U.S. patent application number 12/927709 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for control system and method for wind power generation plant.
Invention is credited to Peter J. Cucci, Francis X. Smollon.
Application Number | 20110133460 12/927709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44081269 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110133460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cucci; Peter J. ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
Control system and method for wind power generation plant
Abstract
A control system and method for a wind power generation plant
including one or more turbines disposed on an axis of rotation in a
housing with walls formed by selectively adjustable louver panels
is provided.
Inventors: |
Cucci; Peter J.;
(Flemington, NJ) ; Smollon; Francis X.;
(Lawrenceville, NJ) |
Family ID: |
44081269 |
Appl. No.: |
12/927709 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61281637 |
Nov 20, 2009 |
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61281671 |
Nov 20, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
290/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03D 9/25 20160501; F05B
2240/132 20130101; F03D 3/02 20130101; Y10S 415/905 20130101; F03D
3/0427 20130101; Y02E 10/74 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/44 |
International
Class: |
H02P 9/04 20060101
H02P009/04 |
Claims
1. A control system for a wind power generation plant including one
or more turbines disposed on an axis of rotation in a housing with
walls formed by selectively adjustable louver panels, said control
system comprising: one or more wind speed sensors configured to
measure a wind speed, and operational to provide a wind speed
measurement signal to a controller; one or more wind directional
sensors configured to measure a wind direction, and operational to
provide a wind directional measurement signal to a controller; one
or more rpm sensors and one or more permanent magnetic generators
coupled to an axis of rotation of one or more turbines, said one or
more rpm sensors configured to measure revolutions-per-minute of
said turbine and said axis of rotation, and operational to provide
an rpm measurement signal to a controller; one or more positioning
sensors configured to measure a position of one or more arrays of
selectively adjustable louver panels, and operational to provide a
position measurement signal to a controller; and a real-time
programmable controller coupled to said one or more wind speed
sensors, said one or more wind directional sensors, said one or
more rpm sensors, and said one or more positioning sensors, said
controller configured to receive said wind speed, said wind
directional, said rpm, and said position measurement signals from
said sensors, and to compare said signals with selected parameters,
said controller being configured to adjust the position of one or
more arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels to direct
airstreams toward said one or more turbines in a wind power
generation plant.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said controller is
configured to adjust the angle of one or more arrays of selectively
adjustable louver panels to an open position.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said controller is
configured to adjust the angle of one or more arrays of selectively
adjustable louver panels to a closed position.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said controller is
configured to adjust the angle of one or more arrays of selectively
adjustable louver panels incrementally between an open and a closed
position.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein a positioning motor
coupled to a variable frequency drive in response to a signal
received from said controller adjusts the angle of said one or more
arrays.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more wind
speed sensors are configured to measure the condition of the wind
speed continuously.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more wind
speed sensors are configured to measure the condition of the wind
speed intermittently.
8. The system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more wind
directional sensors are configured to measure the condition of the
wind direction continuously.
9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more wind
directional sensors are configured to measure the condition of the
wind direction intermittently.
10. The system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more rpm
sensors are configured to measure the rotation of the turbine
continuously.
11. The system according to claim 1, wherein said one or more rpm
sensors are configured to measure the rotation of the turbine
intermittently.
12. A method for controlling a wind power generation plant
including one or more turbines disposed on an axis of rotation in a
housing with walls formed by selectively adjustable louver panels,
said method comprising the steps of: disposing one or more wind
speed sensors configured to measure a wind speed, and operational
to provide a wind speed measurement signal to a controller, in a
housing; disposing one or more wind directional sensors configured
to measure a wind direction, and operational to provide a wind
directional measurement signal to a controller, in a housing;
providing one or more rpm sensors and one or more permanent
magnetic generators coupled to an axis of rotation of one or more
turbines, said one or more rpm sensors configured to measure
revolutions-per-minute of said turbine and said axis of rotation,
and operational to provide an rpm measurement signal to a
controller; providing one or more positioning sensors configured to
measure a position of one or more arrays of selectively adjustable
louver panels, and operational to provide a position measurement
signal to a controller; and providing a real-time programmable
controller coupled to said one or more wind speed sensors, said one
or more wind directional sensors, said one or more rpm sensors, and
said one or more positioning sensors, said controller configured to
receive said wind speed, said wind directional, said rpm, and said
position measurement signals from said sensors, and to compare said
signals with selected parameters, said controller being configured
to adjust the position of one or more arrays of selectively
adjustable louver panels to direct airstreams toward said one or
more turbines in a wind power generation plant.
13. A wind power generation plant including one or more turbines
disposed on an axis of rotation in a housing with walls formed by
selectively adjustable louver panels, said wind power generation
plant comprising a control system, said control system comprising:
one or more wind speed sensors configured to measure a wind speed,
and operational to provide a wind speed measurement signal to a
controller; one or more wind directional sensors configured to
measure a wind direction, and operational to provide a wind
directional measurement signal to a controller; one or more rpm
sensors and one or more permanent magnetic generators coupled to an
axis of rotation of one or more turbines, said one or more rpm
sensors configured to measure revolutions-per-minute of said
turbine and said axis of rotation, and operational to provide an
rpm measurement signal to a controller; one or more positioning
sensors configured to measure a position of one or more arrays of
selectively adjustable louver panels, and operational to provide a
position measurement signal to a controller; and a real-time
programmable controller coupled to said one or more wind speed
sensors, said one or more wind directional sensors, said one or
more rpm sensors, and said one or more positioning sensors, said
controller configured to receive said wind speed, said wind
directional, said rpm, and said position measurement signals from
said sensors, and to compare said signals with selected parameters,
said controller being configured to adjust the position of one or
more arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels to direct
airstreams toward said one or more turbines in a wind power
generation plant.
