JP7514506B2 - Wind turbine structure for wind power generation - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wind turbine structure for wind power generation.

In recent years, interest in wind power generation has been growing due to environmental and safety issues. A vertical-axis, vertical-blade type wind turbine is known as a wind turbine for such wind power generation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a blade support structure for a vertical-axis, vertical-blade type wind turbine.
This vertical-axis, vertical-blade type wind turbine does not need to control the direction of the turbine depending on the wind direction, and can rotate regardless of the wind direction. It also has the advantage that the rotational energy transmission mechanism can be made simple even if a heavy generator or the like is installed near the ground. On the other hand, the vertical-axis, vertical-blade type wind turbine has the problem that it requires a large amount of energy to start rotation compared to a horizontal-axis type wind turbine.

Research is therefore being conducted into wind-collecting mechanisms that can efficiently collect wind on vertical-axis, vertical-wing type wind turbines.
Patent Document 2 discloses a wind collecting device that includes an upper wind collecting plate provided on the upper side of a vertical axis wind turbine, a lower wind collecting plate provided on the lower side of the vertical axis wind turbine, and an outer periphery wind collecting plate provided on the outer periphery of the vertical axis wind turbine. The upper wind collecting plate and the lower wind collecting plate are inclined up and down so that the gap between them decreases from the outside to the inside of the wind turbine. The outer periphery wind collecting plates are provided radially at equal intervals from the wind turbine. In other words, they are arranged so that the gap between adjacent outer periphery wind collecting plates decreases from the outside to the inside of the wind turbine. Thus, Patent Document 1 discloses a wind collecting device in which wind lens type wind collecting mechanisms that collect wind at the inlet and diffuse the wind at the outlet are provided radially at 90 degree intervals.
Non-Patent Document 1 reports that when a vertically extending, flat-plate-shaped appendage is installed upstream of a wind turbine, it is possible to obtain greater output than with a so-called wind lens type wind-collecting mechanism.

International Publication WO2003/067079 JP 2017-15094 A

"Research on Improving the Power Generation Performance of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines by Using Peripheral Additions" / Koichi Watanabe, Kyushu University Academic Information Repository, January 2017 (http://doi.org/10.15017/1807033)

However, the wind collecting device of Patent Document 2 has wind lens type wind collecting mechanisms arranged radially at 90 degree intervals, but natural wind blows from all directions. In this case, the efficiency differs depending on whether each wind collecting mechanism receives the wind directly in front of it or not. Non-Patent Document 1 examines the wind collecting effect for wind from one direction.
An object of the present invention is to provide a wind turbine structure for wind power generation that can efficiently receive wind blowing from any direction.

The wind turbine structure for wind power generation of the present invention comprises a vertical-axis, vertical-blade wind turbine and a wind collecting device, the wind collecting device having a wind deflector that is positioned upstream of the wind turbine to guide the wind to the wind turbine, and the wind deflector is rotatable around the axis of the wind turbine.
By making the wind vane that guides wind to the wind turbine rotatable about the axis of the wind turbine in this manner, wind blowing from any direction can be efficiently guided to the wind turbine.

In the wind turbine structure for wind power generation of the present invention, the wind direction plate is a flat plate extending in the vertical direction, and the wind direction plate has a frame body and a plate main body housed within the frame body, and it is preferable that the plate main body is a solar panel.
In the wind turbine structure for wind power generation of the present invention, the wind direction vane is a flat plate extending in the vertical direction, and the wind direction vane comprises a frame body and a plate main body housed within the frame body, and it is preferable that the plate main body is rotatable.

In the wind turbine structure for wind power generation of the present invention, the wind collector includes a support member that connects the wind direction plate and the wind turbine, and the support member preferably includes a rotating part that is rotatably supported by the wind turbine and a connecting arm that extends from the rotating part to the wind direction plate.

In the wind turbine structure for wind power generation of the present invention, the wind turbine has a frame and an impeller supported by the frame, and the wind direction vane is preferably rotatably supported by the frame.

