IE86387B1 - A vertical fluid flow turbine - Google Patents

Abstract

A vertical fluid (wind/water) turbine generator, for the production of electric energy from kinetic energy found in the movement of wind/water. Two vertical fluid flow turbines side by side with an adjustable gap, rotate by the fluid current are installed into a main support frame. The main support frame comprises of: A fin(s)/rudder(s) which ensure the vertical turbines are facing into the fluid direction. Adjustable fluid flow guide vanes to increase efficiency by aiding/dissipating fluid flow into the rotating turbines. A generator housing area. Subject to fluid type: include in wind; a rotating main support frame on a foundation base giving the necessary ability to rotate freely in the winds directional changes and in sea/ocean an underwater floatation chamber within the main support frame connected to an anchor line. <Figure 4>

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a vertical fluid (wind/water) turbine generator, for the production of electric energy from kinetic energy found in the movement of wind/water. In Layman’s terms a Renewable energy” device.

This vertical fluid flow turbine can either be installed for the purpose of capturing kinetic energy from wind and/or water currents. It can be assembled to create farms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The value of energy has and is immensely changing man’s perception to strive for alternative means of energy production. Currently we see that crude oil demand has surpassed the mean quantity of readily available oil and projected oil finds (according to OPEC) i.e. oil will inevitably run out as it is finite. Both crude oil and coal produce smog a disgusting effigy. Nuclear power plants are hazardous and dangerous if things go wrong e.g. Fukushima/Chemobyl. As a result alternative energy devices are being sought to help bring equilibrium to our ever expanding consumption of energy i.e. “renewable energy” devices.

Today the conventional primary means for exploiting “renewable energy” from nature are wind turbines and hydro electric power stations (HEP stations), both have their merits and failures. To name just a few; wind turbines make a substantial amount of noise most probably a result of a single hub axel turbine, as a result they cannot be near populated areas. Using a single hub axel undoubtedly increases wear twice as fast vis-a-vis a double hub axel. The power cable inside the main pole also wraps around itself as the turbine moves in the wind. Wind turbines also have to be turned off in high wind speeds, which defeat their purpose as an energy producing module.

HEP stations require an entire river to be halted and a dam inserted, usually in remote locations and they require an enormous amount of capital. They vastly alter natures * - 86387 -2landscape i.e. the river’s activity/movement, and are difficult to manage and maintain i.e. immense pressure on the structure. There have been several dam failures in the past.

Water, being approximately one thousand times denser than air, is thus far more energy efficient at harnessing kinetic energy i.e. it can be geared. Also the further electricity must travel in a cable the greater quantity of electricity is lost. With regard to the above (current mainstream “renewable energy” devices mentioned) their locations are usually a prolonged distance from where electricity is actually consumed due to topography i.e. a huge quantity of energy is wasted in cables, from source to consumption.

As a result of the above notation, we believe we have devised a simpler, more efficient and less capital intensive method of capturing kinetic energy from wind and/or water currents: Vertical fluid flow turbine for wind currents Vs Wind turbines: High wind speed; Current wind turbines must be turned off in high wind speed i.e. their single hub axel system cannot support the strain of a high wind speed. Solution; the vertical fluid flow turbine for wind currents, has guide vanes installed. These guide vanes are pivotable and can reduce wind currents if they become overbearing i.e. electric energy is always produced unless a hurricane emerges, in which case these guide vanes are closed in order to protect the unit.

Electric source to consumption; Current wind turbines are usually a prolonged distance from any major electric consumption point i.e. a city, as they produce a huge amount of noise, hence a large cable is needed in the transport of electricity and costs are increased. Also there is a loss of electricity the greater distance the cable has to travel. Solution; the vertical fluid flow turbine for wind currents can he situated on high rise buildings as it operates a two by two hub axel system i.e. superior sound suppression Vs conventional single hub axel wind turbines enabling it to be built in populated areas. If installed on high rise buildings or in cities there is virtually no loss -3of energy in transport (cable), as energy source to consumption are in tandem, providing superior logistics.

Wear and tear; Current wind turbines operate as a single hub axel unit, the wind force on the blades is a lot of force for one hub to support. Solution; the vertical fluid flow turbine for wind currents, operates a two by two hub axel system vastly reducing wear and tear.

Directional aid; Current wind turbines are required to be directed into the wind manually/by computer i.e. they require a lot of aid. Solution; the vertical fluid flow turbine for wind currents uses a fin/rudder system, which will naturally oppress wind flow and turn into the fluid direction i.e. it should not require directional aid.

Cable wrapping; Current wind turbines main power cable is inside the high pole which the turbine sits on, as the turbine moves in the wind (round and round) this power cable wraps around itself and, if left unnoticed will break the power cable by force. It must be unwound from time to time manually/by computer to prevent this. Solution; the vertical fluid flow turbine for wind currents operates on a drum rotational device which can go round and round in the movements of the wind infinitely.

