Multi-element wind turbine airfoils and wind turbines incorporating the same
AssigneeGift Technologies, LLC
InventorPaul Lew
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to wind turbines and more particularly to a multi-element airfoil for a vertical or horizontal axis wind turbine. In one embodiment, a vertical wind turbine includes a plurality of blades arranged in an annular path around a central axis of rotation. Each blade includes a first element and a second element that are nestable together. The first element has a concave rear surface, and the second element has a convex leading surface. Each of at least 45% of the blades generates a lift in a direction of rotation of the turbine that is greater than a drag generated by the same blade.
Claims26
A vertical wind turbine, comprising:
- a plurality of blades arranged in an annular path around a central axis of rotation;
- wherein each blade comprises a first element and a second element, the first element comprising a concave rear surface, and the second element comprising a convex leading surface facing the concave rear surface,
- wherein each of at least 45% of the blades generates a lift in a direction of rotation of the turbine that is greater than a drag generated by the same blade.
A vertical wind turbine, comprising:
- a plurality of blades spanning a height of the turbine, each blade connected to the turbine at first and second opposite ends of the blade;
- and
- a generator assembly configured to convert a mechanical rotation of the turbine into an electrical energy,
- wherein the blades are arranged in an annular path around a central axis of rotation,
- wherein each blade comprises a leading element, an intermediate element, and a trailing element, the leading element having a concave trailing surface and the intermediate element having a convex leading surface, wherein the trailing surface of the leading element and the leading surface of the intermediate element face each other, and the intermediate element and the trailing element having overlapping surfaces,
- wherein the leading, intermediate, and trailing elements are dimensioned to provide a first gap between the leading element and the intermediate element and a second gap between the intermediate element and the trailing element, and
- wherein the plurality of blades generates a net positive rotation of the turbine with an incoming wind.
A wind turbine comprising:
- a plurality of blades arranged around a central axis of rotation;
- and
- a generator assembly configured to convert a mechanical rotation of the turbine into an electrical energy,
- wherein each blade comprises a first element and a second element, the first and second elements having complementary facing surfaces,
- wherein the first and second elements are dimensioned to provide a gap between the first and second elements, and
- wherein the plurality of blades generates a net positive rotation of the turbine with an incoming wind.
A horizontal wind turbine comprising:
- a plurality of blades arranged radially about a central axis of rotation;
- wherein each blade comprises a first blade segment spanning an inner section of the turbine, and a second blade segment radially outside of the first blade segment and spanning an outer section of the turbine,
- wherein the first blade segment of each blade is oriented at a first angle of attack, and the second blade segment of each blade is oriented at a second angle of attack that is different from the first angle of attack.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.