GB2438209A

GB2438209A - Wind or water turbine

Info

Publication number: GB2438209A
Application number: GB0701089A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Barnes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-05-19
Filing date: 2007-01-22
Publication date: 2007-11-21
Also published as: GB0701089D0

Abstract

A wind or water turbine comprises a main frame member mounted for rotation, a plurality of peripheral shafts 20 each mounted for rotation on the main frame member, at least one blade 9 mounted on each of the peripheral shafts 20, and gear means for controlling rotation of the blades 9 about their peripheral shafts 20 as a function of rotation of the main frame member such that the blades 9 rotate approximately 180{ for each approximate 360{ rotation of the main frame member. Direction adjusting means 7 adjusts the direction of operation of the apparatus with respect to the driving source, and power generating means generates power from rotation of the main frame member. The gear means may comprise two gearing arrangements having a gear ration of 2:1. Two blades 9 may be pivotally supported on each peripheral shaft 20, control linkage 14 being provided to pivot the blades 9 to a feathered position if the main frame member rotates above a predetermined speed.

Description

1 2438209

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING POWER USING

WATER OR WIND AS A DRIVING SOURCE

This invention relates to..apparatus for generating power using water or wind as a driving source.

Apparatus is known for generating power using water or wind as a driving source. Typical of such apparatus are water wheels and windmills.

Often the known apparatus is such that. it does not provide the main requirements for apparatus for generating power using water or. wind, namely a cost-effective construction, a construction which is robust in use, and a construction which is highly efficient in converting water or wind energy into another required sOurce of energy such for example as electricity or hydraulic power.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide apparatus for generating power -using water or winc as a driving source, and which apparatus can be economically manufactured, robust in operation, and efficient in converting water or wind energy into another required Source of energy -.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there isrovided apparatus for generating power using water or wind as a driving source, which apparatus comprises a main frame member mounted for rotation, a plurality of peripheral shafts each mounted for rotation on the main frame member, at least one blade mounted on each one of the peripheral shafts, gear means for controlling rotation of the blades about their peripheral shafts as a function of rotation of the main frame member such that the blades rotate approximately 1800 for each approximate 360 rotation of the main frame member whereby maximum work and minimum resistance are obtained from the blades, direction adjusting means for adjusting the direction of operation of the apparatus with respect to the driving source whereby the apparatus is able constantly to adjust for changes of direction of the driving source, and power generating means for generating power consequent upon rotation of the main frame member.

The apparatus of the present invention is able to be constructed from its constituent components in an economical manner. Also, the apparatus of the present invention is able to operate robustly. Still further, due to the use of the direction adjusting means, the apparatus of the present invention is able to operate in a very efficient manner in converting power from the water or wind into required other power, such for example as electrical power or hydraulic power.

Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the gear means includes a first gearing arrangement and a second gearing arrangement, and in which the gear ratio between the first and the second gear arrangements is 2: 1 respectively.

The apparatus may be one in which each one of the peripheral shafts is such that it has at least two of the blades, in which the blades are pivotally mounted on their peripheral shaft, and in which the apparatus includes p V control linkage means for causing the blades to pivot on their peripheral shaft such that the blades feather.

The main frame member is preferably an arm or a disc. The main frame member may be of other constructional shapes if desired.

The apparatus may be one in which the main frame member rotates on a central shaft. Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the main frame member rotates on a pair of axles positioned one at each end of the main frame member.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the left hand part of first apparatus for generating power using water or wind as driving source; Figure 2 is a view looking from left to right as shown in Figure 1 but without a top part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view from left to right showing a top part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows in more detail the construction of the lower part of the apparatus of Figure 1, with Figure 4 showing both left and right sides of the apparatus as viewed in Figure 1; Figure 5 shows in more detail an upper part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, with the apparatus as shown in Figure 5 showing both sides of the apparatus as viewed in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows in more detail an upper part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a top plan view of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5 and illustrates how the entire apparatus rotates in an anti-clockwise manner, whilst the blades rotate in a clockwise manner; Figure 8 is a perspective view of an upper part of second apparatus for generating power using water or wind as a driving source, with Figure 8 corresponding generally to the part of the first apparatus as shown in Figure 5; Figure 9 is an end view of a top central part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8; Figure 10 is a view from another direction of the apparatus as shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 shows how apparatus of the present invention is able to rotate in a clockwise manner with the blades rotating in an anti-clockwise manner; ----Figure 12 shows further apparatus of the present invention but mounted for horizontal rotation; Figure 13 is a view looking from Jeff to right of the apparatus as shown in Figure 12; -,,if' Figure 14 shows in more detail the horizontal mounting of the blades in the apparatus as shown in Figure 12; Figure 15 is a perspective view from above of a further construction for a governor and main frame forming part of the apparatus of the invention; and Figure 16 is a perspective view from beneath the components shown in Figure 15.

Referring to Figures 1 -7, there is shown apparatus for generating power using water or wind as a driving source. The apparatus is such that it is mounted for vertical rotation.

The apparatus shown in Figures 1 -7 comprises govenor 1 which is linked to a central tube 3 and to arms 4 in order to control yokes 2. The yokes 2 are connected to sliding tubes 12. The central tube 3 slides. The arms 4 are to support blades 9 which may be for receiving water or wind, in dependence upon whether the apparatus is generating power using water or wind as a driving source.

Gears 5 are employed for turning the blades 9. The gears 9 are twice the diameter of a central gear 6.

The apparatus includes direction adjusting means in the form of a vane 7 for adjusting the direction of operation of the apparatus with respect to the driving source, for example wind. By the use of the vane 7, the apparatus is able continually to adjust for changes of direction of the driving source.

A shaft 8 and gear wheels connect the blades 9 to the central gear 6.

Figure 2 shows how the blades 9 pivot at a central point 17 to oppose each other, so as not to create forces in any direction.

A stop 10 is provided for the central tube 10.

Arms 11 enable the yokes 2 to be pushed up or down because the arms 11 are connected to the central tube 3. A shown in Figure 2, the tube 12 allows up and down movement. The up and down movement is permitted by slots 13.

The blades 9 are able to be pivoted feathered to the position shown in Figure 2 by means of connecting rods 14. The blades 9 as shown in Figure 2 are shown in a partially opened position. Pivot pins 17 enable the blades to pivot.

A main frame member in the form of a main body 15 is stationary.

Mounted to the main body 15 is a rotating shaft 16. The stationary main body 15 has legs 18.

The apparatus of the present invention can have a main frame member in the form of a stationary central or main body 15, or in the form of a stationary outer body sheet member.

The apparatus of the present invention can turn clockwise or anti-clockwise, depending upon the setting of the blades 9. The blades 9 rotate on a main shaft 20.

Figure 4 shows how the legs 18 may be connected to a base 21.

Figure 4 also shows the deployment of various gears, with some gears being in the ratio of 2: 1 and other gears being in the ratio of 1: 1 as shown.

In Figure 4, the wind vane 7 is shown positioned on the right, whereas in Figure 1, the wind vane 7 is positioned on the left.

Figure 5 shows the mounting of the blades 9 in Figure 1. More specifically, as shown in Figure 5, the rotating shaft 16 extends to a bevel gear arrangement B. The main shaft 20 for the blades 9 extends into a bevel gear arrangement A. The ratio between the bevel gear arrangements A:B is 2: 1 respectively. In Figure 5, and to illustrate the versatility of the apparatus of the present invention, the wind vane 7 is shown positioned at the top of the blades 9, rather than at the bottom of the blades 9 as shown in Figures 1 and 4.

Figure 6 shows in more detail the bevel gear arrangements A and B. Figure 6 also shows in more detail how the central tube 6 fits over the rotating shaft 16.

Figure 7 is a top plan view and illustrates how the wind vane 7 connects to the lower bevel gear arrangement B shown in Figure 1. Figure 7 also illustrates from above the bevel gear arrangements A shown in the lower part of Figure 1. As can be seen from Figure 7, the blades 9 rotate anti-clockwise, whilst the apparatus rotates clockwise. The direction of the water or.wind is also shown in Figure 7.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 show an upper part of second apparatus of the present invention for generating power using water or wind. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The construction and operation of the second apparatus will thus be apparent from the above description of the first apparatus of the invention. Figures 8, 9 and 10 show the construction of the governor 1.

Figure 11 is a top plan view showing further apparatus of the present invention for generating power using water or wind as a driving source. The direction of the water or wind is shown. The apparatus rotates in a clockwise direction as shown. The blades 9 rotate in an anti-clockwise direction. Figure 11 illustrates how there are various positions for the blades 9 that the gearing produces. Figure 11 also illustrates how the apparatus is driven for the majority of one revolution for one blade. Referring to the twelve o'clock position shown in Figure 11, Figure 11 illustrates how the blade 9 moves from position Al to position A2 for one rotation of the wheel part of the apparatus. When the wheel part has rotated 3600, the blade 9 has rotated 1800 on its axis around the apparatus. If the water or wind direction should change as the apparatus is rotating, then the central gear will move under the influence of the direction adjusting means, i.e. the wind vane 7, in order constantly to align the blades 9. Thus the apparatus of the present invention is extremely efficient in operation.

Referring now to Figures 12, 13 and 14 there is shown further apparatus of the present invention for generating power using water or wind as a driving source. As can best be seen from Figure 12, the apparatus is horizontally mounted.

The apparatus shown in Figure 12, 13 and 14 comprises yokes lii.

The apparatus also comprises directional adjusting means in the form of a directional vane 112. A balanced vane 113 is used to align a central gear.

Drive cogs 114 form part of a bevel gear arrangement and they are twice the diameter of a central cog 115. This gives a gear ratio of 2: 1.

Arms 116 enable blades 112 to pivot. Push rods 117 are employed to enable the blades 112 to pivot. The blades 112 have segments 118. A pivot point 119 is employed. Also employed are bearings 120, and windmill % p arms 121.The blades 122 are able to open to a feather position and thus to oppose each other so as not to create sideways forces.

Referring now to figures 15 and 16, it will be seen that the apparatus Shown has a governor 1 mounted on a main frame. The construction of the Main frame is an alternative construction to that shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10.

Referring to Figure 17 it can be seen that the feathering of the Blades can also be actuated using a wind vane 21 acting on linkage 22 And by yolks 23 and 2. The wind 21 vane is positioned on the windward side Of the windmill and is tensioned by adjustable spring 34. Figure 18 is a view Of the sliding tube 24 acting on the pivoting shaft 17 and acting to form a Rack and pinion.

Figures 19 and 20 are a method of feathering the blades using hydrauiic, Pneaumatic or electro mechanical means, 29 sensor and feathering control System, used to provide a signal proportional to air or water flow. Sensor output is signal conditioned to provide an input to feathering control system.

The feathering control system may use multiple feedback control loop to achieve optimized response of the feathering system. Feathering of the blades can be controlled by pneaumatic, hydraulic or electro mechanical means, Figs 19 and 20.

26 and 32 Fig 19 and 20 are poweT are power transfer mechanisms. I -Iv

The sensor 29 is positioned on the windward side of the fluid flow.

It is appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be affected. The invention can be used in a vertical or horizontal position using many more blades than are shown in the drawings.

Item List I E I _.1_ 3.. .. -.

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(Th'ntril 7 Wind vane tiwnin central Qear into wind or water.

8 Shaft and gear wheels to connect blades 10 cenlrai gear.

9 Section of biades pivoting at central point, blades open opposing so as not to create forces in any direetion.

Stops for tubes.

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* lo Rotating snan.

17 Pivot point for blades.

18 Legs attached to stationery body, the water wheel or windmill can have a stationery central body..

19 or stationery outer body.

iviam snari ror tne oiaaes.

2i wino "are w'iic' p"ois acr1/at1rg Ilnrage 22 Linkage acting on yokes.

23 Yoke connected to linkage which as it moves up or down, activates linkage connected to yokcs 2 which with linkage pushes yolks 2 and. sliding UIJeS!.I) Uf down.

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2 Generator to sunntv electhcal nower to sensor and control.

II I

29 Sensor and feathering control system used to provide a signal proportional to air or water flow, sensor output is signal conditioned to provide an input to feathering control system, the feathering control system may use multiple feedback control loop to achieve optimized response of the feathering system, feathering of the blades can by pneumatic, hydraulic, or electro mechanical means.

Pneumatic or hydraulic pistons.

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Claims

CLAIMS

1. Apparatus for generating power using water or wind as a driving source, which apparatus comprises main frame members mounted for rotation, a plurality of peripheral shafts each mounted for rotation on the main frame members, at least one blade mounted on each one of the peripheral shafts, gear means for controlling rotation of the blades about the peripheral shafts as a function of rotation of the main frame members such that the blades rotate approximately 1800 for each approximate 360 rotation of the main frame members whereby maximum wofk and minimum resistance are obtained:from the blades, direction adjusting rneans for adjusting the" direction of operatioir of the apparatus with respect to the driving source whereby the -apparatus is able constantly to adjust for changes of direction of the driving source, and power generating means for generating power consequent on the rotation of the main frame members, 2 Apparatus according to claim I in which the gear means includes a first gearing arrangement and a second gearing arrangement and in which the gear ratio between the first gearing arrangements is 2:1 respectively.

3 Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which each one of the peripheral shafts is such that it has at least two blades in which the blades are pivotally mounted on their peripheral shaft, in which apparatus includes control linkage means for causing the blades to pivot on their peripheral shaft such that the blades feather.

-ILL-

4 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the main frame member includes arms.

Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3 in which the main frame member includes a disc.

6 Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the main frame member rotates on a central shaft.

7 Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the main frame members rotates on axles positioned one at each end of the main frame members.

8 Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the control linkage means comprises an electro mechanical means.

9 Apparatus wherein the electro mechanical means incorporate a sensor and electronic control mechanism.

Apparatus for generating power using water or wind as a driving source, substancially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.