Abstract:
This invention relates to an augmenter system for the increase of power generation primarily used for utilizing wind energy. The augmenter system includes an augmenter having a plurality of walls, such as flexible walls, connected to each other with supporting horizontal elongated members. The augmenter is used in conjunction with a blade system and an air flow regulation or furling system to achieve optimal power output. The augmenter includes a relatively lightweight, low cost flexible wall structure to enhance an air flow into impact impellers associated with the blade system. In one arrangement, the blade system defines a swept area with a height to diameter ratio of greater than four. In one arrangement, the blade system defines a swept area with a height to diameter ratio of greater than ten.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/319,484 filed on Jan. 8, 2009 which is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/010,691, filed on Jan. 10, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. This application is also a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/US2010/038947, filed on Jun. 17, 2010, which is based upon and claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/269,043, filed on Jun. 20, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/273,740, filed Aug. 8, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/284,515, filed on Dec. 21, 2009, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/336,206, filed on Jan. 19, 2010, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/342,658, filed on Apr. 15, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/572,693, filed on Jul. 20, 2011, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/574,143, filed on Jul. 28, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/574,225, filed on Jul. 28, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the invention relates to an adjustable or flexible augmenter configured to utilize wind energy for the generation of power. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Embodiments of the invention relate generally to the field of wind energy, and more particularly to the use of augmenters to enhance air velocity into the blade or impact impeller area and augmenter with walls, such as flexible walls. 
         [0004]    With considerable attention toward renewable energy, the efficient use of wind power and the capturing of increased energy from the winds has received much consideration. One attempt to harness increased wind energy power is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,070,131 wherein ambient wind is admitted into a vertical structure producing a vortex flow and corresponding low pressure area for enhancing air flow across a wind turbine. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,031,405 discloses a horizontal turbine with a wind enhancement structure which adjusts to the direction of wind for optimizing the wind velocity. 
         [0006]    Other methods have been proposed for directing the wind and increasing its effects against a turbine blade or impact impeller. 
         [0007]    Wind turbines utilize a rotor for converting the energy of the air stream into rotary mechanical power as a power conversion device from the wind. Wind machines can take advantage of a free and inexhaustible power source of mechanical power for various purposes including driving an electrical generator. In generating large amounts of power, conventional turbines had large rotors in order to generate a sufficient amount of energy in order to make it worthwhile for having a generator in order to produce electricity. Unfortunately, the large rotors are expensive because the stress on the rotors increases dramatically as the diameter increases. Conventional turbines had to increase the diameter of the blades in order to capture more energy generated by the moving air impacting the blades. This increase in the diameter of blades for producing substantial power can increase the cost of other items in the turbine other than the blades. Large blades which have not been properly produced can create structural stress and fatigue problems for the gearbox, tower, and the system that turns the generator toward the optimal wind direction. 
         [0008]    In the past, wind turbines were supported by a single tower and guy wires in many cases leading to many vibration and frequency related problems. The blades of vertical axis turbines were large and could be limited in the design and the materials used. For example aluminum extrusion and fiberglass pultrusion were used in the two most serious commercial applications of vertical axis turbines. Due to the large size of the fiberglass blades, the strength was limited in order to bend the blade at the place of installation. The aluminum blades could not form a true troposkein shape. The blades had to be made of significant length and the available extrusion equipment is not available. The patents of both serious commercial prior applications of vertical axis technology are described in “Vertical Axis Wind Turbine” U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,053 and “Vertical Axis Wind Turbine with Pultruded Blades” in U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,904. However, the fatigue factor in blades using those materials suffered from structural stress caused by cyclical loads on vertical blades. The lift forces push the blades back and forth as they rotate. The more popular horizontal wind turbines are not subject to this cyclical stress occurring many thousand of times per day. The construction and installation was complex and costly. 
         [0009]    The vertical blades in prior technology could not place the rotor high enough above the ground in order to a turbulence leading to long term structural problems. 
         [0010]    In other prior technology, the swept area of the turbine had an aspect ratio of less than four due to construction limitations. The aspect ratio, the swept area height to diameter, is preferred to be high for better efficiency. This occurs when a tall and thin rotor maintains a large swept area and a high RPM. As a result, the moment of inertia is reduced and less energy is spent on its own motion. 
