CN101595303A - Hybrid wind turbine system, apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A wind turbine assembly and method capable of providing an overall constant power output. There is a wind power section that transfers non-constant power from the wind turbine to the generator section. There is also an auxiliary power section that can supply constant power to the same generator section. This may be operated in three modes of operation, namely a wind power only mode, an auxiliary power only mode and a combined wind power and auxiliary power mode.

Description

Hybrid wind turbine system, apparatus and method

Cross References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to US Serial No. 60/898619, filed January 30, 2007.

technical field

The present invention relates generally to wind turbine technology, and more particularly to systems combining wind turbine apparatus and methods with other energy sources.

Background technique

While wind turbine power has many advantages as an additional and/or alternative energy source, it does have the disadvantage of having time intervals when no power is produced at all or only a small amount. Thus, there have been various approaches to combining wind power sources with other independent power sources to enable more reliable generation of power in a "constant power" fashion.

A search of the patent literature has revealed patents relevant to addressing these problems, which are summarized below.

US 4204126 (Diggs) discloses a "Guided Flow Wind Power Machine With Tubular Fans", wherein the machine is capable of generating electricity when powered by the wind. At the same time, when there is enough wind power, the machine also has the ability to lift "big loads" hydraulically. Then when the wind dies, large weights are allowed to be thrown down to provide energy to drive the generators. 4 and 5 show weights 114 to 120 arranged in phases.

US 5740677 (Vestesen) shows a system suitable for use in locations where electricity and fresh water are required. However, this residential community is also close to a source of salt water. Wind diesel plants exist which provide electricity for various uses and operate distillation units to provide fresh water. A wind/diesel plant comprises at least an internal combustion engine, a wind turbine, a distillation unit, a first closed fluid circuit containing heating and cooling equipment, and a second open fluid circuit.

US 6127739 (Appa) was issued on October 3, 2000 and is the first of three patents with the same inventor as the present application. In this patent there is a front forward rotor 12 with blades causing rotation in one direction, and a rear rotor 21 (called leeward rotor 21 ) located behind the front rotor 12 and rotating in the opposite direction. The patent states that various items added to the device result in a much higher "energy efficiency factor value".

US 6278197 (Appa) is the inventor's second patent and discloses a wind turbine with forward facing sets of turbine blades rotating in one direction and a second set behind the first set and rotating in the opposite direction. Two turbine blade sets. The reason for this configuration is that there is still energy in the air passing the first set of turbine blades, which energy is utilized in the second set of turbine blades.

US 6492743B1 (Appa) is the third (latest) patent of Mr. Appa, this patent also shows the basic configuration of a wind turbine, where there are forward and aft blade sets. There is a heat exchanger with a centrifugal fan that circulates ambient air to cool the alternator in the unit, and the hot air is directed by ducts in the blades to the combustion chamber. Natural gas or liquid is also delivered to the rotating frame. When the wind speed is low, fuel is injected into the combustion chamber and burned with a large amount of air. The hot gas expands at the exit nozzle to provide thrust to assist wind power.

Contents of the invention

Embodiments of the invention include wind turbine assemblies and methods capable of providing an overall constant power output. There is a wind power section that transfers non-constant power from the wind turbine to the generator section. There is also an auxiliary power section capable of supplying constant power to the same generator section. It can be operated in three modes of operation, namely wind power only mode, auxiliary power only mode, and combined wind power and auxiliary power mode.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the front view of the hybrid wind turbine system of the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric exploded view showing components of a typical wind turbine installation, some or all of which can be combined with a wind turbine installation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the power generation unit 16 of the first embodiment;

Figures 4, 4A and 4B are views similar to Figure 3 showing a second embodiment illustrating an alternative location for auxiliary drive;

Figures 5 and 5A are views similar to Figures 1 and 3, showing a third embodiment representing the heat recovery section in the support tower;

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention in which a steam generator and a steam turbine are used as auxiliary power sources;

Figures 7 and 7A are diagrams illustrating a basic wind turbine system that also uses solar energy to add power to the system;

Figure 8 is similar to Figure 7 in that Figure 8 shows a basic wind turbine system also using engine auxiliary drive with heat recovery and associated steam turbine auxiliary drive;

Figure 9 shows a system for a solar thermal energy system which is independent of the wind turbine power generation system but has the same wind turbine structure;

Figure 10 is a combination of Figures 7 and 8, as Figure 10 shows a basic wind turbine energy system using an engine auxiliary drive with heat recovery, an associated steam turbine auxiliary drive, and a solar thermal energy system using the same steam turbine; and

Figure 11 shows a basic wind turbine system with an additional nacelle substructure for housing additional heat recovery and power generation equipment.

Detailed ways

The present invention can be more clearly understood by first briefly reviewing the overall system of the first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 . This is followed by a more detailed description of the set of components shown in Figure 2 that are typically found in prior art wind turbine installations and some or all of which can be included in embodiments of the present invention. A more detailed description of embodiments of the invention follows.

A. General description of the first embodiment

Now proceeding to a more general description of the first embodiment, as described above, it will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . There is a wind turbine assembly 10 comprising a base support comprising a vertically aligned tower 11 supported by a foundation 12 . At the upper end of the tower 11 there is a power generating main support structure 13 which is rotatably mounted to the tower 11 for rotation about a vertical axis of rotation 14 centrally located in the tower 11 . This support portion 13 provides support for the power generation portion 16 of the first embodiment and may be located in the structure of a nacelle 13 commonly used with wind turbines.

The entire power generating section 16 includes a blade section 18 , a rotational speed changing drive section 20 , a generator section 22 , and an auxiliary power section 24 . Blade section 18 includes a plurality of turbine blades 28 and a hub or rotor 30 to which blades 18 are attached.

Blade section 18 and speed changing drive section 20 may be grouped as primary power generating sections, while auxiliary power section 24 (and auxiliary or backup power components, including those shown in other embodiments) can be considered secondary power generating sections .

