Vertical axis wind turbines
AssigneeGE Energy Power Conversion Technology Limited
InventorPeter Fryer Whitworth
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a vertical axis wind turbine having a vertical support tower. At least one aerofoil or blade is mounted for rotation about the support tower. An electrical machine, typically a permanent magnet generator includes a rotor assembly and a stator assembly. The at least one aerofoil is secured to the rotor assembly such that rotation of the aerofoil about the support tower causes rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. The stator assembly is formed as a structural component of the support tower and defines part of a vertical access passage that extends through the support tower to provide access for maintenance and repair.
Claims10
A vertical axis wind turbine comprising:
- a support tower having an access passage therethrough;
- at least one aerofoil mounted for rotation about the support tower;
- and
- an electrical machine including a rotor assembly and a stator assembly;
- wherein the rotor assembly is located radially outside the stator assembly, the at least one aerofoil being secured to the rotor assembly;
- and
- wherein the stator assembly is physically integrated into a wall of the support tower, the physically integrated stator assembly forming a load-bearing component of the support tower.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.