Abstract: A wind powered energy generation apparatus, system and method. The apparatus may include a sail member having a windward surface and a leeward surface bounded by side edges and ends. The sail member may have a transverse width defined between the side edges and a longitudinal length defined between the ends. The apparatus may include a wind turbine including a bladed rotor configured to rotate about a central rotational axis. An end or a side edge of the sail member may be arranged proximate an outer periphery of the bladed rotor of the wind turbine. The longitudinal length or transverse width of the sail member may be inclined at an angle relative to a plane perpendicular to the central rotational axis. Wind flowing substantially parallel to the central rotational axis may form counter-rotating vortices about the side edges which vortices augment airflow across the bladed rotor of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy, which includes a tubular member having a first opening and a second opening, a leading edge member positioned adjacent to one of the first and second openings, and a raised edge along each longitudinal edge of the leading edge member.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy is provided. The apparatus may include a hollow column defining a longitudinal axis and a sail member coupled to the hollow column. The sail member may be configured to be exposed to the airflow. The sail member may define at least one slot positioned proximate the hollow column and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. A plurality of drawtubes may be disposed within the at least one slot. Each drawtube may include a leading edge member positioned adjacent to an opening at a first end of a tubular member. The tubular member may be fluidly coupled to the hollow column. An energy conversion device may be configured to convert air drawn through the hollow column into mechanical or electrical energy.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy. The system may include a leading edge member, and a collector positioned adjacent to the leading edge member. The collector may have a pair of flexible surfaces each covering an opening within a center portion of the collector.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy, which includes a tubular member having a first opening and a second opening, a leading edge member positioned adjacent to one of the first and second openings, and a raised edge along each longitudinal edge of the leading edge member.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical or electrical energy and dimensioned to be attachable to a structure. The system includes a leading edge member, a pair of drawtube arrays, and an energy conversion device located between the pair of drawtube arrays and configured to convert an airflow through the channel into mechanical or electrical energy.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy includes a drawtube and an airflow turbine capable of converting an airflow through the drawtube into rotational mechanical energy. The drawtube includes a tubular member with first and second open ends and a substantially planar leading edge member positioned in front of the first open end. As an airflow passes over the drawtube, a reduced pressure region results adjacent to the leading edge. The reduced pressure region in combination with counter-rotating eddies, or vortices, formed by the leading edge cause air to be drawn out of the first open end of the tubular member establishing an internal airflow which drives the turbine or other energy conversion device.

Abstract: A system for converting an airflow into mechanical energy includes a drawtube and an airflow turbine capable of converting an airflow through the drawtube into rotational mechanical energy. The drawtube includes a tubular member with first and second open ends and a substantially planar leading edge member positioned in front of the first open end. As an airflow passes over the drawtube, a reduced pressure region results adjacent to the leading edge. The reduced pressure region in combination with counter-rotating eddies, or vortices, formed by the leading edge cause air to be drawn out of the first open end of the tubular member establishing an internal airflow which drives the turbine or other energy conversion device.

Abstract: A device for collecting energy from wind includes an airfoil formed from a tubular member with a circular cross-section and a substantially planar leading edge. As an airflow passes over the airfoil, from the substantially planar leading edge to a trailing edge, a Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region results adjacent one or more slots. The slots are positioned directly behind the leading edge and extend to a section of greatest diameter of the airfoil. This Bernoulli effect reduced pressure region in combination with counter-rotating eddies formed by the front leading edge cause air to be drawn out of the tubular member. An airflow driven turbine capable of converting an airflow into rotational mechanical energy is connected to an interior of the tubular member though air passageways. A flow of air is drawn though the airflow turbine and through the air passageways by the Bernoulli effect and the counter-rotating eddies created by the airfoil.