U.S. patent application number 13/992841 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for turbine assembly, and kit with components for assembling the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to CORPORATION MC2 RECHERCHES INTERNATIONALES. The applicant listed for this patent is Marc Campagna. Invention is credited to Marc Campagna.
Application Number | 20130341930 13/992841 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46206487 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130341930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Campagna; Marc |
December 26, 2013 |
TURBINE ASSEMBLY, AND KIT WITH COMPONENTS FOR ASSEMBLING THE
SAME
Abstract
A turbine assembly for generating electricity from kinetic
energy of a moving fluid flow. The turbine assembly includes an
elongated casing defining a fluid channel through which the fluid
flow is allowed to travel, as well as an inlet and an outlet for
respectively receiving and releasing the fluid flow to and from the
fluid channel. The assembly also includes a main rotor contained
within the casing and intersecting the fluid channel, the main
rotor being rotatably moveable with respect to the casing via a
pivoting component. The main rotor has a closed-loop arrangement
provided with a plurality of rotor vanes each defining a
neighbouring closed-loop rotor passage, the main rotor being
rotatably driven via the passage of fluid flow through its
closed-loop arrangement, and the closed-loop arrangement being
further configured for imparting a forced rotational movement to
the fluid flow exiting from the main rotor. The assembly also
includes a main generator being operatively connectable to the main
rotor and being driven by a rotation of the main rotor, in order to
generate electricity, the main generator being contained within the
casing and being positioned within the casing via a supporting
component so as to be placed in a vortex region defined by the
forced rotational movement of the fluid flow exiting the main
rotor.
Inventors: |
Campagna; Marc; (Sherbrooke,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Campagna; Marc |
Sherbrooke |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
CORPORATION MC2 RECHERCHES
INTERNATIONALES
Sherbrooke (Quebec)
CA
|
Family ID: |
46206487 |
Appl. No.: |
13/992841 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
December 12, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA11/01341 |
371 Date: |
September 12, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61421703 |
Dec 10, 2010 |
|
|
|
61540257 |
Sep 28, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
290/54 ; 415/118;
415/148; 415/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F03D 13/10 20160501;
Y02E 10/72 20130101; F03D 9/25 20160501; F03D 1/04 20130101; F05B
2210/16 20130101; F03B 3/04 20130101; F01D 15/10 20130101; Y02E
10/30 20130101; F03B 3/18 20130101; F03D 1/02 20130101; F03B 11/08
20130101; F05B 2240/133 20130101; F03B 13/105 20130101; Y02E 10/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
290/54 ; 415/148;
415/118; 415/17 |
International
Class: |
F01D 15/10 20060101
F01D015/10 |
Claims
1. A turbine assembly (1) for generating electricity from kinetic
energy of a moving fluid flow (3), the turbine assembly (1)
comprising: an elongated casing (5) defining a fluid channel (7)
through which the fluid flow (5) is allowed to travel; an inlet (9)
having an effective cross-sectional area for receiving the fluid
flow (3) into the fluid channel (7), the inlet (9) being further
configured for directing the fluid flow (3) into said fluid channel
(7); an outlet (11) having an effective cross-sectional area for
releasing the fluid flow (3) out from the fluid channel (7), the
outlet (11) being positioned downstream of the inlet (9) along the
fluid channel (7); a main rotor (13) contained within the casing
(5) and intersecting the fluid channel (7), between the inlet (9)
and the outlet (11), the main rotor (13) being rotatably moveable
with respect to the casing (5) via a pivoting component (15), the
main rotor (13) having a closed-loop arrangement (17) provided with
a plurality of rotor vanes (19) each defining a neighbouring
closed-loop rotor passage (21), the closed-loop rotor passages (21)
of the main rotor (13) providing an effective cross-sectional area
through which the fluid flow (3) is allowed to pass, the main rotor
(13) being rotatably driven via the passage of fluid flow (3)
through its closed-loop arrangement (21), and the closed-loop
arrangement (21) being further configured for imparting a forced
rotational movement to the fluid flow (3) exiting from the main
rotor (13); and a main generator (23) being operatively connectable
to the main rotor (13) and being driven by a rotation of said main
rotor (13), in order to generate electricity, the main generator
(23) being contained within the casing (5) and being positioned
within said casing (5) via a supporting component (25) so as to be
placed in a vortex region (27) defined by the forced rotational
movement of the fluid flow (3) exiting the main rotor (13).
2. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
closed-loop arrangement (17) of the main rotor (13) comprises
concentric inner and outer rings (29,31), the inner ring (29) being
provided with a plurality of inner rotor vanes (19a) each defining
a neighbouring closed-loop inner rotor passage (21a), the
closed-loop inner rotor passages (21a) of the main rotor (13)
providing a first effective cross-sectional area through which an
inner portion of the fluid flow (3) is allowed to pass, and the
outer ring (31) being provided with a plurality of outer rotor
vanes (19b) each defining a neighbouring closed-loop outer rotor
passage (21b), the closed-loop outer rotor passages (21b) of the
main rotor (13) providing a second effective cross-sectional area
through which an outer portion of the fluid flow (3) is allowed to
pass.
3. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 2, wherein the inner
ring (29) is delimited from the outer ring (31) via a
circumferential median wall (33).
4. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein the
closed-loop arrangement (17) is circular having an outer radius
(r.sub.1), and wherein the circumferential median wall (33) is also
circular and has a radius (r.sub.2) which is about 2/3 of the outer
radius (r.sub.1).
5. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 4, the outer ring (31)
is delimited via a peripheral outer wall (35), and wherein the
peripheral outer wall (35) is circular and has a radius (r.sub.1)
corresponding to the outer radius (r.sub.1) of the closed-loop
arrangement (17).
6. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein outer rotor
vanes (19b) of the main rotor (13) have a curved profile different
from that of inner rotor vanes (19a) of said main rotor (13).
7. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein outer rotor
vanes (19b) of the main rotor (13) are radially offset with respect
to inner rotor vanes (19a) of said main rotor (13).
8. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the main
rotor (13) comprises about ten inner rotor vanes (19a) and about
twenty outer rotor vanes (19b).
9. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least
one rotor vane (19) of the turbine assembly (1) is moveable with
respect to its corresponding rotor (13) so as to have a variable
pitch.
10. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 9, wherein the
variable pitch of said at least one rotor vane (19) is adjustably
controllable by a control device (37) of the turbine assembly
(1).
11. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a heating component (39) for heating
corresponding rotor vanes (19) of a given rotor (13) so as to
prevent an accumulation of ice on said corresponding rotor vanes
(19).
12. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein a given
rotor (13) of the turbine assembly (1) has a central hub (41)
provided with a plurality of through holes (43) for reducing an
overall weight of said given rotor (13).
13. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises at least one adjustable shutter (47)
in fluid communication with the inlet (9) and being adjustably
operable between opposite opened and closed configurations for
adjustably controlling an extent of fluid flow (3) entering the
inlet (9), thereby adjustably controlling an extent of rotational
speed of each rotor (13), and in turn adjustably controlling an
extent of electricity output of the main generator (23).
14. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises an electromagnetic generator (23b)
operatively connected to a given rotor (13) for generating an
electromagnetic resistance for adjustably impeding the rotation of
said given rotor (13), and in turn adjustably controlling
electricity output of the main generator (23).
15. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 14, wherein the main
generator (23) is also the electromagnetic generator (23b).
16. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet
(9) is provided with a deflector (49) comprising a plurality of
deflector vanes (51) configured for directing the fluid flow (3)
downstream at an optimal attacking angle onto the rotor vanes (19)
of a given rotor (13).
17. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 16, wherein the
deflector (49) comprises an orifice (53) for receiving a first
distal section (45a) of a rotatable shaft (45) about which each
rotor (13) is mounted.
18. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 16, wherein the
deflector (49) comprises between about two and about eight
deflector vanes (51).
19. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 16, wherein at least
one deflector vane (53) of the turbine assembly (1) is moveable
with respect to the deflector (49) so as to have a variable
pitch.
20. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 19, wherein the
variable pitch of said at least one deflector vane (51) is
adjustably controllable by a control device (37) of the turbine
assembly (1).
21. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 16, wherein a
deflector vane (51) comprises a leading edge (55) facing toward the
inlet (9) for directing the fluid flow (3), the leading edge (55)
having a leading angle with respect to the pivoting component (15),
and a departing edge (57) facing toward the outlet (11) at which
the fluid flow (3) leaves the deflector vane (51), the departing
edge (57) having a departing angle with respect to the pivoting
component (15), wherein the deflector vane (57) spans between the
leading edge (55) and the departing edge (57) so as to form an
angled deflector vane (57).
22. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 21, wherein the fluid
flow (3) leaving the deflector vane (57) impacts a corresponding
rotor vane (19) at an angle normal to a surface of the rotor vane
(19).
23. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the main
generator (23) is further positioned coaxially about a longitudinal
axis (59) of a segment of the fluid channel (7) so as to be cooled
by fluid flow (3) exiting the main rotor (13) and rotating about
the main generator (23).
24. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a generator support (25c) for
supporting the main generator (23), the generator support (25c)
being fixedly mountable within the casing (5).
25. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 24, wherein the
generator support (25c) comprises a bracket onto which the main
generator (13) is perpendicularly secured.
26. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
effective cross-sectional area of the inlet (9) is substantially
greater than the effective cross-sectional area of the main rotor
(13), for increasing the speed of the fluid flow (3) passing
through the main rotor (13) with respect to the speed of the fluid
flow (3) entering the inlet (9).
27. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises an intake nozzle (73) removably
mountable onto the inlet (9) for further increasing the speed of
the fluid flow (3) before entering the inlet (9).
28. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a heating component (39) for heating
the fluid flow (3) passing though the casing (5) for increasing
fluidity of said fluid flow (3).
29. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a first screen (75a) removably
mountable within the inlet (9), for preventing undesirable objects
present in the fluid flow (3) from entering into the fluid channel
(7) within the casing (5) via said inlet (9).
30. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 29, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a heating component (39) for heating
corresponding sections of each screen (75) so as to prevent an
accumulation of ice on said corresponding sections of the screen
(75).
31. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises an animal-deterring mechanism (79)
for deterring animals from approaching the turbine assembly
(1).
32. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises an entrance cone (81) being
removably mountable onto a corresponding supporting component (25),
the entrance cone (81) being positioned upstream of the inlet (9)
for streamlining fluid flow (3) entering into said inlet (9).
33. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a rotatable shaft (45) pivotably
mountable onto at least one corresponding supporting component
(25), each rotor (13) being fixedly mountable onto said rotatable
shaft (45) so as to rotate therewith.
34. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 33, wherein the
rotatable shaft (45) comprises at least two coaxial shafts (45),
the first coaxial shaft (45) having a first rotor (13) rotatably
mounted thereabout and being connected to a first generator (23),
and the second coaxial shaft (45) being mounted concentrically
within the first coaxial shaft (45), and having a second rotor (13)
rotatably mounted thereabout and being connected to a second
generator (23), wherein each coaxial shaft (45) has a rotational
velocity substantially matching a rotational velocity of its
corresponding rotor (13).
35. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 33, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a sensor (85) for monitoring at
least one parameter of each shaft (45), the at least one parameter
being selected from the group consisting of alignment, vibrational
velocity, rotational velocity, frequency, and noise.
36. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a starter motor (23c) operatively
connected to the rotor (13) for providing an impulsive rotation to
said rotor (13) when the fluid flow (3) travelling through the
fluid channel (7) is below a given threshold speed.
37. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 36, wherein the main
generator (23) is configured to also serve as the starter motor
(23c) for the turbine assembly (1).
38. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) comprises an auto-positioning mechanism (99)
for automatically and continually positioning the inlet (9) to face
a direction of greater fluid flow (3).
39. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 37, wherein the
auto-positioning mechanism (99) comprises at least one axis of
rotation (91) mountable onto at least one corresponding pivot (93)
of the casing.
40. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly (1) is raised in elevation with respect to a
ground surface via a vertical support structure (95).
41. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
turbine assembly is part of an array (97) of same turbine
assemblies.
42. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least
one rotor (13) is concentrically and rotatably mountable about the
main generator (23) for generating electricity via a rotation of
said at least one rotor (13) about the main generator (23).
43. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 41, wherein for each
turbine assembly (1), a plurality of rotors (13) are rotatably
mounted about corresponding generators (23) and configured in
series in the casing (5).
44. A turbine assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least
one generator (23) encases a corresponding rotor (13) such that
rotation of said corresponding rotor (13) induces an electric
current in the at least one generator (23) thereby producing
electricity.
45. A kit with components, including an elongated casing (5), an
inlet (9), an outlet (11), a main rotor (13) and a main generator
(23), configured for assembling with respect to one another, so as
to form a turbine assembly (1) such as the one defined in claim
1.
46-99. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a turbine assembly. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a turbine assembly
for generating electricity from the kinetic energy of a moving
fluid flow, and also relates to a kit with corresponding components
for assembling the turbine assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Known in the art are various assemblies used for generating
electrical energy from wind, such as windmills, for example.
[0003] Most of the assemblies used in the field today are composed
of multiple wide-span open rotor blades exposed directly to the
wind, which are in turn connected to a complex and heavy
transmission system, which in turn drives a corresponding
generator. With these conventional assemblies, the wind impacts the
blades, creating a pressure differential forcing the blades to
rotate about a transmission shaft, which in turn rotates
corresponding gears connected to the shaft. Through gear reduction,
the kinetic energy of the gears' rotational velocity is converted
into electrical energy by the generator. The ability of these
conventional assemblies to generate electrical energy depends
largely on the size of the rotor blades and the speeds at which
they can rotate, as well as on the wind conditions in the immediate
surroundings of these conventional devices, given that a
considerable minimal wind speed is generally required in order to
overcome the inertia of these heavy wide-span open rotator blades
before they can even start to rotate, etc.
[0004] Known to the Applicant are the following US patents and
patent applications which describe various types of turbine
assemblies and the like: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,080,100; 4,219,303;
6,127,739; 7,086,824 B2; 2008/0170941 A1; 2010/0215502 A1;
2010/0296928 A1; 2010/0310361 A1; and 2011/0037268 A1.
[0005] The following patent documents also describe other similar
related systems: FR 2589201 A1; DE 19513321 A1; and KR
101043279.
[0006] Also known in the art are the substantial drawbacks
associated with such conventional electricity-generating
assemblies, such as, for example: a) the need to limit the
rotational speed of the rotor blades to preserve blade structural
integrity; b) the need to have complex and heavy hydraulic braking
systems required to control the speed of the rotor blades so as to
namely prevent them from rotating too fast which could be very
undesirable for obvious reasons; c) the hydraulic braking systems
used to lower the rotational speed of the rotor blades decrease the
amount of electrical energy that can be generated and, increase the
complexity of the overall assembly; d) the ever-increasing size of
rotor blades creates much visual and acoustic pollution and
negatively affects the flight and migratory activities of certain
species (i.e. bats, birds, insects, etc.); e) the structural
inertia of the long and heavy rotor blades results in blades
rotating only at relatively high wind speeds, thus restricting the
locations at which these conventional devices can be operated; f)
conventional electricity-generating assemblies are very big in
scale and thus are often installed in "wind parks" requiring vast
areas of land which are necessarily located far from cities and
other areas of high energy consumption, thus increasing
installation costs and further reducing both generation capacity
and transmission efficiency; g) conventional electricity-generating
assemblies require much maintenance due to the great number of
components that constitute the assemblies and the various
complexities related thereto; h) etc.
[0007] Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for
an improved system which, by virtue of its design and components,
would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the
aforementioned prior art problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a system,
which by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the
above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related
systems and/or methods known in the prior art, used for generating
electricity from a moving fluid flow (ex. wind, water, etc.).
[0009] In accordance with the present invention, the above object
is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a turbine assembly,
such as the one briefly described herein, and such as the one
exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
[0010] More particularly, and according to the present invention,
there is provided a turbine assembly for generating electricity
from kinetic energy of a moving fluid flow, the turbine assembly
comprising:
[0011] an elongated casing defining a fluid channel through which
the fluid flow is allowed to travel;
[0012] an inlet having an effective cross-sectional area for
receiving the fluid flow into the fluid channel, the inlet being
further configured for directing the fluid flow into said fluid
channel;
[0013] an outlet having an effective cross-sectional area for
releasing the fluid flow out from the fluid channel, the outlet
being positioned downstream of the inlet along the fluid
channel;
[0014] a main rotor contained within the casing and intersecting
the fluid channel, between the inlet and the outlet, the main rotor
being rotatably moveable with respect to the casing via a pivoting
component, the main rotor having a closed-loop arrangement provided
with a plurality of rotor vanes each defining a neighbouring
closed-loop rotor passage, the closed-loop rotor passages of the
main rotor providing an effective cross-sectional area through
which the fluid flow is allowed to pass, the main rotor being
rotatably driven via the passage of fluid flow through its
closed-loop arrangement, and the closed-loop arrangement being
further configured for imparting a forced rotational movement to
the fluid flow exiting from the main rotor; and
[0015] a main generator being operatively connectable to the main
rotor and being driven by a rotation of said main rotor, in order
to generate electricity, the main generator being contained within
the casing and being positioned within said casing via a supporting
component so as to be placed in a vortex region defined by the
forced rotational movement of the fluid flow exiting the main
rotor.
[0016] Such a turbine assembly configuration is particularly
advantageous in that it is capable of generating high levels of
revolutions per minute (rpm) to the main rotor (and in turn, high
levels of rpm to the main generator) even with very low speeds of
fluid flow entering the assembly. This is due namely to the casing
which enables to advantageously guide and accelerate the fluid flow
through a confined fluid channel, as well as to the particular
closed-loop arrangement of the main rotor which further confines
the fluid channel though a specific and optimal fluid path. The
fact that the main rotor is preferably intended to be directly
coupled to the main generator is also advantageous according to the
present invention because an increased rpm capability for the main
rotor translates into an increased rpm capability for the main
generator, and in turn, translates into an increased output of
electricity for a same given fluid flow, when compared to what is
possible by conventional systems with such a same given fluid flow.
Moreover, given that according to the present invention, the
closed-loop arrangement of the main rotor is preferably further
configured for imparting a forced rotational movement to the fluid
flow as it exits from the main rotor, a vortex or "wake" region is
created downstream of the main rotor, within the casing, where the
generator is advantageously positioned therealong so as to also
minimally interfere with the exiting fluid flow, given that forces
and speeds of such rotational fluid flows are greater/stronger away
from the longitudinal axis of the fluid channel (i.e. radially
outward). Furthermore, in addition to having an increased rpm
output when compared to conventional systems for the reasons
mentioned earlier, the fact of having all of the components (ex.
rotor, generator, etc.) of the present system contained within the
same casing is also advantageous in that it enables for a high
performing, yet very compact and much quieter turbine assembly,
thereby overcoming several of the drawbacks associated with
conventional turbine assemblies.
[0017] The turbine assembly according to a preferred aspect of the
present invention can be arranged in an array of turbine
assemblies, where the array of turbine assemblies is preferably
raised in elevation with respect to a ground surface via a fixed
vertical support structure.
[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a kit with corresponding components for
assembling and/or installing the above-mentioned turbine
assembly.
[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a set of components for interchanging with
components of the above-mentioned kit.
[0020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a method of assembling, installing and/or
operating the above-mentioned turbine assembly.
[0021] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a method of assembling components of the
above-mentioned kit and/or set.
[0022] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided a network (ex. power grid) being provided
with the above-mentioned turbine assembly.
[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is also provided electricity generated with the
above-mentioned turbine assembly and/or network.
[0024] The objects, advantages and other features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given
for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a turbine assembly according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
1.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the turbine assembly
taken along line III-III of FIG. 2.
[0028] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
FIG. 3.
[0029] FIG. 5 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG. 2.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of what is shown in FIG. 2.
[0031] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
1, the turbine assembly being shown with its casing having been
removed so as to better illustrate internal components of the
turbine assembly.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
7.
[0033] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the turbine assembly
taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG. 8.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a rear plan view of what is shown in FIG. 8.
[0036] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the casing shown in FIG. 1,
the casing being shown cooperating schematically with a heating
component according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the casing shown in
FIG. 12.
[0038] FIG. 14 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG.
13.
[0039] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the entrance cone
shown in FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 16 is a rear plan view of what is shown in FIG. 15.
[0041] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the entrance cone taken
along line XVII-XVII of FIG. 16.
[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a deflector according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the deflector being
shown cooperating with a control device and/or heating component
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 19 is a front plan view of the deflector is shown in
FIG. 18.
[0044] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the deflector taken
along line XX-XX of FIG. 19.
[0045] FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
19.
[0046] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a deflector according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 23 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG.
22.
[0048] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the deflector taken
along line XXIV-XXIV of FIG. 23.
