JP2008506877A5 - - Google Patents

Description

Wind energy extraction system

The present invention relates to the use of wind energy, and in particular to extracting energy from wind safely and efficiently and converting it to usable energy.

Common wind turbines with long rotor blades cause several problems. For example, visual and noise pollution, and bird strikes, perhaps the most familiar public concern. As a result, shroud turbines have been developed. Shroud turbines generally allow the use of smaller and more enclosed rotor blades or impellers and have a physical shroud or annular concentrator wing. Physical shrouds or annular concentrator wings are very easy to see for birds in flight, and at the same time do not present moving objects such as large rotating blades that are believed by many to damage the landscape. For wind shroud turbines, the type with two or more concentrator wings allows the wind to flow between the concentrator wings and develops the vacuum or suction that drives the turbine, the most promising and efficient device As recently demonstrated. See, for example, H. Grassmann et al. “A Partially Static Turbine-first experimental results”, Journal of Renewable Energy (February, 2003) (Non-Patent Document 1). Other references describing wind energy conversion devices with shrouds include US Pat. No. 5,599,172 (Patent Document 1), US Pat. No. 4,075,500 (Patent Document 2), US Pat. No. 4,140,433 ( Patent Document 3), US Pat. No. 4,204,799 (Patent Document 4), US Pat. No. 5,464,320 (Patent Document 5), and European Patent Application Publication No. 1359320 (Patent Document 6).
U.S. Pat.No. 5,599,172 U.S. Pat.No. 4,075,500 U.S. Pat.No. 4,140,433 U.S. Pat.No. 4,204,799 U.S. Pat.No. 5,464,320 European Patent Application No. 1359320 H. Grassmann et al. “A Partially Static Turbine-first experimental results”, Journal of Renewable Energy (February, 2003)

The present invention seeks to provide improvements in wind energy extraction devices.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a system and method are provided for safely and efficiently extracting energy from wind and converting it into usable energy, the system and method comprising:
One or more concentrator wings that are used to react with wind flow to induce a drop in static pressure and then drive one or more impellers and one or more power converters. Or multiple concentrator wings;
An aerodynamic surface for directing a wind flow impinging on the flow control body outwardly from the flow control body and toward the wind flow reacting with the one or more concentrator wings A flow regulator;
Have

According to a further aspect of the invention,
An impeller and an attached power converter for the impeller;
A concentrator wing disposed about the impeller, the concentrator wing being spaced apart to allow air to flow between the concentrator wings;
Have
The impeller is positioned with respect to the concentrator wing such that it is driven in use by wind flow induced by the air flow between the concentrator wings;
Furthermore,
A flow regulator positioned downstream of the impeller, the flow regulator having an aerodynamic surface for deflecting wind, the aerodynamic surface being contoured to improve laminar airflow between the concentrator wings; A flow regulator;
A wind energy extraction device is provided.

According to a further aspect of the invention,
A plurality of impellers and at least one attached power converter for the impellers;
A concentrator wing disposed about the impeller, the concentrator wing being spaced apart to allow air to flow between the concentrator wings;
And a plurality of the impellers are positioned with respect to the concentrator wing such that they are driven in use by wind flow induced by the air flow between the concentrator wings.
Provide a wind energy extraction device.

  According to further aspects of the invention, one or more of the following may be provided in addition.

An aerodynamic brake that allows the proximity of the turbine shroud to the flow regulator to be adjusted to control the flow of wind through the flow regulator;
More than one power converter is positioned on the leeward side of the aerodynamic surface of the flow regulator,
More than one impeller drive shaft, and more than one impeller drive shaft connecting more than one impeller to more than one power converter;
Further comprising
Downwind guidance supporting a plurality of elements to include at least one or more of the concentrator wings and the flow regulator, wherein the downwind guidance impedes high speed wind flow upstream of the elements. To show that
The downwind guidance promotes the general orientation of the elements to the headwind; and
The downwind guidance has a leeward support, the leeward support supports a plurality of the elements and extends in a downwind direction and then pivots outward and connects to a swivel, the swivel The elements can be rotated about a common axis and provide the orientation;
An alternative downwind guidance that supports a plurality of elements to include at least one or more of the concentrator wings and the flow regulator and facilitates proper orientation of the plurality of elements to the headwind;
And further; and
A riser that extends a plurality of the elements to the opposing wind, and at least a part of the riser extends to the leeward side of the aerodynamic surface of the flow rate adjusting body,
And at least one swivel capable of rotating a plurality of said elements about said swivel and providing said orientation;
It has further.

  Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a wind energy extraction device and method that includes one or more of the following objects and advantages.

1. The present invention seeks to provide a flow regulation device or method, thereby improving the wind energy extraction efficiency of a wind turbine having one or more shrouds or concentrator wings, particularly in windy conditions.

