Magnus rotors as a means of improving the performance of Savonius rotors and vehicles

Abstract

A means of reducing fluid density in front of Savonius blades by installing magnus rotors to accelerate onrushing fluid away from the blade itself. Several magnus rotors are mounted on either external side of the centerline of each blade, so as the Savonius rotor is revolved by the surrounding fluid and the magnus rotors are revolved on either side of the centerline in opposite directions, then fluid pressure is reduced and the Savonius rotor's speed is increased. Also, if the magnus rotor is formed from a sheathed flexible shaft and attached to an underlying contoured surface of a vehicle, such as a racing car or a helical Savonius rotor, fluid resistance to the forward motion of the vehicle is reduced.

Claims

1. An air guidance system comprising: an outer surface of a Savonius rotor; said outer surface having a centerline each side of said centerline having at least one motorized Magnus rotor and at least one airflow guide placed normal to a fluid stream directed at said outer surface; and said at least one airflow guide being placed adjacent to each of said at least one motorized Magnus rotors; wherein the Magnus rotors located on each side of the centerline are rotated in opposite directions with respect to said centerline at a higher velocity than said fluid stream so fluid pressure is lowered in front of said outer surface and said fluid stream is accelerated over said outer surface thus increasing torque on a shaft of said Savonius rotor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a Savonius Rotor with the invention installed on it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(2) Turning to FIG. 1 we see a perspective view of a Savonius Rotor 1,3 balanced round a shaft 2. On either side of the centerline of Savonius blade 1 we see Magnus rotors 4,5. Air control guides 6,7,8 are shown on either side of the magnus rotors. Identical structures 4a-8a are shown affixed to Savonius blade 3. The arrows show airflow as well as the direction of spin of the Savonius Rotor. Shown is a Savonius rotor of a straight blade design.

(3) In FIG. there is shown a magnus rotor 4 affixed on either end to brackets 19,20, affixed in their turn to the rotor blade 1 or 3. The magnus rotor itself has no end pieces for reasons of efficiency, as was demonstrated in the experimental work recorded in USDOE Grant Report DE-FG46-79R610969. Motor 9 provides the power to operate magnus rotor 4.

(4) In operation, Savonius blades are made to rotate about shaft 2 by wind. At the same time motors 10 are made to revolve magnus rotors 4,4a,5,5a in directions away from the centerlines of blades 1,3 at high rates of speed. This action produces a relative vacuum at areas A,B as well as lowering the air pressure at the outer surfaces of blades 1,3. Thus more torque is produced by shaft 2.

(5) From the above descriptions it is apparent that the preferred embodiments achieve the object of the invention. Alternative embodiments and various depictions of the present embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts.