WO2013029183A1 - Scoop-shaped turbine blade and assembly - Google Patents

Scoop-shaped turbine blade and assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013029183A1
WO2013029183A1 PCT/CA2012/050604 CA2012050604W WO2013029183A1 WO 2013029183 A1 WO2013029183 A1 WO 2013029183A1 CA 2012050604 W CA2012050604 W CA 2012050604W WO 2013029183 A1 WO2013029183 A1 WO 2013029183A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blade
blades
equilateral triangle
scoop
attaching
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2012/050604
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Wojciech Franciszek LYPKO
Original Assignee
Monopan Ca Inc.
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 Monopan Ca Inc. filed Critical Monopan Ca Inc.
Publication of WO2013029183A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013029183A1/en

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D3/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor 
    • F03D3/06—Rotors
    • F03D3/061—Rotors characterised by their aerodynamic shape, e.g. aerofoil profiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D3/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor 
    • F03D3/06—Rotors
    • F03D3/062—Rotors characterised by their construction elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2240/00—Components
    • F05B2240/20—Rotors
    • F05B2240/21—Rotors for wind turbines
    • F05B2240/211—Rotors for wind turbines with vertical axis
    • F05B2240/213—Rotors for wind turbines with vertical axis of the Savonius type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/10—Geometry two-dimensional
    • F05B2250/11—Geometry two-dimensional triangular
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/10—Geometry two-dimensional
    • F05B2250/14—Geometry two-dimensional elliptical
    • F05B2250/141—Geometry two-dimensional elliptical circular
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2250/00—Geometry
    • F05B2250/70—Shape
    • F05B2250/71—Shape curved
    • Y—GENERAL 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
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/74—Wind turbines with rotation axis perpendicular to the wind direction

Definitions

  • the present application relates to turbine blades and turbine blade assemblies.
  • Figure 1 is a diagram of a conventional scoop-shaped turbine blade assembly
  • Figure 2 is a diagram of geometric shapes used to determine dimensions of a turbine blade assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figures 3a and 3b are diagrams of geometric shapes used to determine dimensions of a turbine blade assembly and the offset of the resulting blade configuration in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figure 4 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a scoop- shaped turbine blade assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are a perspective views of example embodiments of a scoop-shaped turbine blade assembly in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • Figure 6 is a diagram of a turbine blade in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • an equilateral triangle 210 hereinafter referred to as the inner equilateral triangle 210, is circumscribed by a circle 220 whose center 222 is where the shaft of the turbine will be located.
  • the inner equilateral triangle 210 has three vertices
  • an outer equilateral triangle 230 is created with three vertices 231, 232 and 233 and three equal-length sides 235, 236 and 237.
  • the mid-point of each side 235, 236 and 237 of the outer equilateral triangle 230 is at a vertex 211, 212 and 213 of the inner equilateral triangle 210.
  • three scoop-shaped turbine blades 240, 250 and 260 are positioned with each having a scoop center point at a vertex 231, 232 and 233 of the outer equilateral triangle 230.
  • Each scoop- shaped blade attaches to an adjacent scoop-shaped blade at a vertex 211,
  • each scoop-shaped blade 240, 250 and 260 is positioned at a vertex 211, 212, and 213 of the inner equilateral triangle 210 and attaches to the adjacent blade at a point away from the end of the adjacent blade.
  • the vertices 211, 212, and 213 intersect with the respective blades at a point 1/3 of the length of the blade from the center edge of the blade.
  • FIG. 4 an example embodiment of a turbine assembly 400 configured in accordance with the geometric relationships described above is shown.
  • the blades 240, 250 and 260 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 each have an opening or vent 242, 252 and 262 through which air can flow through.
  • the openings 242, 252 and 262 of the embodiment of the turbine assembly 400 shown in Figure 4 are each covered by a cover 244, 254 and 264 on a back side of each blade 240, 250 and 260.