  2. The present invention seeks to provide a simple, cost-effective and responsive aerodynamic braking device or method whereby wind turbine impellers or ancillary components can be speeded during gust or strong wind conditions. Protect against excess or other design limits.

  3. An object of the present invention is to provide an impeller drive shaft extending from a flow rate adjusting body, and the impeller drive shaft is used to accommodate a power converter in the flow rate adjusting body or on the downwind side of the aerodynamic surface of the flow rate adjusting body. Provided to shield the power converter, thereby reducing the obstruction of the open or correctly aligned converter that occurs when positioned within the high velocity wind flow in the turbine shroud or concentrator wing, or Eliminate.

4). The present invention seeks to provide a simple and cost-effective downwind guidance device or method, thereby enabling the present invention to properly face headwinds, where the guidance system comprises concentrator wings and Presented downstream of the impeller to improve wind energy extraction efficiency.

  5. The present invention seeks to provide a system that is safe for humans and wildlife and especially for birds in flight.

  6). The present invention seeks to provide a system that generates a low degree of vibration and noise that is more suitable for installation in both rural and urban environments and is attached to man-made structures and structures.

  7. The present invention seeks to provide a system that can extract energy from wind at a higher speed than a wind turbine without a shroud, which is a common design.

8). It is an object of the present invention to provide a wind energy extraction system that has an overall reduced design, manufacture and maintenance cost and expense.

9. It is an object of the present invention to provide a wind energy extraction system that serves the two purposes of both street lampposts and wind / power generators in a setting installed in a city.

10. An object of the present invention is to provide a wind energy extraction system that can use a plurality of impellers and a plurality of power converters. Therefore, the problem of preventing the impeller or the power converter from exceeding the speed in a strong wind condition is Can be shared by magnetic, electrical or mechanical resistance.

11. The present invention aims to provide a wind energy extraction system, the wind energy extraction system may include a stationary riser elements, stationary riser element supports the other elements of the system, other elements of the system Is capable of rotating around the riser element and is properly aligned to the headwind and supports a lamp for illuminating the road on the top of the riser element or also supports an electrical insulator, The static insulator holds the transmission line.

  Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements.

  In this specification, the terms “comprising” or “including” are used in an inclusive sense and do not exclude other elements present. The term “one” or “a” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of the same element elsewhere.

The description of the wind energy extraction device 10 shown in FIG. 1 begins with how a shroud wind turbine having one or more concentrator wings 12 is operated. FIG. 6 therefore schematically shows a cross section of the wind flow, which passes through the turbine shroud 14 and through three additional shrouds or concentrator wings 12. Turbine shroud 14 serves to surround impeller 16, which in turn serves to react with the wind flowing through turbine shroud 14 and drive power converter 22. The drive power converter 22 is not shown in FIG. 6, but is an AC machine or a generator, for example. The concentrator wing 12 operates essentially the same as an aircraft wing and has a similar airfoil as can be readily seen in FIG. These airfoils generally have a convex upper surface, thereby accelerating the wind flow, and having a flat or recessed lower surface, slightly reducing the wind flow past these surfaces. It tends to make it. The airfoil of the concentrator wing 12 shown is tilted or has an angle of incidence in aviation terminology. The incident angle deflects the wind flow outward from the central axis. The central axis runs parallel to the wind flow and is concentric with the concentrator wing 12 and the turbine shroud 14. The obvious difference between the concentrator wing 12 and the aircraft wing is that the concentrator wing 12 is generally, though not necessarily, annular.

