Abstract: The invention discloses a rotor-integrated horizontal-axis wind energy conversion system employing multiple centrifugal pumps to generate a controlled spiral vortex flow within a closed-loop hydraulic chamber. Rotor torque drives the pumps, which inject fluid through circumferential ports to establish and stabilize vortex-induced swirl, thereby improving torque transfer to a runner and maintaining continuous power generation under fluctuating wind conditions. The vortex chamber geometry and fluid control reduce turbulence, mitigate aerodynamic stress on the rotor blades, and enable scalable, modular operation with redundancy across multiple pumps. The system incorporates bypass channels, variable pump actuation, and hydraulic accumulators to regulate fluid momentum and sustain vortex-driven generation at low wind speeds, including conditions as low as ~3 m/s. Additionally, the configuration employs a fixed-mounted vertical shaft generator located beneath the yaw bearing. In this arrangement, only the rotor and hydraulic circuit rotate during yaw motion, while the generator and electrical cables remain stationary. This eliminates slip-rings, swivels, or cable twisting, thereby enhancing operational reliability and reducing maintenance compared to conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to wind energy conversion systems, particularly horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs). More specifically, it concerns a closed-loop hydraulic system employing an integrated rotor–pump assembly configured to generate and sustain controlled spiral vortex fluid flow within a chamber for torque transfer, while providing adaptive regulation under low-wind conditions and enabling cable-twist-free fixed-generator operation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWTs) face several limitations, including turbulence-induced power fluctuations, reduced efficiency under gusty wind conditions, structural stresses on long blades, instability during low wind speeds, and cable twist issues caused by yawing mechanisms. Existing prior art primarily emphasizes aerodynamic refinements of rotor blades or optimization of mechanical gear trains. However, relatively little attention has been given to the integration of fluidic momentum control directly within the rotor system to stabilize torque output, enhance energy capture, and simultaneously resolve cable twist concerns.
There exists a need for a system that ensures stable and efficient power generation under varying wind conditions by introducing a controlled vortex mechanism into the turbine architecture. Such a system should further provide:
• sustained torque and useful energy extraction even at low wind speeds (e.g., ~3 m/s) without excessive parasitic losses or complex auxiliary systems;
• effective regulation of delivered power to protect downstream electrical equipment; and
• elimination of cable twist during yawing, while still enabling a fixed-mounted vertical generator at the tower base.
While some hydraulic-based wind turbine systems have been proposed, most rely on open-loop hydraulic circuits, which suffer from energy leakage, turbulence, and high maintenance requirements. A closed-loop hydraulic system capable of maintaining vortex momentum, reducing turbulence, and ensuring stable torque transfer would address these deficiencies and represent a significant advancement over conventional wind turbine technology.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a rotor-integrated, multi-centrifugal pump system that circulates fluid within a closed-loop spiral chamber to generate a controlled vortex. The system harnesses the high torque from a wind-driven rotor to drive multiple centrifugal pumps, which inject working fluid into the chamber through strategically positioned ports. This controlled injection amplifies and stabilizes vortex formation around the turbine runner, enhancing torque transfer and maintaining steady power generation.
A key utility advantage of the invention is its ability to actively regulate mechanical output and sustain useful power extraction at low wind speeds (e.g., as low as 2-3 m/s) by modulating distributed pump injection, bypasses, and accumulator operation. Another significant advantage is the use of a fixed-mounted vertical shaft generator located below the yaw axis, while only the rotor and hydraulic fluid system inside the nacelle rotate during yawing, thereby eliminating cable twist.
By distributing torque across multiple pumps, the system minimizes turbulence, reduces mechanical stress on blades, and provides redundancy. Real-time control of individual pumps enables adaptive vortex shaping, improving efficiency across a wide range of wind speeds.
The invention thus provides a closed-loop wind energy conversion system wherein:
1. A rotor-driven pump delivers working fluid into a spiral vortex chamber, creating circumferential swirl akin to a tornado.