  • the cover directs the air to the adjacent blade.
  • This feature of the opening, with or without the cover has a turbo effect to increase the efficiency of the turbine.
  • Tests conducted on a turbine prototype with a blade size of 4ft high and 4ft diameter (line segment of semi-circle), show the following. Before cutting out the openings/vents, the turbine produced 12 RPM at wind speeds of 3 km/hr. After cutting out the openings/vents and placing covers on the other side, the turbine produced 14.5 RPM at the same speed of 3 km/h
  • each vent is positioned so that one edge is proximate the point where the respective blade meets the end adjacent blade (i.e. at vertices 211, 212, and 213).
  • an opposite edge of the vent is positioned at a center line of the scoop.
  • the turbine blade assembly depicted also comprises a center portion 270 attached to each blade 240, 250 and 260,
  • the center portion 270 has an attaching portion 272 located at the center 222 onto which the shaft of the turbine can rotatably attach.
  • Center portion 270 in some embodiments includes at least one of a top centre-plate and a bottom centre-plate.
  • the centre-plates of the centre assembly or center portion in some embodiments are made from tempered aluminium.
  • bearings with a housing are attached to the center plate(s).
  • Example embodiments of how to attach the centre-plate(s) to the blades include but are not limited to bolts, welding, gluing, and riveting.
  • non-limiting examples of how to attach the center plates to the shaft include bolts, welding, gluing, and riveting.
  • Figure 5a shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the turbine blade assembly 400 built in accordance with the geometric relationships described above.
  • the turbine blades 240, 250 and 260 are planar in a direction of the axis of rotation of the turbine.
  • Other non-limiting embodiments include blades with a curved shape and blades with a twist.
  • the blades shown in Figure 5 have square edges.
  • Other non-limiting embodiments include blades with rounded edges or any other feasible shape.
  • Figure 5b shows the assembly 400 in perspective view with a center portion 270 comprises a top plate 274 and a bottom plate (not shown).
  • Figure 5c shows a close-up image of an example embodiment of a center portion.
  • the turbine blades 240, 250, and 260 are partially enclosed.
  • An example of such an embodiment is shown in Figure 5d.
  • a semicircular top and bottom panel is added to each scoop. From the perspective view, one can see the top panel 256 and the bottom panel 258 of blade 250.
  • the top panels 266 and 246 can be seen.
  • the bottom panels are hidden from view, it is to be understood that each blade in this embodiment includes both a top panel and a bottom panel. The addition of top and bottom panels to the blades results in a stronger structure than embodiments without the top and bottom panels.
  • an embodiment of a turbine blade assembly 400 comprises three scoop-shaped blades 240, 250, 260, each blade attached to the two other blades.
  • Each scoop-shaped blade has a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex 231, 232, 233 of an outer equilateral triangle 230 and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle.
  • the outer equilateral triangle has an inverse orientation of a smaller, inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each side of the outer equilateral triangle.
  • the circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle is at the center of the turbine blade assembly and an end of each blade is attached to an adjacent blade at a point away from an end of the adjacent blade at a vertex of the inner equilateral triangle.
  • the scoop-shaped blades are semicircular.
  • the semi-circular shape in some embodiments is a smooth semicircle. In other embodiments, the scoop shape is achieved by three or more bends in the blade.
  • the scoop-shaped blades are V- shaped. In some embodiments, the scoop-shaped blades are U-shaped.
  • the scoop-shaped blades are planar in a direction of an axis of rotation of the blade assembly.
  • Other non-limiting embodiments include blades with a curved shape and blades with a twist.
  • each blade comprises an opening through the blade at a point where air can flow through to an adjacent blade.
  • the blades further comprise a cover over the opening configured to direct the airflow toward a central surface on the adjacent blade.
  • the cover is closed in a direction away from the central portion and is open in a direction facing the central portion.
  • the blades are attached to each other by welding. In some embodiments, the blades are attaching to each other by gluing. In some embodiments, the blades are attached to each other by rivets. In some embodiments, the blades are attached to each other by screws.
  • the blades are constructed from a polymer material .
  • the blades are constructed from a composite sandwich panel.
  • the blades are constructed from composite sandwich panel comprising a polypropylene honeycomb center layer, a polypropylene sheet, woven fibre-glass and polypropylene reinforcing sheet and exterior polypropylene sheet fused to each side of the center layer.
  • An example of a composite sandwich material that can be used is MonopanTM. It is to be understood that other materials can be used to construct the blades. Non-limiting examples include metals, metal alloys, reinforced metals, fibre-glass, reinforced fibre-glass, reinforced polymers and combinations thereof. The type of material used may vary depending on the structural and tensile strength required, which is determined by the size of the blades and the power output desired.
  • the turbine blade assembly comprises a wind turbine blade assembly. In some embodiments, the turbine blade assembly comprises a vertical axis blade assembly. In some embodiments, the turbine blade assembly comprises a water turbine blade assembly. [0025] In some embodiments, the turbine blade assembly further comprises a center portion attached to each of the three scoop-shaped blades. In some embodiments, the center portion comprises an attachment assembly for rotatably attaching to a turbine shaft. In some embodiments, the center portion is planar and attaches to each blade at points inside the inner equilateral triangle.
  • Wind turbines made according to the designs described herein experience 35% less wind resistance to adjacent blades compared to wind turbines with blade edges joined at the centre shaft as in Figure 1. Thus, the torque produced is increased.
  • the blade 600 is configured to attach to two other scoop-shaped blades (shown as dashed lines) such that the scoop-shaped blade has a diameter mid-point 610 defined by a vertex of an outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one- half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle.
  • the outer equilateral triangle has an inverse orientation of a smaller, inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each side of the outer equilateral triangle.
  • the circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle is at the center of the turbine blade assembly when assembled and the points of attachment 620 and 630 for attaching to the two other blades are at vertices of the inner equilateral triangle.
  • one point of attachment is at a center edge of the blade and the other point of attachment is at a point 1/3 the length of the blade away from the center edge.
  • blades 240, 250 and 260 described above with reference to Figures 2 to 5 are example embodiments of the blade 600.
  • a method of assembling a scoop-shaped turbine blade assembly comprising : attaching three scoop- shaped blades to each other, each scoop-shaped blade having a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex of a outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle, the outer equilateral triangle being inverse in orientation to a smaller inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each sides of the outer equilateral triangle and the circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle being at the center of the blade turbine assembly and attaching the blades includes attaching an end of each blade to a point away from an end of another blade at a vertex of the inner equilateral triangle.
  • the method further comprises attaching a center portion to the three scoop-shaped blades at points inside the inner equilateral triangle, the center portion having an attaching portion in the center thereof for attaching to a turbine shaft.
  • attaching the blades comprises welding. In some embodiments, attaching the blades comprises gluing . In some embodiments, attaching the blades comprises attaching the blades to each other using rivets. In some embodiments, attaching the blades comprises attaching the blades to each other using screws.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

A turbine blade assembly comprises three scoop-shaped blades, each blade attached to the two other blades. Each scoop-shaped blade has a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex of an outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle. The outer equilateral triangle is inverse in orientation to a smaller inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each side of the outer equilateral triangle. The circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle is at the center of the turbine blade assembly and an end of each blade is attached to an adjacent blade at a point away from an end of the adjacent blade at a vertex of the inner equilateral triangle.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION
SCOOP-SHAPED TURBINE BLADE AND ASSEMBLY
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Application No. 61/530,228 filed on September 1, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates to turbine blades and turbine blade assemblies.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There are many designs for turbine blade assemblies for use in wind turbines, such as vertical axis wind turbines. In some cases scoop- shaped blades, such as semi-circular blades are used. Scoop-shaped blades have been used on wind turbines two, three and four blades. Typically, the blades are connected at one end of each blade to the center of the assembly where the assembly connects to the turbine axis. An example of such an assembly with three scoop-shaped blades connected to a center point is shown in Figure 1. However, wind pressure on one such blade is compromised by the resistance of the wind to another blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Figure 1 is a diagram of a conventional scoop-shaped turbine blade assembly; [0005] Figure 2 is a diagram of geometric shapes used to determine dimensions of a turbine blade assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0006] Figures 3a and 3b are diagrams of geometric shapes used to determine dimensions of a turbine blade assembly and the offset of the resulting blade configuration in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0007] Figure 4 is a diagram of an example embodiment of a scoop- shaped turbine blade assembly in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0008] Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d are a perspective views of example embodiments of a scoop-shaped turbine blade assembly in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure; and
[0009] Figure 6 is a diagram of a turbine blade in accordance with one example embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] Like reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote like elements and features.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] An improved design for a turbine blade assembly is proposed. In the proposed design the blades do not connect to each other at the center of the assembly. Rather, they connect to each other at points away from the center edges of the blades. In other words, the blades are offset from the center of the assembly.
[0012] Referring now to Figures 2, 3a and 3b, the geometry behind one embodiment of the proposed turbine blade assembly and how to determine the offset will be described. Starting with Figure 2, an equilateral triangle 210, hereinafter referred to as the inner equilateral triangle 210, is circumscribed by a circle 220 whose center 222 is where the shaft of the turbine will be located. The inner equilateral triangle 210 has three vertices
211, 212, and 213 and three equal length sides 215, 216 and 218. The length of one side becomes the scoop-radius of one turbine blade. Referring now to Figure 3a, an outer equilateral triangle 230 is created with three vertices 231, 232 and 233 and three equal-length sides 235, 236 and 237. The mid-point of each side 235, 236 and 237 of the outer equilateral triangle 230 is at a vertex 211, 212 and 213 of the inner equilateral triangle 210. Referring now to Figure 3b, three scoop-shaped turbine blades 240, 250 and 260 are positioned with each having a scoop center point at a vertex 231, 232 and 233 of the outer equilateral triangle 230. Each scoop- shaped blade attaches to an adjacent scoop-shaped blade at a vertex 211,
212, and 213 of the inner equilateral triangle 210 in the following configuration. An end of each scoop-shaped blade 240, 250 and 260 is positioned at a vertex 211, 212, and 213 of the inner equilateral triangle 210 and attaches to the adjacent blade at a point away from the end of the adjacent blade. In some embodiments, the vertices 211, 212, and 213 intersect with the respective blades at a point 1/3 of the length of the blade from the center edge of the blade.
[0013] Referring to Figure 4, an example embodiment of a turbine assembly 400 configured in accordance with the geometric relationships described above is shown. The blades 240, 250 and 260 of the embodiment shown in Figure 4 each have an opening or vent 242, 252 and 262 through which air can flow through. The openings 242, 252 and 262 of the embodiment of the turbine assembly 400 shown in Figure 4 are each covered by a cover 244, 254 and 264 on a back side of each blade 240, 250 and 260. The cover directs the air to the adjacent blade. This feature of the opening, with or without the cover, has a turbo effect to increase the efficiency of the turbine. Tests conducted on a turbine prototype with a blade size of 4ft high and 4ft diameter (line segment of semi-circle), show the following. Before cutting out the openings/vents, the turbine produced 12 RPM at wind speeds of 3 km/hr. After cutting out the openings/vents and placing covers on the other side, the turbine produced 14.5 RPM at the same speed of 3 km/hr.
[0014] In some embodiments, each vent is positioned so that one edge is proximate the point where the respective blade meets the end adjacent blade (i.e. at vertices 211, 212, and 213). In some embodiments, an opposite edge of the vent is positioned at a center line of the scoop.
[0015] The turbine blade assembly depicted also comprises a center portion 270 attached to each blade 240, 250 and 260, The center portion 270 has an attaching portion 272 located at the center 222 onto which the shaft of the turbine can rotatably attach. Center portion 270 in some embodiments includes at least one of a top centre-plate and a bottom centre-plate. The centre-plates of the centre assembly or center portion in some embodiments are made from tempered aluminium. In some embodiments, bearings with a housing are attached to the center plate(s). Example embodiments of how to attach the centre-plate(s) to the blades include but are not limited to bolts, welding, gluing, and riveting. Similarly, non-limiting examples of how to attach the center plates to the shaft include bolts, welding, gluing, and riveting.
[0016] Figure 5a shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the turbine blade assembly 400 built in accordance with the geometric relationships described above. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the turbine blades 240, 250 and 260 are planar in a direction of the axis of rotation of the turbine. Other non-limiting embodiments include blades with a curved shape and blades with a twist. The blades shown in Figure 5 have square edges. Other non-limiting embodiments include blades with rounded edges or any other feasible shape. Figure 5b shows the assembly 400 in perspective view with a center portion 270 comprises a top plate 274 and a bottom plate (not shown). Figure 5c shows a close-up image of an example embodiment of a center portion. [0017] In some embodiments the turbine blades 240, 250, and 260 are partially enclosed. An example of such an embodiment is shown in Figure 5d. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5d, a semicircular top and bottom panel is added to each scoop. From the perspective view, one can see the top panel 256 and the bottom panel 258 of blade 250. For scoops 260 and 240, only the top panels 266 and 246 can be seen. Although, the bottom panels are hidden from view, it is to be understood that each blade in this embodiment includes both a top panel and a bottom panel. The addition of top and bottom panels to the blades results in a stronger structure than embodiments without the top and bottom panels.
[0018] In general an embodiment of a turbine blade assembly 400 comprises three scoop-shaped blades 240, 250, 260, each blade attached to the two other blades. Each scoop-shaped blade has a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex 231, 232, 233 of an outer equilateral triangle 230 and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle. The outer equilateral triangle has an inverse orientation of a smaller, inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each side of the outer equilateral triangle. The circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle is at the center of the turbine blade assembly and an end of each blade is attached to an adjacent blade at a point away from an end of the adjacent blade at a vertex of the inner equilateral triangle.
[0019] In some embodiments, the scoop-shaped blades are semicircular. The semi-circular shape in some embodiments is a smooth semicircle. In other embodiments, the scoop shape is achieved by three or more bends in the blade. In some embodiments, the scoop-shaped blades are V- shaped. In some embodiments, the scoop-shaped blades are U-shaped.
[0020] In some embodiments, the scoop-shaped blades are planar in a direction of an axis of rotation of the blade assembly. Other non-limiting embodiments include blades with a curved shape and blades with a twist. [0021] In some embodiments, each blade comprises an opening through the blade at a point where air can flow through to an adjacent blade. In some embodiments, the blades further comprise a cover over the opening configured to direct the airflow toward a central surface on the adjacent blade. In some embodiments, the cover is closed in a direction away from the central portion and is open in a direction facing the central portion.
[0022] In some embodiments, the blades are attached to each other by welding. In some embodiments, the blades are attaching to each other by gluing. In some embodiments, the blades are attached to each other by rivets. In some embodiments, the blades are attached to each other by screws.
[0023] In some embodiments, the blades are constructed from a polymer material . In some embodiments, the blades are constructed from a composite sandwich panel. In some embodiments, the blades are constructed from composite sandwich panel comprising a polypropylene honeycomb center layer, a polypropylene sheet, woven fibre-glass and polypropylene reinforcing sheet and exterior polypropylene sheet fused to each side of the center layer. An example of a composite sandwich material that can be used is Monopan™. It is to be understood that other materials can be used to construct the blades. Non-limiting examples include metals, metal alloys, reinforced metals, fibre-glass, reinforced fibre-glass, reinforced polymers and combinations thereof. The type of material used may vary depending on the structural and tensile strength required, which is determined by the size of the blades and the power output desired.
[0024] In some embodiments, the turbine blade assembly comprises a wind turbine blade assembly. In some embodiments, the turbine blade assembly comprises a vertical axis blade assembly. In some embodiments, the turbine blade assembly comprises a water turbine blade assembly. [0025] In some embodiments, the turbine blade assembly further comprises a center portion attached to each of the three scoop-shaped blades. In some embodiments, the center portion comprises an attachment assembly for rotatably attaching to a turbine shaft. In some embodiments, the center portion is planar and attaches to each blade at points inside the inner equilateral triangle.
[0026] Wind turbines made according to the designs described herein experience 35% less wind resistance to adjacent blades compared to wind turbines with blade edges joined at the centre shaft as in Figure 1. Thus, the torque produced is increased.
[0027] Referring now to Figure 6, a scoop-shaped blade 600 for use in a three-blade turbine assembly will be described. The blade 600 is configured to attach to two other scoop-shaped blades (shown as dashed lines) such that the scoop-shaped blade has a diameter mid-point 610 defined by a vertex of an outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one- half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle. The outer equilateral triangle has an inverse orientation of a smaller, inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each side of the outer equilateral triangle. The circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle is at the center of the turbine blade assembly when assembled and the points of attachment 620 and 630 for attaching to the two other blades are at vertices of the inner equilateral triangle. In some embodiments, one point of attachment is at a center edge of the blade and the other point of attachment is at a point 1/3 the length of the blade away from the center edge.
[0028] The blades 240, 250 and 260 described above with reference to Figures 2 to 5 are example embodiments of the blade 600.
[0029] There is also provided a method of assembling a scoop-shaped turbine blade assembly. The method comprising : attaching three scoop- shaped blades to each other, each scoop-shaped blade having a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex of a outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle, the outer equilateral triangle being inverse in orientation to a smaller inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each sides of the outer equilateral triangle and the circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle being at the center of the blade turbine assembly and attaching the blades includes attaching an end of each blade to a point away from an end of another blade at a vertex of the inner equilateral triangle.
[0030] In some embodiments, the method further comprises attaching a center portion to the three scoop-shaped blades at points inside the inner equilateral triangle, the center portion having an attaching portion in the center thereof for attaching to a turbine shaft.
[0031] In some embodiments, attaching the blades comprises welding. In some embodiments, attaching the blades comprises gluing . In some embodiments, attaching the blades comprises attaching the blades to each other using rivets. In some embodiments, attaching the blades comprises attaching the blades to each other using screws.
[0032] The various embodiments presented above are merely examples and are in no way meant to limit the scope of this disclosure. Variations of the innovations described herein will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art, such variations being within the intended scope of the present application. In particular, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected to generate alternative embodiments comprised of a sub-combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. In addition, features from one or more of the above-described embodiments may be selected and combined to generate alternative embodiments comprised of a combination of features which may not be explicitly described above. Features suitable for such combinations and sub-combinations would be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art upon review of the present application as a whole. The subject matter described herein and in the recited claims intends to cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A turbine blade assembly comprising : three scoop-shaped blades, each blade attached to the two other blades, each scoop-shaped blade having a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex of an outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle, the outer equilateral triangle being inverse in orientation to a smaller inner equilateral triangle having vertices at mid-points of each side of the outer equilateral triangle and the circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle being at the center of the turbine blade assembly and an end of each blade being attached to an adjacent blade at a point away from an end of the adjacent blade at a vertex of the inner equilateral triangle.
2. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the scoop-shaped blades are semi-circular.
3. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the scoop-shaped blades are planar in a direction of an axis of rotation of the blade assembly.
4. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein each blade comprises an opening through the blade at a point where air can flow through to an adjacent blade.
5. The blade assembly of claim 4 further comprising a cover over the opening configured to direct the airflow toward a central surface on the adjacent blade.
6. The blade assembly of claim 5, wherein the cover is closed in a direction away from the central portion and is open in a direction facing the central portion.
7. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are attached to each other by welding.
8. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are attaching to each other by gluing.
9. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are attached to each other by rivets.
10. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are attached to each other by screws.
11. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are constructed from a polymer material.
12. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are constructed from a composite sandwich panel.
13. The blade assembly of claim 1, wherein the blades are constructed from composite sandwich panel comprising a polypropylene honeycomb center layer, a polypropylene sheet, woven fibre-glass and polypropylene reinforcing sheet and exterior polypropylene sheet fused to each side of the center layer.
14. The blade assembly of claim 1 comprising a wind turbine blade assembly.
15. The blade assembly of claim 1 comprising a vertical axis blade assembly.
16. The blade assembly of claim 1, further comprising a center portion attached to each of the three scoop-shaped blades.
17. The blade assembly of claim 16, wherein the center portion comprises an attachment assembly for rotatably attaching to a turbine shaft.
18. The blade assembly of claim 16 wherein the center portion is planar and attaches to each blade at points inside the inner equilateral triangle.
19. A scoop-shaped blade for use in a three-blade turbine assembly, the blade configured to attach to two other scoop-shaped blades such that the scoop-shaped blade has a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex of an outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle, the outer equilateral triangle being inverse in orientation to a smaller inner equilateral triangle having vertices at midpoints of each side of the outer equilateral triangle and the circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle being at the center of the turbine blade assembly when assembled and the points of attachment for attaching to the two other blades are at vertices of the inner equilateral triangle.
20. The blade of claim 19 wherein the blade is semi-circular.
21. The blade of claim 19 comprising an opening through the blade at a point where air can flow through to an adjacent blade.
22. The blade of claim 21 further comprising a cover over the opening configured to direct the airflow toward a central surface on the adjacent blade.
23. The blade of claim 19 constructed from a polymer material.
24. The blade of claim 19 constructed from a composite sandwich panel.
25. The blade of claim 19 constructed from composite sandwich panel comprising a polypropylene honeycomb center layer, polypropylene sheet, woven fibre-glass and polypropylene reinforcing sheet and exterior polypropylene sheet fused to each side of the center layer
26. A method of assembling a scoop-shaped turbine blade assembly, the method comprising :
attaching three scoop-shaped blades to each other, each scoop- shaped blade having a diameter mid-point defined by a vertex of an outer equilateral triangle and a radius that is one-half of a length of a side of the outer equilateral triangle, the outer equilateral triangle being inverse in orientation to a smaller inner equilateral triangle having vertices at midpoints of each sides of the outer equilateral triangle and the circumcenter of a circumscribed circle of the inner equilateral triangle being at the center of the blade turbine assembly and attaching the blades includes attaching an end of each blade to a point away from an end of another blade at a vertex of the inner equilateral triangle.
27. The method of claim 26 further comprising attaching a center portion to the three scoop-shaped blades at points inside the inner equilateral triangle, the center portion having an attaching portion in the center thereof for attaching to a turbine shaft.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein attaching the blades comprises welding.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein attaching the blades comprises gluing.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein attaching the blades comprises attaching the blades to each other using rivets.
31. The method of claim 26, wherein attaching the blades comprises attaching the blades to each other using screws.
PCT/CA2012/050604 2011-09-01 2012-08-31 Scoop-shaped turbine blade and assembly WO2013029183A1 (en)

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US20040047732A1 (en) * 2002-09-11 2004-03-11 Sikes George W Dynamo
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GB2448468A (en) * 2007-10-08 2008-10-22 Gurit Composite laminated articles having foam core
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