The primary and secondary power generators operate together such that the generator 22 provides constant power.

B. Summary of some prior art components

Having presented a general description of the first embodiment, attention is now turned to Figure 2, which, as mentioned above, is an exploded view of several components which are themselves present in the prior art and are present in current wind turbines is commonly used in . Only two of the three blades 28 are shown in FIG. 2 and the rotor 30 is not shown. There is a low speed shaft 32 which (as shown in FIG. 3 ) is connected to a speed changing drive 34 which is shown somewhat schematically and (as its name implies) has a ratio Shaft 32 higher RPM power output.

The drive section 34 is generally in the form of a gear section. Typically, the rotational speed of the low speed shaft 32 is between about 30 and 60 revolutions per minute, and the gear portion 34 is in turn connected to the generator 22 so that the generator rotates at a speed of between about 1200 and 3600 RPM. This is generally the rotational speed required by a large number of current generators to generate electricity. The gear portion 34 is connected to a shaft 38 located in the generator 22 .

An anemometer 40 to measure wind speed and a vane 42 to determine wind direction are provided. Both wind speed and wind direction data are sent to controller 44 . Controller 44, as its name implies, performs various control functions. For example, controller 44 controls yaw drive 46 and its associated motor 48 to keep blade portion 18 facing the wind as the wind direction changes, start and stop a wind turbine, and the like. A disc brake 49 is also provided for the low speed shaft 32 and can be applied mechanically, electrically or hydraulically in the prior art to stop the rotation of the rotating parts in an emergency.

All or nearly all of the components shown in FIG. 2 are or can be present in embodiments of the invention. However, for ease of illustration (eg, to avoid obscuring the figures), these components are not shown in the following figures (Figs. 3-11 ) illustrating nine embodiments of the present invention.

C. Description of the First Embodiment of the Invention

All (or many) components of the first embodiment are shown in at least one of FIGS. 1 , 2 and 3 . Reference is now made to FIG. 3 . Note that many components that appear in Figure 3 also appear in Figures 1 or 2 . For clarity, those components in FIG. 3 that already appear in either or both of FIGS. 1 and 2 have similar reference numerals, with the suffix "a" used to distinguish those specific components. Components that appear in FIG. 3 but not in FIG. 1 or 2 then have new reference numerals.

Now proceeding to the description of the first embodiment of Figure 3, as in Figure 1 there is a blade 28a connected to the hub 30a. Hub 30a is in turn connected to and drives low speed shaft 32a. The low speed shaft 32a in turn drives the speed changing drive 20a which then provides a high rotational speed power output to the generator 22a.

The components of this first embodiment described in the previous paragraph are already present in FIG. 1 or 2 . Also shown in FIG. 3 is an auxiliary drive portion 24a capable of providing a drive output to the generator 22a.

For ease of description, when describing the positions of the components in FIG. 3, the hub 30a should be considered to have a front or forward position, and the position of the auxiliary drive unit 24a should be considered to have a rear position. Meanwhile, the axis of rotation of the hub 30a, the blades 28a, and the low speed shaft 32a and any other components rotating on the same axis shall be designated as "rotating power generating shaft 67".

Returning now to the description of the first embodiment, the auxiliary drive unit 24 a provides a rotational drive output to the torque converter 66 . The torque converter 66 in turn has a driving connection to an overrunning member 68 (which may simply be an overrunning clutch), which in turn is connected to the rear end of the high speed shaft 38a of the generator 22a. The front end of the shaft 38a of the generator 22a is then connected to a forward overrunning drive member 69 which is connected to the drive output of the speed changing drive 34a. A torque converter 66 between the auxiliary drive unit 24a and the generator 22a may or may not be required, and the torque converter 66 is dependent on the design speeds of the generator 22a and the auxiliary drive unit 24a. If the operating speed of the auxiliary drive unit 24a and the operating speed of the generator 22a closely match, the overrunning clutch 68 will provide a suitable means of coupling the generator 22a to the auxiliary drive unit 24a.

There are various existing drives that can have the same function as the auxiliary drive unit 24a. For example, the drive can include an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, a steam turbine, a steam engine, or a hybrid drive. The most common types of drives include, but are not limited to, gasoline engines, diesel engines, natural gas engines, gas turbine engines, steam turbines, steam engines, Stirling engines, gas expanders, or hydraulic or electric motors with adjacent power sources or hydraulic energy. The energy source for the auxiliary drive unit 24a can include gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, heavy oil, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, ethanol, coal, wood, or any other energy source suitable for the auxiliary drive or its cooperating equipment.

D. Operation of the first embodiment

Now describing the operational features of this first embodiment, let us review three different cases, namely:

1. The wind speed is sufficient to be able to generate sufficient power to produce the desired power output of generator 22a;

2. The wind speed is not at all sufficient to drive the blade sections, and the auxiliary drive section 24a is energized to generate the required electrical power; and

3. Wind speed to be able to rotate the blade portion 18a to generate only an electrical power output below the desired output of the generator 22a and to be able to achieve the desired level of total electrical power output requires operation of the auxiliary drive portion 24a.

In the first case (where the wind force is at a sufficiently high level), blade portion 18a is rotated at or near full power output to drive blade portion 18a. In more detail, the blade portion 18a rotates with a sufficient power output so that the speed increasing drive portion 20a operates through the overrunning clutch 69 to drive the generator 22a with a sufficient power output to obtain sufficient electric power. The overrunning drive 68 connected to the shaft 38a of the generator 22a simply connects it over the auxiliary drive 24a, whereby the auxiliary drive 24a remains stationary.

Consider now the second case, where there is either no wind, or the wind speed is so low that the blade portion 18a is placed in a stationary or simply non-rotating position. In this case, auxiliary drive 24a is activated manually or automatically so that its rotational output is directed through torque converter 66 which in turn is acted by overrunning drive 68 which is caused to move in one direction Rotates to drive the generator 22a.

At the same time, the speed changing drive 20a remains stationary, and since the connection between the drive 20a and the generator 22a is overrunning the drive member 69, the generator 22a is operable to rotate such that it and the drive 20a have no driving connection and are all driven by The auxiliary power unit 24a drives.

Now consider the third case, where the power generated by the wind is large enough to achieve useful lower power output levels, but not large enough to meet the desired power output. In this case, the rotation of the torque converter 66 of the auxiliary drive 24a is acted by the drive element 68 of the auxiliary drive 24a by means of the auxiliary drive 24a and power is supplied to the rear end of the shaft 38a of the generator 22a .

At the same time, the pitch of the blades 28a can be set at the angle of attack to optimize the power output obtained by using two power sources. The effect of this is that the shaft 38a of the generator 22a is driven at its front and rear ends so that there is sufficient power to generate the desired electrical output.

At the same time, in this third operating mode, the two overrunning elements (drive clutches) 68 and 69 operate in their engaged positions to provide rotational force to the generator 22a with a sufficiently high power output.

E. Application of the first embodiment

We now turn our attention to some possible applications (ie the various ways in which it might be used) of the system of the first embodiment of the invention. As indicated herein above, one of the disadvantages of wind turbines is that they produce power intermittently. Thus, this puts wind power in the category of "non-constant energy generators". However, by combining the wind turbines in the combination of the first embodiment, which now becomes a constant power source, can provide energy to the grid on a continuous basis.

Another situation where it might be used is municipalities that require a reliable source of electrical power. With the system of the first embodiment, the system can be modified so that the auxiliary power source itself can generate a sufficient level of power. In this case, the auxiliary power source can be operated as a sole power source in time intervals when the wind turbine power source is idle. Then when wind energy is available, the system can operate in either of the modes described above, Mode 1 or Mode 2, where the electrical output comes entirely from the wind turbines, or can operate in the dual drive mode of Mode 3, where a combination of wind turbines and auxiliary power sections are used Operates to drive the generator 22a.

From the above comments it is evident that only one generator 22a is required in each of the three modes. Various costs are incurred in supplying electric power by the generator, such as costs of power distribution equipment, transformers, and the like. With this arrangement of the present embodiment, additional costs are reduced by using the same generator for:

1. "Wind power mode only";

2. "Separate Auxiliary Power Mode"; and

3. “Combined wind power/auxiliary power mode.”

It needs to be understood that all components (or a large number of components) shown in FIG. 2 can also be used in each embodiment of the present invention.

1. Generator type

To briefly review generator 22a, several different types of generators are provided to wind turbines, including induction generators, doubly-fed induction generators (for speed control), variable slip induction generators (for limited change of speed), synchronous generators (directly and indirectly connected) and DC generators (usually small wind turbines). Most wind turbines in service are standard induction generators, which are constant speed machines. Variable speed generators, with the exception of DC generators, can be maintained at a suitable constant speed by a control system. This is an addition to the operation of the auxiliary drive, since the additional energy input to the generator does not change the generator speed significantly. Extra torque input to the generator simply results in more power output from the generator. A DC generator is not considered an ideal candidate for an auxiliary drive because too much torque from the auxiliary drive would accelerate the wind turbine to the point where the wind cannot contribute to energy production.

2. Auxiliary drive considerations

To briefly review the different possibilities of the auxiliary drive 24a, it is possible to couple the auxiliary drive 24a directly to the generator via a torque converter or an overrunning clutch, or it is also possible to couple the auxiliary drive 24a via a gearbox using a torque converter or an overrunning clutch connect. In most cases, an overrunning clutch will suffice; however, if it is desired to run the engine at a constant speed and vary the output shaft speed to the generator, a torque converter can be used. If the wind turbine is stationary (zero speed) and the operator wishes to run the generator, he can activate the auxiliary drive 24a. Since the generator is stationary, the overrunning clutch will engage the generator once the auxiliary drive starts to start. The generator rotor rotates with the auxiliary drive shaft during start-up and always at the same speed as the auxiliary drive.

In order to connect the generator to the grid, the auxiliary drive must accelerate the generator rotor to a speed that matches the generator's rotating field. At this point, the generator breaker can be closed to connect the generator to the grid. Additional power input from the auxiliary drive to the generator results in a power outflow from the generator to the grid. An alternative method of starting the generators could be to use the soft start feature that most large wind turbines have to connect them to the grid. In this case, the wind must be used to spin the propellers, gears, and generators close to normal operating speeds before closing the breaker. In some cases, the soft start feature can be used to start the generator from a complete stop. In this case, the generator acts as a motor until the generator reaches a speed at which wind energy input causes power to flow from the generator.

If the auxiliary drive has a torque converter, the operator can start the auxiliary drive and run it to operating speed before engaging the torque converter to crank the generator. Through the torque converter, the engine speed can be varied while the output shaft speed from the torque converter can be kept at a constant speed, or conversely, the engine speed can be kept constant while the output speed varies with the generator speed.

The generator can be driven from the wind turbine end, the auxiliary drive end or both. The generator won't know the difference. The generator only knows that torque is being applied to its rotor to generate electricity. Auxiliary drives can be used to reduce the impact of high winds on wind turbines. The reduction of this effect can be achieved by applying an amount of power from the auxiliary drive that exceeds and is greater than the power applied to the generator from the wind. In this case the wind turbine does not provide full power to the generator. When strong winds hit the wind turbine and increase generator output and cause high loads on the gearbox, the auxiliary drive receives an autoregulator signal that reduces power output so that the generator and gears are not subjected to increased damaging loads. Manufacturers of wind turbines are constantly working on improvements to minimize the damaging effects of high winds, and would welcome new solutions to the problem. Current methods of controlling the effects of high winds are associated with electrical control systems and generators. A variable slip generator is used to help with high winds by allowing the generator to speed up temporarily (increased generator slip) to allow the extra wind energy to be converted to motive energy and not push the energy through the generator. This is like installing a clutch between the wind turbine propeller shaft and the gearbox to allow the clutch to slip in high winds to avoid damage to the gears.

