ONE-SHEET HYPERBOLOID WIND ENERGY AMPLIFIER

Abstract

The Wind Energy Amplifier, with one-sheet hyperboloid form, amplifies the wind speed exerted on the wind system propeller, by increasing the pressure and speed of naturally occurring wind. It is possible to increase the speed of wind, its force and kinetic energy, by continuously channeling a wind flow passing through a one-sheet hyperboloid aerodynamic structure, where the wind flow inflow surface is larger than the outflow surface for the same wind flow.

Benefits associated with using the Wind Energy Amplifier extend to any wind system intended to harness wind kinetic energy and subsequently convert it into any other type of energy, without being limited or restricted to power generation.

By using the One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier, wind systems can increase wind speed, and the power and performance of a wind system, given a predetermined kinetic wind energy, enabling an increase in the power generated by any wind system.

Claims

1. A Wind Energy Amplifier, wherein said amplifier has a one-sheet hyperboloid form, comprising an Amplifier Aerodynamic Body; an Exit Turbulence Suppressor; an Entry Turbulence Suppressor; and a Supporting Structure or Securing Element; wherein the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, the Exit Turbulence Suppressor and the Entry Turbulence Suppressor together form a single, continuous, rigid structure through which wind flows and is channeled to the windmill rotor.

2. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claim 1, wherein the sections of continuous and rigid structure are placed, ordered and coupled as follows, following the wind current direction: Wind entry opening, Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, Exit Turbulence Suppressor, and Wind exit opening; wherein the Entry Turbulence Suppressor externally surrounds all parts and sections described above, from the outer edge of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body entry to the outer edge of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor exit.

3. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claim 2, wherein the wind entry opening projected area is larger than that of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body wind exit; and wherein channeling a wind flow through the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body allows increasing wind pressure, speed and force.

4. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claims 1, wherein the size of the Wind Energy Amplifier projected area and its aerodynamic shape affect the amplification of wind speed.

5. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claims 1, wherein the aerodynamic shape of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body is governed by the following general mathematical equation:
(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a(z.sup.(exponential))/a1=0,a>0, z>0,(exponential)>0 Wherein: (x, y, z) are Cartesian coordinates that make up the Wind Energy Amplifier dimensions, where (x, y, z) are interdependents; (x, y) determine the Wind Energy Amplifier range, which is interdependent of (z), where (x, y) can be any real number; (z) determines the Wind Energy Amplifier extension or length, such extension or length being interdependent of (x, y), where (z) is always greater than zero; (a) is a constant greater than zero, which influences the wind exit size and the circular shape of the Wind Energy Amplifier; and (Exponential) determines the shape of the one-sheet hyperboloid, unfinished at the origin, being able to configure infinite hyperbolic shapes, where (exponential) acquires values greater than zero such as, but not limited to: (2), (), (e), log 2(n), log 2(z), 1n(z), 1n(k. z), a cos(n), a tan(n); where n is a natural number greater than zero, k is a constant greater than zero, z is the same variable (z) repeated in the exponential.

6. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claim 2, wherein the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body wind entry opening comprises a circular or square shape.

7. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claim 2, wherein the two-dimensional shape of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body wind exit opening is circular.

8. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claims 2, wherein the Exit Turbulence Suppressor is a cylindrical, short and rigid component, which is coupled to the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body wind exit opening, and surrounds the propeller of a pre-existing wind system, reducing turbulence and providing better wind flow and movement.

9. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claims 2, wherein the two-dimensional shape of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor, seen from a cross-section, has the same shape as the wind exit opening, so as not to generate losses of wind energy exerted on the wind system propeller.

10. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claims 8, wherein the diameter dimension of the cylindrical shape of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor is larger than the diameter covered by the wind system propeller, but is sufficiently close to that same diameter so as to minimize wind energy losses, wherein the length of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor is large enough to cover the entire length of the windmill rotor without exceeding it.