14. The wind power generation plant according to claim 13, wherein
said controller is configured to adjust the angle of one or more
arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels to an open
position.
15. The wind power generation plant according to claim 13, wherein
said controller is configured to adjust the angle of one or more
arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels to a closed
position.
16. The wind power generation plant according to claim 13, wherein
said controller is configured to adjust the angle of one or more
arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels incrementally
between an open and a closed position.
17. The wind power generation plant according to claim 13, wherein
a positioning motor coupled to a variable frequency drive in
response to a signal received from said controller adjusts the
angle of said one or more arrays.
18. The wind power generation plant according to claim 13, wherein
a positioning motor coupled to a variable frequency drive in
response to a signal received from said controller adjusts the
angle of each individual louver panels of said one or more arrays.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/281,637, filed on Nov. 20, 2009, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
This application also relates to co-pending application, titled:
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING, AUGMENTING AND CONVERTING WIND
POWER (Docket No. Smollon-01-NP) filed on even date herewith, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/281,671,
filed on Nov. 20, 2009, the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to the generation of
electric power from the wind, and more particularly, to wind
monitoring control systems and methods for generating electrical
energy obtained from a wind power generation plant.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] The conversion of the energy in a wind stream to electricity
can be accomplished through the use of wind turbines whose rotors
(or blades or impellers) are coupled to a shaft for rotation: The
force of an air stream against the surface of the rotors of the
turbine causes the shaft to turn, which in turn provides rotary
mechanical power that can be utilized to drive one or more
generators to produce electricity.
[0006] As a fuel source for the production of mechanical power,
which in turn can be converted into electricity, the energy of the
wind has two main advantages over fossil derived resources, for
example, oil, natural gas and coal, because it is inexhaustible and
freely available. Although it is freely available, wind energy is
also an intermittent resource, and it varies greatly, both in
velocity and the direction from which it emanates, even over the
course of short periods of time.
[0007] Wind turbine technological advancement has followed two
paths of development, HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine) and VAWT
(Vertical Axis Wind Turbine), with HAWT technology dominating the
industry. The advantage that HAWT technology has over VAWT is that
it is eminently scalable into larger, higher, more powerful
applications. The basic underpinning behind HAWT development has
been to place larger rotors, which equates to more energy being
harvested from the air stream, at greater altitudes where the
higher wind velocity allows for greater productivity.
[0008] The inherent physical limitations of VAWT technology
prevents following the path of `ever-larger` scalability of
singular HAWT turbines. Past attempts to scale VAWT turbines to
larger sizes have been stymied due to the challenges the basic laws
of physics place upon the technology.
[0009] Regardless of the various configurations utilized by recent
VAWT developers, vertical-axis technology is constrained to an
operational realm that is fairly close to ground level. At this
point in time, the prevailing practice within the vertical-axis
industry is the placement of turbines on the rooftops of apartment,
retail and industrial buildings to take advantage of building
height.
[0010] The major disadvantage of vertical-axis technology, i.e.,
the requirement that VAWT installations be built close to ground
level, also presents product developers with two major
opportunities or advantages, the first being the ability to
construct `ground based` structures that can serve to capture and
concentrate elements of the air stream and focus it upon the
impellers of wind power generation plants lodged within said
structures. A second opportunity afforded to VAWT developers is
locating mechanical systems of the wind power generation plant
close to the ground, allowing for easy access for purposes of
repair and maintenance.
[0011] The ability to construct ground based installations that can
serve to capture and concentrate portions of the passing air stream
is enhanced in mountainous regions, where the contoured terrain
serves to naturally augment and focus the wind stream. In
mountainous regions, the wind resource is often stronger closer to
the ground than at higher altitudes. In these areas, VAWT wind
power generation plants, lodged within structures as described
above, have the potential to exhibit production profiles that are
equal to, or greater than, the most efficient installations of the
utility scale HAWT technology.
[0012] An additional issue that must be taken into account when
attempting to capitalize upon the fact that mountainous regions
often have stronger wind power resources closer to ground level, is
that the same physical features that produce this effect, i.e.,
ridgelines, passage gaps, bluffs, and other structures, are a very
individualized resource, with many specific nuances and
peculiarities related to the wind patterns at any particular
location.
[0013] An inherent challenge that comes with situating wind power
generation facilities close to ground level in mountainous areas
are the specific nuances and peculiarities of the wind resources
found in the described type of terrain. There is often a much wider
range of wind speed levels, along with more directional shifting of
the prevailing wind than is found at higher altitudes. Coupled to
this challenge is the fact that ground based VAWT systems do not
possess the ability to orient the impact impellers of their wind
power generation plants to accommodate the shifting angle of attach
of the prevailing wind.
[0014] There remains a need for control systems and methods for
generating electrical energy obtained from a wind power generation
plant.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used to
indicate common features of the described devices.
[0016] FIG. 1 is cross-sectional view of a wind power generation
plant illustrating two rows of vertically configured axes with a
plurality of turbines disposed thereon according to an aspect of
the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the wind power generation plant
of FIG. 1, illustrating the two rows of vertically configured axes
with a plurality of turbines disposed on each axis according to an
aspect of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the system illustrating the
movement of the selectively adjustable louver panel arrays at one
angle of attack according to an aspect of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the system illustrating the
movement of the selectively adjustable louver panel arrays at
another angle of attack according to an aspect of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a portion of the adjustable
airstream focusing sub-system according to an aspect of the
invention; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the elements and
interconnection of the elements associated with a controller
according to an aspect of the invention.