One of ordinary skill in the aviation will readily appreciate that in two or more aircraft wings, the interaction occurs when one folds over one wing. Examples include Steerman biplanes and Sopwith triplanes. Steerman biplanes continue to work as agricultural spray aircraft capable of air-lifting high loads, and Sopwith triplanes are very easy to operate, the first world Used during the war. In essence, the lower wing in the example biplane or triplane corresponds to the largest diameter concentrator wing 12 in the example wind energy extraction device 10. The lower wing in a biplane or triplane attracts a low static pressure region over the upper surface of the wing, which then causes an accelerated wind flow to pass through the lower surface of the wing. This corresponds to the second largest diameter concentrator wing 12 in the example of the wind energy extraction device 10. This in turn causes further acceleration of the wind flow over the upper surface of this wing. This configuration of multiple aircraft wings is typically used where high lift and low stall speed are desired, and when it is necessary to limit the overall span of the wing in order to increase aircraft mobility Used for. The wind energy extraction device of the present invention uses this effect to increase the static pressure difference that occurs between the wind inlet and outlet to the turbine shroud 14. Another way to understand the interaction of the concentrator wing 12 in the wind energy extraction device 10 is to recognize the following. That is, the largest concentrator wing 12 attracts a lower static pressure field on its upper surface, and this lower static pressure field is further condensed by the next larger concentrator wing 12 and again the next larger concentrator wing 12. And until the static pressure field is most condensed in the region where the airflow exits the turbine shroud 14. Thus, there is a static pressure gradient between the inlet of the turbine shroud 14 and the outlet of the turbine shroud 14, which causes the wind to be strongly drawn through the turbine shroud 14, the drive impeller 16 and the power converter 22. This retraction can actually be very powerful. In particular, it can be very powerful in stronger winds, and the flow of wind outward from the turbine shroud 14 creates a uniform or laminar flow of wind across and between the concentrator wings 12. May interfere. This manifestation is shown in FIG. 6 by a wavy arrow, which indicates the disturbed wind flow across and between the concentrator wings 12. This phenomenon has been demonstrated experimentally and through computer simulation using the latest fluid flow computer software. As the wind flow increases in speed, the speed of the wind stream or jet exiting the turbine shroud 14 increases several times, and the uniform flow of wind across and between the concentrator wings 12 However, it reaches a point where it is suddenly disturbed. When this happens, the low pressure field generated by the multiple concentrator wings 12 collapses and there is little additional power available. In aviation terminology, this phenomenon is called wing stall. Wing stall occurs when a uniform flow of wind across the upper surface of the wing suddenly breaks up and is disturbed further upwind. This can happen when the wing is exposed to a "attack angle" that is too large for the headwind at low airflow speeds, or the wing load increases during a sharp one-sided turn, etc. Is the time. At such points, a dramatic loss of lift occurs, and the pilot must pick up from that loss. The purpose of the wind energy extraction device described herein is to provide a solution to this disadvantage of the prior art and does not rely on any improved impeller design and continues to occur in the prior art. This is to allow a higher speed wind to be received without causing the concentrator wing 12 to stall.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a more laminar flow of wind across and between concentrator wings 12 when the device of the wind energy extraction device of the present invention includes a flow regulator 18. It is a cross section. The flow regulator 18 is a component having a plurality of aerodynamic surfaces 50 that cause the wind stream drawn into the turbine shroud 14 to be directed outward and away from the central axis. Let me. The central axis runs substantially parallel to the opposing wind and in one embodiment passes through the center of the concentrator wing 12. This redirection of the blowout of the wind exiting the turbine shroud 14 maintains or facilitates a uniform flow of wind across the top surface of the plurality of concentrator wings 12, and thereby the uniform flow of wind. Eliminate or reduce aerodynamic stalling of the concentrator wing 12 that would otherwise occur without maintenance or promotion. At first glance, introducing such a device as a flow regulator 18 prevents airflow from exiting the turbine shroud 14 and possibly reduces the available power of the wind-driven impeller 16. looks like. Experimentally, however, the performance obtained by maintaining a uniform flow of wind across multiple concentrator wings 12 is much more important than induced drag loss, which means that the flow regulator 18 is a turbine shroud. When positioned at the correct distance from 14 and within a high velocity air stream exiting the turbine shroud 14. As will be disclosed hereinafter, this very property of inducing drag or limiting the flow of wind out of the turbine shroud 14 can be beneficially used in the wind energy extraction device 10 to provide an aerodynamic brake. . The purpose of providing an aerodynamic brake is to protect the components of the wind energy extraction device 10 of the present invention under gusty or very fast wind conditions.

Accordingly, FIG. 5 also schematically shows a cross section of the wind flow across and between the plurality of concentrator wings 12, the wind flow passing through the turbine shroud 14 and the aerodynamic surface of the flow regulator 18. Over 50. 5 in connection with FIG. 4 is that the flow regulator 18 is closer to the turbine shroud 14. The closer the flow regulator 18 restricts the flow of wind out of the turbine shroud 14, thereby aerodynamically braking the impeller 16 in the event of excessive gusts or very high speed winds. Acts as if to hang. Thus, the aerobrake 20 includes a flow regulator 18, a turbine shroud 14, and a close adjustment between the flow regulator 18 and the turbine shroud 14, thereby allowing the impeller 16 or other wind energy extraction device 10 to be This component prevents overspeed or breaching limits set in other designs in gusts or very high speeds. As a definition of aerodynamic brake 20 and a general understanding, it should be noted that if the turbine shroud 14 is used in conjunction with an impeller 16, the illustrated turbine shroud 14 is now one of the concentrator wings 12. It is to be determined as a special case. A device having a plurality of aerodynamically active surfaces as described for the concentrator wing 12 may also be used as the turbine shroud 14 and interacts with the flow regulator 18 to work in the definition of the aerodynamic brake 20. be able to. Next, adjustment of proximity between the flow rate adjusting body 18 and the turbine shroud 14 will be described.

FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional view of a plurality of elements of the wind energy extraction device 10, specifically illustrating the adjustment of the proximity of the turbine shroud 14 to the flow regulator 18. FIG. 2, like FIG. 4, shows the components of the wind energy extraction device 10 under non-aerodynamic braking conditions. The condition where the aerodynamic brake is not applied is that the turbine shroud 14 is in a far position with respect to the flow rate adjusting body 18. For convenience, the length of the relative far position is indicated by the letter “A”. FIG. 3 provides the same view as FIG. 2, but the only difference is that the components of the wind energy extraction device 10 are now in the aerodynamic brake position. The position where the aerodynamic brake is applied means that the turbine shroud 14 is in a close position with respect to the flow rate adjusting body 18. In the example of FIG. 3, the length of this relative near position is indicated by the letter “B”. The aerodynamic brake 20 allows the concentrator wing 12 or the turbine shroud 14 to be pushed by gust or high speed wind forces on these elements. The concentrator wing 12 and the turbine shroud 14 are connected together by a plurality of retainers 28, one of which is illustrated in FIGS. The retainer 28 is then connected with the heel 36, which can slide freely along the lee support 32. The turbine shroud 14 is also connected to a plurality of struts 40, one of which is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. The plurality of struts 40 are then connected to another rod 36 that can slide freely on the drive shaft housing 38 described in FIG. Referring now to FIG. 2, in situations where the wind is not too gusty or not too fast, the wind energy extraction device 10 remains free of aerodynamic braking. In order to maintain the state where the aerodynamic brake is not applied, one of the flanges 36 is pressed against the compression spring 24. Next, FIG. 3 shows a position where the aerodynamic brake is applied. The position where the aerodynamic brake is applied means that a wind gust or excessively high wind force pushes the concentrator wing 12 or the turbine housing 14 or other elements so that the rod 36 compresses the compression spring 24 and adjusts the flow of these elements It is a position where the gap between the outlet of the turbine shroud 14 and the aerodynamic surface 50 of the flow rate adjusting body 18 is narrowed down to the body 18 in the downwind direction. It should also be noted here that the turbine shroud 14 is not subjected to the aerodynamic brake as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and under the aerodynamic brake as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. The position of the impeller 16 with respect to the inlet. For significant wind conditions, it may be advantageous to include a catch mechanism (not shown) operation. The catch mechanism operation is such that when the compression spring 24 is compressed to a certain limit, the catch prevents the compression spring 24 from being depressurized and the aerodynamic brake on the wind energy extraction device 10 until the catch is released. The state where it is applied is continued. This catch mechanism can serve to further protect the moving elements in harsh weather conditions.

FIG. 3 shows the impeller 16, which is attached to the impeller drive shaft 26. The impeller drive shaft 26 passes through the drive shaft housing 38 and freely rotates in the drive shaft housing 38. Next, the impeller drive shaft 26 enters the flow rate adjusting body 18. The flow regulator 18 can also be used to house the power converter 22. The power converter 22 is typically an alternator or a generator and is used to convert mechanical torque into usable electrical energy. The purpose of the wind energy extraction device of the present invention is to move the power converter 22 out of the high velocity flow through the impeller 16. In conventional wind turbines, it has been proposed that the alternator or generator must be faired in. The reason is to minimize the aerodynamic drag loss caused by the necessary installation of these elements in high speed wind flow. The impeller drive shaft 26 of the wind energy extraction device of the present invention extends the impeller 16 to a high-speed wind flow drawn through the turbine shroud 14, and the power converter 22 is connected to the aerodynamic surface 50 of the flow regulator 18. It is surrounded on the leeward or leeward side or in the leeward or leeward side to allow it to escape from this high-speed wind flow. The aerodynamic surface 50 on the windward side of the flow rate adjusting body 18 serves to direct the flow of the wind outward from the flow rate adjusting body 18 and to direct the wind flowing over the plurality of concentrator wings 12 to adjust the flow rate. A “dead air space” or an air space that moves slower is formed on the leeward side of the body 18. This dead air space provides an ideal location for the power converter 22, particularly when it is housed within the flow regulator 18 and protected from the weather and other elements of the natural environment.

