WO2009153772A1

WO2009153772A1 - Wind turbine

Info

Publication number: WO2009153772A1
Application number: PCT/IL2008/001619
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nathan Kirpitznikoff
Original assignee: Nathan Kirpitznikoff
Priority date: 2008-06-20
Filing date: 2008-12-15
Publication date: 2009-12-23

Abstract

The present invention provides a rotor assembly comprising aerodynamic wings wherein each aerodynamic wing comprises a section of the wing wherein said section is constructed of two longitudinal halves the lower and upper, split at the center point of the leading and trailing edge which can open along an axis which is the longitudinal axis of the trailing edge of said new aerodynamic wing, wherein at least one longitudinal half which opens, has at least one slanted keel-like wing mounted perpendicular to said longitudinal half. Further provided by the present invention is a wind turbine assembly comprising of a multi-arm rotor assembly of the present invention which is mounted horizontally, in its center point to a vertical mechanical drive shaft which is connected to a transmission unit in the form of a gear box which activates at least one electrical generator or other electrical power producing unit.

Description

WIND TURBINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to the technological field of wind turbines, and more particularly to a vertical axis wind turbine and a wind energy producing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Wind turbines can be separated into two types based by the axis in which the turbine rotates. Turbines that rotate around a horizontal axis are more common, and vertical axis turbines are less frequently used. The horizontal axis wind turbines have the main rotor shaft and electric generator at the top of a tower and must be pointed into the wind. Vertical axis wind turbines have the main rotor shaft arranged vertically without the need to be pointed into the wind to be effective in a vertical axis wind turbine the generator and gearbox can be placed near the ground. The disadvantages of the horizontal axis turbine are; 1) difficulty in operating in near ground turbulent winds, 2) Downwards variants suffer from fatigue and structural failure caused by turbulence, 3) limiting the macro size turbines (above 5MW) because of the enormous size of tower height and propeller length, 4) since the rotor blades are close to the tower, there is a prevailing condition of air turbulence. The disadvantages of the a vertical axis wind turbines are; 1) most of the vertical axis turbines produce energy at only 50% of the efficiency in large part because of the additional drag that they have as their blades rotate into the wind, 2) Most of the vertical axis turbines have low staring torque and may require energy to start rotation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[003] The present invention provides a rotor assembly comprising aerodynamic wings wherein each aerodynamic wing comprises a section of the wing wherein said section is constructed of two longitudinal halves the lower and upper, split at the center point of the leading and trailing edge which can open along an axis which is the longitudinal axis of the trailing edge of said new aerodynamic wing, wherein at least one longitudinal half which opens, has at least one slanted keel-like wing mounted perpendicular to said longitudinal half.

[004] Further provided by the present invention is a wind turbine assembly comprising of a multi-arm rotor assembly of the present invention which is mounted horizontally, in its center point to a vertical mechanical drive shaft which is connected to a transmission unit in the form of a gear box which activates at least one electrical generator or other electrical power producing unit.

[005] In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for producing energy comprising connecting the wind turbine assembly of the present invention to at least one electrical generator or other power producing unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 - a perspective view of the wind power generator turbine

FIG. 2(a-c)- cross section view of the aerodynamic wing

FIG. 3 - a perspective view of the aerodynamic wing

FIG. 4(a-b) - side view of the aerodynamic wing including a cross section view of the folding enclosures

FIG. 5 - perspective view of the contra rotating wind power generator turbine version

FIG 6 - horizontal wind power generator turbine arm control

FIG 7 - a perspective view of a horizontally slanted aerodynamic wing

FIG 8(a-c) - a cross section versions of a shorter aerodynamic wing

FIG 9 - a plan view of a staggered rotor assembly on a single shaft

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[006] The following description is illustrative of embodiments of the invention with reference to the Figures. The following description is not to be construed as limiting, it being understood that the skilled person may carry out many variations to the invention which are within the scope of the claimed invention.

[007] The following describes a particular aspect of the present invention with reference to the figures. Accordingly there is provided a rotor assembly comprising aerodynamic wings (1) wherein each aerodynamic wing comprises a section of the wing wherein said section is constructed of two longitudinal halves the lower (7) and upper (7), split at the center point of the leading (9) and trailing (8) edge which can open along an axis which is the longitudinal axis of the trailing (8) edge of said aerodynamic wing, wherein at least one longitudinal half which opens, has at least one slanted keel-like wing (2) mounted perpendicular to said longitudinal half. According to a particular aspect of the present invention the rotor of the present invention is constructed of more than one arm (wing) [008] According to a particular aspect of the present invention there is provided a multi-arm rotor wind power generator turbine assembly (11) comprising aerodynamic wings (1) wherein said aerodynamic wing comprises a section wherein said section is constructed of two longitudinal halves (7) , the lower and upper, split at the center point of the leading edge (hinged side) (9) and trailing edge (open side) (8) which can open along an axis which is the longitudinal axis of said leading and trailing edges(8) (9), of said aerodynamic wing, wherein said longitudinal halves) (7), which opens, has at least one slanted keel-like wing (2) mounted perpendicular to said longitudinal half.

[009] The following is a description of a particular embodiment of the multi arm wind power generator turbine assembly of the present invention (11) with reference to the drawings. In Fig. 1 there is shown a wind turbine assembly, including a multi arm wind tower generator turbine assembly (11) mounted and installed horizontally, having in its center point a vertical mechanical power driving shaft (12), facing downward towards the ground, activating a gear box or other means of transmission of power. The multi arm wind power generator turbine assembly (11), is supporting multi aerodynamic wings (1 ), that activate the rotation of the turbine in wind condition. Said aerodynamic wings (1 ) have a minimum aerodynamic wind drag in a rotation mode. Said aerodynamic wing (1) is constructed of two longitudinal halves; the upper (7) and lower sections (7) , split at the center point of the leading edge (hinged side) (9), and trailing edge (open side) (8).

[010] According to a further embodiment of the invention the aerodynamic wing comprises at least one weight balancing device (6), which create a very low tip weight on the longitudinal trailing edge (open side) (8) , thus facilitating the opening of the aerodynamic wing (1 ). Said weight balancing device is constructed of a counter weight system (6), spring mechanism regulators, a combination hydraulic spring device or combinations thereof (5) The aerodynamic wing is equipped with slanted keel-like wings (2). Said slanted keel like wings (2), are positioned in such an angle ,that when the wind direction faces the trailing edge (8) of said aerodynamic wing (1), the wind pushes said slanted keel-like wing (2), thus opening the aerodynamic wing (1). When the multi arm wind power generator assembly (11), turns to a position that the leading edge (9) is facing the wind direction, the slanted keel-like wings (2), have a reverse effect and push the open aerodynamic wing (1 ), to a closed position. According to a further embodiment, the opening and closing of the aerodynamic wing (1) may be carried out by a synchronized regulator using wind sensors activating servo motors.

[011] According to a further embodiment, the opening section of the aerodynamic wing (1), includes four hinged folding side enclosures (4), serving as wind barriers at the two ends of the wing (1) side openings. They open up and close down at the same time that the aerodynamic wing (1) opens and closes. Said side enclosures (4), assist in trapping a volume of air, which enlarges the thrust effect of the aerodynamic wing (1 ). Fig. 4 shows said side enclosures (4) in a closed wing mode. Said side enclosures (4), when in a closed position can fold in a outward direction (Fig. 4a), or to^' an inside direction (Fig. 4b) in both closed positions, the aerodynamic wind tips(10) on both sides of the aerodynamic wing (1) support the side enclosures from vibrating.

[012] With reference to Fig. 2 a-c, the wing is designed to open according to any of the following embodiments: 1) both the bottom and upper longitudinal halves of the wing open (Fig 2a), 2) one said longitudinal half is stationary and the other half opens. Thus, when the bottom half is stationary, the upper half opens (Fig. 2b), and when the upper half is stationary the bottom half opens (Fig. 2c). The rotor may be designed to combine the above modes of opening. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the aerodynamic wing (1) comprises holes (13) that are located at the outer periphery side of the aerodynamic wing (1). Said holes are for draining water from with inside the wing, by gravitation or in a turning operation by centrifugal force. According to an additional embodiment, aerodynamic wing (1) is equipped with an inner skin electric elements for the de-icing under frost conditions.

[013] The multi arm rotor turbine assembly of the present invention may be constructed in various sizes as may be appreciated by the skilled artisan. The length of the new aerodynamic wing, which is not a limiting feature of the invention, may be from 50cm to 70 meters, depending on the desired energy output. The size can vary and is adopted to the requirements of energy production and is only limited by the functional feasibility

[014] It is possible to construct a contra rotating or multi level multi arm wind power generator turbine structures thus enabling the designing and construction of an extremely powerful turbine generators, reaching energy output magnitudes of up to 250 MW.

[015] Furthermore, the multi arm wind power generator turbine assembly (1 1), is constructed from materials which provide the required strength so that the rotor may bear the mechanical load and wear and tear under its intended use. Preferably the materials are high in strength and light weight as possible, e.g.; chrome molybdenum steel profiles .aircraft type aluminum alloys, filament winding products , composite materials .titanium products, fiberglass, fabrics, synthetic fabrics and epoxy materials.

[016] In yet a further aspect of the invention there is provided a multi arm wind power generator rotary turbine assembly (1 1) invention which is mounted horizontally, in its center point to a vertical mechanical shaft (12), which activates a transmission unit of a single or multi gear boxes that activate a single or multi electric generators or other power producing system units.

[017] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention with particular reference to Figure 5, there is provided a power turbine rotor assembly comprising more than one multi-arm rotor which is assembled around a common vertical axis wherein each rotor is connected to a separate vertical shaft. Thus, producing double the power than a single rotor turbine. Said shafts are constructed in a configuration of a shaft-within-a-shaft wherein friction reducing devices such as ball or roller bearings separate one shaft from the other. Both shafts are connected to the same gear box thus having at all time a synchronized movement. Said rotors are assembled at different heights and can be assembled as seen in Fig.5. Furthermore, according to a further embodiment, said rotors are assembled such that the rotation of one rotor is contra to the rotation of the other. In the contra-rotating configuration, the rotation of one rotor cancels the centrifugal force of the other, thus contributing additional stability to the turbine assembly and hence reducing shear forces which weaken the assembly.

[018] In a particular embodiment of the invention said rotors are assembled at different heights and can be assembled on a single central shaft(12), preferably in a staggered wing configuration as depicted in Fig.9. Said rotors are assembled such that they rotate in the same direction. [019] In an additional embodiment of the present invention, with particular reference to Fig. 8, the opening section has a shorter wing section(8 a-c) than the full half cross section(1)(Fig.2) .these wings(Fig.δa-c) are designed to open according to any of the following embodiments: 1)both the bottom and the upper longitudinal halves of the wing open (Fig 8a) .2) one said longitudinal half is stationary and the other open thus when the bottom half is stationary, the upper half opens(Fig,8b) and when the upper half is stationary the bottom half opens up (Figδc) The rotor may be designed to combine the above modes of opening.

[020] In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method comprising connecting the wind power generator turbine assembly (1 1) to an electric starting device for the start of the rotary motion and an electro mechanical or hydraulic brake system for halting the turbine rotary turning motion.

[021] In yet a further embodiment there is a hydraulic system (14) connected to the central structure of each of the wind power generator (1 1) turbine arms to stabilize possible horizontal (up and down) movement of the arms due to wind and environmental conditions.

[022] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the present invention relates to vertical shaft wind power generators of medium size (about 1500KW) to large capacities of the magnitude of up to 250 MW. Wind flow is basically parallel to the earth crust and its direction is variable. The present invention is so conceived and designed as to provide maximum power thrust accommodating these environmental and natural conditions.

[023] In a further embodiment of the present invention, accessibility through inner passage ways in the tower (14a) and the rotor arms into the wings (Fig. 6).

[024] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an optional an interconnected mechanical regulating system for a more precise coordination between the aerodynamic wings in a rotary mode.

[025] Furthermore the present invention provides a method for an automatic regulation of the opening and closing pattern of the complete multi power aerodynamic wings of the wind power generator turbine by means of electro mechanical and sensing devices.

[026] The following is a descriptions of a particular aerodynamic wings (1) that are connected to the to the power generator multi arms which could be positioned horizontally having their longitudinal axis parallel to that of the arms axis or have them slanted in a horizontal slanted position (FIG. 7)

[027] The present invention further provides aerodynamic wings that could be employed in an unlimited wing designed shapes and forms providing that the leading edge (9) the hinged side, will be facing head on the rotational direction of multi arm turbine rotor in wind condition.

[028] The present invention is advantageously in: 1) reducing drastically the drag (air friction) at the position when half of the aerodynamic wing is turning while the two haves of the wings are in closed down in position, thus gaining maximum thrust utilization of the system, since they do not offset the remaining active opened wings 2) lowering the maximum height profile of the wind power generator structure in comparison to the horizontal one, 3) Installing gear boxes and type electric generators at ground level with a possible reserve standbys. 4) planning and designing this vertical type of wind power generator provides a large choice of use of existing materials, production methods, structural and mechanical techniques, electrical and electronic equipment, for example: using one of many industrial electric existing generators, producing pre-fabricated steel parts for the tower and part of the multi arm rotor assembly, or a combination of metal structure and a reinforced concrete, all high tensile steel profiles for transmission devices, such as drive shafts, universal couplings, all ball, roll and thrust bearings, and a host of other existing solutions, materials and equipment, 5) this rotating multi arm wind power generator turbine structure has a vital momentum which keeps the system in a more homogeneous operation due to possible wind speed and direction changes 6) this wind power generator operates at all wind directional changes conforming itself to the possible prevailing wind conditions. From an environmental point of view, the present invention provides within a relatively small space a substitute and replacement of large spread propeller type horizontal turbine farms.

Claims

1. A rotor assembly comprising at least one aerodynamic wing wherein each aerodynamic wing comprises a section of the wing wherein said section is constructed of two longitudinal halves the lower and upper, split at the center point of the leading and trailing edge which can open along an axis which is the longitudinal axis of the leading and trailing edge of said new aerodynamic wing, wherein at least one longitudinal half which opens, has at least one slanted keel-like wing mounted perpendicular to said longitudinal half.

2. A rotor assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said aerodynamic wing comprises a device for facilitating the opening of said wing wherein said device is selected from among least one weight balancing device, spring mechanism regulators, a combination hydraulic spring device or combinations thereof.

3. A rotor assembly according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the opening and closing of the aerodynamic wing is by a synchronized regulator using wind sensors with servo motors.

4. A rotor assembly according to claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening section of the aerodynamic wing, includes four hinged folding side enclosures, which in a closed position can fold in an outward direction, or to an inside direction.

5. A rotor assembly according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the wing section which opens is designed to open according such that both the bottom and upper longitudinal halves of the wing open or one said longitudinal half is stationary and the other half opens.

6. A rotor assembly according to claims 1 to 5, wherein said aerodynamic wing comprises holes that are located at the outer periphery side of the aerodynamic wing.

7. A rotor assembly according to claims 1 to 5, wherein said aerodynamic wing is equipped with an inner skin electric elements for the de-icing under frost conditions.

8. A rotor assembly according to claims 1 to 7, wherein said aerodynamic wing the opening section has an unequal cross section of the aerodynamic wing .

9. A rotor assembly according to claims 1 to 8, wherein the opening section of said aerodynamic wings are connected to the wing such that their longitudinal axis is slanted in a horizontal slant position.

10. A wind turbine assembly comprising of a rotor of any of claims 1 to 9 which is mounted horizontally, in its center point to a vertical mechanical drive shaft which is connected to a transmission unit in the form of a gear box which activates at least one electrical generator or other electrical power producing unit.

1 1. A wind turbine assembly according to claim 10 comprising more than one multi-arm rotor which is assembled around a common vertical axis wherein each rotor is connected to a separate vertical shaft.

12. A wind turbine assembly according to claim 10 comprising more than one multi-arm rotor which is connected to a single vertical shaft.

13. A wind turbine assembly according to claims 10 to 1 1 wherein said shafts are constructed in a configuration of a shaft-within-a-shaft.

14. A wind turbine assembly according to claim 13 wherein friction reducing devices separate one shaft from the other.

15. A wind turbine assembly according to claim 14 wherein said friction reducing device are ball and roller bearings.

16. A wind turbine assembly according to claims 10 to 15 wherein said rotors are assembled at different heights and assembled in a staggered configuration.

17. A wind turbine assembly according to claims 10 to 16 wherein both rotors are assembled such that they rotate in the same direction.

18. A wind turbine assembly according to claims 10 to 16 wherein said rotors are assembled such that the rotation of one rotor is contra to the rotation of the other.

19. A method for producing energy comprising connecting the wind turbine assembly of the present invention to at least one electrical generator or other electrical power producing unit.