Patent Application
20210355909
The present invention relates to wind turbine engines and, more particularly, to turbine engines with a wind trap.
Currently available wind turbines do not trap or compress wind to increase power efficiency. The failure to use wind square footage to increase efficiency and maximize wind force is environmentally wasteful. Moreover, existing wind turbines are very expensive, harm birds, and are limited in location by size.
As can be seen, there is a need for an inexpensive wind turbine with better power efficiency that does not harm birds and can be placed in locations not suitable for current wind turbines.
The inventive wind turbine apparatus guides wind through a wind trap to the turbine. In many cases, wind enters the wind trap through an intake boundary having, e.g., a surface area of about 100 square feet (sq. ft.) and is compressed, entering the turbine drum by way of a port having, e.g., a boundary surface area of about 10 sq. ft. In other words, the air is compressed by ten times or more, increasing the force on the turbine. Moreover, the inventive turbine may float on magnets within its frame, reducing friction. The increased force on the turbine and the lack of friction maximizes energy conversion. The inventive wind turbine may be geared for maximum drive speed. The increase in energy conversion renders the invention particularly environment friendly.
The wind trap and the turbine generally have no external moving parts to kill birds. The inventive apparatus may be made in many sizes, strengths, and/or shapes and takes up less area than a conventional turbine, allowing the apparatus to be installed anywhere with wind, in all terrain, wherever an axle drive may be needed. The inventive wind turbine may be relatively cheap in comparison to existing wind turbines, allowing the operator to make money selling electricity.
In one aspect of the present invention, a wind turbine engine is provided comprising a turbine drum comprising turbine blades extending therefrom, operative to rotate a vertical shaft centrally positioned therein; and a wind funnel with airflow chambers, each said airflow chamber having sidewalls forming an external cross-sectional area and an internal cross-sectional area, wherein the external cross-sectional area is greater than the internal cross-sectional area and wherein the airflow chambers are operative to conduct external air to the turbine blades and to increase air pressure at the turbine blades as compared to ambient air pressure by a predetermined ratio.
In another aspect of the present invention, a wind funnel for compressing air entering a wind turbine is provided, comprising: at least one airflow chamber having sidewalls forming an external cross-sectional area and an internal cross-sectional area, wherein the external cross-sectional area is greater than the internal cross-sectional area and wherein the airflow chambers are operative to conduct external air to the wind turbine and to increase air pressure at the wind turbine as compared to ambient air pressure by a predetermined ratio.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a wind turbine engine provided with a wind funnel configured to compress incoming wind so that air enters the turbine at a pressure substantially higher than standard atmospheric pressure. The inventive apparatus produces power without harming the environment.
As used herein, the term “engine” means an apparatus that derives energy from wind.
The inventive wind turbine may be built to the needs of the location and terrain and may be erected outside or inside a structure, including on top of or inside a building, boats, cars, trucks, trains, motor homes, etc. The apparatus may be used with any machine or device that can use axle drive to power, such as to produce power for ac/dc power plants (i.e., electric power plants) or generators, to turn mills, to power water pumps, and combinations thereof. The wind turbine may be adapted to industry system water needs, etc.
Within the identified region, the turbine is preferably erected in an area with the most dependable wind patterns. In some cases, an upper funnel housing platform (turret) of the wind turbine may turn into the wind to obtain the full wind force, e.g., with a small sleeve gear. For example, the rotatable housing or turret may turn between about 35° and about 60°, such as between about 45° and about 50°, preferably no more than about 45°, to obtain maximum wind flow into the funnel, maximizing force.
The wind funnel includes at least one airflow chamber, such as about four airflow chambers, operative to conduct external air to the turbine. Each airflow chamber has sidewalls forming an external cross-sectional area and an internal cross-sectional area. increase air pressure compared to ambient air pressure by a predetermined ratio. In embodiments having a sleeve encircling the turbine drum, the sleeve may have ports and each chamber may align with one of the sleeve ports.
As wind enters the funnels, the turbine generally spins a large gear that drives a small gear and an axle that is connected to a receiving apparatus, such as an ac/dc power plant. The axle is generally operative to power the receiving apparatus.
The wind turbine is generally supported by an axle or shaft that, in some cases, may be stabilized by several shaft stabilizers or wheels. For example, the wind turbine may have a centrally positioned vertical shaft therein. Preferably, a friction resistant mat is positioned between an upper platform and a lower platform supporting the turbine drum.
In some embodiments, the shape and height of the wind trap are characterized by dimensions providing a ratio of area of a face port to a turbine port of at least about 10 to 1, compressing the air about 10 or more times, thereby increasing the wind pressure by about 10 to 1 from the funnel entrance to the blade traps. The ratio may be achieved, for example, by providing upper, lower, left, and/or right guide panels positioned at a predetermined angle.
The wind trap or funnel may be manufactured from any suitable materials. Preferably the panels of the wind funnel are manufactured from friction-resistant materials to lessen stress on panels under high winds. The length of each wind funnel blade may vary from the other panels such that each panel is adapted to the dimensions of the portion of the wind funnel in which it is placed. For example, two center blades may have a length greater than two peripheral blades. Generally, although not intending to be limiting, the wind funnel blades may be positioned equidistant within the funnel port or entry. All parts may be weatherproofed and may be manufactured of rust resistant material. In some embodiments, cables may connect the lower platform to ground weights. A cross cable may be provided in front of the funnel to open the guide panels. Concrete moorings may be provided in some cases for heavy duty operation. Crosscut turbine traps and funnel panels may be provided, for example, in 1-foot sections.
The wind turbine and funnel may be mobile and may be cheap and easy to install. The apparatus may be transported as a kit with assembly on site or it may be preassembled, either as a complete unit or in sections small enough to fit through doorways or elevators, i.e., turbine, housing, funnels, platforms, etc.
In some embodiments, lights may be added to discourage birds from landing on the apparatus at night and to discourage owls during the daytime.
In some embodiments, the wind turbine may be levitated, i.e., a floated drum and a stabilized axle, to maximize efficiency. Preferably, the turbine may be levitated magnetically, e.g., with magnetic plates, collars, and/or cylinders. Alternatively, the wind turbine may be supported on rollers or ball bearings or may float in a tub containing fluid such as water or oil. This minimizes friction to the turbine and axle.
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It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/704,555, filed May 15, 2020, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62704555 | May 2020 | US |
