US20100310357A1

US20100310357A1 - Ring wing-type actinic fluid drive

Info

Publication number: US20100310357A1
Application number: US12/745,744
Authority: US
Inventors: Nikolaos Papageorgiou
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-12-11
Filing date: 2008-12-02
Publication date: 2010-12-09
Also published as: EP2252796A1; WO2009074834A8; WO2009074834A1; WO2009074834A4

Abstract

Disclosed is an actinic (radial) fluid drive (AF) which can replace any propeller used, e.g. for fans, ventilators, pumps, hydraulic power plants and wind power plants (repeller), watercraft and aircraft (boats, helicopters, etc.) and can also reduce form drag (in tips of rockets, etc.) or wave-making resistance (in bulbous bows of ships, etc.). Said actinic (radial) fluid edge and trailing edge of which (corresponding to the drive (AF) is at least characterized by: a) a ring wing (11) (annular wing)—like a truncated cone—, the leading periphery of the top surface and base of a truncated cone) determine the chord of the ring wing (11) (rectilinear length of the side), said chord forming the angle of inclination (φ) of the ring wing along with the plane of the top surface; and b) an actinic main flow (15), the direction (plane) of which forms the angle of attack (θ) along with the chord on the leading edge of the ring wing (11), said angle of attack (θ) being greater than 0° and smaller than 90°, especially greater than 8°, and the actinic main flow (15) is inclined (thrust is generated) analogous to the angle of attack (θ) (as a result of the Coanda effect).

Description

The invention relates to thrust or fluid drive systems, such as those of fans, pumps, wind power plants, water craft and aircraft. The relative systems utilize an existing flow (repeller) or convert a given power (thermal, electrical, mechanical, etc.) to flow that generates force (or power) when it is applied to the surface of a solid body, which we call a wing. Wings (bearing surfaces) have a leading and a trailing edge, which define the wing chord and present an angle of attack in relation to a flow. For a fluid drive to function, a wing must be found in a flow.
For this purpose, the fluid drives of pumps, repellers (power generators), ships, aircraft, helicopters, etc. primarily use propellers that form an axial flow (if it does not already exist) and the wings thereof are simultaneously the application surfaces of the generated buoyancy or lift.
In addition to the many advantages, the known relative systems utilize finite wings (but with wing tips) or resistance surfaces (diffusers) which have power losses due to wing tip vortices and friction, are dangerous, and can be improved.
The object of the invention is to create relative actinic (radial flow) thrust or fluid drive systems. For this purpose, the invention either exploits an existing flow (e.g., wind, bulbous bow flow), or forms an actinic main flow which flows around at least one ring wing.
A ring wing (11) (an annular wing) is a body such as a truncated cone, the leading and trailing edges thereof (corresponding to top and bottom surfaces, circular periphery of a truncated cone) define the chord of ring wing (11) (rectilinear side length) and the latter forms the angle of inclination (φ) with the plane of the top surface (FIG. 1).
The ring wing surface (cone envelope) may have different forms, such as, e.g., a longitudinal grooved form (shark skin), straight, elliptical or curved, or also can be provided with a slit peripherally to the leading edge.
An actinic fluid drive (AF) is the drive system in which at least one ring wing (11) is found in an actinic main flow (15), the direction (plane) of which forms the angle of attack (θ) along with the chord on the leading edge of ring wing (11), this angle of attack being greater than 0 and smaller than 90 degrees—particularly greater than 8 degrees, and the actinic main flow (15) is inclined (generation of thrust) analogous to the angle of attack (θ) according to the Coanda effect (FIG. 3).
The characteristic values of the AF, such as angle of attack (θ), angle of inclination (φ), are dependent on the velocity of the ambient flow (or transport velocity) and may be adjustable (e.g., by adjustable trailing edge diameter or varied ring wing bottom surface periphery).
In AF, the main flow (15) reduces the pressure over the upper side of the ring wing (the lower side of the wing is either without flow or is a closed conductor) and is inclined due to the angle of inclination (φ) and the elevated ambient pressure (fluid pressure over the level of main flow) analogous to the angle of attack (θ) (Coanda effect); thrust is generated, and the flow becomes laminar.
Main flow (15) here is the flow which is responsible for the function of the AF (it can be produced by a secondary flow, or secondary flows). It can arise directly from an axial flow (ring wing top surface form—FIG. 3), from a radial impeller (12), or indirectly from a secondary flow (two phases). A radial impeller (with one or two intake surfaces) converts an axial flow to a radial flow and can form an actinic flow, or can produce mechanical power from a flow.
The thrust of an AF increases if the system comprises ring wings (11) placed one behind the other, where the second ring wing surrounds the first (the third surrounds the second, etc.) and the angle of inclination (φ) of each ring wing (11) is greater than the previous one.
The AF can be provided with a ring conductor (13), which surrounds the trailing edge of the last ring wing (11) (ring wing top and bottom surface form) and the main flow (15) after being conducted to the intake surface of a radial impeller (12), is recycled to the leading edge of the first ring wing (11). The closed actinic fluid drive (CAF) is one of the least dangerous, both for the conducting system as well as for the working environment (FIG. 4).
The advantages of the AF are: the absence of wing tip vortices, the good efficiency, the small surface area required for the production of a specific power, the safe operation and the large field of application.
The AF can replace the propeller for any relative applications and can also reduce the form drag (e.g., in rockets, bulbous bows of ships, aircraft tips, hubs, etc.). The AF can operate, e.g., as: fans, ventilators, two-phase pumps, propulsion or lift generators (water-air propellers), repellers (which produce mechanical power from a flow) and as actinic ring wing profile channel measuring systems.

