Abstract
An electric power-generating system for a rotor blade includes at least one electromechanical power-converting device and at least one power-guide line, which is connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device. The electromechanical power-converting device is configured in such a way that, during a movement of the power-guide line, the device converts into electric power the forces introduced by the movement of the power-guide line into the electromechanical power-converting device.
Claims
1. An electric power generating system for a rotor blade, comprising: at least one electromechanical power-converting device; and at least one power-guide line connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device, the electromechanical power-converting device being configured in such a way that, during a movement of the power-guide line, the electromechanical power-converting device converts into electric power the forces introduced by the movement of the power-guide line into the electromechanical power-converting device.
2. The electric power generating system of claim 1, wherein the electromechanical power-converting device comprises at least one piezo element connected mechanically to the power-guide line for converting mechanical energy from the movement of the power-guide line into electric power.
3. The electric power generating system of claim 2, wherein the power-guide line is surrounded at least in portions by piezoelectric material of the piezo element.
4. The electric power generating system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one energy store connected electrically to the electromechanical power-converting device for storing electric energy.
5. The electric power generating system of claim 1, further comprising: an electronic control device configured to selectively activate the production of electric power at electric connection points for connecting an electric functional component.
6. The electric power generating system of claim 5, the electronic control device being configured to be wirelessly controllable.
7. A lighting system for a rotor blade, comprising: an electric power generating system including at least one electromechanical power-converting device, and at least one power-guide line connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device, the electromechanical power-converting device being configured in such a way that, during a movement of the power-guide line, the electromechanical power-converting device converts into electric power the forces introduced by the movement of the power-guide line into the electromechanical power-converting device; and at least one electric light source connected electrically to the power-converting device of the electric power generating system.
8. The lighting system of claim 7, the power-guide line comprising an optical fiber, and the power-guide line being connected mechanically to the light source in such a way that the light source introduces light into the power-guide line, the light source being connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device in such a way that the forces produced by the movement of the power-guide line are transmitted via the light source to the electromechanical power-converting device.
9. The lighting system of claim 7, wherein the at least one light source comprises at least one light emitting diode.
10. A rotor blade, comprising: an electric power generating system including at least one electromechanical power-converting device, and at least one power-guide line connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device, the electromechanical power-converting device being configured in such a way that, during a movement of the power-guide line, the electromechanical power-converting device converts into electric power the forces introduced by the movement of the power-guide line into the electromechanical power-converting device.
11. The rotor blade of claim 10, further comprising: a light source arranged in a depth-balancing chamber of the rotor blade.
12. The rotor blade of claim 10, wherein the at least one power-guide line runs outside the rotor blade at least in portions.
13. The rotor blade of claim 10, wherein the electromechanical power-converting device is arranged in a depth-balancing chamber of the rotor blade.
14. A rotor system, comprising: at least one rotor blade including an electric power generating system including at least one electromechanical power-converting device, and at least one power-guide line connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device, the electromechanical power-converting device being configured in such a way that, during a movement of the power-guide line, the electromechanical power-converting device converts into electric power the forces introduced by the movement of the power-guide line into the electromechanical power-converting device; and at least one electrically powered functional component connected electrically to the power-converting device of the electric power generating system.
15. The rotor system of claim 14, wherein the electrically powered functional component comprises one or more of a light source, a sensor and an actuator device.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The invention is explained in the following with reference to the figures of the drawings, in which:
[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rotor system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a power-generating system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a power-generating system according to a further embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a power-generating system according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and
[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a rotor system according to a further embodiment of the present invention, in which a power-guide line of the power-generating system is in the form of an optical fiber.
[0045] In the figures, the same reference numerals denote identical or functionally similar components, unless otherwise indicated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0046] FIG. 1 shows by way of example a rotor system 100. The rotor system 100 comprises at least one rotor blade 10 comprising an electric power-generating device 1 as well as an electrically powered functional component 40, which is connected electrically to the electric power-generating device 1.
[0047] The rotor system 100 shown schematically and by way of example in FIG. 1 is illustrated as a rotor system for an aircraft 200. In particular, the rotor system 100 in this case comprises a rotor shaft 101 rotatable about an axis of rotation R100, which is connected to a fuselage structure 201 of the aircraft 200 and which supports the at least one rotor blade 10 as well as possibly additional rotor blades.