Theoretically and in fact, the highest energy extraction efficiency is when the wind has slowed down to about 1/3 of the original free flow rate, just downstream of the wind turbine. This principle also applies to wind turbines with shrouds. This principle is applied in the wind energy extraction device 10. The purpose of a wind energy extraction devices is to mounted and supports a plurality of elements of the wind energy extraction device 10, whereby the high-speed interfere with air flow upstream of the components of a wind energy extraction device 10 Presents a small amount and allows the wind energy extraction device 10 to be directed to the headwind immediately and preferably without the assistance of a motor drive or secondary wind direction sensing equipment. Referring back to FIG. 2, downwind guidance 30 performs this function. The downwind guidance 30 includes a leeward support 32, a mounting element that supports a plurality of concentrator wings 12, a flow regulator 18, and other elements of the wind energy extraction device 10, and in the downwind direction, the leeward of the concentrator wing 12. Extends into the slower moving wind stream on the side. Next, the leeward support 32 turns outward from the central axis of the wind flow described above, and finally connects to the swivel 34. The swivel 34 is mounted slightly forward of the center of the wind pressure on the concentrator wings 12 and other elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 so that these elements can rotate around the swivel 34 and into the opposite wind. It can be oriented or preferably suitably self-directed. The swivel 34 is best to include a plurality of sealed rolling bearings, which includes a plurality of sealed rolling bearings that allows the swivel 34 to rotate with low friction and is long in outdoor environments. Life is sure. The swivel 34 may also include a commutator plate (not shown). The commutator plate transmits the power generated by the power converter 22 through the swivel 34 for further processing or use.

Referring now to FIG. 7, care should be taken to ensure that the riser 42 is typically mounted parallel to the local gravity line. The riser 42 provides support to the swivel 34 and extends the elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 into a more free unhindered wind flow. Also during design several embodiments of a wind energy extraction device 10, to ensure that the plurality of elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 supported by the swivel 34 is taken well reasonably balanced in the longitudinal direction Care must be taken to minimize any self-guiding errors to the headwind even if the riser 42 is not mounted completely parallel to the local gravity line. The foundation 44 supporting the riser 42 and other elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 should also be designed to receive the strongest wind force expected in the area where it is installed. FIG. 7 also illustrates the operation of the downwind guidance 30 about the common axis defined by the swivel 34 using arrows.

FIG. 8 shows an additional embodiment of the wind energy extraction device 10. In this example, wind energy extraction device 10 includes a plurality of impellers 16 and includes one or more power converters 22 (power converters 22 are not shown in FIG. 8). Only a single power converter 22 is required for multiple impellers 16. The plurality of impellers 16 can be connected to a single power converter 22 via pulleys, transmissions, or any variety of means. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, three impellers 16 may be connected to a single power converter 22. It should also be noted in this drawing that the concentrator wings 12 are represented as straight surfaces and are different from the curved surfaces represented in the previous drawings. The swivel 34 (s) is also shown to work to properly direct the elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 to the headwind. It is also noted in FIG. 8 that the flow regulator 18 extends over the entire length of the plurality of impellers 16 in this embodiment, and in a single impeller 16 downwind as shown in the previous drawings. It is different from existing only. A plurality of impeller drive shafts 26 (not shown in FIG. 8) also extend from the flow regulator 18 to position the plurality of impellers 16 into a high velocity wind flowing through the turbine shroud 14. Again, for clarity, the concentrator wing 12 closest to the impeller 16 may perform the function of the turbine shroud 14.

FIG. 9 then shows a cross-section of an additional embodiment of the wind energy extraction device 10 as introduced in FIG. In this example, and for further clarity, two additional concentrator wings 12 as aerodynamic elements closest to the impeller 16 serve as the turbine shroud 14. The power converter 22 is also shown in FIG. 9 and is located downwind or on the opposite side of the aerodynamic surface 50 of the flow regulator 18 as in previous drawings. The use of multiple power converters 22 and multiple impellers 16 has several important advantages. A plurality of relatively small impellers 16 can have a higher revolutions per minute (rpm), in other words, a plurality of power converters 22 are directly driven and also operate at a relatively high revolutions per minute. it can. In general, higher speed alternators or generators require less winding and are less expensive to produce. Another important aspect relates to overspeed protection. Obviously, as the number of impellers 16 and power converters 22 increases relative to some fixed area that captures the wind, the individual impellers 16 and power converters 22 can use the wind energy as electrical energy. The work of converting to is shared and reduced. Subsequently, again, the work of preventing overspeed of the impeller 16 and the power converter 22 is shared across a number of these elements. The electrical or temporal resistance of an alternator as an example of a suitable form of power converter 22 is not uncommon for most people operating a motor vehicle. Such vehicles may stop idling the engine when idling and when some additional electrical load, such as a headlamp, is applied. Idling stops occur as a result of the engine having to work more to rotate the alternator. Alternators apply greater electrical or magnetic resistance in response to greater demands being made to provide power to the headlamps. This same electrical or magnetic resistance may be applied to the power converter 22 to generate additional electricity and at the same time control the rotational speed of the power converter 22 in stronger wind conditions. Again, to apply a brake to impeller 16 and overspeed of power converter 22 by increasing the number of power converters 22 for several fixed areas of wind energy extraction device 10 that acquire wind. Provide higher ability. A riser 42 is also shown in FIG. 9 and spans down or opposite the aerodynamic surface 50 of the flow regulator 18. This is not just a convenient location for riser 42. This is because such a place is where the riser 42 can support the elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 and where the aerodynamic drag loss caused by the riser 42 can be immediately reduced. is there. The alternative downwind guidance 46 thus provides an alternative to the downwind guidance 30 in the present embodiment, whereby the alternative downwind guidance 46 spans the downwind or opposes the aerodynamic surface 50 of the flow regulator 18. A side riser 42 and a swivel (s) 34 are also included. Swivel 34 in this case, with respect to other elements of the wind energy extraction device 10, preferably placed sufficiently upwind, only the wind, the elements of the wind energy extraction device 10, so causing properly directed to the opposite wind And no motor drive or other assistance is used.

