WO2014207428A1 - Wind turbine generator - Google Patents
Wind turbine generator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2014207428A1 WO2014207428A1 PCT/GB2014/000259 GB2014000259W WO2014207428A1 WO 2014207428 A1 WO2014207428 A1 WO 2014207428A1 GB 2014000259 W GB2014000259 W GB 2014000259W WO 2014207428 A1 WO2014207428 A1 WO 2014207428A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- wind turbine
- assembly
- recesses
- magnetic
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 238000005339 levitation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003491 array Methods 0.000 description 1
- RLQJEEJISHYWON-UHFFFAOYSA-N flonicamid Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C1=CC=NC=C1C(=O)NCC#N RLQJEEJISHYWON-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001846 repelling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009987 spinning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000013589 supplement Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- 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
- F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
- F03D80/70—Bearing or lubricating arrangements
-
- 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
- F03D3/005—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor the axis being vertical
-
- 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
- F03D9/00—Adaptations of wind motors for special use; Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby; Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations
- F03D9/20—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus
- F03D9/25—Wind motors characterised by the driven apparatus the apparatus being an electrical generator
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02K—DYNAMO-ELECTRIC MACHINES
- H02K7/00—Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
- H02K7/18—Structural association of electric generators with mechanical driving motors, e.g. with turbines
- H02K7/1807—Rotary generators
- H02K7/1823—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines
- H02K7/183—Rotary generators structurally associated with turbines or similar engines wherein the turbine is a wind turbine
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- 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
- Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
- Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
- Y02B10/30—Wind power
-
- 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 invention relates to wind turbine assemblies, particularly vertical axis wind turbine assemblies in which aerofoil blades are supported by a shaft mounted for rotation about a vertical axis within fixed structure of the assembly.
- Wind turbine assemblies are well known and are proven providers of electrical energy.
- aerofoil blades secured to a shaft mounted for rotation about a horizontal or vertical axis are turned by the prevailing wind to cause a metal coil to spin between magnetic poles to induce an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) depending on the set-up of the coils.
- AC alternating current
- DC direct current
- the amount of power produced is dependent on different factors including the size of the aerofoil blades, the efficiency of the mechanical parts and the wind speed.
- Relatively small wind turbines can be used to provide power for individual buildings or groups of buildings, or to charge batteries on boats, caravans and motor homes. Additionally, if there is adequate wind, they can provide power for lighting and low consumption appliances in remote buildings; alternatively, they may also supplement other power sources.
- Previously proposed wind turbines utilise conventional systems which enable the rotation of the aerofoil blades to drive a separate generator.
- Other wind turbines use systems in which the blades themselves are magnetized or include magnets in order to generate a moving magnetic field which is picked up by surrounding coils. Examples of such wind turbines include US Patent No. 4520273 and US Patent Application No. 2010/0148515.
- the rotary shafts of these wind turbines are physically supported within static structure of the assembly with the result that, in use, frictional forces are produced which create excessive noise and can cause damage to the turbine. This noise can be disturbing and, if the wind turbine is located on or next to a building, the vibrations generated can cause structural damage.
- the present invention provides a wind turbine assembly which comprises a plurality of aerofoil blades secured to a shaft mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to stationary supporting structure of the assembly, the supporting structure including recesses into which the upper and lower ends of the shaft project, first and second magnetic means of the same polarity positioned one along the or each side of each recess and the other positioned along the sides of the shaft which project into the recesses whereby, in use, the shaft ends are spaced from the sides of the recesses by magnetic levitation forces, and electricity generating means comprising a coil secured to stationary structure of the assembly and positioned between one of the aforesaid magnetic means and a third magnetic means of opposite polarity to that of the first and second magnetic means, and means for connecting the coil to convey electricity generated during operation of the wind turbine assembly to a location remote from the assembly.
- the ends of the shaft may be shaped to define generally conical end pieces and the recesses maybe shaped to complement the generally con
- Each end piece may include an inclined shoulder section and a more steeply inclined end section.
