Mechanisms for converting the energy of wind into useful mechanical power.

In particular:

Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the flow of air entering the machine.

Wind motors with rotation axis substantially at right angle to the flow of air entering the machine.

Other wind motors.

Controlling wind motors.

Adaptations of wind motors for special use.

Combinations of wind motors with apparatus driven thereby.

Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations.

Assembly, mounting or commission of wind motors.

Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components.

Transmission of mechanical power.

Monitoring or testing of wind motors.

Other details, component parts, or accessories of wind motors.

F03D covers mechanisms for converting natural wind energy into useful mechanical energy, and the transmission of such mechanical energy to its point of use. Electrical power generation aspects of wind motors (e.g. dynamo-electric conversion and electric generators) are classified in H02P. Circuit arrangements or systems for supplying or distributing electric power are classified in H02J. Electric generators structurally associated with wind turbines are classified in H02K 7/183. F05B concerns a CPC internal scheme for indexing only relating, among others, to wind motors covered by subclass F03D.

In this subclass, it is desirable to allocate the indexing codes of subclass F05B, if applicable.

The subclass F05B is used for indexing as follows:

F05D 2200/00: mathematical features

F05D 2210/00: working fluid

F05D 2220/00: application

F05D 2230/00: manufacture

F05D 2240/00: components

F05D 2250/00: geometry

F05D 2260/00: function

F05D 2270/00: control

F05D 2300/00: materials

Wind motors having their rotation axis substantially parallel to the flow of air entering the machine. When the flow has been guided into a direction other that the original wind direction, the final flow into the wind motor should be considered for classification.

Wind motors having stationary wind-guiding means. The nacelle can be the wind guiding means, tip-shrouds are excluded.

Rotors characterised by their shape or form which is defining the aerodynamic property of the rotor.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Rotors characterised by their construction and structural configuration, in particular:

Hydraulic mechanisms to control the pitch angle of the blade, e.g. hydraulic motors, cylinders, layout or linkage.

Electrical mechanisms to control the pitch angle of the blade, e.g. electric motors, electric circuit layout or linkage.

Blades made of several panels or skins.

Blades which are made of two or more elements in its longitudinal direction.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Wind turbine blades having an outer structure, e.g. shells, skins, which via its shape defines the aerodynamic property of the blade and an inner structure that carries the structural loads and provides stiffness. The inner structure may include beams, spar caps and shear webs as illustrated below.

Illustrative examples of subject matter classified in this group:

Mechanical aspects and layout of the yaw system, i.e. of the elements allowing rotation of the nacelle with respect to the tower.

Yaw actuator arrangements, e.g. yaw motors or hydraulic cylinders.

Other connecting aspects between the nacelle and the tower.

Wind motors having their rotation axis substantially perpendicular to the flow of air entering the machine. When the flow has been guided into a direction other that the original wind direction, the final flow into the wind motor should be considered for classification.

A wind-guiding means positioned upstream, downstream or around a wind motor. The wind-guiding means directs wind to the rotor, or blocks wind from reaching a part of the rotor. The wind-guiding means may have a movement which is independent from the rotation of the rotor.

Wind motors characterised by the "effective area" of the rotor which is the cross section area of the rotor which contributes positively, i.e. causes a torque in/ to the desired rotation. The "augmenting" guiding means are those guiding means which intercept an area of flow greater than this "effective rotor area", and direct the flow into the rotor. The guiding means which fulfil this intercepting role are bounded on all sides from inlet to outlet into rotor, and therefore also accelerate or "concentrate" the flow into the rotor.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Wind motors with a concentrating means, i.e. the guiding means only increase the flow speed into the rotor without intercepting an area of flow greater than the effective rotor area (see definition of the effective area in F03D 3/0427).

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

See channel 12

Rotors characterised by their shape or form which is defining the aerodynamic property of the rotor.

Constructional aspects of the rotors.

Wind motors where the wind engaging parts can be moved relative to the rotor, e.g. arrangements allowing pitching the wind engaging parts independently from the mechanical rotation of the rotor.

Wind motors wherein the wind engaging parts, i.e. the blades, vanes, paddles or cups, undergo a change of orientation within each cycle of rotation of the wind rotor, coming back to their original position after each revolution. This change of orientation happens of itself, passively, the direct result of the wind acting on the wind engaging parts as the relative wind direction changes with the rotation.

Example:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Wind motors whereby the cyclic movement of the wind engaging parts during each revolution of the rotor is mechanically related to the rotor rotation, and optionally the wind force or direction.

Examples:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Tethered aircraft, e.g. kite or wings, having a particular flying pattern and getting energy from traction and retraction movement of the tether.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Control of wind motors and related control arrangements.

F03D 7/02 and F03D 7/06 covers essentially the two main types of wind motors according to groups F03D 1/00 and F03D 3/00. F03D 7/051 covers the control of wind motors according to groups F03D 5/015 and F03D 9/322. The head group F03D 7/00 covers all other types of wind motors.

Subgroups F03D 7/0204 - F03D 7/0296 cover the purpose of the control or the type of control actuators. Subgroups under F03D 7/04 cover the type of controllers and/or the control methods.

Documents should be classified in F03D 7/02 for purpose of control or the type of controller and in addition according to the control method or type of controller in group F03D 7/04. For example, a model-based controller acting on the pitch system to reduce rotor noise should be classified in groups F03D 7/045, F03D 7/0224 and F03D 7/0296.

Subgroups of F05B 2270/00, in particular control parameters under F05B 2270/30, should be used systematically in combination with classification in F03D 7/00 or its subgroups.

When monitoring aspects are relevant for the control, classification in F03D 17/00 should be considered as well.

Controlling wind motors, e.g. pitch, yaw, power output, while taking under consideration the behaviour of the floating support structure, e.g. ensuring wind motor stability or taking into account wave induced movements of the supporting platform.

Controlling each blade individually or independently, e.g. modulating the pitch angle based on the rotational angle of the blade to compensate for gravity or vertical wind shear.

This group is mainly used in combination with other groups of F03D 7/022 and its subgroups. For instance, individual control of a flap should be classified in F03D 7/0232 and F03D 7/024.

F03D 7/0208 covers the yawing movement of the rotor in a downwind position and the means to carry it. If the intention of the disclosed subject-matter is stopping or protecting the rotor, classifying in both groups, i.e. F03D 7/0208 and F03D 7/0264 should be considered.

Control of the generator to control the rotor, e.g. for regulating the rotor output torque or its speed. This can be done in various ways, e.g. control of the converter or of the generator speed.

The control of the generator or other electrical elements per se is covered by corresponding groups under H02P or H02M. Under F03D 7/0272, the generator is only seen as an abstract input-output black box element or actuator.

Controlling the output power of the wind rotor when acting on the rotor itself, i.e. by actuating some rotor or generator elements.

The control of the active and reactive power by acting on the electrical elements in the transmission line, e.g. converter or transformer, is covered by corresponding groups under H02J or H02P.

Control of the wind motor based on grid demand.

Controlling wind motors to prevent, counteract or reduce noise, e.g. modifying the control strategy and reducing rotor speed during night time.

Control methods specially adapted to wind motors.

Control hardware or remote computing specially adapted to wind motors, e.g. redundant controllers, multi-processors architecture, decentralized cloud computing.

Data communication between SCADA system, turbine controllers or actuators.

Conjoint control of two or more wind motors located in relatively close proximity.

Control of wind motors with several rotor units mounted on the same structure is not considered to refer to controlling of wind farms in the sense of this group. This aspect is classified by allocating classification in both F03D 7/02 and F03D 1/02.

Control of airborne wind motors or tethered systems, in particular of their flying pattern.

Adaptations of wind motors for special use;

Combinations of wind motors with means for converting solar radiation into useful energy;

Combinations of wind motors with water energy converters, e.g. water turbines;

Combinations of wind motors with an apparatus storing energy;

Wind motors being characterised by the driven apparatus, e.g. heat pump, hydraulic pump, compressor, or electric generator;

Wind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations, e.g. moving objects, stationary objects, infrastructure, or using landscape.

Solar panels built in or on the blades or tower.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

The mere disclosure of a trivial battery does not justify classification in this group.

Wind motors combined with the driven apparatus being an electric generator (not a routine electrical generator).

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Generator mounted on top of the nacelle:

Generator 17 is activated by a special swash plate 15 and cams 13 on rotating shaft 12:

Classification in this group F03D 9/25 only applies when the combination of the electrical generator to the wind motor is disclosed. Structural features of the wind generator associated with a wind motor is classified in H02K 7/18. The mere disclosure of a state-of-the-art generator does not justify classification in this group. This generator type can be classified in F05B 2220/706.

The connection or relative placement between the generator and the transformer to the electricity grid, e.g. by way of connecting elements, power cables, or the location of the transformer to the generator. 

General electrical conduction between black-box elements, e.g. generator or transformer.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Electrical connection between wind motors, e.g. in an array or in series, other than a trivial disclosure of a wind turbine used in a wind park or a wind farm.

Multiple wind motors connected to a single transformer, different wind rated wind turbines placed in a pattern. 

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Structures supporting multiple wind motors are not considered as a wind farm.

Adaptation of wind motors for driving a pump or a compressor.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Wind motors combined with a heat pump or AC unit are classified in F03D 9/22.

Hydraulic transmissions, i.e. combination of hydraulic pump and motor, are classified in F03D 15/202.

F03D 9/30 covers the location or place where the wind motors are installed and operated. F03D 13/20 covers the supporting structure of the wind motor or the way it is mounted to this structure.

For example, a wind motor positioned on a building should be classified in F03D 9/45 while the arrangements for attaching or supporting the wind motor on a building is classified by allocating F03D 13/20.

Classification in F05B 2240/90 as well as its subgroups is mandatory in combination with F03D 9/30 and F03D 13/20 to identify the supporting structure or location.

Wind motors specially adapted for installation on moving objects, e.g. vehicles, in which the movement of the object causes air flow through the rotor or places the wind motor in a different, typically increased, air flow.

Mounting is typically understood as fixing something into position onto something, but in this group it is interpreted in a broader sense also encompassing the concept of supporting. Reference is made to the title of group F03D 13/20.

Foundations specially adapted for wind motors are classified in E02D 27/425.

A wind motor supported on a structure which is of a design that has no interior access, similar to a flagpole or a sailboat mast.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Tower-shaped wind motor support which is constructed to support a large nacelle or rotor. The tower may have access doors or be of a framed construction.

An opening, hatch, ingress or egress suitable for a person to enter or exit the tower.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

A wind motor tower made from circumferential segments joined together.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Means for connecting together adjacent segments of a wind motor tower.

Joints between adjacent segments. The adjacent segments may be either circumferentially or axially arranged.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

A wind motor supporting member having features specially adapted for offshore applications.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Offshore wind motors mounted on a floating support.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

The floating structures per se are covered by groups in subclass B63B. F03D 13/256 covers the wind motors or linked elements, e.g. towers or masts, which are installed on or supported by a floating structure.

Inspection, testing or adjustment of the wind motor before operating the wind motor to produce power.

Transporting or storing of wind motor components.

Transmission of mechanical power, i.e. mechanisms by which the wind-derived mechanical power is conveyed to its point of use

Air flow through the blades, e.g. windmills creating a flow of air through the blade by their rotation.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Wind motors transmitting mechanical power to their power generating device with a gear or gearbox. The gear is of any type, including rotary, as well as a rack and pinion gearing.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Wind motors having the stroke length of a pump cylinder adjusted. The length of stroke is typically adjusted relative to the speed of the wind.

