WO2012123707A1

WO2012123707A1 - Convection turbine renewable energy converter

Info

Publication number: WO2012123707A1
Application number: PCT/GB2012/050273
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon FLATT
Original assignee: Flatt Simon
Priority date: 2011-03-14
Filing date: 2012-02-08
Publication date: 2012-09-20
Also published as: GB201104208D0; GB2489203A; GB2489203B

Abstract

The insolation surface of the apparatus (20) is used to trap solar energy (26) through radiant heating. The gas (11) inside the exterior apparatus (10) is heated by conduction/convection and the resulting pressure differential causes the gas to rise. Dense cool gas enters the bottom of the apparatus through vents (2) to stabilise the pressure differential. The energised gas is compressed as it travels vertically around the preferred spiral (17) and turns the Vertical Axis Turbine(s) (5) as it exits the apparatus. The VAT's (5) will also be turned by the wind. Each rotating VAT has a connection mechanism (16) to the central propeller shaft (9). The configuration may include the use of a solar reflector (25) to make use of all available solar energy (26). The configuration may also use photo-voltaic receptors, ducting (3), floatation, multiple units and multiple apparatus.

Description

Title

Convection Turbine Renewable Energy Converter

Background

Energy derived from renewable sources is often subject to the issue of dependable output due to the unreliable nature of weather systems. As a result, renewable sources of energy are often overlooked as a solution to ever increasing energy requirements in favour of fossil fuel based energy conversion.

Renewable sources of energy are also overlooked or rejected due to the size, scale, appearance, low efficiency, practicality, cost, lifespan and environmental impact of current solutions.

Stateme nt of Invention

The Convection Turbine Renewable Energy Converter (CTREC) is a practical, scalable and long term solution to efficient renewable energy conversion. It is a concept that incorporates existing technologies and innovative design to maximise the efficiency or practicality of energy conversion in any environment.

The device (to be known as Flattpack) externally resembles a tapered gas channelling apparatus to be known as a cone, which incorporates one or more Vertical Axis Turbine(s) (VAT’s). The exterior surface of the cone is used extensively to trap solar energy through radiant heating. The area inside the exterior cone is heated by conduction/convection and causes an average temperature differential between the inside and the outside of the cone. The angle of the cone taper is dependent upon the location of use relative to the sun track across the sky and individual environmental factors to maximise net insolation. As a result of heating, the density of the air inside the cone is reduced and the pressure differential causes the air to rise. The reduction in volumetric area as the air rises vertically causes an increase in velocity. The rising air exits through the top of the cone and turns the VAT. The VAT may also be turned by the effect of moving air or wind. In unusual circumstances, for example if there were a space limitation or topographical feature, it may be preferable to modify the design of the cone and use a section of gas channelling apparatus to channel the air.

A preferential enhancement is to channel the rising air around the cone by using a spiral configuration (direction of spiral and VAT twist dependant on location of final use). There are multiple inlets at the bottom of the cone and outlets at the top. As the heated air rises vertically, the volumetric area between the spiral configuration reduces and results in an increased velocity. The moving air exiting the top of the Flattpack turns the VAT to convert the kinetic energy of the rising air into mechanical energy. The mechanical rotating energy is used to turn an electrical generator, machinery or mechanical pump dependant on the requirements. The VAT may also be turned by the effect of wind. The spiral is continued on the outer surface of the cone in order to increase the surface area available for heating and encourage vortices in the air to help turn the VAT.

