Wind turbine device

The apparatus of claim. 19, wherein the respective vane segments are formed of one of fiber glass sheeting, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, aluminum, light steel sheeting, Kevlar, polyurethane, and rubber sheeting material.

A method of overcoming blade profile differentiation in a helical wind turbine blade having a windward side and a leeward side, comprising the steps of:

• forming a rotatably supported helically twisted blade to comprise a plurality of flexible elongated vane segments, wherein each vane segment has a fixed edge and a free edge, and the free edge of one segment at least one of partially overlaps and substantially abuts the fixed edge of the next adjacent vane segment;
• and
• raising the free edge of at least one vane segment up from the fixed edge of the next adjacent vane segment during rotation of the rotatably supported helically twisted blade, thereby providing an air valve opening to reduce air drag when the leeward side surfaces of the helically twisted blade are being periodically presented against the wind.

A wind turbine apparatus for harvesting wind energy, comprising:

• a helical blade journaled for rotation;
• the helical blade being separated into a plurality of lengthwise blade segments, each blade segment having a radially inward fixed edge, and a radially outward free edge, the respective free edges being adapted, during wind turbine operation, to rise up through a separation distance away from the respective fixed edges, the free edges thereby moving from a normal rest position to a full operating position.

A wind turbine apparatus having a hybrid turbine blade assembly operating on a common axis, comprising, a helically twisted blade a rotationally journaled about an axis, and substantially straight airfoil blades mounted radially outwardly of the helically twisted blade.