US 2013/0094962 A1 · System and Method for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Abstract

A system and method for a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is described which can provide the basis for a new and improved wind turbine design suitable for a range of different power classes such as from 4 kilowatts to 10 megawatts. A vertical blade of chord length C is attached to a central hub via a main support strut of chord length C. The main support strut comprises two sections: a blade-support-section and a counterweight-support-section. Both the blade-support-section and the counter-weight-support-section have a blunt leading edge and a tapered trailing edge with the profile reversing either side of the hub axis. Two control struts comprising aerodynamic profiles support the blade wherein one control strut connects to the upper surface of the main support strut and the other control strut connects to the lower surface of the main support strut hub. The main support strut and the control struts provide lift to the wind turbine and reduce drag. The vertical blade and the main support strut comprise an integrated differential strain gauge, which is linked to a central controller and provides real time data on the integrity of the blade and strut.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A vertical axis wind turbine for generating power comprising a single blade, a central support strut having an aerodynamic profile comprising a blade support section and a counterweight support section and a counterweight, and said vertical axis wind turbine blade and central support strut rotating around an axis, and said vertical axis wind turbine comprising a central control system wherein said vertical axis wind turbine being characterised by:

the said single blade being connected at right angles to the blade support section of the central support strut, and
the said counterweight being integrated with or attached to the counterweight support section, and wherein
said central support strut connecting to a power generation component contained within a nacelle, wherein,
the power generation component connecting to a support rod within a tower structure and wherein said support rod substantially supporting the combined weight of the blade, the central support strut, and the power generation component, thereby reducing the static loading on the tower structure.

1 more element

A method for generating power using a vertical axis wind turbine comprising a single blade, a central support strut having an aerodynamic profile comprising a blade support section and a counterweight support section and a counterweight, and said vertical axis wind turbine blade and central support strut rotating around an axis, and said vertical axis wind turbine comprising a central control system, wherein said method being characterised by the steps of:

connecting the said single blade at right angles to the blade support section of the central support strut, and
integrating or attaching the said counterweight to the counterweight support section, and
connecting said central support strut to a power generation component contained within a nacelle, and
connecting the power generation component to a support rod within a tower structure and wherein said support rod substantially supporting the combined weight of the blade, the central support strut, and the power generation component, thereby reducing the static loading on the tower structure.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and Method for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Life of this patent

System and Method for a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32