[0022] The above-identified drawing figures set forth several
preferred embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments are also
contemplated, as disclosed herein. The disclosure represents the
invention, but is not limited thereby, as it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments may be devised by
those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of
the invention as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] Briefly described, according to an aspect of the invention,
a control system for a wind power generation plant including one or
more turbines disposed on an axis of rotation in a housing with
walls formed by selectively adjustable louver panels includes one
or more wind speed sensors configured to measure a wind speed, and
operational to provide a wind speed measurement signal to a
controller; one or more wind directional sensors configured to
measure a wind direction, and operational to provide a wind
directional measurement signal to a controller; one or more rpm
sensors and one or more permanent magnetic generators coupled to an
axis of rotation of one or more turbines, the one or more rpm
sensors configured to measure revolutions-per-minute of the turbine
and the axis of rotation, and operational to provide an rpm
measurement signal to a controller; one or more positioning sensors
configured to measure a position of one or more arrays of
selectively adjustable louver panels, and operational to provide a
position measurement signal to a controller; and a real-time
programmable controller coupled to the one or more wind speed
sensors, the one or more wind directional sensors, the one or more
rpm sensors, and the one or more positioning sensors, the
controller configured to receive the wind speed, the wind
directional, the rpm, and the position measurement signals from the
sensors, and to compare the signals with selected parameters, the
controller being configured to adjust the position of one or more
arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels to direct airstreams
toward the one or more turbines in a wind power generation
plant.
[0024] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
controlling a wind power generation plant including one or more
turbines disposed on an axis of rotation in a housing with walls
formed by selectively adjustable louver panels includes the steps
of: disposing one or more wind speed sensors configured to measure
a wind speed, and operational to provide a wind speed measurement
signal to a controller, in a housing; disposing one or more wind
directional sensors configured to measure a wind direction, and
operational to provide a wind directional measurement signal to a
controller, in a housing; providing one or more rpm sensors and one
or more permanent magnetic generators coupled to an axis of
rotation of one or more turbines, the one or more rpm sensors
configured to measure revolutions-per-minute of the turbine and the
axis of rotation, and operational to provide an rpm measurement
signal to a controller; providing one or more positioning sensors
configured to measure a position of one or more arrays of
selectively adjustable louver panels, and operational to provide a
position measurement signal to a controller; and providing a
real-time programmable controller coupled to the one or more wind
speed sensors, the one or more wind directional sensors, the one or
more rpm sensors, and the one or more positioning sensors, the
controller configured to receive the wind speed, the wind
directional, the rpm, and the position measurement signals from the
sensors, and to compare the signals with selected parameters, the
controller being configured to adjust the position of one or more
arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels to direct airstreams
toward the one or more turbines in a wind power generation
plant.
[0025] According to another aspect of the invention, a wind power
generation plant including one or more turbines disposed on an axis
of rotation in a housing with walls formed by selectively
adjustable louver panels includes a control system as described
above.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising",
"includes", "including", "has", "having", or any other variation
thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For
example, a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a
list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements
but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to
such process, method, article, or apparatus. In addition, unless
expressly stated to the contrary, the term "of" refers to an
inclusive "or" and not to an exclusive "or". For example, a
condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is
true (or present) and B is false (or not present); A is false (or
not present) and B is true (or present); and both A and B are true
(or present).
[0027] The terms "a" or "an" as used herein are to describe
elements and components of the invention. This is done for
convenience to the reader and to provide a general sense of the
invention. The use of these terms in the description herein should
be read and understood to include one or at least one. In addition,
the singular also includes the plural unless indicated to the
contrary. As used in this specification and the appended claims,
the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or"
unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
[0028] According to an aspect of the invention, an operational
control system 90 comprised of hardware and a software application
(designated herein as the Wind Velocity Accelerator System
Controller (WVAS Controller) for a Wind Velocity Accelerator System
(WVAS) is a real time PLC (programmable logic controller) based
digital computer and relay equipped with the facility for extensive
input/output (I/O) arrangements that connect the PLC 90 to sensors
and actuators that, based upon the instruction sets issued by the
WVAS Controller software programming, control the WVAS' various
electromechanical systems and sub-systems. The WVAS is described in
co-pending application, filed on even date herein and titled:
SYSTEM AND METHOD COLLECTING, AUGMENTING AND CONVERTING WIND POWER,
the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
[0029] The inherent challenges of producing electricity from rotary
mechanical power produced by the action of wind striking impact
impellers fixed upon a rotation are the variability of the wind
stream and the shifting of the direction of the prevailing
wind.
[0030] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing structure 10 of
the system includes a ceiling 12, a floor 20, and oppositely
disposed side walls, which, as described herein, include an array
of selectively adjustable louver panels, as further illustrated in
FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the elongated housing structure
10 forms an airstream inlet chamber 26 with an intake opening 28
for collecting an airstream 88, the airstream inlet chamber 26
including a first and a second array of selectively adjustable
louver panels, 32 and 34, respectively. Each array 32 and 34 forms
a side wall of the structure 10, the side walls being oppositely
disposed. One or more wind speed sensors 80 are disposed within and
throughout the housing structure. One or more wind directional
sensors 82 are disposed on the outer surface 14 of the housing
structure 10 and throughout the housing structure 10. At the top
and bottom edges of the front and back ends of the housing
structure 10 are rounded protuberances or edges 94.
