Not applicable
Not applicable
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the capture of energy from natural sources such as wind and water.
2. Prior Art
U.S. Patent Documents:
Foreign Patent Documents:
Other References:
Oscillating Wing—Vortex Oscillation Technology, Inc.
http://www.vortexosc.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=87
The inventions shown in the Prior art above utilize impractical and inefficient means of capturing energy from wind and water.
Several of the inventions, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,232 may function, but their structure is impractical for scaling. This particular example would produce a limited quantity of energy relative to modern standards, and when scaled would be lack the structural integrity and performance to justify its cost.
The examples cited in the URL above relate to oscillating wings. The designs however, work in only one wind direction (The oscillating wing structure), would not retain their intended airfoil shape while curving and buckling (at least not without internal structures that would prevent oscillation entirely. Some are so grandiose as to be structurally impossible to construct (The valley wide idea)
Other inventions such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,726,440, attempt to modify the flapping wing concept that has been rejected long ago as impractical. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,336 uses two wings to create a flapping motion as well.
The objects of this invention are:
Other objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description in this application.
This invention makes use of a flexible sheet whose cost and related component cost is reduced in comparison to existing wind and water energy conversion systems. The use of a large surface area also ensures the invention can extract energy from a much greater cross-section of wind or water currents than current wind and water energy conversion systems. The invention also incorporates several key features that drastically reduce the sources of failure, including the ability to vane into the wind without the requirement for mechanical adjustment. It also reduces the cost of maintenance. And finally, depending on the proximity to the ground, the invention can also minimize construction and maintenance costs and reduces the visual impact within the area it is located. The novelty of the surface area this invention can provide may also be used to promote renewable energy and to act as an advertising or public information medium.
The mechanism is an energy capture device utilizing flexible sheets of material suspended between two or more pivots. The pivots are attached to a platform, either stationary or rotary depending on the medium in which the mechanism to operate.
Detailed Description—Preferred Embodiment
(
The perspective view in
A Vane 7 then attaches to the top of the Passive Vane Support 8a or Active Vane Support 8b and carries the remaining elements of this embodiment.
A Pivot Mount 10 is carried inside the vane 7 structure within a Gantry/Adjuster 11 at the upwind position from the Passive Vane Support 8a or Active Vane Support 8b. The Gantry/Adjuster 11 is connected to the Control System 14.
A Pivot Energy Capture/Mount 9 is carried inside the vane 7 structure within a Gantry/Adjuster 11 at the downwind position from the Vane Support 8a/8b.
Attached to the upwind-most position on the lower surface of the vane 7, is a Counterweight 12.
Mounted to the Adjustable Pivot Mount 10 is a Pivot 2 whose Pivot pivot arms 5 are designed to move in arc planes parallel to the plane of the Vane 7. This pivot utilizes a large-width Flexible Sheet Carrier as shown in
Mounted to the Adjustable Pivot Energy Capture and Mount 9 assembly is another Pivot 2, whose Pivot pivot arms 5 are designed to move in arc planes parallel to the plane of the Vane 7. This pivot utilizes a small-width Flexible Sheet Carrier as shown in
Suspended between the two Pivot assemblies 2 is a Flexible Sheet 1, attached via the Flexible Sheet Carrier 6 present on each Pivot assembly 2. The distance between the two Pivot assemblies 2, in conjunction with the level of the extension of the Pivot pivot arms 5 determines the level of curvature imparted to the Flexible Sheet assembly 1.
Atop one of the Pivot assemblies 2, a Wind Sensor Package 13 is attached. Contained within the Passive Vane Support 8a or Active Vane Support 8b is a Control System 14.
The Passive Vane Support 8a shown in
Attached to the interior of the Vane Support Tube 57 is a Turntable Bearing 56 structure supporting the Vane Mount Turntable 54. A Turntable Lateral Positioning Bearing 55 provides lateral support to the Vane Mount Turntable 54.
The Active Vane Support 8b shown in
Steel would be the standard material for the production of the Vane Supports 8a/8b, and due to the large stresses involved in carrying the weight and dynamic forces generated by the embodiment in
The Vane 7 shown in
In
Also shown in
Attached to the Turntable Gantry Frame 64 are a plurality of Gantry Wheels 65, and the Drivetrain Enclosure 68. The Gantry Wheels 65 roll upon tracks created by the I-Beam structure within the Vane Structure 62.
A Turntable Output Shaft 67 attaches to the Pivot Mount Turntable at its top end and meshes with two Turntable Output Shaft Takeoff Gears 58 to via a gear attached at the Turntable Output Shaft 67 bottom end.
