WO2015144750A1

WO2015144750A1 - Wind power generator with protective framework

Info

Publication number: WO2015144750A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/056366
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luis IBOR TORTAJADA; Luis IBOR CAMPOS
Original assignee: Ibor Tortajada Luis; Ibor Campos Luis
Priority date: 2014-03-25
Filing date: 2015-03-25
Publication date: 2015-10-01
Also published as: ES2546709A1; ES2546709B1

Abstract

Wind generator that it comprises at least two blades (6), each blade (6) anchored in one of its ends and pivotally connected to a mobile element capable of rotating for the wind action, at least one alternator (8) able to receive the motion generated by the moving element, a protective framework (12) with annular shape and concentric to the rotation axis of the mobile element, and anchoring means for each blade (6), joined to the mobile element fixedly and to the blade (6) rotatable to permit rotation of the blade (6) between two extreme positions, a rest position (A) in which the blade (6) is radial to the protective framework (12) and a working position (B) in which the blade (6) is hidden behind the protective framework (12), said anchoring means comprise an elastic element for returning the blade (6) to position A.

Description

WIND POWER GENERATOR WITH PROTECTIVE FRAMEWORK

DESCRIPTION

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has application in the field of wind power generators or wind turbines and the adjustments made to optimize them.

An object of the invention is to provide a wind turbine capable of optimizing the generation of electrical power being able to use wind power of any intensity, from mild to strong wind gusts.

In addition, is an object of the invention to provide a wind turbine capable of obviating the necessity of braking systems in common wind turbines, generally necessary to limit the blades rotation speed in order to maintain the integrity of the generator.

Finally, is an object of the invention to provide a wind power generator capable of providing a constant movement of blades in order to maintain a continuous power generation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of vertical axis windmills for pumping water, threshing or milling agricultural products by the use of wind energy is known from years ago.

As time goes by, and based on the principle of operation of the vertical axis windmills, wind generators have been developed for the generation of electricity using the wind power. Such development requires rigorous study of the site and the generator because location, wind speed and direction, and air fluctuations you will experience throughout the day on that site, will determine the choice of one type of wind generator or another. Among wind turbines capable of generating electricity, there are wind turbines that generates low power and wind turbines that generate high power. In low power generators, the wind generators used are high speed wind turbines, normally used for the power supply of isolated houses. When the demand for energy increases and a high or permanent power supply is required, often mixed systems are used, like wind-photovoltaic or wind-diesel systems.

In any of these facilities, wind generators include as an integral part several blades performing a propeller that emerge from a central axis, blades revolve around this axis describing its path rotation faster or slower depending on the wind strength, turning, through different ways, wind energy into electrical energy. The patent ES 2224995 T3 describes a wind generator of this type .

Also, in the tecnology field it is necessary to mention, among others , the Utility Model ES 1067031 U relative to a wind generator of double pair, consisting of two horizontal propellers connected to respective vertical concentric axes, with four vanes each propeller. The blades comprise a central area constituted by a horizontal tube from which blades emerge as a flat sheets, presenting certain angle between them, so that according to the incident of the wind they are opened or close depending on the wind direction. In the above mentioned invention, the wind turns the propellers in the opposite direction, due to the orientation of his arms, so that the movement is transmitted through the vertical axis at a lower area of gears and in turn, to one or more electric generators. However, the above-mentioned wind generators, require braking systems of the speed of rotation of the blades as the blades, normally of glass fiber or similar, may suffer breaks, deteriorations or off-centre of the same ones, with regard to his vertical backbone, due to fluctuations in the intensity and wind direction that they receive. On the other hand , the wind generators would require the braking system to reduce the noise generated when the generators are running, as the noise generated is not suitable for the conservation of an ecosystem in balance.

According to the explanation exposed above, inventions so far known from the prior art do not provide a wind generator capable of dispensing with the usual braking systems and capable of harnessing wind power of any intensity, from moderated winds up to strong blasts, generating, in its productive phase, electric current relatively constant.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By this way, the wind generator that the present invention proposes, appears as an improvement opposite to the known in the prior art since they manage to reach satisfactorily the aims previously indicated like suitable for the technology.

The invention consists of a wind generator comprising at least two blades, each blade anchored at one of his ends and pivotally connected to a mobile element between blades, capable of rotating by the wind action above the mentioned blades. At least one alternator capable of receiving the motion generated by the mobile element, a ring shaped protective framework and concentric to the axis of rotation of the mobile element, and anchoring means for each arm, joined to the mobile element fixedly and to the blade rotatably to allow the rotation of the blade between two extreme positions, a rest position in which the blade is radial to the protective framework and a working position in which the blade is hidden behind the protective framework. Mentioned anchoring means understand an elastic element arranged to return the blade to the rest position.

The blades rotate from an initial rest position up to a position of final work. In the rest position, the blades remain stationary in a radial position to the protective framework. Said rest position takes place in the absence of wind or with very mild or moderate winds. On the contrary, in the working position, the blades remain behind the protective framework. In this position, the blades have completed the draft and are no longer exposed to the wind and of getting its push. In this position, the generator is in position of deceleration. By this way, the mobile element stops rotating at the maximum allowed speed and begins to decelerate when the wind stops affecting on the arms. Said working position takes place with strong winds. The positions of the arm understood between both extreme positions generate electricity in major or minor measure depending on the air got for the blades, and in last instance, depending on the speed to the one that turns the mobile element. The elastic member of the anchoring means allows to retain the blade in the rest position in the absence of wind, and return it to the working position or from intermediate positions in response to any change in the wind. This way, the wind generator controls independently the position of the blades and therefore its rotation speed. In addition, such control favors the generation of electricity, since the blades tend, recurrently, to be positioned to receive wind and to generate energy whenever it diminishes the wind to which they are submitted. At the same time, the anchoring means and the configuration of the protective framework allow the protection of wind turbine blades, as these can rotate and hide behind the protective cover, stopping being exposed to the strong winds.

This way, the same time that the wind generator offers protection to the blades and the generator itself, limiting the rotational speed of the blades and the mobile element, the generator avoids the need to incorporate braking systems, since it is capable of controlling the rotation of the blades automatically and autonomously.

According to a preferential embodiment, the mobile element is a crown.

Preferably, the blades, at least two, are anchored spaced along the ring, where every blade defines a pivot axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the crown. This way, each blade has a separate rotation axis and can rotate freely with regard to the rest.

Preferably, the alternator is mounted on the inside of the protective framework in order to receive the motion generated by the crown.

Preferably, the alternator may comprise a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the movement of the crown to the alternator and this way to transform the mechanical energy into electricity. Preferably, the wind generator will include a plurality of alternators spacedly positioned along the inside of the protective framework, serving as support to the crown. Preferably, the crown will comprise an outer toothed surface and the transmission mechanism will comprise a gear connected around the alternator which will be provided with an outer toothed surface capable of fitting in the exterior toothed surface of the crown. This way, the invention provides means that transmit the movement of the crown to the alternator for the receipt of mechanical energy and the generation of electric power.

Preferably, the wind turbine will comprise some tensioners fixed to opposite ends of the crown, capable of increasing the stability of the wind turbine. According to another prefential embodiment of the invention, the mobile element is a rod connecting the blades, at least two, by a piece with capacity of rotation around a central axis, each blade defining a pivot axis substantially parallel to the central axis. According to this embodiment, the blades would rotate freely about their respective axes of rotation, where mentioned rotation axes are substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the central piece.

Preferably, the alternator will be mounted next to the central piece to receive the motion generated by this piece. Preferably, the alternator will comprise a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the movement of the central piece to the alternator.