The Flattpack utilises a cone and multiple VAT units. The cone portion of the design comprises of an outer cone and an inner cone. The outer cone has an external spiral twist, or has spiral twist which is covered with a transparent exterior layer, to provide a channel for the air to travel upwards around the exterior cone. The transparent exterior layer is designed to allow the maximum amount of radiant heating in a confined space whilst minimising re-radiation. The inner surfaces of the outer cone and the outer cone spiral(s) are constructed of materials designed to maximise the absorption of infra-red radiation. Ideally the surfaces will have an albedo as close to zero as possible. The outer cone and VAT may also have space for an array of photo voltaic receptors for the direct conversion of photons into electricity. The inner cone is heated by conduction/convection of energy from the outer cone. The inner cone has a spiral configuration which directs air in the opposite direction to the outer cone spiral configuration. The air exiting from the inner cone presents to the opposing face of the VAT from that of the outer cone and increases the efficiency of each VAT. Efficiency is also enhanced by the use of a scoop at the bottom of the inner cone to minimise energy loss due to aerodynamic drag. A further preferred development to the design is the addition of a parabolic reflector placed behind the Flattpack to reflect the energy of the sun onto the portion that remains in shadow. The placement, scale and type of reflector are dependent on the final positioning of the Flattpack in relation to topography, the position of the sun and the available insolation.

An additional preferable feature is to use a thermally conductive medium to convey the energy between the outer and inner cones. A liquid or gaseous medium could be used dependent on location of use. A gaseous medium may be more suitable in an environment that experiences extremes of temperature. The medium is circulated between the outer and inner cones by mechanical or electrical pumping means in order to store latent energy, which can then be utilised when insolation is low and allow for un-interrupted energy conversion. The thermally conductive medium could also be used to store surplus energy production when the Flattpack is producing more energy than is required. The excess energy would be used to heat a reservoir of the thermally conductive medium. The ability to convert energy in periods of solar or wind lapse would have a direct correlation to the reservoir volume. The use of an external reservoir of thermally conductive medium may improve overall efficiency and conversion capacity. If a thermally conductive medium were used in conjunction with geo-thermal sources of heat by means of a heat exchanger, the Flattpack would be less reliant on Solar Radiation or weather system related air movement, but would be a reliable form of energy conversion as long as a temperature differential between the inside and outside of the cone configuration were maintained. In such circumstances, the number of cones and VAT’s could be altered to achieve the maximum conversion of available energy.

The angle of the cone and direction of any corresponding spiral(s) are dependent upon the location of use. A preferential design enhancement to aid efficiency is to change the number of inlets, outlets, corresponding spirals and VAT type/size/position with scale.

Each VAT may operate individually or rotate around the central axis to turn a central propeller shaft. The shaft in turn is preferably connected to a gearbox and generator or pump. Each VAT may be connected to the central axis via a connecting mechanism, which also aides structural stability. In a rotating configuration, the VAT transfers mechanical energy to the central axis by self propelling along a toothed grove between the inner and outer cones. Each VAT has a cog at the base which meshes with the toothed groove and moves the VAT about the central axis whilst receiving energy input from moving air. In periods of use where there is an imbalance of mechanical thrust between each VAT, the cog on a non-thrust producing VAT will freewheel and the VAT will travel around the central axis with reduced drag until it receives enough moving air energy to re-engage and self propel along the toothed groove. If multiple VAT’s are used without connection to the central axis, then each VAT may remain stationary and provide individual energy conversion and output. The requirement for self propulsion around the central axis is negated, but each VAT will require an individual gearbox and electrical generator, or will require a mechanical linkage to a pump/central conversion unit. In all instances, each VAT and the consequent gearbox is protected from extremes of operation or environmental factors by a viscous coupling or clutch. To avoid structural damage in periods of severe climatic conditions, frangible pins and a hinge may be included on each VAT. In such circumstances, the pins would be activated and allow the VAT to fold in half vertically and weather vane until the weather conditions had passed and allow for servicing.

Further preferable options are that the Flattpack is not restricted to use in a terrestrial (or even earth based) environment. The use of a floatation device and a tether to restrict lateral movement would allow the Flattpack to be water based. If the Flattpack were placed in a sealed environment, it could still be used to convert energy outside of usual atmospheric conditions as a purely Solar Powered Vertical Axis Gas Turbine (assuming that it were still subject to gravitational forces and a heat exchanger were included to control the density of the gasses). Multiple units could also be arranged in a stack configuration to make use of all available sources of energy. In the case of abundant renewable energy availability, additional turbine units could be placed across the inlet(s) at the base of the Flattpack to maximise the efficiency of energy conversion. Lastly, if the Flattpack were active rather than passive, it could be used as a propulsion device.

