U.S. patent application number 10/559589 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for generator.
Invention is credited to Malcom Colin Richards, Bernard John Sheridan, Margaret Sheridan, Anthony Whitham.
Application Number | 20070126240 10/559589 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 9959362 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070126240 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Richards; Malcom Colin ; et
al. |
June 7, 2007 |
Generator
Abstract
A wind powered generator comprising first and second current
generator means arranged to generate electric current in response
to relative rotation between the two generator means; at least one
rotary part having vanes, the rotary part being operatively
connected to one of the generator means and arranged to rotate in a
first direction around an axial shaft when exposed to a flow of air
perpendicular to the shaft; and rotary part barrier means arranged
in stationary relation to the rotary part, the barrier means
configured to provide a barrier sector around a portion of the vane
free edge path of the vane configured to inhibit air which follows
a vane rotating into the barrier sector from discharging outside of
the vane free edge path whilst the vane is rotating through the
barrier sector.
Inventors: |
Richards; Malcom Colin;
(Nottingham, GB) ; Sheridan; Bernard John;
(Newark, GB) ; Sheridan; Margaret; (Newark,
GB) ; Whitham; Anthony; (Nottingham, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY, & PIERCE, P.L.C
7700 BONHOMME, STE 400
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Family ID: |
9959362 |
Appl. No.: |
10/559589 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
June 1, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB04/02352 |
371 Date: |
May 9, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
290/55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03D 3/002 20130101;
H02K 7/183 20130101; Y02B 10/30 20130101; F05B 2240/2212 20130101;
Y02E 10/74 20130101; F05B 2240/13 20130101; Y02E 10/728 20130101;
F05B 2240/213 20130101; H02K 16/005 20130101; F05B 2240/911
20130101; F03D 9/25 20160501 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/055 |
International
Class: |
F03D 9/00 20060101
F03D009/00; H02P 9/04 20060101 H02P009/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 5, 2003 |
GB |
0312903.8 |
Claims
1. A generator for generating an electric current comprising:
current generating means comprising first generator means and
second generator means arranged to generate electric current in
response to relative rotation between said first and second
generator means; a first rotary part having vanes, said first
rotary part arranged to rotate in a first direction around an axis
when exposed to a flow of air perpendicular to said axis; said
first rotary part operatively connected to a first of said first
and second generator means; first rotary part barrier means
arranged in stationary relation to said first rotary part, said
barrier means configured to provide a barrier sector comprising a
barrier around a portion of the vane free edge path of said first
rotary part, said barrier extending between an air inlet region in
which a portion of the vane front edge path is exposed to allow the
underside of a vane to be exposed to a flow of air, and an air
outlet region in which a portion of the vane front edge path is
exposed to allow the underside of a vane to be exposed following
rotation through said barrier sector to allow the discharging of
air, said barrier means configured to inhibit air which follows a
vane rotating into said barrier sector from discharging outside of
the vane free edge path whilst said vane is rotating through said
barrier sector.
2. A generator according to claim 1, further comprising a second
rotary part having vanes, said second rotary part arranged to
rotate in a second opposite direction around said axis when exposed
to a flow of air perpendicular to said axis; said second rotary
part operatively connected to the second of said first and second
generator means; and second rotary part barrier means configured to
provide a barrier sector comprising a barrier around a portion of
the vane free edge path of said rotary part, said barrier means
configured to inhibit air which follows a vane rotating into said
barrier sector from discharging outside of the vane free edge path
whilst said vane is rotating through said barrier sector.
3. A generator according to claim 1, further comprising a third
rotary part arranged to rotate in the same direction as, and
operatively connected to the same generator means as, said first
rotary part; and third rotary part barrier means configured to
provide a barrier sector comprising a barrier around a portion of
the vane free edge path of said rotary part, said barrier means
configured to inhibit air which follows a vane rotating into said
barrier sector from discharging outside of the vane free edge path
whilst said vane is rotating through said barrier sector.
4. A generator according to claim 1, wherein said rotary parts are
arranged to rotate around an axial shaft comprising sections each
releasably engageable with at least one other section.
5. A generator according to claim 1 comprising a rotary part
configured to allow air to flow through said rotary part in a
direction along said axis during rotation.
6. A generator according to claim 1 comprising inlet air ducting
arranged to direct a flow of air towards an air inlet region.
7. A generator according to claim 1 comprising outlet air ducting
arranged to direct a flow of air away from an air outlet
region.
8. A generator according to claim 1 comprising adjustable air flow
control means configured to control the flow of air into an air
inlet region.
9. A generator according to claim 3, configured such that the vanes
of said first rotary part and said third rotary part are out of
phase with each other.
10. A generator according to claim 1 comprising a rotary part
having a hub from which a plurality of arcuate vanes extend.
11. A generator according to claim 1 comprising a rotary part
having rotary part binding means extending between two adjacent
vanes.
12. A generator according to any preceding claim claim 1, wherein
said current generating means comprises generator means secured in
a sleeve arrangement, said sleeve arrangement configured to be
positioned inside a rotary part such that said generator means is
arranged about said axis.
13. A generator according to claim 12, wherein said sleeve
arrangement comprises permanent magnets.
14. A generator according to claim 3, wherein said first and third
rotary parts are arranged to rotate in said first direction and are
operatively connected to said first generator means, said first
generator means comprising an armature, and said second rotary part
is operatively connected to said second generator means, said
second generator means comprising permanent magnets.
15. A generator according to claim 14, in which said first and
second generator means are arranged within said second rotary
part.
16. A generator according to claim 1 comprising generator
electrical means positioned outside of the rotary section or
sections of said generator.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a generator, in particular
a wind powered generator.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A first type of wind powered generator utilises a bladed
rotor mounted on a vertical post. The rotor is configured to rotate
about an axis of rotation when exposed to air flowing in a
direction along that axis of rotation.
[0005] A second type of wind powered generator utilises a bladed
rotor configured to rotate about an axis of rotation when exposed
to air flowing in a direction perpendicular to that axis of
rotation.
[0006] A wind powered generator of this second type is disclosed in
United Kingdom Patent number 2 341 646 B.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a generator for generating an electric current
comprising current generating means comprising first generator
means and second generator means arranged to generate electric
current in response to relative rotation between said first and
second generator means; a first rotary part having vanes, said
first rotary part arranged to rotate in a first direction around an
axis when exposed to a flow of air perpendicular to said axis; said
first rotary part operatively connected to a first of said first
and second generator means; wherein said generator further
comprises first rotary part barrier means arranged in stationary
relation to said first rotary part, said barrier means configured
to provide a barrier sector comprising a barrier around a portion
of the vane free edge path of said first rotary part, said barrier
extending between an air inlet region in which a portion of the
vane front edge path is exposed to allow the underside of a vane to
be exposed to a flow of air, and an air outlet region in which a
portion of the vane front edge path is exposed to allow the
underside of a vane to be exposed following rotation through said
barrier sector to allow the discharging of air, said barrier means
configured to inhibit air which follows a vane rotating into said
barrier sector from discharging outside of the vane free edge path
whilst said vane is rotating through said barrier sector.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the invention there is
provided a generator further comprising a second rotary part having
vanes, said second rotary part arranged to rotate in a second
opposite direction around said axis when exposed to a flow of air
perpendicular to said axis; said second rotary part operatively
connected to the second of said first and second generator means;
and second rotary part barrier means configured to provide a
barrier sector comprising a barrier around a portion of the vane
free edge path of said rotary part, said barrier means configured
to inhibit air which follows a vane rotating into said barrier
sector from discharging outside of the vane free edge path whilst
said vane is rotating through said barrier sector.
[0009] According to a third aspect of the invention there is
provided a generator further comprising a third rotary part having
vanes operatively connected to one of said first and second
generator means; and third rotary part barrier means configured to
provide a barrier sector comprising a barrier around a portion of
the vane free edge path of said rotary part, said barrier means
configured to inhibit air which follows a vane rotating into said
barrier sector from discharging outside of the vane free edge path
whilst said vane is rotating through said barrier sector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention will now be described by way of example only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a wind powered generator embodying the present
invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows an example of a rotary part utilisable in a
wind powered generator embodying the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows rotary part barrier means arranged in
stationary relation to the rotary part shown in FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 shows a simplified section view, along line I-I of
FIG. 1, through a first rotary section of the wind powered
generator of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 shows a simplified section view, along line II-II of
FIG. 1, through a second rotary section of the wind powered
generator of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows adjustable air flow control means arranged to
control the flow of air into an air inlet region of a wind powered
generator embodying the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of the wind powered generator
shown in FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 shows a simplified schematic (with a cut-away
section) of an arrangement of current generating means utilisable
in a wind generator embodying the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 9 shows FIG. 9 shows a simplified schematic (with
cut-away sections) of the arrangement of the current generating
means and the rotary parts of the wind powered generator shown in
FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section view, along
the line III-III of FIG. 1, through the wind powered generator
shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section view through
a wind powered generator embodying the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 12 shows a rotary part configured to allow air to flow
therethrough during rotation, utilisable in a wind powered
generator embodying the present invention.
WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
INVENTION
FIG. 1
[0023] A wind powered generator 101 embodying the present invention
is shown in FIG. 1. The illustrated generator 101 is configured to
be positioned in a natural wind environment and, in this example,
is shown situated on the roof 102 of a building 103. An engineer
104 is shown standing adjacent the wind powered generator 101,
performing routine maintenance and inspection work upon the
generator 101.
[0024] As shown, generator 101 comprises a first rotary section
105, a second rotary section 106, a third rotary section 107 and a
generator electrical means section 108. Generator 101 is also
equipped with inlet ducting means 109 and outlet ducting means 110.
Air flow through the generator 101 is indicated generally by arrows
A and B.
[0025] Within each of the three rotary sections 105, 106, 107 of
generator 101 is a rotary part. An example of a-rotary part
utilisable in a wind generator embodying the present invention is
shown in FIG. 2.
FIG. 2
[0026] Rotary part 201 is arranged to rotate about an axis when
exposed to a flow of air perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In
the example shown in FIG. 2, rotary part 201 is arranged to rotate
about an axial shaft 202, and comprises a hub 203 from which four
arcuate vanes 204, 205, 206, 207 extend; alternatively a rotary
part having one or more vanes is utilisable. The vanes 204, 205,
206, 207 are evenly distributed about the circumference of the hub
203. Each vane 204, 205, 206, 207 has three free edges, for
example, edges 208, 209 and 210 of vane 204; with edges 208 and 210
being side edges, and edge 209 being the front edge, of vane
204.
[0027] Rotary part 201 is arranged to rotate in a first direction,
indicated by arrow C, about axial shaft 202 when exposed to a flow
of air perpendicular to axial shaft 202, in the direction indicated
by arrow D; in response to rotative air impinging on the underside
of a vane, for example the underside 211 of vane 205.
[0028] As rotary part 201 rotates, each vane 204, 205; 206, 207
demarcates a vane free edge path 212 and a vane front edge path
213; a vane free edge path 212 being the path the free edges of a
vane 204, 205, 206, 207 travel as the rotary part 201 rotates, and
a vane front edge path 213 being the path the front edge of a vane
204, 205, 206, 207 travels as the rotary part 201 rotates.
FIG. 3
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates rotary part barrier means 301 arranged in
stationary relation to rotary part 201. Barrier means 301 is
configured to provide a barrier sector for rotary part 201, for
example barrier sector 302 comprising a barrier around a portion of
the vane free edge path 212 of rotary part 201, extending between
an air inlet region 303 in which a portion of the vane front edge
path 213 is exposed to allow the underside of a vane 204, 205, 206,
207 to be exposed to a flow of air and an air outlet region 304 in
which a portion of the vane front edge path 213 is exposed to allow
the underside of a vane 204, 205, 206, 207 to be exposed following
rotation through the barrier sector 302. According to the example
shown in FIG. 3, as rotary part 201 rotates in the direction
indicated by arrow C, inflowing air, as indicated by arrow E, flows
through air inlet region 303 and is discharged through air outlet
region 304, as indicated by arrow F.
[0030] In the example shown in FIG. 3, barrier means provides a
second barrier sector between air outlet region 304 and air inlet
region 303, in the direction indicated by arrow C. First and second
portions of the free edge vane path of rotary part 201 are exposed
in air inlet region 303 and air outlet region 304 respectively.
[0031] Barrier means 301 is configured to inhibit air which follows
a vane 204, 205, 206, 207 rotating into a barrier sector from
discharging outside of the vane free edge path 212 whilst that vane
204, 205, 206, 207 is rotating through the barrier sector. In this
way, the barrier means 301 functions to enhance the rotative effect
of air entering the barrier sector.
[0032] In the example shown in FIG. 3, barrier means 301 is
configured to provide two barrier sectors which each extend over
the distance between the front edge of two vanes 204, 205, 206, 207
of rotary part 201. Thus, barrier means 301 is configured to
provide two barrier sectors each of approximately ninety
degrees.
FIG. 4
[0033] FIG. 4 shows a simplified section view, along the line I-I
shown in FIG. 1, through the first rotary section 105 of wind
powered generator 101. First rotary part 401, which comprises a hub
402 and four arcuate vanes 403, 404, 405, 406 extending therefrom
in a similar arrangement to that of rotary part 201, is arranged to
rotate about an axis of rotation through the centre of axial shaft
407.
[0034] Arranged in stationary relation to rotary part 401, is
barrier means 408 providing first and second barrier sectors
between an air inlet region 409 and an air outlet region 410.
[0035] Inlet ducting 109 is arranged to direct inflowing air,
flowing in the direction generally indicated by arrow A, towards
air inlet region 409. In the illustrated example, inlet air ducting
109 is arranged to direct a flow of air through the air inlet
region 409 such that the air impinges on the underside of a vane
403, 404, 405, 406 to rotate the rotary part 401 in the direction
indicated by arrows F (in FIG. 4, this direction is clockwise from
inlet air ducting 109 to outlet air ducting 110). Air flowing
through the barrier means 408 from air inlet region 409 is
discharged through air outlet region 410. Outlet air ducting 110 is
arranged to direct outflowing air, flowing in the direction
generally indicated by arrow B, away from air outlet region
410.
[0036] In this example, the area of air inlet region 409 is
approximately half that of the area of air outlet region 410. This
relationship provides for a partial vacuum to be created within the
vane free edge path of rotary part 401 at the air outlet region
410, as rotary part 401 rotates in the direction indicated by
arrows F; to enhance the rotative effects of air flowing from air
inlet region 409.
[0037] In addition, barrier means 408 is configured to provide two
barrier sectors between air inlet region 409 and air outlet region
410, in the direction indicated by arrows G, arranged to provide
for a vortex to be created within the vane free edge path of rotary
part 401 as rotary part 401 rotates; a vortex enhancing the
rotative effects of air flowing in the vane free edge path of
rotary part 401.
[0038] Rotary part 401 also comprises binding means, in the shown
configuration, between the front edge of each vane 403, 404, 405,
406 and the bottom of the succeeding vane 403, 404, 405, 406,
extending between the underside of the vane 403, 404, 405, 406 and
the topside of the succeeding vane 403, 404, 405, 406; for example
cable 411 extending between the underside 412 of vane 404 and the
topside 413 of vane 405. Rotary part binding means are configurable
to stabilise the relative positions of the vanes 403, 404, 405,
406, as rotary part 401 rotates, to regulate the amount of
deflection experienced by the vanes 403, 404, 405, 406 as rotary
part 401 rotates and/or such that a vane 403, 404, 405, 406 being
acted upon by rotative air tows a succeeding vane 403, 404, 405,
406.
FIG. 5
[0039] FIG. 5 shows a simplified section view, along the line II-II
shown in FIG. 1 (in the same direction as along parallel line I-I),
through the second rotary section 106 of wind powered generator
101. Second rotary part 501, which comprises a hub 502, four
arcuate vanes 503, 504, 505, 506 extending therefrom and binding
means, in a similar arrangement to that of rotary part 401. Rotary
part 501 is also arranged to rotate about the same axis of rotation
along the centre of axial shaft 407 as rotary part 401.
[0040] Arranged in stationary relation to rotary part 501, is
barrier means 507, providing first and second barrier sectors
between an air inlet region 508 and an air outlet region 509. In
this example, the area of air inlet region 508 is approximately
half that of the area of air outlet region 509.
[0041] Inlet ducting 109 is arranged to direct inflowing air,
flowing in the direction generally indicated by arrow A, towards
air inlet region 508. In the illustrated example, inlet air ducting
109 is arranged to direct a flow of air through the air inlet
region 508 such that the air impinges on the underside of a vane
503, 504, 505, 506 to rotate rotary part 501 in the direction
indicated by arrows H (in FIG. 5, this direction is anti-clockwise
from inlet air ducting 109 to outlet air ducting 110). Thus, rotary
part 501 is arranged to rotate about axial shaft 407 in the
opposite direction to rotary part 401 when exposed to the same
airflow through the generator 101, indicated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5
generally by arrows A and B. Air flowing through the barrier means
507 from air inlet region 508 is discharged through air outlet
region 509. Outlet air ducting 110 is arranged to direct outflowing
air, flowing in the direction generally indicated by arrow B, away
from air outlet region 509.
[0042] Third rotary section 107 of wind powered generator 101 is
similar in arrangement to rotary section 105, with the third rotary
part (shown in FIG. 9) being similar to first rotary part 401 and
arranged to rotate in the same direction about the axis of rotation
along the centre of axial shaft 407.
FIG. 6
[0043] Wind powered generators installed in natural wind
environments are subject to fluctuations in the inflowing air
flow.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows the same arrangement as shown in FIG. 5, with
the addition of adjustable air flow control means 601, configured
to provide a means of regulating the flow of air into air inlet
region 602. In this example, air flow control means 601 is a screen
configured to be moveable in the directions indicated by
double-headed arrow J, between a fully open position, in which the
air flow through air inlet region 602 is unrestricted by the air
flow control means 601, and a fully closed position, in which the
air flow control means 601 prevents the inflow of air from the
inlet air ducting 603 through air inlet region 602. In the example
shown in FIG. 6, inlet air ducting 603 is configured to receive the
air flow control means screen 601 in a channel 604 formed therein.
Alternative embodiments of air flow control means include shutters
and venetian blind style arrangements.
FIG. 7
[0045] As shown in FIG. 7, which shows an enlarged view of wind
powered generator 101, inlet air ducting 109 is arranged to have an
inlet 701, allowing air to flow into the inlet air ducting 109 from
the natural wind environment, common to rotary sections 105, 106,
107, and an outlet 702, 703, 704 individual to each rotary section
105, 106, 107 respectively, allowing air to flow from the inlet air
ducting 109 into the air inlet region of each rotary part in each
rotary section 105, 106, 107. Thus, inlet air ducting 109 has a
single inlet 701 common to rotary sections 105, 106, 107 and three
outlets 702, 703, 704.
[0046] Alternative inlet air ducting includes ducting having an
inlet common to more than one rotary section, ducting having an
outlet common to more than one rotary section, ducting having an
inlet and an outlet individual to a rotary section and ducting
having combinations thereof.
[0047] Outlet air ducting 110 is arranged to have an inlet 705,
706, 707 allowing air to flow into the outlet air ducting 110 from
the air outlet region of each rotary part in each rotary section
105, 106, 107, individual to each rotary section 105, 106, 107
respectively, and an outlet 708, 709, 710 individual to each rotary
section 105, 106, 107 respectively, allowing air to flow from the
outlet air ducting 110 into the natural wind environment. Thus,
outlet air ducting 110 has three inlets 705, 706, 707 and three
outlets 708, 709, 710.
[0048] Alternative outlet air ducting includes ducting having an
inlet common to more than one rotary section, ducting having an
outlet common to more than one rotary section, ducting having an
inlet and an outlet individual to a rotary section and ducting
having combinations thereof.
[0049] Air inlet ducting and air outlet ducting that is all or in
part releasably attachable to a wind powered generator is
utilisable. This feature allows for a number of wind powered
generators of similar construction to be equipped with different
ducting, for example according to the installation site of the wind
powered generator or the wind environment, whether the wind
environment is natural or not. Removable ducting provides for more
convenient maintenance of, and transportation of a wind powered
generator embodying the present invention.
[0050] Air inlet ducting and outlet ducting that is configured to
be adjustable is utilisable. For example, a configuration of air
inlet ducting has an inlet section that is adjustable such that the
inlet is directable into a flow of air.
[0051] Due to the potential variability of ducting between wind
powered generators embodying the present invention, the position
and construction of air flow control means is correspondingly
variable. For example, alternative embodiments of air flow control
means includes air flow control means individual to a rotary
section, or air flow control means common to more than one rotary
section. In addition, the position of air flow control means
relative to a rotary section is also variable, for example,
referring to inlet air ducting means 109 shown in FIG. 7, air flow
control means may be positioned at each of the outlets 702, 703,
704 or may be positioned at the common inlet 701. Air flow control
means may be operated manually, in response to data received from
sensors, via a control program, with controls at or remote from the
wind powered generator. Each air flow control means may be arranged
to be adjusted independently of each other and/or in common with
another.
FIG. 8
[0052] In a wind powered generator embodying the present invention,
at least one rotary part is operatively connected to current
generating means comprising generator means and second generator
means arranged to generate electric current in response to relative
rotation between said first and second generator means.
[0053] FIG. 8 shows a simplified schematic (with a cut-away
section) of an example arrangement of current generating means
utilisable in a wind generator embodying the present invention.
Current generating means 801 comprises first generator means 802
and second generator means 803; in this example, first generator
means 802 is fixedly mounted about an axial shaft 804 and second
generator means 803 is arranged about first generator means 802,
such that the first and second generator means 802, 803 are
concentric about an axis of rotation along the centre of axial
shaft 804.
[0054] According to the shown arrangement, first generator means
802 comprises an electrical armature comprising a soft iron core
805 about which electrical windings 806 configured to carry
electric current are wound, and second generator means 803
comprises a plurality of permanent magnets 807 secured in a sleeve
808. This arrangement is a sleeve arrangement, in which the
permanent magnets 807 are portably held in position relative to
each other.
[0055] With the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, electric current is
generated in response to relative rotation between the first and
second generator means 802, 803, for example in response to the
rotation of one of the first and second generator means 802, 803
relative to the other of the first and second generator means 802,
803 with only one, or both, being rotatable about the axis of
rotation through axial shaft 804 relative to the other.
FIG. 9
[0056] FIG. 9 shows a simplified schematic (with a cut-away
sections) of the arrangement of the current generating means and
the first, second and third rotary parts 401, 501, 901 respectively
of wind powered generator 101.
[0057] As described previously, the first, second and third parts
401, 501, 901 are arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation
along the centre of axial shaft 407. First and third rotary parts
401, 901 are arranged to rotate in a first direction about the axis
of rotation, indicated by arrows K, and second rotary part 501,
which is interposed between the first and third rotary parts 401,
901, is arranged to rotate in the opposite second direction about
the axis of rotation, indicated by arrow L, when the air inlet
region associated with each rotary part 401, 501, 901 is exposed to
a flow of air perpendicular to the axis of rotation, indicated
generally by arrow M.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 9, the hub 502 of rotary part 501 is
substantially hollow. Similarly, the hub 402, 902 of first and
third rotary parts 401, 901 are substantially hollow. The hub of a
rotary part utilised by a wind powered generator embodying the
present invention may or may not be substantially hollow, for
example, according to the arrangement of the rotary part relative
to the generator means of the wind powered generator and/or to
reduce the weight of a rotary part.
[0059] The current generating means 903 utilised in wind powered
generator 101 comprises first generator means 904 and second
generator means 905. First generator means 904 is mounted about
axial shaft 407, within the hub 502 of second rotary part 501.
Second generator means 905 is arranged within the hub of second
rotary part 501, about first generator means 904, such that the
first and second generator means 904, 905 are concentric about the
axis of rotation through axial shaft 407.
[0060] First and third rotary parts 401, 901 are operatively
connected to first generator means 904. First and third rotary
parts 401, 901 are operatively connected to first generator means
904 such that as the first and third rotary parts 401, 901 rotate
in a first direction about the axis of rotation, for example in the
direction indicated by arrow K, first generator means 904 is
rotated in the same direction. First and third rotary parts 401,
901, and first generator means 904 are fixedly mounted about axial
shaft 407, such that axial shaft 407 is rotated in the same
direction. According to this arrangement, axial shaft 407 is
journalled on bearings provided by a support structure (not
shown).
[0061] Second rotary part is operatively connected to second
generator means 905. Second rotary part is operatively connected to
second generator means 905 such that as the second rotary part 501
rotates in a first direction about the axis of rotation, for
example in the direction indicated by arrow L, second generator
means 904 is rotated in the same direction. Second rotary part 502
is mounted about axial shaft 407 such that second rotary part 502
rotates around axial shaft 407.
[0062] Thus, wind powered generator 101 is configured to provide
for contra-rotation of the first and second generator means 904,
905.
[0063] In this example, first generator means 904 comprises an
electrical armature comprising a soft iron core 906 about which
electric windings 907 configured to carry electrical current are
wound, and second generator means 905 comprises a plurality of
permanent magnets 908 secured in a sleeve 909. A sleeve arrangement
facilitates construction of a wind generator embodying the present
invention, provides for generator means to be secured in a sleeve
arrangement utilising a different material to that utilised in a
rotary part, allows generator means to be secured to a rotary part
indirectly, and facilitates the arrangement of a uniform air gap
between first and second generator means. In this example, sleeve
909 is configured to be removably secured to second rotary part
501. Alternatively, the permanent magnets 908 may be directly
secured within hub 502.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 9, the first and third rotary parts 401,
901 are mounted about axial shaft 407 such that the vanes of each
rotary part 401, 901 are out of phase with each other. Associated
with each of the first and third rotary sections 105, 107 is an air
inlet region for each of the first and third rotary parts 401, 901,
and this feature provides for a vane of either the first and third
rotary parts 401, 901, to be exposed in one of these two air inlet
regions at any moment in time.
[0065] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the first and third
rotary parts 401, 901 are mounted about axial shaft 407 such that
the vanes of each rotary part 401, 901 are in phase with each
other.
FIG. 10
[0066] FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section view, along
the line III-III shown in FIG. 1, through the first, second and
third rotary section 105, 106, 107 and the generator electrical
means section 108. As shown in FIG. 10, axial shaft 407 is
configured to receive electrical connection means 1001
therethrough. Electrical connection means 1001 is configured to
provide an electrical connection between the current generating
means 903 and generator electrical means 1002. Generator electrical
means 1002 is positioned inside generator electrical means section
108, which is positioned outside of the rotary sections 105, 106,
107 of the wind powered generator 101. This feature facilitates the
construction, transport and maintenance of wind powered generator
101.
[0067] In this example, the electrical connection means 1001
electrically connects the current carrying windings 907 of first
generator means 904 with slip rings and brushes contained in the
generator electrical means section 108. According to the shown
arrangement, the electrical connection means 1001 comprises
extension lengths of the windings 907 extending from the armature
core 906 to the generator electrical means 1002. Alternatively,
electrical connection means connected to the windings is
utilisable.
[0068] As shown, electrical connection means 1001 does not extend
all the way through axial shaft 407. Thus, an alternative
configuration of shaft configured to receive electrical connection
means therethrough is configured to receive electrical connection
means through a part of the full length of the shaft.
[0069] The shown electrical arrangement utilised by wind powered
generator 101 is such that alternating electric current (a.c.) is
generated. Alternatively, an electrical arrangement of current
generating means configured to generate direct current (d.c.) is
utilisable. The components of the generator electrical means are
thus variable depending on the current generating means utilised.
For example, externally or self excited electromagnets may be
utilised in place of permanent magnets. Shafts utilisable in a wind
powered generator embodying the present invention include shafts
configured to receive therethrough a single, or multiple pairs of
electric current carrying connections, for example electric cables.
A utilisable shaft is provided with packing material, for example
electrically insulating material, to surround, cushion and/or
position electrical connection means within the shaft.
FIG. 11
[0070] FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic longitudinal section view through
a wind powered generator 1101 embodying the present invention. Wind
powered generator 1101 is similar in construction to wind powered
generator 101, configured as a modular assembly. The axial shaft
1102 is configured in first, second, third and fourth sections
1103, 1104, 1105, 1106 corresponding to first, second and third
rotary sections 1107, 1108, 1109 and generator electrical means
section 1110 respectively. Each section 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106 is
configured to be releasbly engageable with at least one other
section. In the illustrated example, at least one end of each
section 1103, 1104, 1105, 1106 is castellated.
[0071] Electrical connection means 1111 is also configured to be
separable into sections 1112, 1113, 1114. At least one end of each
section is provided with an electrical connection junction section,
configured to be releasably engageable with at least one other
junction section. For example, junction section 1115 of electrical
connection means section 1112 is configured to be releasably
engaged with junction section 1116 of electrical connection means
section 1113.
[0072] This feature facilitates the transport, construction, and
maintenance of wind powered generator 101, and facilitates the
replacement of a section or component thereof.
FIG. 12
[0073] FIG. 12 shows a rotary part 1201 utilisable in a wind
powered generator embodying the present invention, having a hub
1202 configured to allow air to flow through the rotary part 1201,
in particular as the rotary part 1201 rotates. For example, rotary
part 1201 is configured such that as rotary part 1201 rotates in
the direction indicated by arrow N, air flows into the hub 1202, in
the direction indicated by arrow P, through the hub 1202 and flows
out of the hub 1202, in the direction indicated by arrow Q. Rotary
part 1201 is configured such that as rotary part 1201 rotates in a
first direction about an axis of rotation, air flows through the
hub 1202 in a direction along the axis of rotation. This feature
provides for air flow through the rotary part 1201, to cool any
generator means or electrical connection means inside the rotary
part 1201.
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