The present invention relates to a turbine assembly. More particularly, the present invention relates to a turbine assembly for generating electricity from the kinetic energy of a moving fluid flow, and also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling the turbine assembly.
Known in the art are various assemblies used for generating electrical energy from wind, such as windmills, for example.
Most of the assemblies used in the field today are composed of multiple wide-span open rotor blades exposed directly to the wind, which are in turn connected to a complex and heavy transmission system, which in turn drives a corresponding generator. With these conventional assemblies, the wind impacts the blades, creating a pressure differential forcing the blades to rotate about a transmission shaft, which in turn rotates corresponding gears connected to the shaft. Through gear reduction, the kinetic energy of the gears' rotational velocity is converted into electrical energy by the generator. The ability of these conventional assemblies to generate electrical energy depends largely on the size of the rotor blades and the speeds at which they can rotate, as well as on the wind conditions in the immediate surroundings of these conventional devices, given that a considerable minimal wind speed is generally required in order to overcome the inertia of these heavy wide-span open rotator blades before they can even start to rotate, etc.
Known to the Applicant are the following US patents and patent applications which describe various types of turbine assemblies and the like: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,080,100; 4,219,303; 6,127,739; 7,086,824 B2; 2008/0170941 A1; 2010/0215502 A1; 2010/0296928 A1; 2010/0310361 A1; and 2011/0037268 A1.
The following patent documents also describe other similar related systems: FR 2589201 A1; DE 19513321 A1; and KR 101043279.
Also known in the art are the substantial drawbacks associated with such conventional electricity-generating assemblies, such as, for example: a) the need to limit the rotational speed of the rotor blades to preserve blade structural integrity; b) the need to have complex and heavy hydraulic braking systems required to control the speed of the rotor blades so as to namely prevent them from rotating too fast which could be very undesirable for obvious reasons; c) the hydraulic braking systems used to lower the rotational speed of the rotor blades decrease the amount of electrical energy that can be generated and, increase the complexity of the overall assembly; d) the ever-increasing size of rotor blades creates much visual and acoustic pollution and negatively affects the flight and migratory activities of certain species (i.e. bats, birds, insects, etc.); e) the structural inertia of the long and heavy rotor blades results in blades rotating only at relatively high wind speeds, thus restricting the locations at which these conventional devices can be operated; f) conventional electricity-generating assemblies are very big in scale and thus are often installed in “wind parks” requiring vast areas of land which are necessarily located far from cities and other areas of high energy consumption, thus increasing installation costs and further reducing both generation capacity and transmission efficiency; g) conventional electricity-generating assemblies require much maintenance due to the great number of components that constitute the assemblies and the various complexities related thereto; h) etc.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved system which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
The object of the present invention is to provide a system, which by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related systems and/or methods known in the prior art, used for generating electricity from a moving fluid flow (ex. wind, water, etc.).
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a turbine assembly, such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
More particularly, and according to the present invention, there is provided a turbine assembly for generating electricity from kinetic energy of a moving fluid flow, the turbine assembly comprising:
an elongated casing defining a fluid channel through which the fluid flow is allowed to travel;
an inlet having an effective cross-sectional area for receiving the fluid flow into the fluid channel, the inlet being further configured for directing the fluid flow into said fluid channel;
an outlet having an effective cross-sectional area for releasing the fluid flow out from the fluid channel, the outlet being positioned downstream of the inlet along the fluid channel;
a main rotor contained within the casing and intersecting the fluid channel, between the inlet and the outlet, the main rotor being rotatably moveable with respect to the casing via a pivoting component, the main rotor having a closed-loop arrangement provided with a plurality of rotor vanes each defining a neighbouring closed-loop rotor passage, the closed-loop rotor passages of the main rotor providing an effective cross-sectional area through which the fluid flow is allowed to pass, the main rotor being rotatably driven via the passage of fluid flow through its closed-loop arrangement, and the closed-loop arrangement being further configured for imparting a forced rotational movement to the fluid flow exiting from the main rotor; and
a main generator being operatively connectable to the main rotor and being driven by a rotation of said main rotor, in order to generate electricity, the main generator being contained within the casing and being positioned within said casing via a supporting component so as to be placed in a vortex region defined by the forced rotational movement of the fluid flow exiting the main rotor.
Such a turbine assembly configuration is particularly advantageous in that it is capable of generating high levels of revolutions per minute (rpm) to the main rotor (and in turn, high levels of rpm to the main generator) even with very low speeds of fluid flow entering the assembly. This is due namely to the casing which enables to advantageously guide and accelerate the fluid flow through a confined fluid channel, as well as to the particular closed-loop arrangement of the main rotor which further confines the fluid channel though a specific and optimal fluid path. The fact that the main rotor is preferably intended to be directly coupled to the main generator is also advantageous according to the present invention because an increased rpm capability for the main rotor translates into an increased rpm capability for the main generator, and in turn, translates into an increased output of electricity for a same given fluid flow, when compared to what is possible by conventional systems with such a same given fluid flow. Moreover, given that according to the present invention, the closed-loop arrangement of the main rotor is preferably further configured for imparting a forced rotational movement to the fluid flow as it exits from the main rotor, a vortex or “wake” region is created downstream of the main rotor, within the casing, where the generator is advantageously positioned therealong so as to also minimally interfere with the exiting fluid flow, given that forces and speeds of such rotational fluid flows are greater/stronger away from the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel (i.e. radially outward). Furthermore, in addition to having an increased rpm output when compared to conventional systems for the reasons mentioned earlier, the fact of having all of the components (ex. rotor, generator, etc.) of the present system contained within the same casing is also advantageous in that it enables for a high performing, yet very compact and much quieter turbine assembly, thereby overcoming several of the drawbacks associated with conventional turbine assemblies.
The turbine assembly according to a preferred aspect of the present invention can be arranged in an array of turbine assemblies, where the array of turbine assemblies is preferably raised in elevation with respect to a ground surface via a fixed vertical support structure.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit with corresponding components for assembling and/or installing the above-mentioned turbine assembly.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with components of the above-mentioned kit.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling, installing and/or operating the above-mentioned turbine assembly.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of assembling components of the above-mentioned kit and/or set.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a network (ex. power grid) being provided with the above-mentioned turbine assembly.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided electricity generated with the above-mentioned turbine assembly and/or network.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for generating electrical energy (i.e. “electricity”) from the kinetic energy or force of a moving fluid flow, via at least one generator, it may be used for other types of purposes and with other types of objects, and in other fields, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as “electrical”, “electricity”, “generator”, etc., used herein should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of objects or fields with which the present invention could be used and may be useful. Indeed, it may be appreciated that the present system could, for example, be used for generating mechanical energy (ex. torque, etc.) from the kinetic energy or force of a moving fluid flow, with or without a corresponding transmission system (ex. planetary gear transmission system), etc.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions “station”, “kit”, “device”, “assembly”, “system” and “unit”, as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compounds word thereof known in the art will be used interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as, for example: a) “fluid”, “wind”, “gas”, “air”, “exhaust”, “water”, “liquid”, “flow”, etc.; b) “guide”, “direct”, “channel”, “conduct”, “confine”, “constrict”, “funnel”, “accelerate”, etc.; c) “turn”, “pivot”, “rotate”, “roll”, etc.; d) “energy”, “force”, “movement”, “flow”, etc.; e) “speed”, “velocity”, “rotation”, etc.; f) “arrangement”, “array”, etc.; as well as for any other mutually equivalent or related expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it will be considered that expressions such as “connected” and “connectable”, or “mounted” and “mountable”, may be interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully-assembled and fully-operational turbine assembly.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings may comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiment of the turbine assembly as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the turbine assembly and corresponding components according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter and as can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Broadly described, the present invention, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, relates to a turbine assembly (1) for generating electricity from the kinetic energy or force of a moving fluid flow (3). Because the present invention may be used with a great variety of different applications, it can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art that the fluid flow (3) referred to in the context of the present invention may come from a variety of different sources. For example, the fluid flow (3) may originate from wind, gas, air, an exhaust, water, another type of fluid, and/or any other suitable type of “fluid flow” (3), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
Referring to
As can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art when referring to
The turbine assembly (1) also comprises an inlet (9) having an effective cross-sectional area for receiving the fluid flow (3) into the fluid channel (7). The inlet (9) is further configured for directing the fluid flow (3) into the fluid channel (7). An outlet (11) also having a respective effective cross-sectional area for releasing the fluid flow (3) out from the fluid channel (7) is positioned downstream of the inlet (9) along the fluid channel (7). The inlet (9) and the outlet (11) are preferably circular, in order to be complementary in shape to the preferred embodiment of the casing (5), but as aforementioned, the inlet (9) and outlet (11) of the present turbine assembly (1) may take on various other suitable shapes, forms and configurations, once again depending on the particular applications for which the turbine assembly (1) is intended for and the desired end results, as can also be understood by a person skilled in the art.