         [0011]    In prior blade technology, two or more blades per shaft section, were used in order to achieve proper blade balance. The designing of one blade per shaft section was expensive and had imbalance problem in past turbines there were numerous attempts toward developing a horizontal one bladed turbine. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    One object of embodiments of the invention is to create an augmenter system to capture, and funnel, the wind into its Multi-Axis Turbo system (MAT) units to dramatically increase the power output without a proportional increase in structural size and cost. 
         [0013]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is the use of less material and the ability to use less costly material which would help bring the kilowatt/hour cost down significantly. 
         [0014]    Another object of embodiments of this invention is the use of an augmenter system with integral dump panels and top panel lift systems to minimize damage during wind gusts. 
         [0015]    A further object of embodiments of this invention is the use of side wall dump panels and top panel lift systems to minimize the pressure spikes in the augmenter during extreme wind events. These side dump panels will swing open when sufficient pressure differences exist between the inside and outside of the augmenter. The top panel lift system provides a hinge that allows the suspension cable to lift above the next panel to vent air velocity to the outside of the augmenter. 
         [0016]    The side dump panels and top panel lift system allow the system to be built with lighter components, reducing the cost of the augmenter system. The panels and lift system also reduce the potential damage to the panels, suspension cables, and poles during extreme wind events, decreasing maintenance costs during the life time of the MAT wind power plant and augmenter system. 
         [0017]    Every site has extreme wind events during some point of the annual weather cycle. These wind events provide an opportunity for the MAT wind power plant design to produce the maximum amount of power that the traditional, horizontal axis generators cannot harness, including damage to traditional augmenter systems. 
         [0018]    A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide more durable blades by resolving structural stress problems in wind turbines with large blades. 
         [0019]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to reduce manufacturing cost by using more but smaller components instead of larger and fewer components. 
         [0020]    A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide longer life for the bearing by reducing structural and mechanical stress. 
         [0021]    Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a more efficient turbine with reductions in the moment of inertia and easier self starting capability. 
         [0022]    Still yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a more durable blade design by overcoming imbalance problem of larger blades. 
         [0023]    Another object of embodiments of the invention is to allow stiffer and more rigid blades by making them smaller. 
         [0024]    A further object of embodiments of the invention is to provide an easier construction method. Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to allow for construction with standard parts which do not need to be custom made with the exception of the mass produced blades. The augmenter parts and the preferred embodiment of wind power plant can be supplied by several suppliers to avoid supplier backlog problems. 
         [0025]    Still yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to enhance structural support with an augmenter. Another object of the invention is to provide weather protection and additional structural support with its roof. 
         [0026]    Other objects and advantages of the present embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
         [0027]    Embodiments of the invention provides an augmenter system to capture, and funnel, the wind into wind power plants to dramatically increase the power output without a proportional increase in structural size and cost. This is a major development bringing the kilowatt/hour cost down significantly. 
         [0028]    In one arrangement, the augmenter system is configured as a canvas panel system with integral dump panels and top panel lift systems to minimize damage during wind gusts. Further, the invention has developed side wall dump panels and top panel lift systems to minimize the pressure spikes in the augmenter during extreme wind events. These side dump panels will swing open when sufficient pressure differences exist between the inside and outside of the augmenter. The top panel lift system provides a bracket that allows the suspension cable to lift above the next panel to vent air velocity to the outside of the augmenter. 
         [0029]    The side dump panels and top panel lift system allow the system to be built with lighter components, reducing the cost of the augmenter system. The panels and lift system also reduce the potential damage to the canvas panels, suspension cables, and poles during extreme wind events, decreasing maintenance costs during the life time of the wind power plant and augmenter system. 
         [0030]    Every site has extreme wind events during some point of the annual weather cycle. These wind events provide an opportunity for the wind power plant design to produce the maximum amount of power that the traditional, horizontal axis generators cannot harness, including damage to traditional augmenter systems. 