[0031] The airstream inlet chamber 26 includes an internal outlet
30 through which a collected airstream passes. The structure 10
also includes a central chamber 36 for housing a plurality of wind
generation power plants, for example, turbines 38, and for
receiving a collected airstream from the internal outlet 30 of the
airstream inlet chamber 26. A plurality of turbines 38 are
rotatably coupled to an axis of rotation 40. The central chamber 36
also includes a third and fourth array of selectively adjustable
louver panels, 42 and 44, respectively. Each array 42 and 44 forms
a side wall of the structure, and the side walls are oppositely
disposed.
[0032] The housing structure 10 further includes an airstream
outlet chamber 46 with an internal inlet 48 through which a
collected airstream passes from the central chamber 36. The
airstream outlet chamber 46 includes a fifth and sixth array of
selectively adjustable louver panels, 52 and 54, respectively, each
of which forms an oppositely disposed side wall of the structure
10. An outlet opening 50 for diffusing a collected airstream is
also provided.
[0033] According to an aspect of the invention, a singular, rigid
structure anchored to the ground by means of vertical structural
columns attached to concrete foundation pads or piers, does not
possess the ability to orient either the inlet chamber, or the
equipment of the wind power generation plant lodged in the central
chamber, into the direction of the prevailing wind stream. The
adjustable airstream focusing sub-system 62 is thus provided to
capture, direct and focus elements of the prevailing wind stream
into the opening of the middle chamber.
[0034] The ceilings and floors of both the inlet and outlet
chambers are faced or lined with ribbed steel paneling 18 (FIG. 2),
the ribs of said paneling being aligned perpendicular to the face
of the middle chamber, while the side walls of the inlet, central
and outlet chambers are comprised of adjustable louvers. The floor
and ceiling of the central chamber may also be faced with the same
material, or other materials of similar properties, strength and
durability, with the ribbing oriented in the same direction as the
airstream flowing through the chamber.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, a top plan view of the structure 10
illustrates the side walls of the housing structure 10 that are
formed by the selectively adjustable louver panel arrays 32, 34,
42, 44, 52 and 54, respectively, according to an aspect of the
invention.
[0036] The supporting housing structure 10 is composed of steel
I-beam columns, attached to concrete foundation pads or piers 11,
and steel I-beam and lattice framing members to which ribbed and
corrugated 29 gauge and 26 gauge steel panels (or other suitable
materials having similar properties, including strength and
durability) of varying widths and lengths are affixed to create the
walls, ceilings and floors of the housing structure 10. The
construction methodology and materials allow for the structure to
withstand wind speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour.
Advantageously, the use of this type of steel construction allows
for this aspect of the invention to be constructed at a far lower
cost per installed kW of power capacity than any existing HAWT or
VAWT wind power generation system in current use. The construction
methodology advantageously allows for wide spans of up to 300 feet,
with a minimal number of columns being in use, a feature not found
in the existing wind augmentation and diffusion technologies, as
existing augmentation and diffusion applications are either very
small in size, or the structures are studded with many columns and
extensive framing which cause turbulence in the incoming and
outgoing wind stream.
[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 exemplify the bi-directional functionality of
the system. When there is a shift in the prevailing wind, the
function of the airstream inlet chamber 26 for receiving and
collecting airstreams and the airstream outlet chamber 46 for
diffusing collected airstreams is reversed, i.e., the airstream
inlet chamber 26 serves to diffuse collected airstreams, and the
airstream outlet chamber 46 serves to collect and direct
airstreams.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, which illustrate elevational
views of a portion of the selectively adjustable louver panel array
of the system, the louver panel 24 on a vertical axis 56 with
bearings 59 and rotating socket, is in a closed position in FIG.
5a, and an open position in FIG. 5b. Also illustrated in FIGS. 5a
and 5b is a connector arm 58 that may be coupled to a shaft of an
electric motor 60 for driving the arrays according to an aspect of
the invention. Although illustrated at the top of the louver panel,
it should be understood that the connector arm 58 may also be
coupled at the bottom of the panel, and alternatively, the panels
may be coupled with connector arms 58 at both ends thereof.
According to another aspect of the invention, the connector arm 58
is not present, and each of the selectively adjustable louver
panels are moved independently of one another, as will be described
herein. According to an aspect of the invention, the shaft of the
motor 60 may be attached to the axis of the louver panel situated
closest to the exterior opening of either chamber, to move the
entire panel in concert.
[0039] Alternatively, each of the louver panels 24 in the arrays
may be independently movable. For example, a variable frequency
device (VFD) 89 may be employed, which is an adjustable speed
drive, the rotational speed of an alternating current electric
motor being controlled by controlling the frequency of the
electrical power supplied to the motor. The speed of the motor
being controlled by a programmable logic computer (PLC). In this
aspect, the motor would have an encoder to provide the position of
the motor to the PLC 90. The PLC 90 will control the speed and
position of the motor to achieve a programmed position for the
adjustable louver panel arrays. Alternatively, the array of louvers
may be adjusted using a chain drive and sprocket arrangement,
wherein the axis of one louver is coupled to a drive shaft of a
positioning motor, the motor being controlled by a VFD 89. Each of
the louver panels of the array being equipped with a sprocket
affixed to a respective rotatable axis, the sprockets being joined
by a closed loop drive chain, and the operation of which allows for
signal commands from the PLC to the VFD and the positioning motor
to be carried out for a particular array by mechanical action of
the chain drive and sprocket arrangement.
[0040] The variable frequency device(s) (VFD) 89 in FIG. 6
represent a specific type of adjustable speed drive. It is a system
for controlling the rotational speed of an alternating current (AC)
electric motor 87 by controlling the frequency of the electrical
power supplied to the motor 87. The VFD 89 powers the positioning
motor 87 of the Adjustable Airstream Focusing Sub-System (AAF). The
speed of the motor will be controlled by the PLC 90. The motor 87
includes an encoder which will provide the position of the motor
back to the PLC. The PLC will control the speed and position of the
motor to achieve the programmed position of the Adjustable
Airstream Focusing Sub System Panels.
[0041] Each louver panel 24 is coupled to a vertical axis 56 that
intersects and extends beyond the top and bottom ends of each
panel. According to an aspect of the invention, each end of each
vertical axis 56 being seated in a rotating socket, is joined at
the top end with a connector arm 58 for moving the louvers in
unison. The louver panels may be moved in unison by an electric
motor 60, the shaft of the electric motor being attached to the
louver panel proximate the opening 28 or 50 of the airstream inlet
chamber 26 or the airstream outlet chamber 46. The louver panel
proximate the opening 28 or 50 may extend beyond the opening(s) of
the chamber(s) 26 or 46. The louver panels have dimensions
corresponding to the interior dimensions of the chamber.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the bi-directionality
functionality is further illustrated when an airstream 88 is at
different angles of attack is illustrated. In FIG. 3, the angle of
attack is at about 130 degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the
selectively adjustable louver panels 32, 42 and 54 are in an open
position, and the selectively adjustable louver panels 34 and 52
are in a closed position. The movement of the louver panels is
controlled by a controller system, as described herein. In FIG. 4,
the angle of attack is from the opposite direction, at about 130
degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the selectively adjustable
louver panels 32 and 54 are in a closed position, and the
selectively adjustable louver panels 52, 44 and 34 are in an open
position. As illustrated, the louver panels further direct an
airstream either into or out of the central chamber. The opening
and closing movement of the louver panels is determined by a
controller which actuates depending upon the direction of the
prevailing wind.
[0043] It should be understood that a prevailing wind with an angle
of attack that is exactly perpendicular, i.e., 90.degree., to the
orientation of the rotation of the axis or axes of the wind power
generation plant 38 is the most productive for propelling the
impellers. Each degree of shift, from an angle of attack of
90.degree., results in a progressive lessening of the effective
wind power available for striking the impellers of the power plant.
For example, at a 140.degree. angle of attack or greater (or 40
degrees if the measurement of degrees is taken from the receding
side of the scale), the wind stream is significantly less
effective, because of its oblique approach to the wind power
generation plant's turbines, for the purpose of powering the wind
power generation plant if devices and mechanisms to direct elements
of the airstream at a productive angle into central chamber are not
utilized.
[0044] The louver panels are capable of being continually
re-positioned in reaction to shifts in the angle of attack of the
wind stream, thereby capturing elements of the wind stream and
directing said wind stream elements into a more productive angle of
attack upon the impellers of the wind power generation plant 38.
Wind directional sensors 82 may be disposed around the exterior
perimeter of the housing structure and remote sensors 81 disposed
as far as one mile from the structure may be included to monitor
the direction of the prevailing wind speed and send a signal to the
main controller, which will then issue a signal command to the
appropriate variable frequency drive or drives to the positioning
motor associated with the selectively adjustable louver panels,
instructing the motor to turn the axis of the master louver panel
to adjust the positioning of the entire array of louver panels to
an orientation that most productively captures elements of the
passing air stream. Advantageously, the continuous re-adjustment
allows for prevailing wind streams with up to a 170.degree. angle
of attack to be captured and directed at a more productive angle
towards the impellers of the wind power generation plant 38.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 6, the operation of the main
controller 90 is illustrated. A real-time programmable PLC 90 is
illustrated as being coupled to one or more wind speed sensors 80.
The wind speed sensors 80 are configured to measure a wind speed,
and operational to provide a wind speed measurement signal to the
controller 90. The PLC 90 is also coupled to one or more wind
directional sensors 82. The wind directional sensors 82 are
configured to measure a wind direction, and operational to provide
a wind directional measurement signal to the controller 90. The PLC
90 is also coupled to one or more rpm sensors 83 and one or more
permanent magnetic generators 84 are coupled to an axis of rotation
40 of one or more turbines 38. The rpm sensors 83 are configured to
measure revolutions-per-minute of the turbine(s) 38 and the axis of
rotation 40, and operational to provide an rpm measurement signal
to the controller 90. The PLC 90 is also coupled to one or more
positioning sensors 86. The positioning sensors 86 are configured
to measure a position of one or more arrays of selectively
adjustable louver panels, and operational to provide a position
measurement signal to the controller 90.
[0046] The controller 90 is configured to receive the wind speed,
wind direction, the rpm and position measurement signals from the
sensors, and to compare the received signals with selected
parameters. The controller 90 is configured to adjust the position
of one or more arrays of selectively adjustable louver panels 32,
24, 42, 44, 52, and 54 to direct airstreams toward one or more
turbines 38 in a wind power generation plant based on a comparison
of the received data to increase the power and velocity of the
collected elements of the passing airstream.
[0047] According to an aspect of the invention, a main controller
90 is connected to the axis(es) 40 of the power plant 38 and the
individual louver panels 24, or an array of adjustable louver
panels, for selectively controlling movement of the adjustable
louvers and for utilizing RPM (revolutions per minute) output
signals from the axis(es) of the power plant in order to more
efficiently control the movement of the adjustable louvers in order
to increase the rotational energy output into mechanical or
electrical energy is also provided. For example, if the controller
issues commands to move the position of an array of louvers based
on input signals received from wind direction sensors placed in and
around the housing structure, and the power plant's RPM
(revolutions per minute) sensors send an output signal indicating
that the movement of the array of louvers increased the RPMs of the
power plant's axis(es), thereby increasing electricity production,
the controller would issue a series of commands to the louver
arrays to continue making incremental adjustments in positioning in
order to further increase electricity production. Output signals
from the power plant's RPM sensors to the controller indicating
increasing RPMs would result in the controller issuing a command to
continue the incremental movement of the louver array in the
current direction. If output signals from the power plant's RPM
sensors indicated a reduction in the RPMs of the power plant's
axis(es) the controller would issue a command to `correct the
positioning` of the louver array to the last former position where
the higher level of RPMs was being realized. This ability to make
incremental adjustments to the position of the louver arrays
extends the production range, and increases the power-producing
capability, thereby increasing the capacity factor of the system.
