rexresearch.com
Anis AOUINI
Saphonian Wind Turbine
Saphonian Wind Turbine
http://www.saphonenergy.com/
Address : 3, impasse n°3, Avenue Azouz Rebai, El Manar 2, BP 2092 Tunis, TUNISIA
Office : +216 71 886 808
Fax : +216 71 887 068
For further enquiries : khalil.zouari@saphonenergy.com
For the same swept area (by a wind turbine), the wind energy captured by the sail-shaped body of the Saphonian is twice as higher as that of conventional wind turbine. By replacing the blades' rotor by a compact sail-shaped body (curved) that enjoys high aerodynamic coefficients (Cl and Cd), the Saphonian has set itself free from the insurmountable Betz limit.
Empirical performance tests have shown that the Saphonian efficiency level is 2.3 times as high as that of the bladed wind turbine on account of the following:
- For the same swept area (by a wind turbine), the wind energy captured by the Saphonian is twice as higher as that of conventional wind turbine.
- The Saphonian has eliminated most of aerodynamic and mechanical losses, originally due to the use of blades and gearbox and to the characteristics of the rotational motion.
Over the last two years, Saphon’s team has designed, developed and tested number of operating prototypes. The latest empirical tests made on a 300-500 Watt prototype (diameter of 120 cm) confirmed and validated the theoretical assumptions. This allowed us to optimize the initial design and further improve the hydro-mechanical performance. A second generation prototype is under tests.
Video :
http://www.saphonenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=108
Address : 3, impasse n°3, Avenue Azouz Rebai, El Manar 2, BP 2092 Tunis, TUNISIA
Office : +216 71 886 808
Fax : +216 71 887 068
For further enquiries : khalil.zouari@saphonenergy.com
Beyond
the Betz Limit
For the same swept area (by a wind turbine), the wind energy captured by the sail-shaped body of the Saphonian is twice as higher as that of conventional wind turbine. By replacing the blades' rotor by a compact sail-shaped body (curved) that enjoys high aerodynamic coefficients (Cl and Cd), the Saphonian has set itself free from the insurmountable Betz limit.
Empirical performance tests have shown that the Saphonian efficiency level is 2.3 times as high as that of the bladed wind turbine on account of the following:
- For the same swept area (by a wind turbine), the wind energy captured by the Saphonian is twice as higher as that of conventional wind turbine.
- The Saphonian has eliminated most of aerodynamic and mechanical losses, originally due to the use of blades and gearbox and to the characteristics of the rotational motion.
Over the last two years, Saphon’s team has designed, developed and tested number of operating prototypes. The latest empirical tests made on a 300-500 Watt prototype (diameter of 120 cm) confirmed and validated the theoretical assumptions. This allowed us to optimize the initial design and further improve the hydro-mechanical performance. A second generation prototype is under tests.
Video :
http://www.saphonenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=108
http://www.scidev.net/en/middle-east-and-north-africa/news/sail-inspired-turbine-promises-cheaper-wind-energy.html
5 November 2012
5 November 2012
Sail-inspired turbine promises cheaper wind energy
by
Nébil Zaghdoud
by
Nébil Zaghdoud
The
sail-inspired wind turbine may capture more energy
[TUNIS] A Tunisian invention that harvests wind
energy through adesign inspired by sailboats promises cheaper,
more efficient wind energy.
The bladeless wind turbine, the Saphonian, named after the wind divinity that was worshipped by the ancient Carthaginians, also promises to be more environmentally friendly than existing wind turbines that produce noise and kill birds through their blade rotation.
Instead of rotating blades, the Saphonian's sail-shaped body collects the kinetic energy of the wind, Anis Aouini, the Saphonian's inventor, told SciDev.Net.
He explained that the resulting mechanical energy moves pistons which generate hydraulic pressure that can be stored in a hydraulic accumulator or converted into electricity.
"This is not the first bladeless wind turbine, but we thought outside the box: the initial idea came from sails — the only human system that can capture and convert the bulk of the wind's power into mechanical energy," said Aouini.
An average wind turbine captures only 30 to 40 per cent of the wind's kinetic energy, while the Saphonian can capture up to 80 per cent, according to Aouini.
Hassine Labaied, chief executive of Saphon Energy, the start-up energy company established to get the turbine to market, said the Saphonian reduces the aerodynamic and mechanical energy losses associated with rotating-blade turbines.
"Our second generation prototype is 2.3 times more efficient, and costs nearly half the price of its predecessors [conventional wind turbines]. It discards the most expensive components in a traditional wind turbine, which are the blades, hub and gearbox," said Labaied.
Aouini and Labaied patented the technology in Tunisia in September 2010, and received an international patent in March 2012. Saphon Energy is now looking for a partnership with a manufacturer to deploy the technology worldwide.
"We are negotiating with a number of international companies that produce renewable energy technology, and will finalise this by the end of this year," said Labaied. He estimated that it would take up to two years until the commercial product reaches the market.
Ali Kanzari, a renewable energy expert and director-general of Solar Energy Systems, told SciDev.Net that the Saphonian "seems to be a radical and economically viable alternative to bladed turbines". However, he added that "the manufacturing step is important as it will determine how the market will accept it".
"The electricity produced through wind in Tunisia represents five per cent of total electricity production in the country," Ayadi Ben Aissa, former chief executive of the Tunisian Society of Electricity and Gas (STEG), told SciDev.Net.
He said that using the Saphonian technology could produce up to 20 per cent of Tunisia's electricity from wind in the medium term.
The bladeless wind turbine, the Saphonian, named after the wind divinity that was worshipped by the ancient Carthaginians, also promises to be more environmentally friendly than existing wind turbines that produce noise and kill birds through their blade rotation.
Instead of rotating blades, the Saphonian's sail-shaped body collects the kinetic energy of the wind, Anis Aouini, the Saphonian's inventor, told SciDev.Net.
He explained that the resulting mechanical energy moves pistons which generate hydraulic pressure that can be stored in a hydraulic accumulator or converted into electricity.
"This is not the first bladeless wind turbine, but we thought outside the box: the initial idea came from sails — the only human system that can capture and convert the bulk of the wind's power into mechanical energy," said Aouini.
An average wind turbine captures only 30 to 40 per cent of the wind's kinetic energy, while the Saphonian can capture up to 80 per cent, according to Aouini.
Hassine Labaied, chief executive of Saphon Energy, the start-up energy company established to get the turbine to market, said the Saphonian reduces the aerodynamic and mechanical energy losses associated with rotating-blade turbines.
"Our second generation prototype is 2.3 times more efficient, and costs nearly half the price of its predecessors [conventional wind turbines]. It discards the most expensive components in a traditional wind turbine, which are the blades, hub and gearbox," said Labaied.
Aouini and Labaied patented the technology in Tunisia in September 2010, and received an international patent in March 2012. Saphon Energy is now looking for a partnership with a manufacturer to deploy the technology worldwide.
"We are negotiating with a number of international companies that produce renewable energy technology, and will finalise this by the end of this year," said Labaied. He estimated that it would take up to two years until the commercial product reaches the market.
Ali Kanzari, a renewable energy expert and director-general of Solar Energy Systems, told SciDev.Net that the Saphonian "seems to be a radical and economically viable alternative to bladed turbines". However, he added that "the manufacturing step is important as it will determine how the market will accept it".
"The electricity produced through wind in Tunisia represents five per cent of total electricity production in the country," Ayadi Ben Aissa, former chief executive of the Tunisian Society of Electricity and Gas (STEG), told SciDev.Net.
He said that using the Saphonian technology could produce up to 20 per cent of Tunisia's electricity from wind in the medium term.
SYSTEM
FOR CONVERTING WIND ENERGY
WO2012039688
WO2012039688
Inventor: AOUINI ANIS M
Applicant: SAPHON ENERGY LTD
The invention consists of a system for
converting wind energy (SCEE) into mechanical and then
electrical energy. This system (SCEE) is not subject to the
theoretical Betz limit (59%). The system (SCEE) has a wheel (F)
equipped with a series of blades arranged all around it. The
wheel (F) turns in a pivoting connection about a fixed axle (L).
Set on the axle (L), a support (E) attaches the end plates of a
series of double-acting actuating cylinders (D). The cylinder
rods of the latter are in a ball jointed connection with the
body (A), the purpose of this being to offer the latter a
maximum degree of freedom in space. A rigid arm (C) is set on
one side of the wheel (F) and held on the other side, in a
pivoting connection, on a U-shaped section piece (B). Having a
circular satellite movement, the latter turns with the wheel (F)
while at the same time sliding over a peripheral region of the
body (A). When the wind blows against the body (A), the latter
pivots with the section piece (B) and pushes on the cylinder
rods of the actuating cylinders (D). Having a circular satellite
movement, the section piece (B) turns, sliding over a peripheral
region of the body (A), thus changing the fulcrum of the moment
of the resultant force of the wind (the pivot connection of the
section piece (B)) applied to the body (A). The cylinder rods of
the actuating cylinders (D) will therefore be pulled and pushed,
while at the same time having a cyclic translational movement.
Set on the axle (L), and a nacelle (J) chiefly contains a
hydraulic motor (H) and an electric generator (G), which can be
coupled via a speed multiplier. During the reciprocating
movements of the pistons of the actuating cylinders (D), a set
of valves allows for a one-way flow of hydraulic fluid inside
"out and back" hydraulic circuits either by pulling or pushing.
The "out and back" hydraulic circuits are also connected to the
hydraulic motor (H). To keep the system (SCEE) always facing
into the wind and allow it to pivot on the mast (1), it can be
orientated by a tail vane (K) which is fixed, via a support, to
the nacelle (J).
Technical
Description
The invention description about this technique, is a system for converting wind energy (CESG) into mechanical energy and then electricity.
This system of conversion of wind energy (CESG), described below, is not subject to the theoretical limit of Betz (59%).
Therefore, this invention provides a performance much higher than wind turbines currently in use.
System (WECS) has a wheel (F) with a series of blades arranged around (see drawing N [deg.] L).
The wheel (F) is rotated in association pivot about an axis (L) fixed, thanks to the kinetic energy of the wind through the blades, providing the wheel (F) a mechanical energy of rotation.
Flush to the axis (L), a holder (E), rigid enough, secures the plates (or the rear end) of a series of double-acting cylinders (D).
The latter may consist of one or more double-acting cylinders (see drawing 1M [deg.]1).
To simplify the present description, the system (WECS) has a series of three double-acting cylinders.
Distribution and positioning of the series of double-acting cylinders (D) on the bracket (E) to be assured of a well-defined way to ensure a better functioning (See detail N [deg.] The drawing N [ deg.] l).
The piston rods of the plurality of double-acting cylinders (D) are connected with the ball joint housing (A) and that, in order to provide the latter with a maximum degree of freedom in space, allowing one movement and a more fluid into the wind (See detail N [deg.] the drawing N [deg.] l) & (drawing N [deg.]7).
Said body (A) has a shape and surface property determined, respectively to achieve a drag coefficient higher and a maximum resultant force of wind captured.
In addition, the body (A) must have the lightest weight possible.
For this case, and not limited to a portion of its surface may be, for example, covered with veil (See drawing N [deg.]2).
In order to allow the wheel (F) to rotate freely and independently of the body (A), its active surface (the surface facing the wind) is kept constantly exposed to the wind (see the front views of the drawings N [deg.]3, N [deg.]4, N [deg.] 5 & ??N [deg.]6).
The mountings of the piston rods of the double-acting cylinders (D) on the body (A) to be set at the axis which coincides with the direction of the vector of the resultant force of the wind attacks the body (A) (See detail N [deg.] the drawing N [deg.] l).
A rigid arm (C) is recessed from one side to the wheel (F) and maintained on the other side, pivotally connected to a profile (B) U-shaped With a circular motion satellite, it turns, therefore, with the wheel (F) while sliding on a peripheral area of ??the body (A) (See drawing N [deg.]2).
In order to minimize the friction of the sliding profile (B), the latter may be in contact with the sides of the peripheral area of ??the body (A) via the rollers or the like.
In addition, the peripheral area of ??the body (A) must be smooth enough and stiff enough.
When the wind acts on the body (A), the latter rotates under the effect of the moment of the resultant force of the wind, as with that of the pivot section (B) and the body (A) grows without jamming through bonds ball, the stems of double acting cylinders (D) that are present in the area diametrically opposite the rail (B).
The rods double acting cylinders (D) present in the reverse zone (zone side of the profile (B)) tend to be drawn (see drawing IM [deg.]3).
Having a circular satellite movement, the profile (B) is rotated while sliding on a peripheral area of ??the body (A), thereby changing the pivot point of the resultant force of the wind (the pivot connection of the profile (B)) which s' applied to the body (A).
The rods double acting cylinders (D) will, therefore, drawn and pushed, while having a translational movement cycle (See drawings N [deg.]3, N [deg.]4, N [deg.]5 & ??N [deg.]6).
Thus, wind energy captured by the wind body (A) is converted into mechanical energy of translation of the piston at the double-acting cylinders (D), thus creating pressure on the latter.
