Abstract: A vertical wind turbine is provided that includes a support base defined about an axis, a bearing assembly, a drive shaft having a proximal end and an opposing distal end, and a multistage axial flux generator. The bearing assembly includes a fixed ring and a rotating ring, wherein the fixed ring is coupled to the support base. The drive shaft is coupled to the rotating ring of the bearing assembly, and a plurality of sails are coupled to the drive shaft. The multistage axial flux generator includes a rotor assembly coupled to the drive shaft and a stator assembly coupled to the support base. The rotor assembly includes a plurality of permanent magnets, and the stator assembly includes a plurality of coils defining at least two voltage output stages. The permanent magnets on the rotor assembly are close-coupled to the coils on the stator assembly.

Abstract: A vertical wind turbine is provided that includes a support base defined about an axis, a bearing assembly, a drive shaft having a proximal end and an opposing distal end, and a multistage axial flux generator. The bearing assembly includes a fixed ring and a rotating ring, wherein the fixed ring is coupled to the support base. The drive shaft is coupled to the rotating ring of the bearing assembly, and a plurality of sails are coupled to the drive shaft. The multistage axial flux generator includes a rotor assembly coupled to the drive shaft and a stator assembly coupled to the support base. The rotor assembly includes a plurality of permanent magnets, and the stator assembly includes a plurality of coils defining at least two voltage output stages. The permanent magnets on the rotor assembly are close-coupled to the coils on the stator assembly.