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there are two concepts: 1. the VariFoil © / VairFoil © 2. the "progressive", or "recessive"
pitch of the "FOIL"
THE FOIL:
| VairFoil© / VariFoil© in three conditions |
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| neutral / partial variable / full variable |
The "foil" could be fabricated from a variety of materials. The idea I like for prototyping utilizes two verticle
rollers mounted in a welded ridgid frame. There is a polyester canvas "tube" stretched gently between the two rollers.
The "tube" has horizontal "stays" stitched to it internally at regular intervals, and the stays are "spread"
by a stiff verticle spine.The view from above is the shape of a canoe with rounded bow/stern. This assembly is able to change
it's shape to look more like a crescent as it turns in relation to the wind direction and the air pressure increases on the
windward side and decreases on the down wind side.
The foil may be fabricated from a number of materials, such as special alloy metals ( 2024 - titanium spring stainless alloys
etc. ) and composites such as glass / kevlar / graphite // polyester / epoxy - - - - -
PROGRESSIVE PITCH:
| TOP VIEW - VectorWorks drawing to .jpg |
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| IMAGINE ANIMATION? The 4 images illustrate 12 foil positions |
Each of the three (or more) foil assemblies rotates counter clockwise ONE HALF A REVOLUTION on it's axis as the main rotor
turns clockwise ONE REVOLUTION. The picture is much like boats on "spokes" sailing in a clockwise circle.
SIMPLE MECHANICALS:
The positioning of the foils may be accomplished in a variety of ways, including elecronically controlled servo motors. My
idea for the prototype utilizes a "cocks tail" which is attached to a bevel gear, chain sprocket, or spur gear assembly.
The EVENTUAL drive ratio is 1 1/2 to 1. I like the idea of using bevel gears. This would limit a "simple" unit to
three "spokes"
Imagine a 60 toothed bevel able to rotate freely on the main verticle shaft. This gear is attached to the cocks tail,
and changes position with the wind direction.
There are three shafts radiating out from the main rotors center along the 3 "spokes". A 60 toothed bevel gear
is mounted on BOTH ENDS of the shaft, however, the FOIL's axle has a SPECIAL CONFIGURATION of gears. THE FOILS AXLE HAS A
90 TOOTH GEAR which mates to the shafts 60 TOOTH GEAR. The gears are configured to have the foil assemblies turn counterclockwise
as the main shaft turns clockwise.
WHATS HAPPENING?
This page is under construction. I'll be editing and revising it's content. Before I call it a day, there is an jpg I exported
from a simple 3D VectorWorks drawing I worked on today (1/14/06)which I will upload - now -
OH! - - this design could be built by almost anyone with machine, welding and mechanical skills.
It is - essentially - a ferris wheel turned on it's side with (at least) 3 sails mounted in frames and turning counter
clockwise 1/2 turn for every clockwise turn of the main rotor - - like boats sailing in a circle - - - - - - -
The images below are primative - they include no detail. There intent is get the basic concepts across.
If there is no prior art, my hope is to be recognized as the inventor.
Here's in hope that the idea turns out to be more than just a cool piece of kinnetic art.
If it is mine - please call it the - - - - - - - - -
LORENZONINE CYCLE VAWT
GOT THE PICTURE?
| Lorenzos whirlygig with wind direction |
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| notice how all foils are "working" - - In the top picture, the foil at 3 oclock is "faired" |
This Progressive Pitch design requires a number of moving parts. The UPSCALING of this design to compete
with the current HAWT performance using long arm torque rather than short arm speed makes the most sense to me as the wear
and tear on some components would be reduced.
Think about the scale of a ferris wheel on it's side
and a light weight and streamlined compression / tension structure to support this VAWT's outboard weight and torque.
Also,
think about the possibilities of this design integrated in tall buildings.
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