Abstract:
A screened wind power generation system for generating power in locations where the sight of wind turbines is undesirable or where advertising space can be utilized. The system uses a screen to cover wind turbines with a mesh size and other characteristics that are appropriate for allowing sufficient wind to pass through to wind turbines. The mesh can be coated or imprinted with surface indicia that constitute advertising or create an appearance that blends with surroundings better than an unscreened wind power generation system. The depth of the screen can vary to better enable muffling of wind turbine noise. The screen cross-section can have an aerodynamic shape to facilitate wind flow through the screen.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    This disclosure is related to wind power generation systems. More particularly, the disclosure discusses screened systems configured to hide, protect, and improve elements of the generation system and provide aesthetic or commercial benefits. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure. Accordingly, such statements are not intended to constitute an admission of prior art. 
         [0003]    Many current wind generation systems are not considered aesthetically and acoustically pleasing. Hence, property owners near the wind generation system are adversely affected by reduced property values. Further, wind generation systems are unprotected against the elements. Hence, wind turbine operators are adversely affected by costly damage from lightning, bird strikes, or other forces of man and nature. Further, wind generation systems are often powered by a plurality of non-optimal wind vectors. Hence, output of the system is reduced. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    In one embodiment, the apparatus for generating wind power comprises: one or more wind turbine(s); a screen covering the wind turbines, the screen comprising: a plurality screen openings, wherein the screen openings are a consistent shape; and a plurality of screen sides, wherein each screen side partially borders at least one screen opening, further wherein each screen side has a rounded edge facing a wind direction and a trailing edge. 
         [0005]    In a separate embodiment, there is a predetermined distance between the rounded edge and the trailing edge of each screen side and the predetermined distance varies in relation to an acoustic signature emanating from various points on the wind turbine. 
         [0006]    In a separate embodiment, the trailing edge is comprised of a sound absorbing material and the sound absorbing material properties vary in relation to an acoustic signature emanating from various points on the wind turbine and striking the screen. 
         [0007]    In a separate embodiment, the trailing edge includes a resonance tube configured to dampen an acoustic signature emanating from various points on the wind turbine and striking the screen. 
         [0008]    In a separate embodiment, the rounded edging facing a wind direction includes a sharp edge useful for creating a split in wind flow as it enters the screen. 
         [0009]    In a separate embodiment, the rounded edge faces downwind while the trailing edge faces the wind direction. 
         [0010]    In a separate embodiment, the trailing edge includes an abnormal concave shape useful for modifying the acoustic signature passing through the screen emanating from various points on the wind turbine. 
         [0011]    In a separate embodiment, the screen sides contain a plurality of forward facing photo voltaic cells producing electricity from light. 
         [0012]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a wind redirection device placed behind the wind turbine(s). 
         [0013]    In a separate embodiment, the screen is attached to a roof pitch of a structure and the structure comprises a ducting configured to channel airflow between the roof pitch and a second roof pitch, further wherein the ducting is configured to enable a water runoff. 
         [0014]    In separate embodiments, the apparatus can further comprise: a vertical structure upon which the screen is mounted, the structure being configured to rotate in response to a wind direction; light emitting devices(s) mounted upon the screen sides; a coating applied to the screen sides, wherein the coating presents an image when viewed at a predetermined distance; a coating applied to the screen sides, whereas the coating reduces the coefficient of friction between the wind and the screen; a connection to a power distribution grid; a battery configured to temporarily store power; an inverter configured to harmonize an AC output power with an electrical grid; a device configured to start or stop an output power emanating from the apparatus; and/or a ground rod attached to the screen, the ground rod being configured to provide protection from a lighting strike; a processing circuit configured to operate the apparatus; a convertor configured to modify AC into DC power; a convertor configured to modify DC into AC power. 
         [0015]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus is configured with a radio, wherein the radio can receive and transmit data. 
         [0016]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus is configured with a wind direction sensor. 
         [0017]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus is configured with a wind speed sensor. 
         [0018]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus provides power to a local structure. 
         [0019]    In a separate embodiment, the power is transmitted from the apparatus through a wireless transfer device. 
         [0020]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus was manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. 
         [0021]    In a separate embodiment, the screen is broken into sections. 
         [0022]    In a separate embodiment, the screen sections are mounted to the structure using vibration isolator joints, whereas the joints are comprised of an elastomeric compound useful for the dampening of vibrations. 
         [0023]    In a separate embodiment, the turbine blades comprise unequal lengths. 
         [0024]    In a separate embodiment, the turbine blades are spaced at unequal angles from one another. 
