Abstract: A fluid powered turbine, such as a wind turbine (10), has a hollow column (12) in which a rotating turbine is housed. A fluid directing structure (14) is supported at or near an end of the column (12) remote from the turbine. The fluid directing structure (14) has a plurality of individual inlet openings (26) spaced around its periphery and is arranged to direct air at each inlet opening into an inner pipe (18). The incoming air is constricted both within the structure (14) and as it exits the column (12) whereby its speed is sufficient to rotate the turbine (20). The structure at the top of the column (12) generally requires no maintenance and maintenance of the turbine (20) is considerably easier than with traditional wind generators as access is easy. As the turbine is enclosed, it is safer than the traditional wind generators and less noisy.

Abstract: A fluid powered turbine, such as a wind turbine (10), has a hollow column (12) in which a rotating turbine is housed. A fluid directing structure (14) is supported at or near an end of the column (12) remote from the turbine. The fluid directing structure (14) has a plurality of individual inlet openings (26) spaced around its periphery and is arranged to direct air at each inlet opening into an inner pipe (18). The incoming air is constricted both within the structure (14) and as it exits the column (12) whereby its speed is sufficient to rotate the turbine (20). The structure at the top of the column (12) generally requires no maintenance and maintenance of the turbine (20) is considerably easier than with traditional wind generators as access is easy. As the turbine is enclosed, it is safer than the traditional wind generators and less noisy.