GB2100687A - Sailwing construction - Google Patents

Sailwing construction Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2100687A
GB2100687A GB08120582A GB8120582A GB2100687A GB 2100687 A GB2100687 A GB 2100687A GB 08120582 A GB08120582 A GB 08120582A GB 8120582 A GB8120582 A GB 8120582A GB 2100687 A GB2100687 A GB 2100687A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
sailwing
leading edge
edge portion
airfoil
displaceable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB08120582A
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GB2100687B (en
Inventor
Derek Alan Taylor
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Open University
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Open University
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Filing date
Publication date
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Priority to GB08120582A priority Critical patent/GB2100687B/en
Publication of GB2100687A publication Critical patent/GB2100687A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2100687B publication Critical patent/GB2100687B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D3/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor 
    • F03D3/06—Rotors
    • F03D3/061—Rotors characterised by their aerodynamic shape, e.g. aerofoil profiles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors 
    • F03D7/06—Controlling wind motors  the wind motors having rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the air flow entering the rotor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/74—Wind turbines with rotation axis perpendicular to the wind direction

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)

Abstract

A semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing (10) comprises a trailing edge portion (14), a leading edge portion (12), and a flexible covering (16). At least a part of the leading edge portion (12) is pivotable about a bearing (18) so that the droop angle of the leading edge can be adjusted. This may be effected manually or automatically in dependence on ambient conditions. Applicable to vertical axis wind turbine or to sailing craft with a number of sailwings set vertically each for rotation about a central axis or mast. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Sailwing construction This invention relates generally to the construction of semi-rigid airfoils, commonly known as sailwings. The present invention is particularly concerned with sailwings which are sutable for movement around a vertical axis, such as in a vertical axis Darrieus wind turbine and in sailing carft which have a pluarlity of sailwings set vertically for rotation about a central axis of mast.
It is conventional for semi-rigid airfoils or sailwings to comprise a rigid leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, each extending between a root at one end of the wing and a tip at the other end of the wing, with a fabric or other flexible material extending over and around the leading and trailing edge portions to form the airfoil shape when the sailwing is subjected to an aerodynamic loading.
It is a object of the present invention to provide a semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing which has a leading edge portion which is movable to vary the droop angle of the sailwing.
Broadly in accordance with the present invention there is provided a semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing having a leading edge portion which is displaceable, for example about bearing means, in order to vary the droop angle of said leading edge portion.
The variable droop angle leading edge portion may extend the full length of the sailwing from root to tip, or alternatively may extend over only a part of this length.
Preferably, the variable angle leading edge portion can be displaced between two limit positions, with the apex of the displaceable leading edge portion moving from one side to the other of a line extending through the centres of a pair of tubular spars which comprise the leading and trailing edge portions of the sailwing respectively.
One embodiment of variable droop angle sailwing in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view through the sailwing; and Figure 2 shows an application of the sailwing to a vertical mast.
As can be seen from Fig. 1, the sailwing which is indicated generally at 10 comprises a leading edge portion of fairing 12, a trailing edge portion 14, and a flexible covering material 16, for example of polyester fabric, which forms the airfoil shape of the sailwing when it is subjected to an aerodynamic loading. The shape of the sailwing as shown in solid outline in Fig. 1 approximates that of a conventional sailwing, in that the leading edge portion 1 2 is tilted downwards from the horizontal to define a droop angle a. With this arrangement the airfoil takes on a generally upwardly convex shape when loaded.
In accordance with the present invention the leading edge portion 1 2 is mounted on a suitable bearing 1 8 so that it can be displaced into the position which is shown in broken lines in Fig. 1 where the droop angle becomes a tilt angle P. It is to be understood that although the positions of the leading edge portion 1 2 indicated by the angles a and ss are limit positions, the leading edge portion 1 2 can adopt any intermediate position between these two limits. There bearing 1 8 is preferably positioned along the portion of the sailwing which has the maximum cross-section depth. The bearing 1 8 may take any suitable form appropriate to this form of construction, and could be a simple plain bearing for example.The displaceable leading edge portion 1 2 may extend the full length of the sailwing, or alternatively may extend over only a part of the length of the sailwing.
As can be seen from the broken line contour in Fig. 1, when the leading edge portion 1 2 is tilted upwardly at an angle ss the flexible covering material 1 6 becomes downwardly convex. By arranging for the leading edge portion of the sailwing to have a variable droop angle in this way, the sailwing, can adopt different shapes dependent upon the wind direction and wind speed.
The sailwing can be used on a vertical mast for sailing craft, for example as shown in Fig.
2. The sailwing 10 is shown mounted on a mast 20, and root and tip ribs 22 and 24 correspond to the boom and gaff in nautical terms. If the leading edge fairing 1 2 is independently pivotable in relatin to the root and tip ribs 22, 24 then the variable droop angle can be controlled manually. This is of advantage for sailing craft, facilitating the ability to tack either to port or to starboard. Simple plain bearings can be used between the leading edge fairing and the cylindrical or tubular spar or mast 20.
1. A semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing having a leading edge portion which displaceable to vary the droop angle of said leading edge portion.
2. An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 1, in which the leading edge portion is displaceable about a bearing means located within the contour of the airfoil or sailwing.
3. An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the bearing means is positioned to extend along the portion of the airfoil or sailwing which has the maximum cross-sectional depth.