Examples of the invention, preferred additions to the design, construction and usage, will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings. All of the preferred options depicted, should be thought of as interchangeable between designs in order to provide the maximum efficiency of energy conversion at the intended final location of the Flattpack:

Figure 1 illustrates a simplified starting point for understanding the invention

Figure 2 shows the arrangement of Fig .1 with the addition of internal spirals

Figure 3 shows a vertical cross section of the radius of the Flattpack with preferred options.

Figure 4 shows a 3d rendition of the Flattpack with preferred options from ground level

Figure 5 shows a 3d vertical cross section of the Flattpack with preferred options viewed from ground level

Figure 6 shows a 3d vertical cross section of the Flattpack with preferred options viewed from a raised position

Figure 7 shows a 3d vertical cross section of the Flattpack with preferred options viewed from an oblique angle at ground level

Figure 8 shows a vertical cross section view of the preferred propulsion gear mechanism at the base of the VAT in a multiple self propelling VAT configuration

Figure 9 shows a 3d rendition of the Flattpack with preferred options including a floatation device from ground/water surface level

Figure 10 shows a 3d rendition of the Flattpack with preferred options including a parabolic reflector device

Figure 11 shows a 3d rendition of the Flattpack with preferred options arranged in an example stack configuration

Figure 12 shows a 3d rendition of the Flattpack with preferred options used in a sealed environment with the aid of a heat exchanger

Figure 13 shows a 3d rendition of a non full cone Flattpack with preferred options in a non-ideal limited space or urban environment

Figure 14 shows a vertical cross section of the Flattpack radius with preferred options and individual VAT energy conversion

In figure 1, which is not itself part of the invention, a cone 20 made of infra-red radiation absorbing material, which is optimised for thermal conduction, is heated by solar radiation. Dense cool air inside the cone is heated by radiant heating and the temperature and pressure differential between the outside air and the inside of the cone 20 causes the air to rise. The action of heating and rising air causes an area of low relative pressure to form at the base of the cone and so dense cool air is drawn in through inlets 2 at the base of the cone to replace the displaced heated air. The heated air rises within the cone 20 and compressed due to the reduction in available volume, the compression along with additional heating causes an increase in gaseous pressure, which is expressed as an increase in vertical velocity. The heated energised air exits the top of the cone 20 and meets with the base of the Vertical Axis Turbine (VAT) 5. The heated air moving vertically causes the VAT 5 to turn. The direction of the twist in the VAT 5 is dependent on the intended final geographical location of the Flattpack. The VAT 5 may also be turned by the action of moving air or wind. The VAT 5 converts the kinetic energy of the vertically or horizontally moving air into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is delivered from the VAT 5 through a central propeller shaft 24 at the bottom of the VAT 5. The mechanical energy could either be used to power machinery, or could be fed into a gearbox/regulator 7 which contains a viscous coupling or clutch. Whilst the VAT 5 is capable of delivering power, the gearbox/regulator 7 will regulate the speed of the exit propeller shaft that is connected to an electrical generator 8.

In figure 2, which again, is not part of the invention operates as in Fig. 1 but an internal spiral 17 directs radiant heating currents of air vertically towards the vents/outlets at the top of the cone 20. The spiral 17 would ideally be made of a material optimised for thermal conduction to transfer some of the radiant energy from the cone 20 and increase the available surface area for energy conversion. The heated energised air exits through vents at the top of the cone 20 and meets with the base of the Vertical Axis Turbine (VAT) 5. The heated air moving vertically causes the VAT 5 to turn. The direction of the twist in the VAT 5 and the direction of twist in the spiral 17 are dependent on the intended final geographical location of the Flattpack. A further preferred development of the spiral 17, would be to continue the spiral 17 on the outer surface of the Flattpack. The increased surface area of the externally heated spiral 17 would aid the formation of external radiant heating currents around the outside of the cone 20. This would encourage vortices to form and move upwards around the outside of the cone 20, which would enhance the operation of the VAT 5.