         [0031]    One arrangement of the augmenter system provides a wind power producing means comprising an external upper covering or roof, a tower structure comprising a plurality of vertical elongated members connected to each other with supporting horizontal elongated members like a large lattice tower section, and a plurality of smaller blades. The blades are connected to a shaft or any other rotation means which is connected to a tower structure with a plurality of shafts. The blades or any form of impact impellers are connected to the shaft or any rotation means creating an aspect ratio or a swept area with a height to diameter ratio of greater than four. Each shaft is connected to a generator near the ground. The structure support for the blades or impact impellers and shafts or rotation means are not individually supported in itself. The frame or tower structure supports the shafts collectively. Embodiments of the invention include a vibration absorber or bushiness between the bearings or moving parts and the support structure. The plurality of small blades with a simple design of no twist and taper are connected a plurality of generators with each generator connected to each shaft or rotation means of the invention&#39;s plurality of shafts or rotation means. A single blade or impact impeller at each section of the rotation means could be placed at different positions or angles along the axis for reducing torque ripple. 
         [0032]    An advantage of embodiments of the invention is to reduce the cost of producing the turbine systems by allowing cheaper material. The shape preferably of an airfoil can be added to the structure in order to increase the air velocity approaching the turbine which would result in greater power output. A roof can be configured from any cost effective material, including relatively inexpensive plastic, placed above the wind turbine structure including any wind power system. The roof on this four legged tower structure could be curved into a shape which would increase the air velocity approaching a wind turbine unit. Less vibrations and better protection would allow the use of relatively less expensive material in the wind system. We can use cheap wooden and less treated elongated structures which is also easier to construct. We would also have the ability to use cheaper materials for other parts like the turbines and bearings as examples. Another advantage of the roof is to prevent excess wear and tear from the rain and snow from falling onto the turbine system and causing rapid deterioration including warping and rotting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0033]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates a top view of an augmenter system. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of dump panels of the augmenter system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates a top view of a set of top lift panel systems of the augmenter system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a front view of a blade area of the augmenter system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates a front view of a furling system of the augmenter system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a base portion of a wind blocking device of the augmenter system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a furling panel section of the wind blocking device of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0041]      FIG. 6C  illustrates an upper frame portion of the wind blocking device of  FIG. 6A . 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the augmenter system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  illustrates a composite bamboo structure utilized as part of a frame of the augmented system, according to one arrangement. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  illustrates an inlet side view of an arrangement of an augmenter element, according to one arrangement. 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  illustrates the inlet side view of the augmenter element of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  illustrates a gearbox and gearshift mechanism, according to one embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  illustrates an air straightener of the augmenter system of  FIG. 1 , according to one arrangement. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    An augmenter system is configured to funnel airflow, such as wind, into a wind power plant to increase the power output produced by the power plant without a proportional increase in structural size and cost of the augmenter system, thereby reducing the overall kilowatt/hour cost. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 1 and 7  illustrate an augmenter system  10  having first and second augmenter elements  15 ,  16 . Each of the augmenter elements  15 ,  16  includes a frame  11  which carries a set of walls, such as top panel lift systems  5 - 1 ,  5 - 2 ,  5 -N, collectively top panel lift systems  5 , and side dump panels  4  and which is secured to the ground G. While the frame can be secured to ground G in a variety of ways, in one arrangement, the frame is secured using vibration absorbing foot elements  150 . 
         [0050]    The augmenter system  10  also includes a blade system  12  disposed in a blade area  2 . Each of the augmenter elements  15 ,  16 , defines a wind path that is configured to direct wind toward the blade system  12 , depending upon the direction of the wind flow relative to the augmenter system  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1 , wind flows along direction  60  moves from an inlet area  1  of the augmenter system  10  (e.g., an inlet area of the second augmenter element  16 ), through the blade area  2 , and eventually to an opposing inlet area  1 ′ of the augmenter system  10  (e.g., an inlet area  1 ′ of the first augmenter element  15 ). The low velocity created near outlet  3  allows for the acceleration of airflow through blade area  2 . The wind can flow between the areas perpendicular to the wind inlet area  1  and the outlet area  3  of the second augmenter element  16 , the blade area  2 , and the wind inlet area  1 ′ and the wind outlet area  3 ′ of the first augmenter element  15 . It should be noted that the augmenter system  10  can also capture wind flowing substantially from a direction opposing direction  60  (i.e. from an inlet area  1 ′ of the first augmenter element  15  to the outlet area  3 ′ of the first augmenter element  3 ′, through the blade area  2 , and to the opposing outlet area  3  and inlet area  1  of the second augmenter element  16 . 