The ability to capture wind from a wider scope and operate in a
bi-directional fashion with a reversal of the prevailing wind, also
increases the power producing capability, thereby further
increasing the capacity factor of the system.
[0048] The wind power generation plant (WPGP) generates wind power
through a single wind turbine 38, or a plurality of turbines 38
rotatably disposed on a rotational axis 40. The axis 40 is joined
to a drive shaft of a permanent magnetic generator (PMG) 84. The
wind power generation plant converts energy extracted from the air
stream by the impellers of the wind turbines 38 into rotational
mechanical power, and then converts this energy into electricity
utilizing the electromagnetic process created by the turning of the
core of the PMG which is affixed to the drive shaft of the
generator against stationary portions of the generator that
surround the core.
[0049] In FIG. 6, an rpm sensor 95 is coupled to the axis of
rotation 40, to which an optional gear box 96 may be coupled
thereto. A permanent magnetic generator (PMG) 97 coupled about the
axis 40 includes a secondary controller and inverter for converting
DC current to AC. The rpm sensor 95 is configured to send signals
to the main controller 90, and if conditions warrant, the secondary
controller sends instructions to a braking device to halt rotation
of the turbine 38.
[0050] In FIG. 6, a positioning motor 87 is coupled to a variable
frequency drive 89 and actuates in response to a signal received
from the controller 90 to adjust the angle of one or more panels or
an entire array(s).
[0051] The wind turbines 38 include a plurality of impellers
(blades, rotors) which are coupled to a structural frame to
position and orient the impellers to effectively present a certain
area of their surface to the passing wind stream in order for the
wind stream to strike against the impellers and cause the axis to
rotate.
[0052] Each individual wind power generator (WPG) of the WPGP is
equipped with its own real-time programmable controller capable of
receiving one or more signals and issuing commands for adjusting
selected parameters based on the received one or more signals. The
main functions of the controller being the regulation of the speed
of the rotation of the rotational axis and the performance of a
`dump load,` an operational sequence for the dissipation of
`over-produced` electricity, to rectify frequency-variable output
voltage of the WPG to DC voltage before feeding the produced
electricity into the inverter for conversion into AC voltage,
thereby affording overvoltage protection for the WPG and the
inverter.
[0053] The controller 90 receives real time input signals from wind
speed sensors 80, from voltage monitoring components that are part
of that individual WPG's electrical system, from rpm sensors 95
monitoring the RPMs of the WPG's rotational axis, and from an
electromagnetic braking device that is a component of the WPG.
[0054] The electromagnetic braking device, equipped with an encoder
and sensor, is in communication with the controller 90, with a
sensor being capable of providing an output to the controller. The
electromagnetic braking device is also attached to the rotational
axis 40 of the WPG and is utilized to prevent the axis from over
speeding, which can result in reduced production, or, in extremely
high winds which could result in the WPG's turbines and other
components being damaged or destroyed.
[0055] When the increasing velocity of the wind stream striking the
impellers of a WPG's turbine or turbines causes the revolutions
(rotations) per minute (RPMs) of the wind power generator's (WPG's)
turbines 38 and rotational axis 40 to exceed a level of productive
operation the controller, which is continuously receiving real time
output signals on the level of RPMs of the rotational axis and
turbines, will issue a command to the electromagnetic braking
device to partially engage thereby reducing the RPMs of the WPG's
rotational axis to a level that allows for efficient production of
electricity.
[0056] If the controller receives continuous signals from the wind
speed sensor 80 indicating that the wind stream's velocity has
risen to a level that could damage or destroy the WPG's turbines
and other components of the system, a command is sent from the
controller to the electromagnetic braking device to fully engage
and hold the WPG's rotational axis in a fixed position. When
signals from the wind speed sensors 80 being sent to the controller
indicate that the velocity of the wind stream has returned to a
level that will allow for the WPG's turbines to operate within an
RPM range that is safe for the WPG's components to operate in and
will allow for the effective production of electricity the
controller sends a command to the electromagnetic braking device to
partially disengage so as to allow for the rotational axis to
rotate.
[0057] The wind turbines 38, the rotational axis 40, the permanent
magnetic generator (PMG) 84, the controller 90 (and the various
sensors and encoders connected to it), the inverter, the
electromagnetic braking device and the bracketing and supporting
fixtures used to hold the WPG's components in place and couple them
to the Invention's structure comprises the components of a wind
power generator (WPG).
[0058] In some aspects of the invention a mechanical device, for
example, a gearbox mechanism, a transmission or timing chain, is
situated between the axis and the PMG's drive shaft, functioning to
increase the speed of the drive shaft by a factor of two times or
more through the conversion of torque power to higher speed through
the use of gearing ratios.
[0059] The need for a gearbox-like speed up mechanism 96 is based
upon the size and type of turbine or turbines that are utilized to
construct the wind power generator and the power rating and
power/torque curve of the PMG with which it is matched. If the PMG
that is being utilized has a higher RPM (revolutions per minute)
requirement for effectively producing electricity than the turbine
or turbines can provide by direct application of the mechanical
rotation they create, it is necessary to situate the gearbox-like
speed up mechanism between the rotatable axis upon which the
turbine or turbines are affixed and the drive shaft of the PMG.
Depending upon the size and type of turbines in use and the RPM
requirements of the PMG in use, the speed up mechanism may have a
ratio ranging from 1:2 to 1:4 in order achieve the desired level of
RPM's.
[0060] In aspects of the invention where the turbines' power/torque
curve and RPM production capability is within the same range as
that of the PMG that it has been matched with in the WPG (wind
power generator) setup there is no need for any gearbox-like device
or mechanical speed up to be placed between the turbine axis and
the drive shaft of the PMG.
[0061] If the force of the passing air stream striking upon the
impellers of the turbines is strong enough it will cause the axis
to overcome the inertia of the physical equipment making up the
wind power generator (WPG), causing the axis to rotate, thereby
rotating the drive shaft of the PMG.
[0062] If the elements of the passing air stream that are
collected, focused and directed at the WPGP are of, or increase to,
a certain velocity, some of the energy contained in the elements of
the air stream striking the turbine's impellers will be of a level
of intensity that is great enough so as to overcome the inertia of
the wind power generator's physical equipment and electromagnetic
resistance of the PMG thereby causing the axis to rotate which in
turn causes the PMG's drive shaft to rotate, either directly or via
the gearbox or similar mechanical speed up device, and turn the
generator's core.
[0063] If the elements of the collected, focused and directed wind
stream reach a certain level of velocity, the amount of energy
being extracted from the wind stream through the action of its
striking against the turbine's impellers will be great enough to
increase the revolutions per minute (RPMs) of the rotatable axis
and drive shaft of the PMG to attain the number of revolutions per
minute required for the generator to create DC electricity which is
then converted to `electric grid acceptable` AC electricity through
the use of an inverter.
[0064] The number of revolutions per minute (RPMs) required to
begin the generation of electricity by a wind power generator is
determined by the level of cogging and torque resistance of any
particular PMG that is utilized.
[0065] Once a wind power generator (WPG) has begun to generate
electricity, increases in the wind stream's velocity will cause the
WPG to produce greater amounts of electricity, while a fall in the
wind stream's velocity will result in a decline in the amount of
electricity being produced. If the wind stream's velocity falls
below a certain level electricity production will cease.
[0066] The WPGP can include wind power generators that are based on
either of the HAWT (horizontal axis wind turbine) or the VAWT
(vertical axis wind turbine) technologies.
[0067] Regardless of whether a turbine is based on HAWT or VAWT
technology, the wind power generator and the turbine or turbines
must be structured on the basis of correlating and matching the
swept area of a turbine or turbines impellers (blades, rotors) with
the power generation rating of the permanent magnetic generator
(PMG) being utilized for that particularly sized WPG. More simply
put, the size of the `swept area` of a turbine--the area that a
turbine's rotors `sweeps or collects air from`--can be converted
over to a measurement of `aerodynamic DC watts` that a swept area
of that size would generate at varying levels of wind velocity.
[0068] For the purposes of constructing a wind power generator the
swept area of the turbine or turbines must be large enough to
harvest a level of energy from the wind stream that provides a
level of rotational mechanical power to the drive shaft of the PMG
sufficient to generate electricity within that the PMG's power
range.
[0069] If HAWT based wind power generators are used to make up the
WPGP's (wind power generation plant) wind power generators (WPGs),
each individual wind power generator of the plurality of WPG's that
make up the WPGP could be made up of one or more HAWTs coupled to
either a supporting or suspending vertically or horizontally
aligned pole that had either one or both ends of the pole secured
in a rotatable socket with the socket being coupled to framing
elements of the housing structure 10.
[0070] If VAWT based wind power generators are used to make up the
WPGP's (wind power generation plant) wind power generators (WPGs),
each individual wind power generator of the plurality of WPG's that
make up the WPGP can be made up of one or more VAWTs affixed to a
vertically aligned rotatable axis that has its top terminus secured
in a rotatable socket with the socket being coupled to framing
elements of the housing structure 10 while the bottom terminus, the
end pointed towards the ground, is coupled to either a gearbox-like
speed up mechanism which in turn is coupled to the drive shaft of a
PMG, or the bottom terminus of the axis is directly coupled to the
drive shaft of the PMG, with both the gearbox-like speed up
mechanism, if used, and the PMG being supported and held in place
by being bracketed and/or shelved to framing elements of the
housing structure 10.
[0071] In aspects of the Invention where the WPGP is made up of
WPGs (wind power generators) that are VAWT based there are three
types of vertical wind turbines that may be utilized to construct
the wind power generators, H-Type, C-Type and Darrieus Type
turbines.
[0072] A VAWT based WPG constructed utilizing H-Type, C-Type or
Darrieus Type turbines may be comprised of one or more turbines,
each individual turbine being separately rotatably affixed to a
common rotational axis with the axis being coupled to either a
gearbox-like mechanical speed up device or directly to the drive
shaft of the PMG that is being made a part of the WPG (wind power
generator).
[0073] When a VAWT based WPG is constructed utilizing either
H-Type, C-Type or Darrieus Type turbine and more than one turbine
is employed to construct the WPG each individual turbine has its
impellers (blades, rotors) offset from the impellers of the turbine
that is adjacent to it on the rotational axis upon which they are
coupled. If three or more VAWT turbines are utilized to construct a
WPG all of the turbines utilized are coupled to the rotational axis
in a fashion so as to ensure that each turbine's impellers are
offset from the impellers of the turbine that is adjacent to it.