[0048] For example, a light source 41, 42, a sensor 43, an actuator device 44 or the like can be provided as the electrically powered functional component 40. FIG. 1 shows by way of example a light source 41 arranged on a rotor blade tip 13 of the rotor blade 10, a sensor 43 arranged on an actuator rod 103 of a wobble plate 102 assigned to the rotor shaft 101, as well as an actuator device 44 arranged on the wobble plate 102. The functional components 40 are each connected via an electrical supply line 4 to the electric power-generating system 1 of the rotor blade 10.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 1, the rotor blade 10 comprises the electric power-generating system 1. In the rotor blade 10 shown by way of example in FIG. 1, the power-generating system 1 is arranged in an end portion 11 of the rotor blade 10 facing away from the longitudinal extension or longitudinal direction L10 of the rotor blade 10 relative to the rotor shaft 101. As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the power-generating system 1 comprises at least one electromechanical power-converting device 3 and at least one power-guide line 5. The power-guide line 5 is connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device 3. The electromechanical power-converting device 3 is configured in such a way that during a movement of the power-guide line 5, the device converts into electric power the forces introduced by the movement of the power-guide line 5 into the electromechanical power-converting device 3. As shown schematically in FIG. 1, it can be provided, in particular, that the at least one power-guide line 5 runs at least in portions outside a rotor blade 10. During a rotation of the rotor blade 10 about the axis of rotation R100, the power-guide line 5 is drawn behind the rotor blade 10. Due to the flow of fluid around the rotor blade 10, which fluid comprises air in the case of an aircraft, a tensile force is generated on the power-guide line 5. In particular, if the power-guide line projects into a trailing region of the rotor blade 10, a type of fluttering movement of the power-guide line 5 is initiated by means of turbulence. The mechanical power of the movement of the power-guide line 5 is converted by the electromechanical power-converting device 3 into electric power.
[0050] As is also shown in FIG. 1, the electromechanical power-converting device 3 is preferably arranged on the inside of the rotor blade 10. FIG. 1 shows by way of example a configuration of the rotor blade 10, in which the electromechanical power-converting device 3 is arranged in a depth-balancing chamber 12 of the rotor blade 10, and an end portion 5b of the power-guide line 5 projects out of the depth-balancing chamber 12.
[0051] FIGS. 2 to 4 show respectively advantageous configurations of the electric power-generating system 1. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the electromechanical power-converting device 3 comprises a respective piezo element 30, which is coupled mechanically to the power-guide line 5. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the mechanical coupling is achieved in that the power-guide line is surrounded at least in portions by a piezoelectric material 31 forming the piezo element 30.
[0052] In the power-generating system 1 shown in FIG. 2, a first end portion 5a of the power-guide line 5 is embedded into the piezoelectric material 31, and a second end portion 5b of the power-guide line 5 which is opposite in relation to the longitudinal extension or the line longitudinal direction L5 of the power-guide line 5 is arranged to be freely movable outside the piezoelectric material 31. In FIG. 2, the piezo element 30 is shown by way of example as a block. On the piezo element 30, electrodes (not shown) are provided, where the voltage produced by means of the deformation caused by the power-guide line 5 can be tapped. For this purpose, connection points 1a, 1b are provided, which are shown schematically in FIG. 2. The connection points are provided for the connection of the electric functional components 40. In FIG. 2, by way of example, a configuration of the piezo element 30 is shown in which a first connection point 1a forms a positive electric pole and a second connection point 1b forms a negative electric pole.
[0053] Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows schematically an optional electronic control device 33. The device forms a switch in a functional respect, by means of which the provision of electric voltage to the electric connection points 1a 1b can be switched on or off Preferably, the control device 33 can be controlled wirelessly. According to the view shown by way of example in FIG. 2, the control device 33 is designed as a switch assigned to the first connection point 1a. The control device 33 can be controlled for example by radio to switch on or off the electrically powered functional components 40.
[0054] As is also shown in FIG. 2, the power-generating system 3 can optionally comprise an energy store 32 connected to the electromechanical power-converting device 3 for storing electric power produced by means of the electromechanical power-converting device 3.
[0055] For the sake of clarity in FIG. 3, the optional control device 33 and the optional electric energy store 32 are not shown. Unlike the view in FIG. 2, in FIG. 3 the first end portion 5a of the power-guide line 5 and the second end portion 5b of the power-guide line 5 respectively are embedded into the piezoelectric material 31. A central region 5c extending between the first and second end portion 5a, 5b extends as a loop outside the piezoelectric material 31. When installed in the rotor blade 10, the central region 5c projects out of the rotor blade 10.
[0056] Alternatively to embedding at least one of the end portions 5a, 5b of the power-guide line, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the mechanical coupling between the power-guide line 5 and the piezo element 30 can also be achieved respectively by connecting means connecting the piezo element 30 and the respective end portion 5a, 5b. For example, the respective end portion 5a, 5b can be adhered, welded or connected in a similar manner to the piezo element 30.
[0057] FIG. 4 shows by way of example and schematically a configuration of the electromechanical power-converting device 3 as a piezo element 30, which is designed as a tube surrounding the power-guide line 5. In FIG. 4, the piezoelectric material 31 of the piezo element 30 surrounds the power-guide line over the whole longitudinal extension thereof. Alternatively, it can be provided that the piezoelectric material 31 surrounds only one or more portions of the power-guide line 5 in the manner of a tube. By means of the tube-like design of the piezo element 30, a particularly high degree of conversion efficiency is achieved. The electromechanical power-converting device 3 designed in this way is particularly suitable for securing to an outer surface of the rotor blade 10. This has the advantage that hardly any structural changes need to be made to the rotor blade 10. In this way, the power-generating system 1 can be retrofitted in a simple manner.
