SPLIT COLLAR MOUNTABLE WIND TURBINE

Abstract

A split collar mountable turbine is assembled in two separate halves and circumferentially attachable around existing structures. Top and bottom attachment rings each comprise first and second arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form two rings formed in spaced relation. A fan blade housing ring adapted to interface into complimentary slots within the top and bottom rings is received in complimentary slots and moves in tracks located in the top and bottom rings by magnetic levitation. The turbine further includes two pair of off-axis electrical generators each having rotating gears driven by rotation of said fan blade housing for producing electricity. A series of set screws and set guides affixed to the top and bottom rings can be adjusted to engage and be supported by a structure that is collared in the open center of the cylindrical wind turbine.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/794,282, filed Mar. 11, 2013, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a wind turbine used to convert wind forces into electrical energy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wind turbine and combined generator having a cylindrical shaped structure, formed in split halves adapted to be concentrically affixed about an elongate shaft or similar structure.

2. Related Art

The need and demand for renewable energy is increasing as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels and nuclear power. Existing devices and methods adapted to harness renewable sources, such as wind power, may have the unwelcome effect of creating large and noticeable physical footprints on existing landscapes. Existing wind turbines require installation on tall masts with sufficient horizontal and lateral clearance and rights of way and accessibility to an electrical grid. Wind farms that use existing wind turbines may be located in less densely populated areas and may utilize large tracts of valuable land and many times increase the cost of kilowatt hour due the requirement of construction of access to electrical grids. Wind generators located in more densely populated areas may block views, block sunlight, create noise and otherwise may be ascetically undesirable. In addition, existing horizontal and vertical wind turbines can be a danger to certain bird populations.

A common wind turbine structure includes a single large propeller affixed at the top end of a vertical mast. Airflow across the blades, airfoils or the propellers causes rotation activating a generator to produce electricity. Because of the length of the blades and the size of propeller, many times such wind turbines are affixed atop very tall masts making maintenance and repair difficult. The high placement also takes advantage of higher winds having more force to move the massive propeller blades. Also the installation of the masts are expensive and are required to support a significant amount of weight to support both the blades and generator which is typically located at the center of the blades. A conventional propeller type wind turbine with blades also typically rotates perpendicular to wind direction requiring expensive mechanisms to rotate either or both of the forward direction of the propeller, or the angle of the propeller blades.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for devices and methods to generate renewable energy from wind and airflow forces that has a minimized physical impact on the livable landscape and environment and which can capitalize on existing infrastructure and electrical grid interfaces. Also, there is a need in the art for devices and methods to create electricity from wind flow forces that minimize adjustments in the turbine orientation decreasing the complexity of the wind turbines and decreasing costs of manufacture, maintenance and control.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a mountable wind turbine adapted to take advantage of existing infrastructure as it can be attached and retrofitted to existing structures such as light poles, power poles, water towers, traffic light arms, existing wind turbine masts, billboards, communications towers and similar existing structures. Because the device can be retrofitted onto existing structures that have pre-existing access to electric grid, the wind turbine of the present invention can be utilized with significant costs savings over a wind turbine that requires its own mast structure, real-estate plot and constructed power grid access. In addition, the wind turbine of the present invention additionally provides the advantage of potentially powering devices associated with the structure to which it is attached such as a traffic light on a light pole, equipment on a communications tower, traffic light or alternative to provide power to one or more battery storage units that provides back up power.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a split collar mountable wind turbine includes a first top ring comprising first and second arcuate elements, said first and second arcuate elements are adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form an interconnected ring along with a second bottom ring comprising first and second arcuate elements, said first and second arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form an interconnected bottom ring. A fan blade housing ring comprising first and second arcuate elements, each of said arcuate elements having a first end adapted to interface into a slot within said first top ring, and a second end adapted to interface into a slot within said second bottom ring and blade elements interconnected between said first end and said second end of each of said arcuate elements, said arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form said fan blade housing ring. Located within the housing is two pair of off-axis electrical generators each generator having rotating gears, said rotating gears are driven by rotation of said fan blade housing ring about an axis, which turns the generators in order for the generators to produce electricity. The generators may be in electrical connection with the power grid to supply power or to otherwise provide electric power to a local device or battery back up.

Wind forces engage the blades of the fan housing, and force rotation of the fan blade housing in a circular direction about the attachment rings, within groves formed in the attachment rings. The attachment ring groves may have bearings or alternatively rollers to provide free rotation of the housing within the track. As a further alternative, the grooves of the attachment rings may include rare earth magnets to provide magnetic levitation of the fan blade housing within the attachment ring grooves to aid in providing reduced frictional movement of the fan blade housing. Magnetic levitation can also be achieved by use of electro magnets formed in the attachment ring grooves. The blade housing can also be designed to create its own lift when spinning to cut down on friction and ease stress of the bottom attachment ring.

It is contemplated by an aspect of the present invention that the fan turbine of the present invention can be assembled in two separate halves, for ease of attachment and adapted to be attached circumferentially around existing structures such as electrical pole, light poles and traffic poles. A series of set screws and set guides can be adjusted to engage and be supported by a structure that the collar mount wind turbine of the present invention surrounds. Because of the numerous set screws, the set screws can be adjusted to engage non cylindrical surfaces such as the square cross section of chimney or other irregularly shaped support structure.

According to another embodiment, the turbine includes a solar panel in operative communication with the fan blade housing, wherein the solar panel is configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy usable for rotating said fan blade housing. A rechargeable battery may be in electrical communication with said solar panel to receive and store electrical energy generated by said solar panel. A motor may be in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and in operative communication with said fan blade housing. The motor may receive electrical energy from said rechargeable battery and rotate the fan blade housing.

A controller may be operatively coupled to the motor and configured to selectively transition the motor between ON and OFF configurations, the controller may transition the motor to the ON configuration when the ambient wind speed is less than 5 miles per hour. The controller may transition the motor to the OFF configuration when the ambient wind speed is greater than 5 miles per hour.

The turbine may include a magnetic electrical generator including a coil coupled to one of the first and second rings, and a magnet coupled to the cylindrical fan blade housing and moveable relative to the coil when said fan blade housing rotates relative to said first and second rings. The magnetic electrical generator may be configured to convert movement of the magnet relative to the coil into electrical energy usable for rotating the fan blade housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 shows three of the wind turbines of the present invention affixed to an existing wind turbine pole in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the wind turbine of the present invention in its environment, with a shaft shown in broken lines in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the wind turbine of the present invention in its environment, with a shaft shown in broken lines in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the wind turbine of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side cross sectional view of the wind turbine of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is top cross sectional view of the wind turbine of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional schematic view of the wind turbine of the present invention with mount adaptors engaged with a structure having a square cross section in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional schematic view of the wind turbine of the present invention with mount adaptors engaged with a structure having a triangular cross section in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 shows the wind turbine of the present invention affixed to an existing house chimney in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows the wind turbine of the present invention affixed to an existing vertical light pole and a second shaft mount turbine of the present invention affixed to a generally horizontal traffic light arm in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 shows the wind turbine of the present invention adapted for use in association with the air intake of a motor vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are upper perspective views of wind turbines adapted to be incorporated into a various locations on a vehicle;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a supplemental energy generation system configured for use with the wind turbine;

FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of the wind turbine including a solar panel for powering an auxiliary motor configured to rotate the fan blade housing in low wind conditions;

FIG. 16 is a partial upper perspective sectional view of the wind turbine including a magnetic electric generator for powering an auxiliary motor configured to rotate the fan blade housing in low wind conditions;

FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of the wind turbine having wider and detachable fan blades;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the partial wind turbine depicted in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 19 is a front view of the partial wind turbine depicted in FIGS. 16-17.

Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first, second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one element from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such elements.

Existing structures such as light poles, traffic light arms, communication towers, wind turbine masts, chimneys and smoke stacks are commonplace in the modern landscape in both rural and urban communities. In most instances, these types of structures have existing access to the power grid associated with the structure's function or devices attached to the structures. The split collar shaft mountable wind turbine of the present invention takes advantage of existing infrastructure as it can be attached and retrofitted to existing structures such as light poles, power poles, water towers, traffic light arms, existing wind turbine masts, billboards, support structures, communications towers and similar existing structures. Because the device can be retrofitted onto existing structures that have pre-existing access to electric grid, the wind turbine of the present invention can be utilized with significant costs savings over a wind turbine that might require its own mast structure, real-estate plot and/or constructed power grid access. In addition, the wind turbine of the present invention additionally provides the advantage of potentially powering devices associated with the structure to which it is attached such as a traffic light on a light pole, equipment on a communications tower, traffic light or provide power to battery storage unit associated with such devices that can be used to store a charge.

Referring particularly to the drawings, embodiments of the split collar mountable wind turbine of the present invention are shown. In particular, FIGS. 1, 9 and 10 show examples of the attachment of the wind turbine 10 of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 1, there is shown a prior art propeller type wind turbine 12 affixed to the top of a mast 14. The split collar turbine 10 of the present invention is adapted to the attached circumferentially about the vertical mast 14. In the example as shown in FIG. 1, three turbines 10 are attached to the masts in serial fashion. In the example of FIG. 1, a tall mast 14 is particularly suited as an existing structure to provide a support base for one or more of the turbines 10 of the present invention. Because the turbines 10 are fixedly attached to the mast 14 in the example of FIG. 1 they can be spaced at various locations about the length of the mast 14. The mechanism for attachment of the mast is discussed more fully below.

In the example of FIG. 1, one or more turbines 10 can supply power to the power grid or alternatively could provide additional power to a battery backup (not shown) of the propeller wind generator 12, and may additionally provide power to mechanisms that direct the propeller type wind turbine 12 into the direction of the wind for maximum efficiency. Although three turbines 10 are shown in FIG. 1, any number of turbines 10 could be affixed to the mast 14 depending on space and weight limitations.

Another example of mounting the turbine 10 onto preexisting structures is demonstrated in FIG. 9. The turbine 10 is affixed to the chimney 16 of a residential house 18. As described in more detail with regard to FIG. 7, the hollow center of the collar is adapted to receive the square structure of the chimney 16. A series of set screws 114 can be adjusted to engage the surface of a square structure such as shown in FIG. 7 or other shape such as shown in FIG. 8. Due to the large number of set screws 114 it is contemplated by the present invention a variety of shapes of support structures can be accommodated and used as a support. It is additionally contemplated by the invention that the turbine 10 could be affixed to other types of exhaust structures such as smoke stacks on factories and other similar edifices. A further example is shown in FIG. 10 where the turbine 10 can be attached to a vertical light pole 20 or a horizontal traffic light arm 22. The examples as shown in FIGS. 1, 7-10 are merely exemplarily and it is contemplated that the wind turbine 10 of the present invention could be affixed to many types of structures in various orientations. In addition to preexisting structures, it is contemplated by the present invention that a support structure can be specially constructed to support the turbine 10 of the present in invention. For example, a pole can be installed into the ground for the custom purpose of supporting one or more of the wind turbines 10 of the present invention. In addition, it is contemplated by the present invention that the alternate means of attaching the wind turbine of the present invention may be employed such as a clamping mechanism or other means of structural attachment as known by one skilled in the art.

The low profile of the turbine 10 of the present invention allows it to be affixed to preexisting structures and minimizing interference with the surrounding area. As demonstrated in FIG. 10, the turbine 10 can be secured to the light pole 20 without interfering with the normal operation of the light pole and is of sufficiently light structure as to not over burden the structure of the light pole 20. The turbine 10, as demonstrated in FIG. 10, could provide main or auxiliary power to a light 24. Alternatively, the turbine 10 could supply power to a battery backup (not shown) for the light pole 20, or alternatively, the electrical output of the turbine 10 could be connected directly to a power grid to provide power back into the power grid system. Similarly, the turbine 10 can supply power to traffic lights 26 of the light pole 20. Likewise, the turbine 10 as demonstrated in the example of FIG. 9 could provide an additional power source to a residential house 18, could provide power to a battery backup system (not shown) or otherwise interconnect to the power grid to provide power back into the system.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown wind turbine of the present invention, with a top perspective view in FIG. 2 and a bottom perspective view in FIG. 3. FIG. 2 demonstrates a top attachment ring 100 that includes arcuate half rings 102 and 104. Although the top attachment ring 100 is comprised of half rings 102 and 104 each comprising one half of the top attachment ring 100, it is contemplated by the present invention that the top ring can be comprised of arcuate elements that are not of equal circumference or alternatively the top attachment ring could be a unitary structure. Furthermore, it is understood that the top attachment ring 100 may be comprised of more than two rings, i.e., the top attachment ring 100 may be divided into three, four, or more rings segments.

The half rings 102 and 104 are interlocked by flanges 106, pin guide 110 and pin 108. The flange 106 nests in the groove of a pin guide 110. The flange 106 and pin guide 110 have corresponding apertures such that when the flange 106 is nested in the pin guide 110 the apertures align allowing a pin 108 to be inserted through the pin guide 110 and flange 106 to interlock ring halves 102 and 104 to form the top attachment ring 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 half ring 102 includes pin guides 110 on each side of the half ring while the half ring 104 includes oppositely formed flanges 106 to mate with the ring half 102. Although the flange and pin guide arrangement are segregated between ring halves 102 and 104 as shown in FIG. 2 it is additionally contemplated by the present invention that the half rings could each include one flange and one pin guide that also mates with the corresponding half ring structure. It is further contemplated that the top ring 100 could be formed as a single ring, or a ring formed of three or more interlocking pieces.

As shown in FIG. 2 the semicircular half rings 102 and 104 form an annular attachment ring 100 having a center opening 112. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a circular opening 112, it is contemplated that the aperture formed in the top attachment ring could have an opening in a shape other than a circle to accommodate the structure to be received within opening 112. In operation when the attachment ring 100 is attached to a structure, a gap 137 (examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8) allows for airflow in and out of the interior of the blade housing 127.

A plurality of set screws 114 are engaged with set guides 116. The set guides 116 are rigidly attached to the ring 100. In operation, the set screws 114 are rotated to move the set screws inward or outward to engage a structure that is placed in the opening 112. The set screws 114 engage and grip a structure located within the aperture 112 to assist in holding the entire structure of the wind turbine 10 to the intervening structure. In this regard, the wind turbine 10 can be attached removed or adjusted upon a structure that is located within the opening 112.

FIG. 3 demonstrates a bottom attachment ring 118 that includes arcuate half rings 120 and 122. Although the bottom attachment ring 118 is comprised of half rings 120 and 122 each comprising one half of the bottom attachment ring 118, it is contemplated by the present invention that the bottom ring 118 can be comprised of arcuate elements that are not of equal circumference or the bottom ring 118 could be formed of a unitary structure. Furthermore, it is understood that the bottom attachment ring 118 may be comprised of more than two rings, i.e., the bottom attachment ring 118 may be divided into three, four, or more rings segments.

The half rings 120 and 122 are interlocked by flanges 124, pin guide 128 and pin 126. The flange 124 nests in the groove of a pin guide 128. The flange 124 and pin guide 128 have corresponding apertures such that when the flange 124 is nested in the pin guide 128 the apertures align allowing a pin 126 to be inserted through the pin guide 128 and flange 124 to interlock ring halves 120 and 122 to form the bottom attachment ring 118. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 half ring 120 includes pin guides 128 on each side of the half ring while the half ring 122 includes oppositely formed flanges 124 to mate with the ring half 120. Although the flange and pin guide arrangement are segregated between ring halves 120 and 122 as shown in FIG. 3 it is additionally contemplated by the present invention that the half rings could each include one flange and one pin guide that also mates with the corresponding half ring structure. It is further contemplated that the bottom ring 118 could be formed as a single ring, or a ring formed of three or more interlocking pieces.

As shown in FIG. 3 the semicircular half rings 120 and 122 form an annular attachment ring 118 having a center opening 130. Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 includes a circular opening 130, it is contemplated that the aperture formed in the bottom attachment ring 118 could have an opening in a shape other than a circle to accommodate the structure to be received within opening 130. In operation when the attachment ring 118 is attached to a structure, a gap 135 (examples shown in FIG. 6) allows for airflow in and out of the interior of the blade housing 127.

A plurality of set screws 132 are engaged with set guides 134. The set guides 134 are rigidly attached to the ring 118. In operation, the set screws 132 are rotated to move the set screws inward or outward to engage a structure that is placed in the opening 130. The set screws 132 engage and grip a structure located within the aperture 130 to assist in holding the entire structure of the wind turbine 10 an intervening structure. In this regard, the wind turbine 10 can be attached removed or adjusted upon a structure that is located within the opening 130.

Referring particularly FIG. 4 there is shown an exploded view of the wind turbine of the present invention. The exploded view shows top ring 100 and bottom ring 118 along with blade housing 127 that includes a plurality of blades 129 interconnected between a top housing ring 130 and a bottom housing ring 132. The blade housing 127 forms a complete cylinder, shown as separated in drawing FIG. 4. The two halves of the blade housing 127 may be attached together by a standard bolt and nut construction (not shown) at the top housing ring 130 and bottom housing ring 132. Alternatively a screw clamp system or connector plates may be employed. The bolt and nut construction is placed at both ends where the two blade housing halves meet, to let them act as one cylindrical piece as the blade housing 127. It is understood that although the exemplary blade housing 127 includes two halves, other embodiments of the blade housing may include more than two adjoining segments.

The blade housing 127 incorporates a blade housing gear interface 136a formed on the top housing ring 130 and a lower gear interface 136b. The blade housing cylinder 127 interfaces with grooves formed in the top attachment ring 100 and bottom attachment ring 118. More particularly, as demonstrated in bottom attachment ring 118 a turbine channel groove 138 is formed on the upward surface of each of the ring halves 120 and 122. When the ring halves 120 and 122 are connected, a complete groove channel 138 is formed in the ring 118 to interface with the bottom ring 132 of the blade housing 127. The bottom ring 132 is magnetized. Alternatively a series of rare earth magnets may be formed about the bottom ring 132 on the sides and bottom of the ring 132 that mates with the groove 138. As a further alternative an electromagnet may be employed. As demonstrated in FIG. 4 the groove 138 includes a plurality of recesses 140 for receiving rare earth magnets 117, the recesses 140 formed in the bottom of the groove 138. Also rare earth magnet recesses 139 are formed along the both sides of the sidewalls of the groove 138 to accept rare earth magnets 119. When the blade housing cylinder 127 is inserted into the groove 138, the housing 127 is free to rotate within the groove 138 through magnetic levitation. Although the example of FIG. 4 includes the use of rare earth magnets, it is additionally contemplated that electromagnets may be employed as well as bearings or other types of rollers which would allow the blade housing to rotate within the groove of the bottom attachment ring 118. Likewise, the top attachment ring 100 includes a groove 142 to interface with the top ring 130 of the blade housing 127. The top ring 130 is magnetized. Alternatively a series of rare earth magnets may be formed about the top ring 130 on the sides and bottom of the ring that mates with the groove 142. As a further alternative an electromagnet may be employed. The groove 142 is formed in ring halves 102 and 104 in the identical configuration as ring halves 120 and 122 and additionally utilizes rare earth magnets (not shown) formed in ring halves 102 and 104 in the identical configuration as ring halves 120 and 122 to employ magnetic levitation as a means of providing a reduced friction means of rotating the blade housing 127 between the attachment rings 118 and 100. It is contemplated that although rare earth magnets are contemplated in the groove 142 in the top ring 100, other types of magnetic levitation can be employed or alternatively movement of the blade housing 127 by bearings or other rollers incorporated into the groove 142.

As such, in operation, the blade housing 127 nests within the grooves 138 of the bottom attachment ring 118 and the top groove 142 of the top attachment ring 100 so that the blade housing 127 can rotate freely between the rings 100 and 118. In this regard, a wind force acting upon a blade of the blade housing 127 will cause rotation of the blade housing 127. Because the blade housing 127 is cylindrical, a wind force coming from any lateral direction can cause force upon the blades 127 causing rotation of the blade housing 127. The wind turbine blades 129 work like a sail with airflow around the rounded blades 129 causing forward movement of blade housing. The airflow around the blades 129 may also create lift for the housing 127. It is contemplated that the blades 129 may be comprised of a variety of shapes and cross sections as are commonly used and known by one skilled in the art for use in wind turbines. Also the blades 129 can be attached to the housing by pivots that can be driven to rotate, and the housing 127 maybe computerized to cause the blades 129 to open and close, to capture more wind in low wind condition and prevent damage in high wind conditions. As shown, the blades are 129 are evenly spaced about the housing 127, however it is contemplated that any number of blades can be employed with blades of varying sizes. For example the rotating housing 127 can have a little as one blade 127, or a large number of blades within the physical limitations of the housing 127. The invention employs four generators located in generator pairs 144 and 146. Each generator pair is enclosed in unitary housing structures 144 and 146. Generator pair 144 includes a bottom generator attached to gear 152 and a top generator attached to gear 148. Likewise, generator pair 146 includes a bottom generator attached to a gear 152 and the top generator is attached to a gear 150. The rotation of the blade housing 127 causes an interaction with generator pairs 144 and 146 to drive the generators pairs 144 and 146. In the shown embodiment, four generators are employed, including generator pair 144 and generator pair 146, although it is contemplated that the present invention can utilize as little as one generator or two or more generators up to any number that is within the physical limitations of the housing 127. Each of the generator pairs 144 and 146 include top gears 148 and 150 respectively along with bottom gears 152 and 154 respectively. For example, with respect to generator pair 146, the generator attached to top gear 150 interfaces with the gear interface 136a of the blade housing 127 and the generator attached to bottom gear 154 interfaces with the bottom gear interface 136b of the blade housing 127. As shown, each generator pair 144 and 146 includes two generators (not shown) stacked in opposite directions inside a support cylinder forming generators pairs 144 and 146. In operation, as the blade housing 127 rotates, it causes rotation of gear 148 attached to a generator in generator pair 144 and gear 152 attached to a generator in generator pair 144 and gear 150 attached to a generator in generator pair 146 and gear 154 attached to a generator in generator pair 146 causing each of the generators in generator pairs 144 and 146 to rotate and to generate electricity by known methods to those skilled in the art. The generators to be used in the wind turbine of the present invention will be known generators as understood by one skilled in the art. Known generators are employed having coils and magnets generating an electrical field which is harvested by the coils and converted into electricity.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the wind turbine of the present invention and in an assembled state. FIG. 6 provides a cross sectional view along axis 6-6 as shown in FIG. 5. Referring particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6 the blades 129 are shown interconnected to the blade housing 127, wherein the blade housing 127 moves within the groove channel 138 of the bottom attachment ring 118 and groove air duct 142 of the top attachment ring 100. The generator pairs 144 and 146 interface with the rotating housing 127 through the gear interface 136b on the bottom side with gears 152 for a generator located in generator pair 144 and gear 154 for a generator located in generator pair 146 along with gear interface 136a (not shown) via gear 142 for a generator located in generator pair 144 and gear 150 for a generator located in generator pair 146. In FIG. 6, the cross sectional view from axis 6-6 as shown in FIG. 5 shows a top down view in the interaction of the generator located in generator pair 144 and the generator located in generator pair 146 with gears 152 and 154 respectively interfacing with the gear interface 136b of the blade housing 127. The ends of the set screws 132 can be seen to be extended to interface with a light pole or other type structure to which the turbine 10 of the present invention may be attached. As shown in FIG. 6, the set screws 132 are attached to the bottom ring 118 and held in place set guides 158. As with the top ring 100 there are a plurality of set screws 132 and associated set guide 134. Air may flow in and out of the cylinder of the blade housing in gap 35 which is formed between the annular ring and structure found within the inner opening 130.

Referring particularly to FIG. 11 there is shown an alternate use of the wind turbines 10 of the present invention. Wind turbines 10 are used in association with a motor vehicle 154. The wind turbines 10 are mounted to internal shafts 156 affixed within the vehicle 154. When in motion, air is taken into air intakes 158 and 160 of the motor vehicle 154. The air intake 158 and 160 pass air into air ducts 162 and 164. The air ducts 162 and 164 are tapered to condense air flow to a tapered out take ports 166 and 168. Because the air ducts 162 and 164 are tapered, air flow is forced through the out take ports 166 and 168 at an increased velocity to engage the blades 128 to cause rotation of the blade housing and thereby cause rotation of generators (not shown) located within the blade housing 127. Additional airflow and flow through airflow is redirected to the sides of the automotive vehicle through exhaust ports on the driver's and passenger's side, with exhaust ports 170 shown (exhaust port on passenger side not shown). Although the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 11 shows that the wind turbines 10 are inserted using the tapered ducts 162 and 164, it is contemplated that only one turbine or more than two turbines can be incorporated into a moving vehicle, aircraft or watercraft to take advantage of oncoming airflow. In this regard, it is contemplated by the present invention that the turbines 10 may be located anywhere on a motor vehicle, aircraft or watercraft where airflow can be received.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show different implementations and configurations of a wind turbine 10 incorporated into a vehicle 154. In particular, the turbines 10a shown in FIG. 12 are oriented at an approximately 90 degree offset relative to the turbines 10 shown in FIG. 11. In this respect, the FIG. 12 turbines 10a are rotatable about an axis that is generally parallel to the forward direction of the vehicle 154, whereas the turbines 10 shown in FIG. 11 are rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle 154.

The turbines 10a are disposed within respective ones of the air ducts 162, 164, with the turbine 10a being so positioned, and the air ducts 162, 164 being so configured, such that air enters the air ducts 162, 164 at the respective intake end 158, 160 and is funneled toward the respective turbine 10a. Each turbine 10a includes an intake collar 180 having a collar opening 182 in communication with the respective air duct 162, 164, such that air within the air duct 162, 164 flows through the intake collar 180 and then through the fan blades 128, causing rotation of the turbine 10a. Due to the orientation of the turbine 10a, the air flows radially outward through the turbine 10a, which causes rotation of the turbine 10a. In this respect, the blades 128 are disposed radially outward from the collar 180, such that air that enters the collar opening 182 flows in an outward direction through the blades 128, which in turn causes rotation of the blades 128.

FIG. 13 shows turbines 10b, 10c incorporated into the rear portion 184 of the vehicle 154, with vertically oriented turbines 10b adjacent the rearward lateral end portions 186 of the vehicle 154, while horizontally oriented turbines are arranged by the spoiler portion 188 of the vehicle 154. The vertically oriented turbines 10b and the horizontally oriented turbines 10c are both arranged such that air flows substantially tangentially relative to the turbines 10b, 10c to cause rotation of the turbines 10b, 10c.

As FIGS. 11-13 illustrate, there are several areas within a vehicle 154 within which a turbine 10 may be incorporated to generate supplemental electrical energy for the vehicle 154. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific placement of the turbines 10, 10a, 10b, 10 is exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Along these lines, the placement of the turbines may be made in accordance with the particular aerodynamics of the vehicle 154.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 14, there is shown a schematic of a supplemental drive system 200 specifically configured and adapted for use with a wind turbine 10 for improving performance of the wind turbine 10 in low wind conditions and for rotation startup of the turbine 10. Along these lines, it is understood that the turbine generator 144, 146 typically provides resistance to rotation of the fan blade housing 127, which may hinder start-up rotation of the fan blade housing 127. As such, various aspects of the invention are directed toward providing a supplemental motive force for reducing the minimum wind speed required to start rotation of the fan blade housing 127.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the system 200 includes a supplemental energy generator 202, a rechargeable battery 204 and a supplemental motor 206. Electrical energy generated by the supplemental energy generator 202 is stored in the rechargeable battery 204, which powers the supplemental motor 206 for providing the motive force required to either start the rotation of the fan blade housing 127, or alternatively, to maintain rotation of the fan blade housing 127 in low wind conditions. The system 200 additionally includes a rotation sensor 208 for sensing rotation of the fan blade housing 127 to detect when the additional motive force is required to rotate the fan blade housing 127.

A controller 210 is in operative communication with the supplemental energy generator 202, rechargeable battery 204, rotation sensor 208 and supplemental motor 206 for controlling the supplemental drive system 200. In this respect, the controller 210 may be configured to maintain the supplemental motor 206 in an OFF state when the wind speed is above a prescribed threshold and/or the corresponding rotation speed of the fan blade housing 127 is above a prescribed threshold. The controller 210 receives data from the rotation sensor 208 indicative of the rotation speed of the fan blade housing 127. When the supplemental motor 206 is in the OFF state, the supplemental motor 206 does not need energy generated by the supplemental energy generator 202, and thus, energy generated by the supplemental energy generator 202 may be stored in the rechargeable battery 204 for later use.

When the rotation speed or wind speed falls below the prescribed threshold, the controller 210 generates a signal which transitions the supplemental motor 206 to an ON state. According to one embodiment, the threshold wind speed may be 5 MPH, although the threshold wind speed may be equal to other wind speeds in other embodiments. When the motor 206 is in the ON state, the motor 206 draws power from the rechargeable battery 204 and/or the supplemental energy generator 202. The controller 210 may be programmed to direct energy to the supplemental motor 206 from either or both of the supplement energy generator 202 and the rechargeable battery 204 based on the power generating levels of the supplemental energy generator 202, the stored power level of the rechargeable battery 204, and the power requirements of the supplemental motor 206.

FIG. 15 shows a wind turbine 10d having an embodiment of a supplemental drive system operatively coupled thereto for providing a supplemental motive force for rotating the fan blade housing 127. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, the supplemental energy generator is a solar panel 212 configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The solar panel 212 is coupled to the top attachment ring 100, although it is understood that the solar panel 212 may also be attached to the bottom attachment ring 118 or other adjacent structures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

During the day, the solar panel 212 generates electrical energy which may be stored in a rechargeable battery included within the wind turbine 10d. At startup or in low wind conditions, the electrical energy generated by the solar panel 212 may be used to power a motor which drives the fan blade housing 127 to improve efficiency of the turbine 10d in low wind conditions or at rotation startup.

Referring now to FIG. 16, there is depicted another embodiment of a wind turbine 10e having a supplemental drive system operatively coupled thereto. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 16, the supplemental energy generator is embodied as a magnetic electric generator 220 generally including a magnet 222 and a coil 224. The coil 224 preferably a copper coil that is coupled to the bottom attachment ring 118, while the magnet 222 is attached to the fan blade housing 127. As the fan blade housing 127 rotates relative to the bottom attachment ring 118, the magnet 222 moves relative to the coil 224 to generate electricity, which is used to power the motor 226. As described above, energy generated by the supplemental energy generator 220 may be stored within a rechargeable battery 228, which may be in electrical communication with the motor 226.

The coil 224 shown in FIG. 16 is coupled to the bottom side of the bottom attachment ring 118 adjacent the turbine channel groove 138. The coil 224 itself is shaped to define a channel 230 which is in communication with the turbine channel groove. The coil channel 230 defines a semi-circular bottom portion 232 and a neck portion 234 extending between the semi-circular bottom portion 232 and the turbine channel groove 138.

The magnet 222 is coupled to the fan blade housing 127 at the bottom end portion thereof. In particular, the fan blade housing 127 includes an arm 236 extending beyond the turbine channel groove 138 and into the coil channel 230. The magnet 222 is coupled to the arm 236 and resides in close proximity, but preferably spaced from, the coil 224. The magnet 222 defines an outer configuration which is preferably complimentary in shape to the shape of the coil channel 230. As shown in FIG. 16, the magnet 222 defines a circular configuration that is complimentary to the semi-circular configuration of the coil channel 230. The complimentary configuration of the magnet 222 and the coil 224 tends to enhance energy generation as the magnet 222 moves relative to the coil 224.

The turbine 10e depicted in FIG. 16 additionally includes magnets 238 coupled to the coil 224 and the fan blade housing 127 for levitating the fan blade housing 127 relative to the bottom attachment ring 118. The turbine 10e further includes bearing elements 240 coupled to the coil 224 and/or bottom attachment ring 118. The bearing elements 240 may interface with the arm 236, fan blade housing 127 or fan blade flange 245 in the event the fan blade housing 127 approaches the bottom attachment ring 118 or the coil 224 so as to minimize friction which may result from such contact. The bearing elements 240 may be conventional roller bearings or other bearing or friction reducing devices known by those skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19 there is depicted another embodiment of the wind turbine 10f, with the primary distinction being that fan blades 250 are configured to be detachable from the fan blade housing 252. The selective detachment of the fan blades 250 is made possible through a cooperative engagement between a housing engagement element 254 and a blade engagement element 256.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10f includes a bottom attachment ring 258 and a corresponding top attachment ring 260. The rings 258, 260 are adapted to be received within channels 262, 264 formed in corresponding bottom and top plates 266, 268. Each blade 250 is configured to include a proximal portion 270 disposed adjacent the fan blade housing 252 and a distal portion 272 disposed away from the fan blade housing 252. The blade engagement element 256 is formed in the proximal end portion 270 of the blade 250 and includes a blade channel 274 extending into the blade 250.

The housing engagement element 254 includes a pair of bosses 276, 278 coupled to respective ones of the bottom and top attachment rings 258, 260. The bosses 276, 278 are sized and adapted to fit within the fan blade channel 274 and frictionally engage with the proximal end portions 270 of the blade 250, which effectively couples the blade 250 to the fan blade housing 252. The fan blades 250 and bosses 276, 278 are further configured to allow the fan blades 250 to be selectively disengaged from the bosses 276, 278 to detach the blade 250 from the fan blade housing 252. Such detachment may be desirable for blade repair or replacement.

It is also contemplated that the blades 250 may include indicia 280 depicted thereon, such that when the turbine 10f turns, the blades 250 may spell a word or phrase, create an animation, or depict a logo. For instance, if the turbine 10f is used in connection with a private residence, the blades 250 may spell the owner's last name, favorite sports team or alma mater, etc.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments set forth in the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A wind turbine comprising:

a first attachment assembly positionable about an axis;

a second attachment assembly positionable about the axis;

a fan blade housing comprising: a first fan blade ring operatively coupled to the first attachment assembly; a second fan blade ring operatively coupled to the second attachment assembly; and at least one fan blade pivotally coupled to the first fan blade ring and the second fan blade ring;

at least one off-axis electrical generator operatively coupled to the fan blade housing such that rotation of the fan blade housing about the axis causes rotation of the at least one off-axis electrical generator; and

a solar panel in operative communication with the fan blade housing, the solar panel being configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy usable for rotating said fan blade housing.

22. The wind turbine of claim 21, wherein the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly each include a plurality of assembly elements adapted to interconnect with each other about the axis to define the respective one of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly.

23. The wind turbine of claim 22, wherein the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly each include a first assembly element and a second assembly element adapted to interconnect with each other about the axis to define the respective one of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly.

24. The wind turbine of claim 21, further comprising a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with said solar panel to receive and store electrical energy generated by said solar panel.

25. The wind turbine of claim 24, further comprising:

a motor in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and in operative communication with said fan blade housing;

said motor receiving electrical energy from said rechargeable battery;

said motor being configured to rotate said fan blade housing.

26. The wind turbine of claim 25, further comprising a controller operatively coupled to the motor, the controller being configured to selectively transition the motor between ON and OFF configurations, the controller transitioning the motor to the ON configuration when the ambient wind speed is less than 5 miles per hour, the controller transitioning the motor to the OFF configuration when the ambient wind speed is greater than 5 miles per hour.

27. The wind turbine of claim 21, wherein the at least one fan blade is removably interconnected to the first and second fan blade rings.

28. The wind turbine of claim 21, wherein each of the first and second fan blade rings includes a plurality of arcuate elements interconnectable with each other to define a respective one of the first and second fan blade rings.

29. The wind turbine of claim 28, wherein each of the first and second fan blade rings includes a pair of arcuate elements interconnectable with each other to define a respective one of the first and second fan blade rings.

30. The wind turbine of claim 21, wherein the at least one fan blade includes indicia displayed thereon.

31. The wind turbine of claim 21, wherein each of the first and second attachment assemblies includes a respective groove interface, the first fan blade ring being received within the groove interface of the first attachment assembly and the second fan blade ring being received within the groove interface of the second attachment assembly.

32. The wind turbine of claim 31, wherein the groove interfaces of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment have at least one magnet within the groove interfaces.

33. A wind turbine comprising:

a first attachment assembly positionable about an axis;

a second attachment assembly positionable about the axis;

a fan blade housing comprising: a first fan blade ring operatively coupled to the first attachment assembly; a second fan blade ring operatively coupled to the second attachment assembly; and at least one fan blade pivotally coupled to the first fan blade ring and the second fan blade ring;

at least one off-axis electrical generator having at least one rotating gear engaged and driven by the fan blade housing when said fan blade housing rotates about an axis; and

a magnetic electrical generator including: a coil coupled to one of said first and second attachment assemblies; and a magnet coupled to the fan blade housing and moveable relative to the coil when said fan blade housing rotates relative to said first and second attachment assemblies; said magnetic electrical generator being configured to convert movement of the magnet relative to the coil into electrical energy usable for rotating said fan blade housing.

34. The wind turbine of claim 33, wherein each of the first and second attachment assemblies includes a respective groove interface, the coil being circumferentially aligned with the groove interface of the respective one of said first and second attachment assemblies.

35. The wind turbine of claim 34, wherein the coil defines a coil cavity in communication with the groove interface of the respective one of said first and second attachment assemblies.

36. The wind turbine of claim 33, further comprising:

a solar panel in operative communication with the fan blade housing, the solar panel being configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy usable for rotating the fan blade housing; and

a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the solar panel to receive and store electrical energy generated by the solar panel.

37. The wind turbine of claim 36, further comprising:

a motor in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and in operative communication with said fan blade housing;

said motor receiving electrical energy from said rechargeable battery;

said motor being configured to rotate said fan blade housing.

38. The wind turbine of claim 37, further comprising controller operatively coupled to the motor, the controller being configured to selectively transition the motor between ON and OFF configurations, the controller transitioning the motor to the ON configuration when the ambient wind speed is less than 5 miles per hour, the controller transitioning the motor to the OFF configuration when the ambient wind speed is greater than 5 miles per hour.

39. The wind turbine of claim 33, wherein the at least one fan blade is removably interconnected to the first and second fan blade rings.

40. The wind turbine of claim 33, wherein the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly each include a plurality of assembly elements adapted to interconnect with each other about the axis to define the respective one of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly.