Vertical axis wind turbine with articulating rotor
US7677862B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 7, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S415/907
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A VAWT wind engine includes a support structure, an articulating rotor mounted on the support structure for rotation about a vertically extending axis, and at least one airfoil on the rotor for rotor-powering purposes. The articulating rotor is mounted in a manner enabling tilting movement of the rotor during rotation so that the airfoil produces rotor rotation and rotor tilt as the airfoil orbits the rotational axis. At least one mechanical linkage is included to actively vary airfoil pitch according to rotor tilt. The partially articulating rotor of a teetering-rotor embodiment seesaws up and down about a horizontally extending pivotal axis. The fully articulating rotor of another embodiment supports three airfoils as it tilts in any direction by virtue of a gimbal or other rotor hub assembly providing a 360-degree swiveling action, while furling hinges help protect the airfoils against damaging winds during wind engine shutdown.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.