Paddlewheel Generator

Abstract

The Paddlewheel Generator is a horizontal rooftop device used to transform wind energy into electrical energy. It accomplishes this utilizing a one of a kind modular paddlewheel section encased in a modular enclosure section. The modular paddlewheel is made strong enough to withstand adverse local weather conditions. The Paddlewheel module is encased in a distinctive modular enclosure, customizable to the local building codes for safety and finished to enhance its aesthetic environment. The Paddlewheel Generator is uniquely designed to be compatible with other sustainable energy sources, versatile enough to satisfy a wide range of power requirements.

Claims

1 The Paddlewheel Generator is a unique wind energy gathering turbine device because its customizable horizontal enclosure allows it to be in aesthetic harmony with many different architectural environments.

2 Its modular construction makes the Paddlewheel Generator unique and facilitates cost effective production and installation.

3 The Paddlewheels modular paddlewheel sections and direct current output allow multiple combinations to uniquely fit many different field applications.

4 Because of its high strength modular sections and the enclosure's designability to local construction code requirements, the Paddlewheel Generator is uniquely prepared to survive the harshest weather conditions.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1: The drawing represents a typical installation of the Paddlewheel Generator. It highlights its unique horizontal orientation, merging esthetically with its supporting structure.

[0014] FIG. 2: This drawing is a look at the structure of a paddlewheel section itself.

[0015] FIG. 3: The drawing shows the major components of the Paddlewheel Generator in a typical housing.

[0016] FIG. 4: The drawing is a block diagram of a typical Paddlewheel Generator system, incorporating operating options such as additional solar input and grid transfer.

FEATURE DESCRIPTION

[0017] The Paddlewheel Generator's paddlewheel is central to the system in which the invention operates. Its paddles are wide, going from the top of the paddlewheel to its axis of rotation. The paddlewheel is long, covering almost the entire length of the installed location. Both its width and elongation are maximized to gather as much wing energy as available. FIG. 2, in the drawing section, illustrates the construction details of the paddlewheel itself. The paddlewheel will be made in two sections, each section approximately half the length of the installation. Each section will be connected to a generator, either directly or belt driven.

[0018] Openings in the structure allow air flow to turn the paddlewheel. Because the paddlewheel is a static installation, the largest of these openings faces the direction of the predominant wind in the area. Additional openings may be provided to capitalize on other wind direction as dictated by the site location.

[0019] FIG. 3, in the drawing section, illustrates the orientation of the paddlewheel's major components.

[0020] The Paddlewheel Generator will utilize a controller. The controller brings the components of the system together. The system may be designed to capture multiple energy sources. For example, electrical energy from solar panels and the Paddlewheel Generator may be fed into the controller. Voltage from both sources will be monitored by the controller. Over current protection will protect the controller. A blocking diode may be used to assure that reverse polarity voltage is not fed back into the solar panels. A rectifier will assure that wind generator voltage polarity is of a consistent polarity at the controller terminals. A diversion load may be used to shunt voltage energy surges (created by the wind generator) away from the controller. The controller will charge the battery pack designed to store the recovered energy. The battery is connected, by way of an overprotection device, to an inverter. The inverter changes the DC voltage to an AC voltage, used for power. The inverter is connected to a distribution panel that might power refrigerators, heating systems (gas, oil or geothermal), car charging station, etc. FIG. 4 in the drawing section is a block diagram of a typical Paddlewheel Generator system.

[0021] Ideally the paddlewheel sections will be a carbon fiber construction. Keeping it lightweight and structurally sound are critical. The lighter the Paddlewheel Generator is, the more energy it can take from the wind and transform to electrical power. The paddlewheel will need to be strong enough to sustain hurricane winds. Because of cost considerations, aluminum may be used, also because it is lightweight and strong.

[0022] Housing for the Paddlewheel Generator will be made of materials consistent with the structure it sits upon. Typically, a wood frame or carbon fiber construction topped with a roof and sided in accordance with the esthetics of the facility. Panels in the construction will allow for access to parts of the Paddlewheel Generator that might be needed for installation or future maintenance or rePair.

[0023] Based on details of the rooftop location, the Paddlewheel Generator will be constructed offsite. This will include the paddlewheel, generator and housing. The unit will be large and will need to be trucked to the site. A crane will be used to place the Paddlewheel Generator on the site roof. A licensed electrician will connect all the components of the system, including the controller,