- the first magnetic means may comprise caps located over each end of the shaft, each cap extending lengthwise of the shaft to a position in which, in use of the assembly, it is fully located within the respective recess of the stationary supporting structure
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vertically aligned bladed rotor shaft of a wind turbine assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view to an enlarged scale of a detail of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view to an enlarged scale of a section of the rotor shaft and supporting structure illustrated in Figure 1;
- Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative bladed rotor shaft and supporting structure of a wind turbine assembly in accordance with the present invention.
- the vertical axis wind turbine assembly illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings includes a plurality of aerofoil blades 10 secured to a vertically aligned rotor shaft 12 of the assembly.
- each blade 10 may be supported by the shaft 12 each being produced from a non-reflective and relatively light weight waterproof material such as plastics or fibreglass.
- the blades 10 may be secured to the shaft 12 by fastenings which enable individual blades readily to be replaced in the event of damage.
- each blade will have a degree of flex and be provided with protruding fixing elements to enable each blade to locate within slots formed in the sides of the rotor.
- Each blade 10 may be curved between its leading and trailing edges and may be fixed in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction relative to the shaft. 3y so doing, the shaft will always turn in the same direction regardless nof the direction of the prevailing wind.
- Each shoulder section 16 includes a generally disc shaped section 20 one positioned immediately above and the other immediately below the aerofoil blades 10.
- the end 22 of the uppermost end piece 14 is generally flat and the end 24 of the lowermost end piece is generally pointed.
- the end pieces 14 protrude into and are spaced from the walls 28 of complementary shaped recesses 30 of stationary housings 32 of the assembly.
- each conical end piece 14 are lined with a suitably contoured permanent magnet 25 (or a series of such magnets); similarly, the opposed inclined surfaces of each recess 30 of each stationary housing 32 are lined with a suitably contoured permanent magnet 27 (or a series of such magnets) .
- the polarity of the magnets 25, 27 is the same to enable the rotor shaft, in use of the wind turbine assembly, to levitate a predetermined distance away from the surface of the housings 32. The distance between the respective surfaces during levitation will be dependent upon the strength of the repulsive field set up by the magnets 25, 27.
- each housing 32 includes an annular member 34 whose inner surface lies parallel to but spaced from the edge 36 of the respective disc section 20.
- the inner surface of each annular member 34 is lined with a permanent magnet 38 (or a series of such magnets) and each peripheral edge 36 is lined with a permanent magnet 40 (or a series of such magnets) of different polarity to that of the permanent magnet 38.
- the distance between the opposed surfaces of each shoulder section 16 of the end pieces 14 and the magnetically repelling adjacent walls of the stationary housings 32 is less that the distance between the opposed surfaces of the annular members 34 and the disc sections 20 to ensure that the repulsive force created by the magnets 25, 27 of the same polarity is always greater than the attraction force created by the magnets 38, 40 of different polarity. This ensures that the opposed surfaces of the shaft end pieces 14 and the stationary housings do not come into contact one with the other.
- Coils 42 composed of an electrically conducting material are positioned about the annular members 34 whereby rotation of the shaft 12 and the magnets 38 relative to the housings 32 and the magnets 36 induces within the coils 40 an electric current which passes to an external power storage or source remote from the wind turbine assembly.
- the spacing between the lowermost end piece 14 and the opposed stationary housing 32 enables any small airborne detritus caught between the opposed surfaces to be flushed out by rain.
- each end of the rotor shaft 12 comprises a magnetic cap 50 of a first polarity and a central section 52 positioned between the caps 50 which comprises a magnet or magnets of opposite polarity to that of the caps.
- aerofoil blades are secured to the shaft 12.
- the ends of the shaft including the caps 50 and the adjoining portions of the central section 52 protrude into recesses 54 of stationary housings 56 of the assembly.
- These recesses 54 are lined with magnetic material 58 of opposite polarity to that of the magnetic caps 50 and- therefore the same polarity as that of shaft central section 52.
- the rotor shaft 12 when axially positioned with its ends positioned within the recesses of the housings 56, the rotor shaft 12 will be levitated by the repulsive magnetic forces between the axially located rotor caps 50 and the facing magnetic interior of the housing .
- coils 42 mounteded and aligned circularly on the inward facing ends of the magnetic material 58 opposite the magnetic material of the shaft central section 52 , wherein relative motion between the rotor shaft 12 and the coils 42 generates an electric current.
- the rotor shaft 12 is caused to rotate about its vertical axis. This spinning motion coupled with the proximity of the magnets 38 and the coils 40 generates a magnetic field and the induction of an electrical current as described.
- a wind turbine in accordance with the invention can be fixed against walls or on buildings without creating excessive noise and/or vibrations. In such a location the assembly will act as an acoustic baffle thus alleviating urban planning concerns.
- wind turbine assemblies in accordance with the invention enjoy the advantage of enabling rain to flush out small airborne detritus .
- Wind turbine assemblies in accordance with the invention will appeal to those having an interest in green energy and it is possible for a DC output from the assembly to be integrated into the DC output from a solar panel system meaning that no other equipment is required for it to function.
- the assembly will not compete with a solar panel's output but will work all year round at all hours day and night and so complement photovoltaic solar arrays. It also has the advantage of being cheap to build, relative to solar panels, and easier to install.
- the invention provides a relatively cheap and convenient levitating wind turbine assembly, suitable for use and installation with, for example, homes and offices, with an arrangement of magnets between the rotor and the unit housing which prevents any contact between attracting magnets, wherein the magnetized rotor which is of opposite magnetic polarity to the surrounding structure may be rotated by interaction with the prevailing wind to produce a moving magnetic field.
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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)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Wind Motors (AREA)
Abstract
A wind turbine assembly which includes a plurality of aerofoil blades secured to a shaft mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to stationary supporting structure of the assembly. The supporting structure includes recesses into which the upper and lower ends of the shaft project. First and second magnetic means of the same polarity are positioned along the or each side of each recess and along the sides of the shaft which project into the recesses. In use, the shaft ends are spaced from the sides of the recesses by magnetic levitation forces. An electricity generating means is positioned between one of the aforesaid magnetic means and a third magnetic means of opposite polarity to that of the first and second magnetic means. Means are provided to connect the electricity generating means to convey electricity generated during operation of the wind turbine assembly to a location remote from the assembly.
Description
WIND TURBINE GENERATOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to wind turbine assemblies, particularly vertical axis wind turbine assemblies in which aerofoil blades are supported by a shaft mounted for rotation about a vertical axis within fixed structure of the assembly. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Wind turbine assemblies are well known and are proven providers of electrical energy. In these assemblies, aerofoil blades secured to a shaft mounted for rotation about a horizontal or vertical axis are turned by the prevailing wind to cause a metal coil to spin between magnetic poles to induce an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) depending on the set-up of the coils. The amount of power produced is dependent on different factors including the size of the aerofoil blades, the efficiency of the mechanical parts and the wind speed.
Relatively small wind turbines can be used to provide power for individual buildings or groups of buildings, or to charge batteries on boats, caravans and motor homes. Additionally, if there is adequate wind, they can provide power for lighting and low consumption appliances in remote buildings; alternatively, they may also supplement other power sources. Previously proposed wind turbines utilise conventional systems which enable the rotation of the aerofoil blades to drive a separate generator. Other wind turbines use systems in which the blades themselves are magnetized or include magnets in order to generate a moving magnetic field which is picked up
by surrounding coils. Examples of such wind turbines include US Patent No. 4520273 and US Patent Application No. 2010/0148515. Generally, the rotary shafts of these wind turbines are physically supported within static structure of the assembly with the result that, in use, frictional forces are produced which create excessive noise and can cause damage to the turbine. This noise can be disturbing and, if the wind turbine is located on or next to a building, the vibrations generated can cause structural damage.
To overcome such issues, wind turbines have been proposed which utilise the concept of magnetic levitation. An example of such a wind turbine is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application JP 2008038605. Magnetic levitation is produced when like poles of adjacent permanent magnets are closely aligned. In Japanese Patent Application 2008038605 the magnets are placed on the rotor shaft or on the aerofoil blades. This has the disadvantage of adding additional weight to the rotor and/or to the blades making the turbine assembly less efficient .
These and other disadvantages are overcome, or at least alleviated, with wind turbines in accordance with the present invention .
SUK-MARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the present invention provides a wind turbine assembly which comprises a plurality of aerofoil blades secured to a shaft mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to stationary supporting structure of the assembly, the supporting structure including recesses into which the
upper and lower ends of the shaft project, first and second magnetic means of the same polarity positioned one along the or each side of each recess and the other positioned along the sides of the shaft which project into the recesses whereby, in use, the shaft ends are spaced from the sides of the recesses by magnetic levitation forces, and electricity generating means comprising a coil secured to stationary structure of the assembly and positioned between one of the aforesaid magnetic means and a third magnetic means of opposite polarity to that of the first and second magnetic means, and means for connecting the coil to convey electricity generated during operation of the wind turbine assembly to a location remote from the assembly. The ends of the shaft may be shaped to define generally conical end pieces and the recesses maybe shaped to complement the generally conical shape of the end pieces.
Each end piece may include an inclined shoulder section and a more steeply inclined end section.
The first magnetic means may comprise caps located over each end of the shaft, each cap extending lengthwise of the shaft to a position in which, in use of the assembly, it is fully located within the respective recess of the stationary supporting structure
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which : -
Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a vertically aligned bladed rotor shaft of a wind turbine assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view to an enlarged scale of a detail of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view to an enlarged scale of a section of the rotor shaft and supporting structure illustrated in Figure 1; and
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative bladed rotor shaft and supporting structure of a wind turbine assembly in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The vertical axis wind turbine assembly illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings includes a plurality of aerofoil blades 10 secured to a vertically aligned rotor shaft 12 of the assembly.
Typically, twelve blades 10 may be supported by the shaft 12 each being produced from a non-reflective and relatively light weight waterproof material such as plastics or fibreglass. The blades 10 may be secured to the shaft 12 by fastenings which enable individual blades readily to be replaced in the event of damage. Preferably each blade will have a degree of flex and be provided with protruding fixing elements to enable each blade to locate within slots formed in the sides of the rotor.
Each blade 10 may be curved between its leading and trailing edges and may be fixed in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction relative to the shaft. 3y so doing, the shaft will
always turn in the same direction regardless nof the direction of the prevailing wind.
The ends of the shaft 12 remote from the blades are enlarged to define generally conical end pieces 14 each formed with a shoulder section 16 and a more steeply inclined end section 18. Each shoulder section 16 includes a generally disc shaped section 20 one positioned immediately above and the other immediately below the aerofoil blades 10. The end 22 of the uppermost end piece 14 is generally flat and the end 24 of the lowermost end piece is generally pointed.
As will be seen from Figure 1, the end pieces 14 protrude into and are spaced from the walls 28 of complementary shaped recesses 30 of stationary housings 32 of the assembly.
The inclined surfaces of each conical end piece 14 are lined with a suitably contoured permanent magnet 25 (or a series of such magnets); similarly, the opposed inclined surfaces of each recess 30 of each stationary housing 32 are lined with a suitably contoured permanent magnet 27 (or a series of such magnets) . The polarity of the magnets 25, 27 is the same to enable the rotor shaft, in use of the wind turbine assembly, to levitate a predetermined distance away from the surface of the housings 32. The distance between the respective surfaces during levitation will be dependent upon the strength of the repulsive field set up by the magnets 25, 27.
As will be seen more clearly from Figure 2, each housing 32 includes an annular member 34 whose inner surface lies parallel to but spaced from the edge 36 of the respective disc section 20. The inner surface of each annular member 34 is lined with a permanent magnet 38 (or a series of such magnets) and each peripheral edge 36 is lined with a permanent magnet
40 (or a series of such magnets) of different polarity to that of the permanent magnet 38.
The distance between the opposed surfaces of each shoulder section 16 of the end pieces 14 and the magnetically repelling adjacent walls of the stationary housings 32 is less that the distance between the opposed surfaces of the annular members 34 and the disc sections 20 to ensure that the repulsive force created by the magnets 25, 27 of the same polarity is always greater than the attraction force created by the magnets 38, 40 of different polarity. This ensures that the opposed surfaces of the shaft end pieces 14 and the stationary housings do not come into contact one with the other. Coils 42 composed of an electrically conducting material are positioned about the annular members 34 whereby rotation of the shaft 12 and the magnets 38 relative to the housings 32 and the magnets 36 induces within the coils 40 an electric current which passes to an external power storage or source remote from the wind turbine assembly.
