FR3132547A1 - Vertical-axis wind turbine, and ship equipped with at least one such wind turbine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a vertical axis wind turbine (E) comprising an odd number of sails (V1, V2, V3), and means (O) for reducing the wind resistance of these sails (V1, V2, V3) when they go up in the bed of the wind, and to increase the wind resistance of these sails (V1, V2, V3) when they go down in the bed of the wind.

Description

Vertical axis wind turbine, and ship equipped with at least one such wind turbine

In the field of maritime transport, much research focuses on ways to best use the power of the wind to complement or replace traditional motorized means of propulsion.

Some lines of research focus on ship traction using free sails, held by cables and floating above the ships.

Other areas of research focus on the use of wind as indirect means of propulsion, that is to say driving a system which itself drives an electric generator or a propeller or the like, ensuring the propulsion of the ship.

These latter lines of research have led to the development of a certain number of rotating machines such as wind turbines, some with horizontal axes, others vertical axes.

The present invention aims to provide a vertical axis wind turbine capable of ensuring in particular the propulsion of a ship, which has new characteristics making it possible to obtain significantly improved efficiency compared to the wind turbines which have been developed to date.

This aim of the invention is achieved in particular with a vertical axis wind turbine comprising an odd number of sails, and means for reducing the wind resistance of these sails when they rise in the wind bed, and for increasing the wind resistance. wind of these sails as they descend into the wind bed.

Thanks to these characteristics, which make it possible to reduce the braking of the wind turbine caused by the sails which rise into the wind, and to increase the acceleration of the wind turbine by the sails which take the wind, we obtain a wind turbine which presents significantly improved performance compared to existing solutions.

Depending on the optional characteristics of the wind turbine according to the invention, taken alone or in combination:

- said means of reducing and increasing the wind resistance of the sails include adjustable masts, and means for modifying the orientation of these masts: such adjustable masts constitute a simple solution for modifying the wind resistance of the sails;

- said means for reducing and increasing the wind resistance of the sails further comprise fixed booms integral with said masts, and movable booms articulated on said fixed booms: these mobile booms provide complementary means for modifying the wind resistance of the sails sails;

- said means for modifying the orientation of said masts include:
- a base,
- a crank comprising at least one arm and a crankpin, rotatably mounted on this base,
- a mast support mounted coaxially and rotatably on said crank,
- an eccentric wheel rotatably mounted on said crankpin,
- drive and synchronization means interposed between said mast support and said eccentric wheel ensuring a transmission ratio of 1 to 1,
- connecting rods interposed between said fixed booms and said eccentric wheel, and
- means for maintaining said at least one arm of the crank in a direction substantially perpendicular to that of the apparent wind: this embodiment ensures optimal orientation of the sails relative to the wind;

- the wind turbine comprises a motor shaft rotatably mounted inside said base, and provided with a motor pinion cooperating with teeth formed on the large diameter part of said eccentric wheel: this motor shaft, driven at high speed thanks to to the multiplication ratio between the pinions, can itself drive an electric generator and/or a propulsion system such as a ship propeller or a turbine;

- the means for maintaining said at least one arm of the crank in a direction substantially perpendicular to that of the apparent wind, are selected from the group comprising a purely mechanical orientation member and electrical control means;

- the wind turbine further comprises means for adjusting the orientation of said movable booms relative to said fixed booms: these adjustment means offer additional possibilities, such as for example forcing the sails to feather, i.e. - say parallel to the direction of the wind, when you want to stop the wind turbine;

- said masts are connected together by stays and spacers: this arrangement provides the necessary rigidity to the wind turbine;

- the wind turbine includes three masts and three sails: this odd number of masts and sails is optimal in terms of efficiency/cost;

- the sails are chosen from the group including flexible sails, rigid sails, photovoltaic panels: the presence of photovoltaic panels makes it possible to usefully use the surface of the sails to produce electrical energy which can be used for different purposes, such as for example the power supply of a ship's electrical installations, and in addition to propulsion.

The present invention also relates to a ship equipped with at least one wind turbine conforming to the above, comprising propulsion means driven by said motor shaft: the presence of at least one such wind turbine, and preferably two such wind turbines on a ship, allows the force of the wind to be used very efficiently to drive an electric generator and/or mechanical propulsion system of this ship, of the propeller(s) or turbine type with vertical axes for example.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:
: a perspective view of a ship equipped with two vertical axis wind turbines according to the invention,
: respectively perspective (2a) and elevation (2b) views of one of these two wind turbines,
: an elevation view of one of these adjustable masts equipped with its sail,
: perspective views of this mast and this sail in three different sail deployment positions, high (4a), intermediate (4b) and low (4c),
: a general perspective view (5a) and zoomed view (5b) of the adjustable masts of this wind turbine, and of the associated orientation mechanism,
: detailed perspective views of the mast orientation mechanism, in the assembled state (6a), in axial section (6b) and in exploded view (6c),
: views in axial section and from above of the mechanism of the ,
: a perspective view of the adjustable masts of the wind turbine and the associated orientation mechanism, on which there is also shown an orientation fin of the crank of this mechanism,
: top views of the wind turbine according to the invention in first (9a1) and second (9a2) positions, to which perspective views of these two positions (9b1 and 9b2) correspond respectively;
: top views of the wind turbine according to the invention in third (10a3) and fourth (10a4) positions, to which perspective views of these two positions (10b3 and 10b4) correspond respectively;
: a perspective view of an embodiment of the wind turbine according to the invention with rigid sails;
: perspective (12a) and elevation (12b) views of an embodiment of the wind turbine according to the invention with furling sails, and with a variant of the mast orientation mechanism,
: a perspective view and in axial section of the orientation mechanism of the masts of the wind turbine of the ,
: perspective views of an embodiment of a wind turbine according to the invention with photovoltaic panels, respectively in driving configuration (14a) and stationary (14b).
: a perspective view of a detail of the wind turbine of the , allowing you to see a controlled orientation mechanism of the photovoltaic panels, and
: a perspective view of a detail of the wind turbine of the , allowing you to see a mechanism for guiding the masts.

For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical or similar reference signs throughout the figures.

In what follows, the term “sail” will designate the parts of the wind turbine intended to take the wind, in order to make this wind turbine rotate around its vertical axis.

This term “sail” covers not only flexible elements made of canvas, but also rigid or semi-rigid elements, made of all types of materials such as glass, as well as flexible or rigid photovoltaic panels.

The terms “going upwind” or “going downwind” have their usual marine meaning, meaning “going against the direction of the wind” and “going in the direction of the wind” respectively.

The terms “apparent wind” designate a direction and force of wind as felt on a mobile such as a ship.

The terms “upper” and “lower” are understood in relation to the vertical direction occupied by the wind turbine in operating situation.

We now refer to the attached, on which a ship 1 is shown, in this case a trimaran, equipped with two vertical axis wind turbines E1 and E2 according to the invention.

As can be seen in this figure, these two wind turbines E1 and E2 are installed on deck 3 of ship 1, and are adapted to drive an electric generator and/or a mechanical propulsion system of the ship (not shown), for example a or several propellers, or one or more vertical axis turbines arranged in line with the wind turbines.

These turbines with vertical axis and adjustable blades will be able to operate in the water according to the same principles of fluid dynamics as the sails V of the wind turbines E1 and E2 located on deck 3 of ship 1, as they will be explained in this following.

Referring now to the , we can see that each wind turbine E of the comprises a plurality, and preferably three orientable masts M1, M2, M3 profiled like wings, each supporting a sail V1, V2, V3 fixed in its upper part to its associated mast, and in its lower part to a boom mobile BM1, BM2, BM3.

As can be seen on the , each mobile boom BM is mounted articulated on a fixed boom BF secured to the lower part of the associated mast M.

Preferably, as is visible in the , the sail V can be rolled up inside the mobile boom BM, so as to be able to occupy several positions, depending on the situation of the ship and the force of the wind: fully unfurled position (figure 4a), half furled position ( figure 4b) and almost completely rolled up position (figure 4c).

The assembly formed by these masts M and these sails V is itself movably mounted on an orientation mechanism O shown generally in Figures 5a and 5b.

We now refer to Figures 6 and 7, on which we have shown in detail this mechanism O making it possible to modify the orientation of the masts M and the associated sails V.

As can be seen in these figures, this mechanism O comprises a base 5 intended to be fixed on the deck 3 of the ship 1.

This base 5, of substantially cylindrical shape and reinforced by ribs 7, accommodates a crank 9 which can pivot freely inside this base 5.

More precisely, this crank 9 comprises an input arm 11, a crank pin 13, an output arm 15 and an output shaft 17, the latter being rotatably mounted inside the base 5.

On the input arm 11 of the crank 9 is rotatably mounted a mast support S which can have substantially the shape of a three-pointed star BR1, BR2, BR3.

As can be seen in particular in Figures 2, 9 and 10, each of these branches B is intended to support an adjustable mast M.

An eccentric wheel 21 is rotatably mounted on the crankpin 13 of the crank 9.

Drive and synchronization pinions 22, three in number, ensure a transmission ratio of 1 to 1 and homokinetic movement between the mast support S and the eccentric wheel 21.

In its large diameter part, and preferably inside it, the eccentric wheel 21 has teeth cooperating with a motor pinion 23 secured to a motor shaft 25 mounted freely pivoting inside the shaft output 17 of crank 9.

This motor shaft 25 extends below the base 5, so as to be able to transmit torque to a propulsion system of the ship (not shown).

As is visible in particular in Figures 2, 5, 9, 10 and 12, connecting rods B1, B2, B3 are interposed between the eccentric wheel 21 and the fixed booms BF1, BF2, BF3, so as to ensure the modification of the orientation of the masts M1, M2, M3 relative to the mast support S according to the kinematics visible in Figures 9 and 10.

In these figures, a wind turbine E according to the invention is shown in four successive positions, each time in top view and in perspective.

The direction and direction of the apparent wind are indicated by the arrow F.

First of all, as is visible in all of these figures, the mechanism O for orienting the masts M according to the invention comprises means making it possible to maintain the arms 11, 15 of the crank 9 in a substantially perpendicular direction in the direction F of the wind.

As can be seen on the , these means can include a vane type fin 27, secured to the crank 9.

We can also see on this that the masts M1, M2, M3 can be inclined towards the center of the wind turbine in the upper part, in order to improve the performance and stability of the whole.

In Figures 9a1 and 9b1, the sail V1 is rising in the wind, and the spacing of the mobile boom BM1 in relation to the fixed boom BF1 makes it possible to reduce the wind resistance of this sail V1.

During this time, the connecting rods B2, B3 associated with the fixed booms BF2, BF3 of the two other sails V2 and V3 make it possible to orient the latter in a direction substantially perpendicular to that of the wind, thus increasing their resistance to the wind and consequently the rotational drive effort of the mast support S, and therefore of the eccentric wheel 21 and the motor shaft 25.

In Figures 9a2 and 9b2, the connecting rod B1 associated with the fixed boom BF1 of the sail V1 had the effect of increasing the opening angle of this fixed boom BF1 relative to the associated branch BR1 of the mast support S , and thus accelerate the passage of the sail V1 towards the position shown in Figure 9a2 in which this sail V1 is parallel to the direction F of the wind, thus limiting its grip in the wind likely to slow down the speed of rotation of the sail wind turbine E.

During this time, thanks to its associated connecting rod B3, the fixed boom BF3 associated with the sail V3 begins to open in relation to the associated branch BR3 of the mast support S, making it possible to reduce the wind resistance of the sail V3 during that it rises in the bed of the wind.

In Figures 10a3 and 10b3, the opening of the fixed boom BF1 associated with the sail V1 relative to the associated mast support branch BR1 S, has started to open, under the action of its associated connecting rod B1, thus quickly bringing the sail V1 into a position substantially perpendicular to the direction F of the wind.

Finally, in figures 10a4 and 10b4, sail V3 is found in the same position as that of sail V1 in figures 9a1 and 9b1.

This cyclical movement repeats itself indefinitely.

Thanks to maintaining the direction of the arms 11, 15 of the crank 9 perpendicular to the direction F of the wind, and to the relative movement of the mast support S and the eccentric wheel 21, it is possible to actuate the connecting rods B so as to modify the orientation of the fixed booms BF and the associated masts M in relation to the mast support S.

We can thus optimize the orientation of the V sails in relation to the wind according to the position occupied by these V sails in the cycle: reduction of the wind resistance in the part of the cycle where the V sail rises in the wind bed , and increase in wind resistance in the part of the cycle where the sail V descends into the wind bed.

We can thus obtain a significant increase in the rotation speed of the wind turbine E according to the invention, thanks to a simple mechanism requiring no automation.

In the variant shown in , the V sails are replaced by rigid panels P1, P2, P3.

For use on a fixed support, for example on a building, these fixed panels P can be made of transparent material such as safety glass, so as to limit the visual impact of the wind turbine E.

Note that the use of rigid panels P makes it possible to greatly reduce the aerodynamic drag of the sail in its upward movement against the wind, thus making it possible to improve the efficiency of the wind turbine E.

In the embodiment shown in , we can see that the sails V can be stretched between mobile lower booms BMI and upper BMS, themselves pivotally mounted on two fixed booms BFI, BFS respectively secured to each mast M.

Preferably, as is visible in particular on the , spacers EN1, EN2, EN3 and shrouds H are interposed between the masts M1, M2, M3, so as to ensure the rigidity of the entire wind turbine E.

We represented at the another embodiment of the mast orientation mechanism O, which can be used for example with the wind turbine E shown in .

This orientation mechanism O differs from that shown in Figures 6 and 7 in that the crank 9 comprises a single arm 11.

The mast support S is mounted integral in rotation with the motor shaft 25, under the arm 11.

A first drive pulley 22a is integral in rotation with the motor shaft 25, above the arm 11.

The eccentric wheel 21 is rotatably mounted on the upper eccentric part of the arm 11.

A second drive pulley 22b, arranged between the arm 11 and the eccentric wheel 21, is mounted integral in rotation with this wheel.

A transmission belt 22c connects the two pulleys 22a and 22b together. A reduction gear 22d is coupled to the motor shaft 25.

In this embodiment of the orientation mechanism O of the masts M, the orientation of the crank 9 relative to the direction F of the apparent wind can be carried out either in a controlled manner under the arm 11, or thanks to a weather vane mounted directly on the arm 11 above the mast support S.

In the embodiment shown in , the flexible sails are replaced by rigid photovoltaic panels P1, P2, P3, whose orientation is controlled according to their position on the rotation cycle.

In particular, these photovoltaic panels P can go from a driving situation, visible in Figure 14a, where they are oriented in accordance with the preceding explanations, to a stopping position of the wind turbine E visible in Figure 14b, in which these panels are oriented parallel to the direction F of the wind.

In the embodiment of the , but also possibly in the previous embodiments, it is possible to provide, in addition to the mechanism for orientation of the masts M, an additional system for orientation of the sails V relative to these masts M.

As can be seen on the , such a system can comprise, for each sail V, a jack 33 interposed between the lower mobile boom BMI of this sail V and the associated lower fixed boom BFI, this jack 33 being controlled by an electronic system making it possible on the one hand to optimize the orientation of the sails V when the wind turbine E is in driving position with the aim of regulating the power supplied, and on the other hand to position the sails V parallel to the direction F of the wind when we wish to position the wind turbine E at a standstill.

A mechanical variant of the centrifugal flyweight type can also be considered to achieve this power regulation function by orientation of the sails V relative to the masts M.

In the mode of carrying out the , we can see that we can provide a circular rail 35 disposed under the mast support S of the wind turbine, the weight of each of the masts M then being able to rest on this rail 35 via a support rod 37 and a caster 39 circulating on this rail: we can in this way take up a significant part of the weight of each mast M and its associated sail V, rather than having it supported by the orientation mechanism of the masts O.

The wind turbine E which has just been described is particularly intended to be used in the field of ship propulsion, but the preceding lessons can also be applied to a vertical axis wind turbine intended to drive any type of machine: turbine, electric generator, at sea or on land, on fixed buildings or offshore.

It should be noted that combinations of the different embodiments set out above can be envisaged.

We could for example use sails comprising flexible or rigid photovoltaic elements on only one of their faces, and/or place on these sails communication supports with permanent and/or temporary display and/or LCD screens and/or panels of LEDs powered by the wind turbine, etc.

As can be understood in light of the preceding description, the wind turbine according to the invention is simple to build, and can be installed in very diverse environments.

Its low center of gravity makes it possible to consider applications in the field of maritime propulsion.

Its maintenance is easy to carry out given the simplicity of the mechanical assemblies implemented.

The rotation speed of the wind turbine according to the invention is slow: of the order of 100 rpm for small wind turbines (typically of the order of 2 m in height) to a few revolutions per minute for wind turbines larger in size (typically around 25 m in height), which allows for less wear on mechanical parts, less noise and vibration, as well as a reduction in the risk of collision with surrounding wildlife.

The wind/solar combination, made possible thanks to the use of photovoltaic panels, is very advantageous, and makes it possible to significantly improve the energy balance of the wind turbine.

As will also have been understood, the management of the orientation of the masts and sails is carried out completely automatically.

The wind turbine according to the invention offers very promising prospects for zero-carbon propulsion, particularly in the maritime sector.

For example, for a trimaran 25 to 30 m long and 15 m wide, two wind turbines according to the invention 25 to 30 m high, each supporting three sails of 100 m², can rotate at approximately 6 rpm and provide 15 kW of power for 10 m/s of wind, and 90 kW of power for 20 m/s of wind.

In the event that photovoltaic panels are used, we can obtain a surface area of 600 m² of panels capable of producing around 200 kW of electricity at peak power.

The invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variants of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (11)

Wind turbine (E1, E2) with vertical axis comprising an odd number of sails (V1, V2, V3), and means (O) for reducing the wind resistance of these sails (V1, V2, V3) when they rise in the wind bed, and to increase the wind resistance of these sails (V1, V2, V3) when they descend into the wind bed. Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to claim 1, in which said means for reducing and increasing the wind resistance of the sails comprise adjustable masts (M1, M2, M3), and means (O) for modifying the wind resistance of the sails. orientation of these masts. Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to claim 2, in which said means for reducing and increasing the wind resistance of the sails further comprise fixed booms (BF1, BF2, BF3) integral with said masts (M1, M2, M3 ), and mobile booms (BM1, BM2, BM3) articulated on said fixed booms (BF1, BF2, BF3). Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to claim 3, in which said means for modifying the orientation of said masts comprise:
- a base (5),
- a crank (9) comprising at least one arm (11, 15) and a crank pin (13), rotatably mounted on this base (5),
- a mast support (S) mounted coaxially and rotatably on said crank (9),
- an eccentric wheel (21) rotatably mounted on said crankpin (13),
- drive and synchronization means (22; 22a, 22b, 22c) interposed between said mast support (S) and said eccentric wheel (21) ensuring a transmission ratio of 1 to 1,
- connecting rods (B1, B2, B3) interposed between said fixed booms (BF1, BF2, BF3) and said eccentric wheel (21), and
- means (27) for maintaining said at least one arm (11, 15) of the crank (9) in a direction substantially perpendicular to that (F) of the apparent wind. Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to claim 4, comprising a motor shaft (25) rotatably mounted inside said base (5), and provided with a motor pinion (23) cooperating with teeth formed on the part of large diameter of said eccentric wheel (21). Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to one of claims 4 or 5, in which the means for holding said at least one arm (11, 15) of the crank (9) in a direction substantially perpendicular to that (F) of the wind apparent, are selected from the group comprising a purely mechanical orientation member (27) and electrical control means. Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising means (33) for adjusting the orientation of said movable booms (BM1, BM2, BM3) relative to said fixed booms (BF1, BF2, BF3). Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, in which said masts (M1, M2, M3) are interconnected by stays (H) and spacers (EN1, EN2, EN3). Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, comprising three masts (M1, M2, M3) and three sails (V1, V2, V3). Wind turbine (E1, E2) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, in which said sails are chosen from the group comprising flexible sails (V1, V2, V3), rigid sails, photovoltaic panels (P1, P2, P3). Ship (1) equipped with at least one wind turbine (E1, E2) according to any one of the preceding claims dependent on claim 5, comprising propulsion means driven by said motor shaft (25).