Efficiency; Current wind turbines wing span to circumference of their area covered is approximately three percent, thus it does not harness all the kinetic energy moving through its wing span circumference, only three percent. Solution; the vertical fluid flow turbine for wind currents operates adjustable vertical turbines i.e. they can move in and out, and adjust for wind speed. Along with this function, is an adjustable wind vane system, this operates by opening/closing wind flow into the vertical turbines as a result ensures wind is always diverted into the vertical turbines vastly increasing efficiency. If the guide vanes are fully opened part of the surrounding wind to the vertical turbines circumference is channelled towards them. A fin/rudder system at the rear oppresses fluid direction, ensuring the guide vanes are facing the strongest wind direction at all times thus increasing efficiency. Combined, there should be a substantially higher efficiency ratio vis-a-vis conventional wind turbines. -4Vertical fluid flow turbine for river currents Vs HEP: HEP stations, require vast amounts of capital and time to set-up, they vastly alter the landscape and require a large reserve of water to pressure its turbine(s). The vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing river currents is a pre-fabricated unit which in quantity will produce the same amount of electric power as a HEP station. The set-up and running costs even though there would need to be many units to compete with a HEP station are still substantially less (i.e. you do not need to build a dam) and maintenance is easily accessible. The vertical fluid flow turbines for river currents is basically a drop in system e.g. three or four vertical fluid flow turbine for river currents beside one another under the surface of the water which comprise of a buoyancy tank on top. A main support strut connecting the buoyancy tanks in a line across the width of the river (bank to bank) which is connected into a simple concrete support on each side i.e. very little alteration to the landscape and fish can still swim past the unit i.e. no solid wall for the fish.

Vertical fluid flow turbine for ocean currents: As water is approximately one thousand times denser than air, and the ocean currents are constantly moving at roughly the same speed all year round. It would seem logical to harness this energy at the expense of the extra cable required (the further the cable the more energy lost in the cable). The vertical fluid flow turbine for ocean currents is devised to do exactly this i.e. harness the kinetic energy from the ocean currents. It functions by anchoring to the sea/ocean floor with a cable, and is kept upright via a buoyancy tank. This unit is designed to float under water in the sea/oceans currents and produce electricity. The anchor cable will have/may be part of an electric cable thus electricity will conjoin all anchor cables/underwater generators to link in to the electricity grid on land.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION The invention relates to a new concept for a vertical fluid (wind/water) flow turbine generator. The device comprises of; two vertical turbines (rotators) aligned side by side, which comprise of three or more wings/blades (straight/curved/shaped), The -5turbines axel comprise of a top hub and a bottom hub each, and sit in a main support frame. When the turbines rotate in the fluid flow they can create electricity from kinetic energy via for example electromagnetic couplings (stator magnets), gear box or other generator assortments. The axels separation (distance to one another) can be adjusted to suit conditions of the fluid flow. The vertical turbines are fluid driven through a system of adjustable wind/water vanes, which directionally aid/dissipate fluid flow to the vertical turbines, and are connected to the main support frame.

The main support frame has incorporated a fin(s)/rudder(s) to enable it to align into the fluid flow directional path (A fin/rudder will oppress fluid direction).

The main support frame also consists of a housing area for the generators. Modified designs of the main support frame are necessary for the different forms of capturing the kinetic energy i.e. wind/river/ocean currents: For wind currents, the main support frame is part of a rotating drum, as wind direction changes frequently this rotating drum can move freely round and round. This rotating drum is connected to a foundation via cogs and/or anti-friction balls or other assortments which give it the necessary ability to move round and round in tandem with the wind direction.

For river currents, the main support frame is inverted and can incorporate a flotation chamber/buoyancy tank. It is connected to a foundation via a steel struts) into the river bed and/or river bank(s). Since river currents are a constant in the same direction the main support frame is a fixed position.

For ocean currents, the main support frame incorporates a flotation chamber/buoyancy tank. The main support frame is connected to an anchor line; the anchor line is connected to a foundation. Since ocean currents marginally change pace and/or direction the buoyancy chamber and the fin(s)/rudder(s) enables the main support frame to adjust to these alterations. The electric energy generated moves with/in the anchor line and is conjoined (with other anchor lines) to link in to the electricity grid on land.

Materials used are yet to be determined; however durable strong (lightweight) plastics and/or durable strong (lightweight) metals would suggest preference. -6Specific features relating to the drawings: (1) Vertical fluid flow turbines. (2) Adjustable fluid flow guide vanes. (3) Fin/rudder. (4) Generator housing, (5) Main pivot. (6) Fluid flow (fluid currents). (7) Main support frames movement into the fluid directional path via the fin and fluid flow vanes, lining up the vertical fluid flow turbines with the fluids direction. (8) Main support frames. (9) Foundation support/fixed base. (10) Anchor line. (11) Buoyancy chamber. (12) Vertical fluid flow turbine axel location. (13) Cable connection to electric grid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: Fig. 1 is a two-dimensional front view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from wind currents. -7Fig. 2 is a two-dimensional side view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from wind currents.

Fig. 3 is a two-dimensional over-head view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from wind currents.

Fig. 4 is a three-dimensional view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from wind currents.

Fig. 5 is a two-dimensional side view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from river currents.

Fig. 6 is a two-dimensional front view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from river currents.

Fig. 7 is a two-dimensional over-head view ofthe vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from river currents.

Fig. 8 is a three-dimensional view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from river currents (which shows various outer parts semi-detached in order to show internal parts more clearly).

Fig. 9 is a three-dimensional view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from river currents in a row (simulate a farm across a river).

Fig. 10 is a two-dimensional side view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from ocean currents.

Fig. 11 is a two-dimensional front view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from ocean currents.

Fig. 12 is a two-dimensional over-head view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from ocean currents. -8Fig, 13 is a three-dimensional view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from ocean currents (which shows various outer parts semi-detached in order to show internal parts more clearly).

Fig. 14 is a three-dimensional view of the vertical fluid flow turbine for capturing kinetic energy from ocean currents in a row (simulate a farm in the ocean).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With regard to the drawings, parts with the same functions have the same reference numbers. With reference to the drawing, a detailed description of the vertical fluid flow turbine will be explained.

Two vertical fluid flow turbines (rotators) (1), comprising of three or more blades (straight/shaped/adjustable/curved) side by side with an adjustable gap, rotate by the fluid current (6) are installed into the main support frame (5) via a top and bottom hub in the axel (12). The two vertical turbines are fluid driven through a system of adjustable wind/water vanes (2), which directionally aid (when more open)/dissipate (when more closed) fluid flow to the vertical turbines (1), and are connected to the main support frame (8), (for wind currents there may be an anemometer attached to help make the vanes more efficient). The main support frame (8) has incorporated a fin(s)/rudder(s) (3) to enable the vertical fluid flow turbines (main support frame to face the fluid current) to align into the fluid flow directional path (7). Generator module(s) (4) are housed inside the main support frame (8) (round drum for wind/above anchor connection point for ocean/on top for river), and produce electric energy via the rotation of the vertical fluid flow turbines movements produced by the kinetic energy. The main support frame (8) is connected to a foundation support/fixed base (9) wherein wind; cogs and/or anti-friction balls or other assortments are used which give the main support frame the necessary ability to move round and round in tandem with the wind direction (7). The main pivot (5) adds structural support to the main support frame (8) and is part of the foundation support/fixed base (9), it also allows the main support frame (8) to rotate round and round hence why it is in the middle. Wherein rivers; the foundation support/fixed base (9) is inverted and is a steel - 4strut or other similar support and is married to the river bed and/or river bank.

Wherein ocean; the foundation support/fixed base (9) is an anchor point on the sea/ocean bed. Where the main support frame (8) is floating above incorporating a buoyancy chamber (11) (under the surface of the water) and is connected via an anchor line (10). The anchor line (10) has incorporated/alongside a cable of which electricity produced from the generator module(s) can travel down and connect up to the electrical grid on land (13). The buoyancy chamber (11) for the ocean currents may incorporate a slider weight system in order to keep the main support frame upright, keeping the vertical turbines at optimum pitch for energy production (submarine fluid dynamics).

The connection between the generator module(s) and the vertical fluid flow turbine may use cogs and a gearbox in conjunction with the turbines axis or electro-magnetic couplings (stator magnets) for a friction free (water sealed) alternative.

Claims (3)

1. l. A vertical fluid flow turbine generator for the purpose of capturing electric energy from kinetic energy found in fluid current (wind/water) comprising: 5 at least two single axel, two hub, vertical fluid flow turbines (1) which consist of at least three blades (2) arranged with an adjustable gap wherein the blades can be of straight, curved or shaped form; the turbines (1) installed into a main support frame (8) via the top and bottom hub in the axel; io the main frame support (8) comprising: a generator housing area (4), at least one fin/rudder (3) to ensure the vertical turbines are facing into the fluid direction, at least two adjustable guide vanes to increase efficiency by aiding fluid flow into the turbines, a foundation support/fixed base (9) optionally permanently connected to the main frame support (8); a main pivot (5), and anti-friction system to allow the main support 20 frame rotate (8) freely on the foundation support/fixed base (9) during directional fluid changes; wherein optionally the foundation support/fixed base (9) is inverted and is married to the river bed or river bank using a fixing mechanism such as a steel strut, when the generator is used in rivers; 25 wherein optionally the foundation support/fixed base (9) is anchored to the sea/ocean bed and the main support frame (8) further comprises a buoyancy chamber (11) allowing connection to the foundation support/fixed base (9) via an anchor line (10), the buoyancy chamber preferably incorporating a slider weight system to keep the main support frame upright, the anchor line incorporating an electrical cable to allow connection to the electricity grid (13), when the generator is used in seas and oceans.

2. A vertical fluid flow turbine generator for the purpose of capturing electric energy from kinetic energy found in fluid current (wind/water) as disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

3. A method for capturing electric energy from kinetic energy found in fluid current using the generator (or a series of them in combination) as discussed in preceding claims.