Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting the operative status of an aerodynamic device for influencing the airflow which flows from the leading edge of a rotor blade for a wind turbine to the trailing edge of the rotor blade, the aerodynamic device being movable by an actuator between a first protruded configuration and a second retracted configuration. The method includes the steps of measuring a temporal course of an operational value of the wind turbine, comparing the measured temporal course of the operational value with a desired temporal course of an operational value, and deriving an operative status of the aerodynamic device.

Abstract: A wind driven electric generator including a rotor which intercepts air movement to turn a drive line including a first right angle drive swivelly coupled on the top of a support tower and a second right angle drive located proximate ground level to deliver rotational energy of a drive line to an electric generator located proximate ground level.

Abstract: A fluid and wind turbine system suitable for horizontal or vertical axis applications comprising (i) blades radially spaced around a rotational axis attached to a shaft by mounting formations so that the length axis of the mounting formations are substantially parallel to the width axis of the blades which mounting formations suspend the blades from the rotational axis creating a passageway allowing the air flow to pass through the turbine and impart a unidirectional rotational force to the shaft at all times the blades are exposed to the air flow on both the windward and leeward sides of the rotational axis (ii) an air flow director which shields the rotating blades from the air flow for a portion of their 360-degree rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a surface of a wind turbine blade (14), comprising an expandable structure (22) that is deployable from a collapsed state into an expanded state in which the structure defines an elongated treatment zone (32) into which a blade (14) is receivable in use. The apparatus includes treating means (52) arranged to apply a treatment in the treatment zone. Also provided is a method for treating a wind turbine blade (14) including: positioning a wind turbine blade in a substantially vertical orientation; locating an expandable structure (22) adjacent the wind turbine blade; deploying the expandable structure (22) about the blade (14) such that the expandable structure (22) defines an elongated treatment zone (32) which receives at least part of the blade (14); and applying surface treatment to the surface of the blade (14) using the expandable structure (22).

Abstract: A wind turbine arrangement including a first rotatable blade arrangement and a second rotatable blade arrangement. The first blade arrangement forms part of a first wind turbine, and the second blade arrangement forms part of a second wind turbine. The second wind turbine can produce a rotative force to the first wind turbine. At wind speeds below that required to operate the first turbine, the second turbine may be operable and provide power to rotate the first turbine.

Abstract: A holding pattern determination system and method assists a pilot with visualizing, entering, and flying a holding pattern. An exact solution to the holding pattern problem simplifies the entry to and flight of a holding pattern with minimal circuits, regardless of the wind direction and speed. Utilizing a windspeed ratio and relative wind direction, at least an inbound wind correction angle, an outbound heading, and an outbound time that begins at the outbound heading independent from an abeam point is provided. An entry pattern graphic and a holding pattern graphic may be provided with turn by turn heading and timing instruction to ensure precise entry and holding pattern flight.

Abstract: Wind-funneling systems for gas turbines are disclosed. Air travels through a wind funnel where it is compressed, and then flows into a gas turbine that is fueled by a hydrocarbon fuel source such as natural gas. The wind funnels have a controlled volume with an opening facing the wind that concentrates air power and energy and directs the force into a constricted outlet that feeds into the gas turbine. Compressed air from the wind funnel may enter the front compressor section of the gas turbine at relatively high density and force. As a result, the gas turbine does not have to use as much energy to pull the air in, which creates fuel savings. The compressed air from the wind funnel then flows to the combustion section of the gas turbine where oxygen from the wind-compressed air is used to combust the hydrocarbon fuel supplied to the gas turbine.

Abstract: A yaw system of a wind turbine having contingency autonomous control capabilities includes a plurality of yaw system components configured to change an angle of a nacelle of the wind turbine relative to an incoming wind direction. The plurality of yaw system components includes an auxiliary power supply comprising a brake power control device, a braking unit coupled to the brake power control device, at least two energy storage devices coupled to the braking unit, a plurality of yaw drive mechanisms communicatively coupled to the auxiliary power supply via a communication link, and a controller configured to implement a protective control strategy for the yaw system in response to one of the yaw system components experiencing a failure. Each of the yaw drive mechanisms includes a yaw power control device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for yaw control of a wind turbine under a typhoon. The method for yaw control may include: determining, before or when the typhoon comes, whether there is a fault in a yaw system of the wind turbine; performing a normal yaw control over the wind turbine according to the wind direction, if determination is negative; and performing a yaw control corresponding to the fault on the wind turbine according to the wind direction, if determination is positive. The yaw control corresponding to the fault is performed before or when the typhoon comes, in case of one of a yaw drive mechanism fault, an electronic brake mechanism fault, or a hydraulic brake mechanism fault. The wind turbine is downwind oriented and yaw load reduction is achieved.