Preferably, the elastic member will be a torsion spring. Preferably, the wind turbine will comprise a support configured to place the mobile element in a substantially vertical plane from the floor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description made and in order to help to a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, according to a preferential example of practical embodiment of the same one, it accompanies as integral part of the above mentioned description, a few drawings where with illustrative and not limitative character, the following thing has been represented:

Figure \ - Shows a perspective view of the rear face of the wind generator, according to a preferential embodiment of the invention . Figure 2.- Shows a front view of the wind generator, according to a preferential embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3.- Shows three schematic front views in which we appreciate different positions of rotation of the blades of the wind turbine, according to a preferential embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4.- Shows a view in detail of the alternator drive mechanism, according to a preferential embodiment of the invention. Figure 5.- Shows a detailed view of the anchoring means between the blade and the moving element, in this case, a crown, according to a preferential embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6.- Shows a front schematic view in which the mobile element is a rod connecting the blades by a central piece with capacity of rotation, according to a preferential embodiment of the invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Figures 1 to 5 show a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows the rear of a wind generator comprising four vanes (6), anchored at opposite ends of a crown (1 ) that serves as a mobile element, and twelve alternators (8) arranged on the inner side of a protective framework (12). The protective framework (12) has an annular groove to allow that the blades (6) could receive wind and to allow, at the same time, that they could be protected behind it.

Each of the alternators (8) shown in Figure 1 comprises transmission mechanisms formed by gears (7) coupled one around each alternator (8). This way, alternators

(8) receive the motion generated by the crown (1 ) and allow it to rotate for the action of the wind on the blades (6). Likewise, each alternator (8) has associated with a base element (10) which serves as support between the alternator (8) and the support of the wind turbine (1 1 ). Preferably, said base element (10) will be attached to the support (1 1 ).

The wind generator support (1 1 ) shown is configured to place the crown (1 ) in a substantially vertical plane respect of the floor. Also, a part of the same one may have such a configuration that fits into the rear edge of the protective framework (12), increasing the fixation between both elements and therefore, the stability of the wind generator.

Also, in order to improve the stability, the wind generator shown in Figures 1 -5 incorporates tensioners (4) fixed at opposite ends of the crown (1 ).

In the front view of Figure 2, are shown the elements of the wind generator capable of receiving the action of the wind. These elements are, the support (1 1 ), the protective framework (12), the blades (6) and the tensioners (4). In the above mentioned figure has been drawn, in discontinuous line, the shape of the blades (6) behind the protective framework (12) and the rotation axis (3) that define each blade (6). The junction of the tensioners (4) would coincide with the rotation axis of the crown (1 ), so that the rotation axes (3) of the blades (6) are substantially parallel to the crown (1 ).

Figures 3a , 3b and 3c show schematically different positions of rotation of the blades (6). Figure 3a shows the rest position, A, in which the blades (6) are radial to the protective framework (12) (not shown) and, consequently, radial to the crown (1 ), as the protective framework is concentric to the mobile element. Figure 3b shows an intermediate position between the rest position A (Figure 3a) and that of work B (Figure 3c). In this intermediate position, the blades (6) would receive the incoming wind and, in consequence, would turn the crown (1 ). Figure 3c shows the working position B in which the blades (6) would be hidden behind the protective framework (12) (not shown). In this working position B, the blades (6) would stop receiving the incident wind and in consequence would slow the rotation of the crown (1 ).

Thus, the invention provides a wind power generator capable of controlling the rotational speed of the blades without the need of conventional braking systems incorporated in generators to realize this function. Thereby, the invention can maintain a relatively constant rotational speed, generating electric power continuously.

Figure 4 shows a detail view of the crown (1 ) and the transmission mechanism of an alternator (8). As shown, the crown (1 ) has a toothed outer surface (5), and the generator (8), a gear (7) fitted around the same one, wherein said gear (7) is provided with a toothed outer surface (9) which fits into the toothed outer surface (5) of the crown (1 ). Thus, the transmission mechanism transmits the movement of the wheel (1 ) to the generator (8).

Figure 5 shows a detail view of the anchoring means between a blade (6) and the crown (1 ). The anchoring means are attached to the wheel (1 ) fixedly and to the blade (6) rotatably. The fixed union enables the wheel (1 ) to rotate when the air strikes the blades (6), while giratory union allows the rotation of the blade (6) between the extreme positions A and B. The anchoring means comprise a torsion spring (13) arranged to return the blade (6) to the rest position A, and preferably a bearing piece (2) fixed to the crown (1 ) and traversed by a connecting piece (15), such as a bolt or similar, capable of joining rotatably the bearing piece (2) with the blade (6). Preferably the bearing piece has a flat base (2) to seat on a support piece (18) with shape of wedge for his adjustement in the inner side of the crown (1 ), and a bulky body provided with a hole to receive the connecting piece (15). Thus, the connecting piece (15) would join the blade (6) with the wheel (1 ) through the bearing piece (2). Preferably, said connecting piece (15) stands out the bearing piece (2) to receive the torsion spring (13) and a fixing piece (19), such as a nut , which maintains the torsion spring (13) in the connection piece (15). Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of the invention in which the mobile element is a rod (14) which connects the three blades (6) by a central piece (17), where said central piece (17) is capable of rotating around a central axis (16).

Every blade (6) is anchored at one end and pivotally connected to a rod (14), where each blade (6) defines a rotation axis (3) independent and substantially parallel to the central axis (16). Thus, as its shown in the example, a blade (6) could be in the rest position A, the other in an intermediate position , the other in the working position B. In this embodiment, the generator (8) is mounted close to the central part (17) and, similar to the previous embodiment, comprises a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the movement of the center piece (17) to the generator (8).

Finally, in view of this description and Figures, the expert will understand that the invention has been described according to some preferential embodiments of the same one, but that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferential embodiments without going out from the object of the invention as it has been claimed.

Claims

1 . Wind generator characterized by that it comprises at least two blades (6), each blade (6) anchored in one of its ends and pivotally connected to a mobile element of union between blades (6) and capable of rotating for the wind action on the said blades (6), at least one alternator (8) able to receive the motion generated by the moving element, a protective framework (12) with annular shape and concentric to the rotation axis of the mobile element, and anchoring means for each blade (6), joined to the mobile element fixedly and to the blade (6) rotatable to permit rotation of the blade (6) between two extreme positions, a rest position, A, in which the blade (6 ) is radial to the protective framework (12) and a working position, B, in which the blade (6) is hidden behind the protective framework (12), said anchoring means comprise an elastic element for returning the blade (6 ) to position A.

2. Wind generator, according to claim (1 ), characterized by that the mobile element is a crown (1 ).

3. Wind generator, according to claim 2, characterized by that at least two blades (6) are anchored spaced along the crown (1 ), where each blade (6) defines a pivot axis (3) substantially parallel the axis of rotation of the crown (1 ).

4. Wind generator, according to any of the claims 2-3, characterized by that the generator (8) is mounted in the interior face of the protective framework (12).

5. Wind generator, according to any of the claims 2-4, characterized by that the generator (8) comprises a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the motion of the crown (1 ) to the generator (8).

6. Wind generator, according to any of the claims 2-5, characterized by comprising a plurality of alternators (8) spacedly positioned along the interior face of the protective framework (12) serving as support to the corwn (1 ).

7. Wind generator, according to any of the claims 2-6, characterized by that the crown (1 ) comprises a toothed outer surface (5) and that the transmission mechanism comprises a gear (7) fitted around the alternator (8) which is provided with a toothed outer surface susceptible ( 9) to fit into the toothed outer surface (5) of the crown (1 ).

8. Wind generator, according to any of the claims 2-7, characterized by comprising tensioners (4) fixed to opposite ends of the crown (1 ).

9. Wind generator, according to claim 1 , characterized by that the mobile element is a rod (14) connecting at least two blades (6) by a central piece (17) with capacity of rotation around a central axis (16), each blade (6) defining a rotation axis (3) substantially parallel to the central axis (16).

10. Wind generator, according to claim 9, characterized by that the alternator (8) is mounted close to the central piece (17).

1 1 . Wind generator, according to any of the claims 9-10, characterized by that the alternator (8) comprises a transmission mechanism configured to transmit the movement of the central piece (17) to the alternator (8).

12. Wind generator, according to any preceding claim, characterized by that the elastic member is a torsion spring (13).

13. Wind generator, according to any preceding claim, characterized by comprising a support (1 1 ) configured to place the mobile element in a substantially vertical plane from the floor.