Reduced friction wind turbine apparatus and method

Abstract

The present invention is a wind power apparatus for driving an electric generator. The wind power apparatus comprises a frame, a vertical axle mounted on the frame and a buoyant hull. The buoyant hull is rotational disposed on the axle. The buoyant hull has a curvilinear side surface. The wind power apparatus further comprises a fan. The fan is mounted on the buoyant hull such that wind rotating the fan rotates the buoyant hull. The wind power apparatus further has a drive wheel. The drive wheel is disposed in close cooperation with the curvilinear of the surface of the buoyant hull such that rotation of the buoyant hull rotates the drive wheel. The drive wheel is adapted to be in driving engagement with an electric generator such that rotation of the drive wheel turns the electric generator to generate electricity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.