A Summary Overview of the Blackhawk k Wind Turbine 3/4/10 B. Boatner,EE Lead Engineer/Partner The Blackhawk Project, LLC Boise, ID
The Blackhawk Wind Turbine
What is the VAWT/AR*? (*Vertical Axis Wind Turbine w/ Articulating Rotor) A new sub-class of VAWT Uses rotor tilt to control AOA (Angle of Attack) The first major technological breakthrough since the Darrieus patent (1931), complying with the Betz Equations. Combination i of fhelicopter rotor head and wind turbine design Result of f7 years of research No directly related prior art in USPTO U.S. Patent #7,677,862
The Betz Theorem 1929 The Bible of wind turbine design Maximum theoretical efficiency = 59.6% Slow incoming i air mass by no more than 1/3 Minimize solidity quotient Maximize Tip Speed Ratio (TSR) Bottom Line: Least number of blades traveling at a maximum possible speed
From Patent Application: 2-Bladed and 3-Bladed variations shown
How does the VAWT/AR work? 1. Wind causes Rotor Tilt 2. Rotor Tilt sets Airfoil Angle of Attack (AOA) 3. Airfoil AOA creates Aerodynamic Lift 4. Aerodynamic Lift creates Rotation/Torque 5. Self-corrects for gyroscopic precession.
Action of wind (403,404) against the side of the airfoils (405, 406) causes tilting force (409) on the rotor arm (401).
When the rotor (18) tilts, the stationary pushrods (41, 42) cause the airfoils (11, 12) to change angles due to different radii.
Power is produced cyclically in 2 main quadrants
Main Rotor Tilt controls Pitch of Airfoils
Elastomeric dampeners limit rotor tilt
Operating characteristics Very high torque due to long moment arms Large working areas for more power Dynamic response to wind and load conditions Self-limiting to prevent run-aways No external wind alignment mechanics Self-starting at low wind speeds Very quiet compared to most turbines
Blackhawk AFPMG* (*Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Generator) 12, 24 or 48 Volts Full charging voltage at very low speed Operating range 40 120 RPM 1.5 KW potential output Non-cogging design allows easy start-up Self cooling No brushes or slip rings In-house design
Generator Design: Expertise and Experience Gained Unable to identify OEM source for low-speed transmission-less design: it can t be done. Design analysis of multiple generators and mathematical performance modeling produced initial successful design 40 RPM cut-in. With field-verified results, we are now able to easily produce any size/configuration/speed i / variation needed. That makes us a leader in the field.
AFPMG Design/Test Station
AFPMG Components (L) Magnet Wheel (1 of 2), and (R) Stator
Electronics 20+ years Silicon Valley Electrical Engineering microcontroller hardware/software design experience The Limiter i allows user to set RPM limit i and timeout period for very high wind conditions (currently in field use). The Governor : upgrade of The Limiter that will use PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to intelligently control loads (designed - not yet implemented) MPPT: proprietary Maximum Power Point Tracking algorithm will dynamically match loads to varying wind conditions for optimal efficiency (designed not yet implemented)
Blackhawk Electronics Limiter PCB Power Control Cabinet Limiter Control Unit Precision Test Loads
Blackhawk System Wiring
Clockwise from top left: Grand View, ID; Wells Fargo Bldg, Boise; Clarkston, WA; CAES Idaho Falls; Emmett
Proof-of-Concept: Critical Design Targets Achieved System is reliably self-starting System is stable under varying wind conditions System is quiet & aesthetically pleasing System has survived 100+ MPH winds System is easy to manufacture & assemble System is easy to transport and erect System is reliably producing power
Design Variations: The Rapid Deployment Concept Configuration possible with VAWT/AR design Folds up like an umbrella Less than 5 minute deployment/furling Can be combined with extensive emergency battery eybackup uppower on a trailer Military and emergency potential usage
Blackhawk RD-10 Rapid iddeployment tdevice
Blackhawk RD-10 and Trailer
Blackhawk RD 10 Blackhawk RD-10 Rapid Deployment Sequence
Quiet operation Endless aesthetic possibilities
Status of Intellectual Property U.S. Utility Patent application 12/7/06 Patent pending Australia/New Zealand No prior art found representing tilt vs. AOA control methods I.P. owned by The Blackhawk Project, LLC: 50% Bruce Boatner, 50% Pat Large U.S. Patent #7,677,862 issuance notification 3/2/10
Our current staff Bruce Boatner, EE: Inventor, Partner, Lead Engineer Dawn Cardwell: Project Manager PtL Pat Large: Business Partner Randy Peterson: Technician
Project Requirements For Production Product engineering Design engineering support Manufacturing engineering Materials analysis Manufacturing logistics & capital Testing & Certification Marketing strategy Accounting & other overhead
Inter-Disciplinary Research Efforts at INL/CAES* (* Idaho Nat l Laboratory, Center for Advanced d Energy Studies)
BoatnerConsulting@earthlink.net (925) 695-5469