Savonius wind turbine construction

A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine rotor comprising:

• at least three spokes, each spoke comprising a hub having a substantially central opening, and two or three at least partially arcuate ribs substantially integral with the hub and extending substantially radially outwardly from the hub;
• a plurality of vanes of sheet material generally conforming to the ribs;
• and
• a plurality of removable fasteners operatively connecting the spokes to the vanes so that the vanes assume an at least partially curved configuration presenting alternately a substantially concave and substantially convex curvature to wind as the rotor rotates about a substantially vertical axis.

A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine spoke comprising:

• a hub having a substantially central opening therein for receipt of a shaft;
• a clamp associated with the hub adjacent the substantially central opening;
• at least two ribs integral with the hub and extending substantially radially outwardly from the hub;
• the ribs having at least partially curved inner and outer surfaces;
• and a plurality of surface manifestations formed in at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the ribs for receipt of fasteners to hold vanes to the ribs.