[0049] FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
23.
[0050] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a deflector according to
yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 27 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG.
26.
[0052] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the deflector taken
along line XXVIII-XXVIII of FIG. 27.
[0053] FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
28.
[0054] FIG. 30 is a rear perspective view of the first rotor (i.e.
"complementary rotor") of the turbine assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0055] FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
30.
[0056] FIG. 32 is a rear plan view of what is shown in FIG. 30.
[0057] FIG. 33 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
32.
[0058] FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
FIG. 33.
[0059] FIG. 35 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 32.
[0060] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotor
taken along line XXXVI-XXXVI of FIG. 35.
[0061] FIG. 37 is a front perspective view of the second rotor
(i.e. "main rotor") of the turbine assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0062] FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
37.
[0063] FIG. 39 is a rear plan view of what is shown in FIG. 37.
[0064] FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
39.
[0065] FIG. 41 is another side elevational view of what is shown in
FIG. 39.
[0066] FIG. 42 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
FIG. 41.
[0067] FIG. 43 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 39.
[0068] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotor
taken along line XLIV-XLIV of FIG. 43.
[0069] FIG. 45 is a front perspective view of a rotor according to
yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] FIG. 46 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
45.
[0071] FIG. 47 is a rear plan view of what is shown in FIG. 45.
[0072] FIG. 48 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
47.
[0073] FIG. 49 is another side elevational view of what is shown in
FIG. 47.
[0074] FIG. 50 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
FIG. 49.
[0075] FIG. 51 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 47.
[0076] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the rotor
taken along line LII-LII of FIG. 52.
[0077] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the rotatable shaft of the
turbine assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0078] FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
53.
[0079] FIG. 55 is a front perspective view of a first supporting
component of the turbine assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0080] FIG. 56 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG.
55.
[0081] FIG. 57 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 56.
[0082] FIG. 58 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
56.
[0083] FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
supporting component taken along line LIX-LIX of FIG. 58.
[0084] FIG. 60 is a rear perspective view of a second supporting
component (i.e. "shaft support") of the turbine assembly shown in
FIG. 1.
[0085] FIG. 61 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG.
60.
[0086] FIG. 62 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 61.
[0087] FIG. 63 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
61.
[0088] FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
supporting component taken along line LXIV-LXIV of FIG. 65.
[0089] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of a third supporting
component (i.e. "generator support") of the turbine assembly shown
in FIG. 1.
[0090] FIG. 66 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG.
65.
[0091] FIG. 67 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 66.
[0092] FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of the supporting
component taken along line LXVIII-LXVIII of FIG. 66.
[0093] FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the
supporting component taken along line LXIX-LXIX of FIG. 66.
[0094] FIG. 70 is a perspective view of a coupling component of the
turbine assembly shown in FIG. 1.
[0095] FIG. 71 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
70.
[0096] FIG. 72 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling component
taken along line LXXII-LXXII of FIG. 71.
[0097] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of a sleeve according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0098] FIG. 74 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
73.
[0099] FIG. 75 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 74.
[0100] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of a sleeve according to
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0101] FIG. 77 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
76.
[0102] FIG. 78 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 77.
[0103] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a spacer according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0104] FIG. 80 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG.
79.
[0105] FIG. 81 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
80.
[0106] FIG. 82 is a perspective view of a screen according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0107] FIG. 83 is a front plan view of what is shown in FIG. 82,
the screen being shown provided schematically with an
animal-deterring mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0108] FIG. 84 is a perspective view of a screen bracket according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0109] FIG. 85 is a top plan view of what is shown in FIG. 84.
[0110] FIG. 86 is a cross-sectional view of the screen bracket
taken along line LXXXVI-LXXXVI of FIG. 85.
[0111] FIG. 87 is an enlarged view of a portion of what is shown in
FIG. 86.
[0112] FIG. 88 is a perspective view of a turbine assembly
according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0113] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of a longitudinal
cross-sectional cut-away of the turbine assembly shown in FIG.
88.
[0114] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the intake nozzle of the
turbine assembly shown in FIG. 88.
[0115] FIG. 91 is a perspective view of a bracket for an entrance
cone of a turbine assembly according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0116] FIG. 92 is a perspective view of a rotor according to yet
another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0117] FIG. 93 is a perspective view of a rotor provided with
through-holes according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0118] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of a rotor sleeve according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0119] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a rotatable shaft according
to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0120] FIG. 96 is a perspective view of a supporting component
according to another preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0121] FIG. 97 is an exploded perspective view of a pivot of the
turbine assembly shown in FIG. 88, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0122] FIG. 98 is a perspective view of a turbine assembly provided
with an externally mounted tubing for channeling a fluid flow
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0123] FIG. 99 a perspective view of a longitudinal cross-sectional
cut-away of what is shown in FIG. 98.
[0124] FIG. 100 is a perspective view of a fan for use with the
externally mounted tubing of FIG. 98, according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0125] FIG. 101 is a perspective view of a conceptual installation
of an array of turbine assemblies according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0126] FIG. 102 is a perspective view of a turbine assembly
provided with a system of shutters being shown in a closed
configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0127] FIG. 103 is another perspective view of what is shown in
FIG. 102, the system of shutters being now shown in an intermediate
open configuration.
[0128] FIG. 104 is a perspective view of first and second coaxially
mounted rotatable shafts to be used with a turbine assembly
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0129] FIG. 105 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
104.
[0130] FIG. 106 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CVI-CVI
of what is shown in FIG. 105.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0131] In the following description, the same numerical references
refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical
configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the
figures or described in the present description are preferred
embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.
[0132] Moreover, although the present invention was primarily
designed for generating electrical energy (i.e. "electricity") from
the kinetic energy or force of a moving fluid flow, via at least
one generator, it may be used for other types of purposes and with
other types of objects, and in other fields, as apparent to a
person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as
"electrical", "electricity", "generator", etc., used herein should
not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and
includes all other kinds of objects or fields with which the
present invention could be used and may be useful. Indeed, it may
be appreciated that the present system could, for example, be used
for generating mechanical energy (ex. torque, etc.) from the
kinetic energy or force of a moving fluid flow, with or without a
corresponding transmission system (ex. planetary gear transmission
system), etc.
[0133] Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the
expressions "station", "kit", "device", "assembly", "system" and
"unit", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or
compounds word thereof known in the art will be used
interchangeably, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. This
applies also for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such
as, for example: a) "fluid", "wind", "gas", "air", "exhaust",
"water", "liquid", "flow", etc.; b) "guide", "direct", "channel",
"conduct", "confine", "constrict", "funnel", "accelerate", etc.; c)
"turn", "pivot", "rotate", "roll", etc.; d) "energy", "force",
"movement", "flow", etc.; e) "speed", "velocity", "rotation", etc.;
f) "arrangement", "array", etc.; as well as for any other mutually
equivalent or related expressions, pertaining to the aforementioned
expressions and/or to any other structural and/or functional
aspects of the present invention, as also apparent to a person
skilled in the art.
[0134] Furthermore, in the context of the present description, it
will be considered that expressions such as "connected" and
"connectable", or "mounted" and "mountable", may be
interchangeable, in that the present invention also relates to a
kit with corresponding components for assembling a resulting
fully-assembled and fully-operational turbine assembly.
[0135] In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the
present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings may
comprise various components, and although the preferred embodiment
of the turbine assembly as shown consists of certain geometrical
configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of
these components and geometries are essential to the invention and
thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should
not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is
to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art,
that other suitable components and cooperation thereinbetween, as
well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for
the turbine assembly and corresponding components according to the
present invention, as will be briefly explained hereinafter and as
can be easily inferred herefrom by a person skilled in the art,
without departing from the scope of the invention.
LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES FOR SOME OF THE CORRESPONDING
PREFERRED COMPONENTS ILLUSTRATED IN THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0136] 1. turbine assembly (or simply "assembly") [0137] 3. fluid
flow [0138] 3a. low-velocity (or "inner") fluid flow [0139] 3b.
high-velocity (or "outer") fluid flow [0140] 5. casing [0141] 7.
fluid channel [0142] 9. inlet [0143] 11. outlet [0144] 13. main
rotor [0145] 13b. complementary rotor [0146] 15. pivoting component
[0147] 17. closed-loop arrangement [0148] 19. rotor vane [0149]
19a. inner rotor vane [0150] 19b. outer rotor vane [0151] 21. rotor
passage [0152] 21a. inner rotor passage [0153] 21b. outer rotor
passage [0154] 23. main generator [0155] 23b. electromagnetic
generator [0156] 23c. starter motor [0157] 25. supporting component
[0158] 25a. first supporting component [0159] 25b. second
supporting component (ex. "shaft support") [0160] 25c. third
supporting component (ex. "generator support") [0161] 27. vortex
region [0162] 29. inner ring (of main rotor 13) [0163] 31. outer
ring (of main rotor 13) [0164] 33. median wall (of main rotor 13)
[0165] 35. outer wall (of main rotor 13) [0166] 37. control device
[0167] 39. heating component [0168] 41. hub (of rotor 13) [0169]
43. through-holes (of hub 41) [0170] 45. rotatable shaft [0171]
45a. first distal section (of rotatable shaft 45) [0172] 45b.
second distal section (of rotatable shaft 45) [0173] 45c. middle
section (of rotatable shaft 45) [0174] 47. shutter [0175] 49.
deflector [0176] 51. deflector vane [0177] 53. orifice (of
deflector 49) [0178] 55. leading edge (of deflector vane 51) [0179]
57. departing edge (of deflector vane 51) [0180] 59. longitudinal
axis (of fluid channel 7) [0181] 61. input shaft (of generator 23)
[0182] 63. coupling component [0183] 65. flexible component (of
coupling component 63) [0184] 67. central housing (for generator
23) [0185] 69. support arm (of supporting component 25) [0186] 71.
sleeve [0187] 73. intake nozzle [0188] 75. screen [0189] 75a. first
screen (or "inlet" screen) [0190] 75b. second screen (or "outlet"
screen) [0191] 77. aperture (of screen 75) [0192] 79.
animal-deterring mechanism [0193] 81. entrance cone [0194] 83.
spacer [0195] 85. sensor [0196] 87. shaft housing [0197] 89.
bearing [0198] 91. axis of rotation [0199] 93. pivot (of casing 5)
[0200] 95. fixed support structure [0201] 97. array (of turbine
assemblies 1) [0202] 99. auto-positioning mechanism [0203] 101.
funnel tube [0204] 103. screen bracket [0205] 105. sleeve (of rotor
13) [0206] 107. fan (of funnel tube 101) [0207] 109. bracket (of
entrance cone 81)
[0208] Broadly described, the present invention, as exemplified in
the accompanying drawings, relates to a turbine assembly (1) for
generating electricity from the kinetic energy or force of a moving
fluid flow (3). Because the present invention may be used with a
great variety of different applications, it can be easily
understood by a person skilled in the art that the fluid flow (3)
referred to in the context of the present invention may come from a
variety of different sources. For example, the fluid flow (3) may
originate from wind, gas, air, an exhaust, water, another type of
fluid, and/or any other suitable type of "fluid flow" (3), as can
be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
[0209] Referring to FIGS. 1-11, the turbine assembly (1) comprises
at least an elongated casing (5), an inlet (9), an outlet (11), a
main rotor (13), and a main generator (23).