11. The Wind Energy Amplifier, according to claims 1, wherein the general equation in Cartesian coordinates governing the Exit Turbulence Suppressor shape is that of a straight cylinder:
(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a1=0,a>0,z>0 Wherein: (x, y) are Cartesian coordinates configuring the dimensions of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor, where (x, y) are interdependent and can be any real number; (z) determines the extension of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor, this extension being independent of (x, y), where (z) can only be numbers below value (z) of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, but above zero, wherein the maximum value must be equal to the minimum value (z) of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, so that both values coincide; (a) is a constant, greater than zero, which modifies and determines the Exit Turbulence Suppressor cylindrical shape diameter.

12. The Wind Energy Amplifier according to claim 2, wherein the Entry Turbulence Suppressor is an aerodynamic and rigid component coupled to the entry of the Amplifier' Aerodynamic Body and extends from the outer edge of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body entry to the outer edge of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor exit, connecting both points through an outer edge and a leading edge with a specific radius, externally surrounding the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body; wherein the distance between the outer edge of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor and the outer edge of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body is referred to as Chord, wherein the average curvature line length is greater than the chord length.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0071] FIG. 1: One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier Aerodynamic Body

[0072] 1. Wind Energy Amplifier

[0073] 1a. Wind exit

[0074] 1b. Amplifier Aerodynamic Body

[0075] 1c. Wind entry

[0076] 1d. Wind direction

[0077] 1x. Cartesian axis X (one-dimensional drawing)

[0078] 1y. Cartesian axis Y (two-dimensional drawing)

[0079] 1z. Cartesian axis Z (three-dimensional drawing)

[0080] FIG. 2: Some Examples of One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier

[0081] 2a. One-sheet hyperboloid with a circular entry

[0082] 2b. One-sheet hyperboloid with a square entry

[0083] FIG. 3: Wind Energy Amplifier placed in front of a windmill

[0084] 3a. Front View

[0085] 3b. Side View

[0086] 3c. Oblique View

[0087] 3d. Supporting Structure or Securing Element

[0088] 3e. Windmill

[0089] FIG. 4: Cross-Section of Exit Turbulence Suppressor

[0090] 4. Exit Turbulence Suppressor

[0091] 4a. Exit Turbulence Suppressor cylindrical shape diameter

[0092] 4b. Windmill propeller diameter

[0093] 4c. Exit Turbulence Suppressor Length

[0094] 3e. Windmill

[0095] 1a. Wind exit

[0096] 1b. Amplifier Aerodynamic Body

[0097] FIG. 5: Cross-Section of Entry Turbulence Suppressor

[0098] 5. Entry Turbulence Suppressor

[0099] 5a. Leading edge curvature radius

[0100] 5b. Chord

[0101] 5c. Average curvature line

[0102] 5d. Outer edge

[0103] 5e. Outer edge of Exit Turbulence Suppressor

[0104] 5f. Outer edge of Amplifier Aerodynamic Body or wind entry edge.

[0105] 5g. Leading edge

[0106] 1b. Amplifier Aerodynamic Body

[0107] FIG. 6: Hollow Flat Disk and Wind Energy Amplifier

[0108] 6. Hollow Flat Disk

[0109] 6a. Hollow Flat Disk Projected Area

[0110] 6b. Windmill rotor radius

[0111] 6c. Hollow Flat Disk Radius

[0112] 6d. Hollow Flat Disk diameter (wind entry diameter)

[0113] 1a. Wind exit

[0114] 1b. Amplifier Aerodynamic Body

[0115] 1c. Wind entry

[0116] 4b. Windmill propeller diameter (wind exit diameter)

[0117] FIG. 7: Wind force calculations.

[0118] FIG. 8: Effective power calculations.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

1. Wind Energy Amplifier Components

[0119] The One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier, which is installed in front of a windmill (see FIG. 3), amplifies wind speed, enabling an increase in wind flow pressure as it passes through the Wind Energy Amplifier in question. This is achieved by the Wind Energy Amplifier aerodynamic structure components, which are detailed below: [0120] A. Amplifier Aerodynamic Body: An increased wind pressure, and therefore an increased wind force, can be achieved by channeling a wind flow passing through a rigid aerodynamic structure, where the surface (or projected area) of the wind entry (1c) is greater than the surface (or projected area) of the wind exit (1a) of the aerodynamic structure in question. The aerodynamic structure geometric shape described is a one-sheet hyperboloid (1b). See FIG. 1.

[0121] It is worth mentioning that the two-dimensional shape of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body (1b) entry (1c) can have any of the following geometric shapes (see FIG. 2), without being limited to: circular shape (2a), square shape (2b). Both of these shapes are compatible with the hyperboloid formulation proposed in this section. The entry dimensions can be infinite and will depend on the amplifying range of wind kinetics sought.

[0122] As for the two-dimensional shape of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body exit (1a), it must be circular to prevent any losses of wind energy exerted on the wind system propeller. The exit must be larger than the diameter covered by the wind system propeller (4b), but equal to the Exit Turbulence Suppressor (4a) diameter. See FIG. 4.

[0123] The main feature of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body is to increase pressure, speed and, finally, wind force. The general equation, in Cartesian coordinates, governing the shape of the One-Sheet Hyperboloid Amplifier Aerodynamic Body is as follows, but not limited to:

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)(z.sup.(exponential))/a1=0,a>0,z>0,(exponential)>0

[0124] Where: [0125] (x, y, z) are Cartesian coordinates that make up the Wind Energy

[0126] Amplifier dimension, where (x, y, z) are interdependent. [0127] (x, y) determine the Wind Energy Amplifier range, which is interdependent of (z), where (x, y) can be any real number. [0128] (z) determines the Wind Energy Amplifier extension or length, such extension or length being interdependent of (x, y), where (z) is always greater than zero. [0129] (a) is a constant, greater than zero, which influences the wind exit size and the circular shape of the Wind Energy Amplifier. [0130] (Exponential) determines the shape of the one-sheet hyperboloid, unfinished at the origin, being able to configure infinite hyperbolic shapes, where (exponential) acquires values greater than zero such as, but not limited to: (2), (), (e), log 2(n), log 2(z), In(z), In(k. z), a cos(n), a tan(n); where n is a natural number greater than zero, k is a constant greater than zero, z is the same variable (z) repeated in the exponential.

[0131] This way, the One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier, unfinished at the origin, would have the following formulations, without being limited to:

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a(z.sup.2)/a1=0

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a(z(.sup.))/a1=0

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a(z.sup.(e)) )/a1=0

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a(z.sup.log 2(n)/a1=0

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a(z.sup.In(z)/a1=0

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a(z.sup.In(k,z)/a1=0 [0132] B. Exit Turbulence Suppressor: Cylindrical and rigid component attached to the exit (1a) of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, allowing a better flow and movement of the outgoing wind that, as it moves, leaves behind the Amplifier

[0133] Aerodynamic Body (1b) after passing through it. It is worth mentioning that this cylindrical section must surround the windmill propeller. A cross-section of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor is shown in FIG. 4.

[0134] The main feature of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor (4) is to prevent any turbulence that may occur on the wind system propeller (3e) as the wind flow leaves the body and passes through the exit (1a).

[0135] The two-dimensional shape of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor (4), seen from a cross-section, must have the same shape as the wind exit (1a), i.e. a circular shape, in order to avoid any losses of wind energy exerted on the wind system propeller. The diameter dimension of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor (4a) cylindrical shape must be larger than the diameter covered by the wind system propeller (4b), but close enough to that same diameter to minimize wind energy losses. The length of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor (4) should be long enough to cover the entire length of the windmill rotor (4c) without exceeding it.

