a preferred electrical rotor and stator configuration employed in one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figs. 15A- 15C are simplified, schematic side views of integrated rotor- generators employing alternative electrical rotor and stator configurations in accordance with the present invention.
- Fig. 16 is a simplified, front view of a back door system in a hoop-type aerodynamic rotor in accordance with a prefeired embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 17 is a simplified, isolated, front view of a single-piece array of back door elements employed in the system illustrated in Fig. 16.
- Fig. 18A shows a simplified, partial, cross-sectional side view through a back door element in the system illustrated in Fig. 16.
- Figs. 18B and 18C are partial, cross-sectional side views of alternate back door elements.
- Fig. 19 is a simplified, schematic side view of the back door system illustrated in Fig. 16 reacting to wind force (coming from the right side of this figure).
- Fig. 20 is a graph showing the relationship, generally, between the extent of back door opening as a function of wind force.
- Fig. 21 A is a schematic/block-diagram view of a back door system employing sliding screens in accordance with alternative embodiments of the present invention.
- Fig. 2 IB is a side view of the back door structure used in the back door system shown in Fig. 21 A.
- Figs. 22A and 22B are simplified, schematic, side views of a two-layer, sliding-screen, back door system illustrated in closed and opened conditions, respectively.
- Figs. 23 A and 23B are simplified, schematic, side views of a three-layer, sliding-screen, back door system illustrated in closed and opened conditions, respectively.
- Fig. 24 is a simplified, partial, cross-sectional view of a passive, sliding- screen, back door system (different door-opening conditions being shown in dashed and solid lines respectively) according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
- Fig. 25 is a simplified front view of another back door system used in a hoop-type aerodynamic rotor in accordance with the present invention.
- Fig. 26 is a front, perspective view illustrating, in a somewhat isolated fashion, yet another modified wind-turbine system featuring the present invention. This drawing is on about the same scale as that used in Fig. 6A.
- Fig. 27 is a rear, perspective view of the system of Fig. 26.
- Fig. 28 is a side elevation taken generally from the right side of Fig. 26.
- Fig. 29 is a simplified, perspective, exploded view illustrating various components which make up the integrated rotor/generator employed in the system of Figs. 26, 27 and 28.
- Fig. 30 is a view which is similar to that presented in Fig. 28, except that it shows (a) a modified rotor support structure, and (b) a modified wind vane which has the same functionality as the wind vane illustrated in Fig. 10.
- Figs. 31, 32 and 33 are simplified, schematic side elevations depicting, respectively, a ground-transport vehicle, a water-transport vehicle, and an airtransport vehicle, each employing a "reverse-performance" embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5A this figure illustrates, in a vertical stack, and as noted earlier, three different renditions, or realizations (embodiments), of the structural airangement proposed by the present invention.
- the upper view in Fig. 5A pictures such an embodiment at 50.
- This embodiment includes an integrated rotor/generator having a hoop-type, aerodynamic rotor 52 which is coupled perimetrally to the rotor 54 in an electrical generator 55.
- Rotors 52, 54 act mechanically as a unit with one another, and are suitably commonly joumaled (by bearings not illustrated) on a stationary shaft 56 for rotation about their commonly shared longitudinal axes of symmetry, which axes are also common, or coincident with, the system's rotational axis shown at 57.
- Axis 57 lies in the plane of Fig. 5A.
- Stator 58 Suitably mounted on and anchored to shaft 56 is a somewhat hoop- shaped stator 58 in generator 55.
- Stator 58 has a somewhat cylindrical shape (as viewed along axis 57), and extends axially inwardly into the right side of rotor 54 in this top view.
- Shaft 56 is suitably supported on, and over, the nearby underlying ground in a manner peimitting the left side of rotor 52 in this drawing figure to face, generally, the direction of oncoming wind W, which in this view, flows from the left to the right.
- FIG. 5A illustrates what is referred to herein as the most preferred form of the present invention, wherein a hoop-type, aerodynamic rotor couples generally in an annular, rim-to-rim, perimetral fashion to rotor 54, with the power transfer that resultingly takes place between these two rotors occurring without requiring the use of any rotating, coupling shaft.
- Rotors 52, 54 herein collectively constitute a spool, with each rotor effectively defining, or forming, one perimetral end of the spool. The wind-facing, left end of this spool in the figure is refeired to hereinalso as an open end.
- FIG. 5A illustrates, partially, an integrated rotor/generator system 60 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- a propeller-type, or fan-type, aerodynamic rotor 61 is employed having plural, radially-extending blades, such as blade 61 a, anchored near their outer ends, and in any suitable fashion, to the perimeter of the left side of an electrical rotor 62.
- Rotor 62 forms part of an electrical generator 63.
- Rotors 61, 62 are suitably journaled on a stationary shaft 65, through bearings not shown, for rotation about an axis 64.
- Shaft 65 is very much like previously-mentioned shaft 56, in that shaft 65 does not rotate, and is suitably supported on and above the underlying ground in a manner (still to be described) peimitting the blades, and rotor 61, to face oncoming wind W, which in this view, as in the top view discussed above, flows from the left to the right in the view.
- generator 63 Also forming part of generator 63 is a stator 66, somewhat hoop-like in construction, with this stator extending axially into rotor 62 from the right side of that rotor as pictured in this view.
- FIG. 5A partially illustrates a third embodiment of the system of the present invention, which system embodiment employs a hoop-like aerodynamic rotor 67 which is anchored to a rotating shaft 68.
- Shaft 68 is supported for rotation, through suitable bearings (not shown), on an appropriate ground-support structure (still to be discussed).
- This ground- support structure supports the Fig. 5A- pictured components of this system embodiment in a manner allowing rotor 67 to face oncoming wind W, in much the same manner as was described with respect to previously-mentioned rotors 52, 61.
- Also anchored to shaft 68, for rotation along with the shaft, is a hooplike electrical rotor 69a which forms part of an electrical generator 69.
- Generator 69 also includes a stator 69b which is suitably anchored for non- rotation relative to the ground. Stator 69b extends axially inwardly into the right side of rotor 69a (as such is pictured in the lower view in Fig. 5 A).
- the upper and middle views in Fig. 5A thus illustrate embodiments of the present invention wherein no rotating shaft is employed, and wherein mechanical power, which can be thought of as rotating mechanical power, is coupled (handed-off, or transferred) between the respective aerodynamic rotors and the respective, associated electrical generator rotors, in what is referred to herein as an annular, perimetral. rim-to-rim fashion.
- integrally combined rotors constitute a generally annular, contiguous cylindrical wall in what is also referred to herein as a revolution structure according to this invention.
- the combined rotor construction includes an open front (left) end, and a generally closed back (right) end.
- the system illustrated in the lower-most view in Fig. 5A includes an integrated rotor/generator structure wherein a rotating shaft is employed as the mechanical coupling agency acting between the aerodynamic rotor and the generator rotor.
- power that is derivable from an oncoming and existing fluid-flow of wind (1) is captured in a generally circular, cross-sectional area; (2) is converted to mechanical rotation; (3) is delivered mechanically from the aerodynamic structure to the rotor in an electrical generator; and (4) from there on out, exits the components shown in Fig. 5A as an electrical output which is handled in a manner that will be described shortly. Conditions of "excess" wind, and how these are handled, will be discussed later in this document.
- captured fluid-flow (wind) power is gathered in an annular, rotating perimetral region for delivery to the perimetral rim in the respective, associated electrical generator rotor.
- FIG. 5B illustrates, in veiy simple, schematic-layout fashion, a preferred, wind-turbine embodiment 79 of the invention (the same embodiment pictured in the upper view of Fig. 5A).
- Fig. 5B also illustrates, more fully, several directions, axes, rotations and angles that characterize this invention and its operation.
- wind W is directed toward a front, open side (left side in Fig. 5B) of an "integrated" aerodynamic rotor 80 (which forms the rotating portion of system 79), thereby causing rotor 80 to rotate as indicated at Ri around a rotor axis A] .
- Axis A* will typically be substantially parallel to the ground 82, and should be substantially in parallel with the wind direction W.
- Another important rotational axis A 2 also called herein a vertical support axis, is generally parallel to gravitational direction G, perpendicular to ground 82, and perpendicular to rotor axis A* .
- Axis A 2 is also referred to both as a "wind- seeking axis", and as a “primary support axis”.
- Axis A 2 is generally defined by the particular support structure, such as support structure 83, which is employed to support rotor 80 and other components of the wind-turbine system which may be oriented along or relative to axis A* .
- axis A* is free to rotate as indicated at R 2 around axis A 2 so that the front face of rotor 80 is optimally positioned to receive wind W.
- a third axis A 3 (which is substantially noimal relative to each of axes A*, A 2 ) may be provided for allowing selected "vertical" angulation of rotor 80, as indicated by angles ai, , to assure that axis A* substantially parallels the surface of the underlying ground.
- a downwardly and forwardly inclined angle such as angle ⁇ *
- an upwardly and forwardly inclined angle such as angle ⁇
- system 79 takes the form of an embodiment of the present invention wherein a hoop-shaped, or squirrel-cage- type, aerodynamic rotor is coupled in a rim-to-rim, perimetral fashion directly to the rotor in an electrical generator. This coupling exists, according to the invention, without there being any intervening, rotating drive shaft.
- Rotor 80 can really be thought of as being a rotor assembly which includes an aerodynamic rotor, and additionally, a rotor which forms a part of the electrical generator just mentioned.
- Such twin-rotor descriptive language will be employed variously from hereon in this specification.
- Rotor assembly 80 is refeired to herein as including a hoop-shaped, or squirrel-cage- type, aerodynamic, generally cylindrical rotor 90 which has an open front end 92 for receiving wind W, and an axially opposite, normally generally closed, back end 94.
- the long axis of rotor 90 is coincident with rotational axis A* .
- Rotor 90 may be constructed in a number of different specific ways, several of which are illustrated and described more particularly shortly herein, with this rotor including what is refeired to as a generally circular, disc-shaped back door structure 91 generally at the location of, and occupying, a plane Pi (which plane is generally normal to axis A* ).
- this back door structure is selectively openable and closeable (via angularly distributed, adjustable openings) relative to peimitting the axial through-flow of wind, preferably in response to impinging wind velocity, to direct, under substantially all operating circumstances, the most appropriate volume of wind flow radially outwardly (as will be explained) the periphery of rotor 90.
- the rear perimeter rim portion of rotor 90 is joined veiy directly, and in what is refeired to herein as a perimetral, rim-to-rim fashion, with the periphery of a rotor 93 which foims the rotating-component portion of an electrical generator shown generally at 95 in Figs. 5B. 7 and 8A.
- the stator of generator 95 is illustrated generally at 97, is received within the inside of rotor 93, and is suitably anchored to a shaft 99 which supports the entirety of generator 95 and of all portions of rotor assembly 80.
- Shaft 99 is a fixed, non-rotating shaft, suitably anchored to the top portion of previously mentioned support structure 83.
- Rotor 90 has a plurality of air foils, such as air foils 96, distributed around the periphery of the hoop-like structure.
- Rotor 90 herein is constructed with sixteen air foils (all visible schematically in Fig. 6C, but not all in Fig. 6A) - sixteen being one of several specific numbers of foils which have demonstrated superior performance. Another observably interesting number of foils, for example, is eighteen (see Fig.
- Wind W is received through open end 92 of rotor 90, and then is directed out through the periphery of rotor 90, between air foils 96, thereby imparting rotational movement to rotor 90 around rotaiy axis Ai .
- aerodynamic rotor 90 here has a generally truncated, frustro-conical configuration, and contains an appropriate number (for example, sixteen) of elongate air foils 96 which are disposed with their long axes lying in planes that reside at oblique angles of "wind-flow attack" relative to rotation axis A ⁇ .
- the rotor pictured in these two figures is in the general hybrid categoiy mentioned above which has both fan-like and squirrel-cage-like qualities.
- Figs. 6E-, 6E 2 are employed herein to illustrate the present invention, these two figures are used, variously, to show three different modifications which reside, generally, in two different categories.
- One category involves a construction wherein the foils are essentially fixed for all time in defined positions relative to one another in the aerodynamic rotor, and the reader should, accordingly, keep this constructional alternative in mind.
- the other categoiy involves the presence of moveable, articulated foils, and Fig. 6E 2 is especially designed to picture two different foil-articulation arrangements.
- Rotor 90 The open end of rotor 90 is indicated at 92.
- the rotor's opposite end is perimetrally, drivingly coupled to electrical rotor 93 in generator 95 (this generator, and its two main components, are shown only in Fig. 6E
- Rotor 93 confrontingly and closely faces electrical stator 97 in this generator, in a pancake-like fashion.
- Rotors 90, 93 are coupled without there being any intervening rotating shaft.
- the center of gravity of the system shown in Fig. 6E ⁇ acts (gravitationally) along the line designed CG, and this line is spaced by a distance D from the upright support axis in support structure 83.
- the overall axial length of the system components which are carried on shaft 99 is indicated at L ⁇
- the overall axial length of the pancake-like generator in this system is indicated at L a .
- L a is a small fraction of L A , and this situation contributes to the utility of having the entirety of the system components that are illustrated in Fig. 6E ⁇ disposed entirely to one axial side of the point of ultimate (above-ground) support connection of the system with support structure 83.
- foils 96 are suitably mounted in a manner peimitting selective, preferably infinitely controllable, reversible, circumferential, "sliding-like" motion relative to one another about axis Aj.
- This motion is suggested by the double-ended, curved arrow which is designated 94.
- Such motion effectively expands and contracts the sizes of the distributed spaces that, by intentional aerodynamic design, lie between the various pairs of adjacent foils, thus to change, accordingly and simultaneously
- Fig. 6E shows an airangement wherein each (although less than all could be used) foil is hinged along one of its generally axially-extending sides in the aerodynamic rotor to permit selective, preferably infinitely controllable, flap-like hinged motion, toward and away from axis Aj .
- This kind of motion accomplishes essentially the same general kind of wind- percentage dividing-activity described in the preceding paragraph herein, and in addition, functions to alter effective foil angle of attack as another subtle control over wind-power extraction.
- Foils 96 as pictured in Figs. 6E* and 6E 2 , are long, straight structures, and each is disposed with its long axis both (a) lying in a plane which is also occupied by rotational axis A], and (b) intersecting axis A) at an angle which is other than a right angle (i.e., acute).
- This "acute" intersection angle opens toward (or faces) the wind-facing side of rotor 92 (the left side in Fig. 6E ⁇ ).
- Figs. 6E , 6E show yet another modified foim of aerodynamic rotor 90 which exhibits the earlier mentioned hybrid behavior of being both somewhat fan-like, and also somewhat squirrel-cage-like.
