Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated wind-energy based power generation device capable generating power from wind energy and capable of adjusting itself in accordance to the speed of the wind in surroundings, for harnessing maximum energy. The device is also capable of efficiently detecting voltage and current generated thereby to monitor the generated power.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Wind energy is crucial for combating climate change and achieving sustainability goals. As a renewable energy source, it reduces reliance on fossil fuels, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating global warming. Wind power also enhances energy security by diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on imported fuels. Additionally, it fosters economic growth through job creation, manufacturing opportunities, and investment in infrastructure. Wind energy's scalability and abundance make it a vital component of transitioning to a greener, more sustainable energy future. Wind energy-based power generation utilizes wind turbines to convert kinetic energy from the wind into electrical power making the wind power generation more reliable sustainable and renewable energy source.

[0003] Traditional wind energy-based power generation involves horizontal-axis wind turbines with large blades mounted on tall towers. As the wind blows, it spins the turbine blades, which are connected to a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft turns a generator, typically located at the top of the tower, producing electricity. This method has been used for decades and is commonly seen in onshore wind farms. However, advancements in technology have led to the development of more efficient turbine designs and offshore wind farms as these traditional methods accompany a lots of drawbacks pertaining to intermittency issues as wind speeds fluctuate, leading to variability in electricity output. Placement restrictions, such as the need for ample space and specific wind conditions, can limit their deployment in urban or densely populated areas. Additionally, noise and visual impacts may cause concerns for nearby residents and the maintenance costs are usually high.

[0004] US5384489A provides a wind-powered electricity generating system including a wind energy storage and recovery device. The wind energy storage and recovery device includes a wind-powered electricity generator (not necessarily a system of the invention), a heater operable with electricity from the generator, thermal fluid heated by the heater, a tank to store the heated fluid, and a stored heat energy extractor. In addition to the storage and recovery device, the system of the invention also includes blades mounted to rotate a shaft of a wind-powered generator in response to the wind to create electricity, and switch means actuable in response to the amount of electricity created by the generator for applying electricity to the heater. In another aspect the invention relates to a method for storing wind energy. Though US’489 relates to a wind-powered electricity generating system for use for example by towns and villages off the utility grid instead of burning fossil fuels. The system stores wind energy for use to generate electricity during periods of low wind speed. However, the cited prior art has limitation of adjusting itself in accordance to the direction and speed of wind as well as also lacks in determining the voltage and current of the generated power in an effective manner.

[0005] US20100266412A1 discloses a wind turbine includes a turbine wheel. Radially extending sailwing assemblies are supported between the axle structure and the perimeter rail of the turbine wheel. The sailwing assemblies include sail end supports, sail support cables, extending between the sail end supports, and sailwings that are supported by the sail support cables and extend between the axle structure and the perimeter rail of the turbine wheel. The sail end supports may be pivoted to form a pitch in the sailwings and pivoted with respect to each other to form a twist in the sailwings, and sail spreader bars may be mounted in the sailwings and connected to the sail support cables to adjust the effective width and loft of the sailwings. Though US’412 concerns a wind turbine for the generation of electricity that includes a turbine wheel rotatably mounted on a laterally extending central axis, with the perimeter of the turbine wheel driving a generator of electricity. However, the cited prior art has limitation of adjustment in self in accordance to direction and speed of wind as well as also lacks in determining the voltage and current of the generated power in an effective manner.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for generation of power from wind energy but no such device exist that is capable of generating power from wind energy and capable of adjusting itself in accordance to the speed of the wind in surroundings, for harnessing maximum energy with a sustainable and systematic approach by monitoring direction and speed of wind as well as the determining the voltage and current of the generated power in an effective manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of generating power from wind energy and capable of adjusting itself in accordance to the speed of the wind in surroundings, for harnessing maximum energy from wind sources with a sustainable and systematic approach by monitoring direction and speed of wind as well as the determining the voltage and current of the generated power in an effective manner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of generating power from wind energy and thereby adjusting itself in accordance to the speed of the wind in surroundings, for harnessing maximum energy production.

