Current research and development projects

1.) Renewable Energies

1.1.) Wind energy ⇾ wind turbine

1.1.1.) Vertical-axis wind turbine

I am currently working on the development of a high performance and low cost vertical rotor. My work is based on international studies and research in the field of drive types for VAWTs and the design and optimization of VAWTs (Vertical Axis Wind Turbines).

More Designs - Invention: Wind Turbine VAWT ⇽ Link 

1.1.2.) Procedures for this project

My approach to this project:

a.1.) Developing a project goal.

a.2.) Research and review of literature (journals, studies, and other publications).

b.) Preparation of sketches, designs and models (2D ⇾ 3D ⇾ CAD model).

c.) Testing, evaluating and comparing models in CFD simulations.

d.) Construction of different models

e.) Wind tunnel testing

f.) Tests under real conditions

g.) Evaluation, comparison and assessment of the tests (CFD, wind tunnel and real conditions).

h.1.) Publication of the project and/or 

h.2.) Patenting of the invention/technology or technical process or

h.3.) Selling the project to companies - including the rights to the invention/technology.

1.1.3.) VAWT Invention

VentusVortex

My invention includes the design of the new turbine, as well as the development of some turbines specifically for the turbine. The turbine can be operated with both H-Darrieus and Savonius rotors. There is a standard model and a Plus version, which has an unusual concept.

The increase in electrical power generation simply by the design and alignment of the components within the turbine is scientifically based. In terms of performance, the new turbine type can boast better values than the conventional Savonius turbine. In addition, the turbine may be able to generate even more electricity through a different concept in a separate version, the Plus version. Another feature that is available for both the standard and the Plus model is the ability to mount PV modules on the turbine. This eliminates the decision to invest only in solar or only in wind energy. 

My motto for the invention is: solar and wind energy are not mutually exclusive - they complement each other. Both energy sources have their own advantages and disadvantages - the special thing about my invention is that the disadvantages of both types of energy generation are reduced to a minimum, since both types of energy generation, solar and wind, can be used in parallel as well as individually.

More Designs - Invention: Wind Turbine VAWT ⇽ Link 

The particularities of VentusVortex:

1.) The system can be operated individually or in combination with other systems. The design allows modularization by stacking two identical units. In addition, the turbines can be placed closer together, with both parallel and diagonal arrangements possible.

2) The system is suitable for use in wind farms, where both mixed (HAWT and VAWT) and VAWT-only wind farms can be implemented.

A study by Anna E. Craig, Ph.D. (Dept. of Mechanical Eng., Stanford University, 2017) shows that more VAWT turbines can be placed on a field of size X than conventional wind turbines. Although a single VAWT does not produce the same output as a three-bladed turbine due to the different force effects at high altitude (larger radius ⇾ higher torque), it has been shown that the potential for electricity yield per unit area is five to eight times [the study refers to ten times] higher for VAWT wind farms than for conventional wind farms with wind turbines.

3) A major advantage of VAWT turbines (wind turbines with vertical rotor blades) over HAWT turbines (wind turbines with horizontal rotor blades) is their smaller footprint. This allows their use in areas where development is restricted due to conservation regulations, minimum distances from residential areas, animal welfare guidelines, or soil conditions. In addition, wind turbines for commercial purposes may not be operated in residential areas (exception: small wind turbines). 

4) The low height of the VAWT turbine has no impact on the landscape. 

5) Unlike conventional wind turbines, there is no periodic shadowing or light reflection (cast shadow and disco effect). 

6) The VAWT turbine is quieter due to the smaller rotor blades (depending on the turbine size) and has a lower noise impact due to infrasound.

7) The turbine is perceived as one object by birds and other animals.

8) The turbine does not have to align with the wind direction, which results in energy savings. The plant is designed to operate regardless of wind direction.

9) The VAWT system does not require blade adjustment.

10) The purchase and maintenance costs of the VAWT system are much lower than conventional wind turbines. 

11) The system is capable of generating electricity even in weak winds.

12) The modularity of the system makes it possible to build towers where each "module" is a complete system.

13) It is possible to mount PV modules on the system to allow the use of solar and wind energy in a small space.

14) The assembly and commissioning of the VAWT system (in a small version) does not require manual training.

A single VAWT turbine does not generate as much power as a wind turbine because it is usually much, much smaller than a wind turbine designed for high altitudes. The turbine I developed can be stacked, which means that only as much space is needed on a footprint as for a single turbine. Theoretically, two turbines produce twice as much electricity as one at a constant wind speed. Three turbines produce more than two and four produce more than three - with four turbines stacked taking up the same area as a single turbine. In addition, PV modules can still be added to the topmost turbine. With two towers of three plants each, you have six plants, with three towers you have nine plants, and with four towers you have 12 plants. 12 plants take up only the area of four plants on the footprint. This space-saving concept is very well suited for wind farms.

More Designs - Invention: Wind Turbine VAWT ⇽ Link 

Applications of the invention:

Smaller plants can be used in cities, towns and villages. The plants can be installed, for example, on roofs, in gardens or in fields (agricultural land). During the winter months, the plants can be placed on agricultural land to produce electricity for the company's own use, for its own consumption or for feeding into the public grid. 

Medium-sized systems can be installed on company roofs, along highways/interstates, on bridges, in wind farms, or on (cargo) ships. It is possible to build towers from medium-sized plants, where the tower consists of several self-contained plants.

Other uses:

1. at airports, to light runways or produce electricity for airport buildings.

2. in coastal areas, to produce electricity for homes and businesses.

3. in desert areas, to produce electricity for pumps and other equipment used in oil and gas extraction.

4. in rural areas, to produce electricity for homes and community centers.

5. in agriculture, to produce electricity for agricultural machinery and equipment.

6. on roads, to produce electricity for streetlights and other transportation infrastructure.

7. on buildings, to produce electricity for the building itself or for the public power grid.

8. in fisheries, to produce electricity for navigation and communication of ships.

More Designs - Invention: Wind Turbine VAWT ⇽ Link