Abstract: A downwind morphing rotor that exhibits bending loads that will be reduced by aligning the rotor blades with the composite forces. This reduces the net loads on the blades which therefore allow for a reduced blade mass for a given maximum stress. The downwind morphing varies the amount of downstream deflection as a function of wind speed, where the rotor blades are generally fully-aligned to non-azimuthal forces for wind speeds between rated and cut-out conditions, while only the outer segments of the blades are generally aligned between cut-in and rated wind speeds. This alignment for large (MW-scale) rated turbines results in much larger downstream deflections of the blades at high wind speeds as compared to that of a conventional rigid single-piece upwind turbine blade.

Abstract: A downwind morphing rotor that exhibits bending loads that will be reduced by aligning the rotor blades with the composite forces. This reduces the net loads on the blades which therefore allow for a reduced blade mass for a given maximum stress. The downwind morphing varies the amount of downstream deflection as a function of wind speed, where the rotor blades are generally fully-aligned to non-azimuthal forces for wind speeds between rated and cut-out conditions, while only the outer segments of the blades are generally aligned between cut-in and rated wind speeds. This alignment for large (MW-scale) rated turbines results in much larger downstream deflections of the blades at high wind speeds as compared to that of a conventional rigid single-piece upwind turbine blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electricity having a turbine assembly mounted on an inner support positioned within an aerodynamic fairing. The turbine assembly has an electrical generator positioned on the inner support and having a rotor shaft rotatable by a rotor blade. The aerodynamic fairing reduces the drag and wake created by the inner support.

Abstract: A wind turbine for generating electricity having a turbine assembly mounted on an inner support positioned within an aerodynamic fairing. The turbine assembly has an electrical generator positioned on the inner support and having a rotor shaft rotatable by a rotor blade. The aerodynamic fairing reduces the drag and wake created by the inner support.

Abstract: A balancing of aerodynamic optimization and structural optimization provides a wind turbine airfoil having substantially improved performance characteristics. Mathematic modeling yields maximum aerodynamic criteria that are coupled with a structural analysis to modify the optimum aerodynamic design into a balanced, substantially optimized airfoil configuration. The resulting airfoils have substantial performance impact on GAEP. The airfoil is based on the theoretical optimum aerodynamic structure modified as required to maximize structural integrity. The method for maximizing airfoil performance permits the design of airfoils of predictable performance while achieving necessary structural integrity. A family of airfoils having operational and structural characteristics with substantially enhanced performance capability includes thickness-to-chord ratios ranging from 14% to 45%.

Abstract: Airfoils 10 having high lift to drag characteristics at low Reynolds number are disclosed. The airfoils including a leading edge 12, a trailing edge 14 spaced from the leading edge, an upper surface 16 extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and a lower surface 18 extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. An airfoil designed for a tip region of a blade has a thickness in a range of 3% to 13%, a Reynolds number in a range from 120,000 to 400,000, and a maximum lift coefficient in a range from 1.0 to 1.2. An airfoil designed for a midspan region of a blade has a thickness in a range of 3% to 13%, a Reynolds number in a range from 90,000 to 200,000, and a maximum lift coefficient in a range from 1.4 to 1.6. An airfoil designed for a root region of a blade has a thickness in a range of 5% to 15%, a Reynolds number in a range from 60,000 to 120,000, and a maximum lift coefficient in a range from 1.8 to 2.0.