FIG. 10 provides two perspective views that are additional embodiments of the wind energy extraction device 10. A circular arrow serves to indicate the movement of the alternative downwind guidance 46. The downwind guidance 46 moves when the elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 rotate about the swivel 34 (s) and face the opposing wind. Also shown in FIG. 10 is a lamp 48 that provides an example of configuring the wind energy extraction device 10 as a device having two applications: a lamppost and a wind / power generator. The lamppost and wind / power generator device 10 may be used along roads, for example, streets in the city, highways, along highway intersections, where the ramp 48 may Or used to illuminate road intersections and wind / power generators provide power to lamps 48 or the electrical power grid. The riser 42 continues to be stationary with respect to the plurality of concentrator wings 12 and allows stationary mounting of the lamps 48 regardless of the direction of the concentrator wings 12 in the wind direction or the opposing wind.

FIG. 11 provides additional views of two wind energy extraction systems, each system having two sets of concentrator wings 12 and three impellers 16. FIG. 11 also shows the insulator 50 mounted on the top of the riser 42 and the transmission line 54. The power transmission line 54 connects the two wind energy extraction systems together, and also connects the power pole 52 together. The illustrated utility pole 52 can be interconnected with an electrical power system. A riser 42 extending above the concentrator wing 12 allows the insulator 50 to carry the transmission line 54 much higher than the ground surface. Again, the riser 42 that is stationary and independent of the orientation of the concentrator wing 12 allows for a stationary mounting of the insulator 50 on top of the riser 42. By holding the transmission line 54 above the ground surface, when installed on farmland, agricultural machinery can pass under the transmission line 54 and have the additional cost and risk of burying cables in the ground. To avoid.

12A and 12B provide two perspective views of the present invention 10, with the concentrator wing 12 and impeller 16 positioned further in the rear or downwind with respect to the swivel (s) 34. FIG. This figure shows that the location of the swivel 34 is sufficiently up-winded with respect to the other elements of the wind energy extraction device 10 as described above, and wind energy extraction is performed solely by wind power without motor drive or other assistance. It is shown to emphasize that the elements of device 10 are properly oriented to the headwind. Placing the concentrator wing 12 and impeller 16 further in the rear or downwind with respect to the riser 42 ensures that the elements of the present invention 10 are properly directed to the headwind with only the wind force. Similarly, the aerodynamic surface 50 of the flow regulator 18 continues to operate to reduce wind power on at least a portion of the riser 42, and similarly, the aerodynamic surface 50 reacts wind flow outward and with the concentrator wing 2. Continue to direct toward the wind flow .

To clarify the benefits of minimizing the diameter of the inlet to the turbine shroud 14 and the diameter of the impeller 16 with respect to the larger diameter or capture area of the concentrator wing 12, reference to the drawings is also included. Useful. The multiple diameter concentrator wings 12 or the larger capture area provided by the multiple concentrator wings 12 allows the wind energy extraction device 10 to capture and extract energy from the large wind area relative to the forward area of the turbine shroud 14. At the same time, it is very recognizable for birds in flight. The concentrator wing 12 can also be made more recognizable by applying color, shadow, or pattern contrast to these elements, and in a relatively featureless landscape such as found in grasslands or deserts. When installing a plurality of embodiments of the wind energy extraction device 10, it can be created as such. Using marking and coloring also allows embodiments of the wind energy extraction device 10 to be better integrated into other fine landscapes without harming the birds in flight. For example, consider a wind farm. The wind farm has multiple embodiments of wind energy extraction device 10 that are textured and colored similar to the surrounding forest. Wind turbines appear to birds as hills or protruding areas that have the same texture as the surrounding forest trees, and at the same time, the wind turbine can visually match the forest landscape. If deemed necessary, the smaller diameter of the turbine shroud 14 makes it easier to shield the inlet of this element. However, most likely, shielding is not necessary for the reasons described above.

