IES20130212A2

IES20130212A2 - A vertical axis wind energy turbine

Info

Publication number: IES20130212A2
Application number: IES20130212A
Authority: IE
Inventors: Henry George Crosbie
Original assignee: Henry George Crosbie
Priority date: 2013-07-05
Filing date: 2013-07-05
Publication date: 2015-03-11
Also published as: IES86507B2

Abstract

A vertical axis windmill/turbine with the characteristics of a natural tree. A tree-shaped vertical axis windmill with: (1) bespoke aerofoils to mimic outline of tree branches; (2) attached to an energy-generating apparatus; and (3) freely rotating on a fixed axis, mast/pole, anchored in the ground, and fashioned to mimic tree trunk/stem. <Figure 4>

Description

A VERTICAL AXIS WIND ENERGY TURBINE BACKGROUND Tree orientated wind vortex energy generator. This invention relates to a vertical axis wind energy turbine, that has the physical appearance of a natural tree. When renewable or natural free energy is harvested from the wind, there is usually a negative impact/tradeoff for the natural environment, which includes noise, unsightly visual appearance, damage and danger to living creatures, flying or otherwise, even including ourselves. Also the kinds of materials, used to construct this type of technology, can be potentially very destructive. This invention eliminates most of, if not all, of these problems.

Firstly, when wind turbines are designed, there can be very little foresight as to how they could benefit from rogue airflows/eddy currents. Where there are obstacles, blocking the way of particular air streams, which conventional wind mills either vertical or horizontally opposed, need to operate effectively. These obstacles include buildings, walls, hills, and even other plants and trees. The aerofoils of this device have been designed to catch and benefit from even the most gentle, or ferocious, air currents from any direction. Even the way the aerofoils are coupled, and arranged makes an incredibly robust, self-supporting, and simple structure. Also this device can operate very effectively close to the ground, eliminating the need for any extremely tall, dangerous and expensive towers, or substructures.

Secondly, this device, most importantly the aerofoils, can be manufactured from recycled or organic waste materials, i.e. plastics, rubber crumb and paper. It is fabricated to form, a soft, impact-absorbing, noise-deadening, light-absorbing, environmentally friendly device. The soft materials prevent people, animals, birds and bats, from being injured or killed by the fast rotating aerofoils. The dull green finish and close proximity of the aerofoils eliminates the irritating light flickering effect, which causes epileptic seizures or fits, and also there is little or no noise pollution.

S86507 Finally, the device can be completely obscure from view and blend in with other trees, either coniferous, or as a deciduous example as in the drawings. This invention will now be described solely by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 shows the shape, characteristics, and how the aerofoils are opposed and connected to the generator/or pump.

Figure 2 shows the aerofoil shapes to which different tree types can be formed.

Figure 3 shows the cross sectional view of an aerofoil, its reinforcing spoke, and mounting.

Figure 4 shows an overall view of the assembled apparatus.

DESCRIPTION In Figure 1 it shows a cross sectional top view of the aerofoils (3) joined together either by methods such as a tubular collar, welding, or fixing bolts/screws, and then mounted to the generator/pump outer rotor assembly (2) by fixing bolts/ nuts, etc. The drawing then illustrates the direction of rotation of this device by the orientation of the aerofoils (3) and the arrows around the outer circumference of this drawing.

In Figure 2 it shows a horizontal view of an aerofoil (3) mounted onto a generator/pump rotor assembly (2), which by means of a bearing, affixed to an axle (1) which forms the stem or trunk of the free.

In Figure 3 it shows a cross sectional view of an aerofoil (3) which forms an air pocket to drive the generator/pump 2.

In Figure 4 it shows the entire assembled tree. The stem or trunk (1) which by means of a bearing or bearings rotates a generator or pump assembly (2) of which is driven by moving air by the attached bespoke aerofoils (3).

Claims

1. A tree orientated vertical axis wind powered vortex energy generator comprising three or more self-supporting, free orientated specially shaped aerofoils affixed to an energy generating apparatus rotating on a vertical axis low level tree trunk or stem orientated mast or tripod to mimic a natural tree.

2. A vertical axis wind energy generator according to claim 1, in which the aerofoils are specially shaped to benefit from unorthodox downward as well as upward moving air currents, allowing it to operate more effectively closer to the ground than conventional apparatus.

3. A vertical axis wind energy generator according to claim 1, in which the aerofoils are adjoined to form a very strong self-supporting structure.

4. A vertical axis wind energy generator according to claim 1, in which the aerofoils, stem or trunk of this apparatus can be fashioned to mimic a natural tree.

5. A vertical axis wind energy generator according to any of the preceding claims, which forms a completely aesthetic, natural-looking, robust, and environmentally friendly device.