Abstract: Aspects of the invention related to a system for providing advance notice of impending contact between a stationary component and a rotating component in a turbine engine. For example, the system can be used to warn of potential contact between a seal holder and a rotor disk in the compressor section of the engine. In one embodiment, a pad or other component can be provided on the stationary seal holder. If the seal holder and the rotor disk approach each other during operation, the pad can contact the rotor disk prior to actual contact between the seal holder and the rotor disk. An optical and/or an acoustic signal can be generated by such contact. The signals can be detected remotely from the point of contact by a signal detection device, thereby avoiding the need to pass wires through the compressor section.

Abstract: The present invention can be generally described as a blade monitoring and wireless communications system. This monitoring and communications system is formed by the integration of commonly available or easily developed hardware and/or software components, which may be controlled by non-proprietary, open architecture software. This allows the present invention to easily incorporate a variety of sensors and/or detectors; thereby, providing the user with the first blade monitoring system capable of providing an improved blade monitoring capability.

Abstract: A switching apparatus having an actuating shaft, an actuator, at least one switch and a housing. A switching apparatus is in the form of at least one actuating guide which is connected with a first actuating guide portion to the actuating shaft and which with a second actuating guide portion at least partially embraces the actuating shaft at a predetermined spacing, wherein provided on the convex side of the second actuating guide portion is an actuating track for the switch or switches, insofar as at least one predetermined position the spacing between the outer peripheral edge and the actuating shaft is greater for a predetermined arcuate dimension than at other positions of the second actuating guide portion.

Abstract: Vertical and horizontal wind shears, yaw misalignment and/or turbulence act together to produce asymmetric loading across a wind turbine rotor. The resultant load produces bending moments in the blades that are reacted through the hub and subsequently to the low-speed shaft. As a result, the main shaft and main shaft flange are displaced from their at rest or non-aerodynamic load positions. The amount of shaft flange displacement is measured using one or more sensors. The output signals from the sensors are used to determine the magnitude and/or the orientation of the resultant rotor load. This information is used to effect the blade pitch change needed to reduce the load and thereby reduce fatigue and loading on various turbine components.

Abstract: A remotely controllable flying machine, such as a remote control ultralight helicopter, has at least one rotor blade (104), the pitch (?) of which may be adjusted. The adjustment of the pitch (?) of the at least one rotor blade is achieved by means of a force, such as a torsion force directly applied to the rotation axis of the rotor blade. The force is generated by a magnetic field, variable by the electrical control of at least one coil (196) which is not part of an electric motor.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a wind turbine, and a wind turbine is provided with a control device for controlling a wind turbine. A method and a wind turbine are developed so that losses of yield, particularly as a result of variations in the conversion of the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy, e.g., in the rotor, drive train and generator, are minimized as far as possible. A method is provided for controlling a wind turbine, wherein at least one operational setting is varied within predefined limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ordering blades in a rotatable machine is provided. The machine includes a plurality of blades that extend radially outwardly from a rotor. The method includes determining a moment weight of each blade in a row of blades, determining a geometric parameter of each blade in the same row of blades, and determining a mapping order of each blade using the moment weight and the geometric parameter. The apparatus includes a computer system that includes a software product code segment for minimizing imbalance in a bladed rotor wherein the segment is configured to receive a moment weight value for each blade to be installed in said rotor, receive a geometric parameter value for each blade to be installed in said rotor, calculate a blade location on the rotor based on the received values, and generate a blade map based on the calculated location.

Abstract: A horizontal axis wind turbine includes: a yaw sensor; a rotor rotating around a rotor axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, the rotor axis rotating in a substantially horizontal plane depending on wind direction; a plate-like member disposed on a rotational central portion of the rotor and extending in a parallel direction to the rotor axis and in a vertical direction; two anemometers disposed at positions which are across the plate-like member; and a controller for yaw control based on a difference or a ratio between wind speeds measured by the two anemometers.

Abstract: A method for detecting ice on a wind turbine having a rotor and one or more rotor blades each having blade roots includes monitoring meteorological conditions relating to icing conditions and monitoring one or more physical characteristics of the wind turbine in operation that vary in accordance with at least one of the mass of the one or more rotor blades or a mass imbalance between the rotor blades. The method also includes using the one or more monitored physical characteristics to determine whether a blade mass anomaly exists, determining whether the monitored meteorological conditions are consistent with blade icing; and signaling an icing-related blade mass anomaly when a blade mass anomaly is determined to exist and the monitored meteorological conditions are determined to be consistent with icing.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing system and a method for monitoring the damage to turbine components in a turbine generator. The sensing system comprises an electromagnetic wave generator that generates an electromagnetic wave; a transmitter that transmits the generated electromagnetic wave from a first turbine component; a second turbine component that receives the transmitted electromagnetic wave and reflects the electromagnetic wave; a receiver that receives the reflected electromagnetic wave; and a processor that interprets the received electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A method for determining rotor blade deflection, wherein a rotor blade is coupled to a hub, includes coupling a first end of a beam to the rotor blade, positioning a second end of the beam adjacent the hub, measuring the deflection of the beam using at least one sensor, and determining the deflection of the blade based on the deflection of the beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method for quickly and accurately determining the rotor blade angle of a wind power installation. The present invention also allows for the rotor blade angle measurements to be taken from the ground, thereby allowing the measuring equipment to be easily disconnected and transported to other sites. For example, a rotor blade angle of a wind power installation may be determined by using a spacing measuring device to measure the spacing between the rotor blade and the spacing measuring device. The measurements may then be processed in a computer to calculate the angle between the rotor blade and the spacing measuring device. Once this angle (the ? angle) is ascertained, it may be compared to other values to assist in further adjusting the rotor blade angle.

Abstract: A method for operating a rotary machine is provided. The rotary machine includes a stationary member and a rotatable member wherein the rotatable member is configured to rotate at least partially within the stationary member. The method includes determining an off-normal operating condition of the rotary machine facilitating undesirable contact between the rotatable member and the stationary member, monitoring a parameter associated with the off-normal operating condition, and preventing operation of the rotary machine while the monitored parameter is within a predetermined range.

Abstract: The claimed and disclosed systems and methods are directed to providing measures and possible ways of protecting a wind power installation in a wind park from wind conditions that may potentially cause damage or even result in the failure of at least one of the wind power installations. The wind is monitored in at least one region of the wind park and based on the monitored wind readings; the rotor blades of at least some of the wind power installations may be adjusted to avoid detrimental damage thereto. This protection may be balanced with contemporaneously determining whether other, non-impacted wind installations can be contemporaneously operated at or near their maximum possible energy yield. At least one wind power installation may have a SODAR system mounted thereon to detect the wind in a region of the wind power installation.

Abstract: A control for changing direction of air flow through a cooling core in response to an external signal and a purge signal includes a logic circuit and a relay assembly. The logic circuit generates a fan control signal based on the external signal, which causes the fan to turn on and operate in a cooling mode and generate an air flow through the cooling core in a first direction, or operate in a neutral mode with reduced or no air flow through the cooling core. The logic circuit also includes at least one timer that internally generates the purge signal, which is then transmitted by the logic circuit to the relay assembly. The purge signal overrides the fan control signal and causes the fan to operate in a purge mode, which causes air flow through the cooling core in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: Vertical and horizontal wind shears, yaw misalignment and/or turbulence act together to produce asymmetric loading across a wind turbine rotor. The resultant load produces bending moments in the blades that are reacted through the hub and subsequently to the main shaft. As a result, the main shaft may be radially displaced from its at rest positions. The amount of radial displacement is measured using two or more sensors. The output signals from the sensors are used to determine the magnitude and/or the orientation of the resultant rotor load. This information is used to affect the blade pitch change or other action with similar system effect to reduce the asymmetric load and thereby reduce fatigue and loading on various turbine components.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for monitoring wind turbines, wherein image and acoustic monitoring, in particular, is performed. In order to further improve, for example, the maintenance, safety and efficiency of a wind turbine, it is desirable to monitor additional parameters of the wind turbine. A wind turbine is provided, wherein acoustic and optical sensors are employed to monitor the operation of the wind turbine. In one embodiment, the optical sensor images a particular location in the nacelle housing when the acoustic sensor detects a sound emanating from that location in the nacelle housing. A method for monitoring a wind turbine is described wherein when a deviation between the operating acoustic spectrum and the reference acoustic spectrum exceeds the threshold, the component that generated the operating acoustic spectrum is imaged.

Abstract: A kaleidoscopic wind machine for visual entertainment and other uses. The framework of the wind machine includes a vertical mast and a horizontal axle that can swivel about the mast. One or more wheel structures are rotatably attached to the horizontal axle. Each wheel structure includes a rim, a hub, and a plurality of stays extending between and attached to the rim and hub. A plurality of jib sails are attached to each wheel framework in a manner adapted to cause the wheel to rotate about the axle when the wind blows against the sails. A positioning vane is rotatably attached to the downwind end of the axle and is adapted to point the upwind end of the axle into the wind when the wind blows.

Abstract: Rotor blades for wind power installations of varying design configurations are known. Irrespective of the geometrical configuration of the rotor blades, all rotor blades are generally of a uniform color; typically. The rotor blades of the present invention better integrate a wind power installation into the landscape view, to improve environmental compatibility and to reduce the impact of the foreign body. That is to be achieved in particular in respect of installations with large rotor diameters (more than 40 m). A rotor blade comprising a rotor blade connection and a rotor blade tip and a surface which is arranged therebetween and which is divided into at least two regions which differ in respect of lightness and of which the lighter region is arranged closer to the rotor blade connection than the darker region which is of a natural shade and/or daylight sky shade and/or background shade.

Abstract: A detection system for identifying airfoils having a cooling systems with orifices that are plugged with contaminants or with showerheads having a portion burned off. The detection system measures pressures at different locations and calculates or measures a differential pressure. The differential pressure may be compared with a known benchmark value to determine whether the differential pressure has changed. Changes in the differential pressure may indicate that one or more of the orifices in a cooling system of an airfoil are plugged or that portions of, or all of, a showerhead has burned off.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting damage to the rotor of an aircraft engine using devices for measuring vibration and speed in order to acquire data relating to the speed of the rotor and also to the amplitude and the phase of rotor vibration during a determined flight. The method includes the following steps: reading the acquired data; calculating a mean vibration vector over a determined rotor speed range on the basis of the acquired data; calculating a vector difference between the mean vibration vector of the determined flight and the mean vibration vector of a reference flight for the rotor speed range; comparing the modulus of the vector difference with a predetermined threshold value; and issuing a warning signal when the modulus of the vector difference exceeds the predetermined threshold value, the steps being performed after the determined flight has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for using the external accelerometer in an aircraft engine configuration as a backup accelerometer, in the event the internally located production accelerometer fails. The sensor location of the external accelerometer has an acceptable sensitivity to fan imbalance, similar to the location of the former alternate accelerometer. The signal from this external accelerometer is duplicated using software in the signal conditioning hardware, creating the second, alternate signal. As an alternative embodiment, the signal may be duplicated by simply teeing or branching the original signal, using hardware rather than software.

Abstract: A method of detecting the change in the structure of a turbine rotor uses the steps of injecting an ultrasonic signal into the turbine rotor at a first position using a first ultrasonic transducer to produce a diffuse field ultrasonic signal in the rotor; detecting the signal in the rotor at a second position using a second ultrasonic transducer measuring the time for the signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer to the second ultrasonic transducer and comparing the measured time for the diffuse field ultrasonic signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer to the second ultrasonic transducer with a stored time for the diffuse field ultrasonic signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer to the second ultrasonic transducer to determine if there is a change in the structure of the turbine rotor.

Abstract: A wind turbine. In one embodiment, the wind turbine includes a platform and one or more gyroscopes connected to the platform to detect movement of the platform. A control circuit is coupled with the one or more gyroscopes to determine loads placed on one or more turbine components and to mitigate the loads in response to signals from the one or more gyroscopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and systems for locating coated cooling holes on parts such as turbine vanes. In a first embodiment of the present invention, a thermal imaging technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a laser scanning technique is utilized to obtain the locations of the cooling holes on a turbine vane.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for adjusting a gas turbine firing temperature control algorithm and combustion reference temperature algorithms based on exhaust gas temperature, turbine pressure ratio and compressor discharge temperature for water content in the air entering the compressor differing from the design water content of ambient air. The water content in the ambient air is calculated by the control system from measured data from a dry bulb temperature sensor and a wet bulb temperature or humidity sensor.

Abstract: An infrared camera is configured to measure a temperature distribution on a surface of at least one rotating turbine bucket. With the measured surface temperature distribution, a condition index is determined which reflects either an overall condition of a bucket or a specific location on the bucket. The condition index can be used to predict the remaining useful life of a turbine bucket, which can be used to optimize maintenance intervals and thereby reduce maintenance costs.

Abstract: An advertising ceiling fan includes a motor seat, a plurality of blade support brackets, and a plurality of support tubes. Each of the blade support brackets is secured with a sleeve having two through holes. Each of the support tubes has one end formed with two positioning holes each aligning with a respective through hole. Each of the support tubes includes two elastic members each having a first end formed with a protruding stub extended through a respective one of the two positioning holes and a respective one of the two through holes. Thus, the support tube is mounted on and detached from the respective blade support bracket easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating quick replacement of the advertising paper.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for adjusting a gas turbine firing temperature control algorithm and combustion reference temperature algorithms based on exhaust gas temperature, turbine pressure ratio and compressor discharge temperature for water content in the air entering the compressor differing from the design water content of ambient air. The water content in the ambient air is calculated by the control system from measured data from a dry bulb temperature sensor and a wet bulb temperature or humidity sensor.

Abstract: A rotating display apparatus includes a support structure, a rotor mounted rotatably on the support structure for rotation about a vertically disposed rotational axis, and at least two (preferably more) wind-reactive elements on the rotor on which a user may display promotional, political, or other information, including using the shape of the wind-reactive elements as the displayed information. The wind-reactive elements (airfoil or non-airfoil) cause the rotor to rotate about the rotational axis in response to wind passing the rotating display apparatus. Each is free to pivot between a respective one of first and second pairs of stop positions as the rotor rotates a bout the rotational axis in order to self-align according to wind direction and impart rotational movement to the rotor, moving through five phases per revolution as they orbit the rotational axis.

Abstract: A fan provided with a smoke detector wired to a CPU in a switch to start the fan if smoke detected exceeds a certain level; and an ion generator is provided to generate ions to neutralize substances carrying hazardous cations; a first conductor on a screen holder wired to the CPU and in off-position state is conducted by contacting a second conductor provided on a front screen so that the fan blades are disabled when both conductors are disconnected once the front screen is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved method for quickly and accurately determining the rotor blade angle of a wind power installation. The present invention also allows for the rotor blade angle measurements to be taken from the ground, thereby allowing the measuring equipment to be easily disconnected and transported to other sites. For example, a rotor blade angle of a wind power installation may be determined by using a spacing measuring device to measure the spacing between the rotor blade and the spacing measuring device. The measurements may then be processed in a computer to calculate the angle between the rotor blade and the spacing measuring device. Once this angle (the &agr; angle) is ascertained, it may be compared to other values to assist in further adjusting the rotor blade angle.

Abstract: A method of detecting the change in the structure of a turbine rotor (24) comprises injecting an ultrasonic signal into the turbine rotor (24) at a first position using a first ultrasonic transducer (102) to produce a diffuse field ultrasonic signal in the turbine rotor (24). Detecting the diffuse field ultrasonic signal in the turbine rotor (24) at a second position using a second ultrasonic transducer (106). Measuring the time for the diffuse field ultrasonic signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer (102) to the second ultrasonic transducer (106). Comparing the measured time for the diffuse field ultrasonic signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer (102) to the second ultrasonic transducer (106) with a stored time for the diffuse field ultrasonic signal to travel from the first ultrasonic transducer (102) to the second ultrasonic transducer (106) to determine if there is a change in the structure of the turbine rotor (24).

Abstract: A on-line method is provided for detecting wear and/or damage to gas turbine parts. Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a gas turbine comprising parts with smart coatings and collection and detection means to measure wear and erosion of gas turbine parts. In other preferred embodiments, smart coatings are provided comprising chemical taggants that can be collected and detected downstream, thus providing an on-line or in situ evaluation technology for wear and damage to gas turbine parts.

Abstract: A wind power generating system with an obstruction lighting or night marking device, and with at least one rotor blade allocated to a rotor hub which exhibits at least one optical waveguide, which is routed from the rotor blade hub-side end area to the rotor blade surface, and that a light source is allocated to the optical waveguide in the rotor blade hub-side end area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing avian collisions with wind turbines 70, wherein a design or pattern 90 is placed on the rotor blades 60 of a wind turbine 70 for reducing the motion smear of the image of the rotor blades 60 on the bird's retina 30. When the motion smear on the bird's retina 30 is reduced, the bird 10 is capable of detecting the presence of the rotor blades 60 more easily, thus allowing the bird 10 to re-direct its flight path and avoid colliding with the wind turbine 70. The design principle is that a pattern placed in a given location on one rotor blade 60 is not repeated in the same location on any other rotor blades 60 on the wind turbine 70.

