Abstract: A furling mechanism for a sail of a vertical axis turbine, the furling mechanism comprising: first and second elongate furling spars attachable to first and second edges of the sail; wherein each of the first and second furling spars are rotatable about their respective longitudinal axis such that, in use, rotation of the first and/or second furling spar causes the sail to be furled or unfurled.

Abstract: A control system is presented for controlling operation of a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) for generating energy from an incoming fluid flow. The control system comprises at least one flow affecting arrangement associated with at least one blade of the VAWT and a control unit connected to said flow affecting arrangement, the flow affecting arrangement comprising two flow affecting units located in two opposite sides of the blade respectively at a leading edge thereof, each flow affecting unit being operable for creating a blowing jet at the respective side of the blade thereby inducing an increase in a fluid flow momentum, the control unit being configured and operable for selectively activating the flow affecting units in alternating fashion according to a predetermined time pattern to oscillate the blowing jet at the opposite sides of the blade.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade extension portion having a plurality of segments, located adjacent one another in a span-wise sense. An interface between adjacent segments is configured to minimize disruption to fluid passing thereover and to inhibit transmission of longitudinal loads between segments. Each segment has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is spaced from the second surface at a proximal region of the extension portion and the first surface is connected to the second surface at a distal region of the extension portion to thereby generate a fair surface for a rotor blade to which the extension portion is connected, in use.

Abstract: A boundary layer wind turbine having one or more flaps coupled to the underneath of a turbine disk is provided. The turbine uses an assembly of closely stacked disks that are rotated by the wind blowing across the face of the disks to rotate a turbine shaft that is attached to an electrical generator to generate electricity. The wind moves the turbines as it flows across the surface of the closely spaced disks. The disks include one or more flaps attached to the bottom side of the disks. The wind blows against the flap, which in turn exerts a force on the disk, causing the turbine to rotate. The flaps may be located near the outer circumference of the disks. The one or more flaps on the disks retract automatically as the rotational velocity of the turbine increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a wind energy installation (1) comprising a tower (2) and a rotor provided with rotor blades (5) and arranged on the tower, in terms of a possible collision of a rotor blade (5) with the tower (2). Said device comprises at least one distance sensor (7a, 7b) which is arranged on the wind energy installation (1) and used for the non-contact measurement of the distance between the rotor blades (5) and a pre-determined point on the wind energy installation (1). The device also comprises an electronic evaluation system in which the distance data measured by the at least one distance sensor (7a, 7b) is evaluated, said system emitting a collision warning in the event of a critical distance not being reached.

Abstract: A lift generating apparatus for a wind turbine rotor blade comprising a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall coupled together at a leading edge and at a trailing edge. The lift generating apparatus includes at least one forward blade extension coupled to the rotor blade to define a first airflow channel between the forward blade extension and the rotor blade. The lift generating apparatus also includes at least one aft blade extension coupled to the rotor blade to define a second airflow channel between the aft blade extension and the rotor blade.

Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine has a plurality of main blades each of which is relatively thin. The blades each have a thickened portion extending along the trailing edge of each blade. Furthermore, each blade is fabricated in at least two sub-sections, wherein at least one strut extends between a central support column and a junction where the blade sub-sections abut.

Abstract: A partial pitch wind turbine blade in which the pitch system of the blade functions as a lightning receptor. As the pitch system is of a relatively large dimension, it is able to dissipate the effects of a lightning strike without damage, and removes the needs for additional blade features normally used to conduct lightning around or away from the pitch system.

Abstract: A compound motion structure (3) for connection between two surfaces comprising a first arm (5) and a second arm (7) swingable coupled together through a first hinge connection (13), a first surface (35) coupled to an opposite end of the first arm via a second hinge connection, a second surface (39) coupled to an opposite end of the second arm via a third hinge connection, the first arm (5) and the second arm (7) being movable thereby resulting in a compound motion of one or both surfaces.

Abstract: The invention involves a wind turbine comprising at least one blade (5) in turn comprising a blade body (501), lift-regulating means (502) adapted for movement in relation to the blade body (501) so as to regulate the lift of the blade, and load sensing means (5022, 506) for determining a load acting on the lift-regulating means (502), the wind turbine further comprising an actuation control unit (6) adapted to control the movement of the lift-regulating means (502) based on output from the load sensing means (5022, 506). In addition to output from the load sensing means (5022, 506), the actuation control unit (6) is adapted to control the movement of the lift-regulating means (502) based on the movement of the lift-regulating means (502).

Abstract: The present invention includes a rotor blade (20) having a blade body (30) with a leading edge (26) and a trailing edge (28) and opposed first and second surfaces (34, 36) extending there between defining an airfoil shape (32) in cross-section. A passageway (42) extends through the blade body (30) between the first and second surfaces (34, 36). A flexible member (60) is sealed over one end (50) of the passageway (42). Advantageously, the flexible member (60) is passively responsive to changes in a differential pressure between the first and second surfaces (34, 36) to move between a deactivated position (62) and an activated position (64) where the flexible member (60) extends away from the airfoil shape (32) to function as a load mitigation device (40) for the wind turbine rotor blade (20).

Abstract: Actuation system for a wind turbine blade flap. A method of actuating a flap (9) in a wind turbine rotor blade (1) is provided wherein a fluid is used for reversibly expanding an actuating element (16, 17, 19) acting a movable part (13) of the flap by varying the fluid pressure in the actuating element (16, 17, 19). Further, a wind turbine rotor with a rotor blade (1) comprising a flap (9) and a flap actuating system, where the flap comprises a fixed part (12) that is fixed to the rotor blade (1) and a movable part (13) that is movable relative to the fixed part (12), is disclosed, in which the flap actuating system comprises an actuating element (16, 17, 19) with a reversible changeable volume located between the movable part (13) of the flap and the fixed part (12) of the flap, a fluid within the actuating element (16, 17, 19) the pressure of which is settable and a pressure setting device which is designed to press fluid into or release fluid from the element (16, 17, 19) as to change its volume.

Abstract: A system for actively controlling the span-wise rotational twist of a hollow beam along its longitudinal axis, including a hollow beam structure having a leading edge and a trailing edge region, the beam being split along its length, an actuator arranged between split surfaces of the beam, the actuator adapted to move the split surfaces in a longitudinal direction relative to each other, inducing a twist in the beam. In one embodiment, the actuator is a plurality of thermal expansion material blocks alternating with mechanical compression blocks, the thermal expansion material blocks being heated to cause expansion in the spanwise longitudinal direction. Other alternative actuators include a rotary actuators such as a threaded screw, piezoelectric or magnetostrictive blocks, a hydraulic actuator, or a pneumatic actuator. In an embodiment, the beam is an airfoil shape.

Abstract: An aerodynamic profile includes a main profile body defining a profile depth direction and being shear-flexible in the profile depth direction, a tension-stiff and compression-stiff upper covering skin, a tension-stiff and compression-stiff lower covering skin, wherein the upper and lower covering skins envelope the main profile body, a bearingless and hingeless rear profile deformation region disposed at a rear edge region, and at least one actuator disposed in the main profile body. The at least one actuator is configured to initiate a flexural motion of the main profile body resulting in a curvature of the upper and lower covering skins and to deform the rear profile deformation region and so as to yield a flap deflection directed opposite to a direction of the flexural motion.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade is described, which extends in a spanwise direction from a root end to a tip end and defines an aerodynamic airfoil cross-section between a leading edge and a trailing edge in a chordwise direction transverse to the spanwise direction. The blade has a camber in the chordwise direction and includes a blade body and a moveable flap. The flap is moveable relative to the blade body to vary the camber of the blade. A deformable panel is located between the blade body and the moveable flap. The panel has an undulating profile comprising an alternating succession of ridges and troughs, which each extend in a first direction. The panel is formed of a material having anisotropic intrinsic stiffness with maximum anisotropic intrinsic stiffness being transverse to the first direction. In a preferred embodiment, the deformable panel is corrugated.