         [0025]    In a separate embodiment, the wind turbine apparatus is shaded black, whereas the black shading absorbs light significantly reducing the dynamic aspect of movement visualized through the covering screen. 
         [0026]    In a separate embodiment, a reducing funnel configured to increase wind velocity is placed between the screen apparatus and the wind turbine. 
         [0027]    In a separate embodiment, a reducing funnel configured to increase wind velocity is placed before the screen apparatus and the wind turbine. 
         [0028]    In separate embodiments, the apparatus is located on the side of a structure, wherein a wind redirection device is configured behind the wind turbine to ensure continuity of flow; a flow valve configured to prevent ingression of foreign debris is placed on the outlet point(s) of the redirection device; a wireless power transmission device is configured to transfer power from the apparatus into the nearby structure; the apparatus includes blades connected via a race configured to power a motor-generator located off-center from the spinning axis, whereas the configuration allows service of the motor-generator where access to the spinning axis is limited. 
         [0029]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus includes screens placed over both the upwind and downwind faces of the wind turbine(s). 
         [0030]    In a separate embodiment, the screen sides include a plurality of surface imperfections configured to break-up surface flow laminations. 
         [0031]    In a separate embodiment, turbine blades are divided into two or more nearly equal sections configured to allow air to pass thru. 
         [0032]    In a separate embodiment, the windscreen is configured to be substantially round with a horizontal axis wind turbine configured to rotate inside. 
         [0033]    In a separate embodiment, the windscreen is configured to be substantially round with a vertical axis wind turbine located inside. 
         [0034]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus is configured such that the screen shape matches a nearby manmade structure or act of nature. 
         [0035]    In a separate embodiment, the apparatus is configured such that the screen is painted to look like a flag. 
         [0036]    The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments on the present disclosure will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as the realization of additional advantages thereof, by consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND TABLE 
         [0037]    A clear understanding of the key features of the invention summarized above may be had by reference to the appended drawings, which illustrate the method and system of the invention, although it will be understood that such drawings depict preferred embodiments of the invention and, therefore, are not to be considered as limiting its scope with regard to other embodiments which the invention is capable of contemplating. Accordingly: 
           [0038]      FIG. 1  is an advertising billboard. 
           [0039]      FIG. 2  shows an apparatus embodiment with a screen and wind turbines. 
           [0040]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of airflow and apparatus elements. 
           [0041]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of airflow and additional apparatus elements. 
           [0042]      FIG. 5  gives a visual depiction of screen mesh density from a distance. 
           [0043]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of a non-aerodynamic windscreen mesh. 
           [0044]      FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of an aerodynamic windscreen mesh. 
           [0045]    TABLE 1 defines various shape embodiments A, B, C, D, E and F, G of the aerodynamic windscreen mesh. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of electrical control unit. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a three-blade rotor. 
           [0048]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of a three-blade rotor. 
           [0049]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a three-blade rotor with a partial view of a cover screen. 
           [0050]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of a three-blade rotor with a partial view of a cover screen. 
           [0051]    FIG.  11 shows an embodiment with acoustic variation in the windscreen mesh. 
           [0052]      FIG. 12  shows the impact of prior art on wildlife. 
           [0053]      FIG. 13  shows the impact of an embodiment on wildlife. 
           [0054]      FIG. 14  shows an embodiment with rotor blades of unequal spacing. 
           [0055]      FIG. 15  shows an embodiment with rotor blades of unequal length. 
           [0056]      FIG. 16  shows limitations of existing art with a funnel. 
           [0057]      FIG. 17  shows an embodiment with a funnel. 
           [0058]      FIG. 18  shows an embodiment with a windward facing rotor. 
           [0059]      FIG. 19  is a front view of a rotor configuration with an outer race and an off-center motor-generator. 
           [0060]      FIG. 20  shows an embodiment mounted between an apex roofline of a house. 
           [0061]      FIG. 21  shows an embodiment with combined masked wind turbines facing multiple directions. 
           [0062]      FIG. 22  shows an embodiment with wind turbines masked facing front and back directions. 
           [0063]      FIG. 23  shows an embodiment with a plurality of surface imperfections on the screen surface. 
           [0064]      FIG. 24  shows an embodiment of a wind turbine with multi-flow blades. 
           [0065]      FIG. 25  shows an embodiment with a radial-shaped screen around a horizontal axis wind turbine. 
           [0066]      FIG. 26  shows an embodiment with a radial-shaped screen around a vertical axis wind turbine. 
           [0067]      FIG. 27  shows an embodiment configured to match a surrounding environment. 
           [0068]      FIG. 28  shows an embodiment configured to match a flag. 