The invention is described by means of the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows the section of a ring wing (11).

FIG. 2 shows the section of an open actinic fluid drive (OAF) (fresh fluid comes into the system).

FIG. 3 shows the section of an OAF for reducing the form drag (e.g. bulbous bow as the ring wing).

FIG. 4 shows the section of a CAF.

FIG. 5 shows the section of a CAF, which is mounted in a rotatable manner and can also function as a steering wheel (rudder) (e.g., pod—Z drive in ships, repeller).

FIG. 6 shows the section of an AF which can operate as a repeller or a propeller.

FIG. 7 shows the section of a CAF which can operate both as a two-phase jet pump as well as a repeller.

In FIG. 1, the surfaces of ring wing (11) and the leading and trailing edges are oriented by diameters D1 and D2 (top and bottom surfaces of the truncated cone) and by the angle of inclination (φ). In this case, the chord of the ring wing is identical to its side length (11), the bottom and top surfaces are horizontal and close to one another.
FIG. 2 explains an open actinic fluid drive system. Impeller (12) accelerates a fluid (18) and forms an actinic main flow (15) over a ring wing (11), the chord of which forms the angle of attack (θ) along with the flow plane on the impeller outlet (12) (ring wing leading edge) (the chord here being different from the elliptic side length of the ring wing). In this case, the angle of inclination (φ) of the ring wing is equal to the angle of attack (θ). The same construction can operate as a repeller, whereby a flow (18) sets impeller (12) in motion and is converted to main flow (15) of the system (actinic after the impeller outlet) and the impeller produces power, which drives a rotor (20).
In FIG. 3, the flow, which e.g., a ship (rocket) forms on the bulbous bow (tip) during its movement, is utilized by two ring wings (11), which produce thrust in the direction of motion. The form of the top surface of the ring wing (curved) forms the actinic main flow (15) and determines the angle of attack (θ), which is not equal to the angle of inclination (φ). Of course, the entire resistance force on the front surface, which forms the actinic main flow, is greater than the buoyancy or lift, but smaller than in the case without the ring wing. The AF reduces the overall resistance force and saves energy.
In FIG. 4, impeller (12) accelerates a closed actinic main flow (15) over two combined ring wings (11), the chords of which are not identical to their elliptical bearing surfaces, with the angle of inclination (φ), which is equal to the angle of attack (θ), being greater for the second wing, and the ring conductor (13), which surrounds the last ring wing (ring wings with ellipsoid bottom and top surface form) guides the flow (15) to the intake surface of radial impeller (12). Conductor (13) is provided with rotatable blades (14), which equilibrate the torque of impeller (12) and permit the rotation of the system around the axis of rotation of impeller (12). Rotatable blades (14) are not necessary for a fluid drive system with two impellers (and corresponding ring wings), which rotate in opposite directions (left and right), whereas they are necessary, e.g., in a Diskopter system (corresponding to a helicopter and roll of the tail rotor).
In FIG. 5, impeller (12) accelerates a closed actinic main flow (15), which flows around two combined ring wings (11) and thus form a CAF. The CAF has aero-hydrodynamic form, is mounted in a rotatable manner (19) (e.g., pod or Z-ship drive) and can function as a steering wheel (rudder).
In FIG. 6, an existing fluid flow (18) (wind, river, etc.) flows around the outer intake surface of an actinic impeller (12) as well as peripherally distributed blades (16) and produces the actinic main flow (15), which flows around two combined ring wings (11) and also moves impeller (12) via a ring conductor (13) (inner intake surface). Impeller (12) and blades (16) produce power, which drives a rotor (20).
In FIG. 7, the CAF is found within a conductor (17) and has an aero-hydrodynamic form. As a jet pump, power is offered to the CAF and an impeller (12) accelerates the closed main flow (15), which forms a secondary flow (18), and ambient fluid (18) is transported from the inlet to the outlet surface of conductor (17). As a repeller, the secondary flow (18) of conductor (17) generates the main flow (15) of the CAF and impeller (12) produces power, which drives a rotor (20).

Claims

1-13. (canceled)

14. An actinic fluid drive that can replace or can improve the efficiency of any propeller application, such as for fans, ventilators, pumps, repellers, water craft and aircraft and can also reduce the form drag, in particular, of a rocket tip or of a ship or airplane, comprising:

a) a truncated-cone-shaped ring wing, the top and bottom surfaces of which, corresponding to the periphery, define the leading and the trailing edges and the chord of ring wing, this chord forming the angle of inclination (φ) of the ring wing with the plane of the top surface, whereby during function

b) the direction of an actinic main flow on the leading edge of ring wing forms the angle of attack (θ) along with the chord, this angle being greater than 0 and smaller than 90 degrees-particularly greater than 8 degrees, characterized by

the upper side of the ring wing, which produces thrust, and the actinic main flow analogously is inclined toward the angle of attack (θ) according to the Coanda effect, whereby the lower side of the ring wing is either without flow or a closed ring conductor.

15. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 14, further characterized in that the upper side of ring wing has a straight, elliptical or curved form, or is also provided with longitudinal grooves and/or also with a slit peripheral to the leading edge.

16. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 14, further characterized in that the actinic main flow arises from the suitable form of the top surface of the ring wing, directly from a radial impeller or indirectly from a secondary flow, and runs in a laminar manner over the upper side of the ring wing.

17. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 16, further characterized in that the fluid drive comprises ring wings combined one behind the other, whereby the second ring wing surrounds the first, the third surrounds the second, etc., and the angle of inclination (φ) of each ring wing is greater than the previous one.

18. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 17, further characterized in that the fluid drive has a radial impeller in order to form an actinic main flow as well as a ring conductor which arises from the ellipsoid form of the top or bottom surface of the ring wing, which surrounds the bottom surface of ring wing, and again conducts the main flow to an intake surface of radial impeller-and to the leading edge of ring wing.

19. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 18, further characterized in that the ring conductor, which conducts main flow to the intake surface of a radial impeller, is provided with rotatable blades, which equilibrate the torque of impeller.

20. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 19, further characterized in that the fluid drive is mounted in a rotatable manner, in particular, in the form of an angle drive, has an aero-hydrodynamic form, and also functions as a steering wheel, in particular, in the form of a rudder.

21. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 20, further characterized in that the fluid drive operates as a repeller, wherein an existing flow, in particular, of a wind or of a river, flows around the outer intake surface of impeller and/or also blades peripherally distributed thereafter, functions as an actinic main flow, or produces an actinic closed main flow, whereby a ring conductor surrounds the bottom surface of the last ring wing and again conducts the main flow to the inner intake surface of radial impeller and recycles it to the leading edge of the first ring wing, and impeller, which has one or two intake surfaces, or also blades produce(s) mechanical power that drives a rotor.

22. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 21, further characterized in that the fluid drive is installed in a conductor and functions as a jet pump, whereby the main flow of the fluid drive forms a secondary flow, which transports fluid from the conductor inlet surface to the conductor outlet surface.

23. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 22, further characterized in that the fluid drive is found in a conductor flow and functions as a power generator, whereby the conductor flow produces the closed main flow of the fluid drive, which moves the radial impeller via ring wing(s) and through ring conductor, radial impeller producing the mechanical power and driving a rotor.

24. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 23, further characterized in that the fluid drive is used as a radial profile channel measurement system for research, which could be exploited economically.

25. An actinic fluid drive which is used to produce a lifting force for a water craft or aircraft, comprising:

a radial impeller, which forms the actinic main flow on the leading edge of the ring wing, this flow being inclined analogously toward the angle of attack (θ) according to the Coanda effect and the upper side of the ring wing generates thrust.

26. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 25, further characterized in that the vehicle is an airplane or a ship and the fluid drive functions at the tip of the airplane or at the bulbous bow of the ship.

27. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 25, further characterized in that the vehicle is a helicopter and the fluid drive functions for the lift or also for the propulsion of the helicopter.

28. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 25, further characterized in that the fluid drive is designed according to claim 27.

29. An actinic fluid drive, which is used at a repeller, such as, e.g., a hydraulic plant or wind power plant or turbine for generating power, comprising:

b) the direction of an actinic main flow on the leading edge of ring wing forms the angle of attack (θ) along with the chord, this angle being greater than 0 and smaller than 90 degrees-particularly greater than 8 degrees, and the actinic main flow is inclined analogously toward the angle of attack (θ) according to the Coanda effect and the upper side of the ring wing generates thrust, characterized by

a radial impeller at the leading edge of the ring wing, which can be moved by the main flow and a rotor, which can be driven by impeller.

30. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 29, further characterized in that the fluid drive is designed according to claim 21.

31. An actinic fluid drive, which is used for reducing the form drag on vehicles, such as the bulbous bow of a ship, airplane tips, or on installations such a rocket tip, comprising:

the suitable form of the top surface of the ring wing, which forms the actinic main flow on the leading edge of the ring wing, this flow being inclined analogously toward the angle of attack (θ) according to the Coanda effect, and the upper side of the ring wing generates thrust.

32. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 31, further characterized in that the fluid drive is designed according to claim 17.

33. The actinic fluid drive according to claim 14, further characterized in that the characteristic values of the fluid drive, such as the chord, angle of inclination (φ) and angle of attack (θ), are adjustable.