Impulse wind machine
An impulse wind machine comprises the following: A funnel configured to capture air from the wind. A turbine housing configured to direct the air to the center (eye) of the housing where the air passes through directional vanes. A rotor configured to rotate within the eye of the turbine housing and configured with impulse blades along the longitudinal periphery. Air from the directional vanes impinges the impulse blades to cause rotor rotation. An exhaust deflector configured inside the cavity of the rotor to deflect exhaust air from the impulse blades axially out the ends of the rotor. Spokes on the rotor configured to provide a fan action during rotor rotation aiding removal of the exhaust air. A generator and a gearbox driven by a shaft connected to the rotor for generating electrical power.
1. An impulse wind machine comprising:
a turbine housing configured with an inlet to receive air and configured to direct the air in an inward spiral path to an outlet at an eye of the turbine housing, a plurality of directional vanes configured along the longitudinal periphery of the eye; and
a cylindrical rotor comprising; a shaft; a plurality of impulse blades configured longitudinally along the cylindrical perimeter of the rotor and configured to rotate on a shaft within the eye of the turbine housing; the plurality of impulse blades connected at each end of the rotor to a rim; a plurality of spokes extending between each rim to a hub on the rotor shaft; and an exhaust deflector positioned around the shaft and between the hubs, wherein the air passes through the directional vanes, impinges the impulse blades and causes the rotor to rotate, after impinging the impulse blades, the air is redirected by the exhaust deflector to leave the turbine housing outlet through the ends of the cylindrical rotor.
2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein a wind collection funnel comprising an air intake and an air exit with a decreasing cross section from the intake to the exit wherein the exit is coupled to the turbine housing inlet.
3. The machine of claim 1 , wherein each impulse blade is configured with a crescent cross section.
4. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the cross section of the impulse blade is concave on the air impingement side of the blade.
5. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the cross section of each spoke is configured with a flat surface oriented at an angle of 5 to 45 degrees to the plane of the rim.
6. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the turbine housing inlet is configured with a protective screen.
7. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the angle of each directional vane is approximately 5 to 45 degrees with respect to a corresponding tangent on the circle of the eye.
8. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the rotor shaft is supported by bearings and beating supports and is coupled to at least one adjustable gearbox.
9. The machine of claim 8 , wherein at least one adjustable gearbox drives at least one generator for generating electrical power.
10. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the turbine housing is configured with at least one wind diversion door that will open during storm conditions allowing air to escape to protect the machine from damage.
11. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the rotor is configured with at least one brake to stop rotor rotation.
12. The machine of claim 11 , comprising means for actuating at least one brake to protect the machine from over speed or electrical over current.
13. A method of operating the machine of claim 10 , wherein during storm conditions, the at least one diversion door is opened and at least one brake is actuated.
14. The machine of claim 1 , comprising a gearbox with variable gear ratios for adjusting the rotor rpm for maximum energy conversion.