The invention relates to wind power plants, more specifically to portable and dismountable wind power plants having a rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the wind.
The structure of known dismountable wind power plants is composed of a structure having a fixed vertical or horizontal axis. The disadvantage of such structures is that they are very heavy and often impractical to erect. Further, the fixed structure forces the size to be remain small, wherein the power inevitably remains modest. Further, among known dismountable vertical axis wind power plants are models based on a frame, around which is set, for example, a fabric, which forms the wind surface area required for the operation. The power remains modest also in this kind of model, the power/weight ratio being, however, better than in fixed solutions.
The structure of known vertical axis wind power plants is composed of blades and a generator, which are installed, for example, to the top of a mast in order to achieve optimal wind conditions. The disadvantage of such structures is that they cause a large bending moment to the mast, wherein the mast must be made very sturdy, and further, particular attention must be paid to providing adequate foundations for the mast. Vertical axis power plants output less power than horizontal axis power plants using the same surface area. If significant outputs were desired, it was necessary to make the surface area large, which, at the same time, further increased the load on the mast. Due to the sturdy mast required by the power plant, the installation of larger vertical axis wind power plants, for example, into sailboats, has been impossible in practise.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is intended to neither identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all of the disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.
A dismountable wind power plant with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the wind direction is disclosed. The definition of axis being substantially perpendicular may refer to at least one substantial vector of the wind being perpendicular to the axis. The wind power plant has small radius compared to the length of the structure. A wind turbine portion of the power plant comprises at least two rotating sail structures.
The sail structure may form a Savonius type turbine or a modified Savonius type turbine when the power plant is in tensioned state, having two semicylindrical sails facing opposite directions. Sails are tensioned between transverse bars, wherein the transverse bars provide the shape to the sails. The wind turbine may be installed vertically, wherein it is suitable for receiving wind from all horizontal angles. The wind turbine may be installed horizontally, causing the turbine to receive the vector of the wind being perpendicular to the rotational axis. Tilted mounting positions are also possible.
The wind power plant is tensioned with a cable between two fixed support points. In one example the bottom portion of the power plant is connected to lower fixed support point and the cable to upper fixed support point. The cable is tightened, causing the soft sail to stiffen into its functional form. A generator receives the rotational energy from the turbine and provides electric power to power outlet. The electric power may be used to charge electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, outdoor electronics, boat electronics, GPS locators, portable radios or consumer electronics. The wind turbine comprises soft sails being relatively close to the axis of rotation.
The turbine movement is safe, particularly for children and animals. The turbine speed does not exceed dangerous levels. The sails may cover the transverse bars, therefore possible contact with the rotating turbine would be a harmless slap from the sail fabric.
The wind power plant is quickly erectable, lightweight and efficient. In the dismounted state the wind power plant is small and portable, as the sails fold into small space. The wind power plant may be dismounted quickly, for example due to stormy conditions. The wind power plant may be packed into a camping bag and erected whenever there is need for a backup power source. It may be installed between two fixed support points without a sturdy mast.
Light weight and efficiency can be achieved by using only fabric and horizontal supports as the wind turbine material. When the wind power plant is used, the structure is tensioned between two fixed support points. The support points can be, for example, the ground and a tree or, alternatively, some fixed construction, such as, for example, the deck and the mast of a sailboat. Commissioning the wind power plant requires only the stretching of the structure between two support points, wherein it can be very quickly commissioned. It is possible to erect the wind power plant, for example, during a break, or overnight stay. In this case, the wind power plant is erected in an adequately windy place and it is used to charge either a separate spare battery, or directly some desired electronic device.
Many of the attendant features will be more readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are not limited to implementations which solve any or all the disadvantages of known portable wind power plants.
The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein
Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.
The detailed description provided below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the present examples and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present example may be constructed or utilized. However, the same or any equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different examples.
Although the present examples are described and illustrated herein as being implemented in a dismountable wind power plant and a method for mounting the wind power plant, they are provided as an example and not a limitation. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the present examples are suitable for application in a variety of different types of dismountable wind power plants.
As the wind power plant operates, wind strikes the sail 5 and, due to the shape of the bars 6, 7 and the sail 5, the wind begins to rotate the sail 5. The rotary movement is further transmitted from the lowermost sail 5 to the generator 2.
The rotary movement is transformed in the generator 2 into electrical energy and it is further utilized, for example, for the recharging of batteries. The upper end of the uppermost sail 5 is attached to the bearing 1, which enables the free rotary movement of the upper end.
In one embodiment a dismountable vertical axis wind power plant comprises one or more sails 5, one or more fastening elements 9 of the sails 5, a generator 2, a bearing 1 and a fastening cable. The sails 5 are made from soft and flexible material such as fabric. The sails comprise transverse bars 6, 7. The transverse bars 6, 7 are S-shaped. The fastening element 9 of the transverse bars 6, 7 is substantially positioned, according to its intended purpose, at a different angle to the transverse bar 6, 7. The sails 5 are, compared to one another, vertically at different angles in the fastening cable 8.
The wind power plant can be installed, for example, into a sailboat, various buildings or constructions or onto telecommunications masts. By using a wind power plant it is possible to charge, for example, the accumulator battery of a ship or building, or it can be used to produce electricity, which is transferred into the electrical network, for example, via an inverter.
According to one embodiment, the vertical axis wind power plant to be installed onto a cable 8 is composed of blades 21, a generator 2, a cable 8, tensioning cables 22, a cable lock and cable tensioning means 24. In place of the cable 8, in the structure can also be utilized, for example, a rope or a string. The blades 21 follow the shapes used in vertical axis power plants. The blades 21 are in one embodiment sails 5 as disclosed in the previous example. The structure is installed between two fixed support points utilizing, for example, loops or similar fastening points. The structure is made ready for use such that the cable 8 is threaded through the blades 21 and the generator 2. The cable lock may be tensioned onto the cable 8 to a suitable height, and the generator 2 may be lowered onto the cable lock. The cable 8 is fastened between the support points and tensioned by utilizing the tensioning elements 24 of the cable. Thereafter, the tensioning cables 22 are installed into the generator 2 and also tensioned to a suitable tension by utilizing the tensioning elements 24 of the cable.
As the wind power plant operates, wind strikes the blades 21 and, due to the shape of the blades 21, the wind begins to rotate the blades 21 and, further, the thereto-connected generator 2. The rotor of the generator 2 and the blades 21 are bearing-mounted around the cable 8, wherein moment is not directed from the structure onto the cable, or the moment is exceptionally slight. The stator and outer casing of the generator 2 do not rotate under the influence of the wind, because it is supported by the cable lock and it is tensioned by the cables 8 and tensioning elements 24 to a second support point 25. The cable 8 bears nearly all axial forces, wherein the bearing loads of the vertical axis power plant to be installed onto a cable 8 remain slight. The rotary movement in the generator 2 is transformed into electrical energy and it is further utilized, for example, for the recharging of batteries.
According to one embodiment, the vertical axis wind power plant, comprises the turbine part 21, the generator 2, the cable 8, the cable lock, the tensioning cable 22 and cable tensioning means 24. The cable 8 travels through the turbine part 21 and the generator 2. In one embodiment the turbine part 21 and the generator 2 are bearing-mounted around the cable 8. In one embodiment the generator 2 is in contact with the cable lock. In one embodiment the generator 2 is fastened by the tensioning cable 22 to the fastening element 9.
In one exemplary embodiment the inner edges are connected and the first semicylindrical sail 31 and the second semicylindrical sail 32 for a closed Savonius type turbine, wherein the cross-section of the sails 31, 32 is S-shaped. The first sail 31 and the second sail 32 define the structure described hereinbefore as the sail 5 or the blade 5.
In one embodiment the transverse bars 6, 7 are S-shaped bars transversely to the axis of rotation.
In one embodiment an aluminium plate is arranged between the transverse bars 6, 7, having a bearing in the middle. The aluminium plate comprises holes matching second openings 52 of the transverse bars 6,7. Transverse bars 6, 7 may be bolted via the second openings 52 to the aluminium plate.
In one embodiment the transverse bars comprise only the first opening 51. The moment between the transverse bars 6,7 may be transferred with a keyed washer between the transverse bars 6,7. The moment may be transferred via rubber tube or plastic tube extending through the first opening 51 and having a shape configured to hinder rotation between the transverse bars 6, 7.
In the example of
In one example the generator 2 comprises a USB port for connecting to the mobile equipment. The wind power plant may operate up to 600 rpm. The output may be in the range of 5V/1 A. The charging may start at the wind speed of 3 m/s. The total weight of the power plant in the portable configuration is below 1 kg. As one example, the dimensions of the portable generator may comprise length 130 mm×diameter 65 mm and the tensioned sail 230 mm×1500 mm×45 mm. The wind power plant may comprise any number of sail structures having at least two different orientations. Smaller implementations may be used for lightweight, portable camping purposes. Larger implementations, for example sail boat's wind power plants may utilize the mast height with increased number of sail structures.
A dismountable wind power plant with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the wind direction is disclosed. The wind power plant comprises a rotating sail structure configured to operate in a tensioned state, having a semicylindrical first sail opening to a first direction and parallel to the first sail, a semicylindrical second sail opening to a second direction opposite to the first direction; said sail structure having an axis for rotation in the middle of the inner edges of the first semicylindrical sail and the second semicylindrical sail, wherein the inner edges are overlapping or connected; transverse bars configured to be fastened to the top edge of the sail structure and to the bottom edge of the sail structure, wherein the transverse bars provide the shape of the first sail and the second sail in the tensioned state; a cable for tensioning the sail structure, and a generator configured to receive the rotation from the sail structure. The power plant further comprises a first sail structure having a first orientation along the axis of rotation; and a second sail structure having a second orientation along the axis of rotation; wherein the difference between the first orientation and the second orientation causes the rotation of the first sail structure and the second sail structure to self-start when subjected to wind. In one embodiment the transverse bars are S-shaped bars transversely to the axis of rotation. In one embodiment the transverse bars are S-shaped bars transversely to the axis of rotation, wherein a bottom portion of the first sail structure comprises a first transverse bar, a top portion of the second sail structure comprises a second transverse bar; and the first transverse bar is connected to the second transverse bar at a different angle, wherein said angles define the difference between the first orientation of the first sail structure and the second orientation of the second sail structure. In one embodiment the difference between the first orientation and the second orientation is 90 degrees. In one embodiment the cable is connected to a bearing, the bearing is connected to a top transverse bar and a top portion of the first sail structure is connected to the top transverse bar, wherein the cable is configured to tension the first sail structure and the second sail structure by providing tension to the top transverse bar when an opposite end of the wind power plant is connected to a fixed support point. In one embodiment the first sail structure and the second sail structure are configured to rotate around the cable; the transverse bars comprise an opening configured to allow the cable to travel through the sail structures and the generator along the axis of rotation; and the cable is connected to a fixed support point in the tensioned state. In one embodiment a bearing is connected onto the cable above the top transverse bar; and the generator is connected to at least one tensioning cable configured to tension the first sail structure and the second sail structure onto the cable. In one embodiment the transverse bars are connected to a bar flange positioned transversely to the axis of rotation. In one embodiment the power plant comprises at least one support flange positioned transversely to the axis of rotation, between the top edge of the sail structure and the bottom edge of the sail structure, wherein the support flange is configured to retain the semicylindrical sail shape in the tensioned state.
Alternatively, or in addition, a method for mounting a dismountable wind power plant with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the wind direction is disclosed. The wind power plant comprises: a rotating sail structure operating in a tensioned state, having a semicylindrical first sail opening to a first direction and parallel to the first sail, a semicylindrical second sail opening to a second direction opposite to the first direction; said sail structure having an axis for rotation in the middle of the inner edges of the first semicylindrical sail and the second semicylindrical sail, wherein the inner edges are overlapping or connected; transverse bars configured to be fastened to the top edge of the sail structure and to the bottom edge of the sail structure, wherein the transverse bars provide the shape of the first sail and the second sail in the tensioned state; a cable for tensioning the sail structure, and a generator configured to receive the rotation from the sail structure. The method comprises at least two sail structures; a first sail structure having a first orientation along the axis of rotation; a second sail structure having a second orientation along the axis of rotation; wherein the difference between the first orientation and the second orientation causing self-starting the rotation of the first sail structure and the second sail structure when subjected to wind; the first sail structure and the second sail structure rotating around the cable; the transverse bars comprising an opening allowing the cable to travel through the sail structures and the generator along the axis of rotation; connecting the cable to a fixed support point; and tensioning the first sail structure and the second sail structure onto the cable by at least one tensioning cable connected to the generator and to the fixed support point.
Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought.
Although at least a portion of the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims and other equivalent features and acts are intended to be within the scope of the claims.
It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that any reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items.
The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from any of the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein. Aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples without losing the effect sought.
The term ‘comprising’ is used herein to mean including the method blocks or elements identified, but that such blocks or elements do not comprise an exclusive list and a method or apparatus may contain additional blocks or elements.
It will be understood that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this specification.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| U20170099 | May 2017 | FI | national |
| U20180026 | Feb 2018 | FI | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/FI2018/050368 | 5/17/2018 | WO | 00 |