Induced-Flow Wind Power System

Abstract

A high efficiency induced-flow wind power system engages and converts both potential (to-pull) and kinetic (to-push) wind energies to effective airflow power, delivering induced (accelerated) airflow power in a controlled flow field to a turbine/rotor, impelling a 360-degree torque on the turbine/rotor and, as a result, extracting (converting) more than 80% of the combined effective wind power to mechanical power. The induced push-pull effect results in higher efficiency wind-to-mechanical power extraction (conversion). The induced-flow wind power system can be coupled with (i) an electrical generator, inverter/converter for generating AC and DC power, (ii) pressurized vessel for effective energy storage (iii) a pressurized structure, such as an air supported structure, to ensure its structural integrity. The Induced-Flow Wind System embodiment comprises: a passive-flow nozzle, an active-flow nozzles and a turbine encased in housing interposed within the flow field of the active-flow nozzle and coupled with an electrical generator or a compressor.

Claims

1. A high efficiency Induced-Flow Wind Power System configured for engaging and converting both the potential (to pull) and kinetic (to-push) wind energies to effective mechanical power; the induced-flow wind power system comprising: a. a passive-flow nozzle, wherein said passive-flow nozzle is a venturi flow field having an intake, throat (constriction), exhaust (diffuser), wherein said passive-flow nozzle has a vacuum inlet interposed between said throat and said diffuser section of said passive-flow nozzle, wherein said passive-flow nozzle is configured horizontally (parallel to the ground) at an elevation above the ground; wherein said passive-flow nozzle is configured to harness and accelerate higher altitude higher velocity open flow wind through said venture flow field of said passive-flow nozzle, wherein accelerating the open flow wind (airflow) through said venturi flow field produces low pressure in the said throat and said vacuum inlet section, wherein the accelerated wind diffuses and evacuates through said exhaust section of said passive-flow nozzle, wherein the induced low pressure produces a vacuum effect in said vacuum inlet section; b. aerodynamic airfoil configuration, connected externally to said passive-flow nozzle; wherein, said aerodynamic airfoil configuration has a curved form; wherein the curved form of said aerodynamic airfoil configuration accelerates the ambient wind over the exterior of said passive-flow nozzle to produce low pressure at said exhaust section of said passive-flow nozzle; wherein the produced low pressure generates an additional evacuation and acceleration force for the harnessed open flow wind in said passive-flow nozzle. c. an active-flow nozzle, wherein said active-flow nozzle is a venturi flow field having an intake, throat (constriction), and diffuser cone, wherein said active-flow nozzle is configured below said passive-flow nozzle, wherein said diffuser cone of said active-flow nozzle is vertically coupled with said passive-flow nozzle through said vacuum inlet, wherein said throat of said active-flow nozzle is configured at lower elevation relative to said passive-flow nozzle, wherein said intake of said active-flow nozzle is oriented parallel in the direction of the open flow wind; wherein, said active-flow nozzle is configured to harness and direct open flow wind through the flow field of said active-flow nozzle; wherein the vacuum effect in said passive-flow nozzle coupled with said diffuser cone of said active-flow nozzle pulls and evacuates the harnessed wind through said active-flow nozzle, wherein said-active flow nozzle venturi flow field is induced by the evacuation force produced by said passive-flow nozzle, causing acceleration of harnessed wind in said active-flow nozzle through said turbine. d. a housing, interposed within said throat section of said active-flow nozzle between said intake and said diffuser cone, wherein said housing comprises a transitionally fluid portion of said venture flow field of said active-flow nozzle; wherein, said housing is configured to distributes a 360-degree uniform induced airflow (torque) to said turbine; e. a turbine, encased in said housing within the flow field of said active-flow nozzle, wherein said turbine has a radial-to-axial flow turbine configuration, such as a Francis-type turbine, wherein said turbine has a vertically or horizontally oriented turbine axel, runner blades, spiral casing, stay vanes and draft tube, wherein said turbine is configured for operation with induced airflow; wherein, said turbine is configured to (i) effectively divert the radial intake airflow (from the active-flow nozzle intake) to axial flow, (ii) discharge the airflow to the active-flow nozzle diffuser cone, (iii) convert potential and kinetic wind (airflow) energy to rotational mechanical power, and (iv) as a flywheel, stabilize energy production during wind gusts.

2. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said intake of said passive-flow nozzle has a converging angle between 7 and 15 degrees to said throat (constriction) of said passive-flow nozzle, and said exhaust (diffuser) of said passive-flow nozzle diverges from said throat at an angle between 7 and 15 degrees.

3. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said vacuum inlet can be interposed within said throat of said passive-flow nozzle or within said exhaust (diffuser) of said passive-flow nozzle.

4. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said intake of said active-flow nozzle has a converging angle between 7 and 15 degrees to said throat of said active-flow nozzle and said diffuser cone of said active-flow nozzle has a diverging angle between 7 and 15 degrees from said throat of said active-flow nozzle.

5. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said housing has a logarithmic spiral perimeter relative to its axis.

6. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said passive-flow nozzle and said active-flow nozzle may be any size, shape including, square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, and triangular.

7. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said passive-flow nozzle may be unidirectional, bidirectional or omnidirectional.

8. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein the intake of said active-flow nozzle may be unidirectional, bidirectional or omnidirectional.

9. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said system may have a single said passive-flow nozzle coupled with a single said active-flow diffuser cone or have plural said passive-flow nozzles coupled with plural said active-flow diffuser cones manifold together to a single said diffuser cone of said active-flow nozzle and coupled with a single said turbine.

10. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said active-flow nozzle may have a single said intake or plural said intakes.

11. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said passive-flow and said active-flow nozzles may be constructed of rigid material or of flexible material.

12. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said system may be installed at ground level or elevated (such as an elevated platform) or on a roof of a building.

13. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said system may be fluidly coupled with a building's ventilation or duct system and may be integrated with other airflow delivery systems.

14. The Induced-Flow Wind Power System of claim 1, wherein said turbine may be a radial-to-axial airflow directing rotor, such as a Francis type turbine configuration, or a rotor of other configuration capable of harnessing and converting airflow energy to mechanical power.

15. A high efficiency wind power conversion system; comprising: a. Induced-Flow Wind Power System b. electrical generator, wherein said electrical generator is mechanically coupled with the turbine of induced-flow wind power system c. control and invertor/converter, electrically coupled with electrical generator

16. A high efficiency wind power conversion system of claim 15, wherein said system can supply alternative current (AC) with single phase, two phase and/or three phase power generation with voltages 120 V, 220 V, 380V and greater or direct current (DC) 12V, 18V, 24V, 48V and higher.

17. A wind power compression energy system for delivering consistent electrical power to a device and/or a power grid; comprising a. induced-flow wind power system b. air compressing mechanism such as a piston, vane or other, c. a high-pressure energy storage vessel, wherein said high-pressure energy storage vessel stores compressed air and incorporate a high-velocity air nozzle for expelling said stored (compressed) air to a secondary turbine d. a secondary turbine, wherein said turbine is impelled by the airflow from said high-velocity air nozzle of said high-pressure energy storage vessel e. an electrical generator, wherein said electrical generator is mechanical coupled with said secondary turbine f. a controller, invert/converter, wherein said controller, inverter/converter system regulates the flow rate of the expelled airflow from said energy storage vessel to said secondary turbine and the electrical output from the generator.

18. The wind power compression system of claim 17, wherein the said compressing mechanism mechanically couples one or many induced-flow wind power systems with one or many the high-pressure energy storage vessels

19. The wind power compression system of claim of claim 17, wherein said high pressure energy storage vessel expels air through a nozzle to said secondary turbine.

20. A wind power compression system of claim 17, wherein said controller, inverter/converted systems regulates the flow rate of expelled air from said high-pressure energy storage vessel and regulates the electrical power output through the said electrical generator in accordance with energy input characteristics of a device or a power grid, whichever the case may be.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an Induced-Flow Wind Power System, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a the Induced-Flow Wind Power System, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the Induced-Flow Power System coupled with an energy storage pressurized structure.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

[0040]

TABLE-US-00001 H Height of System G Ground P Low Pressure ΔP Pressure Differential between designated sections of the system  90 Induced-Flow Wind Power System (I-FWPS or the Embodiment) 300 Induced-Flow Wind Power System coupled with pressurized vessel 100 Passive-Flow Nozzle 101 pf-intake 102 pf-throat 103 pf-diffuser 104 pf-exhaust space 105 pf-intake space 106 Aerodynamic airfoil configuration  80 Vacuum inlet 200 Active-Flow Nozzle 201 af-intake 202 af-intake space 203 af-diffuser cone 204 af-exhaust space  40 Housing/Housing Space  41 Housing inlet  42 Housing outlet  50 Radial-to-Axial turbine  51 Turbine axle  52 Runner blades  53 Draft tube  60 Electrical Generator  61 Compressor  70 Rotating bearing/joint  71 Wind Vane  72 Control system

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0041] In the following detailed description of the present embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustration of the specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice disclosed subject matter and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that process, electrical or mechanical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. The following detailed descriptions is, thereof, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the Induced-Flow Wind Power System 90. I-FWPS 90 includes (i) a passive-flow nozzle 100 with aerodynamic airfoil configuration 106, (ii) an active-flow nozzle 200 fluidly coupled with said passive-flow nozzle 100, (iii) a housing 40 fluidly coupled within said active-flow nozzle 200, (iv) a turbine 50, such as a radial-to-axial flow, Francis-type turbine configuration, encased said housing 40 and coupled mechanically with an electrical generator 60 or a compressor 61, and (v) control system 72.

[0043] The passive-flow nozzle 100 with aerodynamic airfoil configuration 106 is horizontally oriented with the horizontal axis of said passive-flow nozzle 100 at height H is parallel to the ground G. Said passive-flow nozzle having, from the direction of the wind, a pf-intake 101 converging at an angle between 7 and 15 degrees from the pf-intake space 105 to the pf-throat 102, a pf-diffuser 103 diverging from the pf-throat 102 at an angle between 7 and 15 degrees to the pf-exhaust space 104, and a vacuum inlet 80 interposed behind said pf-throat 102 within the transition area to said pf-diffuser 103. A rotating/bearing joint 70 couples said vacuum inlet area 80 of said passive-flow nozzle 100 with said af-exhaust space 204 of said af-diffuser cone 203 of said active-flow-nozzle 200; ultimately, joining (fluidly) said passive-flow nozzle 100 flow field with the back-end of said active-flow nozzle 200 flow field.

[0044] The said active-flow nozzle 200 comprising a housing 40 with an encased turbine 50, said housing having a housing inlet 41 oriented with the radial axis of said turbine 50 and a housing outlet 42 axially oriented above the vertical axis of said turbine 50. The said housing 40 is interposed in the constriction section of said active-flow nozzle 200 and is fluidly coupled with an af-intake 201, diverging perpendicularly at an angle between 7 and 15 degrees from said housing inlet 41 to said af-intake space 202, and af-diffuser cone 203, vertically oriented with the central axis of said housing outlet 42 and diverging vertically at an angle between 7 and 15 degrees from said housing outlet 42 to the af-exhaust space 204. The said af-diffuser cone 203 is oriented with the central axis (axially) of said turbine housing outlet 42 and is installed behind the said turbine 50 swept area. The said af-intake 201 is oriented diagonally from the radial axis of said housing inlet 41 and installed in front of the said turbine 50 swept area. The diverged (larger) area of said af-diffuser cone 203, specifically the said af-exhaust space 207, is fluidly coupled with said vacuum inlet 80 below said passive-flow nozzle 100 with said rotatable bearing/joint 70.

[0045] By converging said af-intake 201 from a larger area of said af-intake space 202 to a smaller flow area of said housing inlet 41 and diverging said af-diffuser cone 203 from a smaller flow area of said housing outlet 42 to the larger flow area of said af-diffuser exhaust space 204, a constricting flow area (throat) is formed by said housing space 40 within said active-flow nozzle 200 flow field through which the intake airflow is accelerated to said turbine 50 in accordance with the operational flow process.

[0046] The said radial-to-axial turbine 50 encased in said housing 40 has a vertical axle 51. Said turbine 50 may be coupled with an electrical generator 60, or a compressor 61 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The draft tube 53 of said turbine 50 is interposed within said housing outlet 42 and is responsible for discharging the induced airflow to said af-diffuser cone 203 where the airflow is evacuated to the passive-flow nozzle 100 through said vacuum inlet 80 in accordance with the operational flow process of the said system.

