ES1312006U - Wind generator - Google Patents

Abstract

Wind generator, with a vertical axis, with blades that can be oriented according to the direction of the wind, which allow the use of wind forces of any intensity, characterized by consisting of a support base (1), a rotating main mast (2), a supporting structure (3), integral with the main mast (2), a group of flat blades, equipped with rods with a counterweight pad, which are self-orienting and rotating according to a vertical axis parallel to the virtual axis of the main mast (2), a group of electrical generation, transmission, regulation (7) and a perimeter enclosure (5).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Wind generator

Technical object of the invention

The present invention relates to a vertical axis wind generator, which is characterised by having a group of self-orienting blades. Its design allows the use of wind forces of any intensity. Although this document refers to a four-blade project, the invention can be developed for generators with three, four or even six blades. The wind energy received by the axis is transmitted to a conventional generator, according to the current state of the art, which is complemented with a speed regulator to avoid possible moments of excessive speed due to overshoot. It can also be completed with accumulator batteries for the use of energy when deemed appropriate.

Sector of the technique to which the invention relates

The invention presented affects the Mechanics Section of the International Patent Classification (IPC), chapter on Motors and Pumps in the section concerning Wind or Hydraulic Motors, affecting from the industrial point of view, the manufacture of special generators that take advantage of renewable energies.

Background of the invention

A large number of horizontal and vertical axis wind turbines are known with different engine technologies and rotor and blade types. As for vertical axis wind turbines, there are several precedents with one or more rotors, rotor blades that can be moved in height, blades with optimized orientation, variable structure wind turbines, multiplier devices, equipment with permanent magnets, start-up regulators in light winds and many others.

The same can be said of horizontal axis turbines, which are the most widely used in wind power plants today, with highly developed technology despite their large size. In some cases, they are the subject of harsh criticism from environmentalists who oppose the visual deterioration of the natural landscape.

However, devices based on vertical axis wind turbines with self-orienting flat blades have not been developed, as conceived by the inventor of the present proposal, which constitutes a novelty in this field of technology, with the corresponding advantages over existing wind turbines, especially those related to operation with variable intensity winds.

Summary description of the invention

As indicated at the beginning of the document, the invention relates to a vertical-axis wind generator with self-orienting blades, designed to operate, like any other, with winds of variable intensity and also with low intensity winds, making it very appropriate for installation on terraces of private homes, rural properties and other places far from urban centres where it is difficult and expensive to obtain electricity from the general grid.

This is a wind generator that is very economical to build, simple and easy to install anywhere as it is relatively small in size.

The following parts are distinguished in the device of the invention:

- Support base

- Main mast

- Supporting structure

- Shovels

- Rods with counterweight pads

- Electric generator

- Transmission elements

- Speed regulator

- Perimeter protection fence

The support base is where the entire device sits.

The main mast is the rotating axial element that is attached, at its lower part, to the support base with a set of bearings that keep it firmly vertical. In large generators, bearings are installed both at the lower part and at the upper part using a suitable external structure. This system of fastening the main mast ensures much better the verticality and stability of the virtual axis of rotation. It must be taken into account that the stresses to which said mast is subjected are always very significant, but especially in strong winds.

The supporting structure is a non-deformable structure that supports the blade system and is connected in its central part to the main mast.

The blades are the fundamental parts of the device of the invention. They are rigid plates of little thickness, substantially flat, with rounded perimeter edges. A very important part of the blades is their vertical axis of rotation, parallel to the virtual axis of the main mast. They are supported by bronze or ball bearings to achieve a rotation with minimum friction, being equipped with respective rods with counterweight pads that, in addition to counterbalancing the centrifugal force of the blade's rotation, define a limiting rotation position for each blade when it passes from its active position to the passive position. The weight of each blade is equal to the sum of the weight of the rod plus its corresponding pad.

The rest of the aforementioned elements are certainly very important, but they will not be discussed here because they do not characterize the invention. The electric generator, the transmission elements and the speed regulator are elements that are well known according to the current state of the art and as for the perimeter protection fence, it is an indispensable element from the point of view of the safety of people who wander around the vicinity of the wind generator.

In the drawings section included below, as an inseparable part of the document, the solution conceived by the inventor is shown schematically, without prejudice to the possibility of introducing small modifications that do not alter the essence of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Seven figures are included, which are considered sufficient for the correct interpretation of the invention. This document refers to a four-blade generator, but the number of blades may be different.

Figure 1

This figure schematically represents the top view of the wind generator. The following elements have been highlighted:

1. - Support base

2. - Main mast

3. - Supporting structure

4.1. - Shovel 1

4.1.1. - First blade axis

4.1.2. - Rod with first counterweight pad

4.2. - Shovel 2

4.2.1. - Second blade shaft

4.2.2. - Rod with second counterweight pad

4.3. - Shovel 3

4.3.1. - Third blade shaft

4.3.2. - Rod with third counterweight pad

4.4. - Shovel 4

4.4.1. - Quarter blade shaft

4.4.2. - Rod with fourth counterweight pad

5. - Perimeter fencing

6. - Wind vector direction

Figure 2

It shows the side view of the wind generator. The only active blade is blade 1, as its surface is oriented perpendicular to the wind direction. The other blades are inactive as they are oriented in the same direction as the wind.

7. - Electric generation, transmission, regulation group

Figure 3

This figure shows the wind generator, in top view, in which a rotation of angle alpha has been recorded. The starting position is represented by a dotted line that coincides with that shown in figure 1. The case of blade 2 is critical and requires special attention. It can be observed that it has experienced a 180 degree rotation, passing from an inactive position to another also inactive position because they are oriented in the same direction of the wind. Figures 5, 6 and 7 justify this rotation.

8. - Angle "a" of rotation

Figure 4

This figure shows a side view of the previous figure. The first and fourth blades are in the active position and the second and fourth blades are in the passive position, functioning as weather vanes, orienting themselves in the same direction as the wind.

Figure 5

This is a partial top view of the generator showing the initial and momentary position of blade 2, as well as the direction of the wind vector.

Figure 6

This is the partial top view of the generator showing the position of blade 2 when a small turn has been recorded. It is indicated that the wind vector is broken down into a vector F1 oriented in the direction of blade 2 and into another small vector F2 which causes the start of the turning of blade 2.

9. - F1. Wind vector component in the direction of blade 2

10. - F2. Wind vector component perpendicular to blade 2

Figure 7

It is the partial top view that shows the turning of blade 2 from its initial position in a dotted line to its final position in the direction of the wind vector, that is, starting to function as a weather vane.

Detailed explanation of an embodiment of the invention

Wind generator (Figs. 1 to 7), consisting of a wind generator with a vertical axis, with the property of having a group of self-orienting blades. To simplify the description, we will refer to a four-blade generator, which is the one represented in the figures, but the number of blades is not decisive, since the inventor does not rule out other numbers, preferably from three to six.

In an embodiment preferred by its inventor, it has, as its most important components, a support base (1), a main mast (2), a supporting structure (3), a group of blades (4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4) and a group that includes the electric generator, with its transmissions and regulation elements (7). The set is complemented by a perimeter protection fence (5).

The support base (1) can be at ground level, on a roof, on a terrace or at a higher height for better wind capture depending on the location chosen for the wind turbine. The main mast (2), which rotates by means of one or more bearings, is inserted into said support base (1). Given that the height of the mast (2) can be quite large, an alternative solution has also been provided in which the main mast (2) has another upper support equipped with the corresponding bearings. In this way, a firm hold of the virtual axis of rotation is ensured, avoiding possible vibrations at high rotation speeds.

The main mast (2) is the one that supports the supporting structure (3) which can be of any type based on interconnected bars and rings forming a rigid structure capable of withstanding the strong stresses that will be received through the blades.

The blades 1, 2, 3 and 4 with references (4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4) are the fundamental elements of the invention, being made of rigid material and having a flat shape of little thickness with rounded edges. Each blade is related to the supporting structure (3) by means of a vertical axis of rotation which, as can be observed in (Figs. 1 and 2), has a determined reference.

Thus, the axis of blade 1 (4.1) has been assigned the reference (4.1.1). For greater clarity, an enlarged view of the area where the axis of the first blade (4.1.1) is located is included, applying the same solution to the rest of the blades (4.2, 4.3 and 4.4) whose axes have been referenced as (4.2.1,4.3.1 and 4.4.1), respectively.

On the other hand, each of the blades is provided with a rod with a counterweight pad that has been referenced in the same way, that is to say, the blades (4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4) have respectively, the rods with counterweight pads (4.1.2, 4.2.2, 4.3.2 and 4.4.2). Each rod is inserted into the corresponding blade forming a solid assembly, having at its end a pad in the form of a small ovoid, as shown in (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4). The weight of each blade is identical to the sum of the weights of each rod with its corresponding pad. That is to say, it is a balanced assembly with respect to its axis of rotation, of which technically they behave according to what is known as indifferent equilibrium. That is to say, they can remain in any position if they do not receive external requests that in the case of the invention are specified in the wind and in elements of the supporting structure. The blade-rod/pad assembly behaves like a weather vane, always orienting itself in the direction of the wind, unless prevented from doing so by the structure itself acting as a stop. When the centrifugal forces generated in the turns are balanced, it can be seen that the turns of the blades and pads are limited to a maximum of 180 sexagesimal degrees, as shown in (Figs. 1, 3, 6 and 7) because a situation is always reached in which, either the blade or the pad, suffer the interposition of elements of the supporting structure (3) that act as a stop.

As for the electric generator, with its transmissions and regulating elements (7), we will not dwell on its description since any of the solutions well known in the current state of the art are applicable.

The same can be said regarding the perimeter fence (5), whose function is to provide security for professionals or operators who, for whatever reason, have to approach the wind generator, since, when in full operation, it poses a serious danger to the integrity of people.

Once this part has been described, referring to the elements that make up the device of the invention, we will enter into the essential part of said invention which is its mode of operation.

In (Fig.1), where the four blades are represented and also the direction of the wind vector (6), it can be observed that the only active blade is the first blade (4.1) where the wind vector (6) strikes perpendicularly to it. It cannot rotate on its axis (4.1.1) because the blade (4.1) itself is in contact with elements of the supporting structure (3). Therefore, the effect of the wind (6), on the blade (4.1), is to make the wind generator rotate, clockwise, on the virtual vertical axis of the main mast (2).

The second blade (4.2) is in unstable equilibrium, but, in principle, the wind (6) does not affect it because it blows in a direction parallel to the plane of said blade. The third blade (4.3) is able to rotate in any direction on its axis (4.3.1), since there is nothing to prevent it from doing so. Its maximum counter-clockwise rotation would be 90 sexagesimal degrees because the blade (4.3) would make contact with the structure and its maximum clockwise rotation would also be 90 sexagesimal degrees because the pad would make contact with the structure. However, since there is the effect of the wind vector (6), the third blade (4.3) is forced to behave like a weather vane, that is, to orient itself in the direction of the wind. Finally, the fourth blade (4.4) cannot turn counterclockwise, as it is prevented from doing so by the supporting structure (3) and it cannot turn clockwise either because the wind vector (6) forces it to stay in that direction, that is, it acts as a weather vane with movement restricted by the supporting structure (3).

In summary, what happens, at the instant represented in (Figs. 1 and 2), is that the second, third and fourth blades (4.2, 4.3 and 4.4), are in a passive position and do not contribute anything to the wind turbine that rotates on the axis of the mast (2) thanks to the first blade (4.1), the only one in an active position.

If we now turn to (Figs. 3 and 4) where it is shown that the wind turbine has rotated through an angle "a" (8), we observe the following. (To facilitate understanding, the initial position has been represented in dotted lines).

The first blade (4.1) remains in the active position and cannot move because the wind vector (6) presses it against the supporting structure (3).

The second blade (4.2) is in a passive position and oriented by the weather vane effect, but has undergone a significant change as it has rotated, on its own axis (4.2.1), through an angle of 180 degrees. The reason for this change is explained in later paragraphs.

The third blade (4.3) remains in a passive position, behaving according to the weather vane effect, that is, it self-orients in the direction of the wind vector (6).

The fourth blade (4.4) has changed to an active position, being pressed and immobilized against the supporting structure (3) by the wind vector (6).

