Abstract: A brake for a wind turbine includes a disc coupled to and rotatable with the blade support hub of the turbine, and a piston and caliper assembly cooperating with the disc to stop or slow rotation of the blades. In one embodiment, the disc encircles and is rotatable about the shaft of the generator of a vertical axis wind turbine, with one piston and caliper assembly located on each side of the disc. The two piston and caliper assemblies are supported by a platform disposed above a vertical shaft that supports the blade support hub. In another embodiment, the piston and caliper assemblies are coupled to a platform at the end of the horizontally extending tail of a horizontal axis wind turbine.

Abstract: A brake for a wind turbine includes a disc coupled to and rotatable with the blade support hub of the turbine, and a piston and caliper assembly cooperating with the disc to stop or slow rotation of the blades. In one embodiment, the disc encircles and is rotatable about the shaft of the generator of a vertical axis wind turbine, with one piston and caliper assembly located on each side of the disc. The two piston and caliper assemblies are supported by a platform disposed above a vertical shaft that supports the blade support hub. In another embodiment, the piston and caliper assemblies are coupled to a platform at the end of the horizontally extending tail of a horizontal axis wind turbine.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine has a blade assembly including set of planar, vertically extending blades and a frame that stabilizes and supports the blades as they rotate. A generator is located at the blade assembly's center of mass. A first bearing supports the blade assembly for rotation about a blade support shaft; a second bearing maintains the generator shaft in vertical alignment with the blade support shaft; and a third bearing supports the weight of the generator rotor and housing as they rotate about the generator shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting wind energy into electrical energy includes a turbine having a horizontal shaft, a plurality of blades, a blade mount supporting the blade assembly for rotation about the horizontal shaft, and a turbine mount supporting the turbine for rotation about a vertical axis. The blade mount includes a pair of spaced part annular face plates, with a bearing mounted at the opening of each plate. The proximal end of each blade is secured within an airfoil-shaped opening in a mounting block extending between the two face plates. A disc extending from the back of the rear face plate encircles the generator and cooperates with a piston and caliper assembly to function as a brake. The turbine mount includes a connector plate coupled to the turbine, a connector ring connected to the tower, and a pair of bearings mounted above and below the connector ring.

Abstract: A wind turbine comprising a drive shaft; at least one vane connected to the drive shaft; and a torque converter attached to the vane, the torque converter comprising an airfoil, the torque converter being adapted to capture air for use in aiding the vane to rotate. Certain embodiments include the vane comprising a first surface and a second surface positioned opposite to the first surface, the first surface comprising a plurality of wind disrupters. Certain embodiments include a plurality of vanes rotatably connected to the drive shaft, the plurality of vanes comprising a plurality of strakes adapted to capture air and direct air to the drive shaft. Yet certain embodiments include a first air scoop connected to the vane, the first air scoop comprising a first air scoop portion at an angle relative to the vane.