Offsetting the turbine's impellers serves to reduce axial load
bearing, stresses and vibratory forces which can cause excessive
wear on the WPG's components including the axis' shafting, the
turbines themselves, the PMG and the anchoring and supporting
equipment holding the WPG in place. In addition, the stresses and
vibratory forces cause excessive wear and can cause damage to the
housing structure, so reduction in stress and vibration prevent
premature wear and damage.
[0074] In a WPGP in which the WPGs are VAWT based, the size and
number of turbines that comprise the WPGs are determined upon what
is required to be the total nameplate power generation capacity, or
power rating, of a particular aspect of the invention.
[0075] VAWT turbines, or the types described, ranging in size from
1 kW to 5 kW or more in power rating can be utilized to construct
WPGs, and the WPGs can be comprised of one turbine or a plurality
of turbines to achieve the required power rating for the selected
system. As an example, four 5 kW turbines could be utilized to
construct a WPG with a power rating of 20 kW with the WPG being
equipped with a PMG that had a power rating in the range of 20
kW.
[0076] In turn, if the system according to an aspect of the
invention required a nameplate power generation capacity of 500 kW
then twenty-five 20 kW WPGs would be required to comprise a WPGP
(wind power generation plant) of 500 kW. When a plurality of WPGs
are required to achieve a certain nameplate capacity for the WPGP
according to an aspect of the invention, the WPGs will be arranged
in arrays, with the individual WPGs being set adjacent to one and
other with certain distances of spacing and orientations of
positioning between and amongst them being maintained to assure
that each individual WPG is able to have productive elements of the
air stream that has been collected, focused and directed into the
central chamber in which the WPGs are situated striking against its
impellers in an unimpeded fashion. The WPGs must be set at
distances from one and other and at orientations to one and other
that ensure, regardless of the angle of the incoming wind stream in
relation to the position of the WPGs, that neither the impellers of
any of the turbines are blocked by those of other turbines and
neither the turbulence from any WPGs wake nor the partial depletion
of the wind stream's energy significantly reduces the productivity
of any of the WPGs in the WPGP.
[0077] When the system according to an aspect of the invention
requires a nameplate power generation capacity of a certain rating,
the WPGP may be comprised of WPGs of a certain kW rating and the
number of WPGs needed to achieve the desired nameplate capacity may
require that the WPGs be arrayed in two rows, one row being set
towards the one opening of the central chamber and the second row
being set in proximity to the opposite opening of the chamber.
[0078] When the system according to an aspect of the invention
requires that the WPGs be set in arrays of two rows the rows must
be set at a distance from one and other assure that each individual
WPG is able to have productive elements of the air stream that has
been collected, focused and directed into the central chamber in
which the WPGs are situated striking against its impellers in an
unimpeded fashion. The rows of WPGs must be set at distances from
one and other and the individual WPGs in the different rows at
orientations to one and other that ensure that regardless of the
angle of the incoming wind stream in relation to the position of
the WPGs that neither the impellers of any of the turbines are
blocked by those of other turbines and the neither the turbulence
from any WPGs wake nor the partial depletion of the wind stream's
energy significantly reduces the productivity of any of the WPGs in
the WPGP.
[0079] In some aspects, it may be required to mix wind power
generators (WPGs) of varying sizes and turbine types in the arrays
and rows in which they may be set in the central chamber in order
to optimize production. This would mean, as way of an example that
WPGs comprised of a plurality of H Type turbines, having a rating
of 10 kW and a diameter of 8 feet may be intermixed with WPGs
comprised of C Type turbines, having a rating of 20 kW and a
diameter of 11 feet, in either the same array and row, or in a
fashion where one row of WPGs was made up of the WPGs comprised of
the H Type turbines and the second row was made of the WPGs
comprised of the C Type turbines.
[0080] In certain aspects, it may also be required that the
turbines of the WPGs in one row be situated on the rotational axis
of the WPG to allow an area of open space for the wind stream to
flow through unimpeded in order to strike the impellers of a
turbine of a WPG set in the second row and which is situated on the
rotational axis of the WPG in such a position as to have its
impellers struck directly by the elements of the unimpeded wind
stream.
[0081] Advantageously, the system, apparatus, and method of the
invention harnesses the combined effects of initially augmenting,
then diffusing an airstream by collecting, directing and
concentrating the approaching wind and subsequently diffusing the
exiting wind stream through the use of a single structural
continuum, for the purpose of increasing the amount of wind energy
being directed at rotors/blades/impact impellers rotatably attached
to turbines or other suitable mechanisms for a wind power
generation plant housed within the structure. By diffusing the
airstream through either chamber 26 or 46, an area of lower air
pressure is created which further increases the velocity of the
airstream passing through the area housing a wind turbine array or
other suitable mechanism through the creation of a vortex
effect.
[0082] The invention has been described with reference to specific
embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art, however, appreciates
that various modifications and changes can be made without
departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the
claims. For example, the wind power generation plant housed in the
central chamber located between the inlet and outlet chambers may
be vertical-axis or horizontal-axis in design, with the rotation
upon which the impact impellers are affixed being oriented in
either a vertical or horizontal alignment in relation to the ground
surface, with either orientation allowing for bi-directional
functionality. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in
an illustrative manner, rather than with a restrictive view, and
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the invention.
[0083] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described above with regard to specific embodiments. The
benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, and any element(s)
that may cause any benefits, advantages, or solutions to occur or
become more pronounced, are not to be construed as a critical,
required, or an essential feature or element of any or all of the
claims.
* * * * *