Abstract: A blade for a stator in a torque converter, including: a first blade segment connected to an inner circumferential section of the stator; at least one second blade segment, separately formed from the first blade segment, and connected to the inner circumferential section; and a third blade segment, separately formed from the first and second blade segments, and connected to the inner circumferential section. In some aspects, the first, second, and third blade segments include respective outer radial portions and the outer radial portions are fixedly connected. In some aspects, the first and second blade segments are in contact and the second and third blade segments are in contact. In some aspects, the first, second, and third blade segments include respective edges and the first and second blade segments are in contact along the respective edges and the second and third blade segments are in contact along the respective edges.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade may generally include a shell having a pressure side and a section side. The shell may define an outer surface along the pressure and suction sides over which an airflow travels. Additionally, the rotor blade may include a spoiler assembly having a deformable membrane disposed adjacent to the outer surface. The deformable membrane may be configured to be deformed relative to the outer surface such that at least a portion of the deformable membrane is movable between an un-actuated position to an actuated position. Additionally, the at least a portion of the deformable membrane may be configured to separate the airflow from the outer surface when in the actuated position.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade includes a root portion and an airfoil portion extending from the root portion and defined by a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil portion further includes a main foil section and a trailing edge section that is pivotally connected to the main foil section along a span-wise extending hinge line. A passive torsion element is coupled between the main foil section and the trailing edge section. The torsion element is biased to a neutral position wherein the trailing edge section is pivoted chord-wise to a low wind speed position relative to the main foil section. The trailing edge section is self-actuating from the low wind speed position to an increased wind speed position relative to the main foil section against as a function of the biasing force of the torsion element and wind speed over the airfoil section.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly and a method for adjusting a loading capability of a rotor blade are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade further defines a span and a chord. The rotor blade assembly further includes a spoiler assembly operable to alter a flow past a surface of the rotor blade. The spoiler assembly is incrementally deployable from the surface along one of a length or a width of the spoiler assembly.

Abstract: A rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine and a method for increasing a loading capability of a rotor blade within a maximum load limit for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge extending between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes an extension connected to a surface of the rotor blade, the extension having at least one design characteristic configured for increasing a loading capability of the rotor blade within a maximum load limit for the wind turbine. The design characteristic is one of extension length, extension width, extension curvature, span-wise extension location, chord-wise extension location, or extension angle with respect to a chord line of the rotor blade.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for compensating for various load situations in a turbine includes the use of one or more deployable devices configured to extend an air deflector outwardly from a surface of a rotor blade. The air deflector may subsequently be retracted into the rotor blade once the load falls below a certain threshold. Mechanisms for extending and retracting the air deflector may include pneumatic, hydraulic and/or electromechanical devices. Air deflectors are generally configured to modify the air flow around the rotor blade to increase or decrease power generation, or reduce loads so that the risk of potential damage to components of the wind turbine is minimized. Deflectors may be positioned at various chordwise stations including leading-edge, mid-chord, and trailing-edge locations on the upper and lower surfaces at spanwise positions. Accordingly, a plurality of devices can be actuated to aerodynamically control rotor performance and loads based on wind conditions.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade includes an air brake flap flush mounted within a recess in the suction side of the blade. The air brake flap is actuatable from a retracted position within the recess to an open position wherein the air brake flap extends transversely or vertically from the suction side. A fail-safe actuator is operatively coupled to the air brake flap and is configured to hold the air brake flap at the retracted position in a powered state of the actuator and to release the air brake flap to the open position upon loss of power to the actuator.

Abstract: A blade extension for a rotor blade and a rotor blade assembly for a wind turbine are disclosed. The rotor blade assembly includes a rotor blade having exterior surfaces defining a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge, and a trailing edge each extending in a generally span-wise direction between a tip and a root. The rotor blade assembly further includes a blade extension including a first panel and an opposed second panel. Each of the first panel and the second panel includes an interior surface and an exterior surface each extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of each of the first panel and the second panel is spaced apart from the rotor blade in a generally chord-wise direction in a standard operation position.

Abstract: Wind turbine with a rotor blade relatively insensitive to turbulence because it is more slender than prior blades and is nevertheless able to generate sufficient lift by virtue of the fact that flow enhancing elements such as vortex generators combat flow separation. The slenderness is defined by the chord numbers C and D of which C is defined as C=Ncrclr?2/R2, in which N is the number of blades, cr is the local chord, cl the lift coefficient, r the radial position, ? the tip speed ratio and R the rotor radius. Subsequently, the chord should be less than what follows from the equation C=M in which M=?1.19+9.74Cp?21.01Cp2+17.50Cp3 and Cp is the power coefficient. This wind turbine is subject to about 2-12% less operational loads and to about 5-40% reduced survival wind speed loads compared to classical designs.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade may generally include a shell having a pressure side and a suction side. The shell may define an opening in at least one of the pressure and suction sides. The rotor blade may also include a base and at least two surface features spaced apart along the outer perimeter of the base. The base may generally be movable relative to the opening between a recessed position and an actuated position. Additionally, the base may be rotatable within the shell in order to adjust which of the surface features is received within the opening when the base is moved to the actuated position.

Abstract: A rotor blade including a rotor blade profile including a profile tip region, a profile trailing edge region including a trailing edge and a profile body having a profile core. A covering skin including an upper skin and a lower skin encase the profile core. A reversibly bendable flexural actuator including a first actuator end disposed at the trailing edge region of the rotor blade profile and a second actuator end projecting past the profile body toward the trailing edge. The second actuator end forms part of the trailing edge region and forms a movable rotor blade flap, the movable rotor blade flap being deformable into an arc-shaped rotor blade flap deflection upon a bending of the flexural actuator.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade comprising an active elastic member arranged with access to the surface of the wind turbine blade is provided. The active elastic member is deformable from a first shape to a second shape and the lift coefficient of the airfoil with the active elastic member in the first shape is larger than the lift coefficient of the airfoil with the active elastic member in the second shape. Furthermore, a wind turbine comprising such a wind turbine blade and a method of operating a wind turbine comprising such a wind turbine blade are provided.

Abstract: A rotor blade comprises an inner rotor blade root area, a rotor blade main area disposed adjacent to the inner rotor blade root area along a length of the rotor blade and having an aerodynamically effective rotor blade profile, the profile including a nose area and a rear edge area, and a rotor blade tip disposed adjacent to the rotor blade main area along the length of the rotor blade. The rotor blade tip is configured to be deformable relative to the rotor blade main area and is operatively connected to a first actuator device. The first actuator device is configured to initiate a vertical movement of the rotor blade tip upwards or downwards relative to the lift direction. The vertical movement starts from a neutral position relative to the rotor blade main area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor for fluid flow power generator comprising a plurality of blades obliquely oriented relative to the axis of the rotor, characterized in that it comprises means for varying the obliqueness of the blades.

Abstract: A high torque vertical axis windmill that has blades with curved parts secured together. The second part of each blade is movable to deploy the maximum surface of the blade to the wind for maximum torque during a portion of the cycle of the blades. The second part of each blade is movable to a second position to deploy the minimum surface of the blade to the wind for minimum drag during another portion of the cycle of the blades.

Abstract: A hinged connection apparatus is described for securing a first wind turbine component to a second. The first wind turbine component may be a wind turbine blade (10) and the second wind turbine component may be a control surface such as an aileron (11). The first or second wind turbine component comprises at least one hinge housing in which a hinge pin (16, 26) is retained. The hinge pin (16, 26) may be extended from a retracted position into an extended position in which it engages with a hinge recess on the other wind turbine component to form a connection. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the hinge pin in place. The hinge pin may be extended manually or automatically by an actuator.

Abstract: A hinged connection apparatus is described for securing a first wind turbine blade component to a second. The first wind turbine component may be a wind turbine blade body (10) and the second wind turbine component may be a control surface such as an aileron (11). The first or second wind turbine blade component comprises at least one hinge housing in which a rotary actuator (26) is retained. The rotary actuator (26) may comprise a motor, or in alternative embodiments a material that changes its shape under the influence of an external stimulus, such as a piezo-electric element or a memory alloy. The rotary actuator may be provided as part of the hinge pin connecting the first component to the second.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing wind turbine damage includes a propeller having a plurality of blades projecting radially from a hub. The blades may be adjustably combined to form variable cross-sections that either increase or decrease propeller rotation speed dependent on wind speed and weather conditions.

