MX2008008527A - Device and system for producing regenerative and renewable energy from wind - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for producing regenerative and renewable energy from wind, comprising at least one generator (3) for producing electric energy, and a drive shaft (5) which is connected to the generator (3) and which comprises a plurality of blades (21) which are set rotating by the passing air. The blades (21) are arranged offset in relation to each other and along the drive shaft (5). The invention relates to a system which consists of a plurality of said inventive devices.

Description

DEVICE AND SYSTEM TO PRODUCE REGENERATIVE AND RENEWABLE WIND ENERGY.

The present invention relates to a wind-powered device for producing regenerative and renewable energy as set forth in the preamble of claim 1.

The present invention is further related to a wind driven system for producing regenerative and renewable energy comprising a plurality of such apparatuses.

In recent years, an abundance of different devices and systems have been released to generate energy by exploiting the power of the wind. Both on land and in the open sea, simple wind turbines or complete wind farms comprise a plurality of wind turbines that have been installed to generators to supply electrical energy when rotating with the passage of wind.

However, individual wind turbines or combined wind energy systems such as wind farms have many disadvantages. Wind turbines need to be firmly attached to the ground, requiring a corresponding structure for this, which is extremely expensive at (demise) or even a negative result of the cost / benefit analysis. In addition to this, wind turbines or complete wind farms pose substantial environmental problems, especially in the field, but also in the open sea because they disfigure the landscape on land and sea.

That is why the present invention is based on the objective of providing a wind driven device to produce regenerative and renewable energy that stands out as being particularly compatible with the environment and that is simple in structure and easy to install while being Exceptionally efficient when facing different wind conditions.

Patent GB 2 264 754 is known which is a wind turbine that has interleaved blades to move along the motor shaft, which rotate around it with the passage of wind. The blades according to the patent GB 2 264 754 are designed flat and receive the wind vertically to the plane of the blades.

Also disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,355,958 is a wind driven system for generating power comprising cylindrical blades placed along a drive shaft, which are transversely semi-circular hollowed out with these portions of the blade being designed to capture the wind to drive the motor shaft.

It is disclosed in WO 02/33253 a wind turbine comprising a plurality of blades placed interspersed to move along a drive shaft. The blades are operated by means of a complicated mechanism in each rotation around the motor shaft, so that each blade when moving in the wind (uses / deploys) two lateral members to present to the wind a larger capture area, while these two laterous sides are deployed when the blade moves against the wind to reduce the resistance of the blade.

In addition, the invention provides a system with such devices for the corresponding modular configuration.

The wind driven device for producing regenerative and renewable energy comprises at least one generator for producing electrical energy, and a motor shaft which is connected to the generator and which comprises a plurality of blades, which are arranged to rotate as the wind passes. By placing the interleaved blades to move along the drive shaft, the pressure exerted by the passage of water is exploited optimally, resulting in a surprisingly high rotational speed of the drive shaft and a high torque.

The wind driven device according to the present invention to produce 'regenerative and renewable energy achieves abundant advantages including: • Easy and simple installation without involving construction activities; · Possibility of regional basic supply when placed close to the energy consumer; • Universal and, where necessary, automatic adaptation of the device to the existing flow conditions, thus ensuring the optimized response of the device according to the invention; · Environmentally friendly energy production; • The device can be optimized according to size for the required power supply, for example the case of size established for sites in remote and similar communities; • Production of energy without emissions.

To give advantage to the blades they are configured repellent type, that is to say that they have a configuration similar to those of the propellers that by definition serve to propel (for example an airplane or boat), while the repellents are driven by the flow that surrounds the medium . The term "repellent type" is understood to be repellents which may also comprise one, two or more blades.

Advantageously according to the present invention, the inclination of the blades is adjustable to optimize the operation of the passing air flow, the inclination of the blades along the motor shaft may differ from one to the other. It is also an advantage that the spacing of the blades is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the motor shaft as it may differ or not be constant.

It is also another advantage that the inclination of the blade face is adjustable in relation to the motor shaft, resulting in the blade face being positioned according to the pressure of the incident air flow, and may differ on the length of the motor shaft. The position can be done through computer controlled and / or mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic media.

Because the blades are removably adjusted to the blades of the motor shaft once they have been worn or damaged they can be replaced by new ones quickly.

