Abstract: A floating screw turbine device with adjustable rear deflectors/diffusors is disclosed. Three pontoons, spaced apart, carry water ducts in which screw turbines are mounted. Screw turbines, mounted in a V configuration, have mirror symmetrical pitches of the screws measured over the centre of symmetry that passes through the central pontoon. Such a configuration minimizes the vibration of the device. Rear deflectors/diffusors have an adjustable pitch relative to the floors of the water ducts by which they can affect the water flow velocity through the water ducts. In one embodiment, the optimum pitch is selected according to the previously performed computational fluid dynamics simulation for the device, where the pitch is changed using hydraulic or electromechanical actuators. In another variant an artificial neural network is taught to model a global function of the system dynamics in order to achieve optimal operation.

Abstract: A nacelle main frame structure and drive train assembly (10) for mounted on a tower (2) of a wind turbine (1). The nacelle main frame structure and drive train assembly (10) comprise a nacelle main frame structure (3) and at least part of a drive train (4). The at least part of the drive train (4) comprises a first connection interface (11) with the nacelle main frame structure (3) at a rotor side (R) of the nacelle main frame structure and drive train assembly (10) and a second connection interface (13) with the nacelle main frame structure (3). The second connection interface (13) is axially displaced with respect to the first connection interface (11) with respect to a direction away from the rotor side (R).

Abstract: Systems for increasing the power productivity of two bladed teetering hinge, yaw controlled wind turbines by varying rotor shaft restraining torque and yaw angle.

Abstract: A vertical-axis wind power generator having adjustable-angle rotating blades is provided, which can maximize generation efficiency through angle adjustment of rotating blades for upper and lower support arms. The vertical-axis wind power generator having adjustable-angle rotating blades is configured such that a rotation angle range, in which forward-rotation wind power is applied to the rotating blades, can be maximized and a rotation angle range, in which reverse-rotation wind power is applied to the rotating blades, can be minimized through angle adjustment of the rotating blades so as to apply maximum forward-rotation wind power to the rotating blades and to apply minimum reverse-rotation wind power thereto, and through angle adjustment of the rotating blades so as to generate forward rotation even by reverse-rotation wind power in a partial angle range.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a frame; a shaft mounted to the frame for rotation; plural vanes each mounted for rotation about a respective pitch adjustment axis on one or more respective arms extending from the shaft; a collar mounted to the frame coaxial with the shaft, the collar having a first outer circumferential surface defining a convex cam shape, and a second outer circumferential surface defining a non cam circular shape; and plural followers arranged to contact the first outer circumferential surface in a first configuration corresponding to a first speed of rotation of the shaft and the second outer circumferential surface in a second configuration corresponding to a second speed of rotation of the shaft, the second speed being higher than the first speed, the plural followers being each connected to adjust the pitch of a respective vane of the plural vanes.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine having a plurality of upright airfoils pivotally engaged. A continuous adjustment of the angle of attack of the airfoils to oncoming wind is provided by rotation of a control plate connected to the vanes which are mounted upon a rotating drive plate. A vane can be employed to rotate the control plate to affect the continuous adjustment of the airfoils.

Abstract: A deformable trailing edge section (3) of a wind turbine blade (1), at least part of said section (3) being formed in a deformable material. The blade section (3) comprises one or more cavities (5) being in connection with or connectable to a fluid source in a way that allows fluid to stream from the fluid source to the cavity or cavities (5), so that the shape of the deformable trailing edge section (3) and thereby the camber of the blade cross-section (3) is changeable by the pressure of fluid in the cavity or cavities (5) with insignificant changes of the thickness and chord wise length of the deformable trailing edge section. Furthermore a wind turbine blade (1) is described, having at least one of such trailing edge section (s) (3) and to a system (11) for mounting a blade section (3) on a main blade (2) of a wind turbine. In addition a method of manufacturing a deformable trailing edge section (3) of a wind turbine blade (1) is disclosed.

Abstract: A mill that reacts to fluid flow to create energy includes a vertically oriented hub, an arm attaching to and rotating with the hub in a horizontal plane, a plate attaching to the arm, a vane cooperating with the plate, the vane having a curved suction side and a planar pressure side, a leading edge and a trailing edge.

Abstract: A vertical axis windmill system. The system includes a plurality of horizontally disposed blades attached to a vertical shaft, a windshield and a wind-flow diverter that results in increased power output of the vertical axis windmill system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing the energy of wind currents by placing wind-driven turbines in vortices formed near one or more edges of a building's roof, where the wind currents are concentrated by deflection of the wind off the horizontal faces of the building. In one embodiment, a cylindrical wind turbine is placed near the edge of a building's rooftop. The turbine structure drives an electrical generator. The axis of rotation of the turbine is parallel to the ground and to the edge of the building. A concentrator may be used to concentrate vortex winds into the turbine. Turbines can be installed on multiple sides of the building to optimize the system for variations in wind direction with changes in seasons or weather conditions.

Abstract: A horizontal wind turbine with a vertical shaft and wind driven vanes that hang vertically when there is no wind, engage and drive the turbine when traveling with the wind and rotate toward a horizontal position when traveling into the wind.

Abstract: The wind-driven turbine apparatus is an apparatus comprising: a horizontal axle, a support frame, said support frame comprising; bearings configured to support said horizontal axle; and a central bearing to permit said support frame to rotate about a vertical axis; a plurality of axial blades, spaced longitudinally along said horizontal axle, spaced radially around said horizontal axle and a tail attached to said support frame.

Abstract: A brake assembly for use with a wind turbine. The brake assembly comprises a movable wind flap for attachment to a tail assembly of the wind turbine, the wind flap being configured to assume a first closed position during normal operation, and a second open position when incoming winds exceed a predetermined velocity threshold. Provided on the wind flap is a trip rudder assembly for cooperating with incoming wind to urge the wind flap into the open position. A counterbalance assembly is also provided for biasing the wind flap into the closed position. The wind flap in the open position effects a redirection of a portion of the incoming wind, urging the wind turbine to assume an oblique position relative to the incoming wind, effecting a reduction in rotational velocity of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A turbine for use with a turbine generator, the turbine including at least one turbine blade for positioning in a flowpath, a hub mounting the at least one turbine blade, and a rotatable shaft in operational communication with the hub via a hinge assembly, an axis of the hub being independent of an axis of the shaft. The hinge assembly is disposed between the shaft and the hub and configured to adjust an angle therebetween. A controller assembly is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the hinge assembly during turbine operation. In one embodiment the operational characteristic is a teeter angle of the hinge assembly. In one embodiment operational characteristic is a stiffness or damping force. Methods for using and controlling a fluid turbine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wind turbine (10) is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor (18), at least one rotor blade (22) coupled to the rotor, and a yaw system (92). The yaw system (92) includes at least one yaw motor (94) for adjusting a yaw angle of the wind turbine (10). The yaw system (92) is configured for generating a yaw drive signal corresponding to at least one of: i) a property from the at least one yaw motor (94); or ii) a control signal for operating the at least one yaw motor. The wind turbine (10) further includes an asymmetric load control assembly (100) configured to receive the yaw drive signal. The asymmetric load control assembly (100) is further configured to mitigate an asymmetric load acting on the rotor (18) using the yaw drive signal. A control system for operating a wind turbine (10) and a method thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine and a method for operating the wind turbine planted in the floor of a body of water. The wind turbine includes a support structure and a rotor, which is arranged on the support structure. The rotor has a rotor blade. The wind turbine operates in a trundle mode in order to reduce the oscillations in the support structure created through mechanical impacts on the support structure.

Abstract: A self-directing vertical axis turbine includes a base, a primary hub rotatably coupled to the base for rotation about a first axis, primary support arms extending from the primary hub, a positioning arm rotatably coupled to the base for free rotation about the first axis, a secondary hub rotatably coupled to the positioning arm for rotation about a second axis that is spaced apart from and generally parallel to the first axis, secondary arms extending outwardly from the second hub, and capturing elements. Each capturing element is rotatably coupled to respective primary and secondary arms. The positioning arm and the primary hub are independently attached to the base to allow rotation about the base at different times and speeds. The positioning arm rotates based upon forces imparted by a fluid upon the capturing elements and transferred to the positioning arm by the secondary arms and the secondary hub.

Abstract: The wind-driven turbine apparatus is an apparatus comprising: a horizontal axle, a support frame, said support frame comprising; bearings configured to support said horizontal axle; and a central bearing to permit said support frame to rotate about a vertical axis; a plurality of axial blades, spaced longitudinally along said horizontal axle, spaced radially around said horizontal axle and a tail attached to said support frame.

Abstract: A brake assembly for use with a wind turbine. The brake assembly comprises a movable wind flap for attachment to a tail assembly of the wind turbine, the wind flap being configured to assume a first closed position during normal operation, and a second open position when incoming winds exceed a predetermined velocity threshold. Provided on the wind flap is a trip rudder assembly for cooperating with incoming wind to urge the wind flap into the open position. A counterbalance assembly is also provided for biasing the wind flap into the closed position. The wind flap in the open position effects a redirection of a portion of the incoming wind, urging the wind turbine to assume an oblique position relative to the incoming wind, effecting a reduction in rotational velocity of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A structure of an upwind type wind turbine and the operating method thereof capable of preventing the occurrence of damage of the blades by evading excessive irregular loads from acting on the blades in the slanting direction in the event of power failure when strong wind blows, are provided. In the upwind type wind turbine having a nacelle supported for rotation on a support, the nacelle is rotated to a downwind position by rotating it by 180° from a normal upwind position and kept in stand-by condition at a downwind position when detected wind speed is higher than the predetermined cutout wind speed, which is the reference wind speed for shifting to an idle operation state. When the detected wind speed is higher than the DWSS wind speed determined based on the maximum permissible instantaneous wind speed, the nacelle is rotated from an upwind position to a downwind position and the yaw brake is released.

Abstract: A remotely operable motorized fan includes an elongated support shaft that has top and bottom end portions, and a housing that defines a cavity therein and includes a tubular lower flange positioned about the top end portion of the support shaft. The housing includes monolithically formed platforms to which the power mechanism and the sensing mechanism are secured. A sensing mechanism is included for detecting a mobile target zone remotely located from the housing. The system further includes a power mechanism for rotating the housing about the support shaft based upon a location of the target zone. The power mechanism is electrically coupled to the sensing mechanism such that the housing automatically pivots without requiring a user input.

Abstract: The multiaxel windmill has multiple blades attached to a rim that rotates on multiple wheels rather than about a single axel. The blades are many and short and positioned far from the axis of rotation such that the full blade length rotates at maximum velocity. This allows blades to be oriented for high-efficiency lift. This design is more easily scaled to large power because larger weight and more blades are easily supported. A starter motor permits use of optimum-efficient, pure-lift blades, and no blade twist and double-end support enables those blades to be simpler, lighter, and cheaper. Multiple blades surrounded by supports are easily seen and avoided by birds.

Abstract: An improved windmill includes a conical rotor unit, a frame for supporting the conical rotor unit and a base for supporting the frame. The conical rotor unit has a conical rotor with a plurality of spaced curved blades disposed thereon and a plurality of spaced slant blades located at an outer rim of the conical rotor. The conical rotor has small wind resistance and may rotate under low speed wind to generate rotor rotation. The frame is rotationable about the base to enable the conical rotor to capture wind from different directions. The conical rotor is heavier than conventional windmill rotor and may serve as a fly wheel to store kinetic energy for the windmill to produce steady rotation under different wind speed for a long period of time.

Abstract: A vertical-axle wind power machine comprises a vertical axle, a plurality of jointed radial arms, a plurality of counterbalanced oblique blades at the support points thereof, a friction-rewarding rotary speed multiplying transmission, and an automatic rotary speed regulating means to be performed by either a wind-operated or an alternative digital controlled rotary speed regulating device; the combination of which provides the oblique blades with great sensitivity to the alternation of lee wind and head wind for automatic swinging to the most efficient lee angle at upstanding and overturned positions to sail nearly three quarters and streamline against the head wind resistance for the remaining quarter every circle of rotation, is able to convert the centripetal and centrifugal component forces to the same torque direction of the tangential component force from the same blade by an eccentric-guided angular bracket means and a fork-rooted radial arm, is able to offset the friction loss in the rotary speed mult

Abstract: A wind-powered energy production and storing system comprises a wind rotor (1) in driving engagement with a power generator via transmission means, to which is also connected a heat pump for operation of at least one heat exchanger unit. The wind rotor (1) is designed as a wind wheel having a rim in direct driving engagement with a main shaft positioned in a subjacent engine housing (3) to which main shaft, in addition to the power generator and the heat pump, a dual circulation pump is coupled for conveying heated and cooled liquid, from a heating container and a cooling container, respectively, positioned in the engine housing (3) to separate heat and cold storing stations (16, 18). Via a steam separator (21) and a pumping device (22), a steam generator (17) may be connected to the heat storing station (16), which via a steam turbine (19) drives an additional power generator (20) for power production during periods of slack winds.

Abstract: The windmill has a stub tower having a rotatable platform carrying a wind driven fan with an input shaft driving a transmission mechanism on the platform. The mechanism carries two balanced cranks which rotate continuously and two pitman arms at opposite ends of an output cross shaft driving a single rocking beam having a massive head moved up and down. The head is coupled by flexible members to a vertical pump rod which is reciprocated by the rocking beam. A tail assembly coupled to the platform tracks the wind and rotates the platform so that the fan faces into the wind. The tracking assembly furls the fan out of the wind when the wind speed is excessive. The tracking assembly rises up on an inclined coupling rod to load the tracking assembly gravitationally when the fan is in furled position. When the wind speed decreases, the tracking assembly descends on the coupling rod to turn the platform and unfurl the fan to face the wind.

Abstract: An improved wind turbine 10 is described having a swivel head 18 mounted at an upper end of a support tower 12 for pivoting about a substantially vertical axis Y. A radial blade rotor assembly 48 is mounted to the swivel head 18 for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal pivot axis X that is offset and spaced downwind of the vertical axis Y. The rotor assembly 48 has a rotor shaft 50 that rotates about a rotor axis Z that is spaced from the horizontal pivot axis X. The rotor assembly has a plurality of airfoil blades 64 that are attached to and extend radially outward from the rotor axis. The blades 64 rotate with a shallow inward conical path about the rotor axis Z in the blades 64 extending radially outward at an inclined angle from perpendicular of between 0 and 5 degrees. An electrical alternator 80 is connected to the rotor shaft 50 for generating electrical power directly from the rotor assembly 48.

Abstract: A rotor bearing assembly for a wind power engine exhibits great stability and strength, and reduces flexural stresses on a mast of a wind power engine.The bearing body (2) is suspended from and mounted on a horizontal pivot axis (X) and carries a rotor assembly (3) on a short lever arm and an aerodynamic airfoil (5) on a log lever arm (4). In connection with a descending force, an airfoil (5) produces a counter torque about the horizontal pivot axis (X) opposed to the dynamic pressure-dependent torque due to the rotor assembly (3).

Abstract: A wind energy conversion system includes specially shaped blades mounted in a specific location on a specially shaped blade-supporting body to maximize energy conversion from wind energy to electrical energy. The blade-supporting body includes a concave section located upstream of a convex section, with the two sections being joined together at a location of maximum diameter. The blades are mounted on the body at the location of maximum diameter. Each blade includes two surfaces each of which includes a concave section and a convex section. The blade surfaces are spaced apart from each other by a blade thickness dimension that increases from essentially zero at blade tips to a maximum adjacent to a blade longitudinal axis that extends from a blade proximal end mounted on the blade-supporting body to a distal end spaced from said blade-supporting body.

Abstract: A windmill having a stator and a rotor. The rotor has the shape of a long convex blade having sharp edges and being symmetrical with respect to its longitudinal axis. The stator which surrounds and supports the rotor comprises a lower platform which acts as a base, an upper platform parallel to the lower platform and a set of vertical and also equally spaced vanes joining the two platforms. According to a first embodiment, each vane is formed of an outer stationary shutter joining the two platforms and of a movable inner shutter capable of pivoting about its longitudinal axis. In an other embodiment, the vanes are one-piece element and can pivot freely on posts of which the ends are secured to the two platforms. In either case, there is provided a control mechanism responsible for the angular orientation of the movable shutters or vanes.

Abstract: According to the invention, a wind turbine 10 incorporates a wind vane 105 which mechanically controls a valve 100 that directs the output of a turbine driven hydraulic pump 75 to yaw the turbine out of the wind upon a loss of system power or load. The turbine yaws out of the wind at an angular rate that is roughly proportional to rotor speed so that excessive teeter amplitudes are not encountered. The mechanically driven pump advantageously provides power to yaw the rotor out of the wind even if all electrical power is lost.

Abstract: A vane pivotally mounted atop a wind turbine, rotatably mounted on a support structure, rotates freely with the wind. A cam is affixed to and rotatable with the vane. A toothed wheel is stationarily affixed to the support structure. A pair of pawls are mounted atop the wind turbine in operative proximity with the cam and the toothed wheel. Thus, when the vane rotates to align itself with a new wind vector, the cam rotates with the vane and disengages one of the pawls from the toothed wheel thereby permitting the wind turbine to rotate in the direction of rotation of the vane until the wind turbine is aligned with the vane at which point both the pawls engage the toothed wheel, locking the wind turbine in aligned position with the wind.

Abstract: An improvement of the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,075 permits the propeller assembly of a wind energy system to swing in two directions, both left and right with respect to wind direction. The improvement includes a snubber assembly which has a plurality of springs mounted on a central bar.

Abstract: An offset-axis type wind generator uses a passive cyclic pitch-change rotor whose shaft axis is inclined downward and aft, with its sense of rotation selected so that the yaw component of the shaft torque at least partially of the shaft torque offsets that component of thrust which accompanies power extraction. A wind-alignment vane extends from a boom mounted on a furling hinge, equipped with mechanism to limit the vane's anti-furling moment to balance only the remainder of the moment of rotor thrust. Hence, disengagement of power extraction does not cause the rotor to overspeed, and the machine may idle even in gale-force winds, furled to nearly 90.degree..

Abstract: A wind powered generator for generating electrical energy comprising a generator which has no slip rings between its field and armature, and which when mounted on a tower is controlled through suitable control mechanism to adjust the power output to a level compatible with the load and storage equipment, as well as the existing wind conditions.The armature is fixedly mounted on the support (which can turn about an upright axis) and a housing carrying permanent magnets rotates around the armature. Bearing means stably support the housing and the armature and the propeller is easily mounted on the housing.The device is made to be relatively maintenance free and capable of unattended generation of electricity over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A wind powered generator for generating electrical energy comprising a generator which has no slip rings between its field and armature, and which when mounted on a tower is controlled through suitable control mechanism to adjust the power output to a level compatible with the load and storage equipment, as well as the existing wind conditions. The control apparatus will prevent overloads and will provide for efficient utilization of available wind. The controls operate mechanism to vary the angle of interceptance of the propeller with the wind. The device is made to be relatively maintenance free and capable of unattended generation of electricity over extended periods of time.

Abstract: A wind power converter comprising: a pair of rotatable turbines with elongated curved blades disposed within a rotatable housing on axially parallel shafts, the curvature of the blades of one turbine being opposite to the curvature of the blades of the second turbine so that wind passing between said turbines will rotate the turbines in opposite directions; the housing comprising shaft-supporting sections at the ends of the turbines, lateral sections connecting the end sections, a pair of wind deflectors disposed between the end sections and extending from adjacent edges of the lateral sections toward the midpoint between the turbines and terminating approximately the same distance from each other as the distance between the turbine shafts, and a pivotally mounted vertically disposed vane extending from a portion of the housing opposite to the wind deflectors; said rotatable housing being supported on a vertically disposed central shaft and on a plurality of beams radiating therefrom with the free end of each