[0210] As can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art
when referring to FIGS. 9-14, the casing (5) defines a fluid
channel (7) through which the fluid flow (3) is allowed to travel.
The fluid channel (7) is preferably the area defined within the
casing (5). According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the casing (5) is preferably cylindrical, and preferably
has a length and a radius which are multiples of about 6 inches.
This advantageously simplifies the design and manufacture of the
overall turbine assembly (1) and its components, and further allows
for scaling up assemblies (1) of greater size. However, it is worth
mentioning that the casing (5) may take on various other shapes,
forms and configurations, depending on the particular applications
for which the turbine assembly (1) is intended for, and the desired
end results. Indeed, it is worth mentioning that the casing (5) is
not limited necessarily to a cylindrical configuration, and that
various portions thereof, may have other suitable geometrical
configurations, whether square, rectangular, and the like, as can
be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.
[0211] The turbine assembly (1) also comprises an inlet (9) having
an effective cross-sectional area for receiving the fluid flow (3)
into the fluid channel (7). The inlet (9) is further configured for
directing the fluid flow (3) into the fluid channel (7). An outlet
(11) also having a respective effective cross-sectional area for
releasing the fluid flow (3) out from the fluid channel (7) is
positioned downstream of the inlet (9) along the fluid channel (7).
The inlet (9) and the outlet (11) are preferably circular, in order
to be complementary in shape to the preferred embodiment of the
casing (5), but as aforementioned, the inlet (9) and outlet (11) of
the present turbine assembly (1) may take on various other suitable
shapes, forms and configurations, once again depending on the
particular applications for which the turbine assembly (1) is
intended for and the desired end results, as can also be understood
by a person skilled in the art.
[0212] In view of the above, and as can also be easily understood,
according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the
effective cross-sectional area of the inlet (9) may be
substantially greater than the effective cross-sectional area of
the main rotor (13). This advantageously can increase the speed of
the fluid flow (3) passing through the main rotor (13) with respect
to the speed of the fluid flow (3) entering the inlet (9) by
creating a "funnelling" effect. An increased speed of the fluid
flow (3) passing through the main rotor (13) would in turn generate
an increased output of electricity from the main generator (23)
given that, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the main generator (23) is intended to be directly
coupled and driven by the main rotor (13).
[0213] As better shown in FIGS. 88-90, an intake nozzle (73) can
also be removably mountable onto the inlet (9). This can further
increase the speed of the fluid flow (3) entering the inlet (9). It
is understood that a casing (5) with a larger cross-sectional area
of the inlet (9) can be used in conjunction with the intake nozzle
(73) to more effectively and further advantageously increase the
speed of the fluid flow (3) entering the inlet (9), as apparent to
a person skilled in the art.
[0214] In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 12, the
casing (5) is provided with a heating component (39) which heats
the fluid flow (3) entering and/or passing through the casing (5),
thereby increasing the fluidity and kinetic energy of the fluid
flow (3). This can allow for more energy to be extracted from the
fluid flow (3) by the main rotor (13), thereby increasing the
electricity produced by the assembly (1). As can be easily
understood, the heating component (39) may be electrically supplied
by a portion of the electricity produced by the main generator (23)
of the turbine assembly (1), so as to have a substantially
"self-sufficient" assembly. The casing (5) is also preferably
resistant to corrosion and allows paint to be applied thereto.
These advantages can be achieved by treating the surface of the
casing (5) with a material and/or through the materials used to
construct the casing (5). In this regard, the casing (5) is
preferably made from grade 316 stainless steel.
[0215] As better shown in FIGS. 1-11, 30-52 and FIG. 92, the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a main rotor (13). The main rotor
(13) is contained within the casing (5) and intersects the fluid
channel (7) which preferably runs between the inlet (9) and the
outlet (11). The main rotor (13) rotates within the casing (5) via
a pivoting component (15). In the preferred embodiments illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, the pivoting component (15)
preferably comprises a rotatable shaft (25) onto which the main
rotor (13) is removably secured in a fixed manner, so that the main
rotor (13) rotates with the rotatable shaft (45) within the casing
(5). It is worth mentioning however that various other suitable
pivoting components (15) may be used for ensuring that the main
rotor (13) rotates within the casing (5) as a result of the fluid
flow (3) passing therethrough, depending once again on the
particular applications for which the turbine assembly (1) is
intended for, and the desired end results, as apparent to a person
skilled in the art. As way of a mere example, the main rotor (13)
could ultimately be pivotably mounted about a central hub extending
from a streamlined supporting component (25) being removably
mounted onto the casing (5). In the preferred embodiments
illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the rotor (13) is
preferably mounted to the shaft (45) via a corresponding rotor
bracket, such as the one exemplified in FIG. 94. The main rotor
(13) preferably has a "closed-loop arrangement" (17), and this
closed-loop arrangement (17) allows the rotor (13) to be provided
with at least one row or group of rotor vanes (19), as shown in
FIG. 32, for example. Each rotor vane (19) defines a neighbouring
closed-loop rotor passage (21). These rotor passages (21) provide
an effective cross-sectional area through which the fluid flow (3)
is allowed to pass. As can be easily understood by a person skilled
in the art, the passage of fluid flow (3) through the closed-loop
arrangement (17) drives the rotation of the rotor (13) about its
pivoting component (15). Furthermore, the main rotor and the
corresponding rotor vanes (19) and rotor passages (21) thereof are
configured so that the passage of fluid flow (3) through the
closed-loop arrangement (17) imparts a forced rotational movement
to the fluid flow (3) exiting from the main rotor (13) downstream.
As can be also easily understood by a person skilled in the art,
the exiting of the fluid flow (3) from the rotor (13) produces a
neutral "zone" or "wake" in an area around the shaft (45) where the
fluid flow (3) is relatively calm and/or turbulent free, and where
the main generator (23) is advantageously placed according to the
present invention, within the casing, as will be explained in
greater detail hereinbelow. Obviously, a person skilled in the art
could easily understand that the main generator (23) could be
positioned appropriately elsewhere within or outside the casing (5)
without affecting the overall principle of the present turbine
assembly (1).
[0216] As better shown in FIGS. 30-51, for a given rotor (13), the
closed-loop arrangement (17) preferably comprises concentric inner
and outer rings (29,31). The inner ring (29) can have a plurality
of inner rotor vanes (19a) which each define a neighbouring
closed-loop inner rotor passage (21a). The closed-loop inner rotor
passages (21a) of the main rotor (13) can each provide a first
effective cross-sectional area through which an inner portion of
the fluid flow (3) is allowed to pass. Similarly, the outer ring
(31) is preferably provided with a plurality of outer rotor vanes
(19b) each defining a neighbouring closed-loop outer rotor passage
(21b), where the closed-loop outer rotor passages (21b) provide a
second effective cross-sectional area through which an outer
portion of the fluid flow (3) is allowed to pass. The outer rotor
vanes (19b) of the main rotor are preferably better adapted and
configured for cooperating with a high velocity fluid flow (3b),
whereas the rotor vanes (19a) of said main rotor (13) are
preferably better adapted and configured for cooperating with a low
velocity fluid flow (3a), as can be easily understood by a person
skilled in the art. The inner ring (29) is preferably delimited
from the outer ring (31) via a circumferential median wall (33), as
better shown in FIG. 32, for example.
[0217] The closed-loop arrangement (17) is preferably also similar
in shape and/or concentric with the rotor (13), and thus can be
circular. It may therefore have an outer radius (r.sub.1). The
circumferential median wall (33) is also preferably circular and
has a radius (r.sub.2), which can be about 2/3 of the outer radius
(r.sub.1). The outer radius (r.sub.1) can define a peripheral outer
wall (35), which delimits the outer ring (31). This peripheral
outer wall (35), in addition to improving the performance of the
main rotor (13) rotating within the casing (5) for a given fluid
flow (3), can also serve as a reinforcement component for
maintaining the structural integrity of the main rotor (13) in
that, as can be understood from the embodiments illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, it also supports the outer edges and/or ends
of the plurality of outer rotor vanes (19b).
[0218] As shown in FIGS. 39-52, the outer rotor vanes (19b) and the
inner rotor vanes (19a) of the rotor (13) are preferably
differently angled and/or curved. This can advantageously optimise
the rotation of the rotor (13), which will likely operate in an
environment where the velocity of the fluid flow (3) varies from
the radius (r.sub.2) to the outer radius (r.sub.1) of the rotor
(13). As but one example, and as aforementioned, the outer rotor
vanes (19b) of the main rotor (13) can be configured for
cooperating with a high-velocity fluid flow (3b), and the inner
rotor vanes (19a) of said main rotor (13) are configured for
cooperating with a low-velocity fluid flow (3a). Another example of
such a differently curved profile occurs where the outer rotor
vanes (19b) are radially offset with respect to inner rotor vanes
(19a). Alternatively, the outer rotor vanes (19b) of the main rotor
(13) can be radially aligned with respect to inner rotor vanes
(19a) of said main rotor (13). Preferably, the main rotor (13)
comprises about ten inner rotor vanes (19a) and about twenty outer
rotor vanes (19b). According to a preferred possibility of the
present system, at least one rotor vane (19) of the turbine
assembly (1) may be preferably moveable with respect to its
corresponding rotor (13) so as to have a variable pitch, and said
variable pitch can be adjustably controlled by a control device
(37) either within and/or outside the casing (5). Similarly to what
was discussed earlier, the control device (37) could be
electrically supplied by a portion of the electricity generated by
the main generator, so as to provide for a self-sufficient overall
turbine assembly.
[0219] In another preferred embodiment, the turbine assembly (1)
can be provided with a second, complementary rotor (13b), as better
shown in FIGS. 1-11. The main rotor (13) and the complementary
rotor (13b) can be placed side by side within the casing (5) so as
to form an elongated overall rotor (13) within said casing (5).
This advantageously can create a "cupping effect" where the rotor
vanes (19) of the complementary rotor (13b) can be positioned,
shaped and sized with respect to rotor vanes (19) of the main rotor
(13) so as to form pairs of neighbouring vanes (19) (i.e.
corresponding cupping "pockets") within the elongated rotor (13),
thereby increasing rotation of the elongated rotor (13), as can be
easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the
complementary rotor (13b) is placed upstream of the rotor (13).
[0220] According to other preferred embodiments, and similarly to
the casing (5), the turbine assembly (1) can be provided with a
heating component (39) which can heat the structure of the rotor
(13) and/or the rotor vanes (19) so as to prevent an accumulation
of ice on the overall structure and/or rotor vanes (19), as can be
easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Indeed, such an
accumulation of ice could result if the wind turbine assembly (1)
is used in a cold environment and/or with a cold fluid flow (3),
and may reduce the efficiency of the rotor (13), and as a result,
may reduce the efficiency of the overall turbine assembly (1).
Preferably also, and as better shown in FIG. 93, the rotor (13)
could also have a central hub (41) which is traversed by a series
of through-holes (43), thereby reducing the weight of the rotor
(13) and its corresponding structural inertia which allows the
rotor (13) to rotate faster and at slower wind velocities. As
understood by a person skilled in the art, the through-holes (43)
are preferably sized, positioned and configured to not affect the
rotational balance of the rotor (13). Preferably also, the rotor
(13) is made from 7000 series Aluminum which offers the desired
structural and corrosion-resistant properties.
[0221] Referring back to FIGS. 1-11, and as aforementioned, the
turbine assembly (1) comprises a main generator (23). The generator
(23) is operatively connectable to the main rotor (13) and is
operatively driven by its rotation, thereby generating electricity.
The generator (23) is also contained within the casing (5) and
positioned within said casing (5) via a supporting component (25),
such as a generator support (25c), so as to be placed in a vortex
region (27) defined by the forced rotational movement of the fluid
flow (3) exiting the rotor (13). As mentioned above, the vortex
region is preferably a region of relatively calm and
turbulence-fluid flow (3), which advantageously allows the
generator (2) to be positioned in an area which does not interfere
or alter the upstream fluid flow (3), thereby increasing the
operative efficiency of the assembly (1). The positioning of the
generator (13) is preferably coaxially about a longitudinal axis
(59) of a segment of the fluid channel (7) so as to be cooled by
rotating fluid flow (3) exiting the main rotor (13) and providing
convectional cooling about the main generator (23).
[0222] As better shown in FIGS. 65-69, the generator support (25c)
can be mounted within the casing (5), and can serve as a structural
reinforcement component for the casing (5) for assisting in
maintaining its overall structural integrity. The generator support
(25c) also preferably comprises a central housing (67) which
removably houses the main generator (23). The generator support
(25c) can also include at least one streamlined support arm (69),
which projects from the central housing (67) and which is
operatively connectable to the casing (5). The generator (23) is
preferably housed within the central housing (67) via a sleeve
(71), as better shown in FIGS. 73-78, which is adjustable in size
so as to receive therein differently sized generators (23). The
sleeve (71) can advantageously also be configured to provide
electromagnetic insulation. Preferably also, the generator support
(25c) is made from grade 316 stainless steel. Once again, it is
worth mentioning that the supporting component (25c) for the
generator (23) may take on various other suitable embodiments,
depending on the particular applications for which the turbine
assembly (1) is intended for, and the desired end results, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. For example, according to
one particular embodiment, a bracket could be provided onto which
the main generator (23) is removably and perpendicularly
secured.
[0223] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, an input shaft (61) of the generator (23) is operatively
connectable to the main rotor (13), and more particularly, to the
rotatable shaft (45) according to the embodiment illustrated in the
accompanying drawings, which supports said main rotor (13), via a
coupling component (63), as better shown in FIGS. 70-72, and as can
be easily understood when referring to FIGS. 3 and 9, for example.
This advantageously permits the rotation of the input shaft (61) to
be directly proportional to a corresponding rotation of the rotor
(13), and the coupling component (63) is preferably configured so
as to be easily connected or disconnected so as to allow for an
easier inspection, maintenance and/or part replacement of
components of the assembly (1). Preferably also, the coupling
component (63) has a compensatory flexible component (65) for
compensating for variations in alignment which could take place
between the rotatable shaft (45) and the input shaft (61).
[0224] Turning now to some of the preferred features and components
of the assembly (1), and as better shown in FIGS. 18-29, the inlet
(9) of the turbine assembly can also be provided with a deflector
(49). The deflector (49) is configured for directing the fluid flow
(3) downstream of the inlet at an optimal attacking angle to the
rotor vanes (19) of a given rotor (13,13b). The deflector (49) can
include a plurality of deflector vanes (51) for achieving this
functionality, and similarly to the vanes (19) of the rotors (13)
of the assembly (1), the deflector vanes (51) of the deflector (49)
each define a neighbouring deflector passage through which the
fluid flow (3) is allowed to pass. The deflector (49) is preferably
fixedly mounted within the casing (5) such that it does not rotate
and/or move in response to the fluid flow (3). It can also
constitute a reinforcement component that structurally reinforces
the casing (5), thereby assisting in maintaining an overall
structural integrity of the casing (5) and reducing the need for
other structural supports, thus reducing the overall weight of the
assembly (1). An extremity of the rotatable shaft (45) is
preferably pivotally mounted within the deflector (49), and as a
result, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the deflector (49) preferably includes a corresponding
orifice (53) for receiving a first distal section (45a) of the
shaft (45).
[0225] The deflector (49) preferably has anywhere between about two
and about eight deflector vanes (51), although other suitable
number of deflector vanes (51) are possible with the present
invention, depending on the fluid flow (3) being used, and other
considerations, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Each
deflector vane (51), similar to the rotor vanes (19), can be
moveable with respect to the deflector (49), so as to have a
variable pitch, where the variable pitch is adjustably controllable
by the control device (37). Each deflector vane (51) also
preferably consists of a leading edge (55) facing toward the inlet
(9) for directing the fluid flow (3). The leading edge (55) can
have a leading angle with respect to the shaft (45). The deflector
vane (51) also preferably has a departing edge (57) facing toward
the outlet (11) at which the fluid flow (3) leaves the deflector
vane (51). The departing edge (57) can have a departing angle with
respect to the shaft (45). Each deflector vane (51) preferably
spans between the leading edge (55) and the departing edge (57) so
as to form an angled deflector vane (51). Once the fluid flow (3)
leaves each deflector vane (51), it preferably impacts a
corresponding rotor vane (19) at an angle normal to a surface of
the rotor vane (19). The deflector (49) is preferably made from at
least one material selected from the group consisting of 6000
series aluminum alloys and stainless steel, which meet the
requirements for light-weight, corrosion resistance and/or
structural rigidity, for example.
[0226] According to another preferred embodiment, and as better
shown in FIGS. 53-54, and in FIG. 95, the pivoting component (15)
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
consists of a rotatable shaft (45), which is pivotably mountable
onto at least one corresponding supporting component (25). The
shaft (45) preferably extends substantially along a longitudinal
axis (59) of the fluid channel (7). Each rotor (13,13b) can be
fixedly mountable onto the rotatable shaft (45) so as to rotate
therewith. The shaft (45) preferably has a first distal section
(45a), as discussed above, which is pivotably mounted onto a first
supporting component (25a), such as the deflector (49) at the inlet
(9), for example. The shaft (45) can be pivotably mountable within
the deflector (49) so as to rotate with respect to the deflector
(49). Alternatively, the shaft (45) can be pivotably mounted to
another supporting component (25a), which can be separated from the
deflector (49) via a spacer (83), as exemplified in FIGS. 3 and
9.
[0227] As better shown in FIGS. 53 and 54, the rotatable shaft (45)
preferably has different sections of different outer diameters.
Each of the sections can be configured for cooperating with a
corresponding component of the turbine assembly (1). For example, a
first distal section (45a) can be configured for cooperating with a
first supporting component (25a). A second distal section (45b) can
be configured for cooperating with the main generator (23), and a
middle section (45c) can be configured for cooperating with the
main rotor (13). The middle section (45c) preferably has a diameter
larger than that of the first distal section (45a), and the first
distal section (45a) preferably has a diameter larger than that of
the second distal section (45b). The second distal section (45b)
can also be pivotably mounted onto a second supporting component
(25b), which is fixedly mountable within the casing (5) downstream
of the inlet (9). Examples of possible embodiments for a supporting
component (25) are illustrated in FIGS. 55-64, and in FIG. 96, and
as can be easily understood when referring to FIGS. 1-11, the
second supporting component (25b) is preferably positioned within
the casing (5) between the main rotor (13) and the main generator
(23), and can have a shaft housing (87) for removably housing a
segment of a middle section (45c) of the rotatable shaft (45). It
can also have at least one streamlined support arm (69) projecting
from said shaft housing (87) and being operatively connectable onto
the casing (5). Each support component (25) can also serve as a
structural reinforcement component for the casing (5) for assisting
in maintaining its overall structural integrity. Preferably also,
each supporting component (25) is made from grade 316 stainless
steel.
[0228] As previously explained, the turbine assembly (1) and the
components thereof may take on various other suitable
configurations depending on the particular applications for which
the assembly is intended for, and the desired end results, and as
an illustrative example, and according to one of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention, as better illustrated in
FIGS. 104 and 105, the shaft (45) can be made up of at least two
coaxial shafts (45), in which case, the first coaxial shaft (45)
has a first rotor (13) rotatably mounted thereabout and is
connected to a first generator (23), and the second coaxial shaft
(45) is mounted concentrically within the first coaxial shaft (45),
and has a second rotor (13) rotatably mounted thereabout and is
connected to a second generator (23). Each coaxial shaft (45) has a
rotational velocity substantially matching a rotational velocity of
its corresponding rotor (13), thus allowing the assembly (1) to
produce electricity from two rotors (13), etc.
[0229] In order to facilitate maintenance, the alignment and
integrity of the shaft (45) can be monitored by at least one sensor
(85), which would monitor at least one parameter of each shaft (45)
(i.e. alignment, vibration, rotational velocity, integrity,
etc.).
[0230] As shown in FIG. 9, the rotatable shaft (45) is preferably
removably mountable onto a corresponding supporting component (25)
via a bearing (89), which allows the shaft to rotate with respect
to the supporting component (25) while allowing the supporting
component (25) to remain stationary. The bearing (89) is preferably
a stainless steel, lubricated ball bearing having ABEC 7
tolerances.
[0231] Returning now to the inlet (9) of the assembly (1), and as
illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 and 82-83, the assembly (1) can have a
first screen (75a) removably mountable within the inlet (9) for
preventing undesirable objects present in the fluid flow (3) from
entering into the fluid channel (7). The assembly (1) can also have
a second screen (75b) removably mountable within the outlet (11)
for preventing undesirable objects near the turbine assembly (1)
from entering into the fluid channel (7) via the outlet (11).
According to a preferred embodiment of the preset invention, each
screen (75) is removably mountable within the casing by means of at
least one corresponding screen bracket (103), as exemplified in
FIGS. 84-87, and preferably also, each screen (75) preferably
defines a total circular cross-sectional area, and an effective
cross-sectional area though which fluid flow (3) is allowed to
pass, the effective cross-sectional area of each screen (75) being
preferably between about 80% and about 85% of its total
cross-sectional area, as can be easily understood when referring to
FIGS. 82 and 83.
[0232] The effective cross-sectional area of each screen (75) can
be made of a plurality of apertures (77) having a shape selected
from the group consisting of triangular, square, rectangular,
polygonal, circular, etc. Once again, and as can easily be
understood by a person skilled in the art, various other suitable
apertures or geometrical configurations could be used so as to
provide a suitable screening for the fluid flow (3) entering the
inlet (11) of the turbine assembly (1). Furthermore, as with the
rotor (13) and the casing (5), each screen (75) can be provided
with a heating component (39) for heating corresponding sections of
each screen (75) so as to prevent an accumulation of ice, and/or
heating the fluid flow (3) entering the assembly (1) for improving
the fluidity and the efficiency thereof. The screen (75) or any
other suitable components of the turbine assembly (1) may also be
equipped with an animal-deterring mechanism (79) for deterring
animals from approaching the turbine assembly (1), an example of
which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 83. This mechanism (79)
preferably comprises an electromagnetic field produced by a current
running through a corresponding screen (75), or a sound-emitting
mechanism (79). The sound-emitting mechanism (79) can be a
high-frequency sound-emitting mechanism provided by the
corresponding screen (75). Similarly to other components of the
assembly (1), each screen (75) is preferably made from a
corrosion-resistant material, such as grade 316 stainless steel,
for example.
[0233] Upstream of the inlet screen (75), and as illustrated in
FIGS. 1-11 and in FIGS. 15-17, the assembly (1) preferably has an
entrance cone (81) which is removably mountable to a corresponding
supporting component (25), such as a deflector (49), for example.
The entrance cone (81) can be positioned upstream of the inlet (9)
for streamlining fluid flow (3) entering into the inlet (9). The
cone (81) is preferably mounted to supporting component (25) via
bracket such as the one shown in FIG. 91.
[0234] Preferably upstream of the entrance cone (81), and as better
shown in FIGS. 102 and 103, the assembly (1) can be equipped with
at least one adjustable shutter (47) in fluid communication with
the inlet (9). The system of shutters (47) adjustably operates
between opposite opened and closed configurations, and adjustably
controls the fluid flow (3) entering the inlet (9), and thus also
controls the rotational speed of each rotor (13) and the
electricity output of the main generator (23), without the need for
conventional hydraulic braking systems. In a preferred embodiment,
the assembly (1) can also be provided with an electromagnetic
generator (23b) which is operatively connected to a given rotor
(13) and which generates an electromagnetic resistance which
adjustably impedes the rotation of the rotor (13), and in turn
adjustably controls the electricity output of the main generator
(23). Preferably, the main generator (23) serves this function.
Therefore, once again, the innovative design of the present turbine
assembly (1) is such that it does not require additional braking
systems as is the case with conventional windmills and/or the
like.
[0235] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the turbine assembly
(1) comprises a starter motor (23c) which is operatively connected
to the rotor (13). The starter motor (23c) can provide an impulsive
rotation to the rotor (13) when the fluid flow (3) is travelling
through the fluid channel (7) is below a given threshold speed,
such as about 4 m/s, for example. Preferably, the main generator
(23) is further configured to serve this purpose. Therefore, it may
be appreciated that the main generator (23) according to the
present invention may be configured to take on various different
functions within the turbine assembly (1), each of these functions
providing a corresponding considerable advantage to the overall
assembly (1).
[0236] Once again, several modifications could be made to the
present turbine assembly (1) without departing from the scope of
the present invention. Indeed, the turbine assembly (1) and its
corresponding components may take on various other suitable shapes,
forms and configurations, depending on the particular applications
for which the turbine assembly (1) is intended for, and the desired
end result, as can be understood by a person skilled in the art. As
way of an example, and according to an alternative preferred
embodiment, at least one rotor (13) may be concentrically and
rotatably mountable about the main generator (23), and rotate about
the main generator (23), so as to generate electricity. The
assembly (1) preferably may comprise a plurality of
rotor/generators configured in this way, and mounted in series.
Alternatively, at least one generator (23) can encase a
corresponding rotor (13), such that rotation of the rotor (13)
induces an electric current in the at least one generator (23)
thereby producing electricity. Thus, it may now be better
appreciated that the main rotor (13) and the main generator (23)
need not be placed next to one another within the casing (5), and
that they may be concentrically mounted with respect to one
another, while still being able to carry out their corresponding
respective functions and resulting advantages, according to the
present invention, and such an alternative embodiment would enable
an even more "compact" overall turbine assembly (1).
[0237] In yet another preferred embodiment, the assembly (1)
comprises an auto-positioning mechanism (99) which automatically
and continually positions the inlet (9) to face a direction of
greater fluid flow (3). As shown in FIGS. 88, 89 and 97, the
auto-positioning mechanism (99) preferably comprises at least one
axis of rotation (91), which is mountable onto at least one
corresponding pivot (93) of the casing (5).
[0238] The assembly (1) according to the present invention, and as
further described herein, can be grouped or mounted in a variety
places and to a variety of structures. As but one example of this,
and as shown in FIG. 101, the turbine assembly (1) is raised in
elevation with respect to a ground surface via a fixed vertical
support structure (95). The fixed vertical support structure (95)
can be selected from the group consisting of a pole, rod, pylon,
building and ventilation shaft, or any other suitable fixed support
structure, for example. Alternatively, the turbine assembly (1) can
be removably mountable onto a moving vehicle for generating
electricity from a fluid flow (3) resulting from a displacement of
the vehicle, whether that vehicle be a car, a transportation truck,
a train, an airplane, or any other suitable type of vehicle where
the presence of a turbine assembly (1) according to the present
invention could be useful. In such a vehicle-mounted configuration,
the assembly (1) can serve as an auxiliary supply of electric
energy to a main supply of electric energy of the vehicle. In yet
another alternative embodiment, whether fixed or moving, the
turbine assembly (1) is part of an array (97) of identical turbine
assemblies, where each turbine assembly (1) can be placed one above
the other, and/or side by side with respect to one another.
[0239] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a corresponding kit configured for assembling the
components of the turbine assembly (1), such as the various
components briefly described herein, and those exemplified in the
accompanying drawings, so as to form an overall fully-assembled and
fully-operational turbine assembly (1), the components including at
least the casing (5), inlet (9), outlet (11), main rotor (13) and a
main generator (23).
[0240] According to another preferred embodiment, and as shown in
FIGS. 98-100, the assembly (1) can be provided with a funnel tube
(101) for funnelling the fluid flow (3) into the casing (5), for
testing purposes, for example. The funnel tube (101) can be
equipped with a fan (107) for providing a fluid flow (3) into the
funnel tube (101).
[0241] Having discussed some of the principal components and
features of the turbine assembly (1) according to the present
invention, some of the other preferential embodiments will be
further discussed hereinbelow.
[0242] Indeed, as previously explained, the turbine assembly (1)
according to the present invention, and as shown in the
accompanying drawings, is a device which, in its preferred intended
use, is an improved assembly (1) forming a resulting system, which
may be provided with a complementary tool, such an support pole or
rod to maintain the assembly (1) at an elevated position so as to
benefit from increased and more reliable wind speeds at higher
altitudes.
[0243] As better illustrated in FIG. 101, a vertical support
structure (95), or "pole" in a preferred embodiment, can be
provided with a plurality of assemblies (1). The assemblies (1) can
be mounted side-by-side by any known technique in the art, up the
length of the pole (95) or along a portion thereof, depending on
the surrounding environment and wind conditions. The pole (95)
preferably has a base for supporting the pole (95). The pole (95)
can also be provided with instruments and equipment for
communicating with the plurality of assemblies (1) such as, but not
limited to, telemetry equipment, wireless signaling, wiring to
transmit electricity and/or signals, motors for orientating the
assemblies (1), etc. These instruments and/or equipment can be
mounted in an instrument case, preferably near the base of the pole
(95).
[0244] It is understood that the vertical support structure (95) is
not limited to a free-standing pole, for example. Indeed, in
another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
assemblies (1) can be mounted to a structure such as a building, a
sky scraper, an edifice, etc. In such a configuration, the
assemblies (1) are preferably mounted to an exterior wall of the
structure, preferably at a right-angled corner so as to benefit
from intersecting air flows, as well as from air flows generated by
rising hot air from surfaces below the assemblies (1). The
assemblies (1) can also be mounted to the exterior of every floor
of the structure, every second floor, or any other variation of the
same, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
[0245] In yet another preferred embodiment, the vertical support
structure (95) is a chimney, smoke stack and/or any other conduit
that channels heated vapors. In this embodiment, the assemblies (1)
are preferably mounted within the chimney and orientated so as to
generate electrical power from the rise of heated air within the
chimney. The assemblies (1) are preferably made of suitable
materials known in the art capable or resisting high temperatures.
Mounting the assemblies (1) within the chimney allows the assembly
(1) to benefit from a more laminar air flow, which also has more
potential energy due to its elevated temperature which is capable
of being converted into electrical power.
[0246] Furthermore, and as previously mentioned, the turbine
assembly (1) is not limited to generating electrical energy from
only air and other low-density fluids, but includes generating
electrical energy from higher-density fluids such as, but not
limited to, water and/or seawater. In such a configuration, the
assembly (1) is a hydraulic turbine for operating at and/or below
water level, and generating an electrical energy in response to the
passage of water through the hydraulic turbine. For exemplification
purposes only, the hydraulic turbine may generate electric energy
by extracting the potential and/or kinetic energy from moving water
such as freshwater and/or sea water tides, river flows, currents,
etc. Thus, it is now apparent how the assembly (1) and/or its
components and features can be adapted to generate electrical
energy from fluids of varying density by using suitable materials
for the given fluid (i.e., a hydraulic turbine may require the use
of more corrosion-resistant materials than a wind turbine, and may
be permitted heavier components, etc.), as apparent to a person
skilled in the art.
[0247] As shown in FIGS. 1-14, The casing (5) encloses the interior
of the fluid channel (7) and is preferably designed and constructed
so as to increase the speed of the airflow from when it enters via
the inlet (9) to when it exits via the outlet (11), as can be
easily understood by a person skilled in the art. The casing (5)
preferably has a diameter up to about 2', which can be larger for
higher capacity assemblies (1), and can be up to around 5' in
length, but is not limited to this length. Indeed, the casing (5)
can extend upstream of the inlet (9) forming a duct, channel,
conduit, etc. for receiving air before it reaches the inlet (9).
This extension of the casing (5) is preferably a rectangular duct,
which can reduce turbulences in the incoming airflow so as to
optimize the performance of the assembly (1), as apparent to a
person skilled in the art. The casing (5) can be a cylindrical
conduit with mounting apertures which can be configured for
receiving and securing the internal components of the assembly
(1).
[0248] The inlet (9) is preferably profiled or smooth to reduce the
air friction and turbulence of the incoming airflow. A preferred
honeycomb and/or electric screen (75) is insertable into the inlet
(9) and secured thereto with the mounts and positioned so as to
optimally direct the airflow towards the rotor (13), as can be
easily understood by a person skilled in the art. The preferred
honeycomb screen (75) may be heated in order to optimise the
aerodynamic characteristics of the airflow entering the enclosed
inlet (9), or in order to prevent ice or snow from accumulating on
the screen (75) and restricting the airflow. It is to be understood
that the form of the apertures of the honeycomb screen (75) are not
limited to honeycombs, and may comprise other shapes and/or
configurations depending on the local environment in which the
assembly (1) is placed, as apparent to a person skilled in the art,
and as further illustrated in FIGS. 82 and 83. Preferably also, the
enclosed inlet (9) may comprise shutters (47) or other like
device(s) being positioned at the entrance, as illustrated in FIGS.
102 and 103. The shutter (47) or other like device(s) can be easily
manipulated for eliminating or for controlling the airflow entering
the enclosed inlet (9), thereby conveniently slowing down or
stopping the assembly (1) without the use of brakes.
[0249] As shown in FIGS. 65-67, a generator support (25c)
preferably is fixed at an end to the casing (5), and may also be
fixed at another end to the central housing (67). The generator
supports (25c) are sized and configured so as to suitably support
the mass of the generator (23) and the central housing (67) and so
as to not interfere or affect the upstream airflow. In a preferred
embodiment, the generator support (25c) can be a planar plaque or
face mount, where the generator (23) is axially bolted to the
generator support (25c). In such a configuration, the generator
shaft (61) goes through the generator (23) and connects to the
rotatable shaft (45). This junction can be performed directly in
the generator support (25c) and the generator (23) is thus
supported by this flat element plaque. The central housing (67) is
sized and configured to receive a suitable generator (23) and so as
to not interfere or affect the upstream airflow, as can be easily
understood by a person skilled in the art. The housing (67) can
also accommodate a sleeve (71), as illustrated in FIGS. 73-78. The
sleeve (71) preferably encases the generator (23) within the
housing (67), and provides a level of electric, magnetic and/or
electromagnetic insulation, thus neutralising the effect of the
generator (23) on surrounding parts and/or areas. Preferably, the
shaft (45) comprises an at least one pin, peg or other like
suitable device for rotatably engaging the generator (23) and
securing the connection between the two components such that the
generator (23) and/or its shaft (61) rotate at the same rotational
velocity as the shaft (45). The generator (23) can have a different
number of sectors having windings with magnets to reduce friction
and noise. For example, the generator (23) can have 12 or 16
sectors which reduce friction, instead of 3 or 4 sectors known in
standard generators, which improves efficiency.
[0250] As illustrated in FIGS. 1-11, bearings (89) can be mounted
about the shaft (45) so as to support the shaft (45) and/or other
components and facilitate their rotation, as understood in the art.
Preferably, the bearings (89) are mounted both to the front (i.e.
upstream) and end (downstream) of the shaft (45), so as to provide
rotatable support thereto. This configuration of the bearings (89)
can have the effect of reducing drag in the assembly (1).
Preferably also, all components of the assembly (1) that are
rotatable about the shaft (45) are mounted on bearings (89). In
another preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaft (45) can
comprise at least two co-axial shafts. One of the co-axial shafts
(45) can be connected to a first corresponding rotor (13), and the
other co-axial shaft (45) can be mounted to a second corresponding
rotor (13). This configuration allows each co-axial shaft (45) to
be connected to a separate generator (23) and to rotate at varying
speeds which roughly correspond to the rotational speeds of the
corresponding rotors (13).
[0251] In another preferred embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS.
1-11, the shaft (45) can be mounted to at least one shaft support
(25b). The shaft support (25b) can be configured to be fixedly
secured to the casing (5), and may have an aperture through the
center for supporting the shaft (45) so as to facilitate its
rotation and reduce the friction associated thereto.
[0252] Referring now to FIGS. 1-11, and according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the airflow arriving at the
inlet (9) impacts the deflector (49). The deflector (49), or any
other suitable device known in the art, remains in a fixed position
and directs the airflow towards the rotor vanes (19) of the rotor
(13). The deflector (49) is mountable within the casing (5) and
concentrically mountable about bearings (89), said bearings (89)
themselves concentrically and rotatably mountable about the shaft
(45) in order to support the mass of the deflector (49) while
maintaining it in a fixed position.
[0253] The deflector (49) need not be mounted about the shaft (45),
and can also be mounted in any other suitable fashion so as to
maintain its fixed position, as can be easily understood by a
person skilled in the art. For example, the deflector (49) can be
fixedly secured to the casing (5) itself. Preferably, the deflector
vanes (51) are sized, angled, and constructed of materials in order
to optimally direct the airflow to the rotor vanes (19) of the
rotor (13), as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the
art. In a preferred embodiment, and as exemplified in FIGS. 18-29,
the number of deflector vanes (51) can vary depending on the
applicable airflow conditions. For example, the deflector (49) can
have 8, 4, or even 2 vanes (51), as apparent to a person skilled in
the art. Preferably, the deflector vanes (51) are rotatable and/or
have a variable pitch. In such a configuration, the deflector vanes
(51) can be mounted about rotating bearings or any other suitable
mechanical device that allows the rotation of the vanes (51).
Furthermore, the assembly (1) can be provided with more than one
deflector (49), depending on the turbulence of the incoming airflow
and/or other factors such as air mass flow, airflow direction,
etc., as apparent to a person skilled in the art, so as to
stabilize or make laminar the incoming airflow before impacting the
at least one rotor (13), as explained below.
[0254] Preferably, after leaving the deflector vanes (51), the
airflow impacts the rotor vanes (19) of the at least one rotor
(13), which is mountable within the casing (5) and concentrically
and rigidly mountable about the shaft (45) such that the angular
velocity of the shaft (45) is equal to the angular velocity of the
rotor (13), as can be easily understood when referring to FIGS.
1-11. The term "vane" is used herein for exemplification purposes
only but can be substituted for airfoils, blades, rotors or any
other like device, as understood by a person skilled in the art.
Preferably, and as exemplified in FIGS. 30-52, the rotor vanes (19)
of the at least one rotor (13) are sized, angled, and constructed
of materials in order to maximize the extraction of kinetic energy
from the airflow. In another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a plurality of rotors (13), each
preferably angularly offset from the corresponding rotor (13)
directly upstream. In another preferred embodiment, the generator
(23) is mounted concentrically within the rotor (13).
[0255] Each of the rotors (13) in such a configuration can have
differently-angled rotor vanes (19) so as to maximize the
extraction of energy from the passing airflow. For example, the
rotor (13) most upstream may have light angled rotor vanes (19)
because the incoming air has the most potential energy, whereas
rotor (13) downstream of this first rotor (13) may have rotor vanes
(19) with more steep angles so as to maximize energy extraction
from the more slow moving airflow. The angle and/or the pitch of
the turbine rotor vanes (19) can also be varied and/or rotatable,
as explained above with regard to the deflector vanes (51), with
the goal of optimizing energy extraction.
[0256] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided a rotor (13) comprising an electrical
generator (23) being selectively and concentrically mountable
within the interior of the rotor (13), said electrical generator
(23) being rotatably and concentrically mountable about the shaft
(45), such that a plurality of like rotor (13) comprising
electrical generators (23) can be mounted in series in order to
maximize the extraction of kinetic energy from the airflow.
[0257] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is
provided an alternating pattern of components when moving from
upstream to downstream along the assembly (1). For example, when
the airflow enters the inlet (9), it may first encounter and be
directed and/or diverted by the deflector (49). After which, the
airflow encounters a high-energy rotor (13) which extracts the most
energy from the airflow. The airflow then encounters at least one
other rotor (13), which can extract the energy remaining in the
airflow after the high-energy rotor (13). Any remaining airflow can
then exit via the air outlet (11).
[0258] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is provided an at least one guidance fin being
secured and engaging an at least one mounting recess located at the
rear of the casing (5). Preferably, the at least one guidance fin
is sized and constructed in order to produce sufficient moment
force to automatically and continuously rotate the assembly (1) in
response to the force imputed by the wind such that it can face
into the wind at all times, as can be easily understood by a person
skilled in the art.
[0259] As illustrated in FIGS. 70-72, the assembly (1) can also be
provided with a coupling component (63) for coupling the shaft (45)
to the generator (23). The coupling component (63) has an input for
rotatably receiving an end of the shaft (45), and an output for
transmitting the rotational energy of the shaft (45) to the
generator (23).
[0260] Preferably, the assembly (1) is provided with a entrance
cone (81) for directing the air flow into the inlet (9) and for
making the airflow more laminar, as apparent to a person skilled in
the art, and as illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. The cone (81) can also
help to deviate airflow away from the "neural zone" described above
and towards the deflector vanes (51).
[0261] In another preferred embodiment, the rotor (13) and/or other
components of the assembly (1) can be housed within the generator
(23). The generator (23) can house the assembly (1), which
advantageously simplifies the design and operation of the assembly
(1) and reduces its structural inertia. Preferably, an electrical
charge is induced in the generator (23) by electrical inductance
which can result from the rotation of the rotor (13) in conjunction
with a brushes and/or brushless known electric motor, for example.
Furthermore, the encase wind turbine (1) in this preferred
configuration can be equipped with bearings (89) with attachments
which maintain the components of the assembly (1) in rotatable
relation with the shaft (45) and/or other components. These
bearings (89) can be high-speed bearings (89), for example, and can
also include a hydraulic gearbox for heavier assemblies (1). It is
therefore apparent how in this preferred embodiment, the assembly
(1) can become the generator (23) itself. In another preferred
embodiment, magnets can be arranged circumferentially around a
rotor (13) so that when the rotor (13) rotates, an electric charged
is induced in the magnets.
[0262] According to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the assembly (1) is rotatably installed on a platform
such that it can be automatically, electronically or manually
positioned to face into the wind.
[0263] According to the present invention, the assembly (1) is
preferably made of substantially rigid but lightweight materials,
such as metallic materials (aluminum, zinc, stainless steel and/or
others, as well as combinations thereof), hardened polymers,
composite materials, and/or the like, whereas other components
thereof according to the present invention, in order to achieve the
resulting advantages briefly discussed herein (ex. easy rotation,
lightweight, low cost, etc.), can be made of a polymeric material
(plastic, rubber, etc.), and/or the like, depending on the
particular applications for which the assembly (1) is intended for
and the different parameters in cause (wind speeds, ambient
environment, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
[0264] Furthermore, the present invention is a substantial
improvement over the prior art in that, by virtue of its design and
components, the assembly (1) is simple and easy to operate, as well
as is simple and easy to manufacture and/or assemble, without
compromising the reliability of its functions. Hence, it may now be
appreciated that the present invention represents important
advantages over other wind turbines known in the prior art, in that
the assembly (1) according to the present invention enables the
generation of electrical power in a plurality of environments at
relatively low wind speeds, due namely to its simple but innovative
assembly components, as briefly explained hereinabove.
[0265] Indeed, contrary to the devices of the prior art, the
present assembly (1) can be operated at wind speeds as low as about
0.5 m/s compared with wind speeds of at least about 5 m/s for
conventional wind turbines because the enclosed inlet (9) augments
the speed of the airflow for treatment by the rotor (13), as well
as because of the starter motor which can provide an initial
impulse rotation to the rotor (13). The ability to operate at such
low wind speeds enables the assembly (1) to be used in many
different locales where wind speeds are lower and/or highly
variable. As but one example, and as discussed above, the assembly
(1) can be of a small enough size to be installed onto a corner of
a building, or in a chimney chute, so as to capture unused wind
and/or heat energy in these locations. Furthermore, the assembly
(1) reduces the inherent friction that can afflict conventional
devices because the shaft (45) is coupled relatively directly to
the generator (23), and does not depend on gear reduction to
generate electricity.
[0266] Moreover, the ability to operate at such low wind speeds
enables the assembly (1) to be operated near areas of high energy
consumption such as cities or major industrial installations, thus
reducing the power losses associated with electrical power
transmission over long distances as is common with the devices
known in the art. Furthermore, the relatively low wind speeds at
which the present invention can operate permit the assembly (1) to
be much smaller than conventional devices and still produce the
same amount of electrical energy, thus providing a significant
weight advantage, and further allow for a plurality of assemblies
(1) to be installed on an apparatus within near proximity of each
other, as illustrated in FIG. 101. Such advantages are further
amplified by the ability of the rotor vanes (19) of the rotor (13)
and/or the vanes (51) of the deflector (49) to be rotatable about
themselves thus maximizing the rotational speed of the rotor (13)
for given airflow conditions. The assembly (1) also advantageously
operates at lower decibel levels, which can restrict the location
of conventional wind turbines.
[0267] The present invention provides yet another advantage because
it generates a vortex downstream of the at least one rotor (13),
the "heart" or "eye" of said vortex being an area wherein the
airflow is calm. The generator (23) can be advantageously situated
within said "heart" or "eye" so that its position does not affect
or alter the upstream air flow. Moreover, the generator (23) is
cooled by being placed in the "heart" or "eye" of the vortex. The
present invention is also advantageous, in that, due to its
innovative design, the at least one rotor (13) and shaft (45) are
capable of rotating at speeds of about 5000 revolutions per minute
(RPM) and higher, compared to a maximum rotational speed of about
1440 RPM for a generator of conventional systems known in the art,
thus enabling the present invention to generate a greater amount of
electrical energy when compared to those conventional systems.
[0268] The present invention provides numerous advantages over
those systems known in the art, namely in terms of being less
harmful to the environment, and being better adapted to operate in
cold-climate conditions. First, the preferred screen (75) can be
electrified to generate a suitable electromagnetic field about the
enclosed inlet (9) in order to prevent or at the very least deter
animals (ex. birds) from approaching the assembly (1), or entering
the enclosed inlet (9), unlike wide-span rotors of conventional
systems which are known to harm birds and/or adversely affect their
migratory activities. Secondly, the present invention's rotor (13)
is encased within the enclosed casing (5) which prevents birds or
other animals from impacting the rotor (13). Finally, the preferred
screen (75) can be heated, which provides two advantages over those
systems known in the art: first, the heating of the screen (75)
allows the present invention to operate in cold weather climates by
preventing ice or snow accumulation, and second, the heating of the
screen (75) increases the energy of the airflow as it enters the
enclosed inlet (9), thus optimizing the desired aerodynamic
properties of the airflow and permitting maximum electrical energy
extraction. Heating of the screen (75) could be conveniently done
by using electricity drawn from the assembly (1) and/or, if need
may be, by an auxiliary feeding system which would power the
electrified screen (75).
[0269] The present invention is also advantageous in that it
comprises the casing (5) which eliminates the acoustic and visual
pollution associated with conventional devices, further permitting
the assembly (1) to be operated near areas of high energy
consumption. Moreover, energy generated according to the present
invention is non-polluting in that it does not require the
combustion of fossil fuels. This provides numerous advantages in
that it reduces emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the
atmosphere and helps countries and industries meet their legal
commitments in this regard while promoting sustainable industry at
the same time. It further reduces the need to "scrub" emissions
from fossil-fuel burning electrical generators, and permits the
present invention to be operated near populous cities and towns,
areas of high energy consumption, without affecting the air quality
for the inhabitants of these cities and towns.
[0270] The present invention is also advantageous for its
simplicity of design. The limited number of components (i.e. rotor
(13), a deflector (49), a shaft (45)) eliminate the need for a
transmission system, thus reducing the complexity, weight and
expensive maintenance associated with the conventional devices
known in the art. Maintenance is further reduced because of the
presence of sensors (85) for determining the alignment of the shaft
(45) and/or other components or characteristics, said sensors (85)
alerting a technician to potential issues. Further aiding
maintenance is the use of a sleeve (71), which allows a generator
(23) to be changed and/or replaced without having to dismantle all
the components of the assembly (1), and which is capable of
neutralizing the electric, magnetic and/or electromagnetic effects
of the generator (23). Moreover, the present invention does not
employ brakes to reduce the speed of the rotor blades as is done
with conventional devices so as to preserve their structural
integrity, as known in the art, thus further reducing weight, cost
and complexity. Instead, the present invention employs shutters
(47) or other like devices to control or reduce the airflow
entering the enclosed inlet (9), said like devices presenting
advantages such as easy installation and operation, and very low
maintenance costs.
[0271] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a laser alignment system for facilitating and
monitoring the alignment of the turbine in relation to other
components, and for alerting a technician when said alignment
deviates a given amount.
[0272] As just a simple illustration of the advantages the present
invention provides with respect to cost, a typical wind turbine
system known in the art uses more than about 10,000 components
whereas the present invention contains less than about 1,000
components. Yet another advantage of the simplicity of the present
invention is that it can be manufactured for industrial-sized
generation or for individual or private electrical generation (also
known as "micro-electrification"), thus rendering the present
invention "scalable" and accessible to every segment of the
population and to large and small industry. The low cost associated
with the present invention enables many assemblies (1) to be
installed for the price of a single conventional system while still
generating more electrical energy than conventional devices, thus
permitting excess generating capacity to be stored or sold for
profit.
[0273] Furthermore, the present invention is an innovative and a
showcase environmental technology which may lead to the creation of
highly-skilled employment for thousands of individuals whether in
construction, transportation of components, installation, design,
mounting of transmission lines, etc. It further presents advantages
for those parts of the world where electrical power generation is
unreliable and also complements existing electrical power
generators which can be used as back-ups when, in the rare cases
where wind speeds are too low, the present invention does not
generate electrical power. The present invention also easily
integrates into the existing electrical energy transmission
infrastructure. Based on a study conducted by a collaborator of the
Applicant of the present patent application, the present invention
reduces the cost of producing electrical energy in the order of
about 20% to 25%. With only slight modifications, the encased
turbine (1) can be used as an encased or uncased hydraulic turbine
(1) in a water environment. Further modeling suggests that the
assembly (1) according to the present invention can produce up to
10 times the amount of energy of a typical wind turbine for a given
windspeed, and this with the (assembly) being 10 times less
voluminous because certain components are eliminated that generate
losses (ex. the gear-augmentation from a low-rpm high-torque
rotation to a high-rpm low torque generator, etc.).
[0274] Furthermore, the assembly (1) according to the present
invention is an "upwind" type because the wind hits the inlet (9)
before the rotor (13), in contrast to a "downwind" where air is
sucked into the inlet because of a vacuum created downstream of the
outlet. The assembly (1) is also known as a "direct-drive" assembly
(1), which advantageously results in high-rpm at the generator
(23).
[0275] The starter motor also advantageously cooperates with the
assembly (1) so as to kick-start the rotor (13) by inducing a
current and/or voltage into the generator/motor so as to provide an
initial rotational force when airspeeds are below a certain
threshold speed, and for being de-activated when airspeeds are
above the threshold speed.
[0276] Furthermore, the mounting of an assembly (1) to a moving
vehicle can advantageously supplement the supply of electricity to
the vehicle. Conventional emergency use devices such as these
produce 0.2 W for a 7'' diameter device, whereas the assembly (1)
can produce about 1.8 W for a 6'' diameter device, and it can be
installed in a place where drag is not a concern or has already
been generated by upstream components (i.e. where wind is
wasted).
[0277] Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the
above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the
invention, as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *