RU2407915C2 - Wind system for conversion of energy by means of power wing sections, method of electric energy generation by means of such system and its use for ship towing - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: power industry.

SUBSTANCE: wind system for energy conversion includes at least one wing section which can be brought into action from ground and loaded at least to one wind stream, base platform for control of wing section, which is located on ground level and connected by means of winch and two ropes to power wing section, and transmission system guiding the ropes to the wing section and equipped with pairs of units and pairs of tension devices. Ropes are intended to transfer forces from wing section and to it, and both of them are used to control the wing section flight trajectory and to generate energy. Electric energy generation method consists in the following by means of wind system: wing section flight trajectory is controlled till energy is maximum, section pulls up ropes at climb, which are connected to base platform, which bring winches into rotation; bring the wing section into action till it reaches the position close to stalling; ropes are wound again with winches by means of engines and wing section is located to return to maximum thrust condition.

EFFECT: system provides electric energy and mechanical energy generation and can be used for ship's towing.

18 cl, 8 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a wind system designed to convert energy through at least one wing power profile. The present invention also relates to a method for generating energy through such a system, as well as to the use of this system for towing a ship.

As you know, in the past the problem of generating electricity at low cost was solved through the operation of renewable energy sources; in particular, in certain known patents described below, methods are proposed for converting wind energy, as well as various devices that select wind energy through power wing profiles (commonly referred to as the term "kite").

In particular, US Pat. No. 4,124,182 discloses a device equipped with a “kite” (or “modified parachute”) for capturing wind energy and converting it into rotational movement of a shaft that drives a generator. This device is distinguished by a pair of "kite chains" in which the wing profiles are arranged in series. Each chain is provided with a power cable. Such cables are long enough to allow the chains of kites to reach heights at which stronger and more even winds blow relative to those winds that blow at ground level. Each chain, through its corresponding power cable, is connected to a drum or winch, the direction of rotation of which can be changed in order to rewind the cables or to allow the cables to be unwound due to the traction created by the wind flows. Each kite chain is equipped with a second cable, called a “hood cable,” connected to each wing profile of the chain, through which the kite can be selectively folded to facilitate the rewinding process. Through the gearbox, the rotational movement of each winch will be transmitted to the generator, which, when powered, generates electricity. There is a single pulley system that, through clutches and wheels, makes it possible for the other chain to return when the kite chain climbs. In this case, the captured wind energy will be converted into mechanical energy, which will be partially used up immediately to return the kite chain, the cap of which will be closed, and partially it will be converted into electrical energy. By means of an aerostatic ball connected to each chain, which is inflated and lowered during each working cycle, the kites are held at the desired height, while the cap is in a fixed orientation.

Chinese patent CN 1052723 discloses a wind generator equipped with a pair of kites, by means of which the thrust generated by currents caused by wind activity will be converted by high-resistance cables into rotation of a drum located at ground level. The winch drives a hydraulic motor through which current is generated.

GB 2317422 discloses a device equipped with a large number of wing profiles that, thanks to the action of the wind, rotate a vertical shaft connected to a generator for generating electric current. The wing profiles perceive the wind force pushing them, making a circular path in the horizontal plane. Each profile is equipped with a device that is able to change the angle of reference to the wind to ensure continued flight.

United States Patent US 6,072,245 discloses a device for utilizing wind energy composed of a large number of kites connected to cables that form a ring. Kites are set in motion to alternate the ascent path and the lowering path, determining the rotational ring movement always along the same direction. Each kite is connected to a power cable to transfer mechanical energy and to a drive cable system to control the angle of attachment to the wind of each profile. The power cable determines the rotation of the pulleys, through which the generation of electrical energy occurs. The drive cables are used to make it possible for each kite to take a position that allows the wing profile to be pulled upward by the wind on the ascent path, and a second position on the lowering path, so that the wing profile will be subjected to reduced wind pressure.

United States Patent US 6,254,034 discloses a device equipped with a wing profile (“tethered aircraft”) pushed by wind flows at a controlled speed to utilize wind energy. The wing profile is connected via a cable to a winch, which drives a generator to generate electrical energy. A drive system is assembled on the profile panel, which detects and changes the angle of attachment to the wind, and also changes the front area covered by the wind. Such a system from the ground is controlled by an operator who reads on the display the data transmitted from the respective sensors, or this happens automatically through a remote control system. The kite is activated to ensure its ascent in the wind with a high angle of attachment to the wind. After the end of its ascent, the angle of attachment is reduced, and the profile plans for its passage against the wind. The profile returns, again planning downwind, and the cycle repeats.

Dutch patent NL 1017171 C discloses a device similar to the previously described device, but in which the manual actuation mode is not provided, and in which the wing profile is returned by tilting the kite as a flag in order to minimize the pressure caused by the wind, when rewinding the cables.

United States Patent US 6,523,781 discloses a device consisting of a wing profile (“aerodynamic kite”) by which energy generated by the activity of a wind having an input edge, an output edge and two side edges is captured. Such a profile is actuated by a mechanism held by the kite itself. This device is equipped with cables connected to the edges of the profile, while the kite is activated by changing the pitch angle by means of such cables. The drive mechanism is powered by electric cables located inside the power cable, which connects the kite to the winch, which drives a generator to generate electricity. The wing profile gains height pushed by the wind through the use of lift and describes a path that is almost perpendicular to the direction of wind speed. After the climb is complete, the kite returns, after which it is set in motion to catch the wind again.

United States Patent Application US2005046197 discloses a device equipped with a wing profile (“kite”) for utilizing energy generated by the wind, which generates electricity by driving a winch cable connected to a generator. The kite is activated by means of additional cables, with the help of which the angle of attachment to the wind is changed. The profile gains height with a high angle of attachment to the wind. After completing the climb, the angle of attachment to the wind is minimized and the profile is returned in order to restart the cycle.