In summary, at the instant represented in (Figs. 3 and 4) the blades (4.1) and (4.4) are active, generating energy and the blades (4.2) and (4.3) are passive, behaving like weather vanes.

The important moment, when the change of orientation of the second blade (4.2) occurs, is represented in (Figs. 5, 6 and 7) which show partial views of the wind turbine in the surroundings of said blade.

In (Fig. 5) the second blade (4.2) is shown in a position that we have previously described as "unstable" because, although it is true that it cannot rotate anti-clockwise because it is prevented from doing so by the supporting structure (3), it is no less true that any lateral thrust can cause the blade (4.2) to begin rotating on its axis (4.2.1) clockwise. At the moment this does not happen because the wind vector (6) blows parallel to the plane of the second blade (4.2) but we insist that the situation is critical.

In (Fig. 6) a moment is shown when the wind turbine has turned a small angle, driven by the first blade (4.1), the only active blade, as described in previous paragraphs. On the right side of said (Fig. 6) the diagram of the vectorial decomposition of the wind vector (6) has been represented. It can be seen that the wind vector (6), in that position, is decomposed into a vector F1 (9), in the direction of the plane of the second blade (4.2) and into another vector F2 (10) in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said second blade. This small vector F2 (10), is sufficient to break the "unstable" equilibrium of the second blade, to which we have referred before and, consequently, a clockwise rotation is initiated as hinted in (Fig. 6).

The final state of blade 2 after completing the rotation on its axis (4.2.1) is shown in (Fig. 7). In the event of a very vigorous rotation, there is a limit of 180 degrees which is ensured by the contact of the second counterweight rod and pad (4.2.2) with the supporting structure (3). From that moment on, for the reasons stated above, the second blade becomes passive, behaving like a weather vane. For very violent rotations, depending on the strength of the wind, the blades are balanced with their counterweight rods and pads, dampening the centrifugal forces generated.

It is understood that what has been said for a small turn is accentuated as the turn of the wind turbine becomes greater because the vector F2 (10) increases in intensity, which guarantees the change of orientation of the second blade (4.2).

It is also understood that what has been described, in reference to the behavior of the second blade, is valid for all the blades of the wind turbine that, successively, pass through that high point that has served to explain the behavior of a specific blade.

This enables the wind generator to rotate continuously with the intervention of its self-orienting blades, which change from active to passive situations. In the case of the four-blade generator, there are always two passive and two active blades that exert a greater or lesser thrust depending on their angle of orientation with respect to the wind vector.

A very important advantage of the wind turbine of the invention is that it is always well positioned, whatever the direction of the wind, which is not the case with most wind generators that must modify the orientation of their head depending on the direction of the wind.

It is not considered necessary to extend the content of this description in order for an expert in the field to be able to understand the scope and advantages derived from the invention, as well as develop and put into practice the object thereof. However, it must be understood that the invention has been described according to a preferred embodiment thereof, so it may be susceptible to modifications provided that this does not affect or imply any alteration of the basis of said invention. That is to say, the terms in which this preferred description of the invention has been set forth should always be taken in a broad and non-limiting manner.

Claims (4)

1. Wind generator, with a vertical axis, with blades that can be oriented according to the direction of the wind, which allow the use of wind forces of any intensity, characterized by consisting of a support base (1), a rotating main mast (2), a supporting structure (3), integral with the main mast (2), a group of flat blades, equipped with rods with a counterweight pad, which are self-orienting and rotating according to a vertical axis parallel to the virtual axis of the main mast (2), a group of electrical generation, transmission, regulation (7) and a perimeter enclosure (5). 2. Wind generator, according to the first claim, characterized in that the blades, with their corresponding rods with counterweight pad, have their angle of rotation limited to a maximum value of 180 sexagesimal degrees, due to their constructive arrangement with respect to the supporting structure (3). 3. Wind generator, according to the first and second claims, characterized in that the weight of each blade is identical to the sum of each rod and its corresponding counterweight pad, which serves to compensate for the centrifugal forces generated in the rotation of the blades. 4. Wind generator, according to the first claim, characterized in that the group of blades is preferably formed by a number of three, four, five or six.