In figure 3, a vertical cross section of the radius of the Flattpack with additional preferred design options is depicted. The preferred options include an outer cone 10 to enhance efficiency. A cone 20 made of infra-red radiation absorbing material, which is optimised for thermal conduction, is heated by solar radiation. Dense cool air inside the outer cone 11 is heated by radiant heating and the temperature and pressure differential between the outside air and the inside of the outer cone 11 causes the air to rise. The action of heating and rising air causes an area of low relative pressure to form at the base of the cone 20 and so dense cool air is drawn in through inlets 2 at the base of the cone 20 to replace the displaced heated air. The heated air rises within the outer cone 11 and compressed due to the reduction in available volume, the compression along with additional heating causes an increase in gaseous pressure, which is expressed as an increase in vertical velocity. The internal spiral 17 directs radiant heating currents of air vertically towards the vents/outlets at the top of the cone 20. The spiral 17 would ideally be made of a material optimised for thermal capture/conduction to increase the efficiency of energy conversion within the outer cone and increase the available surface area for heating the air. A preferable enhancement of the spiral 17 and VAT 5 would be the addition of solar energy receptors for the direct conversion of solar radiation into electricity. A further enhancement would be to circulate the thermally conductive medium 1 through the exterior spiral 17 to increase the surface area available for solar radiation conversion, and/or through a heat exchanger if geo-thermal sources of energy were available. The exterior surface of the cone 20 and exterior spiral 17 are covered by a transparent exterior layer 10. The transparent exterior layer 10 is designed to allow the maximum amount of solar radiation to pass through but to trap the energy and minimise re-radiation. The transparent exterior layer 10 causes a greenhouse effect within the outer cone 11 spiral 17 configuration and utilises energy that would otherwise be lost to the surrounding atmosphere in the basic version of the Flattpack. The heated energised air exits the top of the cone 20 and meets with the base of the Vertical Axis Turbine (VAT) 5. The heated air moving vertically causes the VAT 5 to turn. The direction of the twist in the VAT 5 and the direction of twist in the external spiral 17 are dependent on the intended final geographical location of the Flattpack. The VAT 5 may also be turned by the action of moving air or wind. The VAT 5 converts the kinetic energy of the vertically or horizontally moving air into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is conveyed from the VAT 5 through a central propeller shaft 24 (see figure 8) at the bottom of the VAT 5.

The VAT 5 transfers mechanical energy to the central axis propeller shaft 9 by self propelling along a toothed grove 23 (see figure 8) at the top of the inner and outer cones (see figure 8). Every VAT 5 has a cog at the base 6 which meshes with the toothed groove 23 (see figure 8) and moves the VAT 5 about the central axis propeller shaft 9 whilst receiving energy input from moving air. In periods of use where there is an imbalance of mechanical thrust between each VAT 5, the cog 6 on a non-thrust producing VAT 5 will freewheel and the VAT 5 will travel around the central axis with reduced drag supported by a castor 22 (see figure 8), until it receives enough moving air energy to re-engage and self propel along the toothed groove 23 (see figure 8). Each VAT 5 is connected to the central axis via a connecting mechanism 16 which also aides structural stability. The energy collected from the multiple VAT 5 units is transferred through the central propeller shaft 9 into a gearbox/regulator 7 which contains a viscous coupling and/or clutch. Whilst the VAT 5 is capable of delivering mechanical energy, the gearbox/regulator 7 will regulate the speed of the exit propeller shaft that is connected to an electrical generator 8. The inner cone air space 13 is heated by conduction of energy from the outer cone through a thermally conductive medium 1. The inner cone has a spiral 17 configuration which directs air in the opposite direction to the outer cone spiral 17 configuration. The air exiting from the inner cone presents to the opposing face of the VAT 5 from that of the outer cone and increases the efficiency of the VAT 5. The thermally conductive medium 1 is circulated between the outer and inner cones 12 by mechanical or electrical pumping 4 means in order to collect and store or re-radiate latent energy. The reservoir of the thermally conductive medium 1 is contained by the inner wall of the inner cone 19. The thermally conductive medium 1 is circulated from the reservoir to between the inner and outer cones 12 through pipes 15. The energised thermally conductive medium 1 is drawn from the upper portion of the reservoir through the pipes 15 and through the outer cone supporting struts 18. The thermally conductive medium 1 circulates between the inner and outer cones 12 absorbing or radiating energy as it circulates. The absorption or radiation of energy is dependent on the energy requirements and state of solar gain. The aim of circulating the thermally conductive medium 1 is to minimise the disruption to energy conversion caused by changes in weather and solar gain. A preferable enhancement for the thermally conductive medium 1 would be to increase the available surface area available for energy absorption or radiation, by circulating the thermally conductive medium 1 through both inner and outer cone spirals 17 as well as between the inner and outer cones 12. In periods of solar gain or energy demand, the thermally conductive medium 1 exits through pipes 15 at the top of the inner cone and is assisted to the bottom of the reservoir by pump 4. In periods of surplus energy conversion through either wind powered VAT 5 use or solar gain, latent energy is stored in the reservoir of thermally conductive medium 1 by means of an electrical heating element 14. In periods of extreme efficiency and solar gain, the clutch in gearbox/regulator 7 would disengage as a safety measure to avoid overheating and structural damage. Such levels of efficiency would be difficult to achieve or perceive, but a preferable design measure is the inclusion of a pressure release valve at the top of the Flattpack reservoir. The inner cone air space 13 is fed through inlets 2 at the bottom of the cone 20. To reduce aerodynamic drag and improve efficiency of airflow, air scoops 3 are included below the inner cone inlets 2.