In view of the above, and as can also be easily understood, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the effective cross-sectional area of the inlet (9) may be substantially greater than the effective cross-sectional area of the main rotor (13). This advantageously can increase the speed of the fluid flow (3) passing through the main rotor (13) with respect to the speed of the fluid flow (3) entering the inlet (9) by creating a “funnelling” effect. An increased speed of the fluid flow (3) passing through the main rotor (13) would in turn generate an increased output of electricity from the main generator (23) given that, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the main generator (23) is intended to be directly coupled and driven by the main rotor (13).
As better shown in
In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in
As better shown in
As better shown in
The closed-loop arrangement (17) is preferably also similar in shape and/or concentric with the rotor (13), and thus can be circular. It may therefore have an outer radius (r1). The circumferential median wall (33) is also preferably circular and has a radius (r2), which can be about ⅔ of the outer radius (r1). The outer radius (r1) can define a peripheral outer wall (35), which delimits the outer ring (31). This peripheral outer wall (35), in addition to improving the performance of the main rotor (13) rotating within the casing (5) for a given fluid flow (3), can also serve as a reinforcement component for maintaining the structural integrity of the main rotor (13) in that, as can be understood from the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it also supports the outer edges and/or ends of the plurality of outer rotor vanes (19b).
As shown in
In another preferred embodiment, the turbine assembly (1) can be provided with a second, complementary rotor (13b), as better shown in
According to other preferred embodiments, and similarly to the casing (5), the turbine assembly (1) can be provided with a heating component (39) which can heat the structure of the rotor (13) and/or the rotor vanes (19) so as to prevent an accumulation of ice on the overall structure and/or rotor vanes (19), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed, such an accumulation of ice could result if the wind turbine assembly (1) is used in a cold environment and/or with a cold fluid flow (3), and may reduce the efficiency of the rotor (13), and as a result, may reduce the efficiency of the overall turbine assembly (1). Preferably also, and as better shown in
Referring back to
As better shown in
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an input shaft (61) of the generator (23) is operatively connectable to the main rotor (13), and more particularly, to the rotatable shaft (45) according to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which supports said main rotor (13), via a coupling component (63), as better shown in
Turning now to some of the preferred features and components of the assembly (1), and as better shown in
The deflector (49) preferably has anywhere between about two and about eight deflector vanes (51), although other suitable number of deflector vanes (51) are possible with the present invention, depending on the fluid flow (3) being used, and other considerations, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Each deflector vane (51), similar to the rotor vanes (19), can be moveable with respect to the deflector (49), so as to have a variable pitch, where the variable pitch is adjustably controllable by the control device (37). Each deflector vane (51) also preferably consists of a leading edge (55) facing toward the inlet (9) for directing the fluid flow (3). The leading edge (55) can have a leading angle with respect to the shaft (45). The deflector vane (51) also preferably has a departing edge (57) facing toward the outlet (11) at which the fluid flow (3) leaves the deflector vane (51). The departing edge (57) can have a departing angle with respect to the shaft (45). Each deflector vane (51) preferably spans between the leading edge (55) and the departing edge (57) so as to form an angled deflector vane (51). Once the fluid flow (3) leaves each deflector vane (51), it preferably impacts a corresponding rotor vane (19) at an angle normal to a surface of the rotor vane (19). The deflector (49) is preferably made from at least one material selected from the group consisting of 6000 series aluminum alloys and stainless steel, which meet the requirements for light-weight, corrosion resistance and/or structural rigidity, for example.
According to another preferred embodiment, and as better shown in
As better shown in
As previously explained, the turbine assembly (1) and the components thereof may take on various other suitable configurations depending on the particular applications for which the assembly is intended for, and the desired end results, and as an illustrative example, and according to one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, as better illustrated in
In order to facilitate maintenance, the alignment and integrity of the shaft (45) can be monitored by at least one sensor (85), which would monitor at least one parameter of each shaft (45) (i.e. alignment, vibration, rotational velocity, integrity, etc.).
As shown in
Returning now to the inlet (9) of the assembly (1), and as illustrated in
The effective cross-sectional area of each screen (75) can be made of a plurality of apertures (77) having a shape selected from the group consisting of triangular, square, rectangular, polygonal, circular, etc. Once again, and as can easily be understood by a person skilled in the art, various other suitable apertures or geometrical configurations could be used so as to provide a suitable screening for the fluid flow (3) entering the inlet (11) of the turbine assembly (1). Furthermore, as with the rotor (13) and the casing (5), each screen (75) can be provided with a heating component (39) for heating corresponding sections of each screen (75) so as to prevent an accumulation of ice, and/or heating the fluid flow (3) entering the assembly (1) for improving the fluidity and the efficiency thereof. The screen (75) or any other suitable components of the turbine assembly (1) may also be equipped with an animal-deterring mechanism (79) for deterring animals from approaching the turbine assembly (1), an example of which is schematically illustrated in
Upstream of the inlet screen (75), and as illustrated in
Preferably upstream of the entrance cone (81), and as better shown in
In an alternative preferred embodiment, the turbine assembly (1) comprises a starter motor (23c) which is operatively connected to the rotor (13). The starter motor (23c) can provide an impulsive rotation to the rotor (13) when the fluid flow (3) is travelling through the fluid channel (7) is below a given threshold speed, such as about 4 m/s, for example. Preferably, the main generator (23) is further configured to serve this purpose. Therefore, it may be appreciated that the main generator (23) according to the present invention may be configured to take on various different functions within the turbine assembly (1), each of these functions providing a corresponding considerable advantage to the overall assembly (1).
Once again, several modifications could be made to the present turbine assembly (1) without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed, the turbine assembly (1) and its corresponding components may take on various other suitable shapes, forms and configurations, depending on the particular applications for which the turbine assembly (1) is intended for, and the desired end result, as can be understood by a person skilled in the art. As way of an example, and according to an alternative preferred embodiment, at least one rotor (13) may be concentrically and rotatably mountable about the main generator (23), and rotate about the main generator (23), so as to generate electricity. The assembly (1) preferably may comprise a plurality of rotor/generators configured in this way, and mounted in series. Alternatively, at least one generator (23) can encase a corresponding rotor (13), such that rotation of the rotor (13) induces an electric current in the at least one generator (23) thereby producing electricity. Thus, it may now be better appreciated that the main rotor (13) and the main generator (23) need not be placed next to one another within the casing (5), and that they may be concentrically mounted with respect to one another, while still being able to carry out their corresponding respective functions and resulting advantages, according to the present invention, and such an alternative embodiment would enable an even more “compact” overall turbine assembly (1).
