The present invention refers to renewable energy generation, particularly those taking advantage of fluid kinetic energy. The present invention refers more specifically to the non-conventional design of the shape of a rotor blade belonging to a machine which generates power from the transformation of kinetic energy found in moving fluids.
The wind power generation industry is currently searching for technologies which will make the power generation process more efficient and therefore focus their efforts into researching areas such as blade development having more efficient shapes allowing to better capture wind energy. This leads to innovation in specific issues such as aerodynamic improvements, the use of novel materials, control systems and blade manufacturing methodologies, the former being the work niche of the present invention. To date, there are developments and documents which may be included within the category in which the present invention is found, given their result are non-conventional blade shapes; however, its operative improvement lies in completely different features. US2007/0013194A1 describes a non-conventional shape whose geometrical purpose is to reduce the aerodynamic noise generated by the rotor during operation and the purpose of the curvature in the invention is geared towards reducing the rotor's diameter given it prompts more effective kinetic energy capture from fluid by having a greater aerodynamic area. US2011/0070094 A1 describes an invention whose shape possesses a curvature which under principles different than aerodynamic forces, such as area reduction and Newton's third law of action reaction, prompt rotational blade movement, in addition, its cross-section is generated by the constant thickness sheet which channels fluid within the concave surface, in contrast to the cross-section of the present invention which uses a variable aerodynamic profile as a function of taking advantage of fluid-dynamic forces generated once the fluid passes through the inferior and superior zone of the profile. Other documents associated to the non-conventional blade category are CN101846042A and JP2010261431A, which have no similarity whatsoever with the operation or disposition of the present invention, and whose only relationship with the present invention lies in the implementation of non-conventional blade shapes of wind power generators.
The present invention comprises a solution to some of the problems and needs of the low-scale wind power generation industry, wherein current worldwide equipment installed offer in their vast majority efficiencies ranging anywhere between 20 to 30%; said value expected to be increased with new technologies and design methodologies. The present invention is directed precisely to increase said efficiency, reaching efficiency values between 45 and 55%.
The present invention discloses a blade for the generation of electrical energy stemming from the transformation of kinetic energy of a fluid, in rotational movement. Said rotational movement is moved to a central horizontal axis which may be coupled to an electric generator. Said horizontal axis is found defined by a Cartesian axis {right arrow over (Z)}0 which together with Cartesian axes {right arrow over (X)}0 {right arrow over (Y)}0, form a global orthogonal framework of clearance planes.
Blade (e) has a particular geometrical shape which extends along axis {right arrow over (Z)}0, moving away thereof as it continues to develop, and is limited longitudinally by Base (a) and Tip (b), whose connection is obtained by a series of sectional and constant curvatures called Sectional Neutral Axes [Eni] which generate all together a continuous or discontinuous primary curvature called Primary Neutral Axis [En]. Cross-sectionally, it is found limited by an Leading Edge (f) and an Trailing Edge (d), which when joined by one or two continuous curves which connect several points, amongst them the point corresponding to the leading edge and the trailing edge, form an Aerodynamic Profile PAij having a variable or constant thickness. The volume defined by these five borders (Base, Tip, Leading Edge, Trailing Edge, Aerodynamic Profile) generates the shape of the blade.
The main geometrical feature of the blade is the curvature, defined by the Sectional Neutral Axes [Eni], which as mentioned above, when joined form the Primary Neutral Axis [En] whose curvature length is given by L, which may lie in the range of 0.01 m≤L≤30 m. In order to create this curvature, a series of points Pcij are joined; these points are constructed along the bottom curve describing aerodynamic profile PAij, at a distance of c/4 from the leading edge point, c being the length of the aerodynamic profile chord.
Said Primary Neutral Axis [En] is included within plane P, which coincides with the {right arrow over (X)}0{right arrow over (Z)}0 plane. The initial point of Primary Neutral Axis [En], the base, is located by an auxiliary reference framework {right arrow over (X)}1{right arrow over (Y)}1{right arrow over (Z)}1; initiating at the intersection of plane {right arrow over (X)}1{right arrow over (Y)}1 which is parallel to plane {right arrow over (X)}0{right arrow over (Y)}0 and perpendicular to the rotation axis {right arrow over (Z)}0; with plane {right arrow over (Y)}1{right arrow over (Z)}1 which is parallel to plane {right arrow over (Y)}0{right arrow over (Z)}0; and to plane {right arrow over (X)}1{right arrow over (Z)}1 which coincides with plane {right arrow over (X)}0{right arrow over (Z)}0 and thus with plane P, if the preferred embodiment is had. This intersection point 1 between the auxiliary planes, is where Primary Neutral Axis [En] begins and is also identified as the initial point of the first of three division sections of [En].
The first section of division L1 corresponds, in the blade's preferred embodiment, to 20% of L; however, it may range between 0.15*L≤L1≤0.25*L. This section is limited by points 1 and 2, whereby the latter is found towards the end of the length of L1 over Sectional Neutral Axis [En1]. The second division section is defined by L2; this section begins at point 2 and ends at point 3 located over Sectional Neutral Axis [En2], in accordance to the preferred embodiment, this section has a length corresponding to 40% of L, but however it may vary between 0.3*L≤L2≤0.5*L. The last division section of the blade corresponds to L3 and is limited by points 3 and 4; its length, as defined in the preferred embodiment is 40% of L, and like the other sections has a length between 0.3*L≤L3≤0.5*L. The different arches defining each one of these sections, are tangents at each one of the connection points, i.e., section L1 is tangent to section L2 at point 2 and section L2 is tangent to section L3 at point 3.
The shape of the blade undergoes a series of variations in its cross-section, which develop along the Primary Neutral Axis [En] from point 1 to point 4 and which like curvature L, these variations are analyzed at the same three sections L1L2L3. The first variation evidenced is the length of the cross-section, seen as the decrease or increase of the length of chord length c of aerodynamic profile PAij. The length of said cross section is bound by ranges 0.05*L≤c11≤0.3*L and 0.01*L≤c33≤0.3*L, for aerodynamic profiles located at the base and tip of the blade, respectively.
The second geometrical variation corresponds to an inclination which varies along Primary Neutral Axis [En] from point 1 to point 4 and which like curvature L, these variations are analyzed at the same three sections L1L2L3. This inclination is measured as a function of angle αij which is formed between chord length c of each PAij profile and a perpendicular axis u to plane P which intersects Primary Neutral Axis [En] at point Pcij. This angle may be both positive as well as negative, having angle 0° as an inflection point, which is formed when the a axis is parallel to the c chord. A positive angle exists when said angle grows clockwise and negative when counter-clockwise.
At the base of the blade, the inclination angle may range between the following values, −38°≤αi≤148° and the tip's inclination angle may range between −46°≤αi≤40°. However, in the preferred embodiment the inclination is found between −31°≤αi≤30° and −44°≤αi≤16° for the base and tip, respectively.
For a configuration with greater performance, said inclination lies in the following ranges: 5°≤αi≤25° and −5°≤αi≤15°, for the base and tip respectively.
The present invention discloses a blade for electric power generation stemming from the transformation of a fluid's kinetic energy into rotational movement, wherein the capacity of kinetic energy transformation into rotation movement is directly correlated to the effective contact area between the blade and air flow. The present invention provides an increase of said effective area in contrast to a conventional flat blade, given its curved shape allows that for an equal effective diameter, a greater contact surface can be provided and thus a greater amount of energy generated.
In addition, the blade's curvature herein allows for the kinetic energy found in the fluid's flow to be used in a greater proportion in contrast to that obtained using a conventional mainly flat-shaped blade. The above due to that air flow impacting the blade does not do so perpendicularly as usually happens in conventional designs, wherein the greater part of the flow energy is transformed into drag forces associated to the pressure of impact, but instead, the flow impacting the blade does so at an angle with respect to the blade allowing for the flow to acquire velocity components which are used in kinetic energy transformation of the flow into rotational movement.
The present invention discloses a blade for the generation of electrical power from the transformation of a fluid's kinetic energy into rotation movement. Said rotational movement is moved to a central horizontal axis which may be coupled to an electrical generator. This rotation horizontal axis is defined by a Cartesian axis {right arrow over (Z)}0 which together with Cartesian axes {right arrow over (X)}0 {right arrow over (Y)}0, form a global orthogonal framework of clearance planes.
Making reference to
Given the curvature of the Primary Neutral Axis [En] may be continuous or discontinuous, it is necessary, for the latter, divide its length in different sections which allows to characterize the invention in continuous curvatures or Sectional Neutral Axes [Eni]. The number of sections is one (1) for continuous Primary Neutral Axes [En] and at least two (2) for discontinuous Primary Neutral Axes [En], wherein L2 comprises 50% of L and L3 the other 50%. However, for the preferred embodiment, the blade is divided into three (3) sections represented by Sectional Neutral Axes [En1], [En2], [En3] found between points 1-2; 2-3; and 3-4.
The first division section En1 starts at point 1, has a preferred length of L1=0.2*L and ends at point 2. This section corresponds to the base zone, where the blade is attached to the horizontal rotation axis. En1 is a constant curve obtained from the polynomial interpolation of various points. Its constant bending radius Rp1 has a focus located at plane P at a preferred distance of Rp1=4*L1; said bending radius can range between 1.3*L1≤Rp1≤57*L1. At point 1 and perpendicular to curve En1, plane A is located and having an angle {right arrow over (X)}{right arrow over (Y)}1° with plane {right arrow over (X)}1{right arrow over (Y)}1, said angle ranging between 0°≤{right arrow over (X)}{right arrow over (Y)}1°≤90°. However, its preferred value ranging from 0°≤{right arrow over (X)}{right arrow over (Y)}1°≤40° and its greatest efficiency range between 10°≤{right arrow over (X)}{right arrow over (Y)}1°≤20°.
In
Making reference to
If a material extrusion is generated which follows the path described by the En1 curve and said path conserves the shape of multiple cross-sections in its sweep (aerodynamic profiles), the solid having the geometric shape of the invention is generated at the base zone.
Using the configuration of greatest performance, this first section demonstrates a progressive change in its transverse length; this is due to the fact that chord length c suffers an increase in size as it moves away from the beginning of the En1 curve at point 1, where the chord shows values of 0.082*L, 0.092*L, 0.099*L, for profiles PA11, PA12 and PA13, respectively.
However, this section may demonstrate progressive or regressive changes or a combination thereof in chord length, provided they are within the following ranges: 0.05*L≤c11≤0.3*L; 0.046*L≤c12≤0.3*L; 0.042*L≤c13≤0.3*L. Making reference to
In
Section En2 is made up of at least three (3) equidistant cross-sections, whose geometric shape is an aerodynamic profile PAij, called PA21, PA22 and PA23. Each one of these profiles is found on a plane perpendicular to En2; the first plane E corresponds to profile PA21 and is located at point 2; the second plane F corresponds to profile PA22 and it is located on sectional neutral axis [En2] at an intermediate point between 2 and 3; aerodynamic profile PA23 is located on plane G and is located on point 3.
On the bottom curve of aerodynamic profiles PA21, PA22 and PA23, called intratwo, points Pc21, Pc22 and Pc23 are located, respectively. These points are at a distance of c/4 from the leading edge and by joining them in an arch containing them, the Sectional Neutral Axis [En2] is obtained.
If the material extrusion used in the first section (base) is continued, i.e. following the path described by curve En2 and maintaining the shape of the multiple cross-sections PA21, PA22 and PA23 in its sweep, the solid having the geometric shape of the invention is generated in the internal zone of the blade.
This second section in contrast to the first shows two sectional changes in its configuration of greatest performance; the first being a progressive change in the length of chord length c from point 2 up to near the central point of curvature En2. This point, preferably located on plane F is considered the inflection point of the chord of the section's aerodynamic profiles, since from it, chord length c of the cross-sections describe a regressive behavior and its size begins to decrease until point 3. In accordance with this embodiment, the chord has a value of 0.099*L, 0.104*L, 0.094*L, for profiles PA21, PA22 and PA23, respectively.
Nevertheless, this section may show progressive or regressive changes or combinations thereof in chord length, provided they are within the following ranges: 0.042*L≤c21≤0.3*L; 0.034*L≤c22≤0.3*L; 0.026*L≤c23≤0.3*L.
Each aerodynamic profile PAij making part of section En2 has an inclination angle αij (α21α22α23) formed between chord length c and each PAij profile and the u axis. The first aerodynamic profile of this section may lie within the following values, −34°≤α21≤105° and the final profile inclination angle at point 3 may range between −41°≤α23≤60°. However, in its configuration of greatest performance, said inclination is bound by the ranges 1°≤αi≤19° and −5°≤αi≤13°, for profiles α21 and α23, respectively.
The third division section En3 initiates at point 3, has a preferred length of L3=0.4*L and ends at point 4. This section corresponds to the external zone, and here is where the greatest rotational velocity components are found, and therefore its inertia must be the least in order to reduce stresses; this is obtained by decreasing the size of the aerodynamic profiles which make part of the section. En3 is a constant curve obtained from the polynomial interpolation of various points. Its constant bending radius Rp3 has a focus located at plane P at a preferred distance of Rp3=5*L3; said bending radius can range between 1*L3≤Rp3≤12*L3.
Making reference to
On the bottom curve of aerodynamic profiles PA31, PA32 and PA33, called intratwo, points Pc31, Pc32 and Pc33 are located, respectively. These points are at a distance of c/4 from the leading edge and by joining them in an arch containing them, Sectional Neutral Axis [En3] is obtained.
Continuing with material extrusion of the second section, i.e. following the path described by curve En3 and maintaining the shape of the multiple cross-sections (aerodynamic profiles) during its sweep, the solid having the geometric shape of the invention is generated in the external zone.
This third and preferably last section, develops a regressive change in its transverse length for the embodiment of greatest performance; this is due to the fact that chord length c decreases its size as it moves away from the beginning of curve En3 at point 3. In accordance with this embodiment, the chord has a value of 0.094*L, 0.080*L, 0.070*L, for profiles PA31, PA32 and PA33, respectively.
Nevertheless, this section may show progressive or regressive changes or combinations thereof in chord length, provided they are within the following ranges: 0.026*L≤c31≤0.3*L; 0.018*L≤c32≤0.3*L; 0.01*L≤c33≤0.3*L.
Each aerodynamic profile PAij making part of section En3 has an inclination angle αij (α31α32α33) formed between chord length c of each PAij profile and u axis. The first aerodynamic profile in this section may lie between the following values, −41°≤αij≤60° and the profile inclination angle at point 4 may lie between −44°≤α33≤16°. However, in its configuration of greatest performance, said inclination is limited by the following ranges 5°≤αi≤13° and −5°≤αi≤15°, for profiles α31 and α33, respectively.
The combination of bending radius ranges for sections Rp1, Rp2 and Rp3 must be in such a manner that when the blade has its greatest curvature, a tangent line at point 4 must be at most perpendicular to rotation axis {right arrow over (Z)}0.
In order to carry out the blade fluid dynamics testing, several tests were run using computer simulation. The following is information evidencing the invention's performance:
The blades were designed in order to operate optimally both at low as well as high speeds with an optimal rotor tip speed ratio (TSR) of 6; i.e., the rotor must rotate at an RPM such that the tangential speed of the blade tip is 6 times the velocity of the fluid it faces.
The performance demonstrated in
Making reference to
The advantage offered by this invention with respect to prior art, is the capacity of transforming said kinetic energy in rotational movement which is directly correlated to the effective contact area between the blade (e) and the air flow (k); thus the invention presents an increase of said effective area in comparison to a conventional flat blade, this because of its curved shape which allows that for a same effective diameter, a greater contact surface can be made and therefore generating greater amount of energy.
As stated above, the curvature of blade (e) allows for kinetic energy possessed by the flow (k) of the fluid in movement to be used in greater proportion than that obtained using a conventional flat-shaped blade. The above is true given the air flow impacting the blade is not perpendicular as usually happens in conventional designs, wherein the greater part of the flow's energy is transformed into drag forces associated to impact pressure, and in contrast, the flow impacts blade (e) at an angle with respect to the blade (e) allowing for the flow to acquire speed components which are used in transforming flow kinetic energy in rotational movement (m).
It must be understood that the present invention is not found limited by the embodiments described and illustrated, since as shall be evident for those with skill in the art, variations and possible modifications exist that do not extend from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is only defined by the following claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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12-118162 | Jul 2012 | CO | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/IB2013/055783 | 7/13/2013 | WO | 00 |
Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
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WO2014/009934 | 1/16/2014 | WO | A |
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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20110229331 | Fischer | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20120020803 | Lees | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20130315746 | Huang | Nov 2013 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
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3047501 | Jan 1982 | DE |
3130257 | Feb 1983 | DE |
4030559 | Apr 1992 | DE |
2351317 | Mar 2011 | ES |
WO2012053602 | Apr 2012 | WO |
Entry |
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Machine Translation of DE 3130257 A1. |
Machine Translation of DE 4030559 A1. |
Issued patent from foreign priority document previously submitted. |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20150219069 A1 | Aug 2015 | US |