The wind turbine structure of the present invention has high rotation efficiency because it can efficiently guide natural wind into the wind turbine.

1a to 1c are a front view, a side view, and a plan view, respectively, showing an embodiment of a wind turbine structure for wind power generation according to the present invention. 2a and 2b are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of a wind turbine having a wind turbine structure, Figs. 2c, d, and e are a front view, a plan view, and a cross-sectional view along line A-A, respectively, of a wind turbine frame, and Figs. 2f, g, and h are a plan view, a side view, and a schematic diagram of a rotation surface, respectively, of an impeller of the wind turbine. 3a to 3c are a front view, a side view, and a plan view, respectively, of a wind collector having a windmill structure. 4a to 4c are a front view, a side view, and a plan view, respectively, showing the state when the solar panel of the wind direction plate of the wind collecting device is rotated by 90 degrees. 5a to 5e are drawings showing other embodiments. 6a and 6b are a side view and a plan view, respectively, showing another embodiment, and FIGS. 6c and 6d are plan views, respectively, showing another embodiment.

The wind turbine structure 1 in Figures 1a, b, and c has a vertical axis lift type wind turbine 100 and a wind collector 200. The wind turbine 100 has an impeller 20 supported by a frame 10, and the wind collector 200 has a wind vane 210 that is positioned upstream of the wind turbine 100 and guides the wind to the wind turbine 100. The wind vane 210 is connected to the wind turbine 100 so as to be rotatable around the axis of the wind turbine 100. By connecting this wind turbine structure 1 to a generator, it can be used as a wind power generation device.

As shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the wind turbine 100 has a frame 10 and an impeller 20 that is rotatably attached to the frame.

As shown in Figures 2c, 2d and 2e, the frame 10 has three pillars 11 extending in the vertical direction and two annular connecting members 12 connecting the pillars at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.
The connecting member 12 includes a boss 13, three spokes 14 extending radially from the boss 13, and a ring 15 connecting the ends of the spokes 14. The boss 13 is provided with bearings 13a that rotatably support the impeller 20. The connecting members 12 are disposed at the upper end and middle of the pillar 11 so that the bearings 13a face each other. In other words, the impeller 20 is housed between the two connecting members 12 while the upper part is open. In addition, a support shaft 50 that rotatably supports the wind collecting device 200 described later is provided on the upper surface of the boss 13 of the upper connecting member 12.

As shown in Figures 2f, g, and h, the impeller 20 comprises a rotating shaft 21 that extends vertically, support arms 22 that extend radially from the rotating shaft 21, and vertical blades 23 that are fixed to the ends of the support arms. The rotating shaft 21, support arms 22, and vertical blades 23 are integrated. The rotating shaft 21 is supported by bearings 13a of the frame 10, and is rotatably attached to the frame 10. The rotational force of the rotating shaft 21 is transmitted to a generator (not shown), thereby forming a wind power generation device.

Three support arms 22 extend radially from the upper and lower parts of the rotating shaft 21. However, the number of support arms 22 is not particularly limited.
The vertical blades 23 are supported by upper and lower support arms 22, and three of them are provided parallel to the rotation shaft 21. The number of the vertical blades 23 is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, two to six, and more preferably two to three. The shape of the vertical blades is not particularly limited as long as the resultant force of the forces generated in the vertical blades provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction generates a clockwise (M direction in Fig. 2h) or counterclockwise moment when viewed from above when the wind turbine receives wind perpendicular to the axis of the wind turbine.
In this specification, the width D of the impeller refers to the diameter of the surface of rotation of the vertical blades, and the height H of the impeller refers to the height of the vertical blades.

As shown in Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c, the wind collecting device 200 has a flat wind direction plate 210 and a support member 220 that supports the wind direction plate 210 rotatably relative to the frame. The upper part of the wind turbine 100 is open.

The wind direction vane 210 is a flat plate that is placed upstream of the wind turbine to guide the wind to the wind turbine. It is rectangular and made up of a frame 211 and a solar panel 212 fitted into the frame, and has a window 215 in the center. The wind direction vane 210 is placed so as to extend vertically.
The frame 211 has a left frame 211a, a right frame 211b, an upper frame 211c, a lower frame 211d, and a window 215 surrounded by these frames. Bearings 217 are provided at the center of the inside of the left and right frames of each frame except the lower frame 211d, as shown by dotted lines. Bearings (not shown) are provided at the lower ends of the inside of the left and right frames of the lower frame 211d. Wheels 218 are provided at the lower end of the lower frame 211d. Circular rails 250 may be provided as shown by imaginary lines in FIG. 3c.
The solar panel 212 has a left panel 212a attached to the left frame 211a, a right panel 212b attached to the right frame 211b, an upper panel 212c attached to the upper frame 211c, and a lower panel 212d attached to the lower frame 211d. Axles (not shown) that are inserted into bearings of each frame are provided protruding from the center of both sides of each panel except the lower panel 212d (see the left frame 211a in FIG. 3d). The lower panel 212d has axles (not shown) at the bottom ends on both sides.

Since the solar panels 212 of the wind direction plate 210 are configured in this way, as shown in Figures 4a to 4c, each panel 212a to 212d can rotate around the axis of each panel, which is parallel to the horizontal axis, with respect to each frame 211a to 211d. L1, L2, and L3 in Figure 4b show the rotation trajectories of the panels 212a, 212c, and 212d, respectively. Since it is configured in this way, when the wind is stopped or the wind is not blowing sufficiently, each panel can be rotated to face the sun, making it possible to generate power using solar energy. Furthermore, in the event of a storm, each panel can be made horizontal (perpendicular to the wind) to prevent the panels from being blown away by the wind or damaged. Note that although each panel is here made rotatable around a horizontal axis, it may also be made rotatable around a vertical axis.

Returning to FIG. 3, the width X of the window 215 is relative to the width D of the impeller, D<X<1.2D, preferably D<X<1.1D, and particularly preferably X≒D (substantially the same). The height Y of the window 205 is relative to the height H of the impeller, H<Y<1.2H, preferably H<Y<1.1H, and particularly preferably Y≒H (substantially the same).

The left frame 211a and the right frame 211b of the frame 211 have the same width X1. The lower limit of the width X1 is 0.5D or more, preferably 0.8D or more, and particularly preferably D or more. This allows the wind to be efficiently guided to the window 215, and prevents turbulent wind that collides with the left and right sides and flows in from the outside of the left or right side from flowing toward the wind turbine. Note that if the width X1 is greater than 2D, the wind collector becomes too large for the wind turbine, which is not preferable.
The height position of the upper frame 211c of the frame 211 is such that the lower end of the upper frame 211c is substantially the same as the upper end of the impeller 20 or the lower end of the upper frame 211c is slightly higher. The lower limit of the height width Y1 of the upper frame 211c is 0.5D or more, preferably 0.8D or more, and particularly preferably D or more. This allows wind to be efficiently guided to the window 215. Note that if the width Y1 is greater than 2D, the wind collector becomes too large compared to the wind turbine, which is not preferable.
The height position of the lower frame 211d of the frame 211 is such that the upper end of the lower frame 211d is substantially the same as the lower end of the impeller 20 or the upper end of the lower frame 211d is slightly lower. The lower limit of the height width Y2 of the lower frame 211d is not particularly limited, but is 0.5D or more, preferably 0.8D or more, and particularly preferably D or more. The upper limit of the width Y2 is 2D or less. It is preferable that the widths of the upper frame 211c and the lower frame 211d of the window 215 are the same.