3. Structural considerations

An additional benefit of the auxiliary drive arrangement is to change the center of gravity of the nacelle. The auxiliary drive acts as a counterweight on the opposite end of the nacelle as propeller, hub, shaft and gearbox. Since those components are very heavy, the wind turbine nacelle must be positioned to keep its center of gravity on the center of the tower. This means placing the propeller so close to the tower that the propeller blades are bent every time they pass the wind turbine support tower. In the past, wind shadowing and flexing of propeller blades has resulted in strain failure of the blades. The weight of the auxiliary drive on the opposite end of the nacelle allows the nacelle to be repositioned so that the propeller blades are away from the tower and less susceptible to flex and strain failure.

F. Second Embodiment of the Invention

Reference is now made to Figures 4, 4A and 4B which are different configurations of this second embodiment.

The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment except that some of the auxiliary drive components are placed in different relative positions and an auxiliary drive speed changer is added in Figures 4A and 4B to allow the installation of two auxiliary drives. The above example is where a natural gas engine is installed as an auxiliary drive and a steam turbine is installed as a second auxiliary drive. The second auxiliary drive is part of an energy recovery system capable of recovering waste heat from the first auxiliary drive and converting the waste heat into steam. The steam is then used as energy input to the second auxiliary drive. Another example for the use of a second auxiliary drive is the solar/wind hybrid wind turbine shown in Figure 7, where the steam generated in the solar heat absorber is passed to the second auxiliary drive (steam turbine) to provide additional power to the generator. power.

Parts of this second embodiment that are identical or similar to those shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 will have like reference numerals with a "b" suffix to distinguish the parts of the second embodiment, And newly mentioned parts have new reference numerals. Further, in order to distinguish three different versions, in the version of Figure 4, the suffix "b-1" will distinguish the parts in the version of Figure 4, and the suffix "b-2" will distinguish the parts in the version of Figure 4A, The suffix "b-3" distinguishes the components in the version of Figure 4B.

All three versions of the second embodiment have the following components: blades 28b, hub 30b, low speed shaft 32b, speed changing portion 20b, generator portion 22b and auxiliary drive portion 24b. In FIG. 4, all of these components are arranged substantially similarly to the corresponding components in FIG. 3, except that in FIG. 4 there are two auxiliary drives 24b-1 and 25b-1. Other specific features are the same, such as having a torque converter and an overrunning clutch in substantially the same positions as in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 .

The first version of the second embodiment of Figure 4 differs from the first embodiment in that in addition to the auxiliary drive 24b-1 there is a second auxiliary drive 25b-1 connected to the speed change drive section 20b-1. Power from the auxiliary drive 25b-1 is sent through the speed changing drive 20b-1 to the generator 22b-1 for additional power output. In Fig. 4, when there is not enough wind to rotate the wind turbine shaft 32b-1, an overrunning clutch 27b-1 must be installed to decouple the wind turbine shaft 32b-1 from the speed changing drive 20b-1.

In the second version of FIG. 4, FIG. 4A, there are the same components: wind turbine blade 28b-2, hub 30b-2, low speed shaft 32b-2, speed changing part 20b-2, generator part 22b-2 and auxiliary power Section 24b-2. Figure 4A differs from Figure 4 in having a second speed changing portion 26b-2 having an operative connection with an auxiliary drive portion 24b-2. There is then a second auxiliary drive 25b-2, which also has an operative connection through a second speed changer 26b-2. The second auxiliary drive 25b-2, which is part of a hybrid wind turbine system, provides the generator 22b-2 with additional power available from the energy recovery system or energy generation system in addition to the wind.

4B has substantially the same components as in FIG. 4A, except that the second auxiliary drive 25b-3 and the second speed changer 26b-3 transmit power through the second speed changer 26b-3 26b-3 is also on the same side. In other respects it operates in the same manner as the second version of Figure 4A.

G. Third Embodiment of the Invention

A third embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 5A. Components of this third embodiment that are identical or similar to components of the preceding embodiments will have similar reference numerals with a "c" suffix to distinguish the components of the third embodiment.

In this third embodiment, a basic system as shown in FIG. 3 is used, so that the main components of this third embodiment and their functions are basically the same as those in the first embodiment. However, an added feature is that the auxiliary engine drive is combined with two stages of an organic Rankine cycle heat recovery system to increase the overall efficiency of the engine drive.

In this embodiment, the two stages 50c and 51c of heat recovery are located in the wind turbine support tower 11c.

With this system, the heat recovery process captures waste heat from the auxiliary engine 24c exhaust as well as the auxiliary engine 24c coolant. At the same time, waste heat is converted to useful electricity using a separate turbine and generator as part of the heat recovery system in tower 11c.

In FIG. 5A hot exhaust gas from the auxiliary drive engine 24c flows to the organic Rankine cycle boiler to vaporize the organic working fluid. The cooled exhaust gas then flows to launch control unit 53c before being released into the atmosphere. The Rankine cycle includes a boiler feed pump 54c that pumps the organic working fluid to the boiler 52c for evaporation. The vapor then flows to expansion turbine 55c coupled to generator 56c. Power from generator 56c is connected to wind turbine electrical switchgear. The vapor then flows out of the expansion turbine to an air-cooled condenser 57c where it is condensed back to liquid. The liquid working fluid then flows back to the boiler feed pump 54c for recirculation.

In this embodiment, auxiliary drive engine coolant is passed from auxiliary drive engine 24c to organic Rankine cycle boiler 58c to vaporize the organic working fluid. Cooled engine coolant is then drawn back into the engine 24c using a coolant circulation pump 59c. The Rankine cycle includes a boiler feed pump 60c that pumps the organic working stream to boiler 58c for evaporation. The vapor then flows to expansion turbine 61c coupled to generator 62c. Power from the generator 62c is connected to the wind turbine electrical switchgear. The vapor then flows out of the expansion turbine 61c to an air-cooled condenser 62c where it is condensed back to a liquid. The liquid working fluid then flows back to the boiler feed pump 60c for recirculation.

The auxiliary drive 24c-1 is a very efficient source of additional power for hybrid wind turbines by converting waste energy into additional electricity.

H. Fourth Embodiment of the Invention

Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Components of this fourth embodiment that are identical or similar to components of the preceding embodiments will have similar reference numerals with a "d" suffix to distinguish the components of the fourth embodiment. This fourth embodiment has the same basic operating components as shown in the first embodiment, except that in the fourth embodiment the auxiliary drive 24d is powered by steam. Further, the generated steam for power supply is generated by a boiler located in the supporting tower 11d. The fuel can be solid fuel, liquid fuel, gaseous fuel or other fuel.

As shown in FIG. 6, there are a support structure 13d mounted to the tower 11d, a blade portion 18d, a speed changing drive portion 20d, and a generator 22d. There are also two overrunning drive members 68b and 69d on opposite sides of the generator 22d.

There is a solid fuel hopper 90 which directs solid fuel 92 to a furnace area 94 where there is a forced draft generated by a fan 96 . Further, there is a liquid and/or natural gas burner 98 , a steam drum 100 , a mud drum 102 , a boiler exhaust discharge 104 and a dust collection chamber 106 . There is a steam conduit 108 to a steam driven turbine 110 . Steam driven turbine 110 is positioned to provide power to generator 22d. Steam exhaust from steam turbine 110 flows along conduit 112 to air-cooled surface condenser 114 and is cooled by fan 116 . The condensate flows to the feed water pump 105 and back to the boiler steam drum 102 .

I. The fifth embodiment of the present invention

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 7 . Components of this fifth embodiment that are identical or similar to components of the preceding embodiments will have similar reference numerals with an "e" suffix to distinguish the components of the fifth embodiment.

In this fifth embodiment there is a solar thermal power source and an auxiliary power section in addition to the wind turbine power. In this case, there are three power sources to drive the generator, these three power sources are:

1. wind;

2. Power generated by solar energy;

3. As previously shown herein, the auxiliary drive can be fueled from a variety of energy sources, such as engines powered by diesel fuel, natural gas, ethanol, etc.

Wind and solar energy inputs produce variable energy that cannot be relied upon as a constant source of power. However, the auxiliary drive 24e (engine or turbine) would be the ultimate backup for constant power generation. Thus, with these three options offered for wind turbines, the user can purchase a basic wind turbine, a wind turbine with solar thermal energy drive, a wind turbine with engine or turbine (steam, gas turbine, etc.) Drive and engine or turbine driven wind turbine. Thus, the different sources of energy input to the wind turbine are not mutually exclusive but can cooperate to maximize the output of the wind turbine. By way of background information already given, FIG. 7 shows the basic components shown in the first embodiment of FIG. 3 , as well as the components described above with reference to FIG. 7 .

Thus, there is a constant power source in the form of an auxiliary drive motor 24e or other power source (see Figure 7A).

In this embodiment, in Figure 7, there is a tower 11e supporting a rotatably mounted support structure 13e, a speed changing drive 20e and a generator 22e. Figure 7A shows an engine auxiliary drive 24e-1 in the form of a steam turbine and an auxiliary drive 25e-1. There is a condenser 152e directing condensate from the boiler feed pump 148e-1.

To provide solar energy, Figure 7A shows the presence of a plurality of heliostats 130e that reflect the sun's rays in a converging pattern to a solar heat absorber 132e mounted in tower 11e. Figure 7A shows the presence of a boiler feed pump 134e that pumps water or other liquid through the solar absorber 132e to the steam drum 136e-1 so that the steam can be absorbed by the steam and water mixture generated from the solar absorber 132e-1 separated. The steam or other gas drives the medium upwardly to steam turbine 125e-1. Steam turbine auxiliary drive 25e-1 provides rotational power output to generator 22e-1 and engine auxiliary drive power output 24e-1, or provides rotational power output to generator 22e-1 through another operative connection.

In operation, either or both non-constant power sources (ie, a wind power source and a solar power source) are used to provide an energy output to rotate the generator 22e-1. The auxiliary power source 24e-1 can be used to bring power into the Replenish to full level. However, if the solar power source and/or the wind power source are sufficient, the auxiliary power section 24e-1 will not be required.

J. Sixth Embodiment of the Invention

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 8 . Components of this sixth embodiment that are identical or similar to components of the preceding embodiments will have like reference numerals with an "f" suffix to distinguish the components of the sixth embodiment.

In this sixth embodiment, there is an additional steam Rankine cycle heat recovery system to recover heat from the engine auxiliary drive exhaust. To describe this sixth embodiment, reference is made to FIG. 8 .

The hot engine exhaust exiting the auxiliary drive exhaust flows to a heat recovery steam generator 144f where the heat in the exhaust generates steam. The cooled exhaust then flows to launch control unit 146f for processing before being released to the atmosphere.

Boiler feed pump 148f pumps water to heat recovery steam generator 144f to boost steam. The steam and water mixture flows to a steam drum 149f which is part of a heat recovery steam generator 144f to allow steam to separate from the mixture and flow to the steam turbine auxiliary drive 25f. The steam turbine 25f converts steam energy into mechanical work by turning a turbine wheel and driving an auxiliary speed changing drive 26f and a generator 22f using overrunning clutches 68f and 69f.

