Split collar mountable wind turbine

A split collar mountable turbine is assembled in two separate halves and circumferentially attachable around existing structures. Top and bottom attachment rings each comprise first and second arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form two rings formed in spaced relation. A fan blade housing ring adapted to interface into complimentary slots within the top and bottom rings is received in complimentary slots and moves in tracks located in the top and bottom rings by magnetic levitation. The turbine further includes two pair of off-axis electrical generators each having rotating gears driven by rotation of said fan blade housing for producing electricity. A series of set screws and set guides affixed to the top and bottom rings can be adjusted to engage and be supported by a structure that is collared in the open center of the cylindrical wind turbine.

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a wind turbine used to convert wind forces into electrical energy. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wind turbine and combined generator having a cylindrical shaped structure, formed in split halves adapted to be concentrically affixed about an elongate shaft or similar structure.

2. Related Art

The need and demand for renewable energy is increasing as an alternative to traditional fossil fuels and nuclear power. Existing devices and methods adapted to harness renewable sources, such as wind power, may have the unwelcome effect of creating large and noticeable physical footprints on existing landscapes. Existing wind turbines require installation on tall masts with sufficient horizontal and lateral clearance and rights of way and accessibility to an electrical grid. Wind farms that use existing wind turbines may be located in less densely populated areas and may utilize large tracts of valuable land and many times increase the cost of kilowatt hour due the requirement of construction of access to electrical grids. Wind generators located in more densely populated areas may block views, block sunlight, create noise and otherwise may be ascetically undesirable. In addition, existing horizontal and vertical wind turbines can be a danger to certain bird populations.

A common wind turbine structure includes a single large propeller affixed at the top end of a vertical mast. Airflow across the blades, airfoils or the propellers causes rotation activating a generator to produce electricity. Because of the length of the blades and the size of propeller, many times such wind turbines are affixed atop very tall masts making maintenance and repair difficult. The high placement also takes advantage of higher winds having more force to move the massive propeller blades. Also the installation of the masts are expensive and are required to support a significant amount of weight to support both the blades and generator which is typically located at the center of the blades. A conventional propeller type wind turbine with blades also typically rotates perpendicular to wind direction requiring expensive mechanisms to rotate either or both of the forward direction of the propeller, or the angle of the propeller blades.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for devices and methods to generate renewable energy from wind and airflow forces that has a minimized physical impact on the livable landscape and environment and which can capitalize on existing infrastructure and electrical grid interfaces. Also, there is a need in the art for devices and methods to create electricity from wind flow forces that minimize adjustments in the turbine orientation decreasing the complexity of the wind turbines and decreasing costs of manufacture, maintenance and control.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a mountable wind turbine adapted to take advantage of existing infrastructure as it can be attached and retrofitted to existing structures such as light poles, power poles, water towers, traffic light arms, existing wind turbine masts, billboards, communications towers and similar existing structures. Because the device can be retrofitted onto existing structures that have pre-existing access to electric grid, the wind turbine of the present invention can be utilized with significant costs savings over a wind turbine that requires its own mast structure, real-estate plot and constructed power grid access. In addition, the wind turbine of the present invention additionally provides the advantage of potentially powering devices associated with the structure to which it is attached such as a traffic light on a light pole, equipment on a communications tower, traffic light or alternative to provide power to one or more battery storage units that provides back up power.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a split collar mountable wind turbine includes a first top ring comprising first and second arcuate elements, said first and second arcuate elements are adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form an interconnected ring along with a second bottom ring comprising first and second arcuate elements, said first and second arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form an interconnected bottom ring. A fan blade housing ring comprising first and second arcuate elements, each of said arcuate elements having a first end adapted to interface into a slot within said first top ring, and a second end adapted to interface into a slot within said second bottom ring and blade elements interconnected between said first end and said second end of each of said arcuate elements, said arcuate elements adapted to interconnect circumferentially about an axis to form said fan blade housing ring. Located within the housing is two pair of off-axis electrical generators each generator having rotating gears, said rotating gears are driven by rotation of said fan blade housing ring about an axis, which turns the generators in order for the generators to produce electricity. The generators may be in electrical connection with the power grid to supply power or to otherwise provide electric power to a local device or battery back up.

Wind forces engage the blades of the fan housing, and force rotation of the fan blade housing in a circular direction about the attachment rings, within groves formed in the attachment rings. The attachment ring groves may have bearings or alternatively rollers to provide free rotation of the housing within the track. As a further alternative, the grooves of the attachment rings may include rare earth magnets to provide magnetic levitation of the fan blade housing within the attachment ring grooves to aid in providing reduced frictional movement of the fan blade housing. Magnetic levitation can also be achieved by use of electro magnets formed in the attachment ring grooves. The blade housing can also be designed to create its own lift when spinning to cut down on friction and ease stress of the bottom attachment ring.

It is contemplated by an aspect of the present invention that the fan turbine of the present invention can be assembled in two separate halves, for ease of attachment and adapted to be attached circumferentially around existing structures such as electrical pole, light poles and traffic poles. A series of set screws and set guides can be adjusted to engage and be supported by a structure that the collar mount wind turbine of the present invention surrounds. Because of the numerous set screws, the set screws can be adjusted to engage non cylindrical surfaces such as the square cross section of chimney or other irregularly shaped support structure.

According to another embodiment, the turbine includes a solar panel in operative communication with the fan blade housing, wherein the solar panel is configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy usable for rotating said fan blade housing. A rechargeable battery may be in electrical communication with said solar panel to receive and store electrical energy generated by said solar panel. A motor may be in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery and in operative communication with said fan blade housing. The motor may receive electrical energy from said rechargeable battery and rotate the fan blade housing.

A controller may be operatively coupled to the motor and configured to selectively transition the motor between ON and OFF configurations, the controller may transition the motor to the ON configuration when the ambient wind speed is less than 5 miles per hour. The controller may transition the motor to the OFF configuration when the ambient wind speed is greater than 5 miles per hour.

The turbine may include a magnetic electrical generator including a coil coupled to one of the first and second rings, and a magnet coupled to the cylindrical fan blade housing and moveable relative to the coil when said fan blade housing rotates relative to said first and second rings. The magnetic electrical generator may be configured to convert movement of the magnet relative to the coil into electrical energy usable for rotating the fan blade housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first, second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one element from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such elements.

Existing structures such as light poles, traffic light arms, communication towers, wind turbine masts, chimneys and smoke stacks are commonplace in the modern landscape in both rural and urban communities. In most instances, these types of structures have existing access to the power grid associated with the structure's function or devices attached to the structures. The split collar shaft mountable wind turbine of the present invention takes advantage of existing infrastructure as it can be attached and retrofitted to existing structures such as light poles, power poles, water towers, traffic light arms, existing wind turbine masts, billboards, support structures, communications towers and similar existing structures. Because the device can be retrofitted onto existing structures that have pre-existing access to electric grid, the wind turbine of the present invention can be utilized with significant costs savings over a wind turbine that might require its own mast structure, real-estate plot and/or constructed power grid access. In addition, the wind turbine of the present invention additionally provides the advantage of potentially powering devices associated with the structure to which it is attached such as a traffic light on a light pole, equipment on a communications tower, traffic light or provide power to battery storage unit associated with such devices that can be used to store a charge.

Referring particularly to the drawings, embodiments of the split collar mountable wind turbine of the present invention are shown. In particular,FIGS. 1,9and10show examples of the attachment of the wind turbine10of the present invention. In the example ofFIG. 1, there is shown a prior art propeller type wind turbine12affixed to the top of a mast14. The split collar turbine10of the present invention is adapted to the attached circumferentially about the vertical mast14. In the example as shown inFIG. 1, three turbines10are attached to the masts in serial fashion. In the example ofFIG. 1, a tall mast14is particularly suited as an existing structure to provide a support base for one or more of the turbines10of the present invention. Because the turbines10are fixedly attached to the mast14in the example ofFIG. 1they can be spaced at various locations about the length of the mast14. The mechanism for attachment of the mast is discussed more fully below.

