Abstract:
A combined wind and photovoltaic solar energy production system is disclosed. One or more surfaces of the wind turbine blades are constructed of photovoltaic thin-film or have photovoltaic solar panels. Unlike prior art systems, in which photovoltaic material is placed on top of pre-existing wind turbine blades, the present application uses the photovoltaic material itself (e.g. the thin-film or solar panel) as the wind turbine blade. This makes for a simpler, light weight, and more cost-effective design. Multiple designs and embodiments are disclosed. The designs include vertical and horizontal axis pinwheel designs, paddle fan designs, paddle wheel designs, and tristar designs. Each of these designs may be combined. Cable support systems may be used to hold these designs to enable fast deployment and be an alternative where conventional solar and wind generators are unable to be installed because of topographical land issues or available real estate.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/792,587, entitled “PHOTOVOLTAIC AND WIND ENERGY PRODUCTION SYSTEM”, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the contents of the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to the field of renewable energy sources such as the wind and the sun. 
         [0003]    In recent years, varying attention has been given to generating electricity from renewable, pollution-free, energy sources such as the sun, wind and water. To date, no single method has proved sufficiently cost effective to warrant large scale investment and implementation. Moreover, current systems are typically cumbersome to ship. Field installation and maintenance are often times complicated. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    A novel combined wind and photovoltaic solar energy production system is disclosed. One or more surfaces of the wind turbine blades are constructed of photovoltaic thin-film or have photovoltaic solar panels. Unlike prior art systems, in which photovoltaic material is placed on top of pre-existing wind turbine blades, the present application uses the photovoltaic material itself (e.g. the thin-film or solar panel) as the wind turbine blade. This makes for a simpler, light weight, and more cost-effective design. Moreover, the present application allows the panels to ship flat. The combined wind and photovoltaic solar production system is assembled at the job site. 
         [0005]    The turbine blades turn in the presence of wind. The photovoltaic material produces electricity in the presence of light, such as sunlight. There are three modes of producing power as follows:
       Sunlight and wind—During periods of wind in daylight, the system produces power through both wind and solar electric.   Sunlight and no wind—During periods of daylight without wind, the system produces power through solar electric.   Wind—During periods of wind without daylight (e.g. night or cloudy day), the system produces power by wind.       
 
         [0009]    Power produced from the photovoltaic material disposed on the turbine blades is transmitted down the rotating shaft assembly of the wind turbine using a slip ring. Various materials including thin-film material for creating the solar cell on the wind turbine blades are contemplated. See online URL at Wikipedia.org search term Photovoltaic_cell#Materials, the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present invention, in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a bottom view of a vertical axis flat pinwheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panels and/or thin-film prior to assembly and folding; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of the vertical axis flat pinwheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panels and/or thin-film of  FIG. 1  being assembled; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a vertical axis flat pinwheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panels and/or thin-film of  FIG. 2  mounted on a vertical axis; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a top view of a vertical axis pinwheel wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic prior to assembly and folding; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a vertical axis pinwheel wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic being assembled; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of a vertical axis pinwheel wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic of  FIG. 5  mounted on a vertical axis; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6A  is a more detailed view of the upper portion of the pole of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a support for a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blade; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a support for a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blades; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a top view of a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a side view of a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic blades of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a horizontal axis paddle wheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blades; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a top view of a horizontal axis paddle wheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blades or thin-film photovoltaic blades; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a horizontal axis paddle wheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blades or thin-film photovoltaic blades of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a tristar wind turbine design with thin-film photovoltaic; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of the tristar wind turbine design with thin-film photovoltaic of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the tristar wind turbine design with thin-film photovoltaic of  FIG. 14  deployed on supporting cables; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a power transfer mechanism; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a deployment option of the various turbine designs described here using an intermodal (trucks, ships, and railroad cars) shipping container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. 
         [0031]    The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality”, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another”, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “including and/or having”, as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly. The term “wind turbine” or “wind power plant” is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind, also called wind energy, into mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is used to produce electricity. 