The Flattpack in its basic and preferred advanced forms is both scalable and transportable. It would be entirely possible to manufacture it in modular format, so that it should be easily transported to remote locations as a flat pack Flattpack and provide energy conversion or a heat signature on a temporary or permanent basis in a relatively short time scale. The Flattpack in its basic and preferred advanced forms does not require extensive ground work for installation, and is designed to work anywhere that the VAT 5 or central propeller shaft 9 can be positioned in line with the vertical axis. The siting of the Flattpack in line with the vertical axis is preferable to reduce gyroscopic forces and/or vibration, but could also be placed at an angle of attack to the prevailing wind or sun position if the negative effects of an offset centre of gravity, reduced stability and associated structural strain were counteracted by enhanced efficiency at a particular location. The base of the Flattpack could either be a solid sheet of material, or could be on adjustable struts protruding from the bottom of the cone to allow for an uneven surface. The Flattpack could be secured by temporary or permanent means by external guide wires or ground anchors such as stakes/prepared base, or a combination of both.

In figure 4, the Flattpack, as described with reference to Fig. 3, with additional preferred design options is expressed as a three dimensional representation as if it were viewed from ground level. The preferred options in this instance are the use of multiple VAT 5 units and a central axis propeller shaft 9 configuration to enhance efficiency.

In figures 5, 6 and 7, as described with reference to Fig. 3 [Figure 5 shows a 3d vertical cross section of the Flattpack with preferred options viewed from ground level. figure 6 shows a 3d vertical cross section of the Flattpack with preferred options viewed from an elevated position and figure 7 shows a 3d vertical cross section of the Flattpack with preferred options viewed from an oblique angle at ground level]; The following description applies to each depiction equally. The preferred options in Figure 5, 6 and 7 include the addition of multiple VAT 5 units travelling around a toothed groove 23 (see figure 8) to enhance efficiency.

