DualWingGenerator
A system that uses two pairs of opposing wings instead of rotor blades to generate power. The system’s principle consists of reversing the natural wing-beating principle: birds generate the necessary power to move forwards in the air by flapping their wings. A stationary system like the DualWingGenerator, on the other hand, can take the kinetic energy from the flow of air. The wings’ linear lifting movement is converted here into a rotary movement. An integrated electric motor turns the energy produced into electricity.
Festo
Specifications
| System width | 250 | cm |
| Wing width | 110 | cm |
| Material | carbon | |
| Integrated components | 1 | ELGG axle |
| 2 | free wheels | |
| 2 | push-on flanges | |
| 2 | motor flanges | |
| 1 | CPX-CEC-M1 control system | |
| 1 | 8DI/8DO module | |
| 1 | 2AI module with 2 analogue inputs | |
| 1 | electricity generator as a braking dynamometer |
Overview
A stationary system like the DualWingGenerator, on the other hand, can take the kinetic energy from the flow of air. The wings’ linear lifting movement is converted here into a rotary movement. An integrated electric motor turns the energy produced into electricity.
The four wings are arranged on both sides of the central column. The two top and the two bottom wings are each positioned on the same motor-driven rotary axle, which is fitted on a slide. When the wind blows, the two slides move synchronously on the vertical guide in opposing directions: whilst the top two wings travel up-wards, the bottom wings move downwards.
The pair of wings on one side forms a functional unit, whose fluid-mechanical properties enable power to be generated in an optimal manner. A servomotor turns the wings and they automatically move back towards each other. Their active rotation means the wings are always set so that air flows onto them at the optimal angle. This enables the adaptive system to achieve an optimal energy yield with a very high, scientifically proven effectiveness level.
The DualWingGenerator is self-optimising and can adapt itself to different wind conditions. In terms of its efficiency, it is by no means inferior to conventional small wind power stations and features amazing benefits even at low wind speeds: in the range between 4 and 8 m/s, the system has a very high, scientifically proven effectiveness level.
References
Describes the technology, its principles, and workings. Goes into the science behind the project, and shows, and discusses the results.
Introduction to bird-inspired dual-wing generators. Describes the physics, modeling, and results of the project.
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