Abstract:
The present invention is a new and novel wind generator system particularly suitable for both small and big wind applications that harnesses low velocity wind effectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wind generator system comprises a drive shaft; a plurality of blades attached to the drive shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom; a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housing having an inner chamber for receiving the plurality of blades and a wind directional apparatus coupled to a wind shield for reducing aerodynamic resistance on said blades.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present invention relates to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/011,015 filed Jan. 14, 2008 for a distributed wind-powered communications. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention is directed to power generation and, more particularly, to a new and improved wind generator system effective for generating electric power. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In recent years the need for alternative sources of electrical energy has grown significantly as a result of increased and uncertainty in oil prices, growing environmental concerns, and the lack of sufficient alternative energy supplies. Accordingly, wind generator systems have gained support as an alternate energy source. Wind generators have been shown to provide a safe and clean source of electric power. Systems, such as large or big wind horizontal wind generators, have been developed having large blades (often more that 18 feet in length) mounted on high towers that can produce more than kilowatts (kW) of power with wind speeds of 20 knots. Such systems are typically used in combination with other wind generators, such as along coastal areas for providing electrical power directly to power grids. Such systems have also been used in rural areas, such as farms, for providing supplemental power or reducing electrical costs. 
     Small wind generators mounted on smaller towers have also been developed for use such as for residential application and have been used as remote or distributed power sources. Such systems are often connected to the main electric service to the home thereby allowing sufficient powering of the home and for sending excess power generated by the wind generator back to the power grid. Typically, theses small wind generators rotate at speeds that vary with wind speed and have a plurality of blades that drive a rotor coupled to a gearbox that operates to increase the rotation speed of a generator for producing electric power. 
     In order to reduce maintenance and increase efficiency, systems have been developed having relatively large synchronous ring generators that permit the rotor to be directly coupled to the generator without the need of a gearbox. Unfortunately, while such systems have reduced maintenance costs and have increased the efficiency of the systems, wind generator systems continue to suffer from relatively significant maintenance costs. Further, forces being exerted to the systems due to wind increase in proportion to the cube of wind speed. Accordingly, high wind speeds often encountered by horizontal wind generator systems, even if only occasional or momentary, can damage system components. This is particularly true for wind generators having relatively large blades such as typically required for small wind generators that depend on the relatively large blades to harvest lower-energy winds. Thus, small horizontal wind generator systems are typically designed having means for preventing system damage due to such high speed winds. Such means include blade pitching, airfoil spoilers, blade tip breaks, and the like. Means such as braking means or means that act upon the entire blade apparatus rather than on individual blades have also been developed. Unfortunately, all such means significantly add to the complexity and expense of the wind generator systems and significantly add to their maintenance down time and costs. In addition, systems having such means typically require routine maintenance which significantly increases their operating costs. This is particularly true when parts or components must be repaired or replaced which often requires significant rebuild or major dismantling of the system to replace a component. Further, during operation, such means often result in significant power drops or the cessation of power generation during such high wind conditions. 
     Another problem associated with horizontal wind generators is that they are often acoustically noisy and are undesirable for many residential and wind farm applications. 
     Accordingly, due to the complexity of many wind generators used in small wind or distributed power the need for a simple modular and easy to maintain generator is significant in not just reducing cost to the consumer but in the cost of manufacture and maintenance. 
     Consequently, a need exists for a wind generating system that has reduced cyclic cost, increased reliability and improved maintenance needs and costs, that is acoustically and aesthetically acceptable for residential operation as well as industrial and wind farm operations, and which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and install. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a new and novel wind generator system particularly suitable for both small and big wind applications and is not susceptible to damage from very high-wind conditions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wind generator system comprises a drive shaft; a plurality of blades attached to the drive shaft and extending radially outwardly therefrom; a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housing having an inner chamber for receiving the plurality of blades and a wind shield that operates to significantly reduce aerodynamic drag on the blades and adapts the performance of the system to wind speed and wind direction. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the wind shield is coupled to a wind directional apparatus. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the wind shield rotates with the wind directional apparatus. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention the wind shield reduces aerodynamic drag on advancing blades and provides no increase in aerodynamic drag on retreating blades. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generator system further comprises sensing means for monitoring the electrical power output of the wind generator system. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generator system further comprises sensing means for monitoring the operational efficiency of the wind generator system. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generator system further comprises communication and control means coupled to the sensing means and whereby the communication and control means can communicate with an outside monitoring system. 
