SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING HOME ENERGY

Abstract

A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is provided for structural support and aesthetic integration with residential homes and buildings. The turbine is coupled to a substantially circular track, located proximal to its periphery, which at least partially supports the turbine's weight while allowing rotation. The VAWT may function as the roof of a residential home or other conventional building type as the support structure. The number of blades can be three or five, and the turbine can be situated on buildings with polygonal shapes. The turbine may be supported on a track and may include a support overhang that extends beyond the support structure and connects to the track using a c-shaped bearing. The shaft of the turbine connects to a gear that transfers torque to one or more generators. This inventive wind generator system provides an efficient, visually appealing, and integrated solution for generating renewable energy.

Claims

1. A wind generator for generating electricity from wind energy, comprising: a turbine including a plurality of blades, the turbine having a center disposed on a vertical axis of rotation, the plurality of blades configured to rotate relative to the vertical axis of rotation; a shaft coupled to the center of the turbine at a first end and extending vertically from the center of the turbine to a second end that is coupled to a generator; and a support structure configured to collect and direct the wind energy towards the plurality of blades, the support structure including one of: a circular side positioned around the turbine and tilted at an angle relative to the vertical axis of rotation to direct the wind energy towards the plurality of blades from each direction around the turbine, and a plurality of sides positioned around the turbine and tilted at an angle relative to the vertical axis of rotation to direct the wind energy towards the plurality of blades from each direction around the turbine.

2. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a residential home and wherein the turbine acts as at least a portion of a roof of the residential home.

3. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades includes three blades.

4. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes a building, the turbine disposed atop the building and the building is configured with a circular or polygonal shape.

5. (canceled)

6. The wind generator of claim 18, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades includes an overhang that overhangs the support structure and wherein the track extends peripherally from the support structure and wherein the overhang is coupled to the track by a bearing, the bearing allowing the blade to rotate relative to the track.

7. The wind generator of claim 6, wherein the bearing is a c shaped bearing.

8. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the second end is coupled to a gear that transfers torque from the shaft to the generator.

9. The wind generator of claim 18, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades includes an end coupled to the shaft and another end rotatably coupled to the track.

10. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the turbine is substantially shaped as a dome.

11. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of blades includes at least three blades.

12. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the generator is comprised by a plurality of generators.

13. The wind generator of claim 2, wherein the plurality of blades is disposed parallel to the roof of the residential home.

14. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the support structure includes grooves configured to direct the wind energy towards the plurality of blades.

15. The wind generator of claim 1, further including a plurality of solar panels.

16. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein each blade of the plurality of the blades further includes a pitch having an angle.

17. The wind generator of claim 16, wherein the angle of the pitch is configured to be adjustable relative to a wind speed.

18. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the supporting component includes a track located proximal to a periphery of the turbine and coupled to the turbine to at least partially support a weight of the turbine while allowing the turbine to rotate relative to the track.

19. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein each blade of the plurality of blades includes an end coupled to the shaft and another end not coupled to anything.

20. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the circular side of the support structure is disposed at an angle of 19 degrees.

21. The wind generator of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sides of the support structure is disposed at an angle of 19 degrees.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the attached illustrative figures. In the figures, like reference numbers refer to like elements or acts throughout the figures. Elements and acts in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence or embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts an overhead perspective view of a vertical axis wind turbine according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 2a depicts a front level view the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0030] FIG. 2b depicts a rear right perspective view of a cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 2a along cutaway line A-A.

[0031] FIG. 3 depicts a front level view of a VAWT according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 4 depicts an overhead view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0033] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 3 along cutaway line A-A.

[0034] FIG. 5a depicts a closeup view of the gearbox of FIG. 5.

[0035] FIG. 5b depicts a closeup view of the support track of FIG. 5.

[0036] FIG. 5c depicts a closeup view of the generator housing of FIG. 5.

[0037] FIG. 6 depicts an overhead perspective view of one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0038] FIG. 6a is a closeup view of the support track of FIG. 6.

[0039] FIG. 7 depicts a front level view of a VAWT according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0040] FIG. 7a depicts a closeup view of the support track of FIG. 7

[0041] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 7 along cutaway line A-A.

[0042] FIG. 8a depicts a closeup view of the support track of FIG. 8.

[0043] FIG. 9 depicts a direct overhead view of the VAWT of FIG. 7.

[0044] FIG. 10 depicts an overhead left view of the VAWT of FIG. 7.

[0045] FIG. 11 depicts a front overhead perspective view of a VAWT according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0046] FIG. 12 depicts a rear overhead perspective view of the VAWT of FIG. 11.

[0047] FIG. 13 depicts an overhead right perspective view of the VAWT according to FIG. 11 with the roof removed.

[0048] FIG. 14 depicts a front overhead perspective view of a VAWT according to one or

[0049] more embodiments of the invention with the roof removed.

[0050] FIG. 15 depicts an overhead perspective view of a plurality of generators according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0051] FIG. 16 depicts a closeup perspective view of the support trace of FIG. 11

[0052] FIG. 17 depicts an underside left perspective view of the support trace of FIG. 16.

[0053] FIG. 18 depicts a direct overhead view of a turbine fan according to one or more embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] In the following description, and for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the invention. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the relevant arts, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, known structures and devices are shown or discussed more generally to avoid obscuring the invention. In many cases, a description of the operation is sufficient to enable one to implement the various forms of the invention, particularly when the operation is to be implemented in software. It should be noted that there are many different and alternative configurations, devices, and technologies to which the disclosed inventions may be applied. The full scope of the inventions is not limited to the examples that are described below.

[0055] In one application of the invention, a wind generator 10 is provided having a turbine 100 with a plurality of blades 102 extending in a horizontal plane from a center 104 defining an axis of rotation 105. The blades 102 can also extend in the direction of the axis of rotation 105 to varying degrees to achieve specific performance characteristic. In many embodiments, the axis or rotation is essentially vertical (a vertical-axis wind turbineVAWT). The blade configuration may be designed to optimize the footprint of the VAWT, yaw, the noise level of the turbine, the speed of the turbine and the overall weight of the turbine.

[0056] The attack or pitch of the blades 102 may vary along the length of the blades 102 forming a twisted pitch. The angle of the pitch, or the angle of attack of the blades 102 may be fixed or may be constantly adjusted to attain optimal angle to the wind. The pitch angle may be adapted to better fit varying wind speeds and angles of attack experienced by different parts of the blade as it rotates based on factors such as the turbine's intended operating conditions, the desired power output, and the aerodynamic considerations of the blade profile. The twist may be a continuous gradual change or may have distinct sections with different pitch angles.

[0057] There may be any number of blades 102, and 3 or 5 is generally preferred. The number of blades may be adjusted considering aerodynamic efficiency, start-up and cut-in speed, structural considerations, and cost and manufacturing considerations. In general, increasing the number of blades 102 increases the overall aerodynamic efficiency of a VAWT. VAWTs with a lower number of blades 102 tend to have lower start-up and cut-in wind speeds, allowing them to generate electricity at lower wind speeds compared to VAWTs with more blades. While increasing the number of blades 102 may provide better stability and structural support, additional blades 102 also increases weight and complexity of the turbine 100.

[0058] A drive shaft 106 extends vertically from the plane of the turbine along the axis of rotation and transfers torque from the turbine 100 to a generator 108. The drive shaft may be split into multiple drive shafts 106a, 106b, 106c to translate energy to multiple generators 108a, 108b, 108c. Alternatively, a plurality of generators 108 may be coupled to the drive shaft 106 via one or more gears 110. The blades 102 may be coupled to the drive shaft via an intervening wheel (not shown). Multiple generators 108 may be used to have better control over power output. One or more of the several generators 108 may be engaged or disengaged depending on power requirements and multiple generators may provide redundancy to improve system reliability. Depending on the design and blade configuration, VAWTs may experience different wind speeds and forces along the height of the turbine and multiple generators may be used to adapt to the varying wind conditions and optimize energy harvesting at different sections of the turbine 100.

[0059] Power from the blades 102 may be transferred into several drive shafts 106a, 106b, 106c via a first gearbox 10. Gearbox 10 incorporates gears or other mechanical components to divide the rotational energy from the main drive shaft into separate drive shafts for each generator 108. This allows the independent operation of each generator 108. Generators 108 may be housed in a generator housing 30 and energy from the drive shaft 106 transferred to the generators via a second gearbox 33. The first and second gearboxes 10, 33 may be used to adjust the rotational speed and torque of the turbine to match the optimal operating conditions of the generators 108, optimize energy conversion efficiency, and enable the synchronization and control of multiple generators 108.

[0060] The ratio of the diameter of the turbine to the height of the turbine is preferably between about 2:1 and 6:1. The stress placed on the axis of a VAWT with substantially horizontally extending blades 102 may be substantial. The turbine 100 may be supported by a support structure 112. The support structure 112 may be a building such as a residential home or other building type with the walls of the structure. The support structure 112 may provide additional support for the blades 102 through a track 114 that is coupled to the turbine 100 such that the turbine 100 moves substantially freely relative to the track 114 in the direction of rotation of the blades 102 of the turbine 100. Alternatively or additionally, the blades 102 may be reinforced with a rigid rod 115 as shown in FIG. 18.

[0061] To collect and direct the wind towards the blades on the roof, vertical and spiral grooves or channels may be carved on the support structure 112. As an alternative design, the sides of the polygon (if circular the perimeter of the circle), instead of standing 90 degrees, are tilted a few degrees, say 19 degrees, towards the axis. Straight concave half round tubes/pipes in between the vertices of the sides will direct the wind hitting the walls of the supporting structure 120 towards the blades. These tilted concave wind tubes/pipes/channels/grooves could be integrated in the edges of the panels used for the external walls of 120. In another, perhaps more efficient alternative design, the integrated tilted half windpipes are formed in spiral shape, thereby directing the wind smoothly from the entire body of the polygonal house up towards blades.

[0062] Generator 108 of the VAWT may provide energy for the structure on which it is situated, such as a home, office, storage or other structures. The VAWT may also be connected to the electrical grid to provide energy for a broader community. A plurality of generators 108 may be connected by a network to provide for a local community without access to a broader electrical grid, or may be coupled to an electrical grid to provide energy to the grid.

[0063] In a particular embodiment, the VAWT is integrated into a residential home. The turbine 100 is part of the roof 120 of the home. The roof 120 may have a any polygonal shape, as illustrated as nonadecagon (19-sided polygon). The walls of the top floor of the home may serve as the support structure 112 for turbine 100. The track 114 may be a generally circular bar that extends from the periphery of the top of the support structure 112. A bearing 122 allows for smooth rotation of the blades along the track 114.

[0064] The track 114 may be above the periphery of the support structure 112 or may extend beyond the support structure 112 horizontally. The blades may be coupled to the top 124 of the support track 114 or to the side 126 of the support track. The blades 102 or the turbine 100 may include an overhang 116 that hangs over the edge of the support structure 112 and the track 114. The overhang 116 includes an overhang wall 128 that extends downward from the bottom of the blade 102 and has an outer side and an axial side 130. A bearing 122 extends from the axial side of the overhang wall 128 and couples to the track 114 through a bearing 122 to support the blade 102.

[0065] The VAWT may include solar panels integrated into the power generation system. The turbine blades may be composed of a photovoltaic material or photovoltaic panels may be placed between the turbine blades and the roof of the house to supplement the wind power generation provided by the turbine. Blades 102 may be easily removed and photovoltaic panels or a solar heating system may be installed after VAWT installation.

[0066] In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the present specification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosed embodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subject matter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particular methodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such, various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of the disclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachings herein without departing from the spirit of the present specification. Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, which is defined solely by the claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those precisely as shown and described and any combination of the above-described embodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.