The Turntable Output Shaft Takeoff Gears 69 drive via two separate shafts, two One-way Clutch Bearing and Gear assemblies 70. The left One-way Clutch Bearing and Gear 70 (As shown in
The Single Direction Output Shaft 73 is attached to a Flywheel 74, that is then attached to a Gearbox 75. The Gearbox 75, is a prior art in the format of a multi-stage planetary drive with bands similar to that found in an automobile's automatic transmission, enabling multiple output gear ratios. Attached to the Gearbox 75 is a High-Speed Output Shaft 76.
As shown in
The Adjustable Pivot Mount assembly 10 in
The Turntable Gantry (64 in
To control the position of the Turntable Gantry (as shown in
A Servo Gearmotor 48 is attached to the Threaded Extender Rod 46 and itself attaches to the inside diameter of the Pivot Pole 4.
Attached to the Pivot Arm Telescoping Tube 44 is the Flexible Sheet Carrier 6, which includes a Flexible Sheet Coupler 45. The Flexible Sheet Carrier and Coupler may preferably be constructed of a high durometer polymer or a highly shock and fatigue resistant plastic such as Puck Board.
Operation—Preferred Embodiment
(
In the Embodiment Shown in
The airflow moves downwind alongside the curvature of the Flexible Sheet 1, generating lift via the angle of attack presented by the Flexible Sheet Carrier 6 arc position relative to concave shape generated by the curvature of the Flexible Sheet 1 (See
The lift force creates a curvature near the upwind edge of the Flexible Sheet 1, causing the Flexible Sheet 1 to pull itself toward the negative air pressure area generating the lift. This pulling force in turn causes the Pivot arms 5 of the downwind Pivot 2 to pull in the same direction as the lift. The concave curvature cascades down the Flexible Sheet 1 as demonstrated in
Once the downwind Pivot arms 5 are at the full extent of travel, the Flexible Sheet Carrier 6 on the upwind Pivot 2 is oriented in the same direction as the Pivot arms 5 on the downwind Pivot 2. This creates a new splitting of the airflow, with the concave curvature on the opposite side of the Flexible Sheet 1. This new curvature generates lift in the opposite direction, and the cycle described above is repeated.
The pivoting action of the downwind Pivot 2 (and optionally, if so mounted on the same Pivot Energy Capture/Mount 10, the upwind Pivot 2) is translated into a single direction rotational motion via the Pivot Energy Capture/Mount 10 and then finally to electrical energy (in this embodiment) via a generator.
The detailed operation of the Pivot Energy Capture/Mount 10 is as follows (Refer to
The pivoting action of the downwind (in this embodiment) Pivot 2 cycles its Pivot Mounting Base (3 on
For a given Pivot Mounting Base (3 on
Conversely, when the pivoting motion of the Pivot Mounting Base (3 on
Once the motion and force from both pivoting directions is translated into a single rotational direction, this force and motion is then transmitted into a flywheel which stores the energy for more consistent delivery to the Generator (30 in
Referring to
At low wind speeds, the spacing between the Pivot 2 assemblies can be reduced, introducing a larger curvature into the Flexible Sheet 1. This creates a more significant lift force via the larger apparent camber created in the cascading curvature. At low wind speeds, flow separation is less likely to occur on a larger cambered surface, and hence this operation, in conjunction with a large increase in output revolutions via the Gearbox (75 on
At high wind speeds, the spacing between the Pivot 2 assemblies can be increased, reducing the curvature of the Flexible Sheet 1. This creates a reduced camber for high wind speeds, ensuring that the force of the wind does not overload the structure of the embodiment. At the same time it increases the oscillation rate, enabling a reduction in gearbox output speed multiplication while increasing the torque to enable higher levels of energy generation.
In extreme winds, the spacing between the Pivot 2 assemblies can be further increased, effectively removing all camber from the Flexible Sheet 1. This results in no pivot action as no camber is presented to the wind flow, and the Vane 7 effectively functions as a passive wind vane, saving the embodiment from damage.
A second dimension to the optimization at various wind speeds is the use of the Pivot Arms 5 which incorporate the ability to adjust pivot arm length.
The arm length at various wind speeds affects the formation and cascading effect of the curvature in the Flexible Sheet 1, and can be optimized depending on the wind speed to ensure maximum energy capture.
The Passive Vane Support 8a enables the embodiment to automatically orient itself into the wind flow. The positioning of the Passive Vane Support 8a enables the bulk of the aerodynamic lift generated by the Flexible Sheet 1 to act on the majority downwind portion of the Vane 7, orienting it automatically into the oncoming wind. In an active mode, the Active Vane Support 8b can orient the vane into the wind using wind direction data obtained from the Wind Sensor Package 13.
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment
(
The Perspective in
Mounted to each Passive Support Structure 17a (Poles) is a Pivot Arm Energy Capture/Mount 18. Then, attached to each Pivot Arm Energy Capture/Mount 18 is a Pivot Arm 16.
Each Pivot Arm 16 then attaches to the Flexible Sheet Assembly 15 around it's circumference at equally spaced distances, suspending the Flexible Sheet Assembly 15 at a distance above the ground.
Mounted to one of the Passive Support Structures 17a is a Control System 14 box that is connected to the Wind Sensor Package 13. The Control System also connects to each Pivot Arm Energy Capture/Mount 18 to enable control.
The Pivot Arm Energy Capture/Mount as shown in
Meshed to the Single Direction Output Gear 72 is the Spacer Gear 90 that could suitably be replaced with a flywheel/gear combination. The Spacer Gear meshes to the Gearbox 75 via an external input. The Gearbox 75 is then connected to the Generator 30.
The Pivot Arm shown in
The Pivot Arm (16 in
The Pivot Arm (16 in
The Flexible Sheet assembly as shown in
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
In the embodiment shown in
As the airflow generates lift near the upwind edge of the circumference, on the concave side of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15, it causes the upwind edge to lift vertically raising the ends of the Pivot Arms 16 nearest the leading edge, and transferring that motion into their respective Pivot Arm Energy Capture/Mounts 18. As the curvature continues to cascade along the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 toward the downwind side of the circumference, the Pivot Arms 16 at right angles to the wind flow are also raised vertically, imparting their motion and force to their respective Pivot Arm Energy Capture/Mounts 18.
The curvature ultimately reaches the downwind edge of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15, lifting the Pivot Arms 16 attached this edge, imparting their motion and force to their respective Pivot Arm Energy Capture/Mounts 18.
At the same time as the curvature reaches the downwind edge, the shape of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 appears inverted from its static position, similar to that of a standard parachute. It is raised above it's normal static position.
Like the preferred embodiment, the shape created by the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 would at this stage create a concave shape facing the Passive Support Structure 17a mounting surface, causing the same cascading cycle as previously noted. Starting at the upwind edge of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15, the arms would be progressively pulled down toward the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 static position, at which time the cycle would repeat.
The process for converting the pivoting motion from the Pivot Arms to electrical energy is the same as that mentioned in the preferred embodiment.
The Control System 14, interfaced to the Wind Sensor Package 13 controls the Servo Gearmotors 48 in each of the Pivot Arms 16, enabling control over the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 in varying wind speed conditions. Control may also be exerted over the gear ratios selected in the Gearbox (75 in
Within the standard operating range of wind speeds, the Pivot Arms 16 can be adjusted to a length that places the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 into position to capture the wind's energy.
At lower wind speeds, the Pivot Arms 16 can be extended in such a way as to introduce a larger angle of attack at the upwind edge of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15, enabling more efficient capture at these speeds.
At higher wind speeds, the angle of attack may be reduced through contraction of the Pivot Arms 16.
At damaging wind speeds, the arms can be extended fully to lower the embodiment to the ground preventing damage.
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment—
The embodiment shown in
The downwind-most Pivot assembly 2 and the center Pivot—Two Side/Single Pivoting 19a or Pivot—Two Side/Double Pivoting 19b, are referred to here as Pivots 3 and 2 respectively. They are both mounted to Pivot Energy Capture/Mounts 9. The upwind-most Pivot assembly 2, referred to here as Pivot 1 is mounted to a Fixed Pivot Mount 20. Suspended between Pivots 1 and 2 is a Flexible Sheet 1 as described in the preferred embodiment. Suspended between Pivots 2 and 3 is another Flexible Sheet 1 as described in the preferred embodiment.
The energy capture mechanisms are identical in design and operation to that described in the preferred embodiment.
The Vane Support 8a or 8b is positioned upwind of the center pivot in this embodiment.
As shown in
As shown in
The design of the mechanical components in this embodiment is identical to the preferred embodiment with the exception of those things noted in the description.
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
In the embodiment show in
To utilize a more passive approach to synchronization, the Pivot—Two Side/Double Pivoting assembly 19b is employed. Through appropriate Pivot spacing and Pivot arm length, as described in the preferred embodiment the two Flexible Sheets 1 can be made to work co-operatively. The Double pivoting action two sided pivot ensures the aerodynamic lift acts naturally on the opposite sides of the upwind and downwind Flexible Sheets 1, according to the initial effect of the upwind Flexible Sheet 1.
This embodiment employs the same Control System and Wind Sensor Package as the preferred embodiment, with the exception that its operation includes management of the additional Pivot—Two Side/Single Pivoting assembly 19a or Pivot—Two Side/Double Pivoting assembly 19b.
The two Pivot Energy Capture/Mounts 9 both convert energy.
The location of the Vane Support 8a/8b upwind from the center pivot pole allows the bulk of the aerodynamic force to be applied downwind, of this support, and hence will enable the Vane 7 to move automatically into the wind via an action similar to a standard wind vane.
The operation of this embodiment is identical to the preferred embodiment with the exception of those things noted in this operational description.
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment—
The embodiment shown in
The Passive support structures (17a on
In place of the Pivot Arms (16 on
For each Arcing Support structure 28, one end of a Top Cord 26 is attached to the top surface of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 via a Cord Sheet Mount 21a. The Top Cord 26 then passes through a Top Cord Sheave Block (Support Structure Mount) 27. The Top Cord e25 then passes through the Top Cord Sheave Block (Reference Plane Mount) en27 and into a Linear-to-Rotational Motion Assembly (117 on
For each Arcing Support Structure 28, one end of a Bottom Cord 24 is attached to the bottom surface of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 via the same Cord Sheet Mount 21a mentioned above. The Bottom Cord 26 then passes through a Bottom Cord Sheave Block 25 and into a Linear-to-Rotational Motion Assembly (117 on
The Rotational Force Aggregation Mechanism 29 attaches to a Generator 30 via the output shaft (not shown) on the Rotational Force Aggregation Mechanism 29.
The Active Support/Control Structure shown in
The Cord Sheet Mount, as shown in
Attached to the Top Mounting Plate 92 is a Top Ring Holder 97. Attached to this holder are the Support Cord Ring 95 and Top Cord Ring 94. The Support Cord Ring 95 attaches to its respective Support Cord (22 on
Attached to the Bottom Mounting Plate 93 is a Bottom Ring Holder 98 that attaches to its respective Bottom Cord (24 on
The Top and Bottom Cord Sheave shown in
The Linear-To-Rotational Motion Conversion Mechanism shown in
The Recoil Sheave 105 and One-way Clutch Bearing 106 are enclosed inside a Recoil Sheave Cover that has a Cord opening 109 and two attached Securing Guides 110.
When the above assembly is brought together with the Recoil Spring Retainer Cup 111, the Recoil Spring Actuator 107 is inserted into the Recoil Spring Actuator Coupling 116. The coupling forms the end of the Recoil Spring 113. The Recoil Spring 113 attaches to the Recoil Spring Inner Retainer 114 that is attached to the Recoil Spring Retainer Cup 111. The Recoil Spring 113 is held inside the Recoil Spring Retainer Cup 111 via a Recoil Spring Retainer Plate 115 attached to the Recoil Spring Retainer Cup 111.
A Shaft Pass-though Hole 112 in the Recoil Spring Retainer Cup 111 enables the Aggregator Shaft (121 on
Attached to the outside of the Recoil Spring Retainer Cup 111 are two Securing Guides 110 that match those attached to the Recoil Sheave Cover 108.
The Rotational Force Aggregation Mechanism as shown in
The multiple Linear-To-Rotational Motion Conversion mechanisms are attached to a common Aggregator Shaft 121, that is attached to a Gearbox 75.
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
The operation of this embodiment works on the same underlying airflow management and capture principle as described in the alternate embodiment in
The Support Cords 22 however do not provide any energy capture, and are utilized only to support and control the positioning of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15.
Instead, the oscillation of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 as described previously in the
When the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 circumference lifts at a given position, the Bottom Cords 24 attached to it in the vicinity of that position are pulled upon. The Bottom Cords 24 pulling force is transmitted via the Bottom Cord Sheave Blocks 25 to their respective Linear-To-Rotational Motion Conversion Mechanisms (117 on
When the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 circumference falls at the given position mentioned above, the Bottom Cords 24 attached to it in the vicinity of the falling position, become slack. This slack is taken up by the action of the Recoil Springs (113 on
The effect is the same for the Top Cords 26. They operate opposite the cycle described above, so that when a Bottom Cords 24 is being pulled and unwinding from the Linear-To-Rotational Motion Conversion Mechanisms (117 on
The Control System 14 in conjunction with the Wind Sensor Package 13 controls the positioning of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 via the Active Support/Control Structures 36.
The adjustments to the position of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 are the same as those described in the embodiment in
In extreme wind situations, the lowering of the Flexible Sheet assembly 15 to the ground or mounting surface can be assisted via the Generator 30 being operated as a motor to winch the Bottom Cords 24.
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment—
The perspective view in
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
The operation of this embodiment is identical to that described for the preferred embodiment, with the addition of synchronized control of the Adjustable Pivot Mount assemblies 10 by the Control System 14. When the Adjustable Pivot Mount assembly 10 and Pivot Energy Capture/Mount 9 on the bottom Vane 7 are adjusted on their respectively attached gantries, the Pivot Mount assemblies 10 on the top Vane 7 are also adjusted.
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment—
The perspective in
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
The operation of this embodiment is identical to that described for the preferred embodiment, with the addition of supplemental support for the Vane Support 8a/8b.
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment—
The perspective in
This embodiment uses the Active Support/Control Structures described previously for
This Active Support/Control Structures connect via Support Cords 22 to a Flexible Sheet 35, which in turn connects to a set of Bottom Cords 24 via the Cord Sheet Mounts 21a.
The Bottom Cords 24, connect to the Rotational Force Aggregation Mechanism 29 in the same manner as that described in the embodiment in
The Flexible Sheet 35 is explained further by
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
This embodiment in
No energy is captured in the falling portion of the Flexible Sheet 35 energy capture cycle.
The Flexible Sheet 35 enables omni-directional operation by utilizing the Active Support/Control Structures 36 to control the shape of the sheet 35 and its orientation into the wind. By increasing the length of a given Support Cord 22, that portion of the sheet where it attaches is allowed to lower itself relative to the other points on the sheet 35 circumference. By reducing the length of a given Support Cord 22, that portion of the sheet where it attaches is raised higher relative to the other points on the sheet 35 circumference.
For this embodiment, an arcing shape is created and oriented so that the plane of the arc is aligned with the direction of the wind. This results in the same airflow management and principles as described previously for
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment—
The perspective in
The structure is protected against corrosion.
The Flexible Sheet 1 is constructed from materials appropriate to extended underwater exposure.
The moveable parts are protected from water intrusion using seals.
The Pivot Energy Capture/Mount 9 is mounted upon the top Vane 7, which is located above the water surface to protect it from water intrusion.
The Vane Support (8a/8b in
The Control System 14 is located above the water surface.
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
The embodiment in
Detailed Description—Alternate Embodiment—
The perspective in
An Underwater-To-Surface drivetrain 39 connects the downstream Pivot assembly to the enclosed set of drivetrain components that are identical to that contained within the Adjustable Pivot Energy Capture and Mount (Shown in
The top view in
Attached next to the Servo Gearmotor 48 is a Spindle Lock 130 that engages the gear on the Flexible Sheet Rolling Spindle 127 to hold it stationary.
Attached to the Flexible Sheet Rolling Spindle 127 are two Rolling Spindle End-Plates 128 that enable the Flexible Sheet (41 in
Additionally, the cross-section view in
Attached next to the Servo Gearmotor 48 is a Spindle Lock 130 that engages the gear on the Flexible Sheet Rolling Spindle 127 to hold it stationary.
Attached to the Flexible Sheet Rolling Spindle 127 is a Rolling Spindle End-Plate 128.
A Control System 14 is attached to the enclosure housing the above water energy conversion drivetrain.
Operation—Alternate Embodiment—
The embodiment in
The modified downstream Pivot assembly as described above transfers its pivoting motion into an Underwater-to-Surface Drivetrain 39 within a Passive Support Structure 17b, which then transfers this pivoting motion to the energy capture drivetrain above the water surface. The Control System controls the Servo Gearmotor (48 in
In low water speed situations, the Flexible sheet 41 can be reeled out to increase curvature and maximize energy capture.
In high water speed situations, the Flexible Sheet 41 can be reeled in to reduce curvature and maximize energy capture.
In situations where maintenance needs to be performed or where energy capture is not desirable, the Flexible Sheet 41 can be reeled in to a state of tension that does not permit the oscillating pivot action.
Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
While my above description contains many specifities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example:
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/860,455 filed 2006 Nov. 22 by the present inventor.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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