GB2483086A

GB2483086A - Wind powered generator

Info

Publication number: GB2483086A
Application number: GB1014221.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Blakey
Original assignee: ULTRA GREEN INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: ULTRA GREEN INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2010-08-25
Filing date: 2010-08-25
Publication date: 2012-02-29
Also published as: WO2012025724A3; GB201014221D0; WO2012025724A2

Abstract

An electrical generator for generating electricity from wind power comprises a rotatable shaft 3 around which at least one module 1 is arranged. The module has first and second ends that are located in spaced apart relationship along the shaft and an outer surface which is recessed between the first and second ends. A wind turbine 7 located within the recess is configured to cause the shaft to rotate. Preferably the shaft or the axle of the wind turbine is mounted within magnetic bearings. Photovoltaic or thermal devices may be located on the outer surfaces of the modules to generate further electricity from the suns light and heat, the electricity may be stored in a battery. A braking system may be included to reduce the speed of rotation of the shaft when it exceeds a threshold speed, the brakes may generate electricity when slowing the shaft down.

Description

WIND POWER GENERATING SYSTEM

[B] DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This new invention is a completely new innovation system where it has the capability to utilize magnetic bearings on the shafts of the wind power system and a configuration that allows generators to capture more wind at a lower velocity and generate more electricity to supply to a multiplicity of users in office buildings, industrial estates, farms or blocks of houses. The new invention relates to other wind power systems in particularly the Wind Amplified Rotor Platform (hereafter the "WARP").

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

State of the Art [0002] Wind power is primarily used to generate electricity. There have been a number of types of wind machines, such as wind mills, wind pumps and wind turbines, using blades to capture energy however they have low and inefficient electricity production capacity. For example common wind turbines can usually only capture up to the maximum of 5 megawatts of wind-generated electricity for a limited number of hours each year because * ** *S * of the wind velocity needed to turn the large blades. * a. * . S * **

[00031 The latest innovation in the arena of wind power is the Wind Amplified Rotor Platform system (as described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,505). It is a different kind of wind power system which has changed the common : methods of using large blades to convert wind to kinetic energy.

[0004] The WARP system is a modular wind power technology that has a toroidal-shaped amplifier module. It consists of a stacked array of toroids with a minimum of 4 impeller driven generators directly mounted on the toroidal-shaped amplifier module in their peripheral flow regions to capture wind energy. It is claimed this has a higher energy capture capacity of collecting wind-kinetic energy.

[0005] The WARP system has a distinctive design which can be stacked into blocks of towers. The WARP system is claimed to be a multi-functional wind machine which can generate electricity but also to serve as a power line transmission support tower, telecommunications or surveillance tower.

[0006] The WARP system relies on four or more impeller driven generators to collect kinetic energy but even this method or source of generating energy is insufficient to supply as much power when it is required or to respond quickly in demand.

[0007] The fundamental problem with the WARP system is that it requires strong wind to operate by spinning the toroidal-shaped modules and the generators. It is also arguable that the modules, as shown in the WARP patent, create a counter revolutionary wind pressure behind the generators.

[0008] For the reasons set out above it may be seen that none of the present methods of generating power has the capability to generate high volume of S.....

* energy consistently even when the operation of the WARP system factor is taken into consideration. * ..

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* *. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The new invention proposes an improved system upon the prior art by * S. integrating additional devices, namely the magnetic bearings, the kinetic brakes, solar panels and thermal devices, to generate extra electricity. It is also proposed to mount the generators nearer to inside edge of the wind collection shape and to increase the amplification of the wind with a wind tunnel effect.

[00010] The new invention provides an electrical generator as claimed in claim 1 for the production of high volume of energy at a low cost. The recessed shape of the outer surface of each module renders the modules lightweight, provides a wind channeling effect to the wind catchment member(s) and reduces the pressure behind the wind catchment member(s) as it rotates.

[00011] Further, the recessed outer profile of each module enables the wind catchment members to be located in a space saving position, which enables the modules to be stacked one on top of the other along the shaft in a more compact arrangement. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in claims 2-18. The wind catchment member(s) preferably directly engages the shaft. In this embodiment the module(s) is preferably fixed and cannot rotate about the shaft. The wind catchment member(s) rotates with the shaft and within a circumferential slot though the module.

[00012] The new invention also provides an electrical generator as claimed in claim 19. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in claims 19-21. * * ***. *

* ** *** * *

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00013] To illustrate this new invention and to demonstrate how the entire processes work, an exhibit is enclosed below. * *�

[00014] Figure 1 shows an elevation view of one preferred embodiment of the * new invention being a stacked array of diabolo-shaped modules.

[00015] Figure 2 shows an elevation view of one diabolo-shaped module of the new invention.

[00016] Figure 3 shows a top view of one diabolo-shaped module of the new invention.

[00017] Figure 4 shows a wind turbine consisting of the new invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00018] The new invention is a sophisticated design and it can produce more electricity in comparison to the prior art. The new invention consists of a coloured, preferably black or dark, diabolo-shaped module or similar shapes 1. This new shape will collect more wind but will not have the same level of back counter revolutionary wind as the prior art which has the toroidal amplification shapes.

[00019] The module is designed in a way which the aerodynamic curved unit I is approximately close to the vertical central shaft 3. In the center of the module there are at least two wind turbines 7 mounted to the vertical central shaft 3. Each Turbine, as shown in Figure 4, consists of magnetic bearings 10, a rotor, its shaft and impellers.

[00020] The module has the capability of stacking on top of each other to form a tower as shown in Figure 1. The tower has at least four strong metal bars * *. fixed vertically 2 with a firmed base to form a framework that supports and protects the lightweight rigid aerodynamic-shaped modules 1 against strong wind and to allow the system to be fixed and stable. * S. * . S S...

*:*. [00021] There are at least two metal bars which are fixed horizontally 4 to the vertical bars 2 to support the magnetic bearings 6. On the top of the tower, there are at least two metal bars attached across each other to the vertical bars to strengthen the entire structure of the tower.

[00022] According the new invention, the additional features such as solar panels 8 and solar thermal devices 5 as described below are used to generate more electricity as required.

[00023] All the additional features as described below will collect energy and store it a large storage scalable facility such as a battery bank or a central energy receiver system that channels the energy inputs to different parts of the wind power system to power electrical appliances such as the operating system; and/or to office buildings, industrial estates, farms or blocks of houses.

Magnetic Bearings [00024] The magnetic bearings 6 are supported by the horizontal bars 4. The vertical central shaft 3 and the rotor shaft of the wind turbines 7 are suspended by electromagnetic force without mechanical contacts and lubrication. This allows the shafts to turn freely with less resistance. In certain circumstances the central shaft may not use magnetic bearings but the generators always will.

[00025]The magnetic bearings 6, 10 offer advantages over the conventional *... bearings in that they are virtually friction free and are extremely energy efficient and non-wearing.

**:. [00026] They have a long service intervals and support high speeds of more than 200,000 rpm and will easily support the turning of the generator support : *. shaft which merely turns backwards and forwards in the wind. S...

[00027] The new invention uses the forces of attraction and repulsion between magnetic parts to create non-contacting bearings.

Solar Panels [00028] Another feature of the new invention is incorporating solar panels 8 on the Diablo shape. A wide range of solar panels 8 are fitted into any part of the module(s) I and used as devices to capture light energy from the sun to generate electricity through the photovoltaic effect.

[00029] These panels consist of arrays of solar cells. These cells are made from a variety of materials and they rely on the photovoltaic effect to absorb light energy, cause current to flow between two oppositely charged layers and consequently convert light energy into electricity.

Thermal Devices [00030] Another feature of the new invention is incorporating a broad range of thermal devices 5 to capture heat energy directly from the sun and/or within the modules I and convert heat directly into electricity.

[00031] A solar thermal panels and/or chips 5 are fixed on the top of stacked array of modules or around the modules I to capture solar thermal energy through the absorption of the solar radiation and generate electricity.

* [000321 Once the solar and the thermal energies are converted to electricity, it is stored in a battery bank or a central energy receiver system and then channeled to different parts of the wind power system to provide power supply to appliances such as the operating system. Any surplus electricity will be stored or be distributed to power office buildings, industrial estates, * ** farms or blocks of houses. * * S S... *5

Kinetic Braking Power System [00033] The new invention has a device where it provides a kinetic braking' power system 9 to generate more energy.

[00034] The bottom of the vertical central shaft 3 is held over by a strip of metal to form a ring. The pivoting ring and a braking system 9 are joined together mechanically.

[00035] When the vertical central shaft 3 rotates, the spinning ring will rub against the brake pads when the movement of the ring reaches a certain limit of velocity.

[00036] The operating system will control the rotational speed and send a signal to the braking system to slow down the rotational speed of the ring when the generators are facing into the wind. The process of the contact between the ring and the brake pads will resist the rotation of the ring and generate energy.

[00037] The new invention is characterised in that the ring, as described above, will serve as an additional device by integrating a unique braking' power system 9 to provide kinetic energy to generate surplus electricity to a multiplicity of general users such as household, office and factory. I... * * ***. *

****.. * I * S. * S I * *. * I..

S * S. * S * S... S. S * SS S.

Claims

Claims: 1. An electrical generator for generating electricity from wind power comprising:a rotatable shaft;at least one module arranged around said shaft; wherein the module has first and second ends that are located in spaced apart relationship along the shaft, and wherein the outer surface of the module is recessed around the axis of the shaft between the first and second ends; wherein each module comprises at least one wind catchment member connected to said shaft and that is configured to catch wind in use so as to cause the shaft to rotate about the axis of the shaft; and wherein the at least one wind catchment member is located within said recess of said module.
2. The electrical generator of claim 1, wherein said generator is configured such that rotation of said shaft causes electricity to be generated; preferably wherein the shaft acts as a rotor and the generator comprises a stator, the stator and rotor having at least one magnet and windings such that rotation of said shaft generates electricity. S..

*
3. The electrical generator of claim I or 2, wherein said shaft is mounted 5:,::, within magnetic bearings, the magnetic bearings arranged and configured to * hold the axis of the shaft in position by magnetic force and without the : ** bearings contacting the shaft. S... :5 * 5.
4. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein each module has a shape of one of the following: a hyperboloid (of one sheet); an hour-glass; a diabolo; or wherein each module is formed from three coaxially aligned and substantially cylindrical portions, the central cylindrical portion having a smaller diameter than the end cylindrical portions so as to form the recess.
5. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein the generator comprises at least two, at least three or at least four modules arranged coaxially along said shaft.
6. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein each module is preferably hollow.
7. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises at least two, at least three or at least four wind catchment members arranged in said recess and connected to said shaft so as to be spaced apart around the circumference of the module.
8. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein at least one wind catchment rnember'cornprisesa windi turbine having turbine blades mounted on an axle and being configured to generate electricity when the wind rotates the blades in use.
9. The electrical generator of claim 8, wherein the axle acts as a rotor and the apparatus comprises a turbine stator, the turbine stator and turbine rotor having at least one magnet and windings such that rotation of said axle ... generates electricity.*....I * I
10. The electrical generator of claim 8 or 9, wherein said axle is mounted *:*:: within magnetic bearings, the magnetic bearings arranged and configured to hold the axis of the axle in position by magnetic force and without the : *** bearings contacting the axle. , I...S. I i'_* t, ,y

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11. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein a photovoltaic and/or thermal device is arranged on the outer surface of at least one of said modules and within said recess, and is, configured to generate electricity from the sun's light and/or heat: * 9.
12. The electrical generator of claim 11, wherein the axis of the shaft is arranged substantially vertically in use and the photovoltaic and/or thermal device is arranged in the lower half of the recess.
13. The electrical generator of claim 11 or 12, wherein the photovoltaic and/or thermal device has a surface adapted to receive the light or heat for electrical generation, and wherein a direction that is at a normal angle to this surface is arranged between the axis defined by said shaft and an axis perpendicular to said shaft.
14. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein the generator comprises a braking system for reducing the speed of rotation of the shaft in use.
15. The electrical generator of claim 14, wherein the generator is configured to detect the rotational speed of the shaft and activate the braking system to reduce the speed of rotation if the shaft rotates above a threshold speed.
16. The electrical generator of claim 14 or 15, wherein the braking system is configured to convert the rotational energy of the shaft into electricity as the *SS.speed of the shaft. is reduced. * **
17. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein a thermal converter is arranged above the shaft so as to convert thermal energy from : ** the generator into electrical energy, the thermal converter preferably converting heat from hot air from the generator into electricity.
18. The electrical generator of any preceding claim, wherein the electricity generated from any one or combination or the following sources is stored in a battery: from rotation of the shaft; from said turbine; from said photovoltaic and/or thermal device; from said braking system; and from said thermal converter.
19. An electrical generator for generating electricity from wind power, comprising:a rotatable shaft;at least one wind catchment member that is configured to catch wind in use so as to cause the shaft to rotate about its axis; wherein the generator is configured to detect the rotational speed of the shaft and activate a braking system to reduce the speed of rotation if the shaft rotates above a threshold speed.
20. The electrical generator of claim 19, wherein the braking system is configured to convert the rotational energy of the shaft into electricity as the speed of the shaft is reduced.
21. The electrical generator of claim 19 or 20, wherein the shaft acts as a rotor and the generator comprises a stator, the stator and rotor having at least one magnet and wind ings such that rotation of said shaft generates electricity.
22. A method of generating electricity comprising exposing an electrical generator as claimed in any preceding claim to wind. * ** *. S.. * . * *5 * * S * I.S S..S * *S * S * S... S. S S* S.