WO2011097655A2 - V- shaped turbine blade and assembly - Google Patents

V- shaped turbine blade and assembly Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011097655A2
WO2011097655A2 PCT/ZA2011/000007 ZA2011000007W WO2011097655A2 WO 2011097655 A2 WO2011097655 A2 WO 2011097655A2 ZA 2011000007 W ZA2011000007 W ZA 2011000007W WO 2011097655 A2 WO2011097655 A2 WO 2011097655A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blade
panels
blades
turbine
angle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2011/000007
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2011097655A3 (en
Inventor
Johannes Faul
Original Assignee
Johannes Faul
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Johannes Faul filed Critical Johannes Faul
Publication of WO2011097655A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011097655A2/en
Publication of WO2011097655A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011097655A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03BMACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
    • F03B17/00Other machines or engines
    • F03B17/06Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head"
    • F03B17/061Other machines or engines using liquid flow with predominantly kinetic energy conversion, e.g. of swinging-flap type, "run-of-river", "ultra-low head" with rotation axis substantially in flow direction
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05BINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00Components
    • F05B2240/20Rotors
    • F05B2240/21Rotors for wind turbines
    • F05B2240/211Rotors for wind turbines with vertical axis
    • F05B2240/213Rotors for wind turbines with vertical axis of the Savonius type
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05BINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00Geometry
    • F05B2250/20Geometry three-dimensional
    • F05B2250/25Geometry three-dimensional helical
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/20Hydro energy
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a turbine blade assembly.
  • Turbines are commonly used to capture and harness kinetic energy generated by moving air or water. They provide a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to generating mechanical energy and subsequently converting this energy to electricity.
  • Disadvantages associated with wind and liquid turbine apparatus include the large space required to generate adequate electricity and the relatively low electricity yield captured relative to the size of the turbine apparatus. This is primarily due to the relatively low spin rate generated by wind and water, as the case may be. This is illustrated by the size of large scale wind farms in regions which utilize wind turbines as a significant element of their electric power network such as Denmark and other European countries.
  • the invention seeks to provide a turbine blade and assembly that at least partially ameliorates the abovementioned disadvantages associated with existing wind and water driven turbine assemblies.
  • a turbine blade for use in harnessing kinetic energy generated by wind or flowing water, wherein the blade comprises at least two panels joined about their respective lengths to form a generally V-shaped blade.
  • the point of joining forms the leading edge of the blade.
  • the V- shape is apparent when viewing the blade about its horizontal axis.
  • the blade panels are hingedly connected about their respective lengths. The hinge assembly enables the angle between the panels to be adjustable.
  • the blade comprises at least one aperture about its longitudinal axis.
  • the blade is constructed from a resiliently deformable material thereby allowing movement of the blade panels relative to one another, in use. Such movement results in the varying angle between the panels.
  • a turbine apparatus having a rotational disk comprising a hub and a plurality of turbine blades extending radially from the hub, wherein the blades each comprise of at least two panels joined about their respective lengths to form a generally V-shaped blade.
  • turbine blades further comprise the blade characteristics as described above.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of a turbine blade of the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an exploded side view of Figure 2 about line 2A; shows a side view of the blade of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of the blade of a third embodiment of the invention. shows a side view of the blade of a fourth embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 1 shows a rear side view of a flotation device comprising an assembly of turbine blades of Figure 1;
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of the assembly of turbine blades of Figure 4 along line A- A;
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a turbine blade assembly comprising the turbine blade of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a plurality of turbine blade assemblies of Figure 5 secured about a central shaft.
  • FIG 1 shows a turbine blade 10 which comprises two panels 12 joined about their respective lengths 14 to form a generally V-shaped blade.
  • the point of joining forms the leading edge 16 of the blade.
  • the longitudinal free-end of each panel forms the trailing edge 18 of the blade.
  • the V-shape is apparent when viewing the blade about its horizontal axis as best shown in figures 1 and 2.
  • the V-shaped blade reduces wind turbulence around the leading edge thereby increasing the stability and efficiency of the apparatus.
  • Figures 2 and 2.1 show a further embodiment of the blade, wherein the panels are hingedly connected about their respective length by a hinge joint 20.
  • the hinge assembly enables the angle between the panels to be adjustable thereby providing a flexible blade assembly.
  • Figures 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 show three embodiments of the blade about its longitudinal side profile.
  • Apertures 22 form a recess about the leading edge of the blade as shown in figures 3.2 and 3.3. The apertures along the blade reduce the possibility and effect of flat dynamic, thereby forcing the wind or water, as the case may be, along the sides of the blade.
  • the invention is better able to capture kinetic energy from low speed wind or fluid thereby obviating or at least minimising additional expenditure associated with compensation of fluid intermittency.
  • the V-shaped design also reduces the forces related to fatigue when compared to flat surface turbines and increases the capacity factor of the turbine apparatus.
  • FIG. 4 and 4.1 Numerous turbine assembly configurations exist. These include single blade assemblies and multiple blade assemblies connected in series about their rotational disks by a rotational shaft as shown in Figure 4 and 4.1.
  • the turbine assemblies may be situated on a flotation device 24 comprising a generator and substation (not shown), alternatively the energy generated may be transferred to a substation remote from the flotation device.
  • the flotation device may be anchored to a sea bed, alternatively secured to a land surface or other suitable platform.
  • Figure 4.1 shows a sectioned side view of a multiple blade assembly 26 along the line A-A. The assembly is partially submerged in water 27 with the rotational movement being determined by the water current direction as indicated by arrows 28. The current engages the trailing edge of the blades thereby rotationally forcing the leading edge to move through the water.
  • the rotational direction of the blade assembly is shown by arrow 30.
  • FIG. 5 shows a turbine assembly 32 of the invention comprising the turbine blades 10 of Figure 1 secured to a central hub 34.
  • the hub comprises a generally tubular portion having an aperture 36 through its length thereby defining an open end on either side of the hub, which a shaft may pass there through (not shown).
  • the hub further comprises a pair of concentric support plates 38 on either side of the open ends of the hub, each plate having a centrally located aperture 40 which is aligned and dimensioned with that of the aperture of the hub.
  • Each support plate comprises a plurality of circumferentially located apertures 42 through which the hub is secured to an abutting hub, alternately a support structure to anchor the turbine assembly.
  • the blades are secured about the circumferential perimeter of the tubular portion at equidistant positions from one another.
  • Figure 6 shows a plurality of hub assemblies 32 abutting one another about a support shaft 44.
  • the turbine assemblies are mounted in order that the blades are progressively and incrementally spaced at forward angles relative to one another.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Control Of Turbines (AREA)
  • Hydraulic Turbines (AREA)

Abstract

A turbine apparatus having a rotational disk comprising a hub and a plurality of turbine blades extending radially from the hub, wherein the blades each comprise at least two panels joined about their respective lengths to form a generally V-shaped blade. The blade panels are hingedly connected about their respective lengths and the angle between the panels is adjustable about the hinge connection. The blades may comprise at least one aperture about its longitudinal axis.

Description

V- SHAPED TURBINE BLADE AND ASSEMBLY
F16H, H02K
The present invention relates to a turbine blade assembly.
BACKGOUND
Turbines are commonly used to capture and harness kinetic energy generated by moving air or water. They provide a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to generating mechanical energy and subsequently converting this energy to electricity.
Disadvantages associated with wind and liquid turbine apparatus include the large space required to generate adequate electricity and the relatively low electricity yield captured relative to the size of the turbine apparatus. This is primarily due to the relatively low spin rate generated by wind and water, as the case may be. This is illustrated by the size of large scale wind farms in regions which utilize wind turbines as a significant element of their electric power network such as Denmark and other European countries.
The intermittency of wind or water flow may also prove problematic where a significant reliance is placed on the energy generated from these turbines. In such cases, additional compensatory apparatus is required thereby adding to the costs of ensuring electricity supply remains consistent.
The invention seeks to provide a turbine blade and assembly that at least partially ameliorates the abovementioned disadvantages associated with existing wind and water driven turbine assemblies. SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a turbine blade for use in harnessing kinetic energy generated by wind or flowing water, wherein the blade comprises at least two panels joined about their respective lengths to form a generally V-shaped blade. The point of joining forms the leading edge of the blade. The V- shape is apparent when viewing the blade about its horizontal axis. Conveniently the blade panels are hingedly connected about their respective lengths. The hinge assembly enables the angle between the panels to be adjustable.
Preferably the blade comprises at least one aperture about its longitudinal axis. Preferably the blade is constructed from a resiliently deformable material thereby allowing movement of the blade panels relative to one another, in use. Such movement results in the varying angle between the panels.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a turbine apparatus having a rotational disk comprising a hub and a plurality of turbine blades extending radially from the hub, wherein the blades each comprise of at least two panels joined about their respective lengths to form a generally V-shaped blade.
Preferably the turbine blades further comprise the blade characteristics as described above.
Further features, variants and/or advantages of the invention will emerge from the following non-limiting description of an example of the invention made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a perspective top view of a turbine blade of the invention; shows a perspective top view of a second turbine blade embodiment of the invention;
shows an exploded side view of Figure 2 about line 2A; shows a side view of the blade of Figure 1 ;
shows a side view of the blade of a third embodiment of the invention; shows a side view of the blade of a fourth embodiment of the invention;
shows a rear side view of a flotation device comprising an assembly of turbine blades of Figure 1;
shows a side view of the assembly of turbine blades of Figure 4 along line A- A;
shows a perspective view of a turbine blade assembly comprising the turbine blade of Figure 1 ; and
shows a perspective view of a plurality of turbine blade assemblies of Figure 5 secured about a central shaft.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 shows a turbine blade 10 which comprises two panels 12 joined about their respective lengths 14 to form a generally V-shaped blade. The point of joining forms the leading edge 16 of the blade. The longitudinal free-end of each panel forms the trailing edge 18 of the blade. The V-shape is apparent when viewing the blade about its horizontal axis as best shown in figures 1 and 2. The V-shaped blade reduces wind turbulence around the leading edge thereby increasing the stability and efficiency of the apparatus.
Figures 2 and 2.1 show a further embodiment of the blade, wherein the panels are hingedly connected about their respective length by a hinge joint 20. The hinge assembly enables the angle between the panels to be adjustable thereby providing a flexible blade assembly. Figures 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 show three embodiments of the blade about its longitudinal side profile. Apertures 22 form a recess about the leading edge of the blade as shown in figures 3.2 and 3.3. The apertures along the blade reduce the possibility and effect of flat dynamic, thereby forcing the wind or water, as the case may be, along the sides of the blade.
Compared to single panel blades, the invention is better able to capture kinetic energy from low speed wind or fluid thereby obviating or at least minimising additional expenditure associated with compensation of fluid intermittency. The V-shaped design also reduces the forces related to fatigue when compared to flat surface turbines and increases the capacity factor of the turbine apparatus.
Numerous turbine assembly configurations exist. These include single blade assemblies and multiple blade assemblies connected in series about their rotational disks by a rotational shaft as shown in Figure 4 and 4.1. In the case of water turbines, the turbine assemblies may be situated on a flotation device 24 comprising a generator and substation (not shown), alternatively the energy generated may be transferred to a substation remote from the flotation device. The flotation device may be anchored to a sea bed, alternatively secured to a land surface or other suitable platform. Figure 4.1 shows a sectioned side view of a multiple blade assembly 26 along the line A-A. The assembly is partially submerged in water 27 with the rotational movement being determined by the water current direction as indicated by arrows 28. The current engages the trailing edge of the blades thereby rotationally forcing the leading edge to move through the water. The rotational direction of the blade assembly is shown by arrow 30.
Figure 5 shows a turbine assembly 32 of the invention comprising the turbine blades 10 of Figure 1 secured to a central hub 34. The hub comprises a generally tubular portion having an aperture 36 through its length thereby defining an open end on either side of the hub, which a shaft may pass there through (not shown). The hub further comprises a pair of concentric support plates 38 on either side of the open ends of the hub, each plate having a centrally located aperture 40 which is aligned and dimensioned with that of the aperture of the hub. Each support plate comprises a plurality of circumferentially located apertures 42 through which the hub is secured to an abutting hub, alternately a support structure to anchor the turbine assembly. The blades are secured about the circumferential perimeter of the tubular portion at equidistant positions from one another.
Figure 6 shows a plurality of hub assemblies 32 abutting one another about a support shaft 44. The turbine assemblies are mounted in order that the blades are progressively and incrementally spaced at forward angles relative to one another.
The invention is not limited to the precise details described above and shown in the drawings. Modifications may be made and other embodiments developed without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example the number of blades attached to the turbine hub may be varied. Also the profile, position and number of apertures along the blade may vary. The means of attaching the blade to the hub may also vary.
The summary of invention and claims form an integral aspect of the description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A turbine blade, wherein the blade comprises at least two panels joined about their respective lengths to form a generally V-shaped blade, the point of joining forms the leading edge of the blade. The V-shape is apparent when viewing the blade about its horizontal axis.
2. The blade as claimed in claim 1 wherein the blade panels are hingedly connected about their respective lengths.
3. The blade as claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle between the panels is adjustable about the hinge connection.
4. The blade as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the hinge connection comprises a tensioning means to limit the adjustment of the angle between the panels, in use.
5. The blade as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the blade comprises at least one aperture about its longitudinal axis.
6. The blade as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, being constructed from a resiliently deformable material thereby allowing movement of the blade panels relative to one another, in use. Such movement results in the varying angle between the panels.
7. A turbine apparatus having a rotational disk comprising a hub and a plurality of turbine blades extending radially from the hub, wherein the blades each comprise at least two panels joined about their respective lengths to form a generally V-shaped blade.
8. The turbine apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the blade panels are hingedly connected about their respective lengths.
9. The turbine apparatus having blades as claimed in claim 8, wherein the angle between the panels is adjustable about the hinge connection.
10. The blades as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the hinge connection comprises a tensioning means to limit the adjustment of the angle between the panels, in use.
11. The blade as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the blade comprises at least one aperture about its longitudinal axis.
12. The blades as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11, being constructed from a resiliently deformable material thereby allowing movement of the blade panels relative to one another, in use.
13. The turbine apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein a plurality of turbine apparatus are mounted about a support shaft and abutting one another in order that the blades are progressively and incrementally spaced at forward angles relative to one another.
DATED THIS 3rd DAY OF FEBRUARY 2011
2?. Jttef&iA.
Kantor Myers Paslovsky Attorneys Applicant's Patent Attorneys
PCT/ZA2011/000007 2010-02-04 2011-02-03 V- shaped turbine blade and assembly WO2011097655A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2009/05394 2010-02-04
ZA200905394 2010-02-04

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011097655A2 true WO2011097655A2 (en) 2011-08-11
WO2011097655A3 WO2011097655A3 (en) 2012-08-30

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2009233C2 (en) * 2012-07-26 2014-01-28 Herman Jan Jongejan SCREW, SCREW PART AND METHOD FOR THIS.
EP3059442A4 (en) * 2013-07-17 2017-08-23 Pedro Saavedra Pacheco Psp wind-powered generator comprising blades at dihedral angles

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE400368C (en) * 1923-06-14 1924-08-06 Hans Finck Production of shiny surfaces on molded articles made of artificial stone
US5616963A (en) * 1994-11-02 1997-04-01 Kikuchi; Naomi Wind power generator with automatic regulation of blade pitch in response to wind speed by means of spring mounted blades
GB2404699A (en) * 2003-08-01 2005-02-09 Posh Power Ltd A turbine
US20070222219A1 (en) * 2006-03-23 2007-09-27 Nicholas Peckham Hydroelectric Device

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE400368C (en) * 1923-06-14 1924-08-06 Hans Finck Production of shiny surfaces on molded articles made of artificial stone
US5616963A (en) * 1994-11-02 1997-04-01 Kikuchi; Naomi Wind power generator with automatic regulation of blade pitch in response to wind speed by means of spring mounted blades
GB2404699A (en) * 2003-08-01 2005-02-09 Posh Power Ltd A turbine
US20070222219A1 (en) * 2006-03-23 2007-09-27 Nicholas Peckham Hydroelectric Device

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL2009233C2 (en) * 2012-07-26 2014-01-28 Herman Jan Jongejan SCREW, SCREW PART AND METHOD FOR THIS.
WO2014017914A1 (en) * 2012-07-26 2014-01-30 Jongejan Herman Jan Screw, screw part and method therefor
EP3059442A4 (en) * 2013-07-17 2017-08-23 Pedro Saavedra Pacheco Psp wind-powered generator comprising blades at dihedral angles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2011097655A3 (en) 2012-08-30

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