Abstract: A messaging system for a rotating airfoil system is provided that includes a stationary structural member supporting a shaft that is rotatable about an axis. An airfoil assembly is supported by the shaft. A first arcuate coil assembly is supported on the structural member and is arranged at least partially about the shaft. A second arcuate coil assembly is supported on the airfoil assembly adjacent to the first arcuate coil assembly and is rotatable relative thereto. One of the coil assemblies provides a magnetic field having an inductance with an electronic message. The inductance of the one coil assembly produces a voltage containing the message in the other coil assembly. The message may be demodulated from the voltage. In this manner, messages may be sent to and from airfoil assembly systems such as blade heaters and blade pitch actuators.

Abstract: Determining adjustments for rotating blades includes measuring a plurality of vibration values corresponding to vibrations caused by the blades, providing coefficient of vibration data that corresponds to effects on vibration caused by adjustments to the blades, applying the coefficient of vibration data to the vibration values, and solving for possible values for the adjustments that may be applied to the blades, wherein the possible values for the adjustments are constrained to be greater than a first predetermined value or zero. The adjustments may include at least one of hub weights, blade tabs, PCR adjustments, and blade tip weight adjustments. Measuring vibrations may include obtaining signals from a plurality of accelerometers. Determining adjustments may also include performing an FFT on the vibration data, where the data indicating effects on vibration is provided in the frequency domain. Applying the data to the vibration values may be performed in the frequency domain.

Abstract: A fan blade sign display device includes a rotary device, an actuator adapted to rotate the rotary device, a display unit installed in the rotary device, and a control device adapted to turn on/off the display unit. A sign is appeared in the movement path of the LED array upon rotation of the LED array with the rotary device at the speed in which the motion cycle of the LED array is smaller than the transient retention time of visual sensation when controlling the control device to turn on/off the display unit.

Abstract: A method is provided to determine an rpm profile for a turbine pump from pulse train data obtained from a sensor at the pump. The method eliminates ramp-up spikes from the pulse train by comparing the spike pulse count to the surrounding pulse counts and replacing data points responsible for abnormal pulse count increases/decreases between data points with interpolated values. The method similarly replaces data points that lie outside statistically acceptable pulse rate variations. A rough rpm plot is then generated, which must be smoothed to obtain the final rpm profile. Data points are infused between sensor data points to achieve an acquisition rate of approximately 1000 points per second. The infusion is accomplished by interpolating between sensor data points and equally spacing the infused data points along the interpolated curve. A smoothing function is then applied to the infused data set.

Abstract: Use of an optical fiber for the direct receipt of heat radiation for transmission to a remote pyrometer is enabled by the provision of an apertured, contaminant free compartment in the component being heated, and aligning the heat receiving end of the optical fiber with the aperture so as to receive radiated heat from within the compartment.

Abstract: A variable pitch propeller has a centrifugal lock for blocking blade pitch changes from a normal range of forward pitch angles toward both feathered and reverse positions at rotational speeds greater than a predetermined threshold. The lock mechanism has a pair of stop members rigidly connected to a rack yoke member that has geared engagement with respective propeller blade pinions, and a pair of mass elements that move outwardly in response to centrifugal force to block movement of the lock members outside of the normal range. A pair of springs are connected between the mass elements for biasing them inwardly from paths of the lock members. The yoke is displaced axially by an actuator having an annular hydraulic cylinder. A hydraulic control unit having a motorized leadscrew coupled to another annular hydraulic cylinder is fluid coupled to the actuator, and a simple control circuit provides colored indications of pitch settings.

Abstract: A variable pitch propeller has a centrifugal lock for blocking blade pitch changes from a normal range of forward pitch angles toward both feathered and reverse positions at rotational speeds greater than a predetermined threshold. The lock mechanism has a pair of stop members rigidly connected to a rack yoke member that has geared engagement with respective propeller blade pinions, and a pair of mass elements that move outwardly in response to centrifugal force to block movement of the lock members outside of the normal range. A pair of springs are connected between the mass elements for biasing them inwardly from paths of the lock members. The yoke is displaced axially by an actuator having an annular hydraulic cylinder. A hydraulic control unit having a motorized leadscrew coupled to another annular hydraulic cylinder is fluid coupled to the actuator, and a simple control circuit provides colored indications of pitch settings.

Abstract: A performance analysis method for a centrifugal impeller adapter to simplify performance analysis of an impeller and to obtain an accurate calculation result in comparison with analysis by way of averaging the entire flow of the centrifugal impeller. The method for measuring a flow field at an impeller exit analyzes an exit flow angle, total pressure ratio and efficiency, to enable analysis of the performance of the manufactured centrifugal impeller, wherein the flow field of the centrifugal impeller at the impeller exit is dualized into a jet region flow field and a wake region flow field, by which each flow field is sought and averaged to obtain the flow field.

Abstract: A wind power generating system with an obstruction lighting or night marking device, and with at least one rotor blade allocated to a rotor hub which exhibits at least one optical waveguide, which is routed from the rotor blade hub-side end area to the rotor blade surface, and that a light source is allocated to the optical waveguide in the rotor blade hub-side end area.

Abstract: An instability detecting device, used for easily and simply detecting a rotating stall and/or a surge frequently occurring during an operation of a turbo compressor, is disclosed. The detecting device of this invention has a detector (20) consisting of a body (22). First and second pressure tubes (25) and (26) are axially set in the body (22) while parallely extending on the same plane, with first and second pressure discharge ports (25a) and (26a) of the first and second pressure tubes exposed to the outside of the body (22) at an end surface of the body (22). A partition wall (28) is arranged on the end surface of the body (22) while crossing the end surface and separating the first and second pressure discharge ports (25a) and (26a) from each other.

Abstract: A structure comprising firstly a differential sensor of linear displacement comprising a body and a core slidably mounted relative to said body, and secondly a rod of a servo-control actuator in which the core is mounted, said rod terminating in an endpiece which has a bore in which the core is received close to its end, said bore and the core having complementary threads which co-operate to hold said core relative to said bore, and means enabling the engagement of the core in said bore to be adjusted, wherein said means comprise an adjustment screw extending through the actuator rod and whose thread co-operates with complementary means carried by the core so that turning movement applied to the adjustment screw by an operator gives rise to axial displacement of the core in the bore of the endpiece.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for water flow testing of cooling passageways in gas turbine buckets provides observable visual determination of whether any blockages were formed during the manufacturing or refurbishing processes. The inspection apparatus includes a manifold block and manifold control valve mounted on a platform and adapted to engage the root end of a turbine bucket and supply fluid therethrough. The turbine bucket is affixed to the platform with a holder. The fluid exiting at the tip of the turbine bucket is visible and any blockages in the passageways will be easily discerned by the absence or paucity of fluid flow at the tip. Fluid is supplied to the manifold block by a pressure regulated fluid supply line with a control valve and a flow meter. An air supply line is also connected to the manifold block to supply air through the passageways to remove residual fluid from the bucket.

Abstract: A windmill includes a freely rotatable revolution shaft, a plurality of pairs of pivotal support rods provided at the revolution shaft, and wind receiving blades respectively and rotatably set between the pivotal support rods with wind receiving blade shafts. The windmill is applied to the driving of a lifting pump, a generator and the like by employing revolution driving force. An anemometer/anemoscope measures wind velocity and direction. A servo motor controls the direction of the wind receiving blades based on the detected velocity and direction. Various methods of control are also provided.

Abstract: Composite rotor blades are constructed from a honeycombed polymer interior core structure having a bonded glass skin covering associated with the top and bottom surfaces thereof. Over time, environmental conditions lead to cracks or fissures in the glass skin coverings allowing moisture to accumulate in the interior honeycomb core of the blade. The present apparatus and method removes this accumulated moisture from composite rotor blades as well as from other objects constructed of polymer composite materials in general and includes an atmospherically sealed container of sufficient size to house the rotor blades or other objects within the container. The apparatus includes support fixturing for holding the rotor blades or other objects suspended within the container, a dehumidifier to reduce the moisture level of the air cycled through the container, a heater to control the temperature within the container, and a vacuum mechanism for controlling the pressure inside the container.