In yet another preferred embodiment, the assembly (1) comprises an auto-positioning mechanism (99) which automatically and continually positions the inlet (9) to face a direction of greater fluid flow (3). As shown in
The assembly (1) according to the present invention, and as further described herein, can be grouped or mounted in a variety places and to a variety of structures. As but one example of this, and as shown in
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a corresponding kit configured for assembling the components of the turbine assembly (1), such as the various components briefly described herein, and those exemplified in the accompanying drawings, so as to form an overall fully-assembled and fully-operational turbine assembly (1), the components including at least the casing (5), inlet (9), outlet (11), main rotor (13) and a main generator (23).
According to another preferred embodiment, and as shown in
Having discussed some of the principal components and features of the turbine assembly (1) according to the present invention, some of the other preferential embodiments will be further discussed hereinbelow.
Indeed, as previously explained, the turbine assembly (1) according to the present invention, and as shown in the accompanying drawings, is a device which, in its preferred intended use, is an improved assembly (1) forming a resulting system, which may be provided with a complementary tool, such an support pole or rod to maintain the assembly (1) at an elevated position so as to benefit from increased and more reliable wind speeds at higher altitudes.
As better illustrated in
It is understood that the vertical support structure (95) is not limited to a free-standing pole, for example. Indeed, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assemblies (1) can be mounted to a structure such as a building, a sky scraper, an edifice, etc. In such a configuration, the assemblies (1) are preferably mounted to an exterior wall of the structure, preferably at a right-angled corner so as to benefit from intersecting air flows, as well as from air flows generated by rising hot air from surfaces below the assemblies (1). The assemblies (1) can also be mounted to the exterior of every floor of the structure, every second floor, or any other variation of the same, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the vertical support structure (95) is a chimney, smoke stack and/or any other conduit that channels heated vapors. In this embodiment, the assemblies (1) are preferably mounted within the chimney and orientated so as to generate electrical power from the rise of heated air within the chimney. The assemblies (1) are preferably made of suitable materials known in the art capable or resisting high temperatures. Mounting the assemblies (1) within the chimney allows the assembly (1) to benefit from a more laminar air flow, which also has more potential energy due to its elevated temperature which is capable of being converted into electrical power.
Furthermore, and as previously mentioned, the turbine assembly (1) is not limited to generating electrical energy from only air and other low-density fluids, but includes generating electrical energy from higher-density fluids such as, but not limited to, water and/or seawater. In such a configuration, the assembly (1) is a hydraulic turbine for operating at and/or below water level, and generating an electrical energy in response to the passage of water through the hydraulic turbine. For exemplification purposes only, the hydraulic turbine may generate electric energy by extracting the potential and/or kinetic energy from moving water such as freshwater and/or sea water tides, river flows, currents, etc. Thus, it is now apparent how the assembly (1) and/or its components and features can be adapted to generate electrical energy from fluids of varying density by using suitable materials for the given fluid (i.e., a hydraulic turbine may require the use of more corrosion-resistant materials than a wind turbine, and may be permitted heavier components, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
As shown in
The inlet (9) is preferably profiled or smooth to reduce the air friction and turbulence of the incoming airflow. A preferred honeycomb and/or electric screen (75) is insertable into the inlet (9) and secured thereto with the mounts and positioned so as to optimally direct the airflow towards the rotor (13), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. The preferred honeycomb screen (75) may be heated in order to optimise the aerodynamic characteristics of the airflow entering the enclosed inlet (9), or in order to prevent ice or snow from accumulating on the screen (75) and restricting the airflow. It is to be understood that the form of the apertures of the honeycomb screen (75) are not limited to honeycombs, and may comprise other shapes and/or configurations depending on the local environment in which the assembly (1) is placed, as apparent to a person skilled in the art, and as further illustrated in
As shown in
As illustrated in
In another preferred embodiment, and as illustrated in
Referring now to
The deflector (49) need not be mounted about the shaft (45), and can also be mounted in any other suitable fashion so as to maintain its fixed position, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, the deflector (49) can be fixedly secured to the casing (5) itself. Preferably, the deflector vanes (51) are sized, angled, and constructed of materials in order to optimally direct the airflow to the rotor vanes (19) of the rotor (13), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, and as exemplified in
Preferably, after leaving the deflector vanes (51), the airflow impacts the rotor vanes (19) of the at least one rotor (13), which is mountable within the casing (5) and concentrically and rigidly mountable about the shaft (45) such that the angular velocity of the shaft (45) is equal to the angular velocity of the rotor (13), as can be easily understood when referring to
Each of the rotors (13) in such a configuration can have differently-angled rotor vanes (19) so as to maximize the extraction of energy from the passing airflow. For example, the rotor (13) most upstream may have light angled rotor vanes (19) because the incoming air has the most potential energy, whereas rotor (13) downstream of this first rotor (13) may have rotor vanes (19) with more steep angles so as to maximize energy extraction from the more slow moving airflow. The angle and/or the pitch of the turbine rotor vanes (19) can also be varied and/or rotatable, as explained above with regard to the deflector vanes (51), with the goal of optimizing energy extraction.
In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a rotor (13) comprising an electrical generator (23) being selectively and concentrically mountable within the interior of the rotor (13), said electrical generator (23) being rotatably and concentrically mountable about the shaft (45), such that a plurality of like rotor (13) comprising electrical generators (23) can be mounted in series in order to maximize the extraction of kinetic energy from the airflow.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided an alternating pattern of components when moving from upstream to downstream along the assembly (1). For example, when the airflow enters the inlet (9), it may first encounter and be directed and/or diverted by the deflector (49). After which, the airflow encounters a high-energy rotor (13) which extracts the most energy from the airflow. The airflow then encounters at least one other rotor (13), which can extract the energy remaining in the airflow after the high-energy rotor (13). Any remaining airflow can then exit via the air outlet (11).
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an at least one guidance fin being secured and engaging an at least one mounting recess located at the rear of the casing (5). Preferably, the at least one guidance fin is sized and constructed in order to produce sufficient moment force to automatically and continuously rotate the assembly (1) in response to the force imputed by the wind such that it can face into the wind at all times, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
As illustrated in
Preferably, the assembly (1) is provided with a entrance cone (81) for directing the air flow into the inlet (9) and for making the airflow more laminar, as apparent to a person skilled in the art, and as illustrated in
In another preferred embodiment, the rotor (13) and/or other components of the assembly (1) can be housed within the generator (23). The generator (23) can house the assembly (1), which advantageously simplifies the design and operation of the assembly (1) and reduces its structural inertia. Preferably, an electrical charge is induced in the generator (23) by electrical inductance which can result from the rotation of the rotor (13) in conjunction with a brushes and/or brushless known electric motor, for example. Furthermore, the encase wind turbine (1) in this preferred configuration can be equipped with bearings (89) with attachments which maintain the components of the assembly (1) in rotatable relation with the shaft (45) and/or other components. These bearings (89) can be high-speed bearings (89), for example, and can also include a hydraulic gearbox for heavier assemblies (1). It is therefore apparent how in this preferred embodiment, the assembly (1) can become the generator (23) itself. In another preferred embodiment, magnets can be arranged circumferentially around a rotor (13) so that when the rotor (13) rotates, an electric charged is induced in the magnets.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly (1) is rotatably installed on a platform such that it can be automatically, electronically or manually positioned to face into the wind.
According to the present invention, the assembly (1) is preferably made of substantially rigid but lightweight materials, such as metallic materials (aluminum, zinc, stainless steel and/or others, as well as combinations thereof), hardened polymers, composite materials, and/or the like, whereas other components thereof according to the present invention, in order to achieve the resulting advantages briefly discussed herein (ex. easy rotation, lightweight, low cost, etc.), can be made of a polymeric material (plastic, rubber, etc.), and/or the like, depending on the particular applications for which the assembly (1) is intended for and the different parameters in cause (wind speeds, ambient environment, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Furthermore, the present invention is a substantial improvement over the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, the assembly (1) is simple and easy to operate, as well as is simple and easy to manufacture and/or assemble, without compromising the reliability of its functions. Hence, it may now be appreciated that the present invention represents important advantages over other wind turbines known in the prior art, in that the assembly (1) according to the present invention enables the generation of electrical power in a plurality of environments at relatively low wind speeds, due namely to its simple but innovative assembly components, as briefly explained hereinabove.
Indeed, contrary to the devices of the prior art, the present assembly (1) can be operated at wind speeds as low as about 0.5 m/s compared with wind speeds of at least about 5 m/s for conventional wind turbines because the enclosed inlet (9) augments the speed of the airflow for treatment by the rotor (13), as well as because of the starter motor which can provide an initial impulse rotation to the rotor (13). The ability to operate at such low wind speeds enables the assembly (1) to be used in many different locales where wind speeds are lower and/or highly variable. As but one example, and as discussed above, the assembly (1) can be of a small enough size to be installed onto a corner of a building, or in a chimney chute, so as to capture unused wind and/or heat energy in these locations. Furthermore, the assembly (1) reduces the inherent friction that can afflict conventional devices because the shaft (45) is coupled relatively directly to the generator (23), and does not depend on gear reduction to generate electricity.
Moreover, the ability to operate at such low wind speeds enables the assembly (1) to be operated near areas of high energy consumption such as cities or major industrial installations, thus reducing the power losses associated with electrical power transmission over long distances as is common with the devices known in the art. Furthermore, the relatively low wind speeds at which the present invention can operate permit the assembly (1) to be much smaller than conventional devices and still produce the same amount of electrical energy, thus providing a significant weight advantage, and further allow for a plurality of assemblies (1) to be installed on an apparatus within near proximity of each other, as illustrated in
The present invention provides yet another advantage because it generates a vortex downstream of the at least one rotor (13), the “heart” or “eye” of said vortex being an area wherein the airflow is calm. The generator (23) can be advantageously situated within said “heart” or “eye” so that its position does not affect or alter the upstream air flow. Moreover, the generator (23) is cooled by being placed in the “heart” or “eye” of the vortex. The present invention is also advantageous, in that, due to its innovative design, the at least one rotor (13) and shaft (45) are capable of rotating at speeds of about 5000 revolutions per minute (RPM) and higher, compared to a maximum rotational speed of about 1440 RPM for a generator of conventional systems known in the art, thus enabling the present invention to generate a greater amount of electrical energy when compared to those conventional systems.
The present invention provides numerous advantages over those systems known in the art, namely in terms of being less harmful to the environment, and being better adapted to operate in cold-climate conditions. First, the preferred screen (75) can be electrified to generate a suitable electromagnetic field about the enclosed inlet (9) in order to prevent or at the very least deter animals (ex. birds) from approaching the assembly (1), or entering the enclosed inlet (9), unlike wide-span rotors of conventional systems which are known to harm birds and/or adversely affect their migratory activities. Secondly, the present invention's rotor (13) is encased within the enclosed casing (5) which prevents birds or other animals from impacting the rotor (13). Finally, the preferred screen (75) can be heated, which provides two advantages over those systems known in the art: first, the heating of the screen (75) allows the present invention to operate in cold weather climates by preventing ice or snow accumulation, and second, the heating of the screen (75) increases the energy of the airflow as it enters the enclosed inlet (9), thus optimizing the desired aerodynamic properties of the airflow and permitting maximum electrical energy extraction. Heating of the screen (75) could be conveniently done by using electricity drawn from the assembly (1) and/or, if need may be, by an auxiliary feeding system which would power the electrified screen (75).
The present invention is also advantageous in that it comprises the casing (5) which eliminates the acoustic and visual pollution associated with conventional devices, further permitting the assembly (1) to be operated near areas of high energy consumption. Moreover, energy generated according to the present invention is non-polluting in that it does not require the combustion of fossil fuels. This provides numerous advantages in that it reduces emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere and helps countries and industries meet their legal commitments in this regard while promoting sustainable industry at the same time. It further reduces the need to “scrub” emissions from fossil-fuel burning electrical generators, and permits the present invention to be operated near populous cities and towns, areas of high energy consumption, without affecting the air quality for the inhabitants of these cities and towns.
