BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a prior art fluid rotor that is being rotationally driven by approaching fluids. This is the arrangement of some vertical axis windmills or wind turbines. Note that the driving fluid is pushing on the rotor blades on the downwind or working part of rotation and acting against rotation on the upwind part of rotation.
FIG. 2 presents a cross-section, as taken through plane 2-2 of FIG. 6, of a preferred embodiment fluid rotor and related structure to the instant invention. Note that: 1) More incoming fluid is directed toward the rotor due to the enlarged capture area forward of the rotor and 2) Incoming fluid that would normally work against rotation on the upwind side of rotation has been redirected so that it adds positively to rotational force rather than creating a parasitic rotational drag force as is the case for the prior art rotor presented in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 presents a cross section of a mounting base assembly including a power generator. Coupled to that is an adapter assembly including gearing to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a cross section, as taken through plane 4-4 of FIG. 3, that shows workings of gears that drive the power generator. Note that, while an electric generator is most common, any type of power generator including hydraulic or other may be used to absorb the rotational power from the turbine rotor(s).
FIG. 5 shows an end view of a rotor assembly module to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention.
FIG. 6 gives a side view of the rotor assembly module of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7 is an end view of a cover to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention.
FIG. 8 presents a side view of the cover of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 gives an end view, in this case a top view, of an assembled and functional Fluid Rotor with Energy Enhancement (FREE) Power Generator to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a side view of an assembled and functional unit to the invention. In this instance, two rotor modules have been employed. Note that any number of rotor modules may be used.
FIG. 11 presents a front view of the assembled unit. Note the simple construction of this pre-fabricated unit. The base (A), normally including the power generator, is first set in concrete or a similar material; the geared adapter housing assembly (B) is installed next, followed by one, two, or more rotor module assemblies (C), and then an end cap (D). This pre-fabrication approach of the instant invention allows for very low cost fabrication, shipping, and assembly.
FIG. 12 shows an end, or in this case top, view of a rotor.
FIG. 13 gives a side view of the rotor of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 presents a cross-sectional view, as taken through plane 14-14 of FIG. 13, that shows a preferred airfoil shape of three rotor blades. Note that, while three blade designs appear optimal, that more or less blades may be used. Also, the shape of the blades may be modified and the angle of attack of the blades may be different than shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a cross-section of a prior art fluid rotor 30 that is being rotationally driven, as indicated by rotation arrow 37, by approaching fluids that are indicated by fluid flow arrows 36. This is the arrangement of some vertical axis windmills or wind turbines. Note that the driving fluid is working to generate a positive rotational torque on the rotor blades 60 on the downwind part of rotation as shown by force arrows 35. These oncoming fluid forces are acting against rotation, as indicated by anti-rotation or rotational parasitic drag force arrows 67, on the upwind part of rotor rotation where they act against rotation. While this exposed rotor blade prior art is low in cost and omni-directional as far as oncoming wind in concerned it is inherently weak from a structural standpoint, has rotor blades that are subject to impact damage from objects, is unsightly and ungainly, and is environmentally unfriendly to wildlife and neighbors.
FIG. 2 presents a cross-section, as taken through plane 2-2 of FIG. 6, of a preferred embodiment fluid rotor 31 and related structural to the instant invention. Note that: 1) More incoming fluid is directed toward the rotor 31 due to the enlarged capture area forward of the rotor 31 and 2) Incoming fluid that would normally work against rotation on the upwind side of rotation has been redirected so that it adds positively to rotational force rather than creating a parasitic rotational drag force as is the case for the prior art rotor 30 presented in FIG. 1. This can be seen by looking at the force vector arrows 35 that are all providing positive rotational energy here. This compares to the prior art rotor 30 presented in FIG. 1 where the rotational parasitic drag force arrows 67 are working against rotation on the upwind side of rotation. The rotational centerline 34 of the complete assembly is also shown. Protective fluid flow grille(s) 33 may also be incorporated.
Looking at FIG. 2 in more detail, we have, as an optimum shape, an airfoil shaped nose cone structure 38 that smoothly directs and accelerates incoming fluids, positive rotation side capture plate(s) 55, 61, negative rotation side capture plate 54, and fluid turning or redirecting vane(s) 53. By use this or another arrangement whereby the negative rotation side incoming fluid flow is redirected forward, we are able to have positive rotational energy impacting the rotor blades during their rotation. This contrasts to the prior art presented in FIG. 1 whereby there is a negative or parasitic drag during the rotor blades upwind rotation. The optional flow passageway 62 provides an inlet to direct more positive direction incoming fluid flow 36 to the rotor blades 31.
FIG. 3 presents a cross section of a mounting base assembly (A) 47 including a power generator 39. On top of that is an adapter assembly or module (B) 48 that normally includes gearing 42 that drives the generator gear 40. The procedure for assembly at a site is to first position and set the mounting base assembly (A) 47 in concrete or other material. The generator 39 and bearings 43 are then set into place. At that point the adapter module 43 is aligned and put in place. Other items shown are shaft bearing 51, seals 63, and rotational drive motor and gear 41.
FIG. 4 is a cross section, as taken through plane 44 of FIG. 3, that shows workings of gears 42 that drive the power generator gear 40. Note that, while an electric generator is most common, any type of power generator 39 including hydraulic or other may be used to absorb the fluid power from the turbine rotor(s). Further, it may be desirable to incorporate a disconnect clutch, not shown, so that the power generator 39 may be disengaged for maintenance or during very high fluid velocity situations, such as may occur in windstorms. It is important to note that the instant invention may be utilized with any fluid media. This means that, in additional to use as a wind turbine, it may be used as a water turbine in rivers, the Gulf Stream, or the like.
FIG. 5 shows an end view of a rotor assembly module (C) 56 including a splined drive shaft 44 to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention.
FIG. 6 gives a side view of the rotor assembly module (C) 56 presented in FIG. 5. Cutaway views show shaft support bearings 51, female spline/bearing adapter 45, and male spline adapter 44. A further cutaway view shows portions of a rotor 31 including rotor end plates 49.
FIG. 7 is an end view of a cover (D) 50 including a female bearing adapter 45 to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention.
FIG. 8 presents a side view of the cover (D) 50 of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 gives an end view, in this case a top view, of an assembled and functional Fluid Rotor with Energy Enhancement (FREE) Power Generation System 64 to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Note that the FREE Power Generation System 64 may be oriented in any direction.
FIG. 10 gives a side view of an assembled and functional FREE Power Generation System 64 to the instant invention. In this instance, two rotor modules (C) 56 have been employed. Note that any number of rotor modules (C) 56 may be employed. A gear track 52 used during rotation of the FREE Power Generation System 64 is also shown here. Direction of fluid flow is indicated by fluid flow arrows 36. The fluid flow grilles shown in FIG. 2 are optional and not shown here.
FIG. 11 presents a front view of an assembled FREE Generator 64. Note the simple construction of this pre-fabricated unit. The base (A) 46, normally including the power generator, is first set in concrete or a similar material; the geared adapter housing assembly (B) 48 is installed next, followed by one, two, or more rotor module assemblies (C) 56, and then an end cap (D) 50. This pre-fabrication approach of the instant invention allows for very low cost fabrication, shipping, and assembly. Further, it is physically and environmentally acceptable and attractive.
FIG. 12 presents a top or end view of a rotor 31 and its preferred simple end cap 49 design.
FIG. 13 is a profile view of a rotor 31 showing end caps 49 and rotor blades 60.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, as taken through plane 14-14 of FIG. 13, showing the rotor 49, rotor blades 60, and rotor end plate 49.
While the invention has been described in connection with a preferred and several alternative embodiments, it will be understood that there is no intention to thereby limit the invention. On the contrary, there is intended to be covered all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, which are the sole definition of the invention.
Patent Application
20070269306