2. The resulting vortex drives a turbine or runner coupled to a generator.
3. The fluid is recirculated back to the pump, forming a closed-loop circuit.
This arrangement:
• Transfers torque without requiring a long rotor and gearbox (90-degree torque transfer bevel gear system) connection.
• Maintains momentum with reduced turbulence.
• Provides stable performance under variable wind conditions.
• Enhances system reliability and efficiency compared to conventional turbines.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
1. To provide a wind energy conversion system with improved stability and efficiency by employing controlled spiral vortex flow in a closed-loop hydraulic configuration.
2. To utilize rotor torque for driving multiple centrifugal pumps that circulate working fluid, creating and sustaining vortex momentum for efficient torque transfer.
3. To reduce turbulence and power fluctuations under gusty or low wind conditions, thereby maintaining stable performance.
4. To enable adaptive, real-time control of vortex intensity and flow characteristics using distributed pump injection, bypass circuits, accumulators, and control strategies, ensuring useful power extraction even at low wind speeds (e.g., ~3 m/s) while minimizing parasitic losses.
5. To eliminate cable twist by employing a fixed-mounted vertical shaft generator beneath the yaw system, such that only the rotor and hydraulic circuit rotate during yawing.
6. To enhance modularity and scalability in wind turbine design through integration of pump-based vortex control.
7. To reduce mechanical stress and gearbox-related failures by transferring torque via controlled fluidic momentum rather than direct mechanical connection.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a horizontal-axis wind turbine system configured with a rotor-driven multi-centrifugal pump arrangement that circulates hydraulic fluid through a closed-loop spiral vortex chamber. The system generates and sustains a controlled vortex around a rotor runner, thereby enhancing torque transfer, stabilizing power output, and reducing turbulence under variable wind conditions.
A fixed-mounted vertical shaft generator, positioned beneath the yaw system, enables continuous nacelle rotation without cable twist, ensuring simplified drivetrain architecture and enhanced operational reliability.
The system incorporates a real-time control mechanism for regulating pump operation, bypass valves, and hydraulic accumulators. This enables adaptive energy extraction and storage, allowing sustained performance even at low wind speeds (~2-3 m/s) and during transient conditions.
In particular, the invention provides a closed-loop wind energy conversion circuit comprising:
• a rotor mechanically coupled to one or more hydraulic pumps;
• a spiral vortex chamber configured to receive pressurized fluid from said pumps and induce circumferential swirl;
• a runner or turbine disposed within the chamber to extract torque from the swirling fluid and drive a generator; and
• a closed-loop fluid return path for directing fluid from the runner outlet back to the pump inlet;
wherein the closed-loop arrangement maintains vortex momentum, thereby achieving continuous torque transfer with reduced turbulence, improved conversion efficiency, and enhanced turbine stability.
COMPONENTS / LABELS AND DESCRIPTIONS
Label Component Description
1 Rotor Hub / Runner Central hub connecting rotor blades; transmits aerodynamic torque to the shaft and pump system.
2 Rotor Bearing High-load bearing assembly supporting the rotor hub; ensures smooth rotation relative to nacelle body.
3 Rotor Gear Torque transfer gear mounted on rotor shaft; drives multiple centrifugal pumps.
4 Hybrid Coupling System 1 Gear train or magnetic couplers splitting rotor torque to pumps; adjusts rotor speed to pump operating speed.
5 Centrifugal Pumps The hydraulic pumps are designed for dual-mode operation. In mechanical mode, they are driven directly by rotor torque to circulate fluid under normal wind conditions. In electrical mode, they operate using power supplied from the auxiliary power source/recovered energy. Clutches or coupling mechanisms selectively engage or disengage between the mechanical and electrical modes, ensuring seamless transition and continuous operation.
6 Fluid Supply Channel Pressurized fluid conduit delivering oil from pumps to spiral chamber injection ports.
7 Fluid Return Channel Return conduit carrying hydraulic fluid from spiral chamber outlet back to pump inlet.
8 Spiral Chamber Enclosed chamber where injected fluid creates a vortex, stabilizing torque transfer and enhancing energy capture.
9 Annular Spiral Ring Ring structure guiding fluid circulation inside spiral chamber to maintain vortex formation.
10 & 10’ Injection Ports Multiple nozzles positioned tangentially to inject fluid into spiral chamber at controlled angles.
11 & 11’ Fluid Outlet Ports Outlets at chamber periphery or base that direct fluid back toward return channels and accumulator.
12 Pump Inlet Port Suction port on each pump receiving fluid returning from spiral chamber.
13 Pump Outlet Port Discharge port on each pump delivering pressurized fluid to supply channel and injection ports.
14 Hydraulic Turbine Runner Turbine runner inside spiral chamber; intercepts vortex energy and transfers torque to primary shaft.
15 Runner Shaft / Primary Shaft Shaft connecting turbine runner to gearbox input; transmits vortex-driven torque for power generation.
16 Gearbox Step-up gearbox amplifying turbine shaft RPM to match synchronous generator speed.
17 Generator Shaft / Secondary Shaft High-speed shaft linking gearbox output to generator input.
18 Generator Synchronous or asynchronous electrical generator converting mechanical torque into electrical power.
19 Yaw Motor High-torque, low-RPM motor enabling nacelle yaw alignment with wind direction.
20 Hybrid Coupling System 2 Gear arrangement transmitting torque from yaw motor to internal yaw gear in electrical mode/ charge the yaw counter weight and discharging for yawing in mechanical mode.
21 Internal Yaw Gear Large circular internal gear engaging with yaw system gearbox for nacelle rotation.
22 Slew Ring / Slewing Bearing Heavy-duty bearing enabling smooth nacelle rotation relative to tower top.
23 Tower Structural tower head supporting nacelle; provides protective housing for drivetrain.
24 Nacelle Chassis / Body Structural frame integrating rotor, gearbox, generator, and bearing assemblies.
25 Air Cooler Air-based radiator for controlling spiral chamber oil temperature and preventing overheating.
26 Working Fluid The working fluid comprises hydraulic oil, which may be mineral-based or synthetic, chosen for its lubricity, thermal stability, and predictable viscosity characteristics. In alternative embodiments, water-based fluids or other environmentally safe liquids may be employed.
27 Guided Vanes Direct fluid tangentially into spiral chamber, stabilizing swirl, reducing turbulence, and allowing adaptive control of vortex shape and intensity.
28 Micro-Ridges Small helical ridges on chamber wall reduce boundary-layer separation, sustain vortex stability, minimize cavitation, and improve torque transfer efficiency.
29 Bypass Valve/Flow control Manifolds Distribute pump output to chamber ports, regulate injection flow, bypass excess fluid, maintain stability, and support low-wind adaptive operation.
30 Hydraulic Accumulator A magnetically assisted piston-type hydraulic accumulator integrates ferromagnetic coil, piston, and fluid chamber, enabling variable-pressure storage, electro-hydraulic energy buffering, and dynamic control for turbine stability and auxiliary power support
31 G1, G2, G3 Modules Multiple Gravity-Assisted Overcurrent Energy Recovery Systems (GAOERS) operating in parallel to capture surplus energy and convert it into gravitational potential by lifting counterweights.
32 Vertical channel/rope Guides the movement of GAOERS assemblies in both upward (charging) and downward (discharge) directions.
33 Guided pulley 1 Vertically oriented pulleys at top and bottom to redirect rope and ensure smooth vertical counterweight movement.
34 Guided pulley 2 Horizontally oriented pulleys to provide lateral rope alignment and minimize side loading.
35 Base Platform Structural support at the bottom of the tower under which Yaw counterweight systems charge and discharge.
36 Rope Suspension element connecting the counterweight to the motor/generator-driven lifting assembly.
37 Counterweight Suspension element connecting the counterweight to the motor/generator-driven lifting assembly.
38 Ferromagnetic coil Acts as the electromagnet that produces axial magnetic flux across the piston gap. When driven with current it creates the magnetic field that produces an axial compressive force on the piston.
