Multifunctional Tarp Rotor Strut Vanes

The cost of energy produced by flow energy extraction and conversion devices is directly proportional to their capital cost and inversely proportional to their performance. A means to reduce energy cost is thereby to reduce a system's capital cost, increase its performance, or do both. It is possible to reduce the capital cost and/or enhance performance of a system when several useful and/or required functions, normally necessitating discrete, separate and dedicated components or sub-assemblies, can be carried out by a single structural entity.

An example of this is illustrated by the TARP system toroid body. This single structure is designed to provide not only a means for supporting and shielding impellers in its peripheral flow channel, but simultaneously said structure provides a housing function means internally under applications as well as performance enhancing flow augmentation means to its impellers. Similarly, the present invention as part of the TARP system, provides multiple function service to accomodate reduced capital cost requirements as well as provide performance enhancement to improve cost of energy.

The device connecting an impeller, for example horizontal axis rotor, within the TARP peripheral channel to the TARP flow augmentor body and yaw track means is designed to provide not only effective support for a rotor within the flow channel, but it is simultaneously designed to aid rotor yaw response to flow directional changes, provide enhanced yaw stability and control via thrust differentiation between each rotor system of a TARP's interconnected twin rotor system and furthermore to provide peripheral TARP flow channeling means to enhance performance of the system.

The latter invention is henceforth designated as multi-functional TARP rotor strut vanes.

In accordance with the present invention, the TARP, being a flow augmentor structure, provides for a means that can function and serve simultaneously as a rotor support means attaching a rotor assembly to the TARP rotor yaw track, if any, and TARP structure, as a fluid-dynamic rotor system yaw positioning, stabilizer and control means together with rotor braking, and as a flow directing or channelling means of peripheral TARP augmented flow for system performance enhancement.

FIG. 1 is an elevation side view of a TARP embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line A--A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line B--B in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a modification to FIG. 3 showing attachment of rotor shroud shells to rotor strut vanes.

Referring to FIG. 1, a TARP, 1 embodying the invention is illustrated incorporating interconnected rotatable fluid impact impellers 2, horizontal axis rotors in this illustration, a second rotor being obstructed from view on the opposite side of the TARP, said impellers within TARP fluid channel means 3 about the periphery of said TARP 1, and said impellers 2, illustrated connected to a generator drive system within nacelle structure 4, and said impellers and associated nacelle structure supported by and attached to and yawed and yaw-stabilized about yaw track interface 5 by the present invention, the TARP rotor strut vane means 6, the latter 6 furthermore directing or channeling flow about said TARP 1 aft of the rotor 2 with optional pitchable surface 7. Yaw enhancement drag or blockage means 8, being illustrated interconnected and supported by TARP 1 and track means 5 together with impellers 2 and nacelle 4 and substantially located peripheral to TARP structure 1. Referring to FIG. 2 TARP rotor strut vanes 6 are illustrated substantially sectionally edgewise within the TARP peripheral flow channel showing support of impeller-nacelle 4 assembly and interconnection with rotor yaw track means 5. Referring to FIG. 3 TARP rotor strut vane 6 is sectionally illustrated in plan view showing fluid flow directing means by said vane 6 to affect improved system performance and system yaw control and stability via fluid flow modification. TARP rotor strut vane 6 is shown with optional pitchable surface 7 for added flow modification control. Referring to FIG. 4, TARP rotor strut vanes are illustrated serving as an attachment for rotor shroud shells 9 as a modification to sectional view FIG. 2.

Many modifications, embodiments, and changes will be evident as for example specific shape, configuration, number, and material of the TARP rotor strut vanes integrated into a TARP system for interconnected impeller system support, yaw actuation, yaw stability, and flow directing means, while still remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention.