WO1999004163A1

WO1999004163A1 - Funnel wind generator

Info

Publication number: WO1999004163A1
Application number: PCT/AU1998/000551
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Joseph Schembri; Joseph Paul Schembri
Original assignee: Andrew Joseph Schembri; Joseph Paul Schembri
Priority date: 1997-07-15
Filing date: 1998-07-15
Publication date: 1999-01-28
Also published as: AUPO795697A0

Abstract

A funnel wind generator includes a vertically located turbine (1) and is associated with a roof of a building wherein the actual roof can be constituted by the lower surface of the funnel of the invention. The roof structure of the building is replaced by the vertical dividers (4) as the dividers (4) of the funnel act as a roof trussed.

Description

Invention Title FUNNEL WIND GENERATOR

This invention relates to runnel w ind generators and in Daπicular to such generator which can be used for various applications

Funnel wind generators per se are known and one particular form has been described in Australian Patent Application No 65550⁷9o in the name of Andrew ^ Joseph Schembπ. one of the applicants herein

In general terms a funnel wind generator has a turbine which has a horizontal and vertical axis and a number of wings or the like which enter into the turbine. preferably at the optimum angle for turbine rotation, and the arrangement is such that no matter which direction the wind strikes the turbine, tnis will be directed into the 10 turbine and will cause rotation

Generally, too. because of the shape of the device, there tends to be a lower pressure area on the outlet side of the turbine than on the inlet side and so there is no substantial resistance to the air leaving the turbine and tnus the maximum energy transferred to the turbine can be achieved 15 In order that the invention may be more readiK understood we shall describe the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing in which

Fig 1 Show a plan view of a roof of a building using the funnel wind principal

Fig 2a Is a section view along line 5-5 in Fig 1 (convex roof)

Fig 2b Is a section view along line 5-5 in Fig 1 (concave roof) 0 Fig 3a Shows a side elevation of a convex roof on a building

Fig 3b Shows a side elevation of a concave roof on a building

Fig 4 Shows a plan view of extraction device

Fig 5 Is a section view along line 8-8 in Fig 4

Fig 6 Shows a side elevation of the extraction device in Fig 4 25 Fig 7 Shows a side elevation of air assisted vehicle (vertical turbine)

Fig 8 Is a section view along line y-y in Fig 7

Fig 9 Is a section view along line x-x in Fig 7

Fig 10 Shows a side elevation of air (wind) assisted vehicle ( hoπzontal turbine)

Fig 1 1 Is a section view along line x-x in fig 10 "n Fig 12 Is a section view along line v-v in fig 10

It is the object of the Dresent invention to pro\ ιde a funnel wind turbine for different applications The invention, m the first aspect comprises a funnel wind turbine associated with a building structure and comprising the roof thereof In a second aspect we provide a Funnel wind turbine in association with an extraction device whereby air can pass through the body of the turbine in a substantially vertical direction whilst the turbine is being driven by wind striking the turbine. In a further aspect of the invention, we provide a turbine ( 1 ) in Fig 8&9 vertical also Fig 1 1&12 is horizontal which is associated with the design of a motor vehicle so that power to assist in driving the motor vehicle can be developed. In a further aspect of the invention we provide a turbine in an aircraft and watercraft which can assist in developing power for use in operation of the aircraft or watercraft. In most aspects of the invention, the turbine of the invention is associated with a generator which may be either a DC generator or an AC alternator, and used to produce power which is either supplementary to or provides a main power source for a particular application.

The turbine can be used for different purposes, for providing power for an air or other pump but. except where this is necessary, I shall not further describe such applications.

In the first aspect of the invention, the turbine of the invention can be associated with a roof

1. structure of a building such as a water cooling tower, silo, a water tank, a house, a factory or a building for use for other purposes.

In this aspect, the actual roof can be constituted by the lower surfaces (2) in Fig 2a.2b.3a&3b of the funnel of the invention. The roof structure of building is replaced by the vertical dividers (4) in Fig l,2a.2b.3a&3b of the funnel wind structure. Since the walls (4) in Fig 1.2a,2b,3a&3b of the funnel acts as a roof trussed.

That is, generally, the roof may have a high point at which the turbine ( l)in Fig 2a.2b,3a,3b is located and may be directed downwardly and outwardly therefrom.

In one particular form the roof (2) in Fig 2a,2b,3a&3b may comprise a number of panels, in most cases be flat and which has adjacent panels, each of which are at an angle to the first panel so that, generally, the panels comprise a conical member having a number of flat surfaces. The number of these will depend on the number of funnels example in Fig 2a.2b,3a&3b. The combination of( l)(2)(3)(4)is an example of a funnel required for a particular application Alternatively, the roof structure could be in the form of a truncated cone so that the floor of each of the funnels is in fact curved.

In each case there is a second construction which can be considered to be a mirror image of the first construction, and spaced therefrom by a width equal to the required throat height feeding to the turbine( 1 )in Fig 2a.2b,3a&3b.

The adjacent funnels are separated by vertical dividers(4) in Fig 2a.2b,3a&3b which are located between the upper(3) and lower(2)in Fig 2a.2b 3a&3b members and which again terminate in a height equivalent to the required throat height for the turbine( 1 )in Fig 2a.2b.3a&3b. These dividers (4) as in Fig 2a,2b,3a&3b can be symmetrically placed around the turbine( 1 ) in Fig 2a,2b.3a&3b or they could, if required, be associated with a roof and mirror image structure which is offset so that the outlet throat is at a required angle to the periphery of the turbine to provide maximum energy transfer thereto Because of the structure, the turbine( l ) in Fig 1.2a.2b.3a&3b is adapted to operate in one direction and to have the throat offset from the axis, to drive the turbine in this direction may be desirable.

In operation, and this will be the same for each of the embodiments which we describe, the incoming air stream will strike and enter the funnels which are directed towards the airflow. The number of funnels so directed will depend on the actual total number of funnels but will be generally those which are in about 180 degrees transverse to the wind flow

Generally, the wind striking the funnels will be guided inwardly to the required throat so the quantity of air which passes through the turbine( 1 ) in Fig l,2a,2b.3a&3b will be substantially greater than would have been the case if the turbine had simply been open to atmosphere.

Of course, depending upon the inclination of the funnels to the direction flow, the efficiency of each of the funnels will vary from maximum efficiency from the funnel which is directed towards the flow, to minimal efficiency to the one which is on the edge of the area of contact. Because the turbine( 1 ) in Fig 1.2a,2b.3a&3b acts as a restriction to general air movement, other than that which passes through the funnels and through the turbine( l ) in Fig l,2a.2b,3a&3b. the pressure on the downwind side of the turbine tends to be somewhat reduced and this means that the transfer of energy as the wind passes through the turbine is maximized as the back pressure is minimal. In this aspect the actual roof can be constituted b\ lower surfaces of the funnel (2) of the invention And the support structural of the roof is the dividers (4) in fig 1. fig 2a. 2b. 3a and 3b Also the upper surface of the funnel (3) and (3 a) in fig 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b, when these are combined the structure is sound, when all the funnels are combined it becomes self supporting and no more support is required There are different shaped buildings (7) as in fig 2a. 2b, 3a and 3b. Therefore different funnel and sizes are required Also if the location of the building is located where high percentage of wind comes from a direction then the turbine ( 1 ) in fig 1 , 2a. 2b. 3a and 3b is not required to be centre of the funnel Therefore due to location and purpose of the building it can be designed in away to take advantage of wind energy by funne ng it to the turbine ( 1 ) also using the lessor pressure on the opposite side of the building (7) as in fig 2a. 2b. 3a and 3b so it can be exhausted Also it mav be said that a concave roof 3a in fig 2b and 3b As extra advantages the shape could be used to reflect heat to a central point ( 13) in fig 2b Therefore the roof becomes a solar heater It could be said that shape of the buildings also could be designed to allow the wind load on building (7) as in fig 2a. 2b. 3a and 3b to pass through it in a controlled funnel or duct and using the funnel wind principle to harness the energy for the building (7) as in fig 2a, 2b. 3a and 3b

In a second application of the invention, we provide a turbιne( 1 ) in Fig 4.5,&6 which can be used as a an air pump

This arrangement is particularly suitable for ventilating such areas as tunnels where there can be a build-up of carbon dioxide as vehicles pass through these, or because of the ambient condition there can be build-up of other gases, such as a in a

In this application the turbιne( 1 ) in Fig 4,5. &6 is built around an annular truncated conιcal( l ) in Fig 5 member located vertically with its larger diameter end adjacent to the top It could be coated so as the air or gases passing the surface a static charge is created This charge could be used to reduce harmful gas emissions

There can, if required, be a number of sets of turbιnes( 1 ) in Fig 4,5,&6 around this member which are mounted for rotation about its vertical axis

If there are more than one set of turbines we provide sets of funnels, which can be considered similar to those described in the earlier embodiments, one associated with each set of turbines In this case the internal portion of the conical member can be provided with what is effectively an inwardly directed Archimedean screw, arranged, or internal blades(9)in Fig 4&5 in the normal direction of rotation, to act as a screw pump to draw air from the lower end of the turbine upwardly The arrangement is such that the device opens into the area to be evacuated.

For simplicity we will consider a vehicular tunnel in which there can be a substantial build-up of carbon dioxide and other noxious gases from exhaust fumes.

The turbine( 1 )in Fig4,5&6 is exterior to the tunnel, and may be equivalent to or many stories high, and under effectively any circumstances, the turbine( 1 )in Fig 4.5&6 will be caused to rotate even if the wind speed is only slight, and the rotation of the Archimedean screw internal blades(9 in fig 5&6) will cause air to be drawn up into the cone from the tunnel.

Of course there will also be a tendency for air from the tunnel to move upwardly in any case because it will generally be warmer than exterior air. Where there is a substantial wind pressure, the turbine( 1 )in Fig4,5&6 will rotate rapidly and there will be a substantial scavenging action by the device.

Because of the shape of the conical member( 1 )in Fig 5, this air pressure will tend to reduce as a it gets closer to the outlet, so that when it is delivered to the outside air it will be basically a low pressure, slowly moving air volume. This arrangement can thus generally provide a power use-free method of ventilating substantial areas and of course depending upon the size of the area, so we shall vary the size of the turbine. If required, the inlet to the device could be adjustable to control the amount of air passing through and if this is to be restricted. then the additional power generated could be used to drive a generator for electricity or the like.

In a further aspect of the invention, we provide a turbine( 1 )in Fig 8&9 vertical and Fig 1 1 &12 horizontal of the type described in association with a motor vehicle. Therefore instead of designing motor vehicle to allow airflow to pass over and around. The shape allows the air flow to pass through the vehicle which turns a turbine ( l)in Fig 8&9 vertical and Fig 1 1 &.12 vertical or horizontal.

In this case the design of the motor vehicle may be such that the upper(l l )in Fig 7,8.9, 10.1 1& 12 surface of the cabin can also it could be said that the motor vehicle has solar panel on the surface. Also as a combustion motor which run on hydrogen( 10)in Fig 8.9& 1 1 Therefore a hybrid system can be provided. The lower surfaces(2)in Fig 7,8,9,10.1 1&12 for the turbine funnels and the mirror portion of this can be located there above. It may be preferred that this mirror portion has on its upper surface solar panels to obtain additional power from these

Because the vehicle would normally be in motion, the general air inlet to the vehicle will be from the front, so in this case it is not necessary that the arrangement be symmetrical to act equally efficiently regardless of the direction of wind flow, but the arrangement may be such as a to act optimally when the wind is coming directly from the front of the vehicle. Of course, even under normal operation conditions, there will be a side vector component and this may strike the funnels at a direction offset from the straight ahead.

It will be seen that if a vehicle such as this is operated with battery power, power can be generated by solar panels( l l )in Fig7,8,9.10.1 1&12 also side surfaces( l l )as in Fig 7&10 as a mentioned above, additional power can be obtained from the wind generator and, possibly, a small internal combustion engine can be designed to operate at all times when the vehicle is operating to produce still further power.

It may also be feasible to provide electric motors driving some or all of the wheels which, when the vehicle is under braking, operate a generator to produce still further power. The invention can also be applied to an aircraft and watercraft to give auxiliary power to lessen the load on the main engines

In this case, again, our comments to the direction of wind flow as a far as a motor vehicles are concerned are reinforced, because of the great difference in speed of an aircraft. Whilst we have described in this specification a number of different embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that these are illustrative and variations and modifications can be made in these without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows

1 The Funnel Wind Generator has a turbine which has a horizontal axis

2 The Funnel Wind Generator as in claim 1 has a turbine which has a vertical axis 3 The Funnel Wind Generator as in claim 2 can be bet een the horizontal axis and vertical axis

4 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 3, there is a tendency to be a low pressure area on the outlet side of the turbine

5 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 4. there is no substantial resistance to the air leaving the turbine

6 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 4&5 maximum energy transferred to the turbine can be achieved

7 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 6 can be adapted to building

8 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 7 can be adapted to roofs 9 The vertical dividers as in claim 8 can be come the roof structure

10 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 9 can reduce wind loads on buildings

1 1 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 10 can adapt due to location and purpose of the building 12 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 1 1 can be designed in away to take advantage of wind energy

13 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 12 can have a concave roof to take extra advantage bv reflecting heat a to central point

14 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 13 can be an air pump 15 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 14 can be used to ventilate tunnels

16 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 15 has a turbine it's built around an annular truncated conical member located verticallv with its large diameter end adjacent to the turbine

17 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 16 can have annular truncated conical turbine located verticallv coated with material to produce static charge

18 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 17 can use the static charge to reduce harmful gases emission

19 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 18 can be manv stories high 20 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 19. the turbine can rotate archimedean screw or internal blades

21 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 20. the shape of the conical member, the air pressure will tend to reduce as it gets closer to the outlet 22. The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 21, the ventilation building can also produce additional power 23. The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 22 can be adapted to a water craft 24 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 23 can be adapted to an air craft 25. The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 24 can be adapted with solar car. water craft and air craft

26 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 25 can be adapted to combustion car. water craft and air craft

27 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 25 can produce hydrogen & oxygen for fuel 28 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 26 can pump water back to a dam to store the energy for use as required in electrical power production 29 The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 28. can be for air conditioning 30. The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 29 can be used in cooling towers 31. The Funnel Wind Generator shape as in claim 30. the principle work with nature, therefore it is able to harness energy that is around