In figure 8, a view of the vertical cross section of the propulsion gear mechanism at the bottom of each VAT 5 is shown in close up. The VAT 5 is turned by the action of wind or air rising from the cone 20 (see figure 3). The mechanical energy from the turning VAT 5 is transferred vertically through the VAT central propeller shaft 24. The mass of the VAT unit is borne by a castor 22. The castor 22 is guided around a circular track which follows a path directly between the inner and outer cones 12. As the VAT 5 turns, so does the VAT central propeller shaft 24 which is connected to a cog 6. As the cog 6 turns, it meshes with the toothed grove 23 and propels the VAT unit around the circular track. The VAT central propeller shaft 24 is stabilised by a bearing 20, which also helps to stabilise the gear mechanism. The cog 6 contains a ratchet and pawl system 21, which allows the VAT 5 to self propel along the toothed groove 23 whilst receiving a positive energy input, but also in an imbalanced energy input situation, allows the VAT unit as a whole to travel around the toothed groove 23 with less drag, than compared with the use of a fixed cog 6. An example of such circumstances could be the operation of a Flattpack unit without the preferred option of a thermally conductive medium 1 (see figure 3). The Flattpack would be at greater susceptibility to an imbalance of energy conversion from high solar gain on one side, but little on the other.

In figure 9, a 3d rendition of the Flattpack, as described with reference to Fig. 3 with preferred options including a floatation device is shown from ground/water surface level. The Flattpack depicted in figure 9 is sited on a floatation device 21; the floatation device 21 allows the Flattpack to operate in a non-terrestrial or aquatic environment. The floatation device 21 is tethered to an anchor 24 by a tether 22 which has a swivel mechanism 23. The tether 22 allows the Flattpack to move within a defined geospatial parameter to allow for changes in weather, tidal systems or drag on the tether 22 caused by water movements. The anchor 24, could either be permanent or temporary and allow for relatively rapid deployment or servicing of the Flattpack, as it could be disconnected from the tether 22 if necessary. The floatation system would allow for operation in environments that would otherwise be uneconomical for renewable energy conversion. Additionally, the use of the floatation system would allow for seasonal deployment of the Flattpack if environmental conditions indicated that efficient energy conversion would benefit from such mobility. The Flattpack in its basic and preferred advanced forms does not require extensive ground work for installation and requirements for preparation are reduced further by utilising floatation devices. Whilst stationed over the centre of gravity on a floatation device 21 the VAT 5 or central propeller shaft 9 (see figure 3) will automatically have a mean position in line with the vertical axis. The siting of the Flattpack in line with the vertical axis is preferable to reduce gyroscopic forces and/or vibration. If however, special circumstances existed where greater efficiency could be achieved by positioning away from the vertical axis, then modifications to the cone 20, floatation device 21 or the angle of central propeller shaft 24/central axis shaft 9 should be considered. The tethered floatation configuration also reduces the amount of mutual damage caused to vessels and the Flattpack in the event of collision as each craft would be able to move relative to the forces involved. The floatation Flattpack could either be used as a singular unit or rafted with other units. The floatation configuration Flattpack could be particularly useful for Island communities, or for communities in the vicinity of deep water which would ordinarily prohibit the use of most current renewable energy solutions. As an addendum to the preferred design options shown in figure 9, a potential refinement would be to reduce the amount of thermally conductive medium 1 (see figure 3) used in order to limit the size of or negate the requirement for a separate floatation device 21. If the Flattpack were produced with a closed internal cone 19 base and the thermally conductive medium were stored below the mean water displacement line in an extended reservoir, the Flattpack would be neutrally buoyant. The issue of stability would be addressed with scale and altered dependent on the intended final geographical location for the Flattpack.

In figure 10, a 3d rendition of the Flattpack as described with reference to Fig. 3 with preferred options is shown including the use of a parabolic reflector. The preferred options also include the addition of multiple VAT 5 units travelling around a toothed groove 23 (see figure 8) to enhance efficiency. The addition of a parabolic reflector 25 is a preferable option, which would be particularly useful to increase the amount of solar radiation 26 directed onto the cone 20. The parabolic reflector 20 could either be passive in a fixed position or active. An active reflector would maximise the amount of available solar radiation 26 redirected towards the portion of the cone 20, that were in natural shade as the sun tracked through the sky. In periods of excess energy conversion, an active reflector could be re-positioned to reduce the efficiency of the Flattpack.

In such circumstances, the reflected solar energy 26 could be used to transfer heat energy to a reservoir of thermally conductive medium, separate to that of the Flattpack internal thermally conductive medium 1. The latent heat stored within the additional reservoir could be used as thermal energy accumulator, which would be available for use by the Flattpack in times of peak demand. Such flexibility would prove beneficial when the requirement for energy conversion were greater than the available latent energy stored within the internal thermally conductive medium 1 reservoir. The amount of latent energy available to boost conversion under such circumstances would be proportionate to the volume and capabilities of the external thermally conductive medium reservoir and the climatic conditions at the point of energy conversion request.

In figure 11, a 3d rendition of the Flattpack, as described with reference to Fig. 3 with preferred options is shown in an example stacking configuration. The preferred options also include the addition of multiple VAT 5 units travelling around a toothed groove 23 (see figure 8) to enhance efficiency. A stack arrangement as depicted would be useful in unusual geographical locations. The configuration would be especially useful in situations where the extensive ground works required for other current renewable energy technologies would be technically prohibitive or uneconomical. Multiple units could be used to increase the insolation efficiency of the available energy in a particular location. Due to the scalability option, the arrangement in figure 11 may be useful in a valley or mountainous situation if a single unit were deemed to prove less efficient. The stacked configuration would follow the topography of the area and increase the total surface area available for the conversion of solar radiation 26. The utilisation of multiple single Flattpack units increases the total amount of thermally conductive medium 1 available for energy conversion. Additionally, the stack configuration can take advantage of weather and localised physical phenomena such as Anabatic or Katabatic wind and localised air movements. In the case of abundant renewable energy availability, additional wind turbine units could be placed across the inlet(s) at the bottom of each Flattpack unit to maximise the efficiency of energy conversion.

In figure 12, a 3d rendition of the Flattpack with preferred options is shown in a sealed environment with a heat exchanger 27. The preferred options also include the addition of multiple Vertical Axis Gas Turbine (VAGT) 32 units travelling around a toothed groove 23 (see figure 8) to enhance efficiency. This Flattpack configuration solely relies on solar gain, but could be used outside of the earth’s atmosphere (assuming there were gravity available to control gas flows), or it could potentially be used in an environment where a floatation device 21 configuration (see figure 9) were not appropriate and the Flattpack were subject to periodic submersion. An available enhancement for this Flattpack configuration would be to replace the VAGT 32 with a conventional contra-rotating gas turbine arrangement. To aid efficiency in this particular configuration, the number of spirals 17 could be increased along with the number of cones 20. The efficiency of the system would be directly dependent upon the capacity of the heat exchanger 27 and the insolation of the location. Additionally, as with all other Flattpack configurations, the type, scale and composition of the Flattpack options are interchangeable, and the multiple VAGT 32 arrangement could be replaced with a single VAGT 32 linked directly to the central vertical axis propeller shaft 9 if that were to prove the most efficient configuration.

In figure 13, a 3d rendition of a non full cone Flattpack, as described with reference to Fig. 3 with preferred options in a non-ideal limited space or urban environment example is shown. The Flattpack could be temporarily or permanently incorporated into the Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) systems of the structure 30 by means of a heat exchanger. The passive heating or cooling would improve the thermal efficiency of the structure 30. The structure 30 could also provide structural support for the Flattpack. Dependent on location and prevailing weather or environmental conditions, the spiral 17 arrangement could be substituted for a vertical compartmentation arrangement, so that the inlets 2 would be vertically aligned with the outlets at the base of the VAT 5. Such an arrangement would negate the requirement for additional vents 31 and the thermally conductive medium 1 could be circulated through the vertically aligned compartmentation vanes to improve efficiency. Additionally, the central axis propeller shaft 9 and connecting mechanism 16 arrangements could be substituted for an individual VAT 33 unit (see figure 14) configuration.

In figure 14, a vertical cross section of the Flattpack radius as described with reference to Fig. 3 with preferred options and numerous individual VAT energy conversion is shown. The preferred options include the addition of multiple individual stationary VAT 33 units. The direction of twist in the VAT 33 and the direction of twist in the external spiral 17 are dependent on the intended final geographical location of the Flattpack. The VAT 33 may also be turned by the action of moving air or wind. The VAT 33 converts the kinetic energy of the vertically or horizontally moving air into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is conveyed from the VAT 33 through a central propeller shaft 24 (see figure 8) at the bottom of the VAT 33. The energy collected from the VAT 33 unit is transferred into a gearbox/regulator 7 which contains a viscous coupling and/or clutch. Whilst the VAT 33 is capable of delivering mechanical energy, the gearbox/regulator 7 will regulate the speed of the exit propeller shaft that is connected to an electrical generator 8.

Claims

A gas convection based power plant comprising an at least part conical member having a wider, lower end and a narrower upper end, the member supporting a first set of vanes running between the lower end and the upper end and forming gas channels on an outside of the member and a second set of vanes running between the lower end and the upper end forming gas channels on the inside of the member, the generator further comprising an array of turbines, each rotatable about a shaft parallel to the axis of the conical member and mounted at the upper end of the member such that each turbine is arranged so that when the gas within each of the channels is heated and convectively rises the gas from the channels on the inside of the member impinges upon a side of the turbine above the inner side of the member and the gas from the channels on the outside of the member impinges upon a side of the turbine above the outer side of the member thereby driving the turbine.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising; each vertical axis turbine [VAT] in the vertical axis turbine array [VATA] can utilise an individual energy conversion unit to harvest the available kinetic moving air energy, this energy can be transferred to a process requiring mechanical energy or converted into electrical energy by means of an electrical generator.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising; the VATA can be constructed as a structure which can rotate about the central vertical axis of the device under the collective power of the VAT’s by use of a toothed track which is located around the circumference of the conical member summit; a ratchet and pawl system attached to each individual VAT is used to allow turbines that have a positive power output to transfer the available energy to a central collection point whilst allowing VAT’s with less available kinetic energy to freewheel and reduce energy loss through drag.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising; the conical member which provides the inner structural support for the outer gas channel will be constructed of thermally conductive material and have an albedo as close to zero as possible in order to maximise the potential thermal gain from solar power, it will encourage the re-radiation of heat energy into the immediate vicinity and conduction of heat energy to the thermally conductive medium and interior portion of the conical member.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising ; if the outer gas channels are covered to form enclosed channels, the cover is to be made of non-conductive translucent material that will allow the maximum inward conveyance of infra-red radiation, but inhibit the re-radiation and conduction of heat energy to the area outside of the cover.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising ; the thermally conductive medium can be used to store potential energy at times of excess energy conversion or low energy demand, the thermally conductive medium reservoir can contain a heating device which is powered by relative excess energy from the VATA, the resulting potential energy stored in the thermally conductive medium can be utilised at times of solar or wind lapse, or transferred out of the device for use by other devices with a thermal requirement.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising ; the surface of the conical member, surface of the outer gas channels or surface of the VAT’s, or in any combination, can contain an array of photovoltaic receptors for the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising; each VAT unit can include a set of frangible and replaceable pins to protect the device from the extremes of weather or extremes of operation, the frangible pins are to be designed to allow the VAT to fold along the vertical axis and weather vane in extremes of weather in order to reduce drag and lessen the likelihood of structural damage.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising; the entire device can be placed on a platform designed for aquatic deployment, the floating platform could provide additional space for an enhanced thermally conductive medium reservoir and would be anchored by one or more stays to a fixed/temporary single point, or to other units and multiple anchor points, the associated tethers would be variable to allow for deployment in any depth of water and to allow for tidal variations.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising ; the addition of an active or passive parabolic reflective surface would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the device, the reflector would be placed behind the device at a perpendicular angle to the general sun track in a specified location and would reflect solar radiation onto the portion of the device that would otherwise fall in natural shade; the reflector would be of a scale as not to interfere with the available prevailing wind, but of a size that would provide a significant enhancement in energy conversion.
The plant as set out in claim 1 further comprising; the device can be used in conjunction with external thermal energy utilisations such as, but not limited to, HVAC systems and geo-thermal sources of energy.