After imparting a portion of its energy to the steam turbine 25f, the steam flows to the air-cooled condenser 152f where it is condensed back into water. The steam condensate then flows through a vacuum deaerator 154f for oxygen removal before flowing to the boiler feed pump 148f which pumps the feed water back to the heat recovery steam generator 144f to generate more steam.

Adding a heat recovery system to the engine auxiliary drive results in an increase in the overall thermal efficiency of the engine auxiliary drive. Several types of steam drives can be used to drive generators. An example of an alternative type of steam drive is a rotary screw steam drive machine.

K. Seventh Embodiment of the Invention

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 9 . Components of this seventh embodiment that are identical or similar to components of the preceding embodiments will have like reference numerals with a "g" suffix to distinguish the components of the seventh embodiment.

This seventh embodiment comprises a solar thermal energy system which combines the advantages of wind power and solar power using the same turbine structure.

In this embodiment, the entire solar thermal energy system is separated from the wind turbine power generation system. Solar thermal systems use an organic Rankine cycle heat recovery system to convert the sun's energy into electricity. Figure 9 shows the process flow for a solar thermal system. System components can be located in the support tower of the ninth embodiment or in the substructure of the nacelle.

As shown in Figure 9, there is a solar energy input to a solar absorber 190g which provides heat to a high temperature heat transfer fluid which is pumped through the absorber 190g using a circulation pump 189g. The heat transfer fluid then passes through heat exchanger 192g where it vaporizes the ORC working fluid. The cooled heat transfer fluid then flows back to the circulation pump 189g which draws it back to the solar absorber 190g. The vaporized organic fluid exits heat exchanger 192g and enters expansion turbine 193g. The expansion turbine 193g is coupled to a generator 194g that produces electrical power. The evaporated working fluid, usually propane or butane, flows through an expansion turbine to a condenser 195g where it is condensed back to a liquid. The liquid then flows to pump 196g which draws the working fluid back into exchanger 192g for conversion back to vapor. An expansion tank is provided to allow expansion of the heat transfer fluid in the solar thermal system.

In addition to the cost savings that come with combining wind and solar energy systems in one structure, solar and wind turbines have the added benefit of providing additional power output during the day when it is most needed.

L. Eighth embodiment of the present invention

An eighth embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 10 . Components of this eighth embodiment that are identical or similar to components of the preceding embodiments will have like reference numerals with an "h" suffix to distinguish the components of the eighth embodiment.

This eighth embodiment includes a solar thermal energy system and an engine system with heat recovery, combining the advantages of wind power, solar power, and engine power using the same wind turbine support structure.

Figure 10 shows a process flow for a combined solar thermal system and engine system with heat recovery. In the engine heat recovery system, hot engine exhaust exiting the engine 24h flows to a heat recovery steam generator 144h where heat in the exhaust gas generates steam. The cooled exhaust then flows to launch control unit 146h for processing before being released into the atmosphere. Boiler feed water pump 148h pumps water to heat recovery steam generator 144h to boost steam. The mixture of steam and water flows to a steam drum 149h which is part of a heat recovery steam generator 144h to allow the steam to separate from the mixture and flow to the steam turbine auxiliary drive 25h. The steam turbine 25h converts steam energy into mechanical work by turning a turbine wheel and using an overrunning clutch to drive a gear 26h and a generator 22h. After imparting a portion of its energy to the steam turbine 25h, the steam flows to the air-cooled condenser 152h where it is condensed back into water. The steam condensate then flows through a vacuum degasser 154h for oxygen removal before flowing to the boiler feed water pump 148h which pumps the feed water back to the heat recovery steam generator 144h to generate more steam.

In a solar thermal system, solar energy input to a solar absorber 132h is converted to steam that drives a steam turbine 25h coupled to a wind turbine main generator 22h. The steam then exits the steam turbine 25h and flows into an air-cooled condenser 152h where the steam is condensed back to water. The water then flows through the vacuum degasser 154h to remove oxygen and then to the feedwater circulation pump 148h where the oxygen-depleted water is pumped back to the solar absorber to generate more steam.

M. Ninth Embodiment of the Invention

Referring now to FIG. 11, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Components of this ninth embodiment that are identical or similar to components of the preceding embodiments will have like reference numerals with an "i" suffix to distinguish the components of the ninth embodiment. Accordingly, there are propeller blades 28i and hub 30i. There is also a speed varying power section 20i, a generator 22i and an auxiliary speed varying section 26i, an auxiliary drive section 24i and a second auxiliary driving power 25i which in this example is in the form of a steam driven turbine.

This ninth embodiment differs from the preceding embodiments in that the support structure (i.e. the nacelle 13i) has a nacelle substructure 14i to provide an additional working area for various purposes, such as to accommodate and for example assist the steam turbine drive Associated heat recovery equipment.

Existing technology uses space in the wind turbine support tower and nacelle to house all the equipment needed to operate the wind turbine. It can sometimes be a challenge to fit all the equipment into the space allowed in a cost-effective manner, leaving little room for any additional equipment. As the nacelle rotates to orient the wind turbine blades into the wind, any equipment located in the support tower that must cooperate with equipment in the nacelle must account for the rotation. This means that the design must include flexible joints, cables, hoses or other interconnections that allow the necessary rotation. By installing the nacelle substructure below the nacelle and above the leeward side of the support tower, a large amount of space can be provided for installing equipment that rotates with the nacelle. Thus, the problem of the interface device not rotating with the rotating device is eliminated.

Another advantage of the substructure of the nacelle is that it can be workshop fabricated and lifted by a crane to be fixed to the underside of the nacelle. Since the substructure of the nacelle is designed to have a width no wider than the supporting tower, there is no detrimental effect on the efficient airflow through the tower, which would have a negative effect on the wind turbine output. Instead, the nacelle's substructure cowling will be shaped like a tail behind the tower to aid in yaw control.

