DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
This invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering and renewable energy.

Particularly, this invention relates to wind turbines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
As India’s population is growing, there is an increase in urbanization, public and private transportation. Nearly all transportation mediums operate today employ fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels, for energy, leads to emission of Carbon-dioxide.

The International Energy Agency estimated that transport sector produced nearly 24% of carbon dioxide emission from fuel combustion in the year 2020. The Indian transport sector is responsible for 13.5% of India’s energy-related emissions. The new non-conventional renewable energy resources such as solar energy, wind energy, and the like, are increasingly relevant energy sources to limit fossil fuel-based energy. A sustainable future relies on decoupling of carbon emissions caused due to burning of fossil fuels.

Utilizing the space available on the rooftop for installing wind power units can contribute significantly to required electricity demand by locomotives; thus, contributing in reduction of CO2 emissions. Indian locomotives run at a speed of 30 to 60 km/hr and some of them run at an average speed of 70-80 km/hr, sufficient enough to run wind turbines to generate electricity.

There is a need for a wind turbine system which makes use of wind energy that produces sufficient power to fulfil all requirements of a locomotive. This technology is environmental friendly and will help in reducing CO2 emission; one step closer towards a sustainable future.

Typical train specifications are as described below. Following are the specifications of the train considered for design. Dimensions are taken from Indian railways manual.
LHB Coach Specifications:
Train height: 4.02 m
Train width: 3.24 m
Length of one coach: 23.54 m
Available height between power line and train rooftop: 1.5 m
Average speed of train: 60kmph

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
An object of the invention is to a wind turbine system which makes use of wind energy that produces sufficient power to fulfil all requirements of a locomotive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
According to this invention, there is provided a wind turbine system for power generation in locomotives, said system comprising:
- a wind turbine blade configured with a first curvilinear profile, defining a first curve in a first direction, and with a second curvilinear profile, defining a second curve in a second direction facing away from the first direction;
o the first curvilinear profile being defined as having a first semi-circular lateral edge and a second semi-circular lateral edge with a first curved profile, in a first direction, therebetween;
o the second curvilinear profile being defined as having a third semi-circular lateral edge and a fourth semi-circular lateral edge with a second curved profile, in a second direction, therebetween; and
o a common length-wise edge is formed joining at least a length-wise edge of the first curvilinear profile and at least a length-wise edge of the second curvilinear profile.

In at least an embodiment, said first direction being 180 degrees out of phase with the second direction.

In at least an embodiment, said common length-wise edge being a hollow shaft configured to be the common length-wise edge of the two curvilinear profiles, in that, the first curvilinear profile’s at least a length-wise edge extends in a first direction from the hollow shaft and the second curvilinear profile’s at least a length-wise edge extends in a second direction from the hollow shaft; thereby, forming the S-shaped side profile of a blade of the turbine.

In at least an embodiment, said first direction being 180 degrees out of phase with the second direction

In at least an embodiment, said system comprising:
- a series of said wind turbine blades being lined up, serially, about said common length-wise edge to form a complete wind turbine; and
- a casing with two funnel-shaped slits, one slit on an anterior side of the casing and one slit on a posterior side of the casing, with turbine blades therebetween.

In at least an embodiment, said system being a drag-type wind turbine system designed to match locomotive requirements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
The invention will now be described in relation to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a front view of the wind turbine, according to this invention;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a side view of the wind turbine, according to this invention;
FIGURE 3 illustrates a perspective view of the wind turbine, according to this invention;
FIGURE 4 illustrates an outer casing perspective view within which the wind turbine of Figures 1, 2, and 3 sit;
FIGURE 5 illustrates a view of the outer casing with the wind turbine, of Figures 1, 2, and 3 in the casing;
FIGURE 6 illustrates views of the wind turbine blade for the purposes of mathematical modelling;
FIGURE 7 illustrates this boundary conditions and Enclosure in Design Moduler;
FIGURE 8 illustrates inlet boundary conditions;
FIGURE 9 illustrates wind velocity flow vectors;
FIGURE 10 illustrates inlet front plane view at 16.697m/s (60.109kmph);
FIGURE 11 illustrates outlet back plane view at 23.4455m/s (84.403kmph); and
FIGURE 12 illustrates wind turbulence at corners of slit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:
According to this invention, there is provided a wind turbine system for power generation in locomotives.

FIGURE 1 illustrates a front view of the wind turbine, according to this invention.

FIGURE 2 illustrates a side view of the wind turbine, according to this invention.

FIGURE 3 illustrates a perspective view of the wind turbine, according to this invention.

In at least an embodiment, a wind turbine blade (10) is configured with a first curvilinear profile (10a), defining a first curve in a first direction, and with a second curvilinear profile (10b), defining a second curve in a second direction facing away from the first direction or being 180 degrees out of phase with the second direction.

In at least an embodiment, the first curvilinear profile (10a) is defined as having a first semi-circular lateral edge (10a.1) and a second semi-circular lateral edge (10a.2) with a first curved profile (10a), in a first direction, therebetween.

In at least an embodiment, the second curvilinear profile (10b) is defined as having a third semi-circular lateral edge (10b.1) and a fourth semi-circular lateral edge (10b.2) with a second curved profile (10b), in a second direction, therebetween.

In at least an embodiment, a common length-wise edge (10c) is formed joining at least a length-wise edge of the first curvilinear profile (10a) and at least a length-wise edge of the second curvilinear profile (10b). This formation, typically, leads to an S-shaped side profile of a blade of the turbine. This formation leads to a pair formed by the first curvilinear profile and the second curvilinear profile; thereby, forming a single wind turbine blade.

In at least an embodiment, a hollow shaft (10c) is configured to be the common length-wise edge of the two curvilinear profiles, in that, the first curvilinear profile’s (10a) at least a length-wise edge extends in a first direction from the hollow shaft and the second curvilinear profile’s (10b) at least a length-wise edge extends in a second direction from the hollow shaft (10c); thereby, forming the S-shaped side profile of a blade of the turbine. A series of such, aforementioned, wind turbine blades are lined up, serially, about the shaft to form a complete wind turbine (100), the length of which is defined according to user requirement.

In at least an embodiment, there is provided a casing (200) with two funnel-shaped slits; one slit on an anterior side (20a) of the casing and one slit (20b) on a posterior side of the casing.

FIGURE 4 illustrates an outer casing perspective view within which the wind turbine of Figures 1, 2, and 3 sit.

FIGURE 5 illustrates a view of the outer casing with the wind turbine, of Figures 1, 2, and 3 in the casing

Typically, this turbine is a drag-type wind turbine designed to match locomotive requirements. Here, multiple S-shaped blades are attached to the horizontal hollow shaft in an enclosed case with two slits (20a, 20b); one slit on an anterior side (20a) of the casing and one slit (20b) on a posterior side of the casing. A train / vehicle / locomotive, on which this is mounted, moves in both directions; but, the turbine, of this invention will always move in clock-wise direction due to slit arrangement. Both the slits act as air inlet and outlet depending upon the train direction.

According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system comprises six blades installed on a horizontal shaft arranged at a right angle to each other as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. Therefore, one part of the S-shaped blade will be in an advancing path whereas another will be in a returning path. So, at a time, three blades on the shaft will be in the advancing path while the other three will be in returning path, which will create more thrust and torque which will in turn generate more power.

According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the casing is made such that the turbine is enclosed in it and there are funnel-shaped openings (20a, 20b) on both sides as shown in Fig. 4. When the train moves in one direction, the wind moves in an opposite direction and the funnel-shaped slit will force the wind on the advancing blades of the turbine with 1.4 to 1.8 times the actual wind velocity (by using continuity equation).

In at least an embodiment, a generator is placed on an outer side which is provided with a separate casing. The casing can be opened from the top for maintenance.

FIGURE 6 illustrates views of the wind turbine blade for the purposes of mathematical modelling.

Mathematical Model of Wind Turbine:
Governing Equations for Turbine Design:
From the above diagram (Fig. 10), instantaneous rotor velocity, = constant due to geometry of Savonius Rotor.
The Torque (T)is given by:

It contains two components:
a) Driven Component (TM) this is due to Retreating Blade
b) Resistant Component (TD) this is due to the Advancing Blade

Now, suppose the pressure difference on retreating and advancing blade is and then the TotalTorque (Tt) developed is given by:
--------------?
The Average Power for one rotation i.e. from can be found by integrating toque equation ?
---------------?
Moreover, we know,

Where, P is power output (W),
is the density of air ( ).
A is the swept area of rotor ( ),
V is the velocity of air ( ) and is the power coefficient.

The Normalized Power Coefficient can be given as:
--------------?

Following the experimental results, ref. Chauvin et alwhich proposed a pressure distribution:
--------------?
Where, K is the function of .
is the azimuthal angle of blade.
is the total flow velocity and is given by
is the wind velocity and is the absolute velocity of point Mion the blade.

The motor torque component i.e. of the retreating blade is given by:

--------------?

Now, for resistant component of torque

Using equations ?, ?, ?, and ? the power coefficient as a function of the bucket tip-speed ration

Funnel Calculation:
Continuity Equation:





From above equation:




Therefore, the wind velocity experienced by the blade will be 95 kmph.

Calculations of the Wind Turbine:
Width of train = 3.24 meter
By taking turbine width = 2 meter

For Aspect Ratio = 0.7 (Maximum Cp is obtained at this value)
Taking 6 blades model =

Aspect Ratio (AR) =

At V = 60kmph = 16.67 m/s.

Due to effect of slit design, the velocity experienced by the blade will be,
96.48 kmph = 26.8 m/s.
From equation ?

Also,

Now equating above both equations as both of them represent power,

Therefore, the total theoretical power generated by one turbine unit is 2087 W.

If 10 such turbine units are placed on the railway rooftop 20.87 kW power can be generated.

These turbine units can be mounted on the rooftop of any locomotive for power generation. This turbine design can be customized according to the length and width of the vehicle for installation.

By virtue of this invention, in exemplary embodiments, it was noted that wind velocity entering through inlet is amplified by 1.7 times.

According to a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system, of this invention, was evaluated using a simulation software. Here, the inventors created a geometry of the slit only, using Space Claim. The boundary conditions and Enclosure were built using Design Moduler.

FIGURE 7 illustrates this boundary conditions and Enclosure in Design Moduler.

After meshing, setup of simulation was done using Viscous Model K-Epsilon. Then Boundary conditions were given, i.e. the velocity of air at inlet and the outlet will experience the pressure change that will be calculated based on inlet velocity from this pressure difference the Simulation will be able to give the outlet velocity of the slit, which will be focused on the curvature of the blades.

FIGURE 8 illustrates inlet boundary conditions.

The inlet velocity of wind given as 60kmph and then simulated for 100 iterations. The results are with probing method, and are as follows:

FIGURE 9 illustrates wind velocity flow vectors.

FIGURE 10 illustrates inlet front plane view at 16.697m/s (60.109kmph).

FIGURE 11 illustrates outlet back plane view at 23.4455m/s (84.403kmph).

Inlet velocity = 60.109kmph
Outlet velocity = 84.403kmph
The ratio of outlet to inlet velocity for the above condition is .
This verifies the continuity equation condition for 1.404 times the inlet velocity.

FIGURE 12 illustrates wind turbulence at corners of slit.

Hence the slit design can be proved by simulation.

The TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENT, of this invention, lies in a blade profile and a corresponding wind turbine system, for use, typically, in locomotives such that a substantially large portion of power can be generated using wind energy.

While this detailed description has disclosed certain specific embodiments for illustrative purposes, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art which do not constitute departures from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims, and it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM,

1. A wind turbine system, for power generation in locomotives, said system comprising:
- a wind turbine blade (10) configured with a first curvilinear profile (10a), defining a first curve in a first direction, and with a second curvilinear profile (10b), defining a second curve in a second direction facing away from the first direction;
o the first curvilinear profile (10a) being defined as having a first semi-circular lateral edge (10a.1) and a second semi-circular lateral edge (10a.2) with a first curved profile (10a), in a first direction, therebetween;
o the second curvilinear profile (10b) being defined as having a third semi-circular lateral edge (10b.1) and a fourth semi-circular lateral edge (10b.2) with a second curved profile (10b), in a second direction, therebetween; and
o a common length-wise edge (10c) is formed joining at least a length-wise edge of the first curvilinear profile (10a) and at least a length-wise edge of the second curvilinear profile (10b).

2. The wind turbine system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first direction being 180 degrees out of phase with the second direction.

3. The wind turbine system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said common length-wise edge (10c) being a hollow shaft configured to be the common length-wise edge of the two curvilinear profiles, in that, the first curvilinear profile’s at least a length-wise edge extends in a first direction from the hollow shaft and the second curvilinear profile’s at least a length-wise edge extends in a second direction from the hollow shaft; thereby, forming the S-shaped side profile of a blade of the turbine.

4. The wind turbine system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first direction being 180 degrees out of phase with the second direction

5. The wind turbine system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising:
- a series of said wind turbine blades being lined up, serially, about said common length-wise edge (10c) to form a complete wind turbine (100); and
- a casing (200) with two funnel-shaped slits, one slit on an anterior side (20a) of the casing (200) and one slit (20b) on a posterior side of the casing (200), with turbine blades (10) therebetween.

6. The wind turbine system as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system being a drag-type wind turbine system designed to match locomotive requirements.

Dated this 24th day of April, 2023

CHIRAG TANNA
of INK IDÉE
APPLICANT’S PATENT AGENT
REGN. NO. IN/PA – 1785