           [0069]      FIG. 29  shows an embodiment configured with a mixed surface partially of solid surface and partially of wind screen. 
           [0070]      FIG. 30  shows an embodiment of a stand-alone remote device charging station with happy face. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0071]    The following detailed description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background of the invention or the following detailed description of the invention. 
         [0072]    Since wind turbines are not always considered aesthetically and acoustically pleasing, there is public opposition to wind turbine installations in certain locations. The present disclosure discusses a novel system to visually hide a wind turbine installation, provide an aesthetically pleasing view, mitigate unpleasant acoustic output, and/or provide advertising. Further, wind turbines are considered inefficient in certain circumstances where variability in wind vectors disrupt the performance of the wind turbine by striking the system in a non-uniform manner. The present disclosure discuses a novel system to mitigate the effects of wind vector variation. Further, wind turbines are left unprotected from man-made and act of nature. The present disclosure discusses a novel system to protect wind turbines from damage. 
         [0073]    The system uses a screen to cover wind turbines. The screen allows airflow to the wind turbines, but when viewed at a distance can appear to be an advertising billboard or a picture of a natural setting. Airflow losses through the screen can be mitigated by using a screen with airfoil characteristics. Screen shape and material can also vary in different portions of the screen to mute the sound of the wind turbines and generators by matching resonant frequency characteristics of the turbines and generators. 
         [0074]      FIG. 1  is an advertising billboard. Shown are the billboard face  100 , billboard support structure  110 , billboard base support  120 , billboard illumination lights  130 , billboard maintenance walkway  140 , billboard advertisement  150 , and power  160  supplied from the grid. 
         [0075]      FIG. 2  shows an apparatus embodiment with a screen and wind turbines. Shown are billboard face consisting of pass thru air screen  200 , billboard support structure  210  above rotatable portion  270 , billboard base and support  220  below the rotatable portion  270 , billboard advertising applied to the pass thru air screen  250 , one power generating wind turbine  260 A placed behind the screen, one power generating wind turbine  260 B placed behind the screen, rotatable portion  270  capable of directing to portion into the wind direction, power  280  supplied or taken from the grid. 
         [0076]      FIG. 3  shows a top view of airflow and apparatus elements. Shown are coating  300  such as paint or plastic applied to the outward view of the screen  200 , wind  310  flowing through the assembly, and light photons  320  reflecting off the outer surface of the coating  300  and screen  200 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 4  shows a top view of airflow and additional apparatus elements. Shown are solid object  400  blocking the flow of wind and light, continuum of airflow  410  directed away from the solid object  400 , ducting system  420  directing air away from the solid object  400 , and light photons  430  partially reflecting and partially passing thru the screen  200 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 5  gives a visual depiction of object detection through a screen mesh. Shown are field of view of a first person  500  looking at the screen  200  covered turbine, field of view of a second person  510  standing closer to the same screen  200  covered turbine, first person  520  standing far away from the screen  200  covered turbine, second person  530  standing much closer to the wind covered turbine, first person visual perception  540  regarding mesh density, and second person visual perception  550  regarding mesh density. 
         [0079]      FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of a non-aerodynamic windscreen mesh. Shown is a square wind screen mesh  600 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of an aerodynamic windscreen mesh. Shown is an aerodynamic windscreen mesh  610  characterized by a round front edge face followed by a tapered tail edge. 
         [0081]    TABLE 1 defines various shape embodiments A, B, C, D, E and F, G of the aerodynamic windscreen mesh. 
         [0082]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view of the control management system  800  of the apparatus including a processing circuit, a power storage device, an on-off switch, a conversion device between AC and DC voltages, a device for harmonizing output waveform to the grid, a radio system for receiving and transmitting information, an input for wind speed, an input for wind direction, power in and out to the grid, power in and out to the local electrical demand, and a device for transferring this power wirelessly between the apparatus  810  and the local demand. 
         [0083]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a three-blade rotor. Shown is a wind turbine blade  910  that is narrower at the blade tip  920  than the blade base  930 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of a three-blade rotor. Shown are multiple wind vectors  900  the blade tip  920 , and blade base  930 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of a three-blade rotor with a partial view (for illustrative purposes only) of a cover screen. Shown is a wind turbine blade  910  that is narrower at the blade tip  920  than the blade base  930  and a screen  1010 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 10B  is a side view of a three-blade rotor with a cover screen. Shown are multiple wind vectors  900  the blade tip  920 , blade base  930 , screen  1010 , and redirected wind vectors  1000 . The post screen airflow applies more evenly to the blade. 
         [0087]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a wind-turbine with a cover screen. A wind flow  1125  is shown along with an acoustic signature  1165  generated by the wind turbine near point  1110  on the turbine blade. Shown is a screen configuration at a depth  1170  with an inlet size  1190  and outlet size  1180  matched to acoustically mitigate the noise emanating from  1120  on the turbine blade. Inner point  1100 , middle point  1110 , and outer point  1120  along a blade of the wind turbine spin at the same angular speed but travel separate distances along a radial circumference thereby creating different acoustic signatures. Differences in blade width and angle of attack also contribute to variation in acoustic signature from point to point along the turbine blade. Variations in screen media depth as demonstrated by  1160 , variations in screen media inlet size as shown by  1167 , and variations in screen media outlet size as shown by  1165  are configured separately for variations of acoustic signature along the blade length. Additional variations of screen design are also demonstrated by acoustic resonance cavity  1195 , a resonance tube as shown by  1190 , a flat tail tip as shown by  1168 , and the addition of noise absorbing material as shown by  1180  and  1115 . A motor-generator is shown as  1150  spinning along an axis  1140 . 
         [0088]      FIG. 12  shows the impact of prior art on wildlife. Shown are a wind power turbine assembly  1200 , wind  1210  approaching the wind turbine assembly  1200 , wildlife  1220  flying in the path of the wind  1210 , the surface  2130  upon on which the wind power turbine assembly  1200  stands, unaffected wildlife  2140  passing through the wind blades (untouched and alive), and affected wildlife  1250  struck by the spinning blades (touched, dead, or wounded). 
         [0089]      FIG. 13  shows the impact of an embodiment on wildlife. Shown are screen impacted wildlife  1350  who come into proximity with the protective screen  1340  and survive, protective screen  1340  covering the wind turbine assembly  1300  prevents intrusion, wind  1310 , wildlife  1320 , and a surface  1330 . 
         [0090]      FIG. 14  shows an embodiment with wind turbine  1450  covered by protective screen  1440  whose rotor blades are spaced with at least one angular distance  1400 ,  1410 , and  1420  being of unequal degrees and made of a light weight material such as plastic, aluminum, or steel. The unequal degrees being configured to space apart the acoustic overlap of blade tip acoustic frequency. The impact of foreign objects on prior art necessitates the construction of impact resistant blades whose weight might limit the use of blades spinning at unequal angles to one another, as they would create overstress on the wind turbine axis. A further variation of the apparatus includes a dark colored wind turbine  1430  to minimize near field of vision of the wind turbine at night. 
         [0091]      FIG. 15  shows an embodiment with wind turbine  1550  covered by a protective screen  1540  whose rotor blades  1500 ,  1510 , and  1520  contain at least one blade of unequal length to the others and constructed of a light weight material such as plastic, aluminum, or steel. The unequal degrees being configured to create an unequal acoustic signature improving the noise emanating from the apparatus. The impact of foreign objects on prior art necessitates the construction of impact resistant blades whose weight might limit the use of blades of unequal mass, as they would create overstress on the wind turbine axis. A further embodiment of the apparatus includes a translucent portion  1530  of a blade, useful for the placement of solar panels  1560  behind the screen and turbine, acting as a second source of power for the apparatus. 
         [0092]      FIG. 16  shows the impact of wind vectors on prior art. A wind vector  1630  enters a reducing section  1610  at an angle  1640  measured from the reducing section centerline  1650 . A swirling effect  1660  is created as the wind vector changes direction resulting in turbulence as it passes through a tube  1670  and wind turbine  1620 , resulting in inefficiencies to the power output. 
         [0093]      FIG. 17  shows an embodiment with a reducing section. Shown are a wind turbine  1700  placed downwind of a covering screen  1760 , a funnel  1710 , a turbulent wind flow  1730  striking the screen  1760 , and a more laminar wind flow  1720  passing through the funnel  1710 . A grounding wire  1740  with a grounding stake  1750  electrically connected to the screen  1760  is also shown configured to protect the wind turbine  1700  from a lighting strike. 
         [0094]      FIG. 18  shows an embodiment with a windward facing wind turbine. Shown are a structural face  1800  receiving substantial wind  1850 , a wireless power transfer  1810  between the wind turbine  1840  and the structural face  1800 , a screen  1820  visually masking the wind turbine  1840 , the wind turbine  1840  placed substantially on the structural face  1800 , ducting  1860  configured to created redirected wind flow  1830  over or around the structural face  1800 , and a valve  1870  covering the outlet to prevent the ingestion of debris or wildlife. 
         [0095]      FIG. 19  is a front view of an embodiment with an outer race and off-center motor-generator. Shown are an outer race  1900  connecting the tips of the turbine blades  1950 , a rotating power motor-generator  1920 , contact surface  1930  between rotating power motor-generator  1920  and the outer race  1900 , power  1940  into or out of the rotating power motor-generator  1920 , and a central turning axis  1960  of the wind turbine assembly  1910 , and a screen  1970  configured to hide, protect, and improve the performance of the apparatus. 
         [0096]      FIG. 20  shows an embodiment mounted between an apex roofline of a house. Shown are wind  2000  passing between the apex roofline  2005  in either direction, light photons  2010  reflected off the colored screen surface  2030  blending with the roof surface  2015 , screen mesh  2040  covering the entrance into the wind tunnel  2025 , light photons  2050  passing through the screen  2035  striking a solar panel  2060  that is placed to absorb light and allow wind  2000  to pass between apexes  2045 , a wind turbine  2070  placed to capture wind energy passing between apexes  2045 , and a dwelling or municipal structure  2080 . 
         [0097]    FIG. 21  is a top-view of an embodiment with combined screen covered wind turbines facing multiple directions. Shown are a plurality of maintenance walkways  2100  to service the assembly  2190 , screens  2110 , a re-directional object  2120 , to prevent wind from passing through opposite turbine(s)  2150 , and a plurality of funnels  2140  between the screen  2110  and the turbine  2150 . 
         [0098]      FIG. 22  is a top-view of an embodiment with wind turbines  260 -A and  260 -B covered on a side by aerodynamic screen  2310  coated with  2300  reflecting light  2350  and the opposite side by aerodynamic screen  2340  coated with  2330  reflecting light  2360  through which a wind  2370  and  2380  passes. 
         [0099]      FIG. 23  shows an embodiment with a plurality of surface protrusions on the screen surface. Shown are an aerodynamic screen cross section  2300  and a plurality of surface shapes  2310  placed on the screen surface to break up immediate surface flow lamination across the screen  2320  and reduce vortex development down-wind of the screen. 
         [0100]      FIG. 24  shows an embodiment of a wind turbine with multi-flow blades. Shown are a multi-flow wind turbine blade  2400 , a split of wind flow  2410  through the multi-flow blade  2400 , and an aerodynamic cross-section of the multi-flow blade  2420 . 
         [0101]      FIG. 25  shows an embodiment with a radial-shaped screen. Shown are a support base  2500 , power  2510  into or out of the wind turbine assembly  2590 , an aerodynamic, low drag aesthetic cover screen  2520 , a wind turbine  2530 , wind  2540  directed at the assembly  2590 , a support structure  2550 , a wind turbine generator  2560  that can rotate about the support structure within the screen  2520 , and a connector  2570  between the support structure  2550  and the screen. 
         [0102]      FIG. 26  shows an embodiment with a radial-shaped screen. Shown are a support base  2600 , power  2610  into or out of the wind turbine assembly  2690 , an aerodynamic, low drag aesthetic cover screen  2620 , a vertical axis wind turbine  2630 , wind  2640  directed at the assembly  2690 , a support structure  2650 , a wind turbine generator  2660  that can rotate about the support structure within the screen  2620 , and a connector  2670  between the support structure  2650  and the screen. 
         [0103]      FIG. 27  shown an embodiment configured to match a surrounding environment. Shown is a screen  2700  covering the wind turbine  2710  shaped to blend with nearby forms (environment)  2720  and power  2730  into or out of the wind turbine  2710 . 
         [0104]      FIG. 28  shown an embodiment configured to match a flying flag. Shown is a screen  2850  covering the wind turbines  2860 -A and  2860 -B coated to appear as an American flag  2870  with power into or out of the wind turbine  2810  including raising and lower mechanism  2820 , a power coupling  2840 , and a storage box  2800 , for lowering the apparatus into seclusion useful during inclement weather conditions and legally mandated periods. 
         [0105]      FIG. 29  shows an embodiment configured with a mixed surface. Shown is a solid surface  2910  with two aerodynamically efficient screens  2900 -A and  2900 -B covering the wind turbines  2920 -A and  2920 -B with power into or out of the wind turbine  2930 . 
         [0106]      FIG. 30  shows an embodiment configured as a stand-alone charging station. Shown is an aerodynamic screen  3000  covering the wind turbine  3010  coated with an image  3020  with base  3030  and an electrical device  3040  to be charged through power cord  3050 . 
         [0107]    All patents and publications mentioned in the prior art are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All patents and publications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference, to the extent that they do not conflict with this disclosure. 
         [0108]    While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the disclosed or illustrated embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover numerous other modifications, substitutions, variations, and broad equivalent arrangements.