Abstract: A system and method provide for the effective, real, testing of a wind turbine, especially a vertical axis wind turbine, in a simple, versatile, durable, and relatively cost effective manner. The shaft of a wind turbine (e.g. a VAWT such as a Savonius) is connected to a disc, as is a proportionally controlled disc brake. A torque transducer is connected to the shaft, and an rpm sensor, and a device which collects torque and rpm data from the torque transducer and sensor, are provided. The torque transducer and rpm sensor may be a rotary torque transducer, or the torque transducer may be a load cell operatively positioned a known distant X from the turbine shaft, which known distance X is input into the device which collects torque and rpm data. By effectively applying loads to the proportional disc brake at determined wind speeds, a power curve for the wind turbine can be generated.

Abstract: An analog pressure indicator assembly, particularly useful as a barometer, accurately indicates pressure or pressure changes using the fewest number of and/or least expensive components possible. The assembly is typically gearless, and includes a pressure sensitive element [e.g. aneroid chamber] having a first portion that moves in a path in response to pressure. A cam has a first curved surface and a second surface, and is mounted for rotation about a first axis, and the curved first surface operatively engages the pressure sensitive element. A force transmitting element, and a shaft mounted for rotation about a second axis spaced from the first axis, and a pointer operatively connected to the shaft, are also provided.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor, that is effective yet relatively easy to manufacture, includes a number of spokes, vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke has a hub having a central opening, three at least partially arcuate ribs extending radially outwardly from the hub with inner (concave) and outer (convex) surfaces, and a number of channels defined in at least one of the inner and outer surfaces. The vanes are of sheet material generally conforming to an inner or outer surface of a rib and have openings aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings and cooperate with second fasteners provided in the channels. Each spoke is desirably in three substantially identical pieces, each piece comprising a hub segment and a generally radial rib. Two of the spoke pieces may be joined by a bridging piece, and two of the pieces joined by a clamping mechanism which draws the pieces toward each other to reduce the size of the central opening to clamp onto a shaft in the central opening.

Abstract: A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor is versatile, simple and easy to construct and assemble, and efficient. The rotor includes at least three spokes, at least two vanes, and fasteners. Each spoke (which may be laser cut from aluminum plate) includes a hub having a substantially central opening, typically two or three at least partially arcuate ribs substantially integral with the hub and extending substantially radially outwardly from the hub with inner and outer surfaces, and a plurality of channels defined in at least one surface (preferably the outer surface) of each rib. The vanes are of sheet material (e. g. aluminum or polycarbonate) generally conforming to an inner or outer surface of a rib ahd have openings operatively aligned with the channels. First fasteners pass through the openings into the channels and cooperate with second fasteners provided within the channels to securely hold the vanes to the ribs; the fasteners are preferably removable.