In the example ofFIG. 1, one or more turbines10can supply power to the power grid or alternatively could provide additional power to a battery backup (not shown) of the propeller wind generator12, and may additionally provide power to mechanisms that direct the propeller type wind turbine12into the direction of the wind for maximum efficiency. Although three turbines10are shown inFIG. 1, any number of turbines10could be affixed to the mast14depending on space and weight limitations.

Another example of mounting the turbine10onto preexisting structures is demonstrated inFIG. 9. The turbine10is affixed to the chimney16of a residential house18. As described in more detail with regard toFIG. 7, the hollow center of the collar is adapted to receive the square structure of the chimney16. A series of set screws114can be adjusted to engage the surface of a square structure such as shown inFIG. 7or other shape such as shown inFIG. 8. Due to the large number of set screws114it is contemplated by the present invention a variety of shapes of support structures can be accommodated and used as a support. It is additionally contemplated by the invention that the turbine10could be affixed to other types of exhaust structures such as smoke stacks on factories and other similar edifices. A further example is shown inFIG. 10where the turbine10can be attached to a vertical light pole20or a horizontal traffic light arm22. The examples as shown inFIGS. 1,7-10are merely exemplarily and it is contemplated that the wind turbine10of the present invention could be affixed to many types of structures in various orientations. In addition to preexisting structures, it is contemplated by the present invention that a support structure can be specially constructed to support the turbine10of the present in invention. For example, a pole can be installed into the ground for the custom purpose of supporting one or more of the wind turbines10of the present invention. In addition, it is contemplated by the present invention that the alternate means of attaching the wind turbine of the present invention may be employed such as a clamping mechanism or other means of structural attachment as known by one skilled in the art.

The low profile of the turbine10of the present invention allows it to be affixed to preexisting structures and minimizing interference with the surrounding area. As demonstrated inFIG. 10, the turbine10can be secured to the light pole20without interfering with the normal operation of the light pole and is of sufficiently light structure as to not over burden the structure of the light pole20. The turbine10, as demonstrated inFIG. 10, could provide main or auxiliary power to a light24. Alternatively, the turbine10could supply power to a battery backup (not shown) for the light pole20, or alternatively, the electrical output of the turbine10could be connected directly to a power grid to provide power back into the power grid system. Similarly, the turbine10can supply power to traffic lights26of the light pole20. Likewise, the turbine10as demonstrated in the example ofFIG. 9could provide an additional power source to a residential house18, could provide power to a battery backup system (not shown) or otherwise interconnect to the power grid to provide power back into the system.

Referring particularly toFIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown wind turbine of the present invention, with a top perspective view inFIG. 2and a bottom perspective view inFIG. 3.FIG. 2demonstrates a top attachment ring100that includes arcuate half rings102and104. Although the top attachment ring100is comprised of half rings102and104each comprising one half of the top attachment ring100, it is contemplated by the present invention that the top ring can be comprised of arcuate elements that are not of equal circumference or alternatively the top attachment ring could be a unitary structure. Furthermore, it is understood that the top attachment ring100may be comprised of more than two rings, i.e., the top attachment ring100may be divided into three, four, or more rings segments.

The half rings102and104are interlocked by flanges106, pin guide110and pin108. The flange106nests in the groove of a pin guide110. The flange106and pin guide110have corresponding apertures such that when the flange106is nested in the pin guide110the apertures align allowing a pin108to be inserted through the pin guide110and flange106to interlock ring halves102and104to form the top attachment ring100. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 2half ring102includes pin guides110on each side of the half ring while the half ring104includes oppositely formed flanges106to mate with the ring half102. Although the flange and pin guide arrangement are segregated between ring halves102and104as shown inFIG. 2it is additionally contemplated by the present invention that the half rings could each include one flange and one pin guide that also mates with the corresponding half ring structure. It is further contemplated that the top ring100could be formed as a single ring, or a ring formed of three or more interlocking pieces.