39 Magnetic yoke Provides a low-reluctance return path for magnetic flux and can contain permanent-magnet material for biasing. If permanent magnet material is used, the coil can be used for fine modulation (bias + coil).
40 Piston Converts magnetic pressure (and any mechanical preload) into axial force on the hydraulic fluid. The piston must have a ferromagnetic insert/core to interact with flux while maintaining hydraulic sealing.
41 Fluid chamber Stores the hydraulic fluid at elevated pressure created by combined mechanical pumping and magnetic assist. Connects to system via inlet/outlet.
42 Outlet/Discharge port Delivers pressurised fluid from the accumulator to the spiral vortex chamber or hydraulic circuit.
43 Inlet/Charging port
Allows fluid to return from the vortex/pump circuit to the accumulator for charging or balancing. The figure shows integrated routing through the hollow shaft.
44 Piston shaft Mechanical guide for piston plus internal fluid channel for inlet flow; hollow shaft also minimizes magnetic short-circuit and allows wiring or sensors through center.
45 Primary Runner Directly coupled with the rotor, rotates synchronously at the same RPM, initiating fluid motion.
46 Hollow Cylindrical Curved Pipe Guides and accelerates rotating fluid, transferring torque efficiently from the primary horizontal runner to the secondary vertical runner.
47 Secondary Runner Receives torque from the fluid stream and delivers mechanical power directly to the generator or via a gearbox.
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1- Cross sectional view of proposed wind turbine
Figure 2- Functional Block Diagram
Figure 3- Top view of fluid inlet and outlet system of spiral vortex chamber
Figure 4- Open-Loop Pipe Swirl System for Shaftless Torque Transfer
Figure 5- Cross sectional view of Magnetize Hydraulic Accumulator
Figure 6- Cross sectional view of wind turbine tower
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION UNDER SIX INVENTIVE POINTS
1. Closed-Loop Spiral Vortex Chamber with Multi-Energy Integration [Ref. Fig. 1]
The system comprises a closed-loop spiral vortex chamber configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from one or more rotor-driven centrifugal pumps. The chamber geometry may be cylindrical, conical, or logarithmic spiral, optimized to induce strong circumferential swirling of the fluid.
Key Features:
1. Enhanced Vortex Induction:
• Tangential injection ports and adjustable guide vanes direct incoming hydraulic fluid into a spiral flow path.
• Surface features such as micro-ridges, grooves, or adaptive textures stabilize vortex formation and reduce turbulence losses.
2. Closed-Loop Circulation:
• Hydraulic fluid is continuously circulated from pumps → vortex chamber → runner/turbine → pump intake, ensuring sustained vortex momentum and torque transfer under varying wind conditions.
3. Multi-Energy Integration:
• In addition to rotor-driven pumps, the vortex chamber can be energized by:
o Hybrid Pump Operation (mechanical + electrical drive via ultracapacitor bank).
o Overcurrent Recovery System, where surplus electrical energy is diverted from resistor banks to hydraulic accumulators feeding the vortex.
o Gravity-Assisted Counterweight System, where lifted counterweights (charged during high winds via yaw motor or overcurrent) can drive auxiliary pumps to inject additional fluid into the vortex chamber during low-wind conditions.
4. Dynamic Stability:
• Real-time feedback adjusts pump contribution, accumulator discharge, and auxiliary energy injection to sustain vortex circulation even under gusts, lulls, or grid disturbances.
Advantages:
1. Maintains consistent torque extraction despite fluctuating wind conditions.
2. Converts otherwise wasted overcurrent and unused tower space into productive energy inputs for vortex reinforcement.
3. Provides a redundant and adaptive energy loop, capable of maintaining chamber circulation using hydraulic, electrical, or gravitational sources.
4. Reduces turbulence and flow instability, increasing overall turbine reliability and output efficiency.
2. Hydraulic Feedback and Hybrid Coupling System
A real-time control system continuously monitors rotor speed, wind velocity, generator load, yaw position, and hydraulic pressure to regulate the operation of the rotor-driven pumps, bypass valves, flow-control manifolds, and auxiliary couplings. The system dynamically balances mechanical, electrical, and gravitational energy inputs, ensuring optimum turbine performance under all conditions.
The feedback system performs the following functions:
Torque Stabilization:
When torque decreases due to low wind or transient conditions, the system activates the hydraulic accumulator to sustain vortex momentum.
Alternatively, it can operate the hybrid pump using electrical energy stored in the ultracapacitor bank or recovered overcurrent to supplement vortex injection.
Overcurrent Utilization:
During high-wind conditions, when excess electrical energy is generated, the system diverts overcurrent to either charge accumulators or power the yaw motor in auxiliary mode.
In this auxiliary mode, the yaw motor lifts a counterweight within the tower, storing gravitational potential energy for later yawing assistance.
Hybrid Coupling with Counterweight Integration:
1. Hybrid Coupling System 1
A configurable gear train or coupling mechanism designed to manage torque transfer between the rotor and hydraulic pumps.
• In mechanical mode, the rotor torque is directly split and transmitted to multiple centrifugal pumps for fluid circulation within the closed-loop vortex system.
• In electrical mode, one or more pumps are decoupled from the rotor and driven by an auxiliary power source, such as an ultracapacitor bank or recovered energy module, enabling continued vortex injection or standby operation during low-wind conditions.
This dual-mode arrangement ensures uninterrupted hydraulic flow and torque stabilization regardless of wind variability.
2. Hybrid Coupling System 2
A dual-mode gear arrangement configured to selectively transmit torque from the yaw motor to different functional outputs.
• In electrical/charging mode, surplus electrical energy is directed to lift or pre-charge the counterweight assembly, storing gravitational potential energy inside the tower for further use in yawing.
• In mechanical/yawing mode, the coupling system engages the yaw motor with the internal yaw gear (slew ring teeth), allowing precise nacelle orientation.
A clutch-based switching mechanism ensures disengagement during counterweight lifting (minimizing energy loss) and re-engagement for yawing or controlled discharge. This design enables multi-task utilization of the yaw motor, reducing redundant hardware and enhancing energy efficiency.
Adaptive Energy Management:
The control system prioritizes between hydraulic, electrical, and gravitational storage sources, minimizing parasitic losses and preventing overload of pumps, runners, or yaw mechanisms.
Smooth clutching and bypass valve actuation ensure controlled energy distribution without introducing shocks to the drivetrain.
Advantages:
1. Provides continuous vortex stability and torque transfer under variable wind conditions.
2. Converts overcurrent energy into usable hydraulic or gravitational storage instead of waste heat.
3. Reduces yaw motor stress through counterweight-assisted nacelle control.
4. Enhances system resilience by unifying hydraulic feedback, hybrid pump operation, and counterweight integration into a single control framework.
This integrated hydraulic feedback and hybrid coupling system represents a novel advancement over conventional turbines, transforming the feedback loop from a purely hydraulic regulator into a multi-energy coordination hub that actively manages mechanical, electrical, and gravitational resources to maximize efficiency, stability, and operational flexibility.
3. Enhancement of Reactive Power Compensation and Hydraulic Energy Storage [Ref. of figure 5]
The system incorporates a capacitor bank or reactive-power management infrastructure connected to the turbine generator to provide reactive power compensation, stabilizing generator magnetization, voltage, and overall power factor under variable wind or transient conditions. In conventional turbines, reactive power primarily serves to magnetize the generator and is not used for mechanical energy storage.
In the present invention, the reactive-power system is innovatively integrated with a redesigned hydraulic accumulator, featuring magnetically responsive components such as a ferromagnetic piston or magneto-rheological fluid. The reactive current flowing through the turbine’s capacitor bank or converter-driven AC coil generates a controlled oscillating magnetic field, which directly assists in compressing the accumulator. This enables the accumulator to store additional hydraulic energy beyond what is possible with mechanical pumping alone.
This hybrid approach achieves multiple objectives:
• Maintains reactive power compensation for generator magnetization and grid support, ensuring voltage stability and power quality.