         [0051]    In one arrangement, each top panel lift system  5  and each integral side dump panel  4  are configured to minimize damage during wind gusts and to minimize the pressure spikes in the augmenter during extreme wind events. For example, with reference to  FIG. 2 , each of the side dump panels  4  is secured to the frame  11  with a corresponding hinge  17 . During operation, when a sufficient pressure differences exist between the inside and outside of the augmenter system  10 , one or more of the side dump panels  4  can pivot on its corresponding hinge  17  to swing away from the frame  11  (i.e., along a direction from out of the page) to vent the wind away from the blade area  2 . Additionally, in  FIG. 3 , each top panel lift system  5  includes a set of top panel lift system sections  6  where each section  6  includes a hinge  19  coupled to the frame  11 . During operation as relatively high velocity air flows through the augmenter system  12 , the hinge  19  allows a leading frame edge  7 , such as a suspension cable  7 , to lift above the next panel section  6  to vent air to the outside of the augmenter system  10  to reduce the air velocity. 
         [0052]    In one arrangement, the walls of the augmenter elements  15 ,  16 , such as the top panel lift systems  5  and side dump panels  4 , are manufactured from flexible, lightweight, and durable material to reduce the cost of the augmenter system  10 . The flexible, lightweight, and durable material also reduces the potential damage to the top panel lift systems  5 , the side dump panels  4 , leading frame edges  77 , and frame  11  during extreme wind events and decreases maintenance costs during the life time of the MAT wind power plant and augmenter system  10 . For example, in one arrangement the walls of the augmenter elements  15 ,  16 , such as the top panel lift systems  5  and side dump panels  4  are formed as canvas panels from a canvas material. The walls of the augmenter elements  15 ,  16 , such as the top panel lift systems  5  and side dump panels  4  can also be manufactured from a shrink wrap material, from injection molded plastic or injection molded foam from an inflatable structure, or from a sheet metal skin. 
         [0053]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , in the case where the top panel lift systems  5  are manufactured from a shrink wrap material, such as a polymer or plastic material, a manufacturer wraps one or more layers of a shrink wrap material  42 , such as a shrink wrap film, to a top panel lift system frame  40  associated with each of the top panel lift system sections  6 . The manufacturer applies heat to the shrink wrap material  42  to cause the material to shrink about the frame  40 . With reference to  FIG. 2 , in the case where the side dump panels  4  are manufactured from a shrink wrap material, a manufacturer wraps one or more layers of a shrink wrap material  50  about a side dump panel frame  52 . The manufacturer applies heat to the shrink wrap material  50  to cause the material to shrink about the frame  52 . 
         [0054]    Following the heating process, the shrink wrap material shrinks in size and becomes tight relative to the associated frame  40 ,  52 . Accordingly, the relatively low cost shrink wrap material provides the top panel lift systems  5  and side dump panels  4  with a relatively firm and strong structure that minimizes an accelerated structural stress wear and tear on the panels  4 ,  5  particularly compared to conventional non-tightened materials when exposed to a relatively high wind area. While other low cost materials, such as canvas, can avoid excessive wear and tear if properly tightened, such tightening can be costly. 
         [0055]    In one arrangement, the frame  11  can also be formed from a lightweight durable material. For example, the frame can be formed from a steel material or from a bamboo material. In the case where the frame  11  is formed from a bamboo material, in order to minimize weakness found in the joints of individual bamboo rods, each frame element is formed from a set of three or more bamboo rods  22 ,  24 ,  26 , as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . The rods  22 ,  24 ,  26  are arranged such that their respective bamboo joints are supported by a continuous (i.e., non-jointed) portion of the adjacent bamboo rod. The rods  22 ,  24 ,  26  are then laminated together and secured using securing portions  28 , such as ratchet straps. 
         [0056]    In  FIG. 4 , a front view or active area of the blade system  12  is shown. The blade system  12  includes a plurality of impeller assemblies  29  carried by a frame  14 . Each impeller assembly  29  includes one or more blades or impact impellers  8  disposed on a corresponding vertically arranged shaft  9  or connector. The shaft  9  is disposed in rotational communication with an output shaft  13  which, in turn, is coupled to a generator (not shown). 
         [0057]    A bearing and bushing  102  is located at each intersection of shaft  9  and where it is supported by each of the cross (horizontal) structural members such as member  104 . For example, bearing and bushing  102  is located between blades  8 - 1  and  8 - 2  where blade shaft  9  is coupled to horizontal member  104 . This construction supports shaft  9  at a plurality of locations along its length (including between the turbines), thus leading to less vibration and wear of the shaft  9  and better coupling into and less wear of generator. 
         [0058]    In one arrangement, each of the blades  8  is manufactured from a relatively lightweight material to reduce the moment of inertia of the blades  8 . 
         [0059]    The frame  14  includes side walls  21 , as indicated in  FIG. 7  to concentrate wind received from the first and second augmenters  15 ,  16  toward the impeller assemblies  29 . The frame  14  can be manufactured from a variety of lightweight and structurally strong materials, such as steel or bamboo. The frame  14  can further include a roof member to covering the frame and to protect the shafts  9  and blades  8  from the elements. 
         [0060]    During operation and in one arrangement, as wind flows through the wind inlet area  1  and the wind outlet area  3  of the second augmenter  16 , through the blade system  12 , and through the wind outlet area  3 ′ and the wind inlet area  1 ′ of the first augmenter  15 , the wind rotates the impact impellers  8  about a longitudinal axis  31 , thereby causing the corresponding shafts  9  to rotate about the axis  31 . Rotational energy generated by the shafts  9  is transferred to, and causes rotation of, the output shaft  13 . Rotation of the output shaft  13  relative to the generator causes the generator to produce electricity. 
         [0061]    Every site has extreme wind events during some point of the annual weather cycle. These wind events provide an opportunity for the MAT wind power plant augmenter system  10  to produce the maximum amount of power that the traditional, horizontal axis generators cannot harness, including damage to traditional augmenter systems. 
         [0062]    In certain cases, excessive wind velocity can damage the augmenter system  10 . To minimize damage, in one arrangement, the augmenter system  10  includes a furling system  20 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . For example, the furling system  20  is disposed in proximity to the blade system  12  along the wind flow path between the wind inlet area  1  and the wind outlet area  3 . The furling system  20  is operable to block the wind relative to the blade system  12  in order to prevent excessive and damaging output by the blade system  12  or generator. The furling system  20  is thus useful to act essentially as a speed limiter or governor for the blades  8  to prevent them from spinning the generator  100  too fast. An example of a furling system is explained in more detail below 
         [0063]    In one arrangement, referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A,  6 B, and  6 C, the furling system  20  includes a wind blocking device, such as a furling door  30  having panels  35 , carried by a frame  32 . The furling door  30  is configured to be positioned on the frame  32  between an open position, allowing wind to flow into the blade system  12  and a closed position to minimize the flow of wind into the blade system  12 . For example, the furling door  30  is connected to a furling motor  34  by a furling control shaft speed decreaser unit (not shown) such as a cable and pulley. A controller  36  determines the optimal amount of wind blockage for the blade system  12  and adjusts the position of the furling door  30  by using the furling control shaft speed decreaser unit. For example, the controller  36  is configured to determine the optimal wind velocity level for the generator (not shown) or other energy-producing device, such as an alternator, which is determined by the power output generated by the blade system  12  of the augmenter system  10 . 
         [0064]    The controller  36 , in one arrangement, includes a normally open relay or diode at 12 volts. When open, the relay activates the furling motor  18  to cause lowering of the furling door  30 , similar to a garage door. A normally closed relay or diode at 10 volts would activate the furling motor  18  in the direction of raising the furling door  30  when the relay or diode is opened at a rating below 10 volts. 
         [0065]    In one arrangement, the controller  36 , such as a memory and processor, is configured to operate the furling system  20  based upon feedback from the generator or power generating unit  100 . In one arrangement, the generator  100  provides the controller  36  with an output signal, such as a power output rating, that is proportional to the power output created by the generator. In the case where the controller  36  detects the signal as indicating the generator  100  producing an excessive output rating, as compared to threshold such as a rated power output of the power generating unit, the controller  36  activates the furling motor  34  in the direction of lowering the furling door  30 . For example, if the signal indicates the generator output is ten percent over the rated maximum, the controller  36  can cause the motor  34  to adjust the position of the furling door  30  so that ten percent of the blade system  12  is blocked. Alternatively, there can be a proportional feedback control that moves the door  30  appropriately. In the case where the controller  36  detects the signal as indicating the generator  100  as producing an output below its rated output, then the controller  36  would activate the furling motor  34  in the direction of raising the furling door  30 . The gearing ratio for the speed decreasing unit, in one arrangement, is directly proportional to the height of the blade area  2  and the height of the furling door  30  (i.e., the total height of the furling panels). 
         [0066]    As indicated above, and as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the blade system  12  includes a set of vertically arranged impeller assemblies  29 . In one arrangement, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the blade system  12  includes a set of horizontally arranged impeller assemblies  70  where each impeller assembly  70  includes one or more impellers  78  carried by a blade shaft  79  disposed in operative communication with an output shaft  73 . 
         [0067]    In one arrangement, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the augmenter system  10  is configured to direct wind toward the horizontally arranged blade or impeller assemblies  70  during operation. For example, as indicated in  FIG. 9 , the augmenter system  80  includes a first augmenter element (not shown) and a second augmenter element  86 . Each of the augmenter elements includes a frame  91  and walls that are disposed at a tapered angle toward the impeller assemblies  70 . For example, the augmenter element  86  includes a first wall  88  and a second wall  90  that are angled, relative to a horizontal reference, toward the impeller assemblies  70 . For example, either one or both of the first and second walls  88 ,  90  are disposed at an angle of about 22 degrees toward the impeller assemblies  70  relative to a horizontal reference. Additionally, the augmenter element  86  includes a third wall  92  and a fourth wall  94 . Either one or both of the third and fourth walls  92 ,  94  can be disposed at a tapered angle, such as an angle of about 22 degrees toward the impeller assemblies  70  relative to a vertical reference. Tapering of the walls  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94  can accelerate the wind or air flow from the wind inlet area  1  toward the impeller assemblies  70 . 
         [0068]    The walls  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94  can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, the walls  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94  can be manufactured from a sheet metal skin or from a shrink wrap material disposed on frame  91 . In one arrangement, the first wall  86  is configured as a set of top panel lift systems  5 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , while the third and fourth walls  92 ,  94  are configured as side dump panels  4  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0069]    In another arrangement, the augmenter element  86  is configured as an inflatable structure. For example, the walls  88 ,  90 ,  92 , and  94  of the augmenter element  86  can be configured as helium or cold air balloons that, once inflated, direct and accelerate wind toward the impeller assemblies  70  during operation. With such an arrangement, the inflatable structure minimizes the set-up time associated with assembling non-inflatable wall portions of the augmenter. 
         [0070]    As indicated above, the augmenter system  10  can utilize a furling system  20  to adjust the flow of wind to the blade system. In one arrangement, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the augmenter system  10  includes a set of panels  115  disposed in proximity to an augmenter opening  124  to control the flow of wind to the blade system. For example, in the case where the augmenter element  86  is manufactured from a sheet metal skin, the set of panels  115  can include a first panel  120  and a second panel  122  hingedly coupled to the augmenter element  86  via hinges  126 ,  128 , respectively. The first and second panels  120 ,  122  are configured to move from a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 10 , to an open position, as shown in  FIG. 9 , in response to wind flowing into the augmenter element  86  (i.e., along a direction substantially into the page) to the blade assemblies  70 . With such an arrangement, the set of panels directs the wind toward the blade assemblies  70  during operation. In the case where wind flows from the blade assemblies  70  to the augmenter element  86  (i.e., along a direction that is substantially out of the page), the first and second panels  120 ,  122  are configured to move from the open position shown in  FIG. 9  to a closed position shown in  FIG. 10 . Such a configuration allows the augmenter system  10  to concentrate the wind energy, as received from the opposing first augmenter element (not shown), toward the blade assemblies  70  and minimizes the flow of the wind through the augmenter element  86 . 
         [0071]    While the set of panels  115  can be positioned between an open and closed position using wind energy, in one arrangement, the position of each panel  120 ,  122  is controlled by a controller, such as a motor. In such an arrangement, the controller can independently position each of the panels  120 ,  122  to control both the volume of wind flow and the direction of wind flow to particular blade assemblies  70  in the system  10 . 
         [0072]    In one arrangement, a gearshift mechanism, such as a clutch, can be used to adjust the speed of the output shaft  13  and to allow optimal power output from the blade system  12  over a relatively wide range of wind velocities. Additionally, with the gearshift mechanism maintaining a particular speed of rotation of the output shaft  13 , the clutch minimizes overspeeding of the output shaft  13 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 11 , the blades  8  can be connected to a gearbox  85  having a gearshift mechanism  86 , such as a magnetic clutch, coupled to the generator  100 . During operation, the shaft connecting the blades  8  to the gearbox  85  would totally or partially disengage. Such disengagement minimizes or prevents an overheat or overspeed of the generator  100 . 
         [0073]    In one arrangement, the gearshift mechanism  86 , such as a clutch, can be directly connected to the generator  100  from the blades  8  or connected between the gearbox  85  and the generator  100 . In an alternate arrangement, the gearshift mechanism  86  is disposed between adjacent blades  8  in order to achieve a particular power output over a relatively wide range of wind speeds. For example, the gearshift mechanism  86  can disengage or engage one or more blades  8  based upon the wind velocity to prevent the output shaft  13  from rotating in an overspeed situation (i.e., at a greater speed than the rated output of the generator). While the gearshift mechanism  86  can be configured as a clutch, in one arrangement, the gearshift mechanism  86  is configured as a transmission, such as an electronic transmission, to control the speed of the output shaft  13   
         [0074]    In one arrangement, augmenter system  10  can include an air straightener  130  to reduce air turbulence at the blades  8 . For example, with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 12 , the air straightener  130  employs an open lattice-like structure  132 , similar to that of a honeycomb or a wind prism, to minimize wind turbulence as the wind  60  enters the inlet area  1  of an augmenter element, such as augmenter element  15 . The air straightener  130  directs the wind  60  through the augmenter element  15  such that the wind  60  flows substantially parallel to the walls of the lattice structure  132  and at a particular direction relative to the blades  8 , such as a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the blades  8  of the blade system  12 . 
         [0075]    While various embodiments of the invention have been particularly shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0076]    For example, as indicated above the controller  36 , such as a memory and processor, is configured to operate the furling system  20  based upon power output rating feedback from the generator or power generating unit  100 . Such description is by way of example only. In one arrangement, the controller  36  is configured to operate the furling system  20  based upon the operating speed of the generator  100 . 
         [0077]    For example, in the case where the controller  36  detects the generator  100  as operating at an excessive speed, such as a speed of 1810 RPM or greater based upon a reporting signal from the generator  100 , the controller  36  activates the furling motor  34  in the direction of lowering the furling door  30 . The controller  36  can then continuously detect the speed of the generator  100  (e.g., the reporting signal) and can stop lowering the furling door  30  when the generator speed reaches a threshold, such as a threshold of 1800 RPM. In the case where the controller  36  detects the reporting signal as indicating the generator  100  operating at a relatively low speed, such as a speed of 1790 RPM or lower, the controller  36  activates the furling motor  34  in the direction of opening the furling door  30 . The controller  36  can then continuously detect the speed of the generator  100  (e.g., the reporting signal) and can stop opening the furling door  30  when the generator speed reaches a threshold, such as a threshold of 1800 RPM. 
         [0078]    For example, if the signal indicates the generator output is ten percent over the rated maximum, the controller  36  can cause the motor  34  to adjust the position of the furling door  30  so that ten percent of the blade system  12  is blocked. Alternatively, there can be a proportional feedback control that moves the door  30  appropriately. In the case where the controller  36  detects the signal as indicating the generator  100  as producing an output below its rated output, then the controller  36  would activate the furling motor  34  in the direction of raising the furling door  30 . The gearing ratio for the speed decreasing unit, in one arrangement, is directly proportional to the height of the blade area  2  and the height of the furling door  30  (i.e., the total height of the furling panels).