WO1996012105A1

WO1996012105A1 - Multiple-shaft windmills

Info

Publication number: WO1996012105A1
Application number: PCT/BE1995/000095
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierre-Paul Adant
Original assignee: Adant Pierre Paul
Priority date: 1994-10-17
Filing date: 1995-10-17
Publication date: 1996-04-25
Also published as: BE1008859A6; AU3738295A

Abstract

A vertical-shaft windmill in which each blade, preferably in the shape of a sector of a circle, is attached to a horizontal shaft. Each blade and the horizontal shaft rotate or swing so that the blade moves to the other side of the vertical shaft when it is parallel to the wind direction, whereby said blade can generate a constant driving torque in one direction on the vertical shaft when it is impinged upon by the wind. The windmill mount and the way in which the energy of the driving torque is made usable are different in the various embodiments.

Description

Multi-axis wind turbines.

The invention presented is part of wind turbines, that is to say machines transforming wind energy into electricity, heat, or movement.

With the exception of certain wind turbines of a very particular type, wind turbines are generally divided into 2 main types: wind turbines with vertical axis, and wind turbines with horizontal axis. The invention is a vertical axis wind turbine. The major drawback of vertical axis wind turbines is the negative force of the windward blades.

To remedy this drawback, the invention consists in adding to the vertical axis which is the main axis, one or more horizontal axes.

On each horizontal axis is centered a horizontal shaft secured to a blade. Each blade advantageously has in the embodiments described below a shape such that the lines representing two adjacent sides are straight and intersect at a point on the corresponding horizontal axis. This shape is substantially that of a sector of a circle, but is not exhaustive.

The blade and the shaft perform a studied rotational movement so as to place the blade in the optimal position relative to the wind direction.

The horizontal shaft, and therefore the blade attached to this tree, will, depending on the design, make a complete rotational movement, or an oscillating movement.

The rotational movement of a blade around a horizontal axis has in the embodiments described the same angular speed as that of the movement d 1 c ^• •> • ^•• ' ^• t around the vertical axis. The ratio of angular velocities can vary in. :: .Ή realizations.

In the case of the oscillating movement, the blade passes on the other side of

r: .. J. or disappears when this blade is parallel to the wind

The advantages obtained thanks to this invention are the following: in addition to the advantages specific to wind energy, which are as a reminder:

-wind energy is clean energy which has no influence on the human ecosystem,

-wind energy is particularly profitable in isolated sites,

- wind energy provides security of supply in isolated sites,

- in the long term fossil fuels are running out and will be more and more expensive,

-the energy storage means which are constantly improving, bring an additional attraction, the invention provides the following advantages:

1. the main advantage compared to conventional type vertical axis wind turbines is the retraction of the windward blade, thus eliminating its negative force torque on the vertical shaft,

2. compared to horizontal axis wind turbines, the advantage is that there is no need for a sophisticated wing profile, no complex transmission mechanisms, propeller timing, protection against stalling, etc.,

3. the manufacture and installation are easy, for small and medium sizes, (The gigantism would lead to the same problems as for the other types of wind turbine.), 4. the sensitivity to the variation of wind direction is low, the wind direction adaptation mechanism can be designed to be simple and efficient,

5. manufacturing, maintenance and monitoring costs are reduced, the energy / cost ratio is very favorable, 6. for certain projects, stability is particularly important, with an infrastructure based on horizontal axles carrying running wheels circles on the ground or on an incline. Depending on the size of the wind turbine, this rotating base can be adapted with regard to the size and number of load-bearing axles, the number and dimensions of the wheels. In addition to the axles and wheels, automotive technology can also provide shock absorbers, brakes and gearboxes useful for rolling the infrastructure around the vertical axis.

Other details and particularities of the invention will emerge from the secondary claims and from the description of the drawings which are annexed to the present specification and which illustrate, by way of nonlimiting examples, some embodiments of the invention among others possible.

Figures la, lb, le and Id represent a single rotating blade wind turbine, this blade rotates around a horizontal axis with the same angular speed as the assembly around the vertical axis.

Figure la is an elevational view in section with broken, along the plane DD '.

Figure 1b is a partial sectional view of Figure la, with broken lines, along the plane AA *. Figure 1 c is a sectional view of the blade at the plane BB 'of Figure 1 b.

Figure 1d partially shows the wind turbine of Figures 1a and 1b after a 90 degree rotation of the blade relative to the axes.