         [0032]    The exact size and dimensions of any of the examples discussed below is not important. The designs can be enlarged or reduced depending on application, power consumption needs, wind and solar conditions. Turbine designs that are shown oriented generally horizontal axis turbines can be turned to be oriented to vertical axis turbines, or vice-versa. Further, one or more of each design or multiple designs or orientations can be combined within the true scope of the present application. 
       Vertical Axis Flat Pinwheel 
       [0033]      FIG. 1  is a bottom view of a vertical axis flat pinwheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panels and/or thin-film prior to assembly and folding. Shown is the bottom side  101  of a substantially rectangular shape of material  100 . The material  100  can be made from stamped metal, a composite, plastic, or a combination thereof. The material has to be malleable and bendable during installation. The material has four corners  116 ,  126 ,  136 ,  146 , and substantially straight edges  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 . Radial lines  162 ,  164 ,  166 ,  168  from a center opening  102  to each corner  116 ,  126 ,  136 ,  146 , are shown. A set of perforations  114 ,  124 ,  134 ,  144  runs for a given distance from each corner  116 ,  126 ,  136 ,  146  to a center opening  102 . The perforations  114 ,  124 ,  134 ,  144  are approximately ⅓ the distance from the corner to the center opening  102 . A set of cuts  118 ,  128 ,  138 ,  148  from each of the perforations in the set  114 ,  124 ,  134 ,  144  and to each of the edges  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140  adjacent to it is formed. Along the same line of each cut  118 ,  128 ,  138 ,  148  is a bend line  112 ,  122 ,  132 ,  142  running to the corresponding edge  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 . In one example, all the areas shown as shaded with item  133  are cut-outs to reduce the weight and material cost of the structure with thin-film  320 . 
         [0034]    The perforation  114 ,  124 ,  134 ,  144  is approximately a fifty percent perforation, i.e. fifty percent material and fifty percent voids. It is important to note that other percentages of perforations and lengths are contemplated within the true scope and spirit of the invention. A series of holes  163 ,  165 ,  167 , and  169  are formed as shown and will be further described with reference to  FIG. 2  below. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view  200  of the vertical axis flat pinwheel wind turbine  100  with photovoltaic panels and/or thin-film of  FIG. 1  being assembled. Each of the four corners  116 ,  126 ,  136 ,  146  is bent up in a substantially triangular shape wind blade as shown. More specifically, using corner  146  as an example, a field installer bends corner  146  upright along bend line  148 . The field installer also bends along perforation  144  to the holes (not shown) to be at a right-angle with respect to holes  168  along edge  258 . An L-shaped member  258  is fabricated from metal, composite, plastic or a combination thereof. The L-shaped member is securely fastened using fasteners such as fasteners, bolts, screws, rivets, adhesives, welds, extrusions, or a combination thereof, or other field-installable fasteners in order to join the bottom side  101  with holes  167  on the triangular shape to firmly keep the corner  146  in a vertical position. Each corner  116 ,  126 ,  136 ,  146  is bent up as shown along bend lines  128 ,  138 ,  148  and perforations  124 ,  134 ,  144  and held firmly in places with fasteners along an L-shaped member  264 ,  266 ,  268 . A series of air scoops  272 ,  274 ,  276 ,  278  are formed from the thin-film and attached at to each corner support  116 ,  126 ,  136 ,  146  as shown. 
         [0036]    It should be understood that this vertical axis flat pinwheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panels and/or thin-film design is easy to ship flat as shown in  FIG. 1  and then field assembled with a minimum of tools and parts, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The complete assembly is now inverted with the corners  116 ,  126 ,  136 ,  146  with air scoops  272 ,  274 ,  276 ,  278  facing down towards earth. This is shown in  FIG. 3  as a top perspective view  300 . The center opening  102  is fixed to a power transfer mechanism  304  that will be described in further detail below with reference to  FIG. 17 . The power transfer mechanism  304  is fixed to a vertical support  310  and base  312 . The power transfer mechanism  304  is fixed to top surface  382  and rotates on bearing that have a collar around an inner race of the bearing. Multiple fasteners are used to secure the power transfer mechanism  304  to the cylindrical support pipe  310 . 