Abstract: Architecture that harnesses energy from natural atmospheric wind and water currents and self-generated wind and water currents from moving vehicles and natural fluid flow found in nature for moving or stationary applications. The power generation system harnesses energy from natural atmospheric sources utilizing pneumatic and/or hydraulic turbines with compound nozzles, meteorological sensors, computer controlled harmonic resonance valves, a control system, and other components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for operating a wind power plant in a wake situation, said wind power plant being connected to a power grid, the method comprising the steps of operating the wind power plant in a predetermined power mode of operation, terminating said predetermined power mode of operation, and increasing power generation of the wind power plant to a power level that exceeds an optimized wake power level of the wind power plant, and injecting the increased amount of power into the power grid as a power boost. Thus, the present invention is capable of generating a power boost to an associated power grid, said power boost exceeding the power level normally being available in a wake situation. The present invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Windraider is a process and a machine for converting wind energy into electricity. The Windraider process is a previously undiscovered highly efficient process for converting kinetic wind energy into oscillating rotating mechanical energy. The Windraider machine provides a unusually robust and stable platform for effecting the Windraider process, and a series of mechanisms for improving its range of applicability and for efficiently converting its resulting oscillating rotating mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Abstract: A system for transmitting signals, including a device for transmitting data between a movable and stationary portion of a windmill, to be installed on either portion, and including: connection elements for connecting at least one wireline to a plurality of groups to receive a plurality of respective data flows, each flow coming from a corresponding apparatus installed on the mobile portion or stationary portion; elements for processing the received streams, configured to assign a priority parameter value to each received stream, and in the event of concomitant reception of multiple streams, to compare the values of the priority parameter that are associated with the received streams and transmit by priority to a module for transceiving the radiofrequency signals, with a view to a radiofrequency transmission to the other of mobile or stationary portion, the stream associated with the value of the priority parameter corresponding to the highest degree of priority.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing a torsional movement and/or a torsional loading of a tower of a wind turbine is disclosed includes generating a tower torsion signal with a detection system and providing the signal to an asymmetric load control assembly. The tower torsion signal may correspond to an actual torsional movement of the tower or a torsional loading of the tower. The asymmetric load control assembly is configured to mitigate an asymmetric load acting on the wind turbine using the tower torsion signal.

Abstract: A pipe of an apparatus has a first gas in a first space and a second gas in a second space. The first gas is in the amount to generate a buoyancy force that exceeds at least a gravity force to position the apparatus in a stationary state at a predetermined distance relative to a reference surface. A fixture is coupled to the apparatus to secure the apparatus in the stationary state relative to the ground without supporting the apparatus. The first gas is lighter than the second gas. The pipe is capable of creating a flow of the second gas.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating energy in which an oscillating air column created by wave motion continuously drives a turbine in one direction.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a generator and a rotary mechanism. The rotary mechanism includes a rotary shaft rotatably connected to the generator and at least one drive module connected with the rotary shaft. The drive module has a flow collection hood. The flow collection hood has a hood body and a flow direction control unit. The hood body defines a front opening and a rear opening and has a peripheral wall positioned between the front and rear openings. The flow direction control unit is disposed on the hood body. The flow direction control unit serves to block and interrupt a fluid flowing from the front opening to the rear opening, while permitting a fluid flowing from the rear opening to the front opening to freely flow through the hood body, whereby the drive module is drivable by the fluid to drive the rotary shaft to one-way rotate.

Abstract: A wind turbine station for generating electricity comprising a multi floor structure having open framing. The open framing comprising at least two spaced-apart, open, vertical frames, the frames each made primarily of uncovered beams and columns. The station has a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontal, interior platforms forming the floors of the structure, each interior platform extending between and joined to both of the frames over the length of the frames. Wind turbines are mounted on the structure about the outer periphery of each platform. The wind turbines face outwardly and are each operatively connected to a generator to produce electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the structure has an annular shape with an outer cylindrical or polygonal prism frame and an inner cylindrical or polygonal prism frame spaced from the outer frame. The interior platforms have a flat, ring shape. The invention includes a method for building the station.

Abstract: A universal spherical reaction turbine for any flowing fluid at any depths or elevation that is capable of unidirectional rotation under reversible flow conditions. The turbine includes a rotatable shaft that is adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation; turbine blade support members that are fixedly attached to the rotatable shaft and a plurality of meridian turbine blades. The meridian turbine blades are fixedly attached to diametrically-opposite points that define a geometrical north-south meridian axis that is oriented at a skew angle to the axis of rotation of the rotatable shaft. The skew angle is greater than zero and less than 180 degrees, and, more preferably, between 25 and 35 degrees. The skewing ensures that those turbine blades that are attached to the diametrically-opposite points move on a helical trajectory with respect to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade is configured such that the lift force from the blade airfoil is always normal, or nearly normal, to the shaft torque. This condition maximizes energy conversion. This objective may be achieved by a) having the airfoil chord always aligned to the actual wind direction (subject only to small angle of attack variations), and b) slowing the turbine rotation rate so that no blade twist is needed. As a result, blade tip speed due to shaft rotation is less than the wind speed, and preferably much less. This low tip speed eliminates any hazard to birds. The lift force from the blade airfoil directly drives the torque on the shaft, so the control problem simplifies to adjusting the blade angle of attack to keep the lift constant across varying wind speeds.

Abstract: A system and method of generating energy by transforming energy from a low-density substance, such as airflow or wind, into kinetic energy by directing the flow through a wind guide system towards panels that rotate in generally the same direction as the airflow. Furthermore, the system uses the ground and/or water as a surface for guiding the airflow towards the windmill devices. The system is made of lightweight, inexpensive tension compression construction. The tension compression system is weighted at the outermost ends of the wind-engaging panels to create a moment of inertia device capable of evening out the peaks typical of wind power generation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotor of wind energy conversion system (WECS) with the Venturi-tube effect. All the blades mounted on the blade-mounting seat envelop together to form a revolving-body cage turbine, which can be divided from structure into a head portion at the windward end, a tail portion at the wind exhaust end, and an airstream compression portion between the head portion and the tail portion and constituted by the enveloping blades. The revolution diameter of the airstream compression portion is gradually substantially increased from the head portion to the tail portion. The cage turbine forms a dynamic Venturi tube during the revolving process, with which the blade revolves to constitute its outline tube wall with the air permeability. The airstream passes through a window between the blades, and the incoming wind does work towards the blade during the process of permeating from the external space to the internal space of this outline tube wall, thus realizing the energy transfer.

Abstract: A wind powered turbine is comprised of a frame on which is horizontally and rotatably supported a rotor on a rotor shaft. The rotor is formed by three or more radial blade members which are secured to the rotor shaft. The radial blade members are equidistantly spaced from one another and each have support arms and a wind vane secured at an outer end portion of the support arms. The wind vane is shaped to capture an airflow directed thereagainst for displacement thereof to create a rotational force about the rotor shaft to rotate the shaft about its longitudinal central axis. The radial blade members are rigidly interconnected to one another at an outer end portion thereof by tension adjustable bracing tie wires. A wind channeling guide assembly accelerates and directs the airflow in an actuating airflow path to impinge upon at leas of the wind vanes positioned in the actuating airflow path.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for collecting and concentrating an airstream for converting into mechanical or electrical energy, includes an elongated housing structure, including an airstream inlet chamber, a central chamber, and an airstream outlet chamber, and an ancillary airstream injector sub-system.

Abstract: The CWE Concepts are designed to extract the maximum possible wind energy passing through a given square footage area of influencing machine interface at given calculated velocities, to deliver that energy to two power take off shafts for end user's useful work (electrical power generation and other requirements). A multi-bucket “S” rotor, airfoils, baffles and cowling combined, utilize one hundred percent of that moving air volume most efficiently. Our strategies are to use smaller units, yielding more power than existing designs while being installed at much lower levels, urban friendly, less visible, nearly-enclosed rotating machinery, quieter, and safer for indigenous wildlife populations. We plan to market for commercial and residential customers, in turn providing HVAC and electrical power augmentation to utility companies—a reliable and robust addition to the national power grid. Our goals—reduce dependency on foreign oil and provide a clean alternative.

Abstract: Provide a hydroelectric power generation system that can increase generation efficiency by keeping the rotational resistance of the runner low, while preventing water contamination at the same time. The hydroelectric power generation system has: a first water storage tank 20 with a high-pressure water injection port 21 on the bottom face; a runner 40 which is stored in a condition of floating in the first water storage tank; and multiple transmission members 50 that contact the outer periphery surface of the runner and transmit the rotational force of the runner to the principal axis of rotation 61 in the generator unit 60.

Abstract: A method of deploying offshore wind turbine assemblies includes mounting a wind turbine assembly horizontally on a vessel and transporting the wind turbine assembly to an offshore site. The wind turbine assembly is raised to a vertical condition at the site and attached to anchor weights. Blades are attached to the turbine head after the wind turbine assembly is in the vertical condition. In one embodiment, the wind turbine assembly can include a tower including tapered lower and upper sections joined together at their respective wide ends, a turbine head connected to the upper section, and a platform connected to the lower section. The platform includes a buoy tank partially filled with ballast to provide mass and buoyancy. A wave piercing cowling is rotatively attached to the lower section. The turbine head can include an adjustable journal bearing, scabbard blade mounts, and a gearless induction generator with flux adjusting capabilities.

Abstract: A wind turbine assembly including an elongate generally cylindrical rotor operable to rotate about an axis, an elongate rotor housing that houses the rotor and which is adapted to be secured to a roof, and a flow regulator adapted to regulate wind flow to the rotor, wherein the flow regulator is orientatable in an open orientation, a closed orientation and a partially open orientation.

Abstract: An assembly for increasing air flow to a vehicle cooling system includes a portion of a cooling fan shroud, the portion having a face defining an opening therethrough, and a plurality of support members extending from the face. A flap includes a plurality of apertures proximal to an edge. Each aperture of the plurality of apertures is formed to receive one of the plurality of support members for coupling the flap thereto. A clearance fit formed between the apertures and the support members permits movement of the flap from a first position generally parallel to the face to a second position in response to a flow of air.

Abstract: Device for harvesting the energy of a fluid stream comprising a turbine with a rotation axis at right-angle to the fluid stream, the turbine comprising a plurality of blades that during its rotation sweeps an annular area around the rotation axis which has an inner and outer perimeter with a first and second radial distance to the rotation axis, and first and second fluid guide located opposite each other, with the plurality of blades arranged for rotation there between and arranged for guiding the fluid stream towards the at least one blade, wherein the first and second fluid guide are formed each with a guide foil section having a suction side, a pressure side and a guide foil incidence angle, wherein each fluid guide is arranged such that the suction sides of the guide foil sections are facing each other, wherein an open central area around the rotation axis is provided.

Abstract: A blade comprises a lightweight core, a composite material disposed on the core, and a skin located on the composite material. The composite material comprises fibers incorporated into a thermoplastic resin matrix in the form of a prepreg sheet or wet layup. The rotor blade may also comprise a front edge member attached along at least a portion of a leading edge of the core, a rear edge member attached along at least a portion of a trailing edge of the core, and a skin located over the core, the front edge member, and the rear edge member. The rotor blade may also comprise a spar extending through the core along a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, and a skin located over the core and the spar. The edge members and the spars may be fabricated from thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow impulse type turbine arrangement (120) for use with a bi-directional reversing flow (F, F1, F2), and in particular for use with an oscillating water column power plant (110). The turbine arrangement (120) has a rotor (120), and first and second sets of guide vanes (140, 142) located on an opposite axial sides of the rotor (132) for directing the bi-directional reversing flow (F, F1, F2) to and from the rotor (132). The guide vanes (140, 142) are disposed at a greater radius and radially offset from the rotor blades (136). The turbine arrangement further comprises first and second annular ducts disposed respectively between the first and second sets of guide vanes (140, 142) and the rotor (132) for directing fluid from the guide vanes (140, 142) to the rotor blades (136).

Abstract: A directed force turbine device utilizing forces of wind or water current flow featuring a wheel-style rotor assembly having side panels connected via a plurality of curved vanes, the rotor assembly rotates on bearings about a fixed axle shaft, the curved vanes harness the incoming current flow, which drives rotation of the rotor assembly, the vanes surround the fixed axle shaft and form an inner cavity; a stator assembly disposed in the inner cavity of the rotor assembly, the stator assembly does not rotate with the rotor assembly, the stator assembly comprises flow directors wherein entering current flow is directed in between the flow directors which functions to apply a positive force against forward moving vanes of the rotor assembly; a funnel assembly and external flow director for controlling intake of the current flow; and an exhaust port.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a spindle, a first fan device and a second fan device. The first fan device is rotatably mounted around the spindle and has a first pivot hole and at least two first blades. The first pivot hole is formed through a center of the first fan device and is mounted around the spindle. The at least two first blades are radially mounted on and protrude from an external surface of the first fan device. The second fan device is rotatably mounted around the spindle, abuts with the first fan device and has a second pivot hole and at least two second blades. The second pivot hole is formed through a center of the second fan device and is mounted around the spindle. The at least two second blades are mounted on and protrude from an external surface of the second fan device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing electricity includes a tower capable of adding moisture at the top of the tower to hot-dry air so as to generate a downdraft of wind within the interior of the tower, vanes coupled to the exterior of the tower that at least partially define a plurality of elongated pockets at the exterior of the tower, flaps located within the pockets configured to redirect incident wind downwards, and at least a first wind tunnel configured to receive the redirected incident wind so as to convert such wind to electricity.

Abstract: Systems are provided for increasing the power to be extracted from a wind stream by a wind turbine, including placing a duct and nozzle system, or cluster of such systems, up-stream of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A wind energy system 10 comprises a wind tunnel module 12 having openings 14a and 14b at opposite ends. The openings have substantially the same cross-sectional area although the cross-sectional area of the wind tunnel module 12 decreases from the openings 14a and 14b in a direction toward an intermediate portion 16 of the tunnel module. The intermediate portion 16 has a substantially constant cross-sectional area. One or more wind turbines with equal or different number of blades may be mounted in the wind tunnel in or adjacent to the intermediate portion 16. The intermediate portion 16 is bendable to enable the module 12 to conform to a roof 20 of any pitch.

Abstract: In a wind turbine generating apparatus, a heat generating device is provided inside the rotor head and has a hermetically-sealed structure from outside. A rotor head cooling air passage is formed through the periphery of the heat generating device to the inside of a wind turbine blade. A cooling air introduction portion through which cooling air flows and an air outlet from which the cooling air is discharged are provided in the rotor head cooling air passage to thereby form the air outlet in the wind turbine blade.

Abstract: A system and method for pitching a rotor blade in a wind turbine are disclosed. The method includes collecting in an individual pitch controller for the rotor blade a pitch offset angle relative to a collective pitch angle. The method further includes determining a synchronized pitch offset angle. The method further includes, after an emergency condition occurs, pitching the rotor blade towards the synchronized pitch offset angle.

Abstract: There is a Rogallo wing having an aerodynamic sheet having a leading end and a trailing edge. The trailing edge is curved to form a sheet of increasing concavity away from the leading edge. At least two folded edges extend between the leading end and the trailing edge are on opposed sides of the aerodynamic sheet, the two folded edges comprising integral ribs. A wind energy extraction apparatus comprises one or more concentrator wings that react with a flow of wind to induce a drop in static air pressure that is then used to drive one or more impellers and one or more power converters. The one or more concentrator wings are Rogallo wings.

Abstract: A wind-powered device for producing electrical energy includes an electric generator set (1) which works by converting mechanical energy into the electrical energy, a wind-powered set (3) designed to capture the energy of the wind and convert it into mechanical energy, a transmission (2) positioned between the wind-powered set (3) and the generator set (1), the transmission (2) being designed to transmit mechanical energy produced by the wind-powered set (3) to the generator set (1), characterized in that the wind-powered set (3) includes at least two air turbines known as wind turbines (4) including non-coaxial shafts (5) coupled to the transmission (3), the wind turbines (4) being designed in such a way as to present an equivalent surface area to the wind that exceeds the surface area exposed to the wind of each of the wind turbines (4).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for harnessing the wind energy generated by vehicles passing on a roadway. A roadway is provided with a trench extending from a surface of the roadway. The trench may be provided along an extended stretch of the roadway or as a discrete trench section spaced apart along the roadway. The trench or trench section may be provided near the middle of a lane making up the roadway such that a vehicle travelling on the roadway passes over the trench. In this manner the wind displaced by the passing vehicle is directed into the trench and experienced by a wind turbine or wind generator provided within the trench. The trench is covered by a structure configured to direct the displaced wind inside the trench. The wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical energy that is then converted into useable power.

Abstract: A wind power generator is provided in which a reduction in weight is achieved by reducing the wall thickness of a nacelle, and an increase in the amount of heat input to the interior of the nacelle from sunlight is suppressed. In a wind power generator in which driving/power-generating mechanisms linked to a rotor head to which wind-turbine blades are attached are accommodated and installed inside a nacelle, a coating of high-reflectivity paint is formed on at least part of the outer wall that receives sunlight.

Abstract: An underwater generator for generating electricity including: a casing, a turbine propeller assembly configured within the casing; a platform, where the platform provides a mechanism to hold the casing; a cover member, where the cover member protects the turbine propeller assembly; and a power cable for transmitting electrical energy from the underwater generator to a user thereof. The casing may include a slit at a bottom portion, where the slit allows the removal of sediments, sand particles and similar materials. The turbine propeller assembly includes a plurality of blades. In one exemplary embodiment, the blades may turn in two directions.

Abstract: A tidal power apparatus comprises a moored pontoon (1) having a duct (2) therethrough opening at opposed ends of the pontoon. The duct has a vertical axis rotor (3) therein driving an electrical generator (6). A deflector vane (8) is located in the duct at each end thereof, each deflector vane being mounted to pivot about a vertical axis between an active position, in which the deflector vane deflects water flow to one side of the rotor axis to cause rotation of the rotor, and an inactive position substantially aligned with the water flow from the turbine.

Abstract: A rotor blade including a root attachable to a rotor hub. The blade includes a tip and one or more channels aligned within the blade generally between the root and the tip. Each channel has a sealed first end and a second end vented to outside the blade. The channel(s) are vented to one or more exterior surfaces of the blade through one or more apertures in the exterior surface(s).

Abstract: A Savonius Rotor may use the flow of wind or the flow of water from undersea current or tidal movement. The Savonius Rotor is passively vented and has a base support ring, and a space frame support structure supported on the base support ring. The space frame has building block cube elements which facilitate the ease of on-site assembly and erection. The space frame support structure supports sails and louvered panel assemblies for each of the cube elements. The louvered panel assemblies close passively when facing into the wind or ocean flow and open passively when moving into the wind or ocean flow. A distributed gearbox including planetary power takeoff assemblies located on the perimeter of the base support ring is provided for transfer of the extracted wind or ocean flow through the planetary power takeoff assemblies at points arrayed about the perimeter of the base ring.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for operating a wind turbine is disclosed. For operating the wind turbine a set of operational data points are sensed via a sensing module. The set of operational data points may include bending stress values. Based on the bending stress values, a load scenario indicator value may be computed. Further, based on the set of operational data points a loading threshold value may be obtained. At least one operating parameter of the wind turbine is changed if the load scenario indicator value exceeds the loading threshold.

Abstract: Large wind cones are used to collect and discharge wind energy to small low cost wind turbines. Large straight or gradually bending windcones are installed as sails on top of ships, on anchored floating platforms and on anchored land platforms. Special ship design features to harvest and store harvested wind energy at sea as described. Also presented is a simple low cost design of a small self-azimuth-adjusting wind cone windmill, where the electric generator is located closed to the ground for easy installation and service.

Abstract: A reaction turbine system for the generation of hydroelectricity is disclosed. It consists of a Darrieus type turbine with a horizontal axis of rotation. The blades may be straight or helical, and are held equidistant from the central rotating shaft by blade support members. The blades are oriented so that a blade at its rotational apex moves directly opposite to the direction of water flow. The turbine is elevated such that the top portion, where blades travel directly against the direction of water flow, is in the air and above the water level. This design greatly reduces stresses on the system and increases energy output relative to a Darrieus turbine fully immersed in water flow. This design also enables the turbine to self-start.