Patent ID: 8164210
Filing Date: 2012-04-24
Classification: F03D,F05B,Y02B,Y02E,Y02P

Abstract:
1. An improved vertical axis wind turbine comprising: (a) a turbine rotor with a support platform, a circular spoked wheel that rotates on said support platform, a rotatable vertical shaft that extends at least partially through said support platform to an electric generator, at least one bearing for said vertical shaft, and at least three rotor vanes disposed for rotation about the vertical shaft, each rotor vane: (i) being substantially box-shaped with four solid sides; (ii) having a front-to-rear depth that is at least half its height; and (iii) having a front and rear side disposed in a radial vertical plane, the front side being substantially open faced and the rear side including a narrow rim along at least three of its sides, each rear side having an opening covered by a flap that can be moved to an open position with a directional passage of wind through the rotor vane and to a closed position with the passage of wind against an interior of the flap; (b) means for attaching each rotor vane to said vertical shaft so that the front side of each vane lies in the same rotational direction around said vertical shaft; and (c) a plurality of braces, each brace being angularly affixed between the circular support wheel and the vertical shaft for reducing wind force leverage effects on the bearing for said vertical shaft.