The present invention is also advantageous for its simplicity of design. The limited number of components (i.e. rotor (13), a deflector (49), a shaft (45)) eliminate the need for a transmission system, thus reducing the complexity, weight and expensive maintenance associated with the conventional devices known in the art. Maintenance is further reduced because of the presence of sensors (85) for determining the alignment of the shaft (45) and/or other components or characteristics, said sensors (85) alerting a technician to potential issues. Further aiding maintenance is the use of a sleeve (71), which allows a generator (23) to be changed and/or replaced without having to dismantle all the components of the assembly (1), and which is capable of neutralizing the electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic effects of the generator (23). Moreover, the present invention does not employ brakes to reduce the speed of the rotor blades as is done with conventional devices so as to preserve their structural integrity, as known in the art, thus further reducing weight, cost and complexity. Instead, the present invention employs shutters (47) or other like devices to control or reduce the airflow entering the enclosed inlet (9), said like devices presenting advantages such as easy installation and operation, and very low maintenance costs.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laser alignment system for facilitating and monitoring the alignment of the turbine in relation to other components, and for alerting a technician when said alignment deviates a given amount.
As just a simple illustration of the advantages the present invention provides with respect to cost, a typical wind turbine system known in the art uses more than about 10,000 components whereas the present invention contains less than about 1,000 components. Yet another advantage of the simplicity of the present invention is that it can be manufactured for industrial-sized generation or for individual or private electrical generation (also known as “micro-electrification”), thus rendering the present invention “scalable” and accessible to every segment of the population and to large and small industry. The low cost associated with the present invention enables many assemblies (1) to be installed for the price of a single conventional system while still generating more electrical energy than conventional devices, thus permitting excess generating capacity to be stored or sold for profit.
Furthermore, the present invention is an innovative and a showcase environmental technology which may lead to the creation of highly-skilled employment for thousands of individuals whether in construction, transportation of components, installation, design, mounting of transmission lines, etc. It further presents advantages for those parts of the world where electrical power generation is unreliable and also complements existing electrical power generators which can be used as back-ups when, in the rare cases where wind speeds are too low, the present invention does not generate electrical power. The present invention also easily integrates into the existing electrical energy transmission infrastructure. Based on a study conducted by a collaborator of the Applicant of the present patent application, the present invention reduces the cost of producing electrical energy in the order of about 20% to 25%. With only slight modifications, the encased turbine (1) can be used as an encased or uncased hydraulic turbine (1) in a water environment. Further modeling suggests that the assembly (1) according to the present invention can produce up to 10 times the amount of energy of a typical wind turbine for a given windspeed, and this with the (assembly) being 10 times less voluminous because certain components are eliminated that generate losses (ex. the gear-augmentation from a low-rpm high-torque rotation to a high-rpm low torque generator, etc.).
Furthermore, the assembly (1) according to the present invention is an “upwind” type because the wind hits the inlet (9) before the rotor (13), in contrast to a “downwind” where air is sucked into the inlet because of a vacuum created downstream of the outlet. The assembly (1) is also known as a “direct-drive” assembly (1), which advantageously results in high-rpm at the generator (23).
The starter motor also advantageously cooperates with the assembly (1) so as to kick-start the rotor (13) by inducing a current and/or voltage into the generator/motor so as to provide an initial rotational force when airspeeds are below a certain threshold speed, and for being de-activated when airspeeds are above the threshold speed.
Furthermore, the mounting of an assembly (1) to a moving vehicle can advantageously supplement the supply of electricity to the vehicle. Conventional emergency use devices such as these produce 0.2 W for a 7″ diameter device, whereas the assembly (1) can produce about 1.8 W for a 6″ diameter device, and it can be installed in a place where drag is not a concern or has already been generated by upstream components (i.e. where wind is wasted).
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/CA11/01341 | 12/12/2011 | WO | 00 | 9/12/2013 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61421703 | Dec 2010 | US | |
61540257 | Sep 2011 | US |