• Enhances hydraulic energy storage, increasing the effective pressure and fluid volume in the accumulator.
• Reduces mechanical load on the turbine-driven pump during low-wind or transient periods.
• Improves turbine torque and power output by maintaining stable spiral vortex injection in the closed-loop hydraulic system.
• Provides dynamic energy management, allowing modulation of stored energy via reactive current control while preserving primary reactive power obligations.
By leveraging the reactive-power infrastructure for both its traditional role and for magnetic-assisted hydraulic storage, the system establishes a novel hybrid energy storage strategy. This integration represents a significant advancement over conventional reactive power and hydraulic systems, improving turbine efficiency, grid compliance, and operational flexibility.
4. Gravity-Assisted Overcurrent Energy Recovery [Ref. Fig. 6]
In conventional wind turbines, excess electrical energy generated during high-wind conditions or sudden gusts is dissipated as heat through resistor banks or dump loads to protect the generator from overcurrent. This approach wastes usable energy and does not improve turbine efficiency or standby operation.
The present invention introduces a gravity-assisted overcurrent energy recovery system, integrated within the hollow tubular tower of the wind turbine, to capture and reuse this otherwise lost energy. The system comprises:
• Overcurrent capture module: Detects generator overcurrent and redirects surplus power to a motorized lifting assembly.
• Mass lifting assembly: The motor raises a heavy counterweight along a vertical track or rope-guided system, storing energy as gravitational potential. The lifting process may be supported by ultracapacitor buffers or magnetically assisted hydraulic accumulators for efficiency.
• Gravity-driven recovery: During low-wind or no-wind conditions, the counterweight descends under controlled release. Through a clutch–gearbox mechanism, the falling mass drives a generator, hydraulic pump, or vortex injection circuit, producing auxiliary energy to sustain turbine standby operation, spiral vortex injection, or torque stabilization without external grid dependence.
• Supervisory control: A real-time controller coordinates the charging and release phases, balancing energy flow among the motor, gearbox, hydraulic accumulator, and optional ultracapacitor modules for optimized performance.
Operation: During high wind, overcurrent energy powers the motor to elevate the counterweight with the gearbox disengaged for minimal resistance. At its upper position, the counterweight is locked in a charged state. When auxiliary power is required, brakes are released and the clutch re-engages the gearbox, allowing the descending mass to drive the generator at high torque via a high-ratio transmission. In figure 6, G1 and G2 are in charged state and G3 is in discharged state.
Key Advantages / Novelty:
1. Converts excess overcurrent into usable gravitational potential energy instead of wasting it as heat.
2. Utilizes the tower’s vertical space for integrated mechanical storage.
3. Provides auxiliary energy for yawing, lubrication, control, or vortex injection without external power.
4. Enables hybrid storage combining gravitational, hydraulic, magnetic, and electrical energy forms.
5. Enhances resilience, low-wind operation, and grid compliance.
5. Overcurrent-Assisted Counterweight Pre-Charging via Yaw Motor Multi-Tasking
In conventional wind turbines, the yaw motor is primarily used to rotate the nacelle to face the wind, and is typically active only when yawing is required. High-wind or gusty conditions often demand rapid torque adjustment, placing additional stress on yaw motors.
The present invention introduces a multi-tasking approach wherein the yaw motor remains idle during high-wind power generation when nacelle rotation is not required. During these periods, excess electrical energy, such as overcurrent from high-wind events, is utilized to drive the yaw motor in an auxiliary mode, lifting a counterweight within the turbine tower. This pre-charged counterweight serves as a stored gravitational energy source, ready to assist yawing when the nacelle requires repositioning.
Key Features and Advantages:
1. Yaw Motor Multi-Tasking: The motor performs a dual function — remains idle for normal yaw operation while simultaneously lifting a counterweight using overcurrent energy.
2. Energy Recycling: Converts otherwise wasted overcurrent energy into stored mechanical potential energy, enhancing overall turbine efficiency.
3. Pre-Charged Counterweight: Ensures immediate torque assistance for yawing when required, reducing response time and mechanical stress on primary yaw mechanisms.
4. Hybrid Integration: The lifting process is coordinated via the hybrid coupling system, integrating hydraulic pumps, gravity-assisted energy, and ultracapacitor or overcurrent buffers.
5. Operational Safety and Reliability: Controlled clutching, braking, and damping prevent shocks during counterweight engagement and release.
Implementation Concept:
• High-Wind Detection: Generator monitors overcurrent conditions.
• Auxiliary Mode Engagement: Yaw motor receives electrical input from overcurrent energy, lifting the counterweight along a guided path.
• Energy Storage Ready: Counterweight remains in elevated position until required for yawing.
• Yaw Operation: When nacelle repositioning is necessary, the stored potential energy assists rotation, reducing load on the motor.
This innovative multi-tasking of the yaw motor represents a novel integration of overcurrent energy recovery, gravitational energy storage, and auxiliary system coordination, providing a patentable enhancement to turbine efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility.
6. Alternative Embodiment – Open-Loop Pipe Swirl System [Ref. of figure 4]
The invention may alternatively employ a rotor-driven open-loop swirl system for torque transfer. In this embodiment, the wind-driven rotor is mechanically coupled to a pump or impeller that imparts circumferential angular momentum to a working fluid contained within a hollow cylindrical pipe. The pipe may include one or more curved sections, such as horizontal-to-vertical 90° bends, facilitating flexible layouts and allowing the generator to be positioned conveniently relative to the rotor.
Pipe and Swirl Configuration- The hollow pipe is smooth-walled and designed to confine the working fluid while it rotates circumferentially. The fluid remains substantially contained within the pipe volume, behaving as a rotating mass rather than a through-flow stream. Angular momentum imparted by the rotor is conserved along the length of the pipe, including through bends, enabling torque to be conveyed without a rigid mechanical shaft. The working fluid can be selected from hydraulic oil, water, or synthetic fluids depending on application.
Downstream Runner and Generator- A turbine runner, centrifugal impeller, or custom-designed blade assembly is positioned downstream within the pipe, coaxial with the rotational axis of the swirling fluid. The rotating fluid mass imparts torque to the runner, which is mechanically coupled to a generator directly or via gear box for electrical energy production. The generator mounted vertically to avoid the cable twist problem.
Operational Features- As the wind rotates the rotor, primary runner (3) rotates and the working fluid acquires circumferential velocity and retains its angular momentum along the curved cylindrical channel/pipe (4). The downstream/secondary runner (5) intercepts this rotational motion and converts it into mechanical rotation, which is transmitted to the generator (7) for electricity generation. Torque is thus transferred efficiently across bends or layout transitions without requiring long shafts.
Advantages and Applications- This open-loop pipe swirl system enables:
• Shaftless torque transfer, reducing alignment and fatigue issues.
• Flexible turbine layouts, such as horizontal rotor-to-vertical generator transitions.
• Compact nacelle designs with reduced gearbox dependence.
• Adaptability for various fluids and pipe geometries.
Optional Enhancements- System performance may be improved by optimizing bend radii, employing magnetic bearings for the runner, or using low-friction seals. Multiple pipe branches may be arranged in series or parallel to scale capacity or adapt to site-specific requirements.
This embodiment demonstrates that torque transfer can be achieved purely through swirling fluid motion, without reliance on direct mechanical shafts or complex vortex chambers.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
1. Stable and Efficient Power Generation: The spiral vortex chamber stabilizes rotor torque, reduces turbulence, and enhances energy extraction efficiency across a wide range of wind conditions.
2. Low-Wind Capability: Adaptive hydraulic pump control, bypass routing, and integrated accumulators sustain power output at wind speeds as low as ~3 m/s, extending operational hours.
3. Cable-Twist Elimination: The fixed-mounted vertical shaft generator design allows nacelle yawing without twisting electrical cables, thereby eliminating slip-rings and reducing maintenance downtime.
4. Scalable Modularity and Redundancy: Multiple pumps operating in parallel provide fault tolerance, modular expansion, and flexibility for different turbine capacities.
5. Reduced Mechanical Stress: The hydraulic vortex transfer system minimizes direct torque fluctuations on rotor blades, gearboxes, and bearings, extending component lifespan.
6. Real-Time Adaptive Control: AI/ML-driven controllers dynamically adjust fluid injection, vortex geometry, and runner torque extraction to optimize turbine performance under changing wind patterns.
7. Higher Energy Efficiency: Closed-loop hydraulic circulation with variable-speed pump operation minimizes parasitic losses and maximizes conversion efficiency.
8. Hybrid Operation Flexibility: Dual-mode pumps and hybrid couplers allow seamless switching between mechanical rotor-driven and auxiliary electrical operation, ensuring reliability during transient or low-wind conditions.
9. Improved Safety and Load Management: Hydraulic accumulators and vortex control act as buffers against gusts, protecting structural integrity and stabilizing output power.
10. Reduced Maintenance and Lifecycle Cost: By eliminating cable untwisting mechanisms and reducing gearbox dependency, the system lowers operational wear and overall lifecycle costs.
INDUSTRY APPLICABILITY
The invention is applicable in the renewable energy industry, particularly for utility-scale and distributed horizontal-axis wind turbines. Its features make it suitable for locations with low or gusty wind conditions, enabling consistent energy delivery. The system can be adapted for retrofitting existing HAWTs or for new turbine designs, offering improved operational reliability, low-maintenance requirements, and increased lifespan of turbine components. The hydraulic-based energy transfer and fixed generator configuration are especially valuable for offshore, urban, and remote installations where cable twisting and maintenance are major concerns.
, Claims:CLAIMS
1. A horizontal-axis wind energy conversion system comprising:
a) a rotor mechanically coupled to one or more hydraulic pumps;
b) a closed-loop hydraulic circuit configured to circulate fluid from said pump(s) into a spiral vortex chamber;
c) a spiral vortex chamber shaped to induce circumferential swirl of the fluid;
d) a runner or turbine positioned within the chamber to extract torque from the swirling fluid and drive a generator directly or via gearbox;
e) a closed-loop return conduit configured to return the fluid from the runner region to the pump(s); and
f) a fixed-mounted vertical shaft generator located beneath a yaw bearing, wherein the generator and electrical cables remain stationary and do not cross a yaw rotation interface, thereby eliminating slip-rings, swivels, or cable twisting.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the vortex chamber is cylindrical, conical, or logarithmic spiral in shape to enhance swirl stability and minimize turbulence.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the runner comprises a radial turbine, Francis-type blade, or custom impeller designed to extract torque efficiently from the vortex.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein guide vanes are positioned within the chamber to regulate swirl intensity and vortex geometry.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the closed-loop circuit includes bypass valves and flow-control manifolds configured to regulate pump contribution and optimize vortex injection.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the generator is vertically aligned with the runner and coupled via a torque shaft isolated from yaw rotation.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the working fluid comprises hydraulic oil, water-based mixtures, or synthetic heat-resistant liquids.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein hydraulic accumulators or pressure reservoirs store short-term energy and sustain vortex injection during transient dips in wind speed.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein cable twist elimination reduces or eliminates the need for slip-rings, swivels, or untwisting mechanisms, thereby lowering maintenance requirements.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more hydraulic pumps are selectively operable in a dual-mode configuration, mechanically driven by rotor torque or electrically powered via an auxiliary source or ultracapacitor bank, thereby sustaining fluid vortex injection during low-wind or transient operating conditions
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202521094920-FORM-9 [03-10-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-10-03 |
| 2 | 202521094920-FORM-5 [03-10-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-10-03 |
| 3 | 202521094920-FORM 1 [03-10-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-10-03 |
| 4 | 202521094920-ENDORSEMENT BY INVENTORS [03-10-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-10-03 |
| 5 | 202521094920-DRAWINGS [03-10-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-10-03 |
| 6 | 202521094920-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [03-10-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-10-03 |