In general, wind turbines with large rotor blades with a diameter of 80 m or more are unable to extract additional energy from winds exceeding 25 mph or 30 mph. In other words, the same amount of energy is extracted from both 25 mph wind and 35 mph wind. Assuming that the power available for a single wind increases to the third power of the wind speed, this is a significant loss of potential energy. These machines must also be shut down overall, with wind speeds on the order of about 45 or 50 mph and the rotor blades being completely stopped. For winds generally above 25 miles / hour, the typical long rotor blade wind turbine design develops tremendous forces acting on the blades themselves and on the transmissions, bearings, brake systems, and supporting structures of those machines. Let This is an important result when considering that the power available in 35 mph wind is close to three times (2.74) the power available in 25 mph wind. The 25 mph wind is the apex of a typical large diameter rotor blade power generation curve. The wind energy extraction device 10 is able to present a large front area with respect to the opposing wind, thanks to the flow regulator 18, while at the same time minimizing the size of the rotor blade or impeller 16. By using smaller diameter rotor blades, embodiments of the wind energy extraction device 10 can operate the impeller 16 at a sufficiently fast rpm and have a common wind power with a large diameter rotor blade. Extracts energy efficiently from sufficiently fast wind speeds compared to turbines. As described above, the shroud-equipped wind turbine that does not include the flow regulating body 18 does not cause the shroud stall as described above, but does not handle these high-speed winds, but also has a high ratio of the shroud to the impeller diameter. Can not provide the diameter.

Finally, due to the overall design of the wind energy extraction device 10 and in particular by the introduction of the aerodynamic brake 20 and downwind guidance 30 and the relatively small impeller 16 and turbine shroud 14, the design and manufacture And maintenance costs and expenses can all be reduced with respect to current wind turbine designs.

The terms “air”, “air” and “wind” are used throughout this application to refer to fluids, as understood and defined in the art and hydrodynamic practices. Although the primary intent of the wind energy extraction device 10 is the extraction of energy from the wind, this principle and innovation may equally apply to other fluid streams, and in particular to running water. Running water is also considered as a rich resource of energy using nature. Although it is also useful to design multiple impellers on a device with a single concentrator wing, this design is less efficient than a design with multiple concentrator wings.

The preceding description serves the purpose of describing the main purpose and advantages of the wind energy extraction device 10. Minor modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the invention.

The left side of the page is a perspective view of the present invention and the right side of the page is a cross-sectional view of the same additional additional internal components. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention showing the position of the concentrator wing, turbine shroud and attached components without aerodynamic braking. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention showing the position of the concentrator wing, turbine shroud and attached components where aerodynamic braking is applied. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wind flow indicated by the arrows interacting with the present invention in the absence of an aerodynamic brake. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wind flow indicated by the arrows interacting with the present invention in the aerodynamic brake state. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wind flow indicated by the arrows, but without the indicated aerodynamic brake, thereby generating turbulence generated by uncontrolled wind flow from the turbine shroud. Showing the flow. FIG. 2 is a reproduction of FIG. 1 but includes the riser and foundation components and shows the operation of the swivel for downwind guidance. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the present invention, revealing the introduction of a plurality of impellers and power converters, and having a plurality of concentrator wings having a straight cross section rather than a curved cross section as shown in the previous figure. Show. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention showing a tower or riser running down the aerodynamic surface of the flow regulator and having a plurality of concentrator wings. The plurality of concentrator wings act as turbine shrouds surrounding the plurality of impellers, as shown. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two further embodiments of the present invention as also shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and a plurality of elements of the present invention depending on the action provided by the alternative downwind guidance system. Are shown rotated 90 ° around each swivel (s) relative to each other. FIG. 2 is an additional perspective view of two wind energy extraction systems, each system in this case having two sets of concentrator wings and three impellers. An insulator mounted on top of the riser element is also shown, and the insulator holds the transmission line interconnecting the two wind energy extraction systems and the utility pole is also shown. FIG. 5 is a first perspective view of the present invention in which the concentrator wing and impeller are further positioned in the downwind with respect to the operation of the swivel of an alternative downwind guidance system. FIG. 12B is a second perspective view of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12A, but the component of the present invention is rotated by the wind and is in a position different from that shown in FIG. 12A. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention in which the turbine shroud is replaced with a concentrator wing.