[0136] The general equation in Cartesian coordinates, governing the Exit Turbulence Suppressor shape is that of a straight cylinder:

(x.sup.2)/a+(y.sup.2)/a1=0,a>0,z>0

Where:

[0137] (x, y) are Cartesian coordinates that make up the Exit Turbulence

[0138] Suppressor dimension, where (x, y) are interdependent and can be any real number. [0139] (z) determines the Exit Turbulence Suppressor extension, which is independent of (x, y), where (z) can only be numbers below the value (z) of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, but greater than zero, where the maximum value must be equal to the minimum value (z) of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, so that both values coincide. [0140] (a) is a constant, greater than zero, which modifies and determines the Exit Turbulence Suppressor cylindrical shape diameter.

[0141] C. Entry Turbulence Suppressor: Aerodynamic and rigid component, attached to the entry of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body (1b), allowing a better flow and movement of excess wind that, as it moves, leaves the

[0142] Amplifier Aerodynamic Body (1b) surrounding the latter. It is important to note that the Entry Turbulence Suppressor extends from the outer edge of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body entry (5f) to the outer edge of the Exit Turbulence Suppressor exit (5e), connecting both points through an outer edge (5d) and a leading edge (5g) of a specific radius (5a), externally surrounding the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body (1b). The distance between points 5e and 5f is known as Chord (5b), where the average curvature line length (5c) is greater than the chord length (5b). A cross-section of the Entry Turbulence Suppressor is shown in FIG. 5.

[0143] The main feature of the Entry Turbulence Suppressor is to reduce the turbulence that may occur when wind flow moves into the entry of the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body, as well as to reduce any turbulence around the Amplifier Aerodynamic Body itself.

[0144] D. Supporting Structure or Securing Element: Supporting component of the

[0145] Wind Energy Amplifier, which may consist of a single support or fixing element, or more than one supporting or securing element (3d) depending on the conditions required by engineering in order to support the weight and firmly hold the One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier in its position in front of the windmill. Securing elements shown in FIG. 3 are for reference purposes only and are not intended to suggest or define a particular way or shape of the Wind Energy Amplifier Supporting Structure or Securing Element.

[0146] The specific engineering applied to construction, implementation and installation of the One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier Supporting Structure or Securing Element is not covered by this utility model patent and must be determined by engineers responsible for its installation based on surface geology, wind system size, Wind Energy Amplifier dimensions, wind force characteristics, strength of materials, wind system movement on its axis, etc.

2. Innovation Preferred Applications

[0147] By using the described One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier, wind systems in general can amplify wind energy with a same kinetic energy of naturally occurring wind. As a result, power generating wind systems, for example, will benefit from the following advantages: [0148] Higher Performance. Given the wind amplification achieved using the Wind Energy Amplifier, current wind systems can have a greater performance and, therefore, generate more power with the same constant or inconstant kinetic energy from the naturally occurring wind. [0149] Lower Investment. The wind amplification achieved using the Wind Energy Amplifier, with the same given constant or inconstant kinetic energy produced by naturally occurring wind, enables to generate the same amount of power using wind systems that are smaller than those currently used.

[0150] In general, potential benefits of the use or application of the One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier extend to any type of wind system intended to harness kinetic energy from the wind and converting it into power, or any other type of mechanical energy.

[0151] The One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier can be used for different purposes and in any type of windmill. This technology is particularly relevant to the increase in power and performance of wind systems intended for power generation.

3. Hyperboloid Innovation

[0152] Selecting the most suitable shape for One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier, according to the formulations described above, must be based on studies of prevailing wind force and energy where the windmill is located, as well as based on aerodynamics, parameters, performance and operational limits expected for a given wind system. In other words, there will be as many optimal shapes of One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier, as wind systems are created. Determining the optimal geometrical shape of the One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier must be based on, but not limited to, the following variables: (1) wind force and kinetic energy, (2) wind system aerodynamics, (3) One-Sheet Hyperboloid Wind Energy Amplifier aerodynamics, (4) expected wind system performances, (5) operational and structural limits of wind system engineering, (6) design and structural engineering of securing elements, and (7) pilots and results obtained from scale testing in wind tunnels.