Analyzing the current level of technology, it can be noted that in known systems the mechanical components for actuating the kite are different from the components for generating energy, and the wing profiles are actuated using mechanisms that directly install on the kite, or using at least four auxiliary cables, the unwinding and rewinding of which is carried out by means of winches, different from the winches used to generate electricity uu and controlled by systems located at ground level, or suspended above the ground, therefore, held by a kite.

In addition, in many existing systems, the wing profile is actuated to generate electricity mainly through the use of drag (namely, the pressure component created by the action of the wind, which is parallel to the wind speed). In other systems, the kite’s driving cycle is characterized by a continuous alternation of climb, which occurs through the use of lift (namely, the pressure component created by the wind, which is perpendicular to wind speed), and lowering, which occurs by minimizing drag.

In addition, in existing systems, attention is focused solely on the possibility of continuous generation of electricity through a cyclic process, neglecting the implementation of possible systems that maximize the energy that can be used from the action of the wind.

Further, the current generation of electric current, based on wind energy, occurs inside the installations by means of stationary devices. Regarding the use of this renewable energy, there are no devices that can be moved, and with which you can generate electric current in any place where the wind blows. Such a potential opportunity could provide enormous advantages in those cases in which current generation is currently carried out exclusively by means of inextricable groups (fuel-powered engine and generators), for example, in field hospitals.

However, at present, the problems associated with the power profile control system of the wing have been resolved in detail in an extremely limited number of projects and studies, while they mainly focus on increasing the productivity of existing systems instead of developing new systems for generating energy.

Various devices have also been proposed in the past related to towing ships by means of devices that capture the currents generated by the wind using power wing profiles.

In particular, GB 2098951 discloses a device for towing ships through a chain of wing force profiles. The launch of profiles occurs, starting with the launch of a pilot profile, which raises a pair of cables that act as guides for launching other profiles. Guide cables unwind until all power profiles have reached the required height. To prevent profiles from fluctuating at startup, some of them are lowered or pulled out before deployment to catch the flows created by the wind. After all power profiles reach an acceptable height, their lift ends, and the pilot profile is returned or pulled into a tube designed for storage and located in the head of the chain of wing power profiles.

US Pat. No. 5,056,447 discloses a device for converting wind energy into mechanical energy through a system consisting of sails located at different heights, with their concavity oriented in a lower direction. Such a device behaves like a force profile of a wing subjected to a pulling action by means of ascending flows created by the action of the wind. This device can be used for land, water or air transport, on rails or for generating electrical energy through rotary blades that drive the generator.

United States Patent US 5,435,259 discloses a device for using high-altitude wind flows to generate electricity or tow vehicles on land or on water. The passenger on board the vehicle activates a system consisting of power wing profiles, which behaves like a normal glider. The vehicle, acting as a movable anchor, is equipped with a tipping prevention control system, characterized by a control cable wound around the central portion of the vehicle and a rod that extends over both sides of the vehicle. Such a rod looks like a section of the rail that pushes the lower end of the cable, which secures the power profiles to the vehicle, away from the sides passing in the wind, thereby avoiding tipping over. The system of power profiles is equipped at its upper end with cylindrical aerostatic balls to hold the load if insufficient wind blows. Such balls at their ends additionally have wind turbines, through which they generate electricity.

International patent application WO 03097448 discloses a device for towing ships using a force profile of a wing. Such a device is equipped with at least one “control cable”, through which the wing profile is connected to the hull of the vessel. The place of application of force, moved by means of a control cable (s) to the hull of the vessel, varies depending on the wind along the direction of advancement of the vessel. Such a place of application of force actually slides inside the perimeter guide mounted on the hull of the vessel to reduce roll.

United States Patent Application US2004035345 discloses a device for actuating a force profile of a wing attached to a vessel by means of at least a pair of “suspension cables”. The wing profile management tool contains a rail that extends horizontally below the surface of the water and on which a device for deflecting suspension cables is mounted that can slide along the rail. Such a guide is connected with the hull of the vessel between the force profile of the wing and the system by which the profile is actuated, so that the thrust provided by the profile of the wing creates a moment around the longitudinal and / or transverse axis of the vessel in the water, through which the vessel located in the wind will subjected to pushing upward.

United States Patent Application US 2004200396 discloses three methods by which an axial force can be applied to the hull of a ship to guarantee its movement on the surface of the water. The first method consists in placing the sails on the stern and in their inclination to the wind (outside the vessel) to create axial pressure. The second method consists in using the force profile of the wing attached to the bow and activated for its flight up and in front of the vessel, creating traction that propels the vessel. The third way is to use a keel equipped with a wide, flat plate, tilted up to move through the water, creating an axial pressure that tends to lift the body. This patent also discloses rotating sails made of strips of fabric that extend through a lattice-like frame. These sails are made in order to counteract the currents created by the wind if they are pushed to the grating, and they allow the passage of the wind when the latter blows along the opposite direction, leading to the departure of strips of fabric from the frame.

International patent application WO 2005100147 discloses a device for towing ships by means of a force profile of a wing attached to a hull by means of a cable. Such a device is used as an auxiliary or emergency guide unit used in exceptional cases. The system is equipped with a winch, which contains the means by which the cable is rewound and unwound. Re-winding is performed when the traction on the cable is insufficient, or when the wind speed decreases sharply. Cable unwinding is performed when the load on the cable and / or wind speed is excessive.

International patent application WO 2005100148 discloses a device for towing ships by means of a wing force profile attached to the hull by means of a cable. Such a device is used as an auxiliary or emergency unit used in exceptional cases. The wing profile is driven by a control device that gives the profile direction, allowing it to move along spiral or sinusoidal trajectories that run along the vertical direction with respect to the flows created by the wind, while the velocity vector is perpendicular to the wind speed. Various trajectories or static flight conditions are selected by means of a control system, taking into account the course, direction and speed of the wind, and the movement of the sea.