4. An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the said displaceable leading edge portion extends the full length of
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (9)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Sailwing construction This invention relates generally to the construction of semi-rigid airfoils, commonly known as sailwings. The present invention is particularly concerned with sailwings which are sutable for movement around a vertical axis, such as in a vertical axis Darrieus wind turbine and in sailing carft which have a pluarlity of sailwings set vertically for rotation about a central axis of mast. It is conventional for semi-rigid airfoils or sailwings to comprise a rigid leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion, each extending between a root at one end of the wing and a tip at the other end of the wing, with a fabric or other flexible material extending over and around the leading and trailing edge portions to form the airfoil shape when the sailwing is subjected to an aerodynamic loading. It is a object of the present invention to provide a semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing which has a leading edge portion which is movable to vary the droop angle of the sailwing. Broadly in accordance with the present invention there is provided a semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing having a leading edge portion which is displaceable, for example about bearing means, in order to vary the droop angle of said leading edge portion. The variable droop angle leading edge portion may extend the full length of the sailwing from root to tip, or alternatively may extend over only a part of this length. Preferably, the variable angle leading edge portion can be displaced between two limit positions, with the apex of the displaceable leading edge portion moving from one side to the other of a line extending through the centres of a pair of tubular spars which comprise the leading and trailing edge portions of the sailwing respectively. One embodiment of variable droop angle sailwing in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a schematic sectional view through the sailwing; and Figure 2 shows an application of the sailwing to a vertical mast. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the sailwing which is indicated generally at 10 comprises a leading edge portion of fairing 12, a trailing edge portion 14, and a flexible covering material 16, for example of polyester fabric, which forms the airfoil shape of the sailwing when it is subjected to an aerodynamic loading. The shape of the sailwing as shown in solid outline in Fig. 1 approximates that of a conventional sailwing, in that the leading edge portion 1 2 is tilted downwards from the horizontal to define a droop angle a. With this arrangement the airfoil takes on a generally upwardly convex shape when loaded. In accordance with the present invention the leading edge portion 1 2 is mounted on a suitable bearing 1 8 so that it can be displaced into the position which is shown in broken lines in Fig. 1 where the droop angle becomes a tilt angle P. It is to be understood that although the positions of the leading edge portion 1 2 indicated by the angles a and ss are limit positions, the leading edge portion 1 2 can adopt any intermediate position between these two limits. There bearing 1 8 is preferably positioned along the portion of the sailwing which has the maximum cross-section depth. The bearing 1 8 may take any suitable form appropriate to this form of construction, and could be a simple plain bearing for example.The displaceable leading edge portion 1 2 may extend the full length of the sailwing, or alternatively may extend over only a part of the length of the sailwing. As can be seen from the broken line contour in Fig. 1, when the leading edge portion 1 2 is tilted upwardly at an angle ss the flexible covering material 1 6 becomes downwardly convex. By arranging for the leading edge portion of the sailwing to have a variable droop angle in this way, the sailwing, can adopt different shapes dependent upon the wind direction and wind speed. The sailwing can be used on a vertical mast for sailing craft, for example as shown in Fig. 2. The sailwing 10 is shown mounted on a mast 20, and root and tip ribs 22 and 24 correspond to the boom and gaff in nautical terms. If the leading edge fairing 1 2 is independently pivotable in relatin to the root and tip ribs 22, 24 then the variable droop angle can be controlled manually. This is of advantage for sailing craft, facilitating the ability to tack either to port or to starboard. Simple plain bearings can be used between the leading edge fairing and the cylindrical or tubular spar or mast 20. CLAIMS
1. A semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing having a leading edge portion which displaceable to vary the droop angle of said leading edge portion.
2. An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 1, in which the leading edge portion is displaceable about a bearing means located within the contour of the airfoil or sailwing.
3. An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the bearing means is positioned to extend along the portion of the airfoil or sailwing which has the maximum cross-sectional depth.
4. An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the said displaceable leading edge portion extends the full length of the airfoil or sailwing from root to tip.
5. A semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing comprising a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a flexible covering material extending between the leading and trailing edges, wherein at least a portion of the leading edge is displaceable to vary the droop angle of such leading edge portion.
6 An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 5, in which the displaceable leading edge portion can be moved to or can adopt positions between two limit positions, with the apex of said leading edge portion, in passing from one limit position to the other, moving from one side to the other of a straight line extending from the apex of the trailing edge through the centre of a bearing means about which the leading edge portion is displaceable.
7. An airfoil or sailwing as claimed in claim 5 or 6, in which the trailing edge is defined by a tubular spar and the leading edge is defined by an elongate cross-section fairing at least a portion of which is pivotable to vary the droop angle.
8. The combination of an airfoil or sailwing as claimed in any preceding claim with a mast which is arranged to be vertical in use, bearing means being provided between the mast and the airfoil or sailwing.
9. The combination as claimed in claim 8, which includes two spaced parallel ribs mounted on the mast and extending horizontally therefrom respectively above and below the airfoil or sailwing, said leading edge portion of the airfoil or sailwing being adjustable independently of the ribs.
1 0. A semi-rigid airfoil or sailwing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
GB08120582A 1981-07-03 1981-07-03 Sailwing construction Expired GB2100687B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08120582A GB2100687B (en) 1981-07-03 1981-07-03 Sailwing construction

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08120582A GB2100687B (en) 1981-07-03 1981-07-03 Sailwing construction

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2100687A true GB2100687A (en) 1983-01-06
GB2100687B GB2100687B (en) 1985-02-20

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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2208635A (en) * 1987-07-08 1989-04-12 Robert Irwin Hill Variable lift wing
GB2233947A (en) * 1989-06-02 1991-01-23 Trevor Lyn Whatford Reversible wing sail
GB2237330B (en) * 1989-10-07 1994-08-24 John Nicoll Vannan Semi flexible vane and fluid machine incorporating a plurality of such vanes
GB2308836A (en) * 1996-01-04 1997-07-09 Simon Fagg Reversible and finitely variable cambered lifting section
US6870280B2 (en) * 2002-05-08 2005-03-22 Elcho R. Pechler Vertical-axis wind turbine
WO2010056599A1 (en) * 2008-11-14 2010-05-20 Gwi Wind Technology Limited Vertical axis wind turbine blade
GB2488962A (en) * 1993-03-13 2012-09-19 Rolls Royce Plc Variable section vane
EP2620638A1 (en) * 2012-01-16 2013-07-31 Sarl Eolie Twisted and curved Darrieus rotor blade
NO337584B1 (en) * 2014-01-30 2016-05-09 Zeiner Gundersen Dag Herman Flexible profile

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2208635A (en) * 1987-07-08 1989-04-12 Robert Irwin Hill Variable lift wing
GB2233947A (en) * 1989-06-02 1991-01-23 Trevor Lyn Whatford Reversible wing sail
GB2237330B (en) * 1989-10-07 1994-08-24 John Nicoll Vannan Semi flexible vane and fluid machine incorporating a plurality of such vanes
GB2488962A (en) * 1993-03-13 2012-09-19 Rolls Royce Plc Variable section vane
GB2488962B (en) * 1993-03-13 2013-03-06 Rolls Royce Plc Variable section vane
GB2308836A (en) * 1996-01-04 1997-07-09 Simon Fagg Reversible and finitely variable cambered lifting section
US6870280B2 (en) * 2002-05-08 2005-03-22 Elcho R. Pechler Vertical-axis wind turbine
WO2010056599A1 (en) * 2008-11-14 2010-05-20 Gwi Wind Technology Limited Vertical axis wind turbine blade
EP2620638A1 (en) * 2012-01-16 2013-07-31 Sarl Eolie Twisted and curved Darrieus rotor blade
NO337584B1 (en) * 2014-01-30 2016-05-09 Zeiner Gundersen Dag Herman Flexible profile

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2100687B (en) 1985-02-20

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PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee