Title of Invention

AN IMPROVED WIND POWER RECOVERY DEVICE

Abstract

They consist of a structure formed by a reinforced concrete body with a circular or polygonal section, inside of which there are channelings, whose section is progressively reduced forcing the wind to affect tangentially the blades of the vertical axis central rotor, said body protected by means of an electronically adjustable metallic blind arranged around its side face, whereas the ground and the roof of the body are bent. The wind channeling body, located at the top of a tower of a low height also made of reinforced concrete, and containing the usual machine elements and power generators, has a perimeter projection and a bent cover, except for its central area where the rotor is located, which is protected by a transparent cover so that sunrays affect the edges of the blades and the bottom which are polished.

Full Text

FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970 [39 OF 1970] & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [See Section 10; rule 13] "AN IMPROVED WIND POWER RECOVERY DEVICE" JOSEP LLUIS GOMEZ GOMAR, a Spanish citizen of Major, 15 1° la, 08783 Masquefa, Tarragona, Spain, The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed: S-P-E C I F I (LAJ-IOJ4- TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention refers to some improvements introduced in wind power recovery devices, especially in the vertical-axis type, therefore obtaining a high mechanical performance. The characteristics of such improvements are fully detailed in the following description. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1p In relation to prior art, currently existing devices that are used to recover wind power and transform it into mechanical or electrical energy can be classified, according to its axis position, as horizontal axis or vertical axis, suffering both types from several disadvantages, sufficiently overcame by the improvements of the present patent. 1|5 As is known, today"s horizontal axis devices stand in general at a considerable height and are located in very high areas and almost always in the very parting planes of mountain slopes, mountain ranges or massifs, with the consequent undesired visual impact. They can also cause severe damage to wildlife, especially to flying species, due to their large blades. These negative factors 2p are determinant for the installation of wind power plants nowadays, versus ecologist requirements. Improvements in the present patent enable to build devices with high wind power recovery, low height and not harmful to flying species. Today"s horizontal and vertical axis devices also produce a characteristic noise when the assembly blades are turning, which can become serious when 2)5 considering the installation of a wind power plant with a large number of power devices. The mentioned improvements achieve a less noisy device, and therefore no noise pollution of the environment is produced when several of these devices are installed in a specific area. The fact that periodic wind regimes differ according to place, time of day, 0 seasons, meteorology at a given moment and topography of the site must be taken into account when deciding the location of today"s wind power recovery devices. However, the features of the device to which the improvements of the present invention apply enable to place it, without any difficulty or performance reduction, in areas with high or low wind speed, and regardless of the wind direction. 35 The improvements of the present invention enable to reduce the main drawbacks of vertical axis wind turbines, such as mechanical fatigue and the presence of natural resonance frequencies, as well as the fact that rotation coupling presents variations in every cycle. Another additional problem of vertical axis devices, and also reduced with the incorporation of the present improvements, is that they require motorization in order to overcome the high breakaway torque. Patent No. P 9300316 "Wind Turbo Generator" presents a large hopper applied to a horizontal axis wind turbine so that it is also used with low speed winds, but due to such large hopper produces a significant visual and sound impact. Patent No. P 055984 "System to enhance the performance of a vertical axis aerogenerator" produces also an important visual impact due to the fact that it 10 stands taller than the devices of the mentioned improvements, and has a lower performance. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The improvements referenced by the present invention consist of incorporating to a reinforced concrete structure a series of internally located wind power recovery devices, comprising such structure a vertical axis body with a series of channelings and adjustable blinds especially arranged and suitably located in the device, being such body located at the top of a tower of a relatively low height and also preferably made up of reinforced concrete. 20 This device enables optimum use of wind energy, since it recovers and channels wind-force appropriately, enabling the provision of electrical energy by means of an electrical generator or of mechanical energy by means of direct application to a gearbox, enabling to operate miscellaneous mechanisms relating to agriculture, industry, as well as other social and urban applications. ;25 Therefore, the purpose of the present invention is to enable the use of wind power in a beneficial and profitable way, even with a very low wind strength according to the Beaufort scale. In addition, this use is performed in a markedly environmental-friendly way, since the wind power recovery of the improvements introduced is clean, quiet and 30 with a high machine performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With the purpose to describe the different components of the improvements object of the present invention, there are attached a series of drawings, as non-35 limitative examples, which represent a practical embodiment thereof. In said drawings, -x- Figure 1 is an external elevation view of one of the devices that include the improvements of the present patent; Figure 2 is a view of the devices, according to the previous figure, sectioned by its axial plane, which shows the layout of the different elements that include the improvements of the invention; Figure 3 is a view sectioned by the AA plane, of the previous figure, in a circular contour embodiment; Figure 4 is a section similar to the previous figure, but in a quadrangular contour embodiment; Figure 5 is a section similar to figures 3 and 4, in a triangular contour embodiment; Figure 6 is also a section similar to the three previous figures, in another hexagonal contour embodiment; and finally, Figure 7 is a section similar to the four previous figures, but in another octagonal contour embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the drawings, the improvements introduced in the vertical axis 2p wind power recovery devices comprise a reinforced concrete tower (1) on top of which there is located a wind channeling body (2) that has an open side face but delimited in its entire contour by adjustable blinds (3). The wind channeling body (2) is umbrella-shaped and has a circular or polygonal plan as shown in figures 3 to 7, with a surface area larger than the tower 2|5 surface (1) and with a body height (2) standing, preferably, around 2.5 and 3 meters (8.2-10 ft). The practical embodiment of said improvements shows, in principle, three alternatives according to the height that can reach the structure formed by the tower (1) and the wind channeling body (2). A first alternative, with a structure between 10 and 15 meters in height, determined by the site where it will be installed and by the wind recovery expected. A second alternative would be a structure between 5 and 10 meters in height, according to the same factors previously mentioned. And finally a third alternative, under 5 meters in height, for direct installation 35 on the roofs of factory premises, dwellings and even over water supply basins, for example. According to the above description, the optimum working layer for models between 5 and 15 meters in height includes wind speeds between 5 and 21 m/s (18 and 75.6 km/h), achieving an outstanding performance. These wind conditions are founds preferably in coastal areas, as well as in valleys and plateaus. As for the lower height model, optimum performance is achieved between wind speeds of 4 to 8 m/s (14.4 and 28.8 km/h), high-low values that usually occur in cities and open inland areas. The inside of the above-mentioned wind channeling body (2) has thin walls of reinforced concrete (4), which provide channelings (5), as can be seen in figures 1p 3 to 7, so that the wind coming from outside is guided towards a vertical axis rotor (6) perfectly centered in the wind channeling body (2), such rotor incorporating usually 5, 6 or 8 blades (7). The special layout of the channelings (5) enables the wind to affect tangentially said blades (7), therefore contributing to the rotation of said rotor (6). As they move closer to the rotor (6), the channelings (5) offer a continuous reduction in their section so that the admission area (8) has a surface larger than the exit section of the channeling (9). This section reduction forces an increase in the speed of the wind recovered in the admission area (8). The layout of these admission areas (8) along the perimeter of the body (2) enables to recover wind regardless of the direction thereof. 2p Considering the above-mentioned wind speed factors, reference should be made to the fact that an admission area surface (8) of, for example, 15 m2 enables to recover around 60 m3 of air per second, which being forced to exit through the channeling exit (9) with a section of 4 m2, produces a considerable speed increase of approximately 3-75, so that the wind affects the blades (7) with a pressure above 2|5 70 kgm/s2, causing the rotation of the rotor (6) between 1.5 and 1.7 rps., once the windage loss is deducted. As can be noticed in figure 2, both the ground (10) and the roof (11) of the inside of the wind channeling body (2) are not horizontal, but rather slightly bent towards the rotor area (6), with the purpose of reducing the exit section of the 30 channeling (9) and therefore increasing the wind speed affecting the blades (7). The foreign bodies passing through the slits of the blinds (3) exit from the wind channeling body (2) due to their own weight thanks to the mentioned inclination of the ground (10) and to the fact that said blind (3) does not close completely in its lower part (3"), as is shown in figures 1 and 2. In addition, this special layout enables 3|5 a better recovery of low speed winds produced at the end of strong wind gusts. The mentioned wind channeling body (2) is protected by an umbrella-shaped cover (12), provided with a sharp perimeter projection (13), with the purpose of protecting the blinds (3) from outdoor elements such as snow and water. The cover (12) is provided with a transparent upper central area or cap (14) that allows sunrays to pass towards the rotor (6), thus warming up the edges of the blades (7) 5 and of the flat bottom (7"), which is properly polished. This warming produces an increase in the temperature of the wind located there and the consequent displacement towards the upper part of the rotor (6), starting automatically an air flow from the outside of the device towards the mentioned rotor (6). In this way, there can be obtained a reduction in the high breakaway torque of vertical axis wind 10 power recovery devices. The rotor (6) is coupled to a step-up gearbox (15) by means of the axis (16). The step-up gearbox (15), properly oil cooled and of the planetary gear, electronic and automatic kind, obtains that an electrical generator (17) rotates at rated speed and delivers a power of the order of 300 kW. In turn, said generator (17) is 15 preferably cooled with water or glycol. In another layout, not represented in the drawings, the step-up gearbox (15) operates miscellaneous mechanisms relating to agriculture, industrial plants or other social and urban applications. All the processes can be controlled by means of a microprocessor, controlled preferably by satellite, thus provided with a series of sensors for vibration, 20 meteorological control, such as anemometers, wind vanes and thermometers, speed, temperature and hydraulic, among others, which basically control the different operating situations of the rotor (6), axis (16), generator (17), step-up gearbox (15) and brakes. This control system also enables to operate the adjustable blinds (3) so that 2 5 they can change their aperture appropriately. In addition, said adjustable blinds (3) prevent foreign bodies, such as branches or others, from passing through and causing damage to the blades (7) of the rotor (6). A door (18) enables personnel to access the concrete tower (1) essentially for maintenance and cleaning purposes. While the main characteristics of the improvements applied to the wind 30 power recovery devices, object of the present invention, have been sufficiently described, it should be mentioned that any changes made during the practical implementation, affecting dimensions, non essential shapes, appearance and external finishing, as well as the type of materials used, in no event shall alter the main aspects of the invention, which is summarized in the following claims. WE CLAIM: 1. An improved wind power recovery device, especially in the vertical-axis type, said devices comprising a rotor (6) formed by a series of blades (7) which rotate under the action of the wind, being said rotation transmitted to an electrical generator (17) or to a mechanical mechanism by means of an axis (16) and its corresponding step-up gearbox (15), characterized in that they consist of a wind channeling body (2) made up of reinforced concrete, with a circular or polygonal section, which incorporate inside a series of walls (4) straight, fixed and arranged at an oblique angle, forming channelings (5) whose section is progressively reduced, forcing the wind entering the wind channeling body to affect tangentially the blades (7) of the central rotor (6) at a speed higher than at the entrance of said body (2), having the mentioned wind channeling body a side face (8), open but conveniently protected by an adjustable metallic blind (3) and whose assembly is located at top of a tower (1) of a low height also made up of reinforced concrete. 2. An improved wind power recovery device, especially in the vertical-axis type, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wind channeling body (2) has wind admission areas (8) of the channelings (5) arranged around all its perimeter so that the rotor (6) rotates always regardless of the direction of the wind, whereas the ground (10) and the roof (11) of said body are suitably bent towards the inside in order to increase the wind speed on the blades (7) of the rotor (6). 3. An improved wind power recovery device, especially in the vertical-axis type, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the wind channeling body (2) has a perimeter projection (13) and a bent cover (12), as an umbrella, except in its central area where said body is protected by a transparent cover (14) which allows sunrays to pass through towards the rotor (6), affecting said rays the edges of the blades (7) and the flat bottom (71) which are suitably polished. 4. An improved wind power recovery device, especially in the vertical-axis type, as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustable blinds (3) change their aperture automatically through electronic means according to the speed of the wind and with the provision that said blinds (3) will not dose completely their lower part (31) which corresponds to the ground (10) of the wind channeling body (2). 5. An improved wind power recovery device, substantially as herein described with reference to the forgoing examples, Dated this 20th day of December, 2002 (RANJNA MEHTA DUTT) OF REMFRY & SAGAR ATTORNEY FOR THE APPLICANTS

Documents:

1137-mum-2002-abstract(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-abstract-(21-06-2005).doc

1137-mum-2002-abstract.doc

1137-mum-2002-abstract.pdf

1137-mum-2002-cancelled pages(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-claims(granted)-(21-06-2005).doc

1137-mum-2002-claims(granted)-(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-claims.doc

1137-mum-2002-claims.pdf

1137-mum-2002-correspondence(28-3-2006).pdf

1137-mum-2002-correspondence(ipo)-(28-1-2004).pdf

1137-mum-2002-correspondence(ipo).pdf

1137-mum-2002-correspondence.pdf

1137-mum-2002-description(granted)..doc

1137-mum-2002-description(granted).pdf

1137-mum-2002-drawing(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-drawing.pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 1(20-12-2002).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 1.pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 19(2-4-2004).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 19.pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 2(cancelled).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 2(granted)-(21-06-2005).doc

1137-mum-2002-form 2(granted)-(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 2(granted).doc

1137-mum-2002-form 2(granted).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 2(title page).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 3(14-2-2003).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 3(20-12-2002).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 3(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 3-14-feb-2003.pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 3-21-jun-2005.pdf

1137-mum-2002-form 3.pdf

1137-mum-2002-petition 137.pdf

1137-mum-2002-petition 138.pdf

1137-mum-2002-petition under rule 137(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-petition under rule 138(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-power of authority(14-2-2003).pdf

1137-mum-2002-power of authority(21-6-2005).pdf

1137-mum-2002-power of authority(23-4-2003).pdf

1137-mum-2002-power of authority-14-mar-2003.pdf

1137-mum-2002-power of authority-21-jun-2005.pdf

1137-mum-2002-power of authority-23-mar-2003.pdf

1137-mum-2002-u.s patents.pdf

abstract1.jpg