WO2023143958A1

WO2023143958A1 - Wind power plant using wind gusts

Info

Publication number: WO2023143958A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/050957
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mathias John
Original assignee: we4everyone GmbH
Priority date: 2022-01-27
Filing date: 2023-01-17
Publication date: 2023-08-03
Also published as: DE102022101943A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a wind power plant (100) for converting wind power into electrical energy. The wind power plant (100) comprises a holder (101, 500), a sail (103), a first generator (105), a second generator (107), a first connecting means (109), a second connecting means (111) and a holding means (113), wherein the sail (103) is held in a rotationally movable manner by the holding means (113) on the holder (101, 500). The invention further relates to a method for converting wind power into electrical energy.

Description

gust power plant

The present invention relates to a wind turbine and a method for converting wind power into electrical energy.

Wind turbines convert wind power or energy provided by wind into another form of energy, usually electrical energy.

Known wind power plants are either based on wind turbines or use sails and/or kites to convert a continuous flow of air into electrical energy.

In meteorology, wind is a directed, stronger movement of air in the earth's atmosphere. Due to various physical effects, however, the air movement is not constant, but consists of phases with higher wind speeds (wind gusts) and lower wind speeds. According to the German Weather Service, the wind blows around 85 percent of the year in central European regions. About 50% of the wind gusts are stronger than the average wind speed. It is also known that buildings and trees increase the frequency and intensity of wind gusts.

The invention presented serves to convert wind power, in particular power provided by wind gusts, into electrical energy.

According to a first aspect of the presented invention, a wind turbine for converting wind power into electrical energy is presented. The wind power plant presented comprises a holder, a sail, in particular from the group of downwind sails with a bulbous profile, preferably a spinnaker, a first generator, a second generator, a first connection means, a second connection means and a holding means.

The sail is rotatably held on the holder by the holding means, in particular only at a single holding point. Furthermore, the sail is connected to the first generator at a first connection point by the first connection means. In this case, the first connection means is configured to convert a movement of the first connection point relative to the first generator into a rotational movement and thereby to drive the first generator.

Furthermore, the sail is connected to the second generator at a second connection point by the second connection means. In this case, the second connection means is configured to convert a movement of the second connection point relative to the second generator into a rotational movement and thereby to drive the second generator.

In the context of the present invention, a rotatable holding or a rotatable mounting is to be understood as meaning an arrangement in which two connection partners are essentially fixedly connected to one another in at least one spatial axis and are movably connected to one another in a further spatial axis. For example, a first connection partner can be mounted so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation formed by a second connection partner. Alternatively, a rotatable mount by a one-sided at a fixed point attached carabiner or a corresponding strap or

Eyelet connection are provided.

A gust, i.e. a squall, is to be understood in the context of the invention presented as a strong air movement of short duration. For example, a gust of wind can be a jolt that leads to rapid changes in the increase in wind speed or the acceleration of the wind.

The wind turbine presented is based on the principle that the sail is fastened or stretched at least three points or at least three sheets, namely at a holding point, in particular only one holding point, by means of a holding means is held rotatably on the holder, with a first connection point coupled to the first generator and coupled to a second connection point to the second generator. However, configurations are also possible within the scope of the invention in which the sail is fastened or stretched at significantly more than three points. Within the scope of the invention, this is particularly advantageous for larger sails.

The first connection point and the second connection point are loosely or movably mechanically coupled to the first generator and the second generator, so that the first connection point and the second connection point of the sail can move freely within a predetermined movement space, ie in three spatial axes. This means that when the sail is caught by a gust of wind, ie a gust of wind, the first connection point and/or the second connection point are moved by a force provided by the gust of wind and move relative to the first generator and the second Move generator away, in particular move away from the first generator and the second generator.

In order to derive a force applied to the sail or to transmit it to the generators, the first connection point and the second connection point of the sail are each connected to the corresponding generators by a respective connecting means, i.e. mechanically coupled. For example, the first connection means can comprise a first cable mounted on a bearing, in particular a pulley, and the second connection means can comprise a second cable mounted on a bearing, in particular a pulley. Correspondingly, a movement of the sail caused by a gust of wind can be transmitted to a generator by a respective connecting means and used to drive, for example to rotate a shaft or a rotor of the generator.

Due to the rotatable arrangement of the holding point on the holder, the sail can, for example, rotate 360° under the holder.

In order not to impede a movement, in particular a rotation of the cusp, the holder can be designed in a shape that is bent away from the cusp or around a movement space of the cusp. In this case, the holder can comprise a cable, a mast and/or a rod arrangement, in particular a rod arrangement bent in a U-shape, which is fastened with its two open ends in the ground or on a base plate of the wind turbine.

A rod arrangement is particularly robust and allows the wind turbine presented to be subjected to high loads Wind speeds and enables a correspondingly high energy yield.

In order to avoid damage to the wind power plant, in particular the sail, at very high wind speeds, the wind power plant can include an automatic storm safety device which, for example, pulls the sail taut when a wind force acting on the sail exceeds a predetermined threshold value. For this purpose, the storm safety device can include, for example, a prestressed mechanical spring with a triggering mechanism or a control device with an actuator, by means of which the sail is brought into a shape in which the sail has a minimal surface area. For example, the sail can be rolled up or "reefed" automatically.

The wind power plant presented is suitable for arrangement on houses, in particular on roofs or walls, as well as on undeveloped land, e.g. in regions with poorly developed infrastructure, so that the wind power plant presented can also be used to supply remote regions with electricity easily and cheaply.

In an embodiment it can be provided that the wind power plant comprises a fixation element, wherein the fixation element fixes the first generator and the second generator at a distance from a contact surface on which the wind power plant is arranged.

A fixation element, which fixes the generators of the wind turbine presented at a distance from a contact surface, allows the generators to be arranged above the ground so that the sail can be stretched in a higher position than the ground and the entry of gusts of wind into the sail is maximized. In doing so a predetermined distance between the generators and the sail or a predetermined movement space of the second end and the third end of the sail is ensured by the fixation element. This means that the sail and the generators can be freely positioned in height to the ground. In particular, the fixation element and/or the holder can comprise telescopic arms that can be adjusted or extended for this purpose.

In a further refinement, it can be provided that the wind turbine comprises a base plate, the base plate comprising connection interfaces for connection to a contact surface. With a base plate, the wind power plant presented can be arranged on any surface or any subsoil and in any orientation, for example with its axis of symmetry parallel or angled, in particular orthogonal to a direction of gravity.

By means of a connection interface or connection interfaces, such as a number of screws or screw receptacles, the wind power plant presented can be securely and possibly reversibly attached to a respective substructure.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the first connection means comprises a first return spring, which tensions when the first cable is unwound, and the second connection means comprises a second return spring, which tensions when the second cable is unwound.

By means of a return spring, a movement for deflecting a respective end of the sail of the wind turbine presented, ie one Movement of the end away from a corresponding generator, stored in the return spring, so that when the end of the sail moves back towards the generator, the stored energy can be transferred from the return spring to the generator. For this purpose, the return spring can, for example, drive a shaft or a rotor of the generator.

Optionally, the return spring can also be connected to a flywheel, i.e. a flywheel, through which strong jerky movement impulses provided energy, as is typical for gusts of wind, can be converted into a movement of the flywheel and, as a result, temporarily stored. Accordingly, a duration of a drive movement for operating a generator is maximized by a flywheel.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that the first connecting means and the first generator can be separated from one another by a first unidirectional freewheel, and the second connecting means and the second generator can be separated from one another by a second unidirectional freewheel, in order to prevent a sail from moving from the first generator and / or the second generator away opposing mechanical resistance to minimize.

Freewheeling, such as a mechanical coupling and decoupling of a movement of the sail from a movement of a respective generator, caused by a coupling element, maximizes a movement of the sail, and in particular during a short and rapid movement of the sail, as is required for gusts of wind is typical, allows. According to a second aspect of the presented invention, a method for converting wind power into electrical energy is presented.

The method comprises arranging a first end of a sail on a holder by means of a holder, the sail being rotatably held on the holder, connecting a second end of the sail by means of a first connecting means to a first generator, so that the first generator is connected by a movement of the second end relative to the first generator and connecting a third end of the sail to a second generator by a second connecting means such that the second generator is driven by movement of the third end relative to the second generator.

In an embodiment of the method presented, it is provided that the first connecting means comprises a first return spring and a first freewheel, so that a movement of the second end away from the first generator is decoupled by the first freewheel from a movement for driving the first generator and the first generator is driven solely by energy stored in the first return spring, and the second connecting means comprises a second return spring and a second one-way clutch such that movement of the third end away from the second generator through the second one-way clutch is decoupled from movement to drive the second generator and the second generator is powered solely by energy stored in the second return spring. The invention is described by way of example in a preferred embodiment with reference to a drawing, wherein further advantageous details can be found in the figures of the drawing.

Parts that are functionally the same are provided with the same reference symbols.

The figures in the drawing show in detail:

Figure 1: a possible embodiment of the invention

wind turbine,

FIG. 2: the wind turbine according to FIG. 1 in a side view,

FIG. 3: the wind turbine according to FIG. 1 in a further view,

FIG. 4: a detailed view of the wind turbine according to FIG. 3,

Figure 5: another possible embodiment of the wind power plant according to the invention, and

Figure 6: a possible embodiment of the invention

procedure.

A wind turbine 100 is shown in FIG. The wind turbine 100 comprises a holder 101, a sail 103, a first generator 105, a second generator 107, a first connecting means 109, a second connecting means 111 and a holding means 113.

In the present case, the holder 101 is a mast which is bent in such a way that the sail 103 can rotate completely under the holder 101 on the holding means 113 . Correspondingly, the bending of the holder 101 completely frees up a movement space for the leaflet 103, so that the leaflet 103 can move independently of the holder 101 and does not collide with the holder 101 at any position.

The sail 103 is secured at three points or three ends. At a holding point 115, the sail 103 is connected to the holder 101 via the holding means 113 and is correspondingly secured in its vertical position.

In the present case, the holding means 113 enables the sail 103 to be rotated so that the sail 103 can rotate under the holder 101 in order to orient itself in a respective wind direction.

At a first connection point 117, the sail 103 is connected to the first generator 105 by the first connection means 109 and is thereby secured within a predetermined movement space relative to the first generator 105.

At a second connection point 119, the sail 103 is connected to the second generator 107 by the second connection means 111 and is thereby secured within a predetermined space of movement relative to the second generator 107.

The first generator 105 and the second generator 107 are arranged on a fixing element 121 at a distance from a base plate 123, so that the sail 103 has a distance to the base plate 123 at a predetermined distance from the first generator 105 and the second generator 107 and because of this distance particularly wind force reaches air layers.

The wind turbine 100 is present with a current collector 125, such as a battery or a transformer for feeding into the grid tied together. Correspondingly, electrical current generated by the first generator 105 and the second generator 107 is conducted into the current collector 125 and stored or forwarded there.

When a gust of wind moves the sail 103, the first connection point 117 and the second connection point 119 move relative to the first generator 105 and the second generator 107. This movement is transmitted through the first connection means 109 to the first generator 105 and through the second connection means 111 transferred to the second generator 107. For this purpose, the first connecting means 109 and the second connecting means 111 can each comprise a rope which is unrolled by the movement of a bearing, such as a shaft.

The first generator 105 and the second generator 107 can be driven directly by the movement of the cables of the first connecting means 109 and the second connecting means 111 . Alternatively, the movement of the ropes of the first connecting means 109 and the second connecting means 111 can be transmitted in at least one return spring, so that the return spring tensions when the first connection point 117 from the first generator 105 or the second connection point 119 from the second generator 107 moved away.

As soon as the gust of wind subsides, the tension of the return spring causes a return movement of the sail 103, during which the cables are wound onto the bearing and the energy stored in the return spring is released. This released energy is now used, for example, directly or via a transmission, in particular via a flywheel, to drive the first generator 105 and the second generator 107 . In this case, the first connecting means 109 and the second connecting means 111 can optionally each include a freewheel, which generates a movement for driving the first generator 105 and the second generator 107 from a movement of the first connection point 117 and the second connection point 119 of the first generator 105 and away from the second generator 107, decoupled from one another and, as a result, allowing free and particularly strong movement of the sail 103 when a gust of wind is picked up. This strong movement can, for example, apply a particularly strong force impulse to a flywheel, so that the energy yield from a gust of wind is maximized.

In Figure 2, the wind power plant 100 is shown in a side view. The bending of the holder 101 and the connection of the cusp 103 to the holder 101 by means of the holding element 113, which is designed here as an example of a rotary axis, can be seen particularly well here.

A further view of the wind turbine 100 is shown in FIG. The shape of the sail 103, which in the present case is a particularly bulbous and light spinnaker, can be seen particularly well here. The point marked with the sign “X” is shown in detail in FIG.

The connection of the first connection point 117 to the first generator 105 by means of the first connection means 109 can be seen particularly well in FIG. In one example, the holder 101 is approximately 4.3 meters high and the fixation element 121 or the base plate 123 is approximately 3.5 meters wide and the sail 103 is approximately 10 square meters in size.

The first connection means 109 includes a cable 401, which is rolled up on a bearing 403 and connected to the first connection point 117 of the sail 103 is connected. A mechanical spring rolled up in the bearing 403 is tensioned by a deflection movement of the cable. During a restoring movement, the energy stored in the mechanical spring is transferred to a shaft or a rotor of the first generator 105, so that the first generator 105 generates electrical current.

The first generator 105 is fixed on the fixation element 121 .

The wind turbine 100 is shown with a holder 500 in FIG. The holder 500 comprises a U-shaped curved arrangement of, for example, metal rods. The holder 500 surrounds a movement space of the cusp 103 so that the cusp 103 cannot collide with the holder 500 .

Due to its two connection points to the ground, the holder 500 is particularly robust and enables the wind turbine to be operated even at high wind speeds.

FIG. 6 shows a method 600 for converting wind power into electrical energy.

The method 600 comprises an arrangement step 601, in which a mounting point of a sail is arranged on a holder by means of a holding means, the leaflet being rotatably held on the holder.

Furthermore, the method 600 comprises a first connection step 603, in which a first connection point of the sail is connected to a first generator by means of a first connection means, so that the first generator is driven by movement of the second end relative to the first generator.

Furthermore, the method 600 comprises a second connection step 605, in which a second connection point of the sail is connected to a second generator by means of a second connection means, so that the second generator is driven by a movement of the third end relative to the second generator.

Claims

CLAIMS A wind turbine (100) for converting wind power into electrical energy, the wind turbine (100) comprising:

- a holder (101, 500),

- a sail (103),

- a first generator (105),

- a second generator (107),

- a first connecting means (109),

- a second connecting means (111),

- a holding means (113), wherein the sail (103) is rotatably held at a holding point (115) by the holding means (113) on the holder (101, 500), the sail (103) at a first connection point (117) is connected to the first generator (105) by the first connection means (109), and the first connection means (109) is configured to convert a movement of the first connection point (117) relative to the first generator (105) into a rotational movement and the thereby driving the first generator (105), and wherein the sail (103) is connected to the second generator (107) at a second connection point (119) by the second connection means (111), and the second connection means (111) is configured to converting movement of the second connection point (119) relative to the second generator (107) into rotational movement and thereby driving the second generator (107). Wind power plant (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that that the holder (101, 500) is bent in such a way that the sail (103) under the holder (101, 500) can be rotated without collision. Wind power plant (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holder (101, 500) is a cable, a mast or an arrangement of support rods. Wind power plant (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wind power plant (100) comprises a fixation element (121), wherein the fixation element (121) the first generator (105) and the second generator (107) at a distance from a contact surface, on which the wind turbine (100) is arranged, fixed. Wind power plant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting means (109) has a first cable mounted on a bearing, in particular a roller, and the second connecting means (111) has a second cable mounted on a bearing, in particular a roller. mounted second rope includes. Wind turbine (100) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the first connecting means (109) comprises a first return spring which is tensioned by unwinding the first cable and the second connecting means (111) comprises a second return spring which is the unwinding of the second rope tightens. Wind power plant (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first connecting means (109) and the first generator (105) can be separated from one another by a first unidirectional freewheel, and the second connecting means (111) and the second generator (107) by a second unidirectional freewheel are separable from one another in order to minimize mechanical resistance opposing the sail (1039) during a movement away from the first generator (1059 and/or the second generator (107). Wind power plant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that , that the first connecting means (109) comprises a first flywheel, and the second connecting means (111) comprises a second flywheel. Wind power plant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sail (103) from the group of downwind sails with a bulbous profile, preferably a spinnaker A method (600) for converting wind power into electrical energy, the method (600) comprising:

- arranging (601) a first end of a sail (103) on a holder (101, 500) by means of a holding means (113), the sail (103) being held on the holder (101, 500) so that it can rotate, - connecting (603 ) a first connection point (117) of the sail (103) by means of a first connection means (113) with a first generator (105), so that the first generator (105) by a Movement of the first connection point (117) relative to the first generator (105) is driven,

- Connecting (605) a second connection point (119) of the sail (103) by means of a second connection means (111) to a second generator (107), so that the second generator (107) can be moved by a movement of the second connection point (119) relative to the second generator (107) is driven. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connection means (109) comprises a first return spring and a first one-way clutch such that movement of the first connection point (117) away from the first generator (105) through the first one-way clutch from movement to Driving the first generator (105) decoupled and the first generator (105) is driven only by energy stored in the first return spring, and the second connection means (111) comprises a second return spring and a second freewheel, so that a movement of the second connection point ( 119) is decoupled away from the second generator (107) by the second freewheel from a movement for driving the second generator (107) and the second generator (017) is driven solely by energy stored in the second return spring.