     In another preferred embodiment the communication and control means of one wind generator system can communicate with the communication and control means of another wind generator system. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generator system further comprises mounting structures for equipment. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generator system further comprises a communication system for providing wireless communications to remote areas or during emergency conditions. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the communication system is a radio activated communication system. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the wind generator further comprises an upper frame disk and a lower frame disk forming an inner chamber and a porous tarp extending therebetween and operates to prevent articles from entering into the inner chamber. 
     Another preferred embodiment of the invention is a wind generator system comprising at least two rotors mounted to a drive shaft; each rotor having a plurality of blades attached thereto and extending radially outwardly from said rotor; a generator assembly coupled to the drive shaft and effective for generating electrical power; and a housing having an inner chamber for receiving each rotor and a plurality of blades; a wind directional apparatus that operates to detect the direction of wind; and a wind shield that blocks wind from advancing blades. 
     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To provide a more complete understanding of the present invention and further features and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a side schematic illustration of the wind generator system of the subject invention showing the wind directional apparatus connected to the wind shield and various components, wherein the wind shields extends downwardly towards the lower frame disk but not contacting the lower frame disk; 
         FIG. 2  is a top schematic illustration of the wind generator system of  FIG. 1  with the wind directional apparatus and upper and lower frame disks removed for clarity, the illustration showing blades mounted to a drive shaft and the wind shield positioned such that it reduces aerodynamic drag on advancing blades and enclosed within a housing; 
         FIG. 3  is a side schematic illustration of another preferred embodiment of the wind generator system showing the wind shield extending downwardly towards the lower frame disk and positioned within and rides along the outer periphery of the lower frame disk; 
         FIG. 4  is schematic side view illustration of another preferred embodiment of the wind generator system of the subject invention showing a plurality of aligned or stacked stages of blades mounted to a central drive shaft; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration showing a performance monitor for monitoring the performance and efficiency of the wind generator system; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic side view illustration showing another preferred embodiment of the wind generator system with the wind directional apparatus, wind shield and rotor, blades removed and showing the housing with a porous tarp positioned around the periphery of the housing; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of the wind generator system having a housing further comprising stands, rack mounting structures for equipment, and the like; and 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic illustration showing the communication system of the subject invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an adaptive performance, modular vertical wind generator system. In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. As used herein, the terms “downward” or “downwardly” means the direction towards the ground and the terms “upward” or “upwardly” means the direction away from the ground. The term “advancing” means moving in a direction substantially opposite of the wind direction and the term “retreating” means moving in a direction substantially in the same direction as the wind direction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a preferred embodiment of the wind generator system, generally referred to as  100 , is shown comprising a drive shaft  102  and a plurality of equally spaced blades  104  (two or more) attached to and extending radially outwardly from the drive shaft  102 . In a preferred embodiment, as shown, there are three blades  104  mounted such that they are spaced at an angle α of 120°. The drive shaft  102  is operationally coupled to a generator assembly  106  which operates to generate electrical power when actuated by rotation of the drive shaft  102 . It should be understood that as used herein the term “generator” includes alternators. In a preferred embodiment as shown, the drive shaft  102  and blades  104  are enclosed within an inner chamber  108  of a housing  110 . The housing  110  comprises a frame  112  having an upper frame disk  114 , a lower frame disk  116 , and a plurality of vertical supports  118  for supporting the upper frame disk  114  and the lower frame disk  116  in spatial alignment. Concentrically positioned to the upper surface  120  of the upper frame disk  114  is a race and bearing assembly  122  for rotatably mounting a conventional wind directional apparatus  124  that operates by freely rotating in response to wind pressure on its vertically extending surfaces  126 . Mechanically coupled to the wind directional apparatus  124  is a wind shield  128  that preferably is positioned within and rides along a circular track  130  positioned along the outer periphery  132  of the lower frame disk  116 . 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the wind shield  128  extends vertically downwardly towards the periphery  132  of the lower frame disk  116  but does not contact the lower frame disk  116 . 
     In operation, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the wind shield  128  rotates around the circumference of the upper frame disk  114  with rotation of the wind directional apparatus  124  and effectively reduces aerodynamic drag on the advancing blades  104   a  and  104   b  by providing a barrier or shield that blocks wind flow W that produces resistance to blade rotation while providing no resistance or blockage to wind flow W impacting the retreating blade  104   c . Preferably, the wind shield  128  is positioned between the upper rotor disk  114  and the lower rotor disk  116  covering approximately a quarter of the circumference of the housing  110  (approximately 90° arc). It has been found that rotational resistance due to wind can be reduced by about 40% to about 70% depending on the number of blades, materials used in the construction of the wind generator, and the measured wind speed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown whereby the wind generator system  200  comprises a single drive shaft  202  or a series of shafts mounted together such as by couplings  209 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , and a one or more stages  208  of blades  204 , each stage having one or more blades  204  attached to and extend radially outwardly from the drive shaft  202 . It should be understood that each stage  208  can be arranged in a horizontal or vertical arrangement. The drive shaft  202  is operationally coupled to a generator assembly  206  or a plurality of generator assemblies  206  (as shown) which operate to generate electrical power when actuated by rotation of the drive shaft  202 . Preferably, the drive shaft  202  is formed from a light aircraft grade rolled or extruded aluminum and is tubular having an inner channel  203  ( FIG. 7 ) that provides a chase for allowing a power bus, control cables and the like to travel to the various stages, controls, and actuators and other similar electronic components  310  ( FIG. 7 ). The drive shaft  202  is supported by a housing  210  preferably having an upper frame disk  214 , a lower frame disk  216 , a plurality of vertically extending support rods  218 , a plurality of inner support disks  234 , and one or more bearing assemblies  207  for rotatably supporting the drive shaft  202 . It should be understood that the individual stages can be modular and assembled together by use of a rotating coupling placed in series of the individual stages, as shown. It should also be understood that the individual generators can be mounted in series to the drive shaft or the drive shaft can be coupled to a single generator. 
     Concentrically positioned to the upper surface  220  of the upper frame disk  214  is a race and bearing assembly  222  for rotatably mounting a conventional wind directional apparatus  224  that operates by freely rotating in response to wind pressure on its vertically extending surfaces  226 . Mechanically coupled to the wind directional apparatus  224  is a wind shield  228  that preferably is positioned within and rides along a circular track  230  positioned along the outer edge  232  of the lower frame disk  216 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the blades  104  is shown wherein each blade  104  has a relatively large surface area A effective for harvesting lower-energy (low wind speed) wind being directed to the blades  104 . 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the wind generator system  300  as described above further comprises a performance monitor  302  for monitoring the performance and efficiency of the wind generator system  300  Preferably, the performance monitor  302  comprises a microprocessor  304  effective for receiving signals from a wind speed and direction sensor  306  as well as receiving signals from other component sensors  308  effective for transmitting information from the components  310  comprising the wind generator system  300 . In a preferred embodiment, the performance monitor  302  operates to monitor the electrical power output of the wind generator system  300 . It should now be understood that other sensors  308  can be utilized for providing signals to the microprocessor  304  that can be utilized by the microprocessor for determining the efficiency or performance of the various operational components  310  comprising the wind generator system  300  and transmitting the information to an output device  312  such as a monitor, computer, meter or the like. 
     In another preferred embodiment, the microprocessor  304  can operate to monitor the total power output of the wind generator system  300  to the rotational speed of the blades  104 ,  204  to determine the health and operation performance of the system. For an exemplanary illustration, if the power output being generated by the wind generator system is below the level typically generated for the particular wind speed, the system components can be evaluated to determine which particular component is not operating efficiently and the component can be replaced thereby bringing the system efficiency back to its typical level. It should be understood that additional conventional sensors can be incorporated into the wind generator system to monitor the operational efficiency of various components and monitored by the microprocessor. Further, it should now be understood that the microprocessor can be coupled to a conventional transmitter (such as a wireless radio transmitter, the Internet, or other communication system) for transmitting operational data to a remote monitoring device. In this way, individual systems can be monitored as well as for use in obtaining information for use in maintenance and in determining the need for performance enhancement modifications. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , in another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown further comprising a porous tarp  400  extending vertically downwardly from the upper frame disk  114 ,  214  and supported by vertical support rods  118 ,  218 . It should be understood that such a tarp  400  should not be so porous to allow birds and articles from entering into the inner chamber  108  and causing damage to one or more of the rotating blades but should be porous enough for minimizing wind resistance. 
     It should now be understood that the generator system of the present invention can be used to provide electric power for various applications. As an exemplanary illustration, such systems can be mounted to a permanent structure or be portable for emergency and/or remote location use. Further, as shown in  FIG. 7 , in a preferred embodiment of the wind generator system  500  as illustrated the housing  110 ,  210 , includes a stand or a rack mounting structure  502  for supporting and housing various equipment, such as electrical equipment, battery systems, and the like. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention a plurality of wind generators can augment existing communications and power infrastructures by providing communications through multiple communications protocols as well as provide a delay tolerant network or a network that supports data transmission when there is insufficient or continuous network connectivity. Nearly 50% of the United States is without wireless or hard wired communications. Rural and remote communications is necessary during medical emergencies, natural disasters and for homeland security. The wind generators of the subject invention can provide significant power for communications as well as support a variety of communications technologies. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the wind generator system  600  each include a communication system  602  such that a plurality of wind generators can operate independently using their communication systems  602  to create a mesh network. 
     It should now be apparent that the communication systems  602  of a plurality of wind generators systems  600  can be connected through wireless and/or hard-wired systems. Further it should now be apparent that the wind generator systems can be used to create a distributed power networks. These networks may be used to augment the existing grid power system or can be used as back-up power to local users in case of a grid-based power outage. In a preferred embodiment, the communications systems  602  of the wind power generators  600  of the subject invention include a conventional switching means  604  that detects power interruption or power fluctuation within a power grid PG and operates to direct power being generated by the wind generators  600  into the power grid PG to prevent or reduce the likelihood of rolling or cascade failure in the power grid PG. 
     In another preferred embodiment of the invention the communication system  602  of the wind power generator of the subject invention further includes conventional radio activating emergency voice, data, remote sensing, and telecommunications devices  606 , such as devices to transmit over 911 and emergency broadcasting systems. Such telecommunications devices  606  can be activated by radio signals that allow communications in the event primary communications are inactivated such as by storms or other national emergencies. Such devices  606  can also be used to boost signals and/or relay transmission signals in the event that primary systems, such as communication towers, are inactivated. 
     Accordingly, it should now be apparent that various equipment and devices can be incorporated into the wind generator system of the subject invention and can include various devises for communication, such as devices supporting voice-over-Internet-protocol, cellular and other wireless protocols and communications systems. Such communication systems, being powered by electrical energy being generated by the wind generator system can be used as part of a larger wireless communications system or can be used for providing communications during emergency conditions, such as when the primary communication system is damaged such as for an example when a communications tower has been damaged or has lost power. It should also be apparent to those skilled in the art that such communications systems, being powered by electrical energy generated by the wind generator can be used to provide wireless communications in remote locations or for temporary communications such as in remote locations. 
     It should now be understood to those skilled in the art that the wind generator system of the present application is easily constructed in modular form thereby reducing the time and cost needed to make repairs to the system. For the use of performance monitors and sensors reduces maintenance requirements and increases efficiency. Further, the wind generator system of the present application reduces the likelihood of damage resulting from high wind speeds without the need of relatively complex and expensive blade pitching devices, airfoil spoilers, blade tip breaks, braking means, and the like. 
     It should also now be understood to those skilled in the art that the wind generator system of the present application can be used in a variety of applications and can be easily placed at locations having natural wind currents, such as between building structures or walls that operate as wind tunnels. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understandings, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of any claims. It should now be apparent that the various embodiments presented can be easily modified while keeping within the scope and spirit of the subject invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplary of the principals of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments and the specific examples illustrated and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the descriptions and examples contained herein.