Gearless transmission arrangements in which the rotor shaft is directly coupled to the generator without intermediate gearing or other drive elements.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Transmissions coupling the rotor to a ground-based generator.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Arrangements for coupling multiple generators together.

Illustrative example of subject matter classified in this group:

Monitoring or testing of wind motors, e.g. diagnostics or inspection.

F03D 17/00 includes subgroups relating to the purpose (cf. F03D 17/009), and relating to the component being monitored or tested (cf. F03D 17/027). When appropriate, classification of the document should include the component of the wind motor being monitored or tested, together with the purpose of the monitoring or testing. For example, a wind motor tower being monitored for natural frequency vibrations should be allocated CPC symbols F03D 17/034 for the tower, and F03D 17/017 for monitoring natural frequencies thereof.

When control aspects are relevant, e.g. monitored parameters being used for controlling, classification in F03D 7/00 should be considered as well.

Inspection of the wind motor at the installation site. Inspection is performed on-demand or on a scheduled basis rather than a continuous monitoring.

The use of occupied vehicles, e.g. boats, helicopters for personnel to reach wind motor inspection sites.

Inspecting or checking the operation of the wind motor when implemented with a controlled input to verify the wind motor is performing to its specifications.

The use of optical devices during the inspection process.

The mere mentioning of a camera being used to take a picture during the inspection process does not justify classification in this group.

The inspection process being performed or assisted by the use of remote vehicles, e.g. remotely controlled robots or unmanned aerial vehicles.

The use of sensors to measure variables such as stress and strain which represent forces exposed on components of the wind motor.

Diagnosing the remaining useful life of a wind motor component.

Monitoring the wind motor with respect to the initiation and propagation of cracks due to cyclic loading.

Monitoring the wind motor with respect to wear or clearance. Excessive wear can cause for clearances between parts to be outside of acceptable ranges.

Detection of an abnormality or damage in the wind motor. Faults or failures are considered an extreme case of abnormalities and damage, i.e. the wind motor is still operable with the detection of an abnormality or damage, whereas a fault or failure detection indicates the inoperability of the wind motor. Detecting faults or failures are covered by subgroup F03D 17/014.

Monitoring wind motors with respect to a measured vibration.

The vibration value is representative of the rotor imbalance.

Balancing rotors during or before commissioning is classified in F03D 13/35.

Monitoring temperature of wind motor elements.

This group covers monitoring power or current associated with the electrical generator of the wind motor. Group H02P 9/00 covers arrangements for controlling electric generators for the purpose of obtaining a desired output.

Sensors or methods for determining and monitoring variables such as length or distance between components of the wind motor.

Sensors or methods for determining and monitoring noises emitted by the wind motor.

Monitoring or diagnosing an error or offset of the wind motor, such as the yaw error, and implementing a correction to the measured error.

Estimating or predicting the power producing capabilities of the wind motor, e.g. based on predicted wind speed or on wind motor operability. Analysis of operating the wind motor above the power curve or above its rated power for a length of time.

The primary or redundant power-supply means for controlling a wind motor auxiliary component. For example, the use of any one of a: hydraulic circuit, battery, slip-ring, switch or controller to actuate a yaw or pitch drive motor.

Method or means for adjusting the power consumption of auxiliary components.

Devices or processes for minimizing interaction between the wind motor and animals, e.g. birds or bats.

Detection of animals.

Accessories used on the wind motor or in the vicinity of the wind motor to attenuate noise emissions therefrom.

Rendering wind motors inoperative. Dismantling wind motors.

Temporary or permanent platforms associated with the wind motor for use during maintenance or repair.

Furnishing or upgrading the wind motor with a new or modified part.

Repurposing of a wind motor or component thereof into another useful item.

Yaw bearings, pitch bearings or shaft bearings used on the wind motors.

Lubrication circuits and devices for supplying lubricant to wind motor components.

The rolling elements, races and gears making up the bearings providing rotational movement between the blade and hub, or the tower and nacelle.