Abstract: A turbine rotor is provided and includes a rotor plate, wherein the rotor plate is substantially circular in shape and includes a rotor plate surface having a rotor plate center and a rotor plate periphery. The turbine rotor further includes a plurality of rotor blades, wherein the plurality of rotor blades are associated with the rotor plate to be located proximate the rotor plate periphery and to extend out of and away from the rotor plate surface, wherein the rotor plate is configured to be attached to a turbine shaft that rotates about a shaft axis, such that when the turbine shaft rotates about the shaft axis, the rotor plate rotates about the shaft axis.

Abstract: A turbine 400 has a central duct 410 which accelerates fluid passing through it and a blade configuration which retards the flow of fluid near the tips of the turbine. This structure results in a vortex having a higher fluid pressure behind the tips of the turbine blades 408 and a lower fluid pressure behind the duct. In the present invention, this vortex is enhanced by (1) an increased acceleration of the fluid passing through the duct 410 and a deceleration of the fluid passing through the blades 408; and/or (2) by a fluid redirection device 850 for directing the fluid passing through the duct towards the outer diameter of the turbine.

Abstract: Six rows of radial blades, arranged to extend in a spiral (in the direction of axial rotation) covering 55 degrees of arc about a hollow support section, constitute an optimum blade arrangement for maximum efficiency in low velocity airflows. Each blade in the rows is contoured to receive both direct flow pressure as well as airfoil lift in order to provide maximum energy transfers from low velocity airflows.