         [0037]    A top surface  382  of the rectangular material  100  in one example thin-film solar  320  is disposed, laminated, glued or a combination thereof on the top surface  382 . The thin-filmed solar  382  may disposed directly on the blades is at least one of crystalline silicon and thin films. The thin-film may be cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, gallium arsenide multijunction, light-absorbing dyes (DSSC), quantum dot solar cells, organic/polymer solar cells, silicon thin films, or a combination thereof. In another example, solar inks, such as DuPont™ Innovalight™ silicon inks and similar products may be applied to the top surface  382 . In another example, the top surface has solar panels  320  affixed to it. The solar panels can be framed or frameless solar panels. In another example. In other examples, a combination of solar panels, thin-film, and solar inks are used. 
         [0038]    It is important to note that additional support members may be attached to the bottom side  101  of the rectangular material  100  and to the combination wind turbine generator and rotating photovoltaic electric motor  304  during installation. They can be pre-constructed or preformed brackets/supports with holes and fasteners to line-up with the bottom side  101  of the rectangular material  100  on one end. On the other end, there are fasteners or preformed channels and mounts on the power transfer mechanism  304 . This is important in larger geometries and/or heavier wind loads. 
         [0039]    It is important to note that additional support members may be attached to the bottom side  101  of the rectangular material  100  and to the power transfer mechanism  304  during installation. They can be pre-constructed or preformed brackets/supports with holes and fasteners to line-up with the bottom side  101  of the rectangular material  100  on one end. On the other end, there are fasteners or preformed channels and mounts on the power transfer mechanism  304 . This is important in larger geometries and/or heavier wind loads. 
         [0040]    In another example, the solar panels may be made in other geometric shapes, such as triangular shapes, in order for cover more of the available surface area on the top surface  382  of the pin wheel  100 . 
       Vertical Axis Pinwheel 
       [0041]      FIG. 4  is top view  400  of a vertical axis pinwheel wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic prior to assembly and folding. Again shown is a substantially rectangular thin film solar panel  401  with four substantially straight edges  410 ,  430 ,  450 , and  460 . Here the solar thin-film material is printed or laminated between one or more transparent plastic sheet(s)  401  that is weather resistant, UV resistant, and at the same time, allows wave-lengths of light for photovoltaic generation to pass through with minimum loss. There are multiple substantially triangular shaped regions of photovoltaic thin-film solar material  442 ,  444 ,  446 ,  448  that are disposed on the top side of thin film solar panel  403 . The thin-film may be cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, gallium arsenide multijunction, light-absorbing dyes (DSSC), quantum dot solar cells, organic/polymer solar cells, silicon thin films, or a combination thereof. In another example, solar inks, such as DuPont™ Innovalight™ silicon inks and similar products may be applied to the plastic sheet(s)  401 . The thin film solar laminated to the rectangular material at the factory. The thin film is manufactured in the factory in a substantially rectangular sheet Note: only the flat pinwheel may have the thin film panel adhered to the skeletal frame during the field installation. All other windmill designs have the frames attached to the thin film panels at the factory, they are shipped flat then assembled in the field into a windmill structure. 
         [0042]    It is important to note that the triangular shaped regions are just examples. Other geometric shapes and combinations are contemplated within the present invention. Also shown is center opening  402  with a grommet  490  formed in the plastic sheet(s)  401 , this is attached to a power transfer mechanism  604  as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0043]    Holes  422 ,  424 ,  426 ,  428  with grommets  492 ,  494 ,  496 ,  498  are formed near each of the four corner regions  482 ,  484 ,  486 ,  488 . Four cuts  462 ,  464 ,  466 ,  468  in the plastic sheet(s)  401  from each corner  482 ,  484 ,  486 ,  488  towards the center opening  402  are also formed. The length of each cut  462 ,  464 ,  466 ,  468  is 50-90 percent of the distance between the center opening  402  and each the corner regions  482 ,  484 ,  486 ,  488 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  is top view  500  of a vertical axis pinwheel wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic of  FIG. 4  being assembled in the field. To begin, each of the holes  422 ,  424 ,  426 ,  428  with grommets  492 ,  494 ,  496 ,  498  are placed on a center position or axis  502  as shown from a position in a common plane of the thin film solar panel  401 . A section of the plastic sheet(s)  401  on one side of the cuts  462 ,  464 ,  466 ,  468  forms an edge  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538  as shown. An edge stiffener  562 ,  564 ,  566 ,  568  is mechanically coupled on each edge  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 . Each stiffener  562 ,  564 ,  566 ,  568  can be made of metal, plastic, composite, or a combination thereof. The purpose of each stiffener  562 ,  564 ,  566 ,  568  is to keep the shape of the edge  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538  straight and not buckle or deform overtime or in high wind. Each edge  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538  can be clipped in with fasteners such as adhesive, screws, bolts, pins, or fabricated with a groove to slide over the edge  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538  similar to pieces of plastic edging/molding used with wood paneling. In one example, portions of the plastic sheet  401  include areas which are transparent to sunlight. This allows sunlight to pass-through upper portion of the pinwheel into interior regions. 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view  600  of a vertical axis pinwheel wind turbine with the thin-film photovoltaic of  FIG. 5  mounted on a vertical support  610 . The ring  490  is supported by an upper portion  602  of the pole  610 . This is elevated so that the slip ring wiring travels from the thin-film to the power transfer mechanism  504 . 
         [0046]    As described with reference to the vertical axis flat pinwheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panels and/or thin-film in  FIGS. 1-3  above, it is important to note that additional support members may be attached to the bottom side  405  of the plastic sheet(s)  401  and to the combination wind turbine generator and rotating photovoltaic electric motor  604  during installation. They can be pre-constructed or preformed brackets/supports with holes and fasteners to line-up with the bottom side  405  of the rectangular material  100  on one end. On the other end, there are fasteners or preformed channels and mounts on the power transfer mechanism  604 . This is important in larger geometries and/or heavier wind loads. 
         [0000]    Vertical Axis Paddle Fan with Frameless Glass Photovoltaic Panel Blades 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a support  700  for a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blades  750 . Shown is a substantially I-shaped frame  705 . The I-shaped frame  705  can be made from metal, plastic, composite, or a combination thereof. A triangular shaped mount  702  with three side faces  740 ,  742 ,  744  is shown. Each side face  740 ,  742 ,  744  has a plurality of holes  816  to mechanically coupled to a center frame member  804  to a first end frame member  710  of the I-shaped frame  705 . The triangular center mount  702  is mechanically coupled to a power transfer mechanism  804 . It is important to note that other shape frames including rectangular are contemplated within the true scope of the present invention. The various frame members  710 ,  720 ,  730  are coupled together using one or more fasteners, bolts, screws, rivets, adhesives, welds, extrusions, or a combination thereof. A series of holes  714  and  724  are used to mount to the I-shaped frame  705  is a photovoltaic solar panel  750 . The photovoltaic solar panel  750  itself becomes the blade for wind turbine rather than having a separate blade. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a side view  800  of a vertical support  810  for a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with a frameless glass photovoltaic panel blade  750  of  FIG. 7 . Shown is the power transfer mechanism  704 . It is important to note that in one example the mount  702  is tilted slightly like a blade of a ceiling fan capture wind from a horizontal direction or direction normal to the vertical support  810 . Two or more blades constructed as shown in  FIG. 7  may be power transfer mechanism  804 . The number of blades attached is based on various anticipated factors. Likewise, the shape of polygon  702 , shown as triangular shape would change to accommodate the number of blades. These factors include the amount of wind and the geometry and/or size of the system. 
         [0000]    Vertical Axis Paddle Fan with Thin-Film Photovoltaic Blades 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a top view  900  of a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic blades  905 . Shown is a substantially rectangular-shaped frame  910 . It is important to note that other geometric shapes are possible within the true