Figure le represents a wind turbine of the same type as that of figure la, but with two blades rotating in opposite directions. Figure lf shows a wind turbine of the same type as that of Figure la, but with two blades rotating in the same direction. Figures 2a & 2b show in elevation and partial section, with broken lines, a wind turbine with oscillating blade.

FIG. 2b represents a wind turbine when the blade is parallel to the wind, that is to say twice for each rotation of the vertical shaft.

FIG. 2a represents the wind turbine after a rotation of 90 or 270 degrees of the vertical shaft, relative to the position of FIG. 2b.

The blade always remains on the same side of the vertical axis with respect to the wind direction, giving a torque on the vertical shaft, always in the same direction.

Figures 3a & 3b show in elevation, with broken lines, a pendulum blade wind turbine.

Figure 3a is a sectional view of Figure 3b, along the plane CC.

Figure 3a can also represent wind turbine of Figure 3b after a 90-degree rotation of the vertical shaft.

Figures 4a, 4b and 4c show in section along the plane EE '(Figure 4a) and in elevation (Figure 4b and 4c) an embodiment, in which the blade is replaced by retractable sails. Each sail unfolds, or folds up in a U-shaped profile thanks to the action of the wind on a plate whose surface is perpendicular to the plane of the wall Various achievements are described below, they are not exhaustive, m in the actual achievements of wind turbines, neither in the types of support for wind turbines, nor in the ways in which these wind turbines capture and transmit wind energy

Figures la, lb, le & ld represent a single rotating blade wind turbine In this embodiment, the vertical shaft 115 of the wind turbine is supported by a

l ru- 102 and transmits the engine torque by pulleys 103 to the group 104 producing electricity.

With the exception of the bevel gear 105 secured to the wind direction and lirrc pa 'relative to the vertical shaft 115, the whole of the upper part is secured to the vertical shaft 115 and gives it its torque.

The blade 108 preferably in the form of a sector of a circle is fixed on the horizontal shaft 116. The toothed wheel 106 fixed on this shaft having the same number of teeth as the toothed wheel 105 imposes on the blade 108 an angular speed of rotation ( in the direction of arrow 114) around the horizontal axis 107 equal to the angular speed of the assembly around the vertical axis 101.

This arrangement requires the blade 108 to remain (except for a short time in position parallel to the wind) on the same side of the vertical axis 101, relative to the wind direction (arrow 110). Figure 1 d shows the position of the blade after a quarter (or three quarters) of rotation (relative to the position of Figure la) of the vertical shaft 115, the wind direction is then perpendicular to the blade 108.

The profile of the blade 108 is shown in Figure le, this profile allows the blade to take advantage of the lift as much as the drag produced by the wind on the blade. The lift produces additional motor torque on the horizontal shaft 116. Plate 109 has two functions. It serves as a counterweight to the blade 108 to balance it with respect to the axis 107. In addition, it produces a driving torque on the shaft 116 in the direction of rotation of this shaft when the blade 108 is parallel to the wind De the more this plate 109 is placed in profile when the blade 108 is perpendicular to the wind, as in FIG. 1d. The assembly formed by the blade 108 and the plate 109 being on the same side of the vertical axis

101, it may be necessary to place a counterweight 113, for balancing the assembly with respect to the vertical axis 101.

The gear 105 is integral with the fin 115 and is therefore fixed relative to the wind direction A counterweight 112 may be necessary to balance the weight of the fin 1 15

Figures le & lf represent wind turbines of the same type as that of Figures la to ld but are with multiple rotary blades.

In the figure the two sets "blades 158 and plates 159" are placed on each side of the vertical axis 151 on the horizontal shaft 161

By the play of the toothed wheels 155 & 156 the two assemblies 158 & 159 rotate in different directions relative to the horizontal axis 157

The balancing from the vertical axis 151 is resolved, and the power captured is almost doubled compared to the realization of Figures la, lb, le and ld

In FIG. 1f, two sets "blades 178 and plates 179" are placed on each side of the vertical axis 171 respectively on two horizontal shafts 181 & 182 By the play of the toothed wheels 174, 175 & 176, the two sets 178 & 179 rotate in the same direction on their respective axes 177 & 173 The axis 173 is not necessarily parallel to the axis 177

FIGS. 2a & 2b represent a wind turbine with an oscillating blade This embodiment consists of a blade 201 preferably in the form of a sector of a circle centered on the horizontal axis 208 The blade, secured to a horizontal shaft 21 1, oscillates around the corresponding horizontal axis 208 The horizontal shaft 21 1 is supported by a fork 205 secured to the vertical shaft 202 The blade is secured to an axle 206 placed in the plane of the blade 201 and perpendicular to its median axis 212 A the end of this axle 206, wheels 207 perform a rotational movement around the median axis 212 of the blade, on an inclined plane 204 This inclined plane 204 is free relative to the vertical shaft 202 and is oriented depending on the wind direction II is retained on the vertical shaft 202 by the collar

209.

In Figures 2a and 2b, the wind direction is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing

FIG. 2b represents the wind turbine when the blade is parallel to the wind, that is to say twice for each rotation of the vertical shaft 202

Figure 2a shows wind turbine after a rotation of 90 or 270 degrees of the vertical shaft 202 relative to the position of Figure 2b.

The blade 201 always remains on the same side of the vertical axis 210 relative to the wind direction, giving a force torque on the vertical shaft 210, always in the same direction The dimensions of the oscillating blade 201 are to be determined according to the force of the wind and the solidity of the infrastructures: axis 202, pylon 203, set of inclined plane 204, fork 205, rod 206, and wheels 207.

In certain embodiments, the inclined plane 204 can be placed at ground level, or on a floating pontoon, to gain stability. The wind turbine can advantageously be equipped with type S AVONIUS blades, or combined with one or more other wind turbines of the same type, to avoid stopping in the position of FIG. 2b.

Another embodiment may consist of two blades placed perpendicularly, intersecting along their axes of symmetry 212. Each blade is provided with an axle and wheels. The fork 205 of Figures 2a and 2b is replaced by a Cardan joint.

Figures 3a & 3b show a pendulum blade wind turbine.

This embodiment consists of a blade 301 in the form of a sector of a circle. The circle is centered on the horizontal axis 308. The blade secured to a horizontal shaft 316 oscillates around the corresponding horizontal axis 308. The horizontal shaft 316 is supported by a fork 305 secured to the vertical shaft 302.

In the example, the vertical shaft 302 of Téolienne transmits the engine torque by a gearbox 303 to the group 304 producer of electricity.

The circular edges of the blade 301 oscillate in a U-shaped profile 306, which takes up the thrust produced by the wind on the blade 301. A roller device (not shown in the drawing) between the blade 301 and the U-shaped profile 306 facilitates the blade sliding in the section 306.

The U-shaped profile is integral (at three points in the example drawn) with an axle 307 at the end of which wheels 310 provide support on the ground, and the stability of the rotational movement. The balance of the assembly is ensured by a second axle 309, perpendicular to the first and provided with wheels 311.

The 307 & 309 axles are joined by spacers (not shown in the drawing) to solidify the assembly.

There are various ways of causing the blade 301 to oscillate on the other side of the vertical axis 302 when it passes parallel to the wind.

In the illustrated embodiment, this passage is caused by the action of the wind (arrow

313) on a plate 312 arranged in the extension of the blade 301, perpendicular to the latter.

This plate 312 is integral with the blade 301 by a rod 314 extending the median axis of the blade 301.

The dimensions of the blade 301 are to be determined according to the force of the wind and the solidity of the infrastructures: vertical axis 302, U-shaped profile 306, fork 305, support axles 307 & 309, and wheels 310 & 311.

Figures 4a, 4b & 4c show a windmill with retractable sails.

A vertical shaft 401 is provided with 2 to 6 web tensioners (three in the example of FIG. 4a). A single tensioner is shown in Figures 4b & 4c. Each tensioner consists of a U-shaped section 402 in which is folded a sail 403 in the rest state. This sail deploys in a fan 404 and folds back, at each 180 ° rotation of the shaft 401, during its passage parallel to the direction of the wind (arrow 408). The sail 404 is pulled or repelled by the rod 405, by which it is fixed. The rod 405 rotates with the horizontal shaft 409 secured to another rod 406, at the end of which is fixed a plate 407 perpendicular to the plane of the sail. It is the action of the wind (arrow 408) on this plate 407 which causes all the rods 405 and 406 and the shaft 409 to oscillate each time the vertical shaft 401 rotates 180 °. The plate 407 can slide on the rod 406 so as to allow fine adjustment at the time of installation. The end of the rod 405 and the circular edge of each sail can advantageously move in a U-shaped section of circular shape (not indicated on the drawing) to allow better transmission of the force of the wind on infrastructure.