[0047] The operational flow process, according to the illustration of FIG. 1, begins with the wind vane 71 indicating the wind direction and through a control system 72 causing the rotation of said pf-nozzle 100 in the direction of the head wind, airflow.

[0048] The open flow wind at height H enters said pf-intake 101 through said pf-intake space 105, accelerates to said pf-throat 102, discharges through said pf-diffuser 103 and evacuates back to the atmosphere through said pf-exhaust space 104. The accelerated airflow produces low pressure P over said vacuum inlet 80 in the said pf-throat 102 to said pf-diffuser 103 section.

[0049] The said aerodynamic airfoil configuration 105 having a curved form accelerates the ambient wind at height H around the exterior surface of said passive-flow nozzle 100, producing low pressure P at said pf-exhaust space 104 which induces a pressure differential AP between said pf-intake 101 and said pf-exhaust space 104. The induced pressure differential AP triggers an overall net acceleration and evacuation force for the combined (mixed) airflow of the open flow horizontal vector wind through said pf-flow nozzle 100 and the airflow in said active-flow nozzle 200 flow field.

[0050] Simultaneously, with the aforementioned flow process, the lower elevation open flow wind enters said af-intake 201 through said af-intake space 202, at the front-end of said active-flow nozzle 200 flow field. The intake airflow is induced in said af-intake space 202 by the pressure differential AP, which is induced by the low pressure P that is produced at the back-end of said active-flow nozzle 200 flow field in the fluidly coupled passive-flow nozzle 100. Thereby, the intake airflow effectively accelerates through venturi of said af-intake 201 to said housing space 40. The said housing 40, having a logarithm spiral perimeter (golden-spiral) relative to its central axis, evenly distributes the induced intake airflow through said housing space 40, impelling a 360-degree uniform airflow (torque) to said turbine blades 52 of said turbine 50. The said turbine 50 redirects the impelled induced intake airflow from radial flow to axial flow, extracts potential and kinetic energy of the airflow, and discharges the flow to said af-diffuser cone 203 through said housing outlet 42. The discharged airflow evacuates from said af-diffuser cone 203 through said af-exhaust space 204 to said vacuum inlet 80, where it mixes with the horizontal vector airflow of said passive-flow nozzle 100. The combined (mixed) airflow is discharged in said ps-diffuser 103 and evacuates through said pf-exhaust 104, where it is recycled back to the atmosphere.

[0051] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1, specifically to illustrate the airflow redirecting from radial flow to axial flow in said turbine 50 during the operational flow process described herein. The said radial-to-axial turbine 50 receives, diverts and discharges the radial intake induced airflow from said af-intake 201 to said af-diffuser cone 205 while harnessing and converting the induced airflow potential and kinetic energy to mechanical power which can be used for coupling with an electrical generator as illustrated in FIG. 1 or with a compressor as illustrated in FIG. 4. Common number is used in FIG. 2 to identify components common to FIG. 1. Common components are as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1.

[0052] Both said passive-flow nozzle 100 and said active-flow nozzle 200 may have a screen or other devices interposed within said pf-intake space 102, pf-exhaust space 104, af-intake space 202 and af-exhaust space 204 to prevent the entry of birds or other airborne objects.

[0053] The said active-flow diffuser cone 205 may be collapsible and flexible and may be constructed in adjoined sections to increase its length (or vertical height H) and to attain the designated height H of the I-FWPS 90.

[0054] I-FWPS 100 may be constructed from aluminum, pvc, architectural fabric or other suitable rigid or flexible materials. I-FWPS 100 may be supported by a hollow, framed or other type of support tower or may be a standalone system as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment; whereby, the I-FWPS 90 may have a series of omnidirectional passive-flow nozzles 100, coupled with a series of ac-diffuser cones 203 manifold to a single turbine 50. Whereby, the embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, may have an omnidirectional active-flow intake 201 with a lighter version of the turbine 202 configuration interposed within the intake space to direct ambient radial wind flow to axial flow into the af-intake 201 area to said turbine 50. Common number is used in FIG. 3. to identify components common to FIG. 1. Common components are as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1.

[0056] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention; whereby the said turbine 50 may be couple with a compressor 61 for pumping air to a high-pressure energy storage vessel, such as an air-supported structure. Common number is used in FIG. 4. to identify components common to FIG. 1. Common components are as discussed above in conjunction with FIG. 1.