As shown inFIG. 2the semicircular half rings102and104form an annular attachment ring100having a center opening112. Although the embodiment shown inFIG. 2includes a circular opening112, it is contemplated that the aperture formed in the top attachment ring could have an opening in a shape other than a circle to accommodate the structure to be received within opening112. In operation when the attachment ring100is attached to a structure, a gap137(examples shown inFIGS. 7 and 8) allows for airflow in and out of the interior of the blade housing127.

A plurality of set screws114are engaged with set guides116. The set guides116are rigidly attached to the ring100. In operation, the set screws114are rotated to move the set screws inward or outward to engage a structure that is placed in the opening112. The set screws114engage and grip a structure located within the aperture112to assist in holding the entire structure of the wind turbine10to the intervening structure. In this regard, the wind turbine10can be attached removed or adjusted upon a structure that is located within the opening112.

FIG. 3demonstrates a bottom attachment ring118that includes arcuate half rings120and122. Although the bottom attachment ring118is comprised of half rings120and122each comprising one half of the bottom attachment ring118, it is contemplated by the present invention that the bottom ring118can be comprised of arcuate elements that are not of equal circumference or the bottom ring118could be formed of a unitary structure. Furthermore, it is understood that the bottom attachment ring118may be comprised of more than two rings, i.e., the bottom attachment ring118may be divided into three, four, or more rings segments.

The half rings120and122are interlocked by flanges124, pin guide128and pin126. The flange124nests in the groove of a pin guide128. The flange124and pin guide128have corresponding apertures such that when the flange124is nested in the pin guide128the apertures align allowing a pin126to be inserted through the pin guide128and flange124to interlock ring halves120and122to form the bottom attachment ring118. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3half ring120includes pin guides128on each side of the half ring while the half ring122includes oppositely formed flanges124to mate with the ring half120. Although the flange and pin guide arrangement are segregated between ring halves120and122as shown inFIG. 3it is additionally contemplated by the present invention that the half rings could each include one flange and one pin guide that also mates with the corresponding half ring structure. It is further contemplated that the bottom ring118could be formed as a single ring, or a ring formed of three or more interlocking pieces.

As shown inFIG. 3the semicircular half rings120and122form an annular attachment ring118having a center opening130. Although the embodiment shown inFIG. 3includes a circular opening130, it is contemplated that the aperture formed in the bottom attachment ring118could have an opening in a shape other than a circle to accommodate the structure to be received within opening130. In operation when the attachment ring118is attached to a structure, a gap135(examples shown inFIG. 6) allows for airflow in and out of the interior of the blade housing127.

A plurality of set screws132are engaged with set guides134. The set guides134are rigidly attached to the ring118. In operation, the set screws132are rotated to move the set screws inward or outward to engage a structure that is placed in the opening130. The set screws132engage and grip a structure located within the aperture130to assist in holding the entire structure of the wind turbine10an intervening structure. In this regard, the wind turbine10can be attached removed or adjusted upon a structure that is located within the opening130.

Referring particularlyFIG. 4there is shown an exploded view of the wind turbine of the present invention. The exploded view shows top ring100and bottom ring118along with blade housing127that includes a plurality of blades129interconnected between a top housing ring125and a bottom housing ring131. The blade housing127forms a complete cylinder, shown as separated in drawingFIG. 4. The two halves of the blade housing127may be attached together by a standard bolt and nut construction (not shown) at the top housing ring125and bottom housing ring131. Alternatively a screw clamp system or connector plates may be employed. The bolt and nut construction is placed at both ends where the two blade housing halves meet, to let them act as one cylindrical piece as the blade housing127. It is understood that although the exemplary blade housing127includes two halves, other embodiments of the blade housing may include more than two adjoining segments.

The blade housing127incorporates a blade housing gear interface136aformed on the top housing ring125and a lower gear interface136b. The blade housing cylinder127interfaces with grooves formed in the top attachment ring100and bottom attachment ring118. More particularly, as demonstrated in bottom attachment ring118a turbine channel groove138is formed on the upward surface of each of the ring halves120and122. When the ring halves120and122are connected, a complete groove channel138is formed in the ring118to interface with the bottom ring131of the blade housing127. The bottom ring131is magnetized. Alternatively a series of rare earth magnets may be formed about the bottom ring131on the sides and bottom of the ring131that mates with the groove138. As a further alternative an electromagnet may be employed. As demonstrated inFIG. 4the groove138includes a plurality of recesses140for receiving rare earth magnets117, the recesses140formed in the bottom of the groove138. Also rare earth magnet recesses139are formed along the both sides of the sidewalls of the groove138to accept rare earth magnets119. When the blade housing cylinder127is inserted into the groove138, the housing127is free to rotate within the groove138through magnetic levitation. Although the example ofFIG. 4includes the use of rare earth magnets, it is additionally contemplated that electromagnets may be employed as well as bearings or other types of rollers which would allow the blade housing to rotate within the groove of the bottom attachment ring118. Likewise, the top attachment ring100includes a groove142to interface with the top ring125of the blade housing127. The top ring125is magnetized. Alternatively a series of rare earth magnets may be formed about the top ring125on the sides and bottom of the ring that mates with the groove142. As a further alternative an electromagnet may be employed. The groove142is formed in ring halves102and104in the identical configuration as ring halves120and122and additionally utilizes rare earth magnets (not shown) formed in ring halves102and104in the identical configuration as ring halves120and122to employ magnetic levitation as a means of providing a reduced friction means of rotating the blade housing127between the attachment rings118and100. It is contemplated that although rare earth magnets are contemplated in the groove142in the top ring100, other types of magnetic levitation can be employed or alternatively movement of the blade housing127by bearings or other rollers incorporated into the groove142.

As such, in operation, the blade housing127nests within the grooves138of the bottom attachment ring118and the top groove142of the top attachment ring100so that the blade housing127can rotate freely between the rings100and118. In this regard, a wind force acting upon a blade of the blade housing127will cause rotation of the blade housing127. Because the blade housing127is cylindrical, a wind force coming from any lateral direction can cause force upon the blades127causing rotation of the blade housing127. The wind turbine blades129work like a sail with airflow around the rounded blades129causing forward movement of blade housing. The airflow around the blades129may also create lift for the housing127. It is contemplated that the blades129may be comprised of a variety of shapes and cross sections as are commonly used and known by one skilled in the art for use in wind turbines. Also the blades129can be attached to the housing by pivots that can be driven to rotate, and the housing127maybe computerized to cause the blades129to open and close, to capture more wind in low wind condition and prevent damage in high wind conditions. As shown, the blades are129are evenly spaced about the housing127, however it is contemplated that any number of blades can be employed with blades of varying sizes. For example the rotating housing127can have a little as one blade127, or a large number of blades within the physical limitations of the housing127. The invention employs four generators located in generator pairs144and146. Each generator pair is enclosed in unitary housing structures144and146. Generator pair144includes a bottom generator attached to gear152and a top generator attached to gear148. Likewise, generator pair146includes a bottom generator attached to a gear154and the top generator is attached to a gear150. The rotation of the blade housing127causes an interaction with generator pairs144and146to drive the generators pairs144and146. In the shown embodiment, four generators are employed, including generator pair144and generator pair146, although it is contemplated that the present invention can utilize as little as one generator or two or more generators up to any number that is within the physical limitations of the housing127. Each of the generator pairs144and146include top gears148and150respectively along with bottom gears152and154respectively. For example, with respect to generator pair146, the generator attached to top gear150interfaces with the gear interface136aof the blade housing127and the generator attached to bottom gear154interfaces with the bottom gear interface136bof the blade housing127. As shown, each generator pair144and146includes two generators (not shown) stacked in opposite directions inside a support cylinder forming generators pairs144and146. In operation, as the blade housing127rotates, it causes rotation of gear148attached to a generator in generator pair144and gear152attached to a generator in generator pair144and gear150attached to a generator in generator pair146and gear154attached to a generator in generator pair146causing each of the generators in generator pairs144and146to rotate and to generate electricity by known methods to those skilled in the art. The generators to be used in the wind turbine of the present invention will be known generators as understood by one skilled in the art. Known generators are employed having coils and magnets generating an electrical field which is harvested by the coils and converted into electricity.

FIG. 5provides a cross-sectional view of the wind turbine of the present invention and in an assembled state.FIG. 6provides a cross sectional view along axis6-6as shown inFIG. 5. Referring particularly toFIGS. 5 and 6the blades129are shown interconnected to the blade housing127, wherein the blade housing127moves within the groove channel138of the bottom attachment ring118and groove air duct142of the top attachment ring100. The generator pairs144and146interface with the rotating housing127through the gear interface136bon the bottom side with gears152for a generator located in generator pair144and gear154for a generator located in generator pair146along with gear interface136a(not shown) via gear148for a generator located in generator pair144and gear150for a generator located in generator pair146. InFIG. 6, the cross sectional view from axis6-6as shown inFIG. 5shows a top down view in the interaction of the generator located in generator pair144and the generator located in generator pair146with gears152and154respectively interfacing with the gear interface136bof the blade housing127. The ends of the set screws132can be seen to be extended to interface with a light pole or other type structure to which the turbine10of the present invention may be attached. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the set screws132are attached to the bottom ring118and held in place set guides134. As with the top ring100there are a plurality of set screws132and associated set guide134. Air may flow in and out of the cylinder of the blade housing in gap135which is formed between the annular ring and structure found within the inner opening130.

Referring particularly toFIG. 11there is shown an alternate use of the wind turbines10of the present invention. Wind turbines10are used in association with a motor vehicle155. The wind turbines10are mounted to internal shafts156affixed within the vehicle155. When in motion, air is taken into air intakes158and160of the motor vehicle155. The air intake158and160pass air into air ducts162and164. The air ducts162and164are tapered to condense air flow to a tapered out take ports166and168. Because the air ducts162and164are tapered, air flow is forced through the out take ports166and168at an increased velocity to engage the blades128to cause rotation of the blade housing and thereby cause rotation of generators (not shown) located within the blade housing127. Additional airflow and flow through airflow is redirected to the sides of the automotive vehicle through exhaust ports on the driver's and passenger's side, with exhaust ports170shown (exhaust port on passenger side not shown). Although the embodiment of the present invention is shown inFIG. 11shows that the wind turbines10are inserted using the tapered ducts162and164, it is contemplated that only one turbine or more than two turbines can be incorporated into a moving vehicle, aircraft or watercraft to take advantage of oncoming airflow. In this regard, it is contemplated by the present invention that the turbines10may be located anywhere on a motor vehicle, aircraft or watercraft where airflow can be received.

FIGS. 12 and 13show different implementations and configurations of a wind turbine10incorporated into a vehicle154. In particular, the turbines10ashown inFIG. 12are oriented at an approximately 90 degree offset relative to the turbines10shown inFIG. 11. In this respect, theFIG. 12turbines10aare rotatable about an axis that is generally parallel to the forward direction of the vehicle154, whereas the turbines10shown inFIG. 11are rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle154.

The turbines10aare disposed within respective ones of the air ducts162,164, with the turbine10abeing so positioned, and the air ducts162,164being so configured, such that air enters the air ducts162,164at the respective intake end158,160and is funneled toward the respective turbine10a. Each turbine10aincludes an intake collar180having a collar opening182in communication with the respective air duct162,164, such that air within the air duct162,164flows through the intake collar180and then through the fan blades128, causing rotation of the turbine10a. Due to the orientation of the turbine10a, the air flows radially outward through the turbine10a, which causes rotation of the turbine10a. In this respect, the blades128are disposed radially outward from the collar180, such that air that enters the collar opening182flows in an outward direction through the blades128, which in turn causes rotation of the blades128.

FIG. 13shows turbines10b,10cincorporated into the rear portion184of the vehicle154, with vertically oriented turbines10badjacent the rearward lateral end portions186of the vehicle154, while horizontally oriented turbines are arranged by the spoiler portion188of the vehicle154. The vertically oriented turbines10band the horizontally oriented turbines10care both arranged such that air flows substantially tangentially relative to the turbines10b,10cto cause rotation of the turbines10b,10c.

AsFIGS. 11-13illustrate, there are several areas within a vehicle154within which a turbine10may be incorporated to generate supplemental electrical energy for the vehicle154. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the specific placement of the turbines10,10a,10b,10is exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Along these lines, the placement of the turbines may be made in accordance with the particular aerodynamics of the vehicle154.

Referring now specifically toFIG. 14, there is shown a schematic of a supplemental drive system200specifically configured and adapted for use with a wind turbine10for improving performance of the wind turbine10in low wind conditions and for rotation startup of the turbine10. Along these lines, it is understood that the turbine generator144,146typically provides resistance to rotation of the fan blade housing127, which may hinder start-up rotation of the fan blade housing127. As such, various aspects of the invention are directed toward providing a supplemental motive force for reducing the minimum wind speed required to start rotation of the fan blade housing127.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 14, the system200includes a supplemental energy generator202, a rechargeable battery204and a supplemental motor206. Electrical energy generated by the supplemental energy generator202is stored in the rechargeable battery204, which powers the supplemental motor206for providing the motive force required to either start the rotation of the fan blade housing127, or alternatively, to maintain rotation of the fan blade housing127in low wind conditions. The system200additionally includes a rotation sensor208for sensing rotation of the fan blade housing127to detect when the additional motive force is required to rotate the fan blade housing127.

A controller210is in operative communication with the supplemental energy generator202, rechargeable battery204, rotation sensor208and supplemental motor206for controlling the supplemental drive system200. In this respect, the controller210may be configured to maintain the supplemental motor206in an OFF state when the wind speed is above a prescribed threshold and/or the corresponding rotation speed of the fan blade housing127is above a prescribed threshold. The controller210receives data from the rotation sensor208indicative of the rotation speed of the fan blade housing127. When the supplemental motor206is in the OFF state, the supplemental motor206does not need energy generated by the supplemental energy generator202, and thus, energy generated by the supplemental energy generator202may be stored in the rechargeable battery204for later use.

When the rotation speed or wind speed falls below the prescribed threshold, the controller210generates a signal which transitions the supplemental motor206to an ON state. According to one embodiment, the threshold wind speed may be 5 MPH, although the threshold wind speed may be equal to other wind speeds in other embodiments. When the motor206is in the ON state, the motor206draws power from the rechargeable battery204and/or the supplemental energy generator202. The controller210may be programmed to direct energy to the supplemental motor206from either or both of the supplement energy generator202and the rechargeable battery204based on the power generating levels of the supplemental energy generator202, the stored power level of the rechargeable battery204, and the power requirements of the supplemental motor206.

FIG. 15shows a wind turbine10dhaving an embodiment of a supplemental drive system operatively coupled thereto for providing a supplemental motive force for rotating the fan blade housing127. In the particular embodiment depicted inFIG. 15, the supplemental energy generator is a solar panel212configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The solar panel212is coupled to the top attachment ring100, although it is understood that the solar panel212may also be attached to the bottom attachment ring118or other adjacent structures without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

During the day, the solar panel212generates electrical energy which may be stored in a rechargeable battery included within the wind turbine10d. At startup or in low wind conditions, the electrical energy generated by the solar panel212may be used to power a motor which drives the fan blade housing127to improve efficiency of the turbine10din low wind conditions or at rotation startup.

Referring now toFIG. 16, there is depicted another embodiment of a wind turbine10ehaving a supplemental drive system operatively coupled thereto. In the embodiment depicted inFIG. 16, the supplemental energy generator is embodied as a magnetic electric generator220generally including a magnet222and a coil224. The coil224preferably a copper coil that is coupled to the bottom attachment ring118, while the magnet222is attached to the fan blade housing127. As the fan blade housing127rotates relative to the bottom attachment ring118, the magnet222moves relative to the coil224to generate electricity, which is used to power the motor226. As described above, energy generated by the supplemental energy generator220may be stored within a rechargeable battery228, which may be in electrical communication with the motor226.

The coil224shown inFIG. 16is coupled to the bottom side of the bottom attachment ring118adjacent the turbine channel groove138. The coil224itself is shaped to define a channel230which is in communication with the turbine channel groove. The coil channel230defines a semi-circular bottom portion232and a neck portion234extending between the semi-circular bottom portion232and the turbine channel groove138.

The magnet222is coupled to the fan blade housing127at the bottom end portion thereof. In particular, the fan blade housing127includes an arm236extending beyond the turbine channel groove138and into the coil channel230. The magnet222is coupled to the arm236and resides in close proximity, but preferably spaced from, the coil224. The magnet222defines an outer configuration which is preferably complimentary in shape to the shape of the coil channel230. As shown inFIG. 16, the magnet222defines a circular configuration that is complimentary to the semi-circular configuration of the coil channel230. The complimentary configuration of the magnet222and the coil224tends to enhance energy generation as the magnet222moves relative to the coil224.

The turbine10edepicted inFIG. 16additionally includes magnets238coupled to the coil224and the fan blade housing127for levitating the fan blade housing127relative to the bottom attachment ring118. The turbine10efurther includes bearing elements240coupled to the coil224and/or bottom attachment ring118. The bearing elements240may interface with the arm236, fan blade housing127or fan blade flange245in the event the fan blade housing127approaches the bottom attachment ring118or the coil224so as to minimize friction which may result from such contact. The bearing elements240may be conventional roller bearings or other bearing or friction reducing devices known by those skilled in the art.

Referring now toFIGS. 17-19there is depicted another embodiment of the wind turbine10f, with the primary distinction being that fan blades250are configured to be detachable from the fan blade housing252. The selective detachment of the fan blades250is made possible through a cooperative engagement between a housing engagement element254and a blade engagement element256.

In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine10fincludes a bottom attachment ring258and a corresponding top attachment ring260. The rings258,260are adapted to be received within channels262,264formed in corresponding bottom and top plates266,268. Each blade250is configured to include a proximal portion270disposed adjacent the fan blade housing252and a distal portion272disposed away from the fan blade housing252. The blade engagement element256is formed in the proximal end portion270of the blade250and includes a blade channel274extending into the blade250.

The housing engagement element254includes a pair of bosses276,278coupled to respective ones of the bottom and top attachment rings258,260. The bosses276,278are sized and adapted to fit within the fan blade channel274and frictionally engage with the proximal end portions270of the blade250, which effectively couples the blade250to the fan blade housing252. The fan blades250and bosses276,278are further configured to allow the fan blades250to be selectively disengaged from the bosses276,278to detach the blade250from the fan blade housing252. Such detachment may be desirable for blade repair or replacement.

It is also contemplated that the blades250may include indicia280depicted thereon, such that when the turbine10fturns, the blades250may spell a word or phrase, create an animation, or depict a logo. For instance, if the turbine10fis used in connection with a private residence, the blades250may spell the owner's last name, favorite sports team or alma mater, etc.

The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments set forth in the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.