In a first preferred embodiment, the motor shaft is directly connected to the generator by driving it directly. As an alternative, the drive shaft can be connected to the generator by means of an appropriate gearbox.

Because the drive shaft is mounted on a structure, for example of rectangular shape, all the advantages of a simple, compact structure designed to facilitate transport and installation are achieved. It is also an advantage that the generator can also be mounted on the structure. It is also an advantage that the structure is placed substantially horizontal and rotatable around the vertical axis, so that the device can always be optimally adapted to changes in wind direction.

When the device comprises a motor shaft and a duct surrounding the blades there is the advantage of enclosing the target air and adjustable when necessary. The duct may extend along the motor shaft with a constant diameter or with a narrow diameter from the end of the air inlet to the end of the air outlet.

As an advantage, the device according to the invention can be placed on the case of a ship which comprises one or more floating or floating objects and preferably tied. The great benefit of this is that the device floats on the water making it possible to place the device according to the present invention in open sea without further construction activities, being also simple to place in place by means of the appropriate fastening means, so that The device can be used to generate electric power again directly without expensive construction activities. This is further supported by the device comprising a self-oriented rudder assembly.

As discussed above, the device for producing energy according to the invention results in substantial rotational speeds that can cause vibrations. It is an advantage, therefore, that the drive shaft operates on bearings at both ends as well as in at least one other additional location, for example in two or more places between the ends, resulting on the one hand, in that the complete device gains rigidity and on the other hand, in which the rotating drive shaft has substantially less or even is vibration-free.

Advantage is given to sealed planes for life or oil-free bearing balls also made of plastics or ceramics, they are provided as the bearings of the motor shaft because these, on the one hand, have a long life characteristic, and Other side do not require maintenance.

It is also an advantage that the drive shaft is designed as a splined shaft and the frame of each blade is a ridged frame. This achieves a system to adjust the blades to the motor shaft that is simple, effective and easy to adjust while ensuring the operating stability in the motor shaft for a smooth energy transfer to the motor shaft.

By means of a mesh cage surrounding the device it is protected from flying objects such as cayenne leaves or birds.

A particularly advantageous configuration of the blades is realized in that two of each blade compensate by 80 ° a common tubular shape comprising a cavity, in which a fluid is accommodated. In this arrangement the fluid does not completely fill the cavity, preferably substantially half of the cavity that is symmetrically configured in two halves of the blade.

When the cavity is horizontally located there is essentially the same amount of fluid in both halves of the cavity. In addition to rotating the blades the fluid accelerates suddenly due to the force of gravity causing the blades to rotate more. With a plurality of tubular vanes a constant rotation speed and a substantially constant torque is realized. Although the fluid is water to give advantage, any other appropriate fluid can be used.

This configuration is particularly appropriate when the air flow is weak because only a small amount of driving energy is necessary without causing the blades to rotate.

Another objective of the present invention is an air-driven system for producing regenerative and renewable energy, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of devices as described in any of claims 1 to 20 placed one behind the other and / or along of another and / or over another.

Such a system can be designed in a modular way to be universally adaptable to the application conditions.

In a special embodiment, the motor shafts of the devices are also universally interconnected in order to drive a generator in common.

In addition, the present invention also involves the use of one or more devices according to the invention, as well as the use of a system according to the invention for propelling a ship. The energy generated by the device or system according to the invention can serve to drive electric motors, which in turn can direct the propulsive propellers of the ship, which can be achieved directly or by means of accumulators charged by the device or system in accordance with the invention.

In addition, the device or system according to the invention can serve instead of, or in addition to, the same to meet the electrical power requirements of a passenger boat and / or a cargo ship. However, the device or system according to the invention finds universal application in both mobile or immobile, terrestrial, area or water craft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS More details, features and advantages can be read from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings which: Fig. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention for producing renewable and regenerative energy; Fig. 2 is a schematic side view taken along line ll-l in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a partial schematic view of the motor shaft with blades of the device according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view of an aspect of the design of the drive shaft with blades and their bearing; Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a bearing portion of two blades on the drive shaft; Fig. 6 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a schematic top-to-bottom view of the rotatable structure of the device according to the invention; Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the drive shaft of the device according to the invention with tubular blades; Fig. 9 is a front view of the personification as shown in Fig. 8; Fig. 10 is a side view of the personification as shown in Fig. 8; Figs. 1 1 to 1 1c are each schematic magnified views of a personification of tubular vanes; Figs. 12a to 12c are each views of a variant aspect of the blades as shown in Figs. 1 1st to 1 1c.

Fig. 13 is a schematic top-to-bottom view of a first embodiment of the system according to the invention with a helmet including a float; Fig. 14 is a schematic top-to-bottom view of a second embodiment of the system according to the invention with a helmet including two floats; Fig. 15 is a schematic top-down view of a third personification of the system according to the invention with a helmet including three floats; Fig. 16 is a brown front schematic view of the use of a device according to the invention in a ship having a plurality of floats; Y Fig. 17 is a schematic side view of the use of a plurality of devices according to the invention or of a system formed by it in a larger ship with a simple float.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The components as shown in the Figures are identified in this description by reference numerals.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a wind driven device according to the invention for producing regenerative and renewable energy in a side view is illustrated. As shown in Fig. 1 the device (1) according to the invention comprises a generator (3), which in the example is connected by means of a gearbox (4) and a belt (6) a motor shaft (5). The belt can be flat, or ribbed.

In the end portions the drive shaft (5) operates on bearings (13) and also on bearings (87), all bearings being held by mounting means (79).

From Fig. 1 it is further evident that the device according to the invention comprises in this embodiment floating or floating objects (61) as is evident from Fig. 2 in the side view taken along the line II - in Fig. 1. It is also obvious from Fig. 1 that placed along the motor shaft (5) there is a plurality of repellents (19) in the form of propellers. Each repellent (19) comprises two blades (21) compensated by 180 ° which are arranged to rotate with the passage of air. As already mentioned, the repellents (19) may also comprise only one blade or more than two blades (21). The blades (21) and the repellents (19) respectively are positioned stepwise along the motor shaft (5), as detailed below.

Preferably the floats (61) are provided with a tie (63) that allows the device (1) according to the present invention to be oriented facing the wind as indicated by the arrow (10). To assist this orientation, the device (1) according to the invention has a rudder assembly (14) with the aid of which the device according to the invention is oriented to give the air flow.

Referring to FIG. 2, the simple design of the device according to the present invention is also clearly illustrated. The two floats (61) are connected by at least one connection means (16), for example in the form of a cross strut and the frame structure (79) are supported correspondingly by floats (61). As indicated by the arrow (8) the blades (21), of the device according to the invention, rotate counterclockwise, the blades as shown in Fig. 2 being placed in a stepped manner, this to along the motor shaft (5) as shown in Fig. 1 resulting in the outline shown there.

Of course it is also possible for the blades (21) to be positioned differently, with respect to their spacing along the motor shaft (5) and also with respect to the relative inclination between them. In other words, the blades (21) of a repellent (19) are inclined in relation to the blades (21) of the following adjustable repellent (19) to achieve an optimum energy transmission of the medium flowing through them.

Referring to FIG. 3, the optimum possibilities for adjusting the blades (21) of the repellents (19) on the motor shaft are schematically illustrated. As an advantage, each blade (21) operates rotationally as indicated by the double arrow (39) on the bearing element (41), so that each blade face (22) of each blade can be individually inclined in the flow of the blade. Air passage. In addition, the repellents (19) can be placed spaced apart from each other along the drive shaft as indicated by the double arrows (43). The possibilities as shown in Fig. 3 are merely examples and the arrangement of the individual repellents (19) does not correspond to the actual adjustment, the double arrows (45), for example, indicate the rotatability as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

This possibility of an optimal configuration as achieved according to the invention results in the mechanical flow response along the motor shaft which is used optimally with the additional possibility of using not only identical blades as shown in Fig. 3, but also different blades having different faces allowing the optimization of the device according to the invention.

Referring to Fig. 4 there is illustrated a schematic perspective view of a design of the impeller shaft (5) with a splined shaft (40) comprising a longitudinal arrangement of grooves as evident in Fig. 5 which shows the configuration in an expanded view. The bearing element (41) is designed divided with two bearing frames (47) each comprising an internal contour joint of grooves with the grooves of the splined shaft (40) to positively hold the splined shaft (40).

A mounting bushing (48) is inserted into each bearing frame (47). In this arrangement the axes of the bushings (48) are in line so that the blades (21) are precisely offset by 180 degrees. Internally the mounting bushings (48) have as characteristic a grooved profile positively joining with a grooved profile of a gearbox (49) of each blade (21). This positive grooved connection allows the blades (21) to be placed, turned at will while it is simple to stagger or wobble a pair of blades (21) in relation to the pair (s) attached when staggering or staggering the bearing frame (47) on the splined shaft (40). The conventional closures (51) involve nuts and bolts which serve to secure the bearing frames (47) to each other and respectively the mounting bushings (48) to the bearing frames.

With reference to Fig. 6 which illustrates a first embodiment of the device (1) according to the invention, the arrangement of repellents (19) or vanes (21) corresponding to the arrangement as shown in Fig. 1, of which Fig. 6 is a front view.

Referring to Fig. 7, it is illustrated how the device (1) according to the present invention comprises a structure (7) configured substantially of circular shape, mounted to rotate on a rotation axis (8) to thereby make possible the rotation of the device according to the invention around the axis of rotation (8) in the direction of the blade face (22) in order to optimally orient the device in the flow as indicated by the arrow (10) assisted by the rudder assembly (14).

With reference to Figs. 8 to 10 an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention is illustrated, Fig. 8 shows a perspective view, Fig. 9 is a front view and Fig. 10 is a side view.

In relation to Figs. 11a to 11c illustrate two blades (24) of a repellent on a magnified scale, compensating each other by 180 °, together forming a tubular profile (26) in which an elongated cavity (28) is configured. This elongated cavity (28) is closed from the environment and comprises a fluid (30), preferably water which does not completely fill the cavity (28), more than only half. When the blades (24) of a pair forming the tubular profile (26) are changed from the horizontal position as shown in Fig. 1 a, in which the fluid (30) is distributed substantially evenly in the cavity ( 28), on one side as indicated by the arrow (32) the fluid (30) moves abruptly by the force of gravity in the partial cavity (see Fig. 1 1 b) being decreased, which results in the blades (24) corresponding being suddenly twisted. Fig. 1 1c shows the filled cavity (28) in its lowest position changing back to the position shown in Fig. 1 1 a, and so on.

With reference to Figs. 12a to 12c, where a variant of the personification is illustrated as shown in Figs. 1 1 a to 1 1c, provided on the sides and ends of the blades (24) there are weather vane tips (34) made for a better blade face especially in an incident flow is smaller, ie the variant aspects as shown in Figs. 8 to 12c, so that it is particularly appropriate with a low incident flow.

Referring to Fig. 13, a system (101) according to the present invention is illustrated in a schematic top-to-bottom view. The system (101) comprises two devices according to the invention, each including a duct (77) that stores at least the motor shaft (5) and the blades (21) and the repellents (19) respectively. The devices comprise a structure (7) that allows the rotation of the duct (77) to allow it to adapt to the direction of the air flow as indicated by the arrow (104). The devices (1) are placed in a helmet (60) functioning as a float (61). The generator can be placed either outside or inside the duct (77). The devices (1) serve for the production of energy in the open sea, the energy produced by the generator (s) fed by means of the corresponding power cables in the power supply network. Alternatively, the energy produced by the system (101) or devices (1) also serve to propel the hull (60) that can be moved in the desired direction, for example as indicated by the arrows (106) regardless of the direction of the wind (104).

Referring to Fig. 14 a second embodiment of the system (101) according to the invention is illustrated, comprising three devices (1) placed on a platform (102) then mounted on two floats 861). The arrangement of these two floats (61), similar to a catamaran, makes the personification of the system according to the invention shown in Fig. 14, particularly appropriate for offshore power production facilities.

Referring to Fig. 15, a third personification of the system (101) according to the invention configured as a trimaran with three floats (61) connected in parallel by appropriate struts (103) is illustrated. Two devices Energy production are placed in the rotating structures (7) in the middle of the float (61).

Referring to Fig. 16, it is illustrated schematically how the device (1) according to the invention is used to propel a large ship (105). The cooloca device on the roof (107) of the ship that is configured as a trimaran comprising three floats (109) which may have the corresponding shape as it is known. As shown in Fig. 16 is a partial front view of a ship (105), of which transmissions are preferably placed at the stern of the floats (109) with the possibility of providing propulsion transmissions (1 1 1) additional Housed inside the floats (109) are accumulators (1 13) capable of storing the energy generated by the device (1) and making available energy for, for example, the transmissions (1 1 1). The ship (105) may comprise a cover (15) for cargo, such as containers, vehicles, etc. and a passenger deck (1 17).

It is of course equally possible to extend the device (1), according to the invention, by means of a system, according to the present invention, consisting of a plurality of devices (1) for supplying the energy necessary to propel the boat, which can serve to feed the accumulators and / or direct the propulsion system of the ship by means of the corresponding electric motors. Additionally, the device (1) according to the invention can serve instead of, or also to supply or generate energy for other energy consumers on the edge of the ship, such as lighting, heating and the like.

Referring to Fig. 17 there is illustrated a side view of a larger ship (121), here in the form of a passenger ship, on the roof of which a system (101) is placed, according to the present invention, It comprises three devices (1), each of which is mounted in the same way on rotatable structures to face the prevailing wind. The advantage of the device and system according to the invention becomes clearer when compared to the so-called Flettner rotor, which is placed substantially vertically, being that there is no risk with the device and system according to the invention of the ship stepping on with a Flettner rotor causing the ship be driven by the impact of the wind.

The wind driven device according to the invention for producing regenerative and renewable energy achieves an abundance of advantages, including: • Easy and simple installation without involving construction activities, being this way available with a minimum delay; · Possibility of regional basic supply when placed close to energy consumers; • Complete system configured in a modular manner by a plurality of simple devices to optimally exploit the air flow as a function of in situ conditions; · Universal and, where necessary, automatic adaptation of the device to the existing flow conditions, thus ensuring the optimized response of the device according to the invention; • Environmentally friendly energy production; • The device can be optimized according to size for the required power supply, for example the case of size established for sites in remote and similar communities; • The device can be adapted to any water flow and various flow conditions; • Production of energy without emissions, including the promotion of ships of all kinds. • Depending on the personification it can be encapsulated for an operation particularly with low noise level.

Claims (24)

1. A device driven by wind (1) to produce regenerative and renewable energy comprising: - at least one generator (3) to produce electric power, and - a motor shaft (5) that is connected to the generator (3) and which comprises a plurality of vanes (21, 24), which adjust to rotate air passage characterized in that the apses (21, 24) are placed, stepwise along the motor shaft (5).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the blades (21, 24) are configured as a repellent type.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the inclination of the blades (21, 24) is inter-adjustable

4. The device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spacing of the blades (21, 24) is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the motor shaft (5).

5. The device according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the inclination of the faces of the blades (22) is adjustable in relation to the motor shaft (5).

6. The device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the adjustment of the blades (21, 24) is by means of a computer, the adjustment being by mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic means.

7. The device according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the blades (21, 24) are adjusted to be removable to the motor shaft (5).

8. The device according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the motor shaft (5) is connected directly to the generator (3).

9. The device according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the motor shaft (5) is mounted on a structure (7).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the structure is placed substantially horizontally rotatable on a vertical axis.

The device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is placed in a duct (77).

12. The device according to any of claims 1 to 1, characterized in that it is placed on a hull of a ship comprising one or more floats (61) and preferably tied (63).

13. The device according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a self-oriented rudder assembly.

14. The device according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the drive shaft (5) operates in bearings at both ends and in at least one additional location (87) between both ends.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that the oil-free ball or plain bearings, sealed for life, made of plastics or ceramics are provided as bearings of the motor shaft (5).

16. The device according to any of claims 1 to 15 characterized in that the motor shaft (5) is designed as a splined shaft (40) and the frame of each blade (21) as a spline mount (48).

17. The device according to claim 1 to 16, characterized in that a mesh cage is provided surrounding the device.

18. The device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each two blades (24) compensate by 180 ° form a common tubular profile (26) comprising a cavity (28) in which a fluid (30) is accommodated.

19. The device according to claim 18, characterized in that the fluid (30) in the cavity (28) is water.

20. The device according to claim 18 or repellents 19, characterized in that the fluid (30) substantially fills half of the cavity (28).

21. A device driven by wind to produce regenerative and renewable energy, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of devices (1) according to any of claims 1 to 20 placed one behind the other and / or along the other and / or on top of another.

22. The system according to claim 21, characterized in that the motor shafts (5) of the devices (1) are universally interconnected.

23. The use of at least one device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20 for propelling a ship (105, 121).

24. The use of a system (101) according to any of claims 21 to 21 to propel a ship.