[0058] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the rotor system 100. The system differs from the rotor system 100 shown in FIG. 1, in particular in the structure of the electric power-generating system 1, which is produced in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 as part of a lighting system 150. The electric power-generating system 1 can, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, be arranged with respect to a longitudinal extension L10 of a rotor blade 10 on the end portion 11 thereof. The power-generating system 1 comprises the electromechanical power-converting device 3, which can be arranged, for example, in the depth-balancing chamber 12 in the vicinity of the rotor blade tip 13 of the rotor blade 10. Furthermore, the power-generating system 1 comprises the at least one power-guide line 5, which is connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device 3.
[0059] The electromechanical power-converting device 3 is arranged according to the illustration given by way of example in FIG. 5 within the cross section of the rotor blade 10, namely in the depth-balancing chamber 12.
[0060] The lighting system 150 shown by way of example in FIG. 5 comprises the electric power-generating system 1 as well as at least one light source 41, 42 connected electrically to the electromechanical power-converting device 3 of the power-generating system 1. In the lighting system 150 shown by way of example in FIG. 5, two electric light sources 41, 42 are provided as electrically powered functional components 40 of the rotor system 100. The power-guide line 5 is connected mechanically by the first line end 5a to the electromechanical power-converting device 3. A second line end 5b positioned opposite the first line end 5a is placed outside the cross section of the rotor blade 10, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0061] The light sources 41, 42 are each connected electrically to the electromechanical power-converting device 3. Preferably, the electric light sources 41, 42 are arranged respectively within the cross section of the rotor blade 10, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5. In particular, the light sources 41, 42 can be designed as light-emitting diodes. The light source 41 is shown by way of example in FIG. 5 arranged inside the depth-balancing chamber 12, the light source 42 is arranged according to the illustration given by way of example in FIG. 5 outside the depth-balancing chamber 12. Of course, also both light sources 41, 42 can be arranged inside or outside the depth-balancing chamber 12.
[0062] In the lighting system shown in FIG. 5, a power-guide line 5 designed as a first optical fiber is secured to the light source 41. The power-guide line projects in the shown embodiment out of the rotor blade 10 and thereby flutters irregularly in the air flow during the movement of the rotor blade 10, for example during a rotation thereof about the axis of rotation R100 in a direction of rotation R. In this way, the power-guide line 5 exerts forces via the light source 41 on the electromechanical power-converting device 3 comprising, e.g., a piezo element (not shown in FIG. 5). The electromechanical power-converting device 3 converts the mechanical power from the movement of the power-guide line 5 into electric power, e.g., by means of the piezo elements, and thereby supplies the light source 41 with electric power. The light fed by the light source 41 into the power-guide line 5 designed as an optical fiber is directed by the line to the second line end 5b placed outside the rotor blade 10, exits, in particular, at the end of the power-guide line 5 and thereby generates a signal effect which displays a movement of the rotor blade 10. The power-guide line 5 can be guided out of the rotor blade 10, in particular, in such a way that the line can move along the longitudinal direction L5 thereof, whereby an optimum force effect is exerted for the production of electricity on the electromechanical power-converting device.
[0063] The light source 42 shown in FIG. 5 is fixed by means of an additional securing line 9 onto a wall of the depth-correcting chamber 12. However, other methods of attachment are also conceivable, such as fixing the light source 42 directly onto the wall of the depth-correcting chamber 12 or to another point of the rotor blade 10. The electric power required for the light source 42 is also supplied by the electromechanical power-converting device 3, to which the light source 42 is connected electrically. This electrical connection is shown schematically in FIG. 5 by the dash-dotted line S42. The securing line 9 can of course be coupled mechanically to an electromechanical power-converting device 3, so that the device forms a portion of a power-guide line.
[0064] As also shown in FIG. 5, the light source 42 is connected mechanically to a second optical fiber 8. In particular, the light source 42 is connected mechanically to the second optical fiber 8 in such a way that the light source 42 introduces light into the fiber. For this purpose, the light source 8 is connected to a first end portion 8a of the second optical fiber 8. The second optical fiber 8 projects with a second end portion 8b, which is opposite the first end portion 8a with respect to the longitudinal extension or the line longitudinal direction L8 of the optical fiber 8, out of the rotor blade 10, preferably directly out of the rotor blade tip 13 thereof. When guiding the second optical fiber 8 out directly on the rotor blade tip 13, an effective signal and warning effect is achieved directly on the rotor blade tip 13, in addition to the light emitted by the first optical fiber 5. The optical fiber 8 exiting at the rotor blade tip 13 thus displays the outer limitation of the rotor blade movement.
[0065] As already described, it is also possible for the securing line 9 to be connected mechanically to the electromechanical power-converting device 3. In this case, the second optical fiber 8 and the securing line 9 each form a portion of a power-guide line 5.
[0066] While at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention(s) is disclosed herein, it should be understood that modifications, substitutions and alternatives may be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art and can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the exemplary embodiment(s). In addition, in this disclosure, the terms “comprise” or “comprising” do not exclude other elements or steps, the terms “a” or “one” do not exclude a plural number, and the term “or” means either or both. Furthermore, characteristics or steps which have been described may also be used in combination with other characteristics or steps and in any order unless the disclosure or context suggests otherwise. This disclosure hereby incorporates by reference the complete disclosure of any patent or application from which it claims benefit or priority.
