초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a wind turbine used to convert wind energy into mechanical energy, more specifically, a long axis type of vertical-axis turbine allowing large columns of air to be harnessed. These devices differ from horizontal-axis (propeller) type windmills which typically rotate

The present invention relates to a wind turbine used to convert wind energy into mechanical energy, more specifically, a long axis type of vertical-axis turbine allowing large columns of air to be harnessed. These devices differ from horizontal-axis (propeller) type windmills which typically rotate about a vertical axis in order that they may face directly into a wind. The present invention is designed to be employed as a cost effective alternate power source in any wind condition from a breeze to a gale wind. To increase the structural integrity, the torque generating elements, namely, the rotor blades, are not directly attached to the shaft but rather, they attach to the round top and bottom rotor cage plates through which torque forces generated can be transfered to the shaft. The unique design of an open cover on the top of the wind turbine allows wind from the direction above the wind turbine to be harnessed. The top shield structure has created a calm wind area between the shield and the top of the rotor cage that helps reduce turbidity and greatly facilitates wind exhaust from the system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A vertically rotating wind turbine, comprising:a. a wind-collecting base with a bottom surface defining an area and a top surface defining an area wherein said area of said bottom surface is larger than said area of said top surface and wherein said top surface comprises an energy-t

[ I claim:] [1.] A vertically rotating wind turbine, comprising:a. a wind-collecting base with a bottom surface defining an area and a top surface defining an area wherein said area of said bottom surface is larger than said area of said top surface and wherein said top surface comprises an energy-transfer element and wherein said wind-collecting base comprises an upward tapered base having an angle to smoothly lead wind currents to said flat wind directing elements;b. a vertically rotating shaft with a top end and a bottom end wherein said bottom end is mechanically connected to said energy-transfer element;c. an energy-utilizing device responsive to said shaft through said energy-transfer element of the top surface of said base;c. a round top plate attached in the vicinity of the top end of said vertically rotating shaft;d. a round bottom plate that defines a diameter and is attached to said vertically rotating shaft at a location above the top surface of said base;e. a plurality of vertically oriented torque generating elements having outer edges and inner edges which are located circumferentially around said vertically rotating shaft between said round top plate and said round bottom plate and are attached to said round top plate and said round bottom plate at their ends to form a cage assembly;f. a plurality of vertically oriented flat wind directing elements arranged circumferentially around said cage assembly and adjacent to said outer edges of said vertically oriented flat torque generating elements;g. an open cover comprising concentric braces comprising two side bearings;h. a top shield having a central pivoting point and an outer terminus above said side bearings of said open cover; andi. a top shield vane.