International patent application WO 2005100149 discloses a device for towing ships using a force profile of a wing. Such a device is used as an auxiliary or emergency unit used in exceptional cases. The wing profile is connected to the vessel by means of a cable, which comes out in the form of cutting the ends of the cable sequence close to the wing profile. The drive system, held by the wing profile and connected to it, changes the angle of attachment to the wind in order to adjust the position of the wing profile relative to the vessel.

German patent application DE 102004018814 discloses a device for towing ships by means of a wing force profile attached to the hull by means of a cable. Such a profile can be powered by an apparatus that can be set in azimuth, and which can be held by the wing profile itself, and through which the profile is given direction from the ship. The device is also equipped with a receiving system that holds the wing profile when the system is not activated, as well as automatically switched on devices with which the profile is lowered.

Therefore, the aim of the present invention is to solve the above problems of the prior art by creating a wind system for converting energy by means of at least one force profile of the wing, in which the mechanical components of the wing profile for driving it do not differ from the components for generating energy.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a wind system for energy conversion by means of at least one wing power profile, in which such a profile is activated by means of an intelligent control system which ensures that the wing profile passes the optimal path in order to optimize energy that can be taken from the wind.

Another objective of the present invention is to provide a wind system for converting energy through at least one wing force profile, in which the difficulties associated with its components located on the ground are so limited that they can also be transported using conventional self-propelled vehicles facilities.

In addition, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for generating electric energy by means of a wind system according to the invention, which can be actuated more efficiently with respect to what is proposed in the prior art.

The above and other objectives and advantages of the invention, which will be more apparent from the following description, are achieved by means of a wind system for converting energy by means of a power profile of a wing, which is claimed in paragraph 1 of the claims.

In addition, the above and other objects and advantages of the invention are achieved by a method of generating electric energy by means of a wind system according to the present invention, which is claimed in paragraph 24 of the claims.

Preferred embodiments and non-obvious changes of the present invention constitute the essence of the dependent claims.

The present invention will be better described by means of some preferred variants of its implementation, presented as an example of non-limiting, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a component of a system according to the present invention;

figure 2 presents another perspective view of the component

according to figure 1;

on figa presents a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of another component of the system according to the present invention in one of its operating positions;

on fig.3b presents a perspective view of the component according to figa in another of its operating positions;

figure 4 presents a schematic view of a system according to the present invention at some of its working stages;

figure 5 presents a schematic view of a stationary aerodynamic surface immersed in a stream provided by the wind, and the associated forces that will be created;

Figure 6 presents a schematic view of an aerodynamic surface that can freely move along the perpendicular direction to the wind speed, and related forces that will be created;

7 is a schematic perspective view of a possible application of the system according to the present invention.

Turning to the figures, it can be noted that the wind system according to the present invention contains:

at least one power profile 30 of the wing, which can be powered from the ground (hereinafter, for simplicity, it will also be called the term "kite"), immersed in wind currents. Such a wing profile is made by means of woven fibers, usually used for the manufacture of special sails for certain types of sports activities, for example, for surfing and karting. The main characteristic that distinguishes a kite is its surface area. Thanks to recent studies in the field of aerodynamics, wing profiles can be acquired on the market that can meet certain requirements with respect to their control and the ability to power them. By appropriately actuating the wing profile, the transmission of energy from the wind can be modulated. In particular, you can direct the kite 30 along the flight path, transferring it from the position in which the thrust provided by the flows caused by the activity of the wind, in which the wing profile 30 is immersed, is maximum, to a position close to stall (which may be in azimuth or side), in which such traction is minimal. By cyclic alternation of the stage of maximum traction and the stage close to stalling, and subsequent return, the generation of electric energy will occur, which will be described in more detail below;

the base platform 1, designed to actuate the wing profile 30 and to convert the energy of the flow caused by the activity of the wind into electrical or mechanical energy, which is located at ground level and connected via two cables 2 to the power profile 30 of the wing, with two cables 2 are designed to transfer forces from and to the wing profile 30, and both of them are used to control the flight path of the wing profile 30 and to transfer energy in the ways described below. This can be achieved for many wing power profiles 30 connected in series with each other in order to sum the traction force applied to the cables 2. The wing profiles 30 are actually connected to the base platform 1 by means of a single cable system 2. For simplicity, reference will be made later to that case wherein the wind system according to the present invention is provided with one wing profile 30. The principle of operation of the wind system according to the present invention is practically independent of the number of wing profiles 30 used. The advantage obtained from the use of a large number of wing power profiles 30 is to increase the surface of the wind front intersected by such profiles and, therefore, to increase the thrust on the winches 3 and increase the electric energy that can be generated with each working cycle, which will be described below in detail.

In addition, the system according to the present invention includes an intelligent control system operating on the base platform 1, through which the flight of the wing profile 30 is automatic, and an electric power supply system 12 interacting with an intelligent control system for controlling the accumulation and supply of electrical energy.

The intelligent control system interacts with a group of sensors with an autonomous supply means located on the wing profile 30, which sends information, preferably wirelessly, to the components of the intelligent control system located on the ground. The intelligent control system combines these pieces of information with other information from a set of ground sensors (for example, with the load on the cables determined by reading the engine torque) and processes it to automatically actuate the wing profile 30 throughout the entire working cycle.

If, in particular, refer to figures 1 and 2, it can be noted that the base platform 1 contains at least two winches 3, each of which is wound or from each of which is unwound corresponding cable 2, each of which such winches 3 are connected, possibly by introducing at least one gearbox 4, with an electric generator / motor 5. Near each winch 3 there is a guide module 6, which forcibly provides an ordered winding of each cable 2 to the corresponding winch 3, and the transfer of systems a, which directs each cable 2 to the profile 30 of the wing. In this case, the wing profile 30 is activated by unwinding and rewinding the cables 2 on the respective winches 3. In this case, the cables 2 are a connecting element between the kite 30 and the base platform 1, and provide power transfer between the kite 30 and the winches 3. When the kite 30 is lifted by the wind, the cables 2 determine the rotation of the winches 3 and, consequently, the energy conversion by means of the generators 5. Instead, during the return of the kite 30, the cables 2 are transferred to the profile 30 wing tension generated during rotation of the winches 3 by means of engines. Obviously, the length and diameter of each cable 2 depends on the wind and the safety conditions under which they are going to work.

The transmission system contains blocks that accompany the cables 2 through the pulleys. In the preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the transmission system, in particular, consists of the following:

a first pair of blocks 7a assembled on the sliding blocks 6a of the guide modules 6 of the cables 2;

the second pair of blocks 7b located further downstream from the guide modules 6 of the cables 2 and designed to hold horizontally sections of the cable 2, enclosed between these blocks 7b and those that are installed on the sliding blocks 6a of the guide modules 6;

a third pair of blocks 7d designed to guide the cables 2 to the wing profile 30;

at least one pair of mechanisms to mitigate sudden changes in the load introduced between the second 7b and third 7d pair of blocks; each of these mechanisms consists of at least one elastic element 17, for example, such as an elastic cable or spring, which is attached to the base platform 1 near one of its ends 17a, and at the other end it interacts with the portion of the cable 2 further downstream of the guide module 6, and such an elastic element 17 may be directed between these two ends to the fifth block 7e. The interaction between the elastic elements 17 and the ropes 2 and occurs through the introduction between them of the fourth block 7c. When the wind blows, the elastic elements 17 will be stretched, softening the sudden change in load. On the contrary, if the load decreases sharply, then the elastic elements 17 are compressed, partially compensating for the delay with which the intelligent control system described below takes effect in order to adapt to the reduction of tension. The transmission system shown in the figures is preferably provided with two mechanisms to mitigate sudden changes in load, one close to each winch 3.

The transmission system further comprises a pair of tensioning devices 18, one for each cable 2, located between the mechanisms for easing sudden changes in load and the third pair of blocks 7d that accompany the cable 2 to the wing profile 30.

Referring to FIGS. 3a and 3b, it can be seen that such a device 18 consists of first pulleys 19a and second 19b that face each other having coplanar axis of rotation. The pulleys 19a, 19b rotate around the corresponding first pivot fingers 20a and second 20b, and are inserted between the two grippers 21. In particular, the first pivot pin 20a slides inside the pair of slots 22 made in the grippers 21, while its distance from the second pivot pin 20b is not constant and subject to change. The first fingers 20a and second 20b can be further interconnected by means of elastic elements, for example, such as a pair of springs 23, each of which is close to each grip 21. The tension device 18 is attached to the base platform 1, for example, by means of a rod (not shown), passing inside the opening 26 of the grip 21. The dimensions of the pulleys 19a, 19b and the stiffness coefficient of the springs 23 are such that when there is no load on the cable 2, the two pulleys 19a, 19b are in a first position similar to the position shown, in particular, in figure 3, in which they put in contact with the cable 2, slowing and stopping it. Moreover, if the wind stops when the wing profile 30 is in flight, the tension devices 18 will prevent the cables 2 from slipping, keeping them under tension due to the action of the pulley of the elastic cables 17 of the mechanism for easing a sharp change in load. Instead, when the cables 2 are unwound and rewound, the load will be such that the springs 23 will provide relative movement of the pulleys 19a, 19b to the side, ensuring normal rolling of the cable 2 on the first pulley 19a. The transmission system shown in the figures is preferably provided with two tensioners 18, one close to each winch 3.

Blocks 7a mounted on sliding blocks 6a of guide modules 6 of cables 2, blocks 7b located further downstream of such modules 6, and a pair of blocks 7c of the mechanism for attenuating sudden changes in load have fixed heads, while in other blocks the heads can rotate freely . In particular, in the blocks 7d that accompany the cables to the wing profile 30, it is possible to make a rotary connection with the base platform 1, created by means of at least one spring 25. This provides significant freedom of rotation, and such a requirement is fundamental for the possibility of tracking the cables 2 to the wing profile 30 when the system of the present invention is operating.

The guide modules 6 are components of the base platform 1, which forcibly ensure an ordered winding of the cables on the winches 3 and prevent slipping between the cables 2 and the grips of the winches 3, and between the cables 2. Each guide module 6 is equipped with a sliding unit 6a that slides along the rail 6b parallel to the axis of rotation of the corresponding winch 3. The sliding block 6a can perform translational motion in two directions along such rail 6b, and the first block 7a is mounted on it. In particular, the sliding of such a unit 6a is controlled by a sliding mechanism (not shown) that provides this sliding together with the rotation of the winch 3. Preferably, the sliding mechanism can be driven by a screw or belt. In the case of a sliding mechanism driven by a screw, the translational movement of the sliding unit 6a along the rail 6b is controlled by rotation of a ball recirculating, precision screw. In the case of the sliding mechanism driven by the belt, the sliding unit 6a is mounted on the timing belt of the drive.

In the guide modules 6 of the cables 2, the translational movement of the sliding block is controlled by at least one electric motor (not shown), which operates on a sliding mechanism, the operation of which is controlled by an intelligent control system that controls the wing profile 30.

The system according to the present invention is preferably equipped with two guide modules 6 of the cables 2, one for each winch 3.

Winches 3 are components equipped with a winch around which cables are wound 2. Winches 3 are connected by means of intermediate gears 4, preferably of an epicyclic type, to generators / electric motors 5. Moreover, the rotation of each winch 3 is associated with the rotation of the corresponding drive shaft. During the power generation stage, the cables 2 from the winches are unwound to rotate the winches 3. Instead, during the return of the wing profile 30, the motors drive the winches 3. The device contains two winches 3, one for each cable 2.

Generators 5 are components through which electricity is generated. Their activation is carried out by means of winches 3 when unwinding the ropes 2. In the system according to the present invention, the generators 5 also act as engines, by re-winding the ropes 2 on the winch 3 when it is necessary to return the wing profile 30. The control of the generators / motors 5 is carried out by means of an intelligent control system in the modes that will be described later, while the system according to the present invention is preferably equipped with two generators / motors 5.

The intelligent control system is a system by which wing profiles 30 are automatically actuated. The main objective of such a system is to control the operation of generators / engines 5 and, therefore, to rotate the winches 3. Actuation of the wing profile 30 actually occurs by adjusting the unwinding and rewinding of the ropes 2 on the same winches 3, with which they generate energy. In this case, the cables 2, which connect the wing profile 30 to the base platform 1, are power cables and drive cables. The energy generation depends entirely on the direction of rotation of the winches 3: the generation of electricity occurs when the rotation of the winches is determined by the thrust of the ropes 2 and ensures that the generators 5 are driven. Instead, energy is consumed when the rotation of the winches 3 is determined by the engines and allows the cables to be rewound 2. Actuation of the wing profile depends on both the direction of rotation and the speed of rotation of the winches 3. The wing profile 30 is actually driven by a corresponding change in the angle of attachment to the wind. Such an angle depends on the position of the wing profile 30 with respect to wind speed and, therefore, on the length of each of the two sections of the unwound cable 2. If, for example, for a wing profile 30 to take a certain slope, it is necessary to shorten the length of the cable 2, unwound with respect to the other cable in order to obtain such a result, it will be necessary to speed up or slow down the rotation of the winch 3 with respect to the other winch. Therefore, without reducing the generated energy or returning the wing profile 30, the wing profile 30 is actuated by differentiating the rotational speed of the two winches 3. The automatic flight control of the wing profile 30 is performed by settable control algorithms by which the wing profile 30 is driven to avoid fluctuations instability when driving and local maximum thrust. The trajectory of the path or flight carried out by the wing profile 30 is foreseen to optimize the energy generated during the work cycle, with maximum safety, with maximum compliance with the requirements for dynamics and with minimizing the time required to travel from the current position to the predicted position. The automatic activation of the wing profile 30 takes place through a real-time process in which information received from a set of ground-based sensors is received and processed on the wing profile 30, on which it may be necessary to pre-process the data so as not to overload the communication with the components of the intelligent control system located on the ground, especially if such communication is carried out wirelessly. The incoming information relates to the position of the wing profile 30, to accelerations, to forces (for example, to the load on the cable, determined by reading the torque of the engine 5) and to geometrically determined values. The intelligent control system processes the input signals using predetermined algorithms and creates an output signal that drives the generators / motors 5 connected to the winches 3.

Processing incoming information requires a time interval that is proportional to the duration of the data analysis. By minimizing the duration of such an interval, the delay with which the wing profile 30 is actuated will be reduced. For this reason, short-term analysis has the advantage. However, a short-term analysis may not allow us to predict a path with an optimal time duration. Therefore, it is important to give priority to the optimal compromise solution, so that data processing occurs in a short time, but sufficient to be able to obtain the optimal path length. However, it is reasonable to assume that creating a path that is longer than the path described during the work cycle is useless.

The predictive algorithm implemented by the intelligent control system in each case determines the optimal position that the wing profile 30 should occupy at subsequent moments by means of the corresponding flight, and the control parameters (flight altitude, counterweight dynamics, traction data, safety calculation in forbidden zones, locations of structural stresses instability or excessive forces, moments at which actuation must be performed, ...). Each parameter for any moment corresponds to the coordinates of the optimal position (indicating the parameter), which the wing profile must occupy at a certain moment. The relative weight of each parameter is determined, the task of which occurs at every moment through a retroactive system that adjusts the weight of most critical parameters in order to decide which parameters are more important. As soon as the best coordinates for each parameter are collected, a vector sum is determined for each moment in time with justification for the foresight. Finally, after introducing the significance of time, when a short-term strategy prevails, the optimal coordinates are calculated for each moment in time. Once the coordinates of the ideal positions are provided that the wing profile 30 should occupy at subsequent times, the real-time process determines the best path that the wing profile 30 must follow in order to reach these positions. The algorithm used for this purpose uses the flight equations, the inertia of the wing profile 30 and the fraction of the reaction, which it can be depending on the thrust difference on the ropes 2, to determine the law of bringing the wing profile 30 into action. Through suitable control methods, the actuation is carefully calibrated to eliminate the danger of oscillation and excessive gain due to inertia, elasticity of the kinematic chain and necessary delay.

The control of the rotation of the winches 3 is not the only function performed by the intelligent control system. As mentioned earlier, the system is also responsible for driving the guide modules 6 of the cables 2. The motors that drive such modules by working on their sliding mechanisms are controlled in order to appropriately link the rotation of the winches 3 with the translational movement of the sliding blocks 6a guiding modules 6. Therefore, by means of an intelligent control system, the speed and direction of translational movement of the sliding blocks 6a are adjusted for forced, ordered winding of the cable 2 on the winch 3 and also to prevent slippage between the cables 2 and 3 grippers winches and cables between themselves.

Finally, an intelligent control system must recognize events such as gusts of wind and load shedding and adapt to them in a timely manner. In case of gusts of wind, the intelligent control system comes into effect by reducing the tension of the cables 2 to avoid damage to the system from excessive load. This is accomplished by actuating the winches 3 to ensure quick unwinding of the cables 2.

A sharp drop in load must be avoided because the insufficient tension of the cables 2 leads to throws of the wing profile 30 without any possibility of controlling it. If a load drop occurs, the intelligent control system intervenes by accelerating the rotation of the winches 3 (in the case when this occurs when re-winding) or by reversing their rotation (if the load drops when unwinding). Thus, the control of the return profile 30 of the wing.

The power supply system contains all the necessary components for the accumulation and supply of electrical energy. In particular, the power supply system is equipped with power supply means, transformers and batteries, by means of which the generated electricity is accumulated when unwinding the cables 2, current is supplied to the engine 5 when the wing profile 30 is returned, the electronic components according to the present invention are fed and electric energy is supplied to possible external consumers .

The operation of all electronic components of the system according to the present invention is controlled by an intelligent control system in conjunction with a power supply system.

From what has been said above, it is obvious that in relation to what is proposed in the prior art, the system according to the present invention provides a new way to control the wing profile 30, since there is no difference between the drive cables and power cables, and both of these functionalities provide only through two cables 2. Therefore, there is one pair of winches 3, driving generators 5, which also act as engines. While in existing projects, the return of the kite is carried out using the same winches with which they generate electricity, in the system according to the present invention this occurs through the same winches 3, which also operate the wing profile 30, and not only carry out return. The installation angle in the wind and the area of the wind front intersected by the kite 30 are controlled by adjusting the length of the portion of the unwound cables 2 to ensure maximum energy supply during climb by the wing profile 30 and minimum energy consumption during the return phase.

The present invention also relates to a method for generating electrical energy through a wind system similar to the previously described system. In fact, the method according to the present invention, which is generally a method of converting wind energy into electrical energy, carried out by the wind system according to the present invention, is a discontinuous type method. If, in particular, refer to figure 4, it can be noted that the method according to the present invention contains the following steps:

a) controlling the flight path F1 of the wing profile 30 is preferably automatic by means of an intelligent control system such that the energy that is likely to be taken from the wind or from the flow W provided by the wind is maximized. In particular, the intelligent control system actuates the wing profile 30 to use “lift”, namely, a force component perpendicular to wind speed W. In this case, the wing profile 30 gains height while continuing to scan the surface of the wind front. Therefore, the wind provides climb by the wing profile 30 by pulling the cables 2 connected to the base platform 1: this rod will be converted into rotation at the level of the winch 3, which will be transmitted to the generator 5 by means of the gearbox 4, where by the gain due to a pair of forces that are opposite , there is a generation of electricity;

b) actuating F2 of the wing profile 30, preferably automatically, by means of an intelligent control system, in order to reach a position close to stall, near which the pressure caused by the action of the wind is insufficient;

c) rewinding F3 of the cables 2 onto the winches 3 by means of engines 5, which also act as generators. The cables 2 are wound with minimal energy consumption, and after the return of the cables 2 is completed, the wing profile 30 will be located so as to ensure its return to the state of maximum thrust;

d) subsequent repetition of the process.

The energy generated by unwinding the cables 1 is greater than the energy spent on their rewinding. Therefore, the energy balance will be positive.

By using the method according to the present invention and thanks to an intelligent control system that real-time processes information from a group of sensors mounted on a wing profile 30 and a set of ground-based sensors, the wing profile 30 can be activated to provide them with a height gain mainly through the use of lift. Moreover, the path along which the wing profile 30 follows during each cycle of the process will be optimal with respect to the energy that can be taken from the wind when following such paths (for example, a sequence of eight) in order to cross the maximum air volume. Therefore, the method according to the present invention guarantees not only constancy in terms of generating electricity, but also optimizing the energy that can be obtained during each cycle with the same size of the wing profile in relation to known systems.

To prove the high efficiency demonstrated by the wind system and method according to the present invention, and only as an example, suppose that the wind speed V _w that the wing profile 30 must withstand (i.e. without damaging its components) is 6 m / s. Additionally, we assume that the maximum speed V _s at which the cables are unwound is 4 m / s. The wing profile 30 oscillates freely by “scanning” the surface of the wind front, and when the wing profile 30 is brought into action in a similar way, a speed is obtained that is much greater than the wind speed. In particular, suppose that the ratio of the speed V _{k of the} wing profile 30 to the wind speed V _w is more than 10. If the maximum wind speed V _w is 6 m / s, then the maximum speed V _{k of the} wing profile 30 will be 60 m / s. It should not be surprising that the maximum speed V _{s of} unwinding of the cables 2 is taken to be 4 m / s, while the maximum speed of the wing profile 30 is 60 m / s. In fact, the wing profile 30, similar to a conventional kite, can continuously change its direction of movement without matching such a change to the fast unwinding of the cables 2.

Further, we assume that the length of each cable 2 at the moment when the profile will be caught by the wind after it is unwound is 80 meters, and that the traction created by the flows caused by the wind causes the cables to unwind by about 200 meters.

Assume that the unwinding speed is 4 m / s, and energy is generated in 50 seconds per cycle [200/4 m (m / s)]. Assume that another 4 seconds are necessary for the wing profile 30 to take a position close to stall (in azimuth or lateral). In particular, during the first second, the cables 2 will still be unwound at an average speed of 2 m / s. During the remaining three seconds, unwinding will occur at an average speed of 4 m / s. In general, during the passage to a state close to stalling, the cables should be unwound by about 2 meters [2 · 1 (m / s) sec] and rewound by 12 meters [4 · 3 (m / sec) · sec ]. At the end of this stage, the length of the cables 2 should be 270 meters (280 + 2-12). Now re-winding begins, in which the length of the cables will be pulled back to the originally approved length of about 80 meters. If rewinding occurs at a speed of 8 m / s, then a time of 23.75 seconds [190/8 m / (m / s)] will be required.

Now the described duty cycle corresponds to the hypothetical standard cycle of the method according to the present invention, during which the length of the cables cannot be shorter than 80 meters. Obviously, there is also an initial start-up cycle, during which it is necessary to manually unwind the estimated 80 meters of the cable (going away from the base platform 1) and ensure that the kite is captured by wind flows. This first cycle is not used to generate electrical energy, but in order to bring the wind system into its working state.

In all cases, references to the previous example, for safety reasons, the maximum length of each cable 2 should not be shorter than 318 meters. In fact, it can be assumed that gusts of wind of 12 m / s for 4 seconds can occur; to prevent damage to the wind system, it can be assumed that in this case, the speed of unwinding the cables 2 will be 8 m / s. A gust of wind should ensure the unwinding of cables 2, equal to 36 meters [8 · 4 (m / s) · s].

Taking into account the repeated winding of the cables 2, when there is a return to the stall position, and the safe unwinding that occurs when the wind gusts, in the case of the described example, the maximum rotation speed that the winches 3 must withstand should be 8 m (with respect to the cables 2) / sec

Now it is also possible to conduct some analysis regarding the energy that the wing profile 30 is able to take away from the wind. For this purpose and with reference to FIG. 5, we first consider the aerodynamics of the system accordingly. It is known that when a wind flow meets a stationary aerodynamic surface (“aerodynamic profile”) AS, such a flow creates two forces: a drag D parallel to the direction W along which the wind blows and a lift L perpendicular to W. In the case of laminar wind currents AF ₁ wind flows passing over the aerodynamic surface AS will be faster than AF ₂ flows that pass below it, since they must travel a greater distance. This determines the pressure reduction in the upper part of the profile and, consequently, the pressure gradient, which creates a lifting force L.

Referring to FIG. 6, instead, assume that the AM profile can be moved along the lift direction DT. Due to this movement, the lower surface of the aerodynamic profile AM will be inclined with respect to wind speed. In this case, the lifting force and drag will act respectively perpendicularly and parallel to the corresponding wind speed with respect to the profile.

With the designation S _{1 of the} force parallel to the direction of movement and S _{2 of the} force perpendicular to this direction, the lift component L, parallel to the direction of movement, has the same meaning as the translational movement of the aerodynamic profile AM, while the parallel drag component D has the opposite meaning.

For this reason, to maintain movement along the perpendicular direction to the wind flows, the slope of the profile AM is acceptable in order to obtain a high ratio of the lift component L along the direction of movement DT of the profile AM to the drag component D.

These considerations also apply to the wing profile 30 of the wind system of the present invention. The intelligent control system actually drives the wing profile 30 to maintain a high lift-to-drag ratio during the climb stage of the wing profile 30. In this case, the wing profile 30 oscillates when scanning the wind front and generates energy due to the pull of the ropes 2. The energy generated during climb by the wing profile 30 is calculated by multiplying the specific wind power by the area of the wind front intersected by the wing profile (namely, the area of the kite) A , and the power factor KPF, and the efficiency depends on the ratio of the speed of the wing profile and the wind V _k / V _W , and on two coefficients K _d and K ₁ (K _d refers to drag, and names but, when a kite pulls a constraining bond with the earth with forces and speeds along the direction of the wind, a K ₁ refers to the rise, namely, when a kite pulls a constraining bond with the ground through vibrations to scan the surface of the wind front). As indicated earlier, due to the rise, the speed of the kite is much higher than the wind speed. The greater the power of the kite, the higher the rise in relation to drag.

For example, one can always assume that V _k / V _w = 10; K ₁ = 1, 2, a K _d = 0.1.

In this case, KPF = 20 should be obtained.

If we assume that the density ρ of air is constant and equal to 1.225 kg / m ³ , then the specific wind power should be as follows:

Specific Wind Power =

“Power of a kite” is the power that can be generated through a kite, and which can be expressed by the following formula:

kite power = KPF · specific wind power · A, where A is the area of the kite that crosses the wind front. If, for example, a wing profile is used that has an area of A = 18 m ² , pushed at a speed of about 60 m / s by means of a wind that blows at a speed of 6 m / s, then the power that can be obtained at the level of the cables will be 47,628 watts . Therefore, such power would correspond to the maximum power that a kite can produce.

The value taken by KPF, one way or another, depends on the efficiency of the wing profile. You can make KPF take values greater than 20. If, for example, KPF takes a value of 40, then the maximum power that can be obtained from a kite with an area of 18 m ² will be 95,256 watts.

Referring to Fig. 7, it can be noted that the wind system according to the present invention finds effective application also in the field of navigation for towing ships by using the energy received from the wind.

In this case, all of the previously described components of the system according to the present invention are placed on a sailing or motor vessel 100. A transmission system that includes cables 2 extending to the wing profile 30 is located on the nose 101, while the wing profile 30 is actuated so that it always was in front of the ship 100.

In contrast to the previously described application, the main requirement for a wind system is not that it contains anything else for converting wind energy into electrical energy, but in using wind power to tow the vessel 100 and, therefore, in energy conversion wind into mechanical energy.

Like the previous application, an intelligent control system is programmed to maximize the energy that the powerful wing power profile 30 is able to take away from the wind, in any case avoiding that the cable load becomes excessive and damage to the components of the wind system occurs. The main difference from the previous application is that the use of wind energy now does not occur in an intermittent manner. In fact, the kite is not driven to alternate between the climb and the return stages to ensure a positive energy balance, but to optimize the continuous use of flows due to wind activity. During steady state operation, the return of the kite 30 occurs solely in order to adapt to possible wind drops or to adjust the position of the wing profile 30. The unwinding and rewinding of the ropes 2 is now not for the purpose of cyclical generation of energy, but only for putting into action. Cables 2, through which the wing profile 30 is connected to the vessel, can be considered both power and drive cables 2. Actuation takes place according to the same principle as described for the previous application. Power transfer no longer occurs by driving the generator while the winch is rotating, and if possible is limited to unwinding the cables 2, so that the vessel 100, to which the wing profile 30 is connected via cables 2, moves with respect to a fixed coordinate system.

You can see how in both cases the use of wind energy is associated with the advancement of the wing profile 30 in space. The difference is that if in the previously described device the observer was integral with a fixed coordinate system (namely, with the ground), then when applied to the vessel, the base platform 1 and the observer follow the kite 30 during its advancement.

In any case, it is possible to ensure the generation of electricity through the wind system according to the invention, which is applied to the ship 100. In fact, if necessary, movable ends, similar to that described in the previous case, you can use the profile 30 of the wing to generate electricity. The intelligent control system in this case will introduce appropriate restrictions on the flight of the wing profile 30 to prevent the cables 2 from coming into contact with other components of the vessel 100.

Along with the previously mentioned advantages, the wind system and method according to the present invention provide other significant results in relation to what is already proposed in the known technical solutions, in particular:

the wind system is easy to handle and, therefore, it is effective for supplying electrical energy in emergency situations, for example, in case of difficulty in supplying electricity or when the place for installation of equipment is not available;

its extremely low cost and performance characteristics make it possible to use the device in traditional cases (during incidents, at shipyards ...);

the wind system allows the use of technology designed for large-sized stationary generators due to its characteristics regarding the possibility of zooming;

the wind system can also use currents at high altitudes, where the possibility of using a stronger wind and speed guarantees a higher energy density in relation to wind flows at ground level;

the work cycle when performing the process according to the invention is fast, ensuring the use of wind energy from a significant amount of air with a relatively small wing profile;

the most expensive components of the wind system are located at ground level and protected;

power is generated due to the use of the axial component of the lifting force, which guarantees a greater supply of energy in relation to the use of drag.

Claims (18)

1. The wind system for energy conversion, characterized in that it contains:
at least one power profile (30) of the wing, configured to bring it into action from the ground and immersed in at least one wind stream (W);
a base platform (1) located at ground level and connected via two cables (2) to the wing power profile (30), while the base platform (1) is configured to bring the wing profile (30) into action and convert the energy of the wind flow into electrical or mechanical energy, and two torsos (2) are configured to transfer forces from and to the wing profile (30), both of which are intended for use in controlling the flight path of the wing profile (30) and energy transfer;
a transmission system configured to direct each of the cables (2) to the wing profile (30), the transmission system comprising:
the first pair of blocks (7a) mounted on the blocks (6a) of sliding guide modules (6) of the cables (2);
a second pair of blocks (7b) downstream of the guide modules (6) of the cables (2), configured to hold horizontally sections of the cables (2) enclosed between the second blocks (7b) and the first blocks (7a);
a third pair of blocks (7d), configured to transmit cables (2) to the wing profile (30),
the transmission system contains at least one pair of tensioning devices (18) located between the weakening mechanisms and the third pair of blocks (7d), and the third blocks (7d) are equipped with a rotary connection with the base platform (1), implemented by at least , one spring (25). 2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the wing profile (30) is configured to actuate it on the flight path through the base platform (1) in order to cyclically translate it from a position in which the thrust generated by the wind flow is maximum , in a position close to stalling, in its azimuth or horizontally, in which the thrust is minimal, for return by means of winches (3). 3. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains an intelligent control system operating on the base platform (1) and configured to automatically control the wing profile (30) along the flight path. 4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that it contains a power supply system (12) that interacts with an intelligent control system to control the accumulation and supply of energy. 5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the intelligent control system is equipped with a set of sensors located on the wing profile (30) and preferably configured to send information to the intelligent control system wirelessly. 6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the base platform (1) contains at least two winches (3), each of which is wound or with each of which is unwound corresponding to one of the cables (2), while each of the winches (3) is connected to a generator / electric motor (5). 7. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the winch (3) is connected to the generator / electric motor (5) through at least one epicyclic gearbox (4) installed between them. 8. The system according to claim 6, characterized in that the winch (3) is equipped with a guide module (6) made with the possibility of forced, ordered winding of the cable (2) on the winch (3). 9. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission system contains at least one pair of mechanisms to mitigate sudden changes in load installed between the second (7b) and third (7d) pairs of blocks. 10. The system according to claim 9, characterized in that the mechanism for weakening consists of at least one elastic element (17) attached by one of its ends (17a) to the base platform (1), and its other end is connected to section of the cable (2) further downstream of the guide module (6) by introducing the fourth block (7c). 11. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the tensioning device (18) consists of the first (19a) and second (19b) pulleys, while the pulleys (19a, 19b) are facing each other and have coplanar axes of rotation, and the pulleys (19a, 19b) rotate around the corresponding first (20a) and second (20b) pivot fingers and inserted between two grippers (21), the first pivot finger (20a) sliding inside a pair of slots (22) made in the grippers (21), wherein the first (20a) and second (20b) fingers are connected to each other by means of an elastic element (23). 12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding unit (6a) is slidable along the rail (6b) parallel to the axis of rotation of the winch (3), and the sliding of the sliding unit (6a) along the rail (6b) is controlled jointly by the sliding mechanism with winch rotation (3). 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the sliding mechanism is driven by an electric motor controlled by an intelligent control system. 14. The system according to p. 12, characterized in that the sliding mechanism is controlled by a screw or belt. 15. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the intelligent control system is configured to impact the winches (3) to direct the wing profile (30) along the flight path to implement a given algorithm that determines at each moment the optimal position that the profile should occupy (30) of the wing, at least at one subsequent moment, depending on the flight and control parameters according to the information of the group of sensors located on the profile (30) of the wing and the set of ground sensors, providing priority for use under the shear force (L) generated by the wind flow (W). 16. A method of generating electrical energy by means of a wind system according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it comprises the steps of:
a) control (F1) the flight path of the wing profile (30) to maximize the energy taken from the wind flow (W), while the wing profile (30) pulls the cables (2) connected to the base platform (1) when climbing that drive the winches (3) into rotation;
b) actuate (F2) the profile (30) of the wing to achieve a position close to stall;
c) rewind (F3) the cables (2) with winches (3) by means of engines (5) and arrange the wing profile (30) to return to the state of maximum thrust;
d) repeat the previous steps. 17. The method according to clause 16, wherein steps a), and / or b), and / or c), and / or d) are performed automatically by means of an intelligent control system. 18. The use of the wind system according to claim 1 for towing a vessel (100) by converting wind energy into mechanical energy, while the transmission system is located on the bow (101) of the vessel (100), and the wing profile (30) is powered by an intelligent system control so that he is always in front of the ship (100).

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