Savonius wind turbines

A wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising:

• a rotor assembly configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis, the rotor assembly comprising:
• at least one rotor section, the at least one rotor section comprising:
• at least two curved turbine blades extending parallel to the longitudinal axis;
• and
• at least two support discs connected to the at least two curved turbine blades,
• wherein at least one of the at least two support discs has at least one relief vent defined therein for allowing air to pass through the at least one support disc;
• a frame structure, the rotor assembly being provided on the frame structure, the frame structure having a support post and bearing disposed thereon;
• and
• a torsion rod extending through the rotor assembly along the longitudinal axis, the torsion rod being connected to the rotor assembly so that rotation of the rotor assembly causes rotation of the torsion rod,
• wherein the torsion rod is configured to be connected to a transmission disposed on the frame structure,
• wherein the torsion rod is configured to elastically deform in torsion and is connected to the rotor assembly so as to twist within the rotor assembly to absorb lateral stresses on the rotor assembly, and
• wherein the rotor assembly is mounted on the support post and the bearing on the frame structure independent of the torsion rod, the support post and bearing being configured to support an axial load of the rotor assembly, the torsion rod extending through the support post and bearing toward the transmission.