3c, the support member 220 has a rotating part 221 that rotates about the support shaft 50 of the frame, and a connecting arm 222 that extends from the rotating part 221 to the frame body 211 of the airflow direction plate 210. In this embodiment, a total of four connecting arms 222 are provided.
By this support member 220, the center O of the width of the wind direction vane 210 rotates around the outer periphery of the connecting member 12 of the frame. In other words, by rotating the wind direction vane 210, the wind direction vane 210 can always be positioned upstream of the wind turbine 100. The closer the distance Z is, the better as long as it does not interfere with the rotation of the wind direction vane 210 (see FIG. 3c). On the other hand, if the distance Z is too far, the effect of the wind direction vane 210 as a window is reduced. For example, it is preferable that the distance Z between the wind direction vane 210 and the frame is 0<Z<0.5D, 0<Z<0.2D, particularly 0<Z<0.1D, and substantially Z=0.

The wind turbine structure 1 configured in this manner is used with the wind direction plate 210 in a flat plate shape when the wind is blowing. In other words, the wind direction plate 210 collects the received wind to the window 215. This allows the wind turbine to rotate efficiently. In particular, the wind collecting device 200 can rotate the wind direction plate relative to the frame according to the wind direction, and can position the wind direction plate on the upstream side of the wind turbine. Therefore, wind energy can be efficiently utilized in response to various winds.
On the other hand, when the wind is still or not blowing sufficiently, the wind deflector 210 is rotated around the axis of the wind turbine as shown in Figure 3c so that each solar panel faces the sun, and each panel of the solar panel 212 is rotated around the axis of each frame body 211 as shown in Figure 4b, thereby making it possible to efficiently capture solar energy.
Furthermore, during a windstorm, the entire system can be shut down by leveling each panel (making each panel perpendicular to the wind) to prevent the panels from being blown away or damaged.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.
The wind turbine is not particularly limited in structure as long as it is a vertical-axis, vertical-blade type. For example, it may not have a frame and may be composed of a fixed rotating shaft and an impeller that rotates around the shaft.

The frame of the windmill in the above embodiment is composed of three pillars 11 and two connecting members 12, but the structure is not particularly limited as long as the upper part of the impeller 20 is open and the impeller 20 is supported rotatably. On the other hand, a frame having multiple pillars and connecting the pillars at equal intervals in the circumferential direction is preferable because it maintains strength. For example, as shown in FIG. 5a, a frame 10 having three pillars 11, one connecting member 12, and a bearing 13a at the lower end, or as shown in FIG. 5b, one or more reinforcing rings 70 connected to the pillars 11 may be provided according to the height of the windmill. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5c, multiple impellers 20 may be accommodated vertically. In that case, it is preferable that the connecting members 12a other than the connecting members at the upper and lower ends have bearings on the upper and lower surfaces. Also, for example, the ring 15 of the connecting member 12 may be a regular polygon, not a circle, as long as it is annular.

In the windmill impeller, the rotating shaft and vertical blades are connected by support arms 22, but instead of the support arms 22, horizontal blades that generate upward lift when the impeller 20 rotates may be used. Also, the impeller 20 rotates the rotating shaft 21, but it may also be structured so that it rotates around an axis fixed to the frame.

The wind direction plate of the wind collecting device is not particularly limited as long as it is arranged upstream of the wind with respect to the wind turbine to guide the wind to the wind turbine. For example, as in the wind turbine structure 1A of Figures 6a and 6b, the wind direction plate 210A of the wind collecting device 200A is not provided above and below the wind turbine 100, but consists of a left side plate 210A1 and a right side plate 210A2. In this case, the left side plate 210A1 and the right side plate 210A2 are connected by a support member 220. However, a connection part may be provided between the left side plate 210A1 and the right side plate 210A2. Also, as shown in Figure 5d, the wind direction plate 210C may be provided only below the wind turbine without a plate. And for a multi-stage wind turbine in which the impellers 20 are provided above and below as in Figure 5c, it is preferable to make the wind direction plate 210 multi-stage as well, as shown in Figure 5e. However, it is also possible to provide the upper surface of the wind direction plate only on the top wind turbine, and only the left and right surfaces for the lower wind turbines. Furthermore, as in the wind turbine structure 1B in FIG. 6c and the wind turbine structure 1C in FIG. 6d, the wind direction plates 210B and 210C may be made of a pair of flat plates (210B1 and 210B2) or curved plates (210C1 and 210C2) inclined with respect to the wind direction to increase the density of the wind heading from upstream toward the wind turbine.

In the above embodiment, the frame of the wind direction plate of the wind collecting device is divided into upper, lower, left and right, but the shape of the division is not particularly limited. Also, a solar panel is fitted into each frame, but it is also possible to rotatably fit a solar panel into at least one of the frames, and fix normal panels to the other frames so that they do not rotate. For example, solar panels may be fitted into the left and right frame bodies, and normal panels may be fixed to the upper and lower frame bodies. It is also possible to use normal panels all together without using solar panels. In this case, the normal panels may be fixed or rotatable.

Regarding the support member of the wind collecting device, the structure of the support member is not particularly limited as long as it supports the wind direction plate 210 rotatably relative to the frame 10. For example, the rotating part 221 is supported by the support shaft 50 provided at the upper end of the frame 10, but it may be rotatably supported on the upper surface of the connecting member 12 on the upper side of the frame 10. As one example, it is possible to provide an annular rail on the upper surface of the connecting member 12, and to provide wheels on the lower surface of the rotating part 221 that movably engage with the rail.
In the above embodiment, the support member 220 is provided only on the upper end of the frame, but two or more support members may be attached to sandwich the upper and lower wind turbines. The wind collector may be rotated independently. Furthermore, the frame and the wind collector may be integrated so that they rotate together.

As described above, the windmill structure becomes a wind power generation device when attached to a generator. Although not shown here, by providing a calculation device that calculates the position of the wind vane 210 according to the wind direction and a drive device that rotates the rotating part 221 based on that calculation, it can be operated as a wind power generation device even more efficiently.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Wind turbine structure 10 Frame 11 Pillar 12, 12a Connecting member 13 Boss 13a Bearing 14 Spoke 15 Ring 20 Impeller 21 Rotating shaft 22 Support arm 23 Vertical blade 50 Support shaft 70 Reinforcement ring 100 Wind turbine 200, 200A Wind collector 205 Window 210, 210A, 210B, 210C Wind direction plate 210A1, 210B1, 210C1 Left side plate 210A2, 210B2, 210C2 Right side plate 211 Frame 211a Left side frame 211b Right side frame 211c Upper frame 211d Lower frame 212 Solar panel 212a Left side panel 212b Right side panel 212c Upper panel 212d Lower panel 215 Window 218 Wheels 220 Support member 221 Rotating portion 222 Connecting arm 250 Rail

Claims (5)

A vertical axis vertical blade wind turbine,
A wind collecting device is provided.
The wind collecting device includes a wind direction plate that is disposed upstream of the wind turbine to guide the wind to the wind turbine,
The wind direction plate has a left surface, a right surface, and a window provided therebetween,
The left surface, the right surface, and the window are flush with each other,
The wind direction vane is rotatable around an axis of the wind turbine,
The wind direction plate is a flat plate extending in a vertical direction,
The wind direction plate includes a frame body and a plate body accommodated in the frame body,
The plate body is a rotatable wind turbine structure for wind power generation. The wind direction plate is a flat plate extending in a vertical direction,
The wind direction plate includes a frame body and a plate body accommodated in the frame body,
The plate body is a solar panel.
A wind turbine structure according to claim 1. The wind deflector further has an upper surface and/or a lower surface around the window.
A wind turbine structure according to claim 1 or 2. The wind collecting device includes a support member that connects the wind direction plate and the wind turbine,
The support member includes a rotating part that is rotatably supported by the wind turbine, and a connecting arm that extends from the rotating part to a wind direction plate.
A wind turbine structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The wind turbine has a frame and an impeller supported by the frame,
The wind direction plate is rotatably supported by the frame.
A wind turbine structure according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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