Abstract: A system for providing laminar airflow over an operating platform having a top surface and a base. The system includes an airflow delivery apparatus and a return plenum. The airflow delivery apparatus is positioned above the top surface of the operating platform and includes a light assembly and a plurality of vents. The light assembly is configured to direct light toward the operating table. The plurality of vents is positioned around the light source and configured to direct airflow toward the top surface of the operating platform. The return plenum is positioned in the base of the operating platform below the top surface and is configured to receive airflow from around the operating platform in order to achieve laminar airflow around the operating platform.

Abstract: An energy unit capable of being configured in a transportation configuration and in an operational configuration. The unit comprises a container having first and second ends opposing a longitudinally-extending central section. In the transportation configuration, the container's central section is positioned generally parallel with a supporting ground surface. In the operational configuration the container is configured to be positioned with the first end on the supporting ground surface such that the second end is set apart in an upward direction from the supporting ground surface. The energy unit additionally comprises a wind turbine for generating electrical energy. In the operational configuration, the wind turbine is configured to be received within the interior space of the container, while in the transportation configuration the wind turbine is configured to extend from the exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: An energy unit capable of being configured in a transportation configuration and in an operational configuration. The unit comprises a container having first and second ends opposing a longitudinally-extending central section. In the transportation configuration, the container's central section is positioned generally parallel with a supporting ground surface. In the operational configuration the container is configured to be positioned with the first end on the supporting ground surface such that the second end is set apart in an upward direction from the supporting ground surface. The energy unit additionally comprises a wind turbine for generating electrical energy. In the operational configuration, the wind turbine is configured to be received within the interior space of the container, while in the transportation configuration the wind turbine is configured to extend from the exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: An energy unit capable of being configured in a transportation configuration and in an operational configuration. The unit comprises a container having first and second ends opposing a longitudinally-extending central section. In the transportation configuration, the container's central section is positioned generally parallel with a supporting ground surface. In the operational configuration the container is configured to be positioned with the first end on the supporting ground surface such that the second end is set apart in an upward direction from the supporting ground surface. The energy unit additionally comprises a wind turbine for generating electrical energy. In the operational configuration, the wind turbine is configured to be received within the interior space of the container, while in the transportation configuration the wind turbine is configured to extend from the exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: An energy unit capable of being configured in a transportation configuration and in an operational configuration. The unit comprises a container having first and second ends opposing a longitudinally-extending central section. In the transportation configuration, the container's central section is positioned generally parallel with a supporting ground surface. In the operational configuration the container is configured to be positioned with the first end on the supporting ground surface such that the second end is set apart in an upward direction from the supporting ground surface. The energy unit additionally comprises a wind turbine for generating electrical energy. In the operational configuration, the wind turbine is configured to be received within the interior space of the container, while in the transportation configuration the wind turbine is configured to extend from the exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: Wind turbine system. The system includes a lower wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to a first electrical motor/generator and a higher wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to at least one second electrical motor/generator. Electrical power from the first electrical motor/generator is directed to the at least one second electrical motor/generator and mag-lev system to cause the higher wind speed turbine to begin turning. A start-up assistance subsystem which acts like a local wind accelerator and produces a positive torque to assist in the start-up of a vertical axis wind turbine is also provided.

Abstract: A power-generation system is provided. The system includes a plurality of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Each VAWT includes an upstanding support structure, a central shaft positioned along a central axis of the VAWT, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The VAWTs are grouped in sets that are arranged in rows, and are separated from each adjacent VAWT by a distance of approximately one rotor diameter.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine including a generator, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generator and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of blades, and a power management subsystem operable to induce a forward current in the generator when the measured wind speed is above a minimum speed required for the blades to rotate but below the wind speed required to overcome a static friction exerted on the central shaft and the blades.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine.

Abstract: Wind turbine system. The system includes a lower wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to a first electrical motor/generator and a higher wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to at least one second electrical motor/generator. Electrical power from the first electrical motor/generator is directed to the at least one second electrical motor/generator and mag-lev system to cause the higher wind speed turbine to begin turning. A start-up assistance subsystem which acts like a local wind accelerator and produces a positive torque to assist in the start-up of a vertical axis wind turbine is also provided.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine.

Abstract: Wind turbine system. The system includes a lower wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to a first electrical motor/generator and a higher wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to at least one second electrical motor/generator. Electrical power from the first electrical motor/generator is directed to the at least one second electrical motor/generator and mag-lev system to cause the higher wind speed turbine to begin turning.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine includes an upstanding support structure, a plurality of generators disposed on the support structure, a central shaft in rotatable communication with the generators and positioned along a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine, a plurality of struts extending from the central shaft, and a plurality of blades, each blade positioned at an end of a corresponding strut and oriented substantially vertically. The vertical axis wind turbine optionally includes strut ailerons, blade extension elements, or blade ailerons to increase the efficiency and duty cycle of the wind turbine.

Abstract: Wind turbine system. The system includes a lower wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to a first electrical motor/generator and a higher wind speed vertical axis wind turbine operatively connected to at least one second electrical motor/generator. Electrical power from the first electrical motor/generator is directed to the at least one second electrical motor/generator and mag-lev system to cause the higher wind speed turbine to begin turning.