Claims (19)

A wind energy extraction device that interacts with the flow of wind,
A concentrator wing defining a capture area, wherein the concentrator wing reacts with the wind flow between the concentrator wings to induce a drop in static pressure and then drives a plurality of impellers using the drop in static pressure;
A drive converter associated with each impeller;
A flow regulating body having an aerodynamic surface, wherein the aerodynamic surface causes the flow of wind colliding with the flow regulating body to flow outward from the flow regulating body and to the wind flow reacting with the concentrator wing. Directing the flow control body;
A riser, the riser having a first portion supporting the concentrator wing, the impeller, and the flow regulator, wherein at least a portion of the flow regulator is positioned within the capture region, and the flow regulator A riser, wherein the first portion of the riser is positioned relative to the at least a portion of the flow regulator such that the at least a portion of the riser reduces wind perception of the first portion of the riser;
Having
Wind energy extraction device. The power converter has a plurality of power converters positioned on the leeward side of the aerodynamic surface of the flow rate regulator;
An impeller drive shaft associated with each impeller, the drive shaft connecting the impeller to a power converter;
The apparatus of claim 1. The first portion of the riser is stationary;
The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. At least one swivel, connected to the first portion of the riser for allowing the concentrator wing, the impeller and the power converter to rotate about the swivel, and of the concentrator wing, the impeller and the power converter At least one swivel that provides orientation,
Further having
Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A method for extracting energy from wind flow, which:
a. Providing a stationary riser extending above the ground surface;
b. Supporting a plurality of impellers with the riser, each impeller having a drive shaft, the impeller being aligned substantially parallel to the riser;
c. Positioning one or more concentrator wings around the impeller to define a capture area and to induce a drop in static pressure by the flow of wind between the one or more concentrator wings;
d. Using the reduced hydrostatic pressure to draw a flow of wind across the plurality of impellers to rotate the drive shaft;
e. A flow regulator having an aerodynamic surface is positioned in the capture region to use the aerodynamic surface to outwardly from the flow regulator and improve the laminar flow between the one or more concentrator wings. Directing the wind flow into a wind flow across a plurality of concentrator wings;
f. Using the aerodynamic surface of the flow regulator to reduce the dynamic wind pressure of the riser;
Having
A method of extracting energy from wind flow. Positioning one or more power converters on the leeward side of the aerodynamic surface of the flow regulator;
Further having
The method of claim 5. Positioning more than one power converter on the leeward side of the aerodynamic surface of the flow regulator;
Further having
The method of claim 5. Using the wind flow to change the orientation of the concentrator wing and the impeller so that the wind flow passes across the concentrator wing and the impeller;
Further having
8. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. Rotating the one or more concentrator wings and the impeller to face the flow of wind;
Further having
8. A method according to any one of claims 5 to 7. A wind energy extractor that interacts with the wind flow:
a. Two or more impellers, each impeller having a rotating drive shaft defining an axis of the impeller, wherein the impellers are non-coaxially aligned; and
b. One or more power converters operatively associated with the two or more impellers;
c. A plurality of concentrator wings disposed around the impeller, wherein the concentrator wings react with the flow of wind to induce a drop in static pressure in a capture region, and then use the drop in static pressure to Multiple concentrator wings that drive the impeller;
d. At least one flow rate adjusting body, which is disposed in the capture region by the concentrator wing and has an aerodynamic surface for deflecting wind, and the aerodynamic surface is configured to cause a flow of wind colliding with the flow rate adjusting body to The aerodynamic surface for directing and deflecting the wind from the flow regulator to the outside and reacting with the plurality of concentrator wings is contoured to improve laminar airflow between the concentrator wings And at least one flow regulator,
e. A riser that supports the impeller, the power converter, the concentrator wing, and the at least one flow regulator, wherein a stationary first portion of the riser is configured to allow wind in the capture area and wind defined by the concentrator wing. A riser positioned on the leeward side of the aerodynamic surface to be deflected so that the aerodynamic surface for deflecting wind reduces the wind force of the first portion of the riser;
Having
Wind energy extractor that interacts with wind flow. The two or more impellers are arranged in a linear array;
The apparatus of claim 10. The two or more impellers are parallel to the first portion of the riser;
12. Apparatus according to claim 10 or 11. The number of flow regulators matches the number of power converters,
Device according to any one of claims 10 to 12. The riser is a swivel in which an impeller and a concentrator wing can rotate around the riser and can be directed to the flow of wind,
Further having
14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13. The two or more impellers are vertically aligned with respect to the ground surface;
15. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 14. The plurality of concentrator wings are positioned concentrically with respect to each other;
Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 15. The plurality of concentrator wings have at least inner and outer concentrator wings, the inner and outer concentrator wings being spaced to allow air to flow between the inner and outer concentrator wings;
Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16. The riser extends substantially across the capture area defined by the concentrator wing;
18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 17. The flow regulator extends substantially across the capture area defined by the concentrator wing;
19. A device according to any one of claims 10 to 18.