Patent · US Expired

Vertical wind turbine

US4764090A · kind A · utility

27Cited by
18References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 9, 1984
Grant dateAug 16, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 9, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E10/74
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A cross wind axis type wind turbine includes four wind driven airfoil blades pivotally connected between upper and lower sets of support spokes supported on a rotating vertical column so that the blades are upwardly inclined towards the column axis to produce an accelerated downwardly swirling air flow in the turbine interior. The lower spokes are airfoil shaped to draw wind into the turbine to further accelerate the air flow in the turbine for improved blade efficiency. A feedback control arrangement responsive to changes in wind speed or direction adjusts the blade angles to the wind for optimum efficiency by virtue of a rack and pinion assembly connecting each blade to a center plate through connecting rods extending radially through each upper spoke. The center plate is mounted within the column on a control shaft that includes an offset portion that pivots during blade rotation about the column, or when rotated by a wind vane, to vary the radial positions of the plate and thereby the blades through the rack connections. Alternatively, a pair of weights radially movable within the lower spokes by centrific force in response to variations in wind velocity can be connected to piv…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.