COUPLING MECHANISM FOR ATTACHING A POWER-GENERATING SOURCE TO A TOWER AND A SYSTEM THEREOF
20230375124 · 2023-11-23
Inventors
Cpc classification
F16M7/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F16M2200/08
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F05B2220/706
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F16M2200/068
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F16M7/00
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a coupling assembly for attaching a power generating source to a structure and a system thereof. The coupling assembly comprises at least one shaft having a first end and a second end and a support structure having a top portion and a bottom portion. The at least one shaft is configured to be attached to the power generating source at the first end. The support structure is configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one shaft at the second end on the top portion therein. The support structure is further configured to be attached to the structure at the bottom portion. The coupling mechanism is configured to provide support and stability to the power generating source. The system is configured to generate electrical energy which may be utilized to provide power to a tower.
Claims
1. A coupling assembly for attaching a power generating source to a structure, comprising: a) at least one shaft having a first end and a second end; and b) a support structure having a top portion and a bottom portion, the support structure being configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one shaft at the second end on the top portion therein; wherein the at least one shaft is configured to be attached to the power generating source at the first end and the support structure is configured to be attached to the structure at the bottom portion.
2. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one shaft is configured to have an outer periphery having a polygonal shape.
3. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one shaft is configured to have an outer periphery having any one of a hexagonal shape and an octagonal shape.
4. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises at least one securing member on the top portion thereof for receiving and securing the portion of the at least one shaft at the second end.
5. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one securing member is at a central portion of the support structure, wherein the at least one securing member is in a form of receptacle that is configured to receive the at least portion of the at least one shaft at the second end therein, and wherein a shape of the at least one securing member corresponds to a shape of an outer periphery of the at least one shaft and is configured to have a first depth for accommodating the second end securely therein.
6. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein a number of the at least one securing member in the top portion of the support structure corresponds to a number of the at least one shaft to be used.
7. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support structure further comprises a plurality of arms extending from a central portion thereof, the plurality of arms configured to be attached to the central portion at an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the at least shaft extending from the first end to the second end.
8. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of arms comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein each of the plurality of arms extends radially from the proximal end attached to the central portion to the distal end.
9. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the support structure further comprises a plurality of legs at the bottom portion thereof, each of the plurality of legs extending downwardly from each of the plurality of arms, wherein the plurality of legs are configured to be secured at a top portion of the structure, thereby attaching the power generating source to the structure.
10. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one shaft is a hollow structure, and is made of E450 grade steel.
11. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one shaft comprises a plurality of shafts corresponding first ends and second ends, each of the plurality of shafts having a longitudinal axis (L) extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the longitudinal axis (L) comprises a first side and a second side.
12. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of shafts is configured to be arranged parallel to each other.
13. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of shafts are configured to be arranged serially, such that, a second end of a first shaft abuts a first end of a second shaft.
14. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plurality of shafts are configured to be arranged in combination of a serial arrangement and a parallel arrangement.
15. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power generating source is a wind turbine.
16. The coupling assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling assembly is made of a material having a light weight and a high tensile strength.
17. A power generating system, comprising; a) a wind turbine; and b) a coupling assembly for attaching the wind turbine, wherein the coupling assembly comprises: i) at least one shaft having a first end and a second end; and ii) a support structure having a top portion, the support structure being configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the at least one shaft at the second end on the top portion therein.
18. A system for generating electrical energy, comprising: a) a power generating source configured for generating electrical energy; and b) a coupling assembly configured for attaching the power generating source to a structure; wherein the coupling assembly comprises: i) at least one shaft having a first end and a second end; and ii) a support structure having a top portion and a bottom portion, the support structure being configured to receive and secure at least a portion of the at least one shaft at the second end on the top portion therein; wherein the at least one shaft is configured to be attached to the power generating source at the first end and the support structure is configured to be attached to the structure at the bottom portion.
19. The system as claimed in claim 18, comprising a transmitting member configured to transmit the electrical energy generated by the power generating source to any one of the structure and a grid, through the at least one shaft, wherein the at least one shaft is a hollow member through which the transmitting member transmits the electrical energy.
20. The system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the support structure comprises at least one securing member on the top portion thereof for receiving and securing the at least the portion of the at least one shaft at the second end, and a plurality of arms extending from a central portion of the support structure.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. It should be appreciated that the description herein may be adapted to be employed with alternatively configured devices having different shapes, components, attachment mechanisms and the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.
[0037] Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0038] Reference is initially made to
[0039] In an embodiment, in addition to coupling the power generating source to the structure, the coupling assembly 100 may further be configured to facilitate transmission of electrical energy generated by the power generating source to the structure or a power grid.
[0040] It is submitted that the invention has been explained with reference to a wind turbine as a power generating source and a tower as a structure; it is appreciated that the invention is not limited to wind turbines and towers and is equally applicable for other types of power generating sources and structures.
[0041] As seen in
[0042] In an embodiment, the coupling assembly 100 may comprise a single shaft 102 disposed between the power generating source and the structure. In one exemplary embodiment, the coupling assembly 100 may comprise a single shaft 102 disposed between the wind turbine 14 and the tower 12. Although a single shaft 102 has been illustrated in
[0043] Referring to
[0044] Referring back to
[0045] In an embodiment, each of the shafts 102 may have an outer periphery of a polygonal shape. Non limiting examples of polygonal shape includes triangle, quadrilateral, pentagon, hexagon heptagon octagon nonagon, and decagon. In one exemplary embodiment, each of the shafts 102 may have an outer periphery of a hexagonal shape or an octagonal shape. The hexagonal shape or the octagonal shape of the outer periphery may be configured to provide more stability to the plurality of the shafts 102. Reference is made to
[0046] The support structure 104 is configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one shaft 102 at the second end 102b on the top portion 108 therein. Accordingly, the shaft 102 is attached between the power generating source and the support structure which in turn attached to the structure. The support structure 104 may comprise a center portion 104a and a plurality of arms 104b protruding radially from the center portion 104a. The center portion 104a of the support structure 104 refers to a central part of the support structure 104 that connects the plurality of arms 104b together. It is usually a hub or a platform that serves as a stable base for the arms 104b to attach and provides stability and balance to the coupling assembly 100. That is, the support structure 104 may be of a shape having a plurality of arms 104b protruding from the center portion 104a of the support structure 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the support structure 104 is configured to have three arms 104b protruding from the center portion 104a. Each of the plurality of the arms 104b comprises a proximal end 502 that is closest to the center portion 104a and a distal end 504 that is opposite to the proximal end 502 (Seen in
[0047] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of arms 104b is attached to the center portion 104a at one of the ends thereof so as to protrude radially therefrom. It is to be noted that any suitable attaching or fastening means is used to the attach each arm 104b to the center portion 104a. For example, the center portion 104a comprises an opening with predrilled holes therein in which each of arms with matching holes is inserted and bolted. Optionally, the plurality of arms 104b and the central portion 104c may be molded or welded together.
[0048] Each of the plurality of arms 104b may comprise a leg 104c, at the other end such the distal end 504, extending downwardly, i.e., in a direction towards the structure such as the tower 12 when the coupling assembly 100 is coupled to the structure. The legs 104c may be configured to engage with the structure so that the support structure 104 is securely attached with the structure. In an embodiment, the legs 104c are configured to engage with a top portion of the structure. Thus, the legs 104c may define the second end 100b of the coupling assembly 100. The legs and the top portion of the structure are securely attached or coupled using a suitable mechanical coupling or mounting means (not shown). For example, flange mounting, hinge mounting, and the like may be used. Such secure attachment provides stability to the coupling assembly 100 while connected with the structure. Hence, a standing strength and steadiness of the structure may be utilized to provide stability to the coupling assembly 100. As a result, there is no need of special stability provisions to the coupling assembly 100, and hence, to the power generating source or wind turbine 14.
[0049] In an embodiment, the support structure 104 may comprise at least one securing member 106 at an upper portion thereof, the at least one securing member 106 being configured to be secured to the shafts 102 at the second ends 102b of the shafts 102. In an embodiment, the securing member 106 may be in the form of receptables configured to receive the second end 102b of a corresponding shaft 102 therewithin.
[0050] In an embodiment, a shape of the securing member 106 corresponds to the outer periphery of a corresponding shaft 102 such that the securing member 106 securely engage with the corresponding shafts 102. In other words, in case the outer periphery of the shafts 102 is of a hexagonal shape, the securing member 106 may also be of a hexagonal shape. In case the outer periphery of the shafts 102 is of an octagonal shape, the securing member 106 may also be of the octagonal shape. It is appreciated that the securing member may have a shape other than the hexagonal shape or the octagonal shape.
[0051] In an embodiment, a first depth of the securing member 106 is such that to accommodate the corresponding shafts 102 firmly therewithin. In other words, the shafts 102 may be received by the corresponding securing member 106 such that the shafts 102 are able to withstand strong wind or even cyclone, without disengaging or altering a connection between the shafts 102 and the corresponding securing means in any way. Each shaft 102 and each securing member 106 are coupled or attached using a suitable mechanical coupling or attaching member. For example, nuts and bolts may be used to couple the second end 102b of the shaft 102 and the securing member 106.
[0052] One non-limiting example of the support structure 104 is a tripod having three arms 104b (seen in
[0053] In an embodiment, the coupling assembly 100 comprises a plurality of shafts 102. In one embodiment, the plurality of shafts 102 are configured to be arranged in a parallel arrangement (seen in
[0054] Now reference is made to
[0055] Now reference is made to
[0056] Now reference is made to
[0057] In an embodiment, the plurality of the shafts 102 may be coupled with each other, and with the wind turbine 14 using fasteners. Some non-limiting examples of fasteners may include a flange, a nut and bolt coupling, and the like. Accordingly, the first ends 102a of the shafts 102 may include fastening units (not shown) by virtue of which the shafts 102 are coupled to each other and/or to the wind turbine 14 using the fasteners.
[0058] It is to be noted that a number of shafts 102 to be used and an arrangement of the shaft such parallel arrangement, serial arrangement, or combination thereof depend on at least one following parameter such as a type of a power generating source, a size and design of the power generating source, a type of the structure, a size and design of the structure, weather condition or combination thereof. For example, in the case of the wind turbine 14, a type of wind turbine, a number of blades, a type of the tower, a size and design of the tower, weather condition or combination thereof may be considered to select the number of shafts 102 and the arrangement of the shafts 102.
[0059] Further, It is to be noted that a number of the securing member 106 corresponds to a number of shafts 102 being used in the coupling assembly 100. For example, if the coupling assembly 100 comprises a single shaft 102, the support structure 104 may have a single securing member 106, for instance at the center portion 104a of the support structure 104, from where the plurality of arm 104b protrude or extend. As in
[0060] Referring back to
[0061] In some embodiments, the system 10 comprises a transmitting member (not shown) configured to transmit the electrical energy generated by the power generating source to the structure or a grid, through the at least one shaft 102, the at least one shaft being a hollow member through which the transmitting member transmits the electrical energy. The transmitting member may be power transmitting cables and other associated components which enables power transmission. In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical energy generated by the wind turbine 14 may be utilized to power the telecom tower 12 where the wind turbine 14 is attached. In an embodiment, the one or more shafts 102 may be configured to be hollow structure and may facilitate transmission of the generated electrical energy to the telecom tower 12 therethrough, which would reduce transmission loss of the generated electrical energy. Moreover, if the generated electrical energy is more than a requirement of telecom tower 12, the excess energy may be fed to a power grid.
[0062] The wind turbine 14 in accordance with the present disclosure is attached over the top of a tower 12. Hence, no separate space or installation is required for using the wind turbine 14 in accordance with the present disclosure as compared to the traditional wind turbines. Accordingly, the space is saved, which can be utilized for different usage. Also, cost of installation is saved as the present disclosure eliminates a cost of building and installing towers to support the wind turbines or other power generating sources. Hence, energy generation using the system 10 of the present disclosure is cost-effective.
[0063] In an embodiment, the system 10 may be configured to generate non-uniform AC power. The system 10 may comprise an AC-DC converter to generate a uniform DC power. The uniform DC power may be converted to a uniform AC power using a DC-AC converter. The generated uniform AC power may then be utilized to provide power to the telecom tower 12 or may be fed to a power grid.
[0064] Finally, while the present invention has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments, many changes, combinations, and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the various components may be implemented in alternative ways. These alternatives can be suitably selected depending upon the particular application or in consideration of any number of factors associated with the operation of the device. In addition, the techniques described herein may be extended or modified for use with other types of devices. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.