This ninth embodiment is advantageous for any of the options described in the preceding embodiments, including standard wind turbines without these options. This substructure can be used in a standard wind turbine to accommodate electrical gears or other equipment located in the tower for cost savings in the manufacturing process. Due to the very high supporting tower, the height of the substructure can be designed so that the substructure extends below the tower as required to accommodate all the equipment to be accommodated in the tower.

Although auxiliary engine drive 24i and steam turbine drive 25i are shown coupled with auxiliary gear 26i, various other arrangements are shown in other options equally suitable for cooperating with the understructure of the nacelle. For example, in Fig. 11, a heat recovery steam generator or organic Rankine cycle heat recovery plant, generally indicated at 260i, is shown in the upper part of the substructure. Then under the upper part is an air cooled condenser indicated by 262i. Beneath the substructure 14i of the nacelle is a support structure 272i which provides support to the substructure and is also capable of providing support for at least part of the nacelle 13i itself. The support structure 272i comprises a pair of circular rings 274i connected to the tower 11i, and there are roller bearings 268i which are rotatably mounted for circular movement about the tower 11i on the rings 274i. The supporting structure of the substructure, for example indicated by 278i, is then supported by these bearing rings.

The substructure of the nacelle has the same width as the tower. Thus, the substructure can extend further down the tower to accommodate additional equipment. Various options exist, including:

1. Engine-only configuration in the engine compartment;

2./HRSG/steam turbine/air-cooled condenser;

3. Engine/orc heat recovery/air-cooled condenser;

4. Solar steam generator/steam turbine/air-cooled condenser;

5. Engine/HRSG/solar steam generator/steam turbine/air-cooled condenser;

6. Solar heat absorber (heat transfer fluid)/orc heat recovery/air-cooled compressor;

7. Engine/solar heat absorber (heat transfer fluid)/orc heat recovery/air cooler.

The nacelle lower structure 141i is fixed to the underside of the nacelle so as to rotate with the nacelle. Various devices 26Oi may be located in the infrastructure at various levels. Examples are heat recovery device 260i, air cooled condenser 262i and cooling fan 264i. As indicated above, the structural support 274i for the substructure of the nacelle is supported by the tower using a metal support ring 270i to have the nacelle roll around the support ring 270i when the nacelle is rotated to face the wind. The solar thermal absorber 280i itself is located on the support tower.

Obviously, the vertical dimension of the substructure of the nacelle can vary considerably. In the representation of the subnacelle of Figure 1, its depth dimension (indicated by "b" in Figure 11) is about 40% of the horizontal length dimension (indicated by "a" in Figure 11), from the front of the nacelle Extends toward the working end to the rear working end. Obviously, this vertical dimension "b" can be increased or decreased considerably, depending on various factors. For example, the 40% dimension can be reduced to about 30%, 20%, 15% or 10%, even as low as 5%. At the same time, the 40% dimension can be increased to values such as 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300%, 400%, 500% or possibly even higher values.

The understructure of the nacelle is a nice simple way to provide a lot of space for equipment that rotates with the nacelle and thus eliminates interface problems with rotating as well as non-rotating equipment. The extra weight would also be a counterweight to the wind turbine blade and allow the blade to be located away from the tower, reducing blade deflection as the blade passes the tower.

To summarize at least some of the features of the present invention, embodiments of the present invention provide the following advantages:

1. The auxiliary drive system would allow the wind turbine to generate constant power instead of non-constant power.

2. Incorporating a solar heat recovery system into a wind turbine Hybrid wind turbines allow the use of the same generators, switchgear, support towers, real estate, and transmission lines by both wind turbines and solar thermal power generators.

3. The engine compartment substructure provides additional space for installation of equipment that must move with the equipment in the engine compartment, such as heat recovery system generators, air coolers, organic rankine cycle heat recovery systems and electric gears.

4. The lower structural cover of the nacelle will act as a tail fin on the wind turbine to assist in yaw control.

5. The substructure module of the nacelle can be manufactured in a workshop with ideal working conditions, thereby increasing worker productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.

6. Equipment located in the substructure of the nacelle can be installed in an upright position and remain in the upright position throughout the manufacturing process. Equipment in support towers must be turned on its side at some point during shop fabrication, shipping, or fabrication processing.

7. When compared to the heat rate in BTU/KWH of thermal energy conversion systems alone, the energy conversion efficiency in BTU/KWH of hybrid wind turbines is very efficient due to the non-thermal energy input from wind and solar systems, The hybrid wind turbine uses wind and/or solar and/or thermal energy input in one combined system.

8. All components of the hybrid wind turbine can be obtained and fabricated using commercially available equipment and commercially available engineering and manufacturing practices.

9. The substructure of the nacelle provides an alternate escape route for the operator in the event of a fire in the nacelle.

While the invention has been illustrated by the description of several embodiments and the illustrative embodiments described in detail, it is the applicant's intention not to be bound by such details or to limit in any way the scope of the appended claims. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will appear to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit and scope of applicant's general concept.

Claims (20)

1. A wind turbine assembly capable of providing an overall constant power output, said assembly comprising: a. A combined wind turbine support structure and a power generating support structure, the wind turbine support structure comprising a tower, the power generating support structure being rotatably mounted to the tower; b. The generator section, located in or at the power generating support structure; c. a wind power section mounted to a power generating support structure and comprising at least a rotatably mounted blade section to provide a non-constant wind power output; d. Auxiliary power section, which will provide auxiliary constant power output for the generator section; e. said assembly is provided with power and/or other energy transfer connections, a wind power section, and said auxiliary power section, said connections being used to enable rotational power transfer between one or more of said generator sections and/or other energy transfer; f. The wind turbine assembly is arranged to be able to provide constant power to the generator section at a desired power level by operating in at least three different operating modes, the three different operating modes being: i. "Wind power only mode" for situations where sufficient wind speed exists so that the blade section itself can generate sufficient non-constant power and the auxiliary power section can remain stationary; ii. "auxiliary power only mode" where the wind speed is low enough to not drive the blade section, or at least to a small value, and the auxiliary power section can be activated to provide sufficient constant power to the generator section to maintain the required power output ;and iii. "Combined wind power/auxiliary power mode" in which the wind speed is such that the rotation of the blade section provides sufficient power only partially to meet the required power level, and the auxiliary power section is used to provide sufficient power to the generator section to meet Operate at the level required for the power level. 2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein there is a main drive section comprising the wind power section and a power transfer section sending rotational power from the wind power section to the generator section. 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the main drive section includes a speed changing drive section to increase the rotational speed sent to the generator section. 4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the generator section includes a generator having first and second generator drive input connections, wherein the first generator drive input connection has a first possible connection to the main drive section. The operative connection, the second generator drive input connection has a second operative connection to the auxiliary power section. 5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein there is a first overrunning drive connection between the main power section and the generator drive input section, and there is a second overrunning drive connection between the generator section and the auxiliary drive section The drive is connected so that the generator can be driven from the auxiliary power section without being in the drive mode with the main drive section, and can be driven by the auxiliary power section when the generator is not in the drive mode with the main drive section. 6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power section includes a torque converter to provide variable speed power input to the generator section. 7. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the main drive connection also receives power input from at least one power source from the auxiliary power section to send power from the at least one auxiliary power source to the generator section . 8. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the auxiliary power unit comprises an internal combustion engine, an external combustion engine, a steam turbine, a steam engine, a hybrid drive engine, a gasoline engine, a diesel engine, a natural gas engine, a gas turbine engine, a Stirling engine , gas expander, hydraulic motor, and electric motor, the power source for the auxiliary power section can be hydraulic energy, gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, heavy oil, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, ethanol, coal , wood, or any other energy source suitable for the auxiliary power section. 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power section comprises a fuel fired engine having engine exhaust and liquid engine coolant directed to a heat recovery section to extract waste energy And convert waste energy into useful power. 10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein heat recovery from exhaust gas and engine coolant is done in a Rankine cycle section, wherein cooled exhaust gas is released and coolant is returned to the engine. 11. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a steam generating section and a steam turbine, wherein the steam generating section is located in or adjacent to the column, the steam turbine at least partially comprising an auxiliary power section, wherein the steam is directed to a steam turbine to provide a rotational power output to the generator section. 12. An assembly according to claim 1 comprising a solar absorber, a pump and a conduit portion arranged to direct a liquid medium through the solar absorber to heat the liquid medium to provide a gaseous medium portion, and liquid medium part, and direct the liquid medium part back to the solar absorber to further absorb the solar heat and continue to provide the liquid form of the liquid and the gaseous form of the liquid medium, said assembly further comprising a gas liquid turbine as at least part of the non-constant auxiliary power section , so there are three power sources driving the generator, the three power sources are: iv.i. wind; v.ii. Power generated by solar energy; and vi.iii. The portion of the auxiliary drive fueled by a constant source of energy. 13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the liquid medium comprises water. 14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the power generating support structure has a vertical axis of rotation, a front-to-back front support structure portion located between the vertical axis of rotation and the position of the blade portion of the assembly, and a the rear support structure part between the vertical axis of the support structure and the end part of the support structure, the end part of the support structure is located in a position diametrically opposite to the forward end part with respect to the axis of rotation, the assembly includes a substructure, the the substructure underlies the rear support structure portion so as to be vertically aligned with the rear support structure portion and is connected to the support structure so as to remain under the rear support structure portion when the support structure is rotated into various orientations, thereby The blade portion faces the wind, and the lower structure has accommodation areas where various equipment can be stored. 15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the substructure has side portions relative to a front-to-back alignment axis, wherein the sides have side portions that are no wider than the width of the tower so as to remain out of the way. Gas vapor flowing behind and around the tower. 16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the substructure has a vertical dimension that includes an area that is at least about 20% of a horizontal length dimension of the substructure that includes a working area. 17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the substructure is at least partially supported by a support structure mounted to the tower so as to be able to rotate about the tower with the power generating support structure. 18. A method of providing and operating a wind turbine assembly to provide a constant power output, the assembly comprising: a. providing a combined wind turbine support structure and a power generation support structure, the wind turbine support structure comprising a tower, the power generation support structure being rotatably mounted to the tower; b. positioning the generator portion to be located in or at the power generating support structure; c. Mounting the wind power section with blade sections to the power generating support structure and positioning these into wind positions to provide non-constant wind power output to the generator section; d. operating an auxiliary power section to provide an auxiliary constant power output to said generator section; e. continuing to operate the wind turbine assembly in a selected mode to provide constant power to the generator section at a desired power level in at least three different operating modes, the three different operating modes being: i. "Wind power only mode" for situations where sufficient wind speed exists so that the blade section itself can generate sufficient non-constant power and the auxiliary power section can remain stationary; ii. "Auxiliary power only mode" where the wind speed is low enough to not drive the blade section, or at least to a small value, and the auxiliary power section can be activated to provide sufficient constant power to the generator section to maintain the required power output ;and iii. "Combined wind power/auxiliary power mode" in which the wind speed is such that the rotation of the blade section provides sufficient power only partially to meet the required power level, and the auxiliary power section is used to provide sufficient power to the generator section to meet Operate at the level required for the power level. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing a solar absorber and directing the liquid medium through the solar absorber to heat the liquid medium to provide a liquid medium portion and a gaseous medium portion, and directing the gaseous medium to drive a power turbine to The generator provides power and also provides a constant power source to the generator section, so that there are three sources of power to drive the generator, which are: i. Wind; ii. Power generated by solar energy; iii. The portion of the auxiliary drive that is fueled by a constant source of energy. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing a steam generating section and directing the steam to an auxiliary power section to drive a steam turbine to provide power for an electrical generator.

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