The spacing between the lowermost end piece 14 and the opposed stationary housing 32 enables any small airborne detritus caught between the opposed surfaces to be flushed out by rain.
Turning now to the wind turbine assembly illustrated in Figure 4, in which like integers have been given the same reference numerals, in this embodiment each end of the rotor shaft 12 comprises a magnetic cap 50 of a first polarity and a central section 52 positioned between the caps 50 which comprises a magnet or magnets of opposite polarity to that of the caps. As for the first embodiment, aerofoil blades are secured to the shaft 12.
The ends of the shaft including the caps 50 and the adjoining portions of the central section 52 protrude into recesses 54 of stationary housings 56 of the assembly. These recesses 54 are lined with magnetic material 58 of opposite polarity to that of the magnetic caps 50 and- therefore the same polarity as that of shaft central section 52.
Thus, when axially positioned with its ends positioned within the recesses of the housings 56, the rotor shaft 12 will be levitated by the repulsive magnetic forces between the axially located rotor caps 50 and the facing magnetic interior of the housing .
Mounted and aligned circularly on the inward facing ends of the magnetic material 58 opposite the magnetic material of the shaft central section 52 are coils 42 composed of a conducting material, wherein relative motion between the rotor shaft 12 and the coils 42 generates an electric current. In operation, when impelled by wind forces acting on the turbine blades 10, the rotor shaft 12 is caused to rotate about its vertical axis. This spinning motion coupled with the proximity of the magnets 38 and the coils 40 generates a magnetic field and the induction of an electrical current as described.
One advantage of a wind turbine in accordance with the invention is that it can be fixed against walls or on buildings without creating excessive noise and/or vibrations. In such a location the assembly will act as an acoustic baffle thus alleviating urban planning concerns.
Other advantages of wind turbine assemblies in accordance with the invention are that the turbine assembly is almost silent
and substantially frictionless in use; additionally, unlike more conventional horizontal axis turbines, the vertical axis wind turbine will be rotated by a prevailing wind from any (lateral) direction; also, unlike conventional horizontal axis wind turbines, the assembly will operate in relatively static and blustery wind conditions. Furthermore, wind turbines assemblies in accordance with the invention enjoy the advantage of enabling rain to flush out small airborne detritus .
Wind turbine assemblies in accordance with the invention will appeal to those having an interest in green energy and it is possible for a DC output from the assembly to be integrated into the DC output from a solar panel system meaning that no other equipment is required for it to function. The assembly will not compete with a solar panel's output but will work all year round at all hours day and night and so complement photovoltaic solar arrays. It also has the advantage of being cheap to build, relative to solar panels, and easier to install.
In summary, the invention provides a relatively cheap and convenient levitating wind turbine assembly, suitable for use and installation with, for example, homes and offices, with an arrangement of magnets between the rotor and the unit housing which prevents any contact between attracting magnets, wherein the magnetized rotor which is of opposite magnetic polarity to the surrounding structure may be rotated by interaction with the prevailing wind to produce a moving magnetic field.
It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely descriptive of example embodiments of this invention and that modifications can readily be made to these embodiments without
departing from the true scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims .
Claims
A wind turbine assembly which comprises a plurality of aerofoil blades secured to a shaft mounted for rotation about a vertical axis relative to stationary supporting structure of the assembly, the supporting structure including recesses into which the upper and lower ends of the shaft project, first and second magnetic means of the same polarity positioned one along the or each side of each recess and the other positioned along the sides of the shaft which project into the recesses whereby, in use, the shaft ends are spaced from the sides of the recesses by magnetic levitation forces, and electricity generating means comprising a coil secured to stationary structure of the assembly and positioned between one of the aforesaid magnetic means and a third magnetic means of opposite polarity to that of the first and second magnetic means, and means for connecting the coil to convey electricity generated during operation of the wind turbine assembly to a location remote from the assembly.
A wind turbine assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the ends of the shaft are shaped to define generally conical end pieces and wherein the recesses are shaped to complement the generally conical shape of the end pieces.
A wind turbine assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein each end piece has an inclined shoulder section and a more steeply inclined end section.
A wind turbine assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first magnetic means comprises caps located over each end of the shaft, each cap extending lengthwise of the shaft to a position in which, in use of the assembly, it is
fully located within the respective recess of the stationary supporting structure.
. A wind turbine as claimed in claim 1 wherein the diameter of the shaft is equal along its length and wherein the sides of each recess lie parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
A wind turbine as claimed in claim 5 wherein the magnetic means positioned on the ends of the shaft comprise caps of magnetic material.
A wind turbine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein twelve aerofoil blades are supported by the shaft.
8. A wind turbine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each blade is secured to the shaft by fastenings which enable the blade readily to be replaced.
9. A wind turbine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each blade is produced from a plastics material or fibreglass.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1311262.8 | 2013-06-25 | ||
GB1311262.8A GB2515733A (en) | 2013-06-25 | 2013-06-25 | Wind Turbine Generator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2014207428A1 true WO2014207428A1 (en) | 2014-12-31 |
Family
ID=48998904
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB2014/000259 WO2014207428A1 (en) | 2013-06-25 | 2014-06-25 | Wind turbine generator |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2515733A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014207428A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
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EP1096144A2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2001-05-02 | Masaharu Miyake | Wind-driven power generating apparatus |
US20040041406A1 (en) * | 2001-11-08 | 2004-03-04 | Kazuichi Seki | Fluid power generator |
US20080315709A1 (en) * | 2003-07-08 | 2008-12-25 | Shiro Kinpara | Wind power generation system, arrangement of permanent magnets, and electrical power-mechanical force converter |
US20100213723A1 (en) * | 2009-04-22 | 2010-08-26 | Kazadi Sanza T | Magnetically-Levitated Wind Turbine |
EP2536009A1 (en) * | 2010-02-08 | 2012-12-19 | National Wind Energy Co. Ltd. | Magnetic levitation supporting structure for vertical shaft disc-type motor |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4191405B2 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2008-12-03 | 株式会社グローバルエナジー | Method for installing a power windmill and method for installing a wind power generator |
JP2008038605A (en) * | 2006-08-01 | 2008-02-21 | Railway Technical Res Inst | Cylindrical wind power generator levitated by high-temperature superconductor |
US20100111689A1 (en) * | 2008-10-06 | 2010-05-06 | Davis Edward L | Ultimate wind turbine system method and apparatus |
CN102011707B (en) * | 2010-10-19 | 2013-03-06 | 孔和平 | Large-sized magnetically levitated circular track wind driven generator |
DE102011116690A1 (en) * | 2011-10-24 | 2013-04-25 | Volker Osterlitz | Magnetically suspended axial flow generator for use in wind-power plant for generating electricity, has component arranged as Halbach arrays that appear on operating conditions to convert flux of another component into low electric current |
AU2012100280A4 (en) * | 2012-03-15 | 2012-06-07 | Breitkreuz, Helmut Mr | Horizontal Wind Turbo Cube Stackable Generator Energy Efficiency platforms |
-
2013
- 2013-06-25 GB GB1311262.8A patent/GB2515733A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2014
- 2014-06-25 WO PCT/GB2014/000259 patent/WO2014207428A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1096144A2 (en) * | 1999-11-01 | 2001-05-02 | Masaharu Miyake | Wind-driven power generating apparatus |
US20040041406A1 (en) * | 2001-11-08 | 2004-03-04 | Kazuichi Seki | Fluid power generator |
US20080315709A1 (en) * | 2003-07-08 | 2008-12-25 | Shiro Kinpara | Wind power generation system, arrangement of permanent magnets, and electrical power-mechanical force converter |
US20100213723A1 (en) * | 2009-04-22 | 2010-08-26 | Kazadi Sanza T | Magnetically-Levitated Wind Turbine |
EP2536009A1 (en) * | 2010-02-08 | 2012-12-19 | National Wind Energy Co. Ltd. | Magnetic levitation supporting structure for vertical shaft disc-type motor |
Also Published As
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GB201311262D0 (en) | 2013-08-14 |
GB2515733A (en) | 2015-01-07 |
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