Abstract: A wind power generating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically stacked wind acceleration modules that are shaped to accelerate wind passing between them. At least one of the modules includes a rotor assembly, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly, and an electrical generator mechanically coupled to the CVT. The electrical generator is capable of converting mechanical energy transferred by the CVT from the rotor assembly into electrical energy. A sensor may be mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly or the electrical generator and electrically coupled to a controller. The controller may control the CVT according to a signal received from the sensor such that the electrical generator operates within a predetermined range of rotational velocities.

Abstract: A wind power generating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically stacked wind acceleration modules. The apparatus further includes a rotor assembly, an electrical generator mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly, and a sensor in communication with the electrical generator. The sensor is capable of sensing a characteristic of wind prior to the wind reaching the rotor assembly and the electrical generator is capable of adjusting its operation according to the wind characteristic sensed by the sensor. The sensor may be coupled to a controller, which may control the operation of the electrical generator according to a signal from the sensor. The electrical generator may include a continuously variable transmission and the controller may adjust the ratio of the rotational speeds of the transmission input and output according to the sensed wind characteristic.

Abstract: A wind power generating apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of vertically stacked wind acceleration modules that are shaped to accelerate wind passing between them. At least one of the modules includes a rotor assembly, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly, and an electrical generator mechanically coupled to the CVT. The electrical generator is capable of converting mechanical energy transferred by the CVT from the rotor assembly into electrical energy. A sensor may be mechanically coupled to the rotor assembly or the electrical generator and electrically coupled to a controller. The controller may control the CVT according to a signal received from the sensor such that the electrical generator operates within a predetermined range of rotational velocities.