[0010] monitoring direction of wind in surrounding of the device and accordingly provide a means to a user for generating power based on wind energy in an automated and effective manner.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting amount of voltage and current generated by the device and accordingly halts the power generation process.

[0012] The foregoing and other utensils, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention pertains to an automated wind-energy based power generation device that is capable of sustainably generating power by utilizing wind energy in an effective manner and monitoring the voltage and current produced by the generated power for a safe power production.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated wind-energy based power generation device comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a fixed surface near to wind-exposed area, plurality of suction cups arranged underneath the platform adheres to the surface for securing the platform on the surface, a microphone integrated in the platform enables a user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device, a rotatable circular disc having multiple flaps is arranged vertically on the platform rotates for providing a rotational motion to a movable shaft connected with the disc, an anemometer integrated on the platform detects wind direction in the area, a motorized hinge joint integrated in between the disc and each of the flap provides converging/diverging movement to the flaps to get arranged at an optimal angle for harnessing maximum amount of wind on the flaps required to rotate the disc autonomously.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further comprises of a pair of electromagnetic springs integrated with the shaft by means of a linear actuator that gets activated due to rotational motion induced in the shaft and moves linearly allowing the spring to expand/contract to maintain rotation that rotates the rotor of the dynamo, a piezoelectric transducer coupled with each of the electromagnetic springs harnesses energy generated by continuous movement of the springs and converts the harnessed energy into electrical energy, a battery configured with the platform via a AC-DC converter stores generated energy, a voltage sensor embedded in the platform detects amount of voltage, current sensor embedded in the platform detects current generated by the device, a RPM sensor embedded in the platform monitors the speed of the disc and shaft, a speaker installed on the platform produces audio signals to notify the user regarding the high-speed.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automated wind-energy based power generation device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated wind-energy based power generation device that is potent enough to generate power derived from wind energy in a sustainable and environment friendly manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated wind-energy based power generation device is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups 102 arranged underneath the platform 101, a microphone 103 integrated in the platform 101, a rotatable circular disc 104 having multiple flaps 105 arranged vertically on the platform 101, a movable shaft 106 connected with the disc 104, an anemometer 107 integrated on the platform 101, dynamo 108 paired with the shaft 106, a motorized hinge joint 109 integrated in between the disc 104 and each of the flap 105, a pair of electromagnetic springs 110 integrated with the shaft 106 by means of a linear actuator 111, a piezoelectric transducer 112 coupled with each of the electromagnetic springs 110 and a speaker 113 installed on the platform 101.

[0023] The present invention includes a platform 101 is developed to be positioned on a fixed surface in proximity to wind-exposed area having a plurality of suction cups 102 that are arranged underneath the platform 101 and adheres to the surface for securing the platform 101 on the surface. The suction cups 102 provides an additional grip to the platform 101.

[0024] The suction cups 102 when placed on the surface creates an airtight between the cup’s flexible rim and the platform 101 for sealing off the area within the suction cup. The flexible rim of the suction cup 102 is designed to maintain an airtight seal between the platform 101 and the surface. Initially, the user accesses a microphone 103 integrated in the platform 101 to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device.

[0025] The microphone 103 contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to an inbuilt microcontroller (not shown in the figures) that processes the user given inputs and activates the device.

[0026] The microcontroller mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform 101. The microcontroller receives the data from various components of the device and generates a command signal for further processing.

[0027] Post activation of device, a rotatable circular disc 104 having multiple flaps 105 arranged vertically on the platform 101 is actuated the microcontroller to rotate for providing a rotational motion to a movable shaft 106 connected with the disc 104. The rotation of the rotatable disc 104 herein is powered by a DC motor that rotates the disc 104 and in turn the rotational motion of the disc 104 provides rotational motion to the shaft 106 connected with the disc 104, wherein after obtaining the optimum speed from the rotating shaft 106, the motor gets deactivated.

[0028] While the shaft 106 rotates, an anemometer 107 integrated on the platform 101 detects wind direction in the area. The anemometer 107 includes a rod having cups 102 attached to it, such that during the rotation of the shaft 106 the cups 102 also rotate, the anemometer 107 counts the number of rotations of the cups 102 as well as monitors the direction and wind speed. The anemometer 107 further converts the monitored data into an electric current that is sent to the microcontroller.

[0029] On the basis of the fetched data from the anemometer 107, the microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 109 integrated in between the disc 104 and each of the flap 105 for providing converging/diverging movement to the flaps 105 to get arranged at an optimal angle. The hinge joint 109 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the disc 104 and flaps 105. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft 106 coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge.

[0030] The rotation of the shaft 106 in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides converging/diverging movement to the flaps 105.

[0031] The converging/diverging movement thus aids in harnessing maximum amount of wind on the flaps 105 required to rotate the disc 104 autonomously, which in turn rotates the shaft 106 independently. Thereafter, the microcontroller actuates a pair of electromagnetic springs 110 integrated with the shaft 106, by means of a linear actuator 111 to get activated due to rotational motion induced in the shaft 106 to move linearly, which in turn allows the spring to expand/contract for maintaining rotation of the shaft 106 and the disc 104, wherein the rotation of the shaft 106 results in rotation of the rotor associated with a dynamo 108 paired with the shaft 106.

[0032] The dynamo 108 thus then converts rotational motion of the shaft 106 into AC electrical energy. The dynamo 108 disclosed herein, converts mechanical energy into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. It consists of a coil of wire rotating within a magnetic field. As the rotor spins, it cuts through the magnetic field lines, inducing an electric current in the wire according to Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. This current is collected by brushes, wherein an AC-DC converter is electrically paired with the dynamo 108 for converting the AC electrical energy into DC electrical energy which is stored in a battery associated with the device.

[0033] The electromagnetic springs 110 is a specialized type of spring in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. When the current is passed through the spring 110, it creates a magnetic field around the spring 110 and simultaneously the linear actuator 111 also gets activated due to induced rotational motion in the shaft 106. The linear actuator 111 comprises of a motor, a lead screw and a nut. When activated by the microcontroller, the motor generates rotational force, which is then converted into linear motion through the motion of the shaft 106 and the disc 104.

[0034] In addition, herein a RPM sensor is embedded in the platform 101 that monitors the speed of the disc 104 and shaft 106. The RPM sensor convert mechanical motion into electric pulses with or without direct contact when positioned near a turning rotor, gear, shaft 106 or other regularly moving device. The resultant output signals are then fed to a digital counter, totalizer, tachometer, or other monitoring and control device and in case the speed exceeds a threshold value, then the microcontroller actuates a speaker 113 installed on the platform 101 for producing audio signals to notify the user regarding the high-speed.

[0035] The speaker 113 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding the high speed.

[0036] Further, a piezoelectric transducer 112 coupled with each of the electromagnetic springs 110 harnesses energy generated by continuous movement of the springs 110. The piezoelectric transducer 112 works by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy (and vice versa) through the piezoelectric effect.

[0037] When mechanical stress or vibration is applied to the transducer 112, it generates an electric charge across its surfaces. Conversely, when an electric voltage is applied, it causes the transducer 112 to deform, producing mechanical vibrations, herein the transducer 112 convert the harnessed energy of the spring into electrical energy that is stored in a battery configured with the platform 101 (not shown in the figures) via a AC-DC converter configured with the platform 101 that thereby harvests the wind energy to electrical energy by utilizing a perpetual motion to generate power.

[0038] The computing unit herein is wirelessly linked with the device using a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0039] The battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0040] Further, a voltage sensor (not shown in the figures) and current sensor (not shown in the figures) are embedded in the platform 101 for detecting amount of voltage and current generated by the device, respectively. The voltage sensor operates on the principle of converting an electrical potential difference (voltage) into a proportional output signal. Typically utilizing semiconductor devices, the sensor detects voltage variations and produces an analog or digital signal indicative of the voltage level.

[0041] While the current sensor measures electric current in a circuit and operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction. It consists of a coil of wire through which the current to be measured passes. The magnetic field generated by the current causes the coil to experience a torque, resulting in its rotation. The coil is attached to a needle or pointer that moves across a scale, indicating the current flow. The greater the current, the stronger the magnetic field, leading to increased coil deflection. The current sensor is connected in series with the circuit, allowing it to measure the current passing through the device accurately that are received by the microcontroller.

[0042] The microcontroller processes the data of both the sensors and in case the detected amount corresponds to the fed energy generation conditions, then the microcontroller directs the disc 104 to halt the rotation process at that point of time.

[0043] The proposed device works the best in the following manner, where the platform 101 is developed to be positioned on the fixed surface and in proximity to wind-exposed area having the plurality of suction cups 102 that adhere to the surface for securing the platform 101 on the surface. Further the user accesses the microphone 103 integrated in the platform 101 to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating the device and post activation of the device the rotatable circular disc 104 having multiple flaps 105 rotates for providing the rotational motion to the movable shaft 106 connected with the disc 104. During that time the anemometer 107 detects the wind direction in the area and accordingly the motorized hinge joint 109 integrated in between the disc 104 and each of the flap 105 provide converging/diverging movement to the flaps 105 to get arranged at the optimal angle for harnessing maximum amount of wind on the flaps 105 required to rotate the disc 104 autonomously, which in turn rotates the shaft 106 independently, due to the rotation of the flaps 105 the rotor of the dynamo 108 also rotates, that further converts rotational motion of the shaft 106 into electrical energy. Thereafter, the pair of electromagnetic springs 110 integrated with the shaft 106 by means of the linear get activated due to induced rotational motion shaft 106 and move linearly thereby allowing the spring to expand/contract for maintaining rotation of the shaft 106 and the disc 104. As the shaft 106 and the disc 104 rotates the piezoelectric transducer 112 harnesses the energy generated by continuous movement of the springs 110 and converts the harnessed energy into electrical energy that is stored in the battery configured with the platform 101 via the AC-DC converter configured with the platform 101, thereby harvesting the wind energy to electrical energy by utilizing a perpetual motion to generate power.

[0044] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated wind-energy based power generation device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, in proximity to wind-exposed area, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath said platform 101 to adhere to said surface for securing said platform 101 on said surface;
ii) a microphone 103 integrated in said platform 101 for enabling a user to provide input voice commands for activating/deactivating said device, wherein a rotatable circular disc 104 having multiple flaps 105, is arranged vertically on said platform 101, that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to rotate for providing a rotational motion to a movable shaft 106 connected with said disc 104;
iii) an anemometer 107 integrated on said platform 101 to detect wind direction in said area, based on which said microcontroller actuates a motorized hinge joint 109 integrated in between said disc 104 and each of said flap 105, for providing converging/diverging movement to said flaps 105 to get arranged at an optimal angle for harnessing maximum amount of wind on said flaps 105 required to rotate said disc 104 autonomously, which in turn rotates said shaft 106 independently;
iv) a dynamo 108 paired with said shaft 106 for converting rotational motion of said shaft 106 into AC electrical energy, wherein an AC-DC converter is electrically paired with said dynamo 108 for converting said AC electrical energy into DC electrical energy which is stored in a battery associated with said device;
v) a pair of electromagnetic springs 110, integrated with said shaft 106, by means of a linear actuator 111 that gets activated due to rotational motion induced in said shaft 106, to move linearly, which in turn allows said spring to expand/contract for maintaining rotation of said shaft 106 and said disc 104; and
vi) a piezoelectric transducer 112 coupled with each of said electromagnetic springs 110 for harnessing energy generated by continuous movement of said springs 110, to convert said harnessed energy into electrical energy that is stored in said battery, thereby harvesting said wind energy to electrical energy by utilizing a perpetual motion to generate power.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dynamo 108 functions as a generator as per energy generation conditions, fed by a user via a computing unit wirelessly linked with said microcontroller.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a voltage sensor and current sensor is embedded in said platform 101 for detecting amount of voltage and current generated by said device, respectively, in case said detected amount corresponds to said fed energy generation conditions, said microcontroller directs said disc 104 to halt said rotation.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a RPM sensor is embedded in said platform 101 to monitor speed of said disc 104 and shaft 106, in case said speed exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 113 installed on said platform 101 for producing audio signals to notify said user regarding said high-speed.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.