- air foils in aerodynamic rotor 90 are essentially straight and linear in construction, and are suitably mounted in place adjacent opposite axial ends of the rotor with their long axes extending at oblique angles (the angles are the same for each foil) relative to rotational axis
- Fig. 6E generally pictures previously mentioned long axes stretches 96a, 96b, 96c, and additionally, pictures, at W in this figure, vector wind of the type just generally mentioned.
- the front, wind-receiving side of the rotor is generally labeled R t
- the opposite axial side of the rotor is indicated at R r .
- the wind-receiving side of rotor 90 is shown also with the designator R f in Fig. 6E 3 .
- the nominal through-passage inside diameter of the rotor is generally pictured at Di .
- the effective inside diameter of the rotor i.e., that diameter which describes what could be thought of as a through- flow passage that exists as a consequence of the angular mountings of foils 96, is indicated in Fig. 6E ⁇ at D 2 . Shading which is provided in a portion of Fig.
- a power- electronic control circuit, or structure, 108 which is an otherwise conventional function, will be mentioned shortly. Since aerodynamic rotor 90 (which is shown with fixed, straight foils whose long axes substantially parallel rotation axis Ai) and generator rotor 93 are connected and integrated with each other, it is unnecessary for shaft 99 to rotate, and this "elimination" of an interconnecting, rotating shaft also eliminates the stress and fatigue problems which occur with rotating shafts in the prior art. Thus, the design illustrated in Fig. 7 also eliminates the requirement for using shaft 99 as a torsion transfer mechanism between aerodynamic rotor 90 and generator rotor 93.
- generator 95 With system 79 operating under a "normal" condition, in the presence of a velocity-varying wind-flow, generator 95 produces variable-voltage, variable- frequency electrical power. This variation-containing power is controlled and converted conventionally by circuit 108 to a standard utility voltage and frequency which is delivered to a conventional utility grid, as indicated by J J
- circuit 108 may take any one of a number of well known and well understood, conventional constructions (i.e., such as constructions of this nature often found in variable-speed, power-electronic drives provided for industrial motors). Accordingly, details of this circuit are not presented here.
- Fig. 8A elaborates, slightly, the integrated rotor-generator system 79 organization pictured in Fig. 7.
- rotor structure 80 is opened up to show general interior construction, and other features.
- stator 97 is seen clearly nested within generator rotor 93.
- Passage routes for wind W are illustrated by arrows W,, W 2 , with arrow W* illustrating radial outward wind- flow past air foils 96, and arrow W 2 illustrating longitudinal, "escape” wind- flow (as needed) through back door structure 91.
- FIG. 5 A top and bottom views, and 5B. Greater detail about the make-up and operation of structure 91 will follow shortly.
- Journal mechanisms 1 12 are shown (see Figs. 8A, 8B) supporting the entity of rotor structure 80 for rotation on stationary shaft 99.
- Generator stator 97 is shown anchored, as, for example, by welding at 1 14, on shaft 99.
- an organization has been shown with the generator stator nested and received within the generator rotor.
- Dashed lines 97A and 97B in Fig. 5B show two alternative generator configurations.
- dashed lines 97A show a generator with its stator wrapping around rotor 93
- dashed lines 97B show a generator with its stator positioned laterally outwardly of. and slightly away from, the right end of rotor 93 in Fig. 5B.
- Fig. 8C shows another embodiment of an integrated rotor-generator system 132.
- System 132 is the same as rotor-generator system 79 of Fig. 8A, except that the relative axial positions of the aerodynamic rotor and of the generator rotor portion are switched.
- System 132 has an electrical generator with a rotor portion 134 in front (i.e., forwardly located for direct engagement with wind), and a circumsurrounding stator portion 135.
- the back perimetral, annular side of the "hollow" rotor in generator portion 134 is integrally connected, in a perimetral, rim-to-rim fashion, to an aerodynamic, hoop-like rotor portion 136.
- Generator rotor portion 134 and aerodynamic rotor portion 136 are supported by a stationaiy support shaft 137 which is held in an orientation generally parallel to the direction of wind W by ground-support structure 138. Illustrated generally at 139 is a "wind-escape" back door structure that occupies a plane P 2 .
- Figs. 9A and 9B are similar to Figs. 8A and 8B. respectively, except that a propeller-type aerodynamic rotor is used instead of a hoop-type, or squirrel- cage-type, rotor.
- Fig. 9A shows a side view of an integrated rotor-generator system 140.
- a propeller-type aerodynamic rotor 142 has its blades 142a integrally connected with the rotor 143 in a direct-drive electrical generator 144. These blades are connected, as by welding (at locations such as those shown at 141), to the forward-end perimeter of the generator rotor, and the blades extend, as can be seen, radially outward from a central, rotary hub 145 to receive and respond to oncoming wind W.
- a nonrotating. stationaiy shaft 148 which is equivalent to the several stationaiy shafts already mentioned, functions to support integrated rotor- generator system 140, but is not required to transfer torque, or to rotate relative to axis Ai .
- Primary ground-support structure 150 allows rotor-generator 140 to rotate, or swing, about primary support axis A 2 according to changes in wind direction W.
- electrical power produced by generator 144 is controlled and converted by a power-electronic control circuit 152 before delivery to a grid (arrow 153).
- Fig. 9B shows a front view of rotor-generator system 140.
- Rotor-generator system 156 employs aerodynamic rotor fan blades, such as blades 158, which extend in radial directions but which are not connected to a central hub. Blades 158 are directly connected, as by welding at locations such as those shown at 159, to the forward-end perimeter of a squirrel-cage-type electrical rotor 160 which forms part of an electrical generator 161. Rotor 160 rotates around axis Ai .
- vertical-axis integrated rotor-generators can be designed and produced by integrating direct-drive generator rotors with known vertical-axis aerodynamic rotors, such as ( 1), a Savonius-type rotor, such as is disclosed and described in U.S. Patents Nos. 1 ,766,765 and 4,838,757, and (2), a Dairieus-type rotor, such as is disclosed and described in U.S. Patents Nos. 1,835,018 and 4,449,053.
- a Savonius-type rotor such as is disclosed and described in U.S. Patents Nos. 1 ,766,765 and 4,838,757
- Dairieus-type rotor such as is disclosed and described in U.S. Patents Nos. 1,835,018 and 4,449,053.
- a wind-vane structure which is used to create passive alignment, with the wind- flow direction W, and about axis A , the rotaiy axis A* of the aerodynamic rotor portion 172 of an integrated rotor-generator system 170.
- System 170 is, in most other ways, the same in construction as previously discussed system 79.
- Included in system 170, and forming at least a part of the mentioned wind-vane structure, is an elongate wind vane 176 which extends behind the integrated rotor-generator part of system 170.
- wind vane 176 is suitably anchored so as to move about primary support axis A 2 , and as a unit with the generator stator portion 174 of an electrical generator 175, in response to changes in wind direction W.
- the rotor portion of the generator is indicated at 177.
- Such a wind-direction-shaft-response causes stationaiy, nonrotating shaft 178 to swing around axis A 2 , so that wind W is optimally directed toward and into the front-end opening 180 of aerodynamic rotor portion 172.
- Such "seeking of the wind” performance is, of course, a function of the fact that what can be thought of as the "center of action” (lateral action) of the combined structure pictured in Fig.
- Figs. 1 1, 12, 13, 14, 15A, 15B and 15C generally illustrate several considered approaches (a few, overall, configurational possibilities, and some internal details).
- Figs. 1 1, 12, for example, illustrate one prefeired construction for an electrical generator rotor 186 usable in a rotor-generator system like that pictured in. and discussed with respect to, Figs. 5A (all views), 5B, 7, 8A. 8C, 9A and 10.
- an electrical generator rotor is directly connected to, and rotates as an integrated assembly with, the associated aerodynamic rotor.
- the nominal diameters of these two joined rotors are substantially the same. Both the generator rotor and the aerodynamic rotor will operate in such a setting at, or near, optimal efficiency. No speed-increaser is required.
- rotor 186 includes a ring-like, outer rim 188 which is made of a suitable magnetic steel. Rim 188 provides structural support for other components in rotor 186, and additionally, furnishes an appropriate coupling, magnetic flux path.
- An inner ring 190 is bonded to outer rim 188, which inner ring 190 takes the form of plural, spaced, permanent magnet segments, such as segments 192. Conventionally, segments 192 are arranged circumferentially with alternating N-S polarity (see the enlarged, fragmentary view presented in Fig. 12).
- R r is the inside radius of curvature of rotor 186.
- Figs. 13, 14 relate specifically to Figs. 1 1, 12, respectively, and show a non-rotating, ring-like electrical generator stator 194 positioned inside rotor 186.
- Rotor 186's inside radius R r is slightly larger than stator 194's outside radius R s , thus to furnish the usual, required airgap 198.
- Rotor 186 and stator 194 foim a concentiic and coaxial pair of rings with a common center on axis Ai - a construction which clearly "fits well" in the overall constructional setting of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Stator 194, as illustrated herein, includes two, joined, outer and inner ring-like structures 200, 206 respectively.
- Outer ring structure 200 is formed from laminations of a suitable magnetic steel which are fabricated with slots/pockets, such as those shown at 202, to cany appropriate stator windings, such as windings 204.
- FIG. 15A shows a schematic cross-section through an integrated rotor-generator 220, which is a version of the alternative construction mentioned with respect to dashed lines 97A in Fig. 5B.
- an aerodynamic rotor 222 is connected to an associated generator rotor 224.
- a stator 226 is positioned externally around the circumference of rotor 224. In operation, rotors 222, 224 rotate around axis A
- Figs. 15B, 15C show two more examples of general integrated rotor- generator arrangements involving a generator's rotor and stator relative dispositions.
- a squirrel-cage-type aerodynamic rotor 232 is shown connected to a generator rotor 234.
- rotor 234 takes the foim generally of a flat (planar, pancake-like), annular disk.
- the associated stator, shown at 236, is also foimed generally as a flat (planar, pancake-like), annular disk, and is positioned in a spaced, facially confronting (right side of the rotor in Fig. 15B) relationship with respect to rotor 234.
- a squiirel-cage-type, aerodynamic rotor 242 is shown connected to a flat, annular (planar, pancake-like) generator rotor 244.
- Rotor 244 is sandwiched between two, spaced, cooperative stator components 246, 248.
- Figs. 16-25, inclusive illustrate embodiments of the invention relating to an important aspect of a hoop-type, or squiirel-cage-type, aerodynamic rotor - any style.
- this invention aspect with an aerodynamic rotor such as the one shown in Fig. 6A.
- wind W enters open front end 92 and ultimately encounters back panel and door assembly 91 which effectively functions to redirect wind-flow radially outwardly (see Wi) through the periphery of rotor 90 between air foils 96. It is, of course, such wind-flow past the air foils which extracts usable kinetic energy from the wind, and converts it to rotating mechanical power which turns the integrated aerodynamic and generator rotors.
- back panel and door assembly 91 At normally expected wind speeds, it is desirable for back panel and door assembly 91 to be mostly, or totally, closed. However, at extremely high wind speeds, such as hurricane-force winds, the system may not be capable, without there being available some form of highly responsive, wind-force relief, of withstanding such high wind forces without catastrophic consequences — for example, collapse and destruction of the rotor and its support system. Therefore, it is important to design and utilize a back door system which provides variable opening of the back panel as a function of wind force.
- Fig. 16 illustrates veiy generally another back panel and door assembly 270.
- Assembly 270 includes a generally circular back panel 272 which is formed with a plurality (eight in the structure illustrated in Fig. 16) of openings, such as the four openings pictured at 272a, 272b, 272c, 272d, and a plurality of back door elements, such as the four elements pictured at 274a, 274b, 274c, 274d.
- the openings thus illustrated in panel 272 are substantially equally angularly spaced, are circumferentially distributed around axis A*, and are somewhat pie-shaped.
- the door elements mentioned are preferably formed (with the shape, somewhat, of radiating petals of a flower) in a single, generally disc-shaped blank 280 (see Fig. 17) which is made of a material, such as fiberglass, metal, plastic, rubber, etc.
- Blank 280, and its contained “petals” (which are the previously mentioned door elements), is suitably secured, near a hub 276, axially symmetrically, and face-to-face contiguously located, with respect to panel 272.
- the respective door elements In a "relaxed" state for blank 280, the respective door elements each substantially closes off (against wind passage) a different one of the openings in panel 272.
- these elements passively bend/pivot/swing about axes, such as axis 278 which is related to panel 274a, to open up the associated openings, such as opening 272a, in panel 272, thus to permit the escape of wind axially through the system, and thus to help avoid a catastrophic damage, "over-wind” situation.
- Such pivoting/swinging/opening action occurs effectively via the operations of integral "living hinges" which exist in blank 280.
- back panel and door assembly 270 is quite simple in construction, particularly when compared to the back door system disclosed in previously mentioned U.S. Patent No. 5,425,619. Numerous variations of back panel and door assemblies are possible.
- the pivot line utilized by a door element can be changed to lie along a generally radial line, such as is indicated at B, or along a near-outer-circumference, tangential line, such as is indicated at C.
- different blanks with their contained door elements can have different spring coefficients, i.e., different opening profiles as a function of wind force.
- Fig. 18A shows a schematically drawn cross-section through back door element 274a.
- element 274a is shown with a uniform thickness along its radial length.
- the thickness of element 274a is selected, at least in part, to achieve the desired hinging or bending performance in response to wind force. Alternatively, it may sometimes be advantageous to vaiy the flexibility of a back door element along its length.
- stiffening layers such as those shown at 275a, 275b, may be mounted on back door element 274a to create such a varied flexibility profile. Stiffening layers may also be useful to dampen vibration of the back door elements. Controlled flexibility of element 274a along its length can also be achieved by graduating the thickness of the element, as shown in Fig. 18C.
- Fig. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a back door element sheet 281 which is mounted on an aerodynamic rotor 282 in such a fashion that it responds to a wind-overload situation (W) by bending backwardly over the generally convex surface of a central hub element 283, which, thus, effects positive control over the sheet's bending response.
- W wind-overload situation
- the back door structures proposed for use in the system of the present invention also can be used and tuned to reduce fluctuation in turbine rotaiy speed due to changing wind speed. This can have the positive result of decreasing variability of voltage and frequency output from the related system's electric generator.
- Fig. 20 shows a graph generally plotting a back door opening area A as a function of wind force F.
- the graph shows that, in a low wind regime, changes in wind force cause relatively small changes in the degree of back door opening. However, in a high wind regime above threshold X, relatively small changes in wind force cause large changes A in the degree of back door opening.
- Figs. 21A through 23B illustrate another type of back door system for a hoop-type, aerodynamic rotor -- this one employing a sliding screen arrangement.
- a back door assembly 300 employs two sliding screens, namely, a front screen 302 defining four openings, such as opening 304, and a back screen 306 (dashed lines) defining openings, such as opening 308.
- Openings 308 in back screen 306 are slightly larger than openings 304 in front screen 302.
- a wind sensor 310 associated with this back door system detects wind force, and transmits wind force data to an actuator 312.
- Actuator 312 deteimines, and then effects, the desired degree or extent of back door opening, and causing rotation of either front screen 302 or back screen 306 relative to each other.
- maximum back door opening is achieved by aligning openings 304 of front screen 302 with openings 308 of back screen 306.
- Fig. 2 IB is a side view of front screen 302 and back screen 306 of back door system 300.
- Figs. 22A-23B illustrate, schematically, open and closed conditions for two, different sliding-screen back door systems.
- a front screen 320 is adjusted relative to a back screen 322 so that all back door openings are closed.
- Fig. 22B shows the same front screen 320 and back screen 322, with the screens rotated relative to one other to create maximum opening of back door apertures 324.
- Figs. 23 A, 23 B show a three-screen sliding back door system which permits a greater extent of total back door opening in the fully open condition.
- a front screen 330, a middle screen 332 and a back screen 334 are rotated relative to each other so that the associated back door apertures 336 are closed.
- the same screens are shown in maximally open conditions position in Fig. 23B, where front screen 330, middle screen 332 and back screen 334 are lined up with each other in order to maximize the areas of openings 336.
- Figs. 23A, 23B illustrate the point that increasing the number of sliding screens allows a greater maximum extent of back door opening in a sliding-screen-type back door airangement.
- Fig. 24 illustrates veiy schematically the possibility of providing a sliding-screen-type back door structure which is passive (i.e., directly wind responsive).
- a screen member 340 which includes openings, such as opening 342, and a relatively deflectable/rotatable, second screen member 344 which includes portions, such as portion 344a, that can be deflectingly (downward in Fig. 24) and rotational Iy (to the left in Fig. 24) adjusted to close, and variably open, such openings.
- portion 344a is illustrated schematically in a condition more nearly closing opening 342, and in dashed lines, at 344b, this same portion (344a) is shown in a condition more fully opening opening 342.
- portion 344a causes portion 344a to "drive” (for example) against the sloping cam wall 346a of an appropriate cam structure 346 which is mounted on, or adjacent, the rear (lower in Fig. 24) face 340a in screen member 340.
- drive for example
- sloping cam wall 346a of an appropriate cam structure 346 which is mounted on, or adjacent, the rear (lower in Fig. 24) face 340a in screen member 340.
- FIG. 25 Another type of back door system is illustrated in Fig. 25.
- a back door system 350 which is formed of an elastomeric sheet material 352 having a small central opening 354 and radial slits 356. Elastomeric sheet 352 is suitably clamped near its circular, outer, peripheral edge 358. Wind impinging on back door system 350 causes individual segments of sheet 352 to bend and deform backward out of their resting-plane, collectively causing an effective increase in the central aperture dimension to release variably excessive wind power.
- Figs. 26-29 generally illustrate at 360 an integrated rotor/generator system constructed in accordance with the present invention which differs a bit from the other system structures discussed above.
- System 360 includes a squiirel-cage-type aerodynamic rotor 362 which is equipped with plural air foils, such as foils 364, with this aerodynamic rotor coupled to the rotor 366 in a pancake-like generator 368 which also includes a stator 370.
- Fig. 29 is a somewhat exploded view illustrating the front and rear angular support rings 362a, 362b, respectively, in rotor 362, the previously mentioned air foils 364, and an exploded cluster of veiy thin (axially) somewhat ring-like components that make up previously mentioned generator 368.
- the integrated aerodynamic rotor/generator assembly is ca ⁇ ied, without the presence of any rotating shaft, on a fixed shaft 372 which is suitably anchored to a somewhat L-shaped support aim 374 that is carried on top of an upright support structure shown generally and fragmentarily at 376.
- an adjustable back door assembly 378 of any suitable design.
- FIG. 30 illustrates a system 380 constructed in accordance with the present invention with this system including an integrated rotor/generator structure which is essentially exactly the same as that pictured in Figs. 26-29, inclusive.
- This rotor/generator structure an integrated structure, is supported on a stationary shaft 382 which is anchored to the top of a slightly bowed support arm 384 that is carried on top of an upright support structure 386.
- An upwardly extending, tail-like wind vane 388 is provided (as shown) to give structure 380 the kind of wind-seeking behavior generally discussed above.
- Vehicle 400 represents a ground-transport vehicle
- vehicle 402 a water- transport vehicle
- vehicle 404 an air-transport vehicle
- Vehicles 400, 402, 404 are equipped with power-drive systems 400P, 402P, 404P, respectively, which are constructed in accordance with appropriate, reverse-performance features (mentioned earlier) of the present invention.
- Each power-drive system also referred to herein as a fluid-flow propulsion system, converts electrical power to air-flow power to furnish forward propulsion (to the left in Figs. 3 1- 33, inclusive) for vehicles 400, 402, 404.
- system 400P includes an electro-magnetic prime mover 406 having a magnetic-field-coupleable stator and a relatively rotatable rotor (like stators and rotors in such a device as earlier described herein), and a fluid-flow propulsion rotor 408 which is suitably drivingly connected to the just-mentioned prime- mover rotor.
- the integrated rotor-generator may be employed advantageously in all sizes and power ratings of electricity-generating wind turbines. Additionally, the invention may be viewed more generally as useful for converting fluid-flow to mechanical rotation and electrical power. For example, the integrated rotor-generator can be applied to underwater or other liquid applications. The invention may also be applied "inversely" in relation to the wind turbine examples discussed above. Specifically, the system of this invention may be used for the conversion of electrical power to fluid-flow power, such as in electrically-driven fans for moving fluids and for use in a vehicle propulsion applications.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Wind Motors (AREA)
- Connection Of Motors, Electrical Generators, Mechanical Devices, And The Like (AREA)
- Control Of Eletrric Generators (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/013580 WO2000077914A2 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 1999-06-16 | Power-transducer/conversion system and related methodology |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1208301A2 true EP1208301A2 (en) | 2002-05-29 |
EP1208301A4 EP1208301A4 (en) | 2002-10-30 |
Family
ID=22272985
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99928716A Withdrawn EP1208301A4 (en) | 1999-06-16 | 1999-06-16 | Power-transducer/conversion system and related methodology |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1208301A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4611586B2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU4571599A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000077914A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2206028B1 (en) * | 2002-06-13 | 2005-03-01 | Manuel Torres Martinez | PERFECTION IN THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTION AIRCRAFTERS. |
JP6098865B2 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2017-03-22 | 清水建設株式会社 | Windmill equipment |
JP5795829B1 (en) * | 2015-03-30 | 2015-10-14 | 力雄 荒井 | Wind power generator |
US20170104385A1 (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2017-04-13 | Adam C. Salamon | Reduced Complexity Ring Motor Design for Propeller Driven Vehicles |
JP2021534722A (en) * | 2018-08-17 | 2021-12-09 | グプタ,ヴィヴェック | Solar energy collector with tree structure |
CN110752707B (en) * | 2019-10-29 | 2021-11-12 | 河北江津五金制品股份有限公司 | Closed type driving device with mass center displacement |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0045264A2 (en) * | 1980-07-29 | 1982-02-03 | Megatec - Industrie | Wind driven electric generator |
EP0462724A1 (en) * | 1990-06-07 | 1991-12-27 | General Electric Company | Integrated turbine generator |
US5289042A (en) * | 1992-12-11 | 1994-02-22 | Edward Lis | Wind operated generator |
US5425619A (en) * | 1993-10-26 | 1995-06-20 | Aylor; Elmo E. | Self governing fluid energy turbine |
EP0864748A1 (en) * | 1997-03-10 | 1998-09-16 | Jeumont Industrie | Low speed gearless wind turbine |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4831297A (en) * | 1988-02-16 | 1989-05-16 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Submersible electric propulsion motor with propeller integrated concentrically with motor rotor |
NL8902534A (en) * | 1989-10-12 | 1991-05-01 | Holec Projects Bv | WIND TURBINE. |
US5506453A (en) * | 1990-02-09 | 1996-04-09 | Mccombs; John C. | Machine for converting wind energy to electrical energy |
US5209650A (en) * | 1991-02-28 | 1993-05-11 | Lemieux Guy B | Integral motor and pump |
US5696419A (en) * | 1994-06-13 | 1997-12-09 | Alternative Generation Devices, Inc. | High-efficiency electric power generator |
US5591004A (en) * | 1995-04-06 | 1997-01-07 | Aylor; Elmo E. | Turbine support and energy transformation |
-
1999
- 1999-06-16 WO PCT/US1999/013580 patent/WO2000077914A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-06-16 EP EP99928716A patent/EP1208301A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-06-16 JP JP2001504064A patent/JP4611586B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-06-16 AU AU45715/99A patent/AU4571599A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP0045264A2 (en) * | 1980-07-29 | 1982-02-03 | Megatec - Industrie | Wind driven electric generator |
EP0462724A1 (en) * | 1990-06-07 | 1991-12-27 | General Electric Company | Integrated turbine generator |
US5289042A (en) * | 1992-12-11 | 1994-02-22 | Edward Lis | Wind operated generator |
US5425619A (en) * | 1993-10-26 | 1995-06-20 | Aylor; Elmo E. | Self governing fluid energy turbine |
EP0864748A1 (en) * | 1997-03-10 | 1998-09-16 | Jeumont Industrie | Low speed gearless wind turbine |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of WO0077914A2 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP4611586B2 (en) | 2011-01-12 |
WO2000077914A3 (en) | 2001-04-12 |
WO2000077914A2 (en) | 2000-12-21 |
JP2003502562A (en) | 2003-01-21 |
EP1208301A4 (en) | 2002-10-30 |
AU4571599A (en) | 2001-01-02 |
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