Abstract: A circulation controlled vertical axis wind turbine is presented. The circulation controlled vertical axis wind turbine comprise one or more airfoils in communication with the turbine via a rotatable support shaft and an airfoil support structure. The one or more airfoils have a blowing slot disposed near the trailing edge, and a controller and control means modulates a flow of air between the blowing slot and an internal cavity of the airfoil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine blade for a rotor of a wind turbine having a substantially horizontal rotor shaft. The blade may comprise a profiled contour comprising a pressure side and a suction side as well as a leading edge and a trailing edge, a chord extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and the profiled contour generating a lift when being impacted by an incident airflow. In a cross section of the wind turbine blade perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the wind turbine blade, a suction side point is defined on the suction side at the trailing edge of the blade, and a pressure side point is defined on the pressure side at the trailing edge of the blade. The suction side point is movable in relation to the pressure side point, and the blade is further provided with a displacement device configured to displace the pressure side point and the suction side point so that a distance between the suction side point and the pressure side point can be varied.

Abstract: An interactive water fountain comprising means for providing at least one column or jet (1) of water, means for applying an electrical signal each column or jet (1), detector means (2) for detecting changes in electrical impedance of said water column or jet (1) caused by human interaction therewith and means for activating an electronic device capable of providing an auditory or visual effect upon detection of a change in electrical impedance.

Abstract: A wind turbine having at least a blade comprising a first component (11) having an aerodynamic profile with a leading edge (5), a trailing edge (7) and suction and pressure sides between the leading edge (5) and the trailing edge (7) and a second component (13) attached to the trailing edge (7) and/or to the leading edge (5) of the first component (11) in at least a part of the blade, in which the second component (13) comprises an upwards and/or downwards deflectable flap (15) that allows changing the flow over the blade and in which the means for deflecting the flap (15) comprise a stiff plate (31) inserted between the first component (11) and the flap (15) and stiff plate actuating means (33, 43).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine blade comprising a device for modifying the aerodynamic surface or shape of the blade in an area of the trailing edge, and activation mechanisms for controlling the position and/or movement of the device. The device is at least partly divided into a number of sections by interstices or connecting portions having a higher elasticity. Hereby the overall longitudinal bending flexibility of the device is increased which in turn increases the operability of the aerodynamic device and reduces the wear of the system. The interstices may be open, comprise a filler material, or optionally be covered by an elastic film.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade has a suction side surface and a pressure side surface. A plurality of dynamic vortex elements are formed on at least one of the suction side or the pressure side surfaces. The vortex elements are activatable between a first retracted position that is inwardly recessed relative to a neutral plane of the surface on which they are formed and a second extended position that is outwardly protruding relative to the neutral plane of the surface.

Abstract: Gas turbine engine systems involving mechanically alterable vane throat areas are provided. In this regard, a representative vane for a gas turbine engine includes: a leading edge; a trailing edge; a suction side surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge; a cavity having an aperture located in the suction side surface; and a barrel located within the cavity and being moveable therein such that movement of the barrel alters an extent to which the barrel protrudes through the aperture.

Abstract: A trim tab assembly includes first and second shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators and a trim tab substrate which provide elastic/plastic locking in response to an induced strain actuation.

Abstract: Actuators utilising shape memory alloy materials are known with regard to gas turbine engines. Such shape memory alloys have been used with respect to deformation provided in vanes and blades as well as nozzle elements in order that variations can be made in engine configuration dependent upon thermal cycling. Unfortunately, pedestals in order to provide spacing between the shape memory alloy and an antagonistic bias has resulted in uneven stress distribution as well as a higher thermal mass for the shape memory alloy. An uneven stress distribution will limit operational life whilst a higher thermal mass will result in slower reaction times. By separation of the shape memory alloy or material from its antagonistic bias through use of a slide element, a reduction in thermal mass is achieved and, more importantly, stress differentiation across the actuator is reduced.

Abstract: A self-assembly micro fan includes a body, a plurality of blades and flexible joints, with any one of the blades being connected to the body by one of the flexible joints while each flexible joint is regarded as a pivot to move the blade connected therewith to have an angle relative to a radial direction of the body. Besides, each of the flexible joints has plural link members or at least one link member and extension member to provide variable types of shape of the micro fans, so that the air driving efficiency of the self-assembly micro fan is improved.

Abstract: An adjustment device to be coupled to an adjustment flap of an aircraft, with an actuator, adjustment kinematics, and a gearing, wherein the adjustment device can be coupled to a controller/monitor for purposes of its actuation. The adjustment device includes a first load sensor, on the input side of the actuator for determining the load arising on the input side due to actuation of the adjustment flap, and a second load sensor, on the output side of the actuator for determining the load arising on the output side due to actuation. The first load sensor and second load sensor are functionally linked with a fault-recognition function for receiving sensor values ascertained by the load sensors, to assign a fault state to the adjustment device. A combination of an adjustment device and a fault recognition function, a fault-tolerant adjustment system, and a method for reconfiguring the adjustment system are also provided.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a boundary layer across a wind turbine rotor blade. The method includes coupling at least one vortex generator to the rotor blade. The vortex generator includes at least one sidewall that extends outwardly a radial distance from an outer surface of the rotor blade. The vortex generator is selectively positionable between a first position and a second position. A control system calculates a condition of the boundary layer. The vortex generator is positioned at one of the first position and the second position based on the calculated condition of the boundary layer for moving the vortex generator between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A blade (10) of a rotary wing (3), the blade being rigid in twisting and extending from a root (11) to a free end (12), said blade (10) including at least one swept-back segment (23). The blade (10) includes movable twist means (30) fastened to the swept-back segment (23), said blade (10) having actuator means (40) for twisting the blade (10) by varying the angular position of said twist means (30) relative to said swept-back segment (23).

Abstract: The invention further relates to a wind turbine blade comprising at least one device for modifying the aerodynamic surface or shape of the blade. The device is connected to a drive system for operating the device, and the drive system is arranged such that it is drivable by a pressure difference across the drive system. In one embodiment of the invention the wind turbine blade further comprises a number of conduits guiding a flow of air between an outer surface of the wind turbine blade and the drive system. The invention further relates to a method for operating an aerodynamic device for modifying the aerodynamic surface or shape of a wind turbine blade comprising the steps of exploiting a pressure difference across a drive system, inside or around the wind turbine blade in providing operating power for operating said device.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade is provided with a mechanism for modifying the camber of the blade. The mechanism acts over a region of the blade surface, the region including a portion of the trailing edge of the blade. Modifying the camber of the blade can increase the lift on the blade and thus the mechanism can be used to optimise blades for operation at high altitude sites where, for example, air density is lower than at sea level. Blades can be produced to the same design and then optimised for operation at differing air densities. The mechanism may be actuated mechanically or hydraulically. In the latter case the mechanism may be operated from the hub of a wind turbine.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade may generally include a shell having a pressure side and a suction side. The shell may define an outer surface along the pressure and suction sides over which an airflow travels. The rotor blade may also include a spoiler movable relative to the outer surface between a recessed position and an actuated position. The spoiler may generally be configured to separate the airflow from the outer surface when the spoiler is in the actuated position. Additionally, the spoiler may generally be linearly displaced between the recessed and actuated positions.

Abstract: The vertical windmill includes a rotatable wind wheel column mounted to a base. The column includes a plurality of hollow wheel hubs stacked vertically atop each other. Each wheel hub includes a plurality of radiating mounting arms equidistantly spaced around the axis of the wheel hub such that the arms of an adjacent hub are angularly offset with respect to the other. A plurality of mounting assemblies is disposed on each of the mounting arms for mounting an array of wing blades. Each alternate stacked wheel hub and mounting arms together forms a wind wheel with vertically oriented wing blades mounted between upper and lower spaced arms such that the top wheel is interconnected with the lower wheel at a height less than the height of the blades. Each array of blades may freely rotate or be positively rotated to orient the blades for optimum usage of wind power in rotating the column.