GB2467569A - Vertical axis turbine with multiple generators running from the rotor rim - Google Patents

Abstract

A vertical axis wind turbine comprises either a hinged vane machine or a weather cocking shielded or unshielded curved blade machine having a wheel or disc 1 at the bottom of the rotor. Multiple generators, each comprising a rotating shaft, are mounted to a base plate beneath the rotor such that the shafts extend radially of the rotor and a wheel e.g. a car tyre wheel is mounted on each shaft. The tire is in frictional contact with the disc and driven to rotate thereby. The generators could be raised or lowered for maintenance by several different methods depending on the size of the generators to bring the tyres into or out of contact with the disc. The turbine may be housed in a 'compass' shaped structure having radial wind gathering or funneling walls. May be installed in steel or cement works, oil refineries, industrial estates and redundant coal power stations. The conversion of high torque, low speed VAWTs to high speed that work on the principle that a large wheel turning slowly, can turn several smaller wheels, quickly.

Description

Multi-Generator Vertical Axis Wind Turbine This invention relates to a multi-generator vertical axis wind turbine.

Current wind generated electricity has numerous benefits. However, these benefits are diminished by the high cost of production. This high cost is caused mainly by the use of expensive parts such as the propeller, gearbox and costly, over-engineered generator that is expected to run for 15-20 years without major overhaul. The high cost is further impacted by the position of existing and further planned turbines far away from where the electricity is needed. The idea which I have developed tackles some of these problems by, firstly, using less expensive parts and secondly by placing the turbine on sites of major users.

This invention is of three different multi-generator, vertical axis wind turbines for electricity generation.

An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: * Figure 1 shows the configuration of the multiple generators.

* Figure 2 shows the first wind turbine, with hinged doors/vanes.

* Figure 3 shows the fixed vanes that are the basis for the second and third turbines.

* Figure 4 shows the second wind turbine, with a cowl/shroud.

* Figure 5 shows the third wind turbine, with compass-shaped buildings.

The invention is of three different multi-generator VAWTs, each with several generators placed equidistance around the outer periphery, as in Figure 1.

As in Figure 2, a large wheel or disc 1 is attached on the underside of the turbines to act as a fly wheel and drive the small wheels. The small wheels could be driven direct drive; this would eliminate a gearbox. The small drive wheels could be standard car tyre wheels, gear wheels or a combination of both. The advantages of using car tyre wheels are smoother running, less noise and the ability to balance the generator against speed vibration or wobble (an important cause of faults in reciprocating machinery).

The most important part of the idea is that, because there are many generators, you have the ability to remove, for repair and maintenance, the most vulnerable part of the wind turbine (the generators) whilst the turbine is still running. The generators could be raised/lowered by several different methods depending on the type of generator used (weight/size), for example hinged/pivot, hydraulic jack or fork lift.

The first VAWT is a hinged door/vane type as in Figure 2. These should be three doors/vanes 2 equally spaced at each level. Each door/vane should be hinged 3 two thirds distance from the outer edge of the door/vane.

There are two types of wind that affects these VAWT5: positive (power wind) and negative (creates drag). The closed door/vane accepts the positive wind 4 and turns the turbine. When the door/vane passes to the negative side 5 the wind opens the door/vane and passes through, reducing the drag on the turbine. The different levels should be offset from each other to give a more balanced power and each level should have a solid roof/floor to stop the wind short circuiting.

The second (Figure 4) and third (Figure 5) VAWT5 would have, as in Figure 3, fixed vanes 6 slightly curved to cup the wind.

The second VAWT, as in Figure 4 would have a cowl/shroud 7 over the turbine to direct the positive wind 4 into the turbine and deflect the negative wind 5 passed. The cowl/shroud would turn independent of the turbine and be kept facing the wind by a wind vane device 8 on top of the cowl/shroud.

The third VAWT, as in Figure 5, would be built into a compass shaped building 9 and have the ability to deflect/direct/funnel the wind into the turbine, no matter from which direction the wind 4 and 5 is blowing and eliminate all drag. Most wind turbine designers complain about dirty wind' created by buildings but if the buildings are laid out correctly, the wind could be deflected/directed/funnelled into the turbines with increased power and volume. These turbines' circumference is just as important as height to give more power and stability and give a greater speed ratio between the large and small wheels.

Greater cost savings could be made by building these VAWTs on sites of large electricity use, for example: steel works, cement works, chemical and oil refineries, industrial estates and redundant coal fired power stations.

The invention consists of alternative wind energy devices that should be cheaper to manufacture, easier to maintain and built closer to where the electricity is required. The conversion of high torque, low speed VAWTs to high speed that work on the principle that a large wheel turning slowly, can turn several smaller wheels, quickly.

In most wind turbines, height is important to gain greater power, but with these VAWT5, width is just as vital, as you can gain more power and stability with greater circumference.

The turbines allow for their most vulnerable part, the generators, to be removed for repair/maintenance without stopping the turbine. The generators could be raised or lowered by several different methods depending on the size of the generators. The generators could be driven by direct drive (no gearbox) by standard auto tyre (wheel), gearwheel or a combination of both.

Claims (7)

1. Claims 1. Different types of multi-generator vertical axis wind turbines for electricity generation.
2. 2. A VAWT of hinged door type with closed door accepting positive wind and open door allowing negative wind through.
3. 3. A VAWT with independent outer cowl/shroud directing wind into a turbine that is controlled by a wind vane device on top of cowl/shroud.
4. 4. A VAWT built into a compass shaped building that can divert/deflect wind from any direction into a turbine.
5. 5. Several electrical generators (6-12) as in claim 1 fitted under the rim on the outer periphery of turbines in claims 2,3 and 4.
6. 6. The ability to remove the most vulnerable part of the VAWT, the generator, for overhaul/repair without stopping the turbine.
7. 7. The conversion of high torque, low speed VAWTs to high speed for electricity generation.