Challenge
Converting kinetic energy in the centre of a flow column into rotation is difficult with a conventional three-bladed rotor. So why not use this centre to improve the global inflow on the rotor with a central diffuser?
Invention
The RES turbine uses a central diffuser to create local low-pressure zones on the upwind and downwind sides of the turbine through continuous free flow in the central area of the rotor. This dynamic effect deflects the incoming flow towards the rotation axis, thereby improving the effectiveness of the rotor blades by up to 10%. This was discovered through simulations of dynamic pressures, as well as aerodynamic testing at the Institute of Aerodynamics and Gas Dynamics (IAG) at the University of Stuttgart.
Advantages
- Improving the efficiency of rotor blades
- The annular void at the centre of a turbine is ideally suited to the installation of a synchronous ring generator
- The design strictly adheres to fluid dynamics
Applications
- New design for wind and water turbines
- This design is applicable to both downwind and upwind turbines, as well as ducted turbines