Wind energy collection system

A wind-driven apparatus for generating rotational mechanical energy from a wind flow stream comprising:

• (a) a rotatable wind collector having a first axis of rotation, an entrance, an exit, and a plurality of elongated curved vanes located about its outer circumference and extending generally parallel to said first axis of rotation;
• (b) framework means for supporting said wind collector in an elevated rotatable position;
• (c) turntable means supporting said framework above the ground for turning or positioning said wind collector as desired, said turntable means incorporating covered rolling means comprising a track with casters rolling thereon for pivoting said wind collector about a second axis of rotation, said first and said second axes of rotation being generally orthogonal with respect to each other;
• (d) shroud means surrounding said entrance to said rotatable wind collector for directing wind forces onto said wind collector, said shroud means comprising pivotable upper and lower shroud members, said upper and said lower shrouds each being curved and converging towards said entrance to said wind collector, said upper and lower shrouds comprising balance weights to restrain them in place with respect to said wind collector;
• and,
• (e) foil means located along said exit of said wind collector for creating a negative pressure behind said wind collector.