Wind turbine

A wind turbine comprising a support structure for supporting a rotatable, substantially vertical hub wherein at least one substantially horizontal support arm is connected to the hub. At least one wind trap is connected to each of the at least one support arm, and each of the at least one wind trap supports at least one petal that may move between an open position, wherein wind is not blocked by the at least one petal, and a closed position, wherein the at least one petal blocks the wind thereby causing the wind to move the at least one wind trap and rotate the hub.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to wind turbines, and more particularly, to a Savonius-type wind turbine having a vertical axis and a plurality of horizontally disposed, diamond shaped wind traps having internal synchronized petals that move between an open position, wherein wind is allowed to pass through the wind traps without being captured by the wind traps thereby creating little drag, and a closed position, wherein wind is captured by the wind traps to drive and rotate the wind turbine.

BACKGROUND

The problems associated with traditional energy sources, such as coal, oil, nuclear energy, and non-renewable energy, have long been noted, including causing serious environmental concerns as well as their limited supply. A solution to these problems is the development and use of alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar, and water. Wind has been seen as a viable energy source, as wind generally exist in all environments, while solar and water supplies may be limited in certain environments. Thus, wind turbines have been developed to harness wind as an energy source; however, disadvantages and inefficiencies with wind turbines still exist.

A common commercial wind turbine that exists today is the horizontal axis wind turbine that utilizes large blades that rotate about the horizontal axis. In order to be efficient, these wind turbines must be mounted high in the air thereby requiring high towers and long blades which are difficult and expensive to transport. Because of their height, these wind turbines are also difficult to maintain since the gearbox, generator, and rotor are all located at the top of the tower. In addition, the cantilevered loads and the associated vibration effectively over-heat and prematurely wear the rotational bearings thereby causing early expiration of the bearings.

To cure some of the problems and disadvantages associated with horizontal axis wind turbines, vertical wind axis turbines were developed. One commonly known vertical axis wind turbine is the Savonius-type wind turbine which is simple in concept and construction and is utilized to convert the force of the wind into torque. The principle involved in the Savonius-type wind turbine includes the wind striking an object, wherein the kinetic energy of the wind is transferred to affect the object by either forcing the object to resist the force of the wind (in the case of a building) or causing the kinetic energy of the wind to move the object (sailboats, etc.).

Certain Savonius-type wind turbine designs capture the energy of the wind by using semicircular vanes that are offset from the center of rotation of the wind turbine. The result is that the wind energy is converted into torque about the center of rotation of the wind turbine. The Savonius-type wind turbine operates on the principle of drag differential from one side of the wind turbine to the other. The drag differential creates a high drag side that is powered by the interaction of the kinetic energy of the wind striking the vane such that energy is transferred to and power is absorbed in the wind turbine. The opposite side of the wind turbine is a low drag side or a recovery side, which presents a lower drag profile as the wind turbine travels into the incoming wind, and thus, the wind turbine absorbs less energy. These differences provide a drag differential and an energy absorption differential that results in a torque that causes rotation of the wind turbine about a rotational axis or shaft.

This Savonius-type semicircular vane design has proven to be functional. However, the amount of torque the semicircular vane design can produce is limited by the length of the lever arm (the distance from the center of rotation to the center of pressure absorption) and the amount of drag differential caused by the shape of the front and the rear of the vanes. The amount of torque created is also limited by the velocity of the wind, as the Savonius-type wind turbine is a drag type object not an airfoil. The vanes of the Savonius-type wind turbine can only spin at the same speed or a lower speed than the wind speed and not faster than the wind speed, such as in an airfoil application.

It would be desirable to create a Savonius-type wind turbine that is more efficient than conventional Savonius-type wind turbines by increasing the drag differential between opposite sides of the wind turbine to increase the amount of torque generated.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a wind turbine comprising a support structure for supporting a rotatable, substantially vertical hub wherein at least one substantially horizontal support arm is connected to the hub, and at least one wind trap is connected to each support arm. Each wind trap supports at least one petal that may move between an open position, wherein wind is not blocked by the at least one petal, and a closed position, wherein the at least one petal blocks the wind thereby causing the wind to move each wind trap and rotate the hub. Each wind trap has a base wherein the at least one petal is hingedly connected to the base for movement between the open position and the closed position. The base of each wind trap has a plurality of sides, wherein each petal has a substantially triangular shape hingedly connected to a side of the base of each wind trap. The base of each wind trap may also have a faceted substantially arcuate frame, wherein each of the at least one petal has a substantially trapezoidal shape or a substantially triangular shape.

The wind turbine of the present disclosure may also have a front framework and a rear framework connected to the base of each wind trap for supporting a guide rod extending along a longitudinal axis of each wind trap. A synchronizer may be slideably connected to the guide rod for movement between the open position and the closed position. At least one push rod is pivotally connected to the synchronizer and each petal for moving each petal between the open position and the closed position upon movement of the synchronizer. The front framework may have a plurality of support rods extending from a front side of each wind trap wherein one end of each of the support rods is connected to the base of each wind trap, and the opposite end of each of the support rods is connected to a first bushing extending along the longitudinal axis of each wind trap to form a substantially pyramidal configuration. The rear framework may have a plurality of support rods extending from a rear side of each wind trap wherein one end of each of the support rods is connected to the base of each wind trap, and the opposite end of each of the support rods is connected to a second bushing extending along the longitudinal axis of each wind trap to form a substantially pyramidal configuration. The guide rod is received by and extends between the first bushing and the second bushing.

The wind turbine of the present disclosure may also have a scoop having side walls extending from the base of each wind trap at substantially right angles wherein the side walls are substantially perpendicular to one another to form a substantially diamond structure. In another embodiment, the scoop may have side walls extending from the base of each wind trap at substantially obtuse angles wherein the side walls are substantially perpendicular to one another to form a substantially diamond structure. In yet another embodiment, the scoop may have a cylindrically shaped wall extending from the base of each wind trap.

The wind turbine of the present disclosure may also have each horizontal support arm pivotally connected to the hub, wherein a post is connected to and extends upward from the support structure. A lowering arm is connected to each wind trap and pivotally connected to the post such that the horizontal support arm can be positioned in an operating position, wherein the support arm extends substantially horizontal to allow the wind turbine to operate, and a maintenance position, wherein the support arm and the lowering arm pivot downwards to allow the wind trap to lower for performing maintenance on the wind trap and storing the wind trap in a protective structure.

The wind turbine of the present disclosure may also provide a generator operably connected to the hub, wherein the hub operatively drives the generator to generate power.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes a wind turbine having a Savonius-type structure that provides a higher drag differential between sides of the wind turbine than other known designs in order to provide a more efficient wind turbine. The wind turbine utilizes a number of wind traps that are mounted to a number of substantially horizontal arms which are connected to a rotatable hub having a substantially vertical axis mounted to a tower. The hub is connected to a generator for the creation of power upon rotation of the hub. The hub is driven by the wind engaging the horizontally disposed, substantially diamond shaped wind traps wherein each of the wind traps has a number of internal synchronized petals that move between an open position, wherein wind is allowed to pass through the wind traps without the wind being captured by the wind traps thereby creating a low drag configuration, and a closed position, wherein wind is captured by the wind traps to drive and rotate the wind turbine thereby creating a high drag position. The wind turbine of the present disclosure is a “prime mover” and may be utilized to power various machines other than electrical generators, such as compressors and pumps. In addition, the highly visible design of the wind turbine of the present disclosure assists in preventing accidental bird strikes.

As seen inFIG. 1, a wind turbine10of the present disclosure may be supported by a substantially triangular support frame12having a base14connected or mounted to a foundation or support structure (not shown) which may include the ground, cement, steel plates, or some other conventional foundation or support structure. The substantially triangular support frame12narrows as the support frame12extends upward away from the support structure. Cross members16may be connected to outer legs18of the support frame12in order to further support and strengthen the support frame12. The support frame12is relatively short compared to conventional wind turbine support frames thereby providing a stable, balanced and easy to construct structure having a low center of gravity, wherein the shorter height allows for easier access to the wind turbine10during maintenance and service. The support frame12, cross members16, and outer legs18may be fabricated from high strength metals, such as steel or aluminum.

In order to support the wind turbine10, the support frame12has a substantially flat landing or base20at the top of the support frame12. A generator22is mounted to an underside of the landing20at the top of the support frame12, and a substantially cylindrical, rotatable hub24is mounted to the top side of the landing20opposite the generator22. The hub24extends substantially vertically upward from the landing20and is mounted on two large bearing races (not shown) which ride on a substantially vertical shaft or spindle25connected to the landing20, wherein the rotating hub24rotatably drives the generator22to create power. A disc brake (not shown) may be attached to the hub24to prevent the rotation of the wind turbine10when desired, for instance, when conducting maintenance on the wind turbine10or during high wind conditions. A speed increasing gear box (not shown) may also be operatively connected between the hub24and the generator22so as to increase the input speed from the hub24to the generator22.

To rotatably drive the hub24, a plurality of substantially horizontal support arms26each have one end27that is hingedly or pivotally connected to and extends radially outward from the outer perimeter of the hub24. An opposite end29of each of the support arms26is connected to a wind trap28. Each of the support arms26has a matching lowering arm30that is similarly connected to the wind trap28at one end31of the lowering arms30. An opposite end33of each of the lowering arms30are connected to the spindle25which extends substantially vertically upward from the hub24. Each of the lowering arms30extend upward at an acute angle from the support arms26. The opposite end33of each of the lowering arms30is hingedly or pivotally connected to the spindle25. As shown in phantom lines and indicated by the arrow inFIG. 1, the hinged or pivotal connection of the support arms26to the hub24and the lowering arms30to the spindle25allows the support arms26and the lowering arms30to pivot between a maintenance position, wherein the wind traps28swing downward to allow for easy access to the wind traps28in situations where maintenance needs to be performed on the wind traps28or where the wind traps28can be lowered into protected shelters, and an operating position, wherein the support arms26and the lowering arms30are locked in the substantially horizontal position for operation of the wind turbine10. The support arms26and the lowering arms30may be releasably locked in the horizontal position through the use of a lock (not shown). Supplemental power may be supplied to the wind turbine10in order to actuate the lock should the lock be electrically actuated. The supplemental power may also be utilized to actuate electric heaters (not shown) mounted on the wind traps28or other portions of the wind turbine10to melt any ice or snow that may form on the wind traps28or the remainder of the wind turbine10.

In order to have the wind drive the wind turbine10, the wind turbine10of the present disclosure may provide a plurality of substantially similar wind traps28wherein each one of the wind traps28is connected to the end29of each one of the support arms26and the lowering arms30. It should be noted that any number of wind traps28, support arms26, and lowering arms30may be utilized. As seen inFIGS. 2-12, each of the wind traps28has a substantially square or diamond shaped base37having a front base38and a rear base39wherein the front base38and the rear base39may be connected adjacent one another to form the substantially square or diamond shaped base37, or the front base38and the rear base39may be integrally connected to form the base37. Each wind trap28may also have a front scoop or perimeter fence34extending from the front base38or front side of the wind trap28and/or a rear scoop35extending from the rear base39or rear side of the wind trap28wherein the front perimeter fence34and the rear scoop35extend outwardly in opposite directions from the base37. The present disclosure also anticipates that the wind trap28may be utilized without the front perimeter fence34and/or the rear scoop35. The front perimeter fence34and the rear scoop35may each have four walls36that extend substantially perpendicular from the front base38and the rear base39, respectively, or the four walls36of the front perimeter fence34and the rear scoop35may extend further outward at an obtuse angle from the front base38and the rear base39, respectively, or further inward at an acute angle from the front base38and the rear base39, respectively, thereby creating a substantial funnel effect for directing wind toward and around the wind trap28. The support arms26and the lowering arms30are connected to one corner of the base37of the wind trap28. The wind trap28is mounted in a diamond position as opposed to a square in order to alter how the centrifugal loads act on the moving elements of the wind trap28, i.e. moving petals58as will be described later in description, as the diamond shape evens out the loads over the wind trap28thereby making it simpler to operate the wind turbine10under higher centrifugal loads. Although the wind trap28is disclosed as substantially square or diamond shape, it should be noted that the wind trap28may comprise other geometric configurations. The front perimeter fence34and the rear scoop35are used to manage the air flow and minimize the drag as the wind trap28rotates and the reverse side of the wind trap28points into the oncoming wind.

The wind trap28further provides a front framework40and a rear framework42connected to and extending from the front base38and the rear base39, respectively. The rear framework42extends from the rear base39in an opposite direction from the front framework40, that is, the front framework40extends from the front base38or front side of the wind trap28, and the rear framework42extends from the rear base39or rear side of the wind trap28. Although the rear framework42and the front framework40are shown extending the same length from their respective bases38,39of the wind trap28, as shown inFIG. 3, the rear framework42and the front framework40may extend at different lengths from their respective bases38,39, as shown inFIG. 4. The front framework40has four rods or supports44having one end of the supports44connected to and extending outward and angularly inward from the corners of the front base38toward a longitudinal axis48of the wind trap28. The opposite ends of the supports44are connected to a substantially cylindrical hub or bushing46located along the longitudinal axis48of the wind trap28wherein the ends of the supports44and the hub46may extend beyond the end of the walls36of the front perimeter fence34of the wind trap28. The supports44form a substantially pyramidal shaped structure wherein the point of the pyramidal shaped structure is formed by the hub46. The rear framework42also has four rods or supports50having one end of the supports50connected to and extending outwardly and angularly inward from the corners of the rear base39toward the longitudinal axis48of the wind trap28. The opposite ends of the supports50are connected to a substantially cylindrical hub or bushing52located along the longitudinal axis48of the wind trap28. The supports50also form a substantially pyramidal shaped structure wherein the point of the pyramidal shaped structure is formed by the hub52, and wherein the pyramidal shaped structure of the rear framework42may be the same length or a different length than the pyramidal shaped structure of the front framework40. A substantially cylindrical guide rod54having threaded ends extends along the longitudinal axis48of the wind trap28and extends between and is received by and through the hub46of the front framework40and the hub52of the rear framework42. A nut56is threadably attached to each end of the guide rod54on the outside end of the hub46and the hub52to secure the guide rod54to the hubs46,52. The guide rod54may be fabricated from a light-weight, high-strength material, such as aluminum or stainless steel.

To create a drag differential for allowing wind to create torque about an axis, each of the wind traps28provide a set of four similar substantially triangular and flat petals58that are pivotally or hingedly connected to the front base38, as seen inFIGS. 5-10. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to four petals58, but rather, various numbers of petals58may be utilized. In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the petals58having a triangular, flat shape, but rather, other shapes and configurations of the petals58are anticipated. Each of the petals58has a base side60that is substantially parallel to and pivotally connected to a side of the front base38of the wind trap28, wherein the base side60of each of the petals58is substantially equivalent in length to the side of the front base38of the wind trap28. The pivotal connection between the front base38of the wind trap28and the base side60of each of the petals58is formed by a hinge61which may be fabricated from a living hinge, a mechanical hinge, a thermoplastic hinge, a rubber hinge, or some other form of hinge. Each of the petals58has two angled sides62that extend from the base side60at a substantially 45 degree angle such that the two angled sides62would meet at a point substantially half way along the base side60of the petal58. It should be noted that the 45 degree angle between the two angled sides62and the base side60of the petal58will vary depending on the number of petals58utilized in the wind trap28. Each of the four petals58is hingedly mounted to one of the sides of the front base38of the wind trap28and may pivotally move between an open position, wherein the petals58extend at an angle substantially perpendicular or just short of being perpendicular to the front base38of the wind trap28so as to allow wind to pass through the open front and rear frameworks40,42of the wind trap28with limited drag while also allowing the petals58to catch the wind and close when the wind flows in the opposite direction, and a closed position, wherein the petals58pivot inward toward the center of the wind trap28until the angled sides62of the petals58engage the supports44of the front framework40so as to adjacently align and close the open front framework40of the wind trap28and prevent the wind from passing through the front framework40of the wind trap28. The supports44and/or the petals58may have a cushion material (not shown) connected thereto, wherein the cushion material reduces the impact loads associated with the petals58engaging the supports44and provides a seal for preventing wind from passing between the supports44and the petals58when in the closed position. When in the closed position, the wind effectively applies a force against the petals58of the wind trap28thereby forcing the wind traps28to rotate and generate torque about the hub24. In addition, the front framework40and the petals58form a solid substantially pyramidal shaped structure which establishes the energy absorbing or windward side of the wind trap28with the peak of the pyramidal shaped structure pointing into the wind. When in the open position, the petals58pivot away from the front framework40thereby establishing a recovery side of the wind trap28such that the wind moves the petals58to the open position thereby allowing wind to pass through the open front and rear frameworks40,42of the wind trap28thereby generating little drag. Thus, the petals58move between the open position and the closed position simply through the force of the wind without the assistance of any actuation or power-driven mechanism. The petals58may be made of any light weight, stable material, such as aluminum, wood, or foam-composite laminated panels.

In order to move the petals58between the open and closed positions, a synchronizer64is slideably mounted onto the guide rod54. The synchronizer64may have a substantially rectangular configuration with a bore (not shown) extending through the synchronizer64, wherein the guide rod54extends through the bore of the synchronizer64such that the synchronizer64can freely slide along the guide rod54. The synchronizer64may be fabricated from a metallic, composite, or wood material and may contain a bearing (not shown) made from a bushing or linear bearing that may engage and easily slide along the guide rod54. Four push rods66each have one end pivotally connected to the synchronizer64, wherein the push rods66are substantially equally spaced about the synchronizer64. The number of push rods66correspond with the number of petals58. The push rods66may be pivotally connected to the synchronizer64through the use of a mechanical hinge or pivot pin wherein a flexible boot (not shown) may be utilized to cover the pivotal connection between the push rods66and the synchronizer64. The opposite end of each of the push rods66is pivotally connected to one of the petals58, wherein a mechanical hinge67may be centrally mounted on the inside surface of each of the petals58such that the opposite end of each of the push rods66is pivotally connected to the hinge67. A flexible boot (not shown) may be utilized to cover the hinge67between the petals58and the push rods66in order to prevent debris from entering the hinge67and affecting the movement of the petals58. Each of the push rods66may be fabricated from a metallic or organic material, such as wood.

As the synchronizer64slides linearly along the guide rod54, the push rods66pivot on the synchronizer64and the petals58, allowing the petals58to pivotally move along the hinged connection between the front base38of the wind trap28and the base side60of the petals58. Thus, when the synchronizer64is fully extended along the guide rod54toward the hub46of the front framework40, the push rods66pivotally move the petals58in unison to the open position, wherein the petals58extend substantially perpendicular or just less than perpendicular from the front base38of the wind trap28such that the wind is allowed to freely pass through the open front and rear frameworks40,42of the wind trap28. When the synchronizer64is fully retracted along the guide rod54toward the hub52of the rear framework42, the push rods66pivotally move the petals58in unison to the closed position where the petals58pivot inwardly toward one another until the petals58adjacently engage the supports44of the front framework40to effectively close the open front framework40of the wind trap28thereby preventing the wind from passing through the wind trap28. This, of course, allows the wind to apply a force to the petals58which effectively pushes the wind traps28in the direction of the wind thereby allowing the wind traps28to rotate and generate torque about the hub24. It is anticipated that a lock (not shown) may be provided for locking the petals58of the wind traps28in the open position to prevent damage of the wind turbine10in gusty wind conditions. As previously noted, supplemental power may be provided to the wind turbine10to allow for electrical actuation of the lock.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, multiple wind traps28may be mounted adjacent one another to form a larger wind trap68, as shown inFIG. 13. The individual, substantially square or diamond shaped wind traps28are adjacently positioned to form the same diamond shaped configuration as the single wind trap28. Thus, in order for the same configuration to be maintained, the wind traps28may be grouped in numbers of four or nine wind traps28. However, it is anticipated that various configurations of the larger wind trap68may be created through various numbers and shapes of the individual wind traps28. By adding multiple wind traps28to one configuration, additional torque may be generated by the wind turbine10. Each wind trap28of the larger wind trap68would still operate in the same manner as previously described.

In yet another embodiment of the disclosure, the wind turbine10may provide a wind trap70having a “chrysanthemum” shaped design, as shown inFIGS. 14-16. That is, the wind trap70may have a base72that is substantially arcuate or bowl shaped wherein substantially flat surfaces74of the base72are connected or adjoined to form a faceted arcuate shape of the base72. To accommodate for the bowl-shaped base72, petals76a,76b,76cform adjacent concentric rings in order to block the wind in the closed position. Each of the petals76a,76b,76chas substantially the same surface area such that the wind will apply substantially the same force upon each of the petals58. Thus, an inner ring78of petals76ais formed, wherein the petals76ahave a substantially triangular shape such that a solid, substantially circular or multi-sided polygon is formed when the petals76aare adjacently aligned in the closed position. A second ring80of petals76bis formed concentrically adjacent to an outer circumference of the inner ring78. The petals76bof the second ring80have a substantially trapezoidal shape such that the top, shorter side of the trapezoidal shape aligns with the base side of the triangular shape of the petals76a. When the petals76bare in the closed position, the petals76bform a solid ring around the outer circumference of the inner ring78. A third outer ring82of petals76cis formed similar to the second ring80. That is, the petals76chave a substantially trapezoidal shape wherein the top, shorter side of the trapezoid shaped petals76calign with the bottom, longer side of the trapezoid shaped petals76b. When the petals76care in the closed position, the petals76cform a solid ring around the outer circumference of the second ring80. When all of the petals76a,76b,76care in the closed position, the petals76a,76b,76cform a solid, substantially circular or multi-sided polygonal structure. As previously described, the closed position of the petals76a,76b,76ccreates a high drag position wherein the wind moves the wind trap70to generate torque about the hub24.

The petals76of the chrysanthemum design are actuated in a similar manner as previously described in the earlier embodiments. Thus, the wind trap70may provide a framework (not shown) connected to the base72of the wind trap70for supporting a guide rod84. Instead of having one synchronizer64as described in the previous embodiments, the wind trap70has three synchronizers86a,86b,86cthat are slidably mounted and spaced on the guide rod84through the use of bearings (not shown). The synchronizer86ais pivotally connected to a plurality of push rods88awhich are pivotally connected to the petals76a, the synchronizer86bis pivotally connected to a plurality of push rods88bwhich are pivotally connected to the petals76b, and the synchronizer86cis pivotally connected to a plurality of push rods88cwhich are pivotally connected to the petals76c. Although the petals76a,76b,76cmove independently between the open and closed position in response to the wind, the petals76a,76b,76cgenerally move simultaneously since the same wind is applied to all of the petals76which have similar surface areas thereby generating similar forces on the petals76a,76b,76c. Lastly, we note that a substantially circular perimeter fence90may be connected to the base72for gathering and directing the wind.

In operation, the wind turbine10may be located in a geographic area that is known for having relatively constant or high winds. As previously discussed, the frame12of the wind turbine10extends upward and supports the hub24and the generator22wherein the support arms26extend horizontally outward from the hub24and are connected to the wind traps28. The wind traps28are connected to the support arms26in a substantially diamond configuration wherein the four petals58extend from the substantially square front base38and may close adjacent one another in the closed position to form a four-sided pyramid on the energy absorbing or windward side of the wind trap28such that the peak of the pyramidal shape is pointing into the wind. As the wind blows against the solid pyramidal configuration of the wind trap28, the wind trap28moves and rotates the hub46so as to create torque thereby driving the generator22. As the wind turbine10rotates, the wind trap28must recover against the wind, and thus, the reverse side of the wind trap28is presented to the wind. When this occurs, the wind forces the petals58to move to the open position such that the push rods66that are connected to the petals58force the synchronizer64to slide along the guide rod54. When the petals58are in the open position, the wind trap28becomes a hollow framework whereby the wind can pass freely through the wind trap28thereby creating little drag. The net gain of energy generated from the wind impacting the wind trap28creates a force differential across the wind turbine10and forces the wind turbine10to rotate and generate torque that is transferred to the generator22. The transformation of the petals58of the wind trap28is caused solely by the pressure of the wind and is natural and not activated nor powered by any other mechanism of the wind turbine10thereby allowing the wind turbine10to be self-starting with any wind.

It should be noted that the size and shape of the wind trap28determines the overall power caused by the drag available to the wind turbine10. The drag of the recovery side will be deducted from the overall power available so that streamlining of the front and rear framework40,42when the wind passes through the front and rear framework40,42is necessary to increase the efficiency of the wind turbine10. One advantage of the present disclosure over previous designs is that the wind turbine10can be scaled to much larger sizes to produce useable power outputs at relatively low wind speeds or larger power outputs at nominal wind speed. One non-limiting way to scale the wind turbine10to larger sizes is by grouping a number of smaller wind traps28adjacent one another to increase the frontal area and still maintain petal58response time, as shown inFIG. 13. Another way to increase the physical size of the wind traps28is to increase the number of sides on the wind traps28, i.e. twelve or more sides (not shown). The determining factor as to the number of sides of the wind trap28is the speed or reaction time of the petals58which make up the sides of the wind trap28. As the wind turbine10rotates, the petals58are open and are at a low drag configuration until about 10 to 20 degrees of rotation before the front of the wind trap28is substantially perpendicular to the wind flow. Once this point of rotation is reached, the wind flow forces the petals58to close, and the impact of the wind against the closed wind trap28transfers the energy of the wind into the wind trap28causing the wind turbine10to rotate.

Lastly, we note that a smoother power delivery may be obtained by increasing the distance of the support arms26or the distance of the wind trap28from the hub24. By increasing the wing span or the length of the support arms26, multiple wind traps28can be mounted to the single hub24such that the wind turbine10only needs to rotate a portion of a revolution before the next wind trap28is presented to the air flow. The larger wing span or longer support arms26also allows the wind traps28to be sufficiently spaced to prevent air flow interference between the wind traps28or what is commonly referred to as “wind shadowing”.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the disclosure described herein and shown in the accompanying figures constitute non-limiting examples, and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed hereinabove without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications to any of the embodiments and/or features of the embodiments described herein that are within the abilities of a person having ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the disclosure, as are alternative embodiments that may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments.

Use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim means that the element may be included or omitted, with both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Additionally, use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.” Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above, but is defined by the claims that follow, and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims.

In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientation of the structures. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this disclosure, the structures described herein may be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,” “outward,” etc., should be understood to describe a relative relationship between structures and/or a spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations provided by the corresponding figure(s).

Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow for variations in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as “approximately” and “generally” should be understood to encompass variations on the order of 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations in design.

Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/or C” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.