The views from the front, left, top and perspective drawings N [deg.]3, N [deg.]4, N [deg.]5 & ??N [deg.] 6 show the action of the body (A) on the stems of double-acting cylinders (D) as well as the behavior of the system (WECS) upwind for different positions (0 [deg. ], 90 [deg.], 180 [deg.] & 270 [deg.]) of the profile (B) on the peripheral area of ??the body (A).
A nacelle (D) is embedded to the axis (L).
This platform (J) contains mainly a hydraulic motor (H) and an electrical generator (G), which can be coupled via a speed multiplier (See drawing N [deg.] L).
During the back and forth movements of the pistons series double acting cylinders (D), they grow hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit path (in red) convertible to either pulling or pushing, and through a set of valves (see drawing N [deg.]7).
The latter also allows to suck the hydraulic fluid in the double effect cylinders (D) through the hydraulic return circuit (blue) and, in single direction "regardless of the motion by pulling or pushing."
The hydraulic circuit of the aisle (red) is connected to the input of a hydraulic motor (H).
The back (blue) is also connected to the output of the hydraulic motor (M) (see drawing N [deg.]7).
Thus, the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure, is converted into a rotational movement of the motor shaft (H), which is connected to the axis of the electric power generator (G) via a speed multiplier, generating so clean electricity (see drawing N [deg.]7).
To allow for the wind direction kept the system (WECS), can be equipped with a system of automatic orientation allowing it to pivot on the mat (i) and keep the body (A) and the wheel (F ) continually face the wind, and this mode upstream or downstream.
In addition, the orientation can be achieved using a rudder (K), well-defined dimensions, fixed through a medium, the nacelle (J) (see drawing N [deg.] L).
In order to simplify the operation of the orientation system (WECS) and not limited to the solution of the rudder (K) is in this case taken as illustrative example.
Thus, wind energy captured by the body (A) is converted into mechanical energy of translation and rotation, respectively, via the rods of the set of cylinders (D) and the hydraulic motor (H).
This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy with the electric generator (G).
The link in this chain of energy conversion on the conversion of mechanical energy into mechanical energy of translation of rotation can be insured without limitation, via several other mechanisms such as crank-connecting rod or other ...
As announced at the beginning of the technical description, the system (WECS) is not subject to the theoretical limit of Betz (16/27%) and provides a better yield of wind energy conversion.
The only component subject to the Betz limit, is that the wheel (F) which has only a small surface area compared to the total active surface system (WECS).
In addition, this wheel (F) only serves to change the position of the profile (B) in a circular motion satellite and the energy it captures is not required to consider the chain of energy conversion described above, or in the final recovered energy.
The invention description about this technique, is a system for converting wind energy (CESG) into mechanical energy and then electricity.
This system of conversion of wind energy (CESG), described below, is not subject to the theoretical limit of Betz (59%).
Therefore, this invention provides a performance much higher than wind turbines currently in use.
System (WECS) has a wheel (F) with a series of blades arranged around (see drawing N [deg.] L).
The wheel (F) is rotated in association pivot about an axis (L) fixed, thanks to the kinetic energy of the wind through the blades, providing the wheel (F) a mechanical energy of rotation.
Flush to the axis (L), a holder (E), rigid enough, secures the plates (or the rear end) of a series of double-acting cylinders (D).
The latter may consist of one or more double-acting cylinders (see drawing 1M [deg.]1).
To simplify the present description, the system (WECS) has a series of three double-acting cylinders.
Distribution and positioning of the series of double-acting cylinders (D) on the bracket (E) to be assured of a well-defined way to ensure a better functioning (See detail N [deg.] The drawing N [ deg.] l).
The piston rods of the plurality of double-acting cylinders (D) are connected with the ball joint housing (A) and that, in order to provide the latter with a maximum degree of freedom in space, allowing one movement and a more fluid into the wind (See detail N [deg.] the drawing N [deg.] l) & (drawing N [deg.]7).
Said body (A) has a shape and surface property determined, respectively to achieve a drag coefficient higher and a maximum resultant force of wind captured.
In addition, the body (A) must have the lightest weight possible.
For this case, and not limited to a portion of its surface may be, for example, covered with veil (See drawing N [deg.]2).
In order to allow the wheel (F) to rotate freely and independently of the body (A), its active surface (the surface facing the wind) is kept constantly exposed to the wind (see the front views of the drawings N [deg.]3, N [deg.]4, N [deg.] 5 & ??N [deg.]6).
The mountings of the piston rods of the double-acting cylinders (D) on the body (A) to be set at the axis which coincides with the direction of the vector of the resultant force of the wind attacks the body (A) (See detail N [deg.] the drawing N [deg.] l).
A rigid arm (C) is recessed from one side to the wheel (F) and maintained on the other side, pivotally connected to a profile (B) U-shaped With a circular motion satellite, it turns, therefore, with the wheel (F) while sliding on a peripheral area of ??the body (A) (See drawing N [deg.]2).
In order to minimize the friction of the sliding profile (B), the latter may be in contact with the sides of the peripheral area of ??the body (A) via the rollers or the like.
In addition, the peripheral area of ??the body (A) must be smooth enough and stiff enough.
When the wind acts on the body (A), the latter rotates under the effect of the moment of the resultant force of the wind, as with that of the pivot section (B) and the body (A) grows without jamming through bonds ball, the stems of double acting cylinders (D) that are present in the area diametrically opposite the rail (B).
The rods double acting cylinders (D) present in the reverse zone (zone side of the profile (B)) tend to be drawn (see drawing IM [deg.]3).
Having a circular satellite movement, the profile (B) is rotated while sliding on a peripheral area of ??the body (A), thereby changing the pivot point of the resultant force of the wind (the pivot connection of the profile (B)) which s' applied to the body (A).
The rods double acting cylinders (D) will, therefore, drawn and pushed, while having a translational movement cycle (See drawings N [deg.]3, N [deg.]4, N [deg.]5 & ??N [deg.]6).
Thus, wind energy captured by the wind body (A) is converted into mechanical energy of translation of the piston at the double-acting cylinders (D), thus creating pressure on the latter.
The views from the front, left, top and perspective drawings N [deg.]3, N [deg.]4, N [deg.]5 & ??N [deg.] 6 show the action of the body (A) on the stems of double-acting cylinders (D) as well as the behavior of the system (WECS) upwind for different positions (0 [deg. ], 90 [deg.], 180 [deg.] & 270 [deg.]) of the profile (B) on the peripheral area of ??the body (A).
A nacelle (D) is embedded to the axis (L).
This platform (J) contains mainly a hydraulic motor (H) and an electrical generator (G), which can be coupled via a speed multiplier (See drawing N [deg.] L).
During the back and forth movements of the pistons series double acting cylinders (D), they grow hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit path (in red) convertible to either pulling or pushing, and through a set of valves (see drawing N [deg.]7).
The latter also allows to suck the hydraulic fluid in the double effect cylinders (D) through the hydraulic return circuit (blue) and, in single direction "regardless of the motion by pulling or pushing."
The hydraulic circuit of the aisle (red) is connected to the input of a hydraulic motor (H).
The back (blue) is also connected to the output of the hydraulic motor (M) (see drawing N [deg.]7).
Thus, the flow of hydraulic fluid under pressure, is converted into a rotational movement of the motor shaft (H), which is connected to the axis of the electric power generator (G) via a speed multiplier, generating so clean electricity (see drawing N [deg.]7).
To allow for the wind direction kept the system (WECS), can be equipped with a system of automatic orientation allowing it to pivot on the mat (i) and keep the body (A) and the wheel (F ) continually face the wind, and this mode upstream or downstream.
In addition, the orientation can be achieved using a rudder (K), well-defined dimensions, fixed through a medium, the nacelle (J) (see drawing N [deg.] L).
In order to simplify the operation of the orientation system (WECS) and not limited to the solution of the rudder (K) is in this case taken as illustrative example.
Thus, wind energy captured by the body (A) is converted into mechanical energy of translation and rotation, respectively, via the rods of the set of cylinders (D) and the hydraulic motor (H).
This mechanical energy is then converted into electrical energy with the electric generator (G).
The link in this chain of energy conversion on the conversion of mechanical energy into mechanical energy of translation of rotation can be insured without limitation, via several other mechanisms such as crank-connecting rod or other ...
As announced at the beginning of the technical description, the system (WECS) is not subject to the theoretical limit of Betz (16/27%) and provides a better yield of wind energy conversion.
The only component subject to the Betz limit, is that the wheel (F) which has only a small surface area compared to the total active surface system (WECS).
In addition, this wheel (F) only serves to change the position of the profile (B) in a circular motion satellite and the energy it captures is not required to consider the chain of energy conversion described above, or in the final recovered energy.