To carry out the invention: The materials required are "conventional". The production of the various components may or may not be carried out in series.

Depending on the expected energy results, the sizes and resistances of these components will vary.

Automotive technology brings its components (axles, wheels, shock absorbers, brakes, gearboxes, etc.) to the type of support described in the embodiment according to Figures 2a and 2b, 3a and 3b.

The passage of the oscillating blades from one side to the other of the vertical axis, or the adjustment of rotating blades at the time of their passage downwind can be carried out, for large wind turbines, by a motorization depending on a external wind direction and force detection system.

In the embodiments according to Figures 1 to 3, the blades can be constructed of rigid materials or made of taut sails.

Industrial applications are those of all wind turbines, their goal is to produce electricity, heat, and / or movement. The movement can, among other things, be used for pumping water. It should be understood that the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and that many modifications can be made to the latter without departing from the scope of the present claims.

Claims

O 96/12105 PC17BE95 / 00095

o Claims.

1. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type characterized in that each blade, advantageously but not necessarily in the form of a sector of a circle, is fixed to a horizontal shaft, each blade and the horizontal shaft which is integral with it performs a movement of 5 complete rotation, i.e. an oscillating movement passing the blade on the other side of the vertical axis when the blade is parallel to the wind direction, which allows in both cases, the blade subjected to the action wind, to produce an engine torque constantly in the same direction on the vertical shaft.

10 2. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claim 1, characterized in that it is composed of a vertical shaft and a horizontal shaft on which is fixed a blade of which, by a set of toothed wheels, the angular speed of rotation around the horizontal axis is kept strictly equal to the angular speed of rotation of the assembly around the vertical axis, which allows this blade to remain practically

15 on the same side of the vertical axis with respect to the wind direction and to provide a driving torque always in the same direction on the vertical axis, provided that a device taking account of the wind direction passes the blade in profile at the time of its passage parallel to the wind. 0 3. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a second blade on the same horizontal shaft on the other side of the vertical axis, and in that these two blades rotate in opposite directions, both remaining practically on the same side of the vertical axis with respect to the wind direction. 5 4. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a second blade on another horizontal shaft on the other side of the vertical axis and in that these two blades rotate in the same direction, both remaining practically on the same side of the vertical axis with respect to the wind direction. 0 5. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claim 2 to 4, characterized in that it comprises plates, each being located perpendicularly and in the extension of each of the blades, serving as a counterweight to the blade relative to the 'corresponding horizontal shaft, and taking additional wind force when the blade is parallel to the wind direction. 5

6. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a horizontal shaft supported by a fork, on which is fixed a blade advantageously but not necessarily in the form of a sector of a circle which oscillates at each passage parallel to the direction of the wind to always be placed on the same 0 side of the vertical axis relative to the direction of the wind, and thus produce a motor torque constantly in the same direction on the vertical shaft. 7. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a horizontal shaft secured to a fork, on which is fixed a blade advantageously but not necessarily in the form of a sector of a circle, which rotates around from its median axis, to always be placed on the same side of the vertical axis relative to the wind direction, thus producing a driving torque on the vertical shaft always in the same direction; the blade being integral with an axle provided with two wheels which rotate around the median axis of the blade on an inclined plate, which is oriented as a function of the wind direction.

8. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a second blade perpendicular to the first, cutting it in its median axis, provided with an axle and wheels rotating on the same inclined plane. , the fork being replaced by a joint (Cardan or other).

9. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a horizontal shaft secured to a fork, on which is fixed a blade in the form of a sector of a circle which oscillates at each passage parallel to the wind to always be placed on the same side of the vertical axis relative to the wind direction, thus producing a driving torque on the vertical shaft always in the same sen the whole is placed on an infrastructure comprising axles and supporting wheels the vertical axis and a U-shaped profile in which the blade oscillates and which transmits the wind thrust on the infrastructure blade.

10. Wind turbine of the vertical axis type, according to claims 1 & 6, characterized in that the blades are sails and in that the wind turbine comprises a vertical shaft provided with sail tensioners, each tensioner consisting of a profile in a U in which is folded a sail in the resting state, which unfolds as a fan and folds back, alternately with each 180 ° rotation of the vertical shaft, during its passage parallel to the wind direction, by a mechanism comprising a rod to which the sail is attached and which rotates around the horizontal shaft, itself integral with another rod, at the end of which is fixed a plate that the wind pushes to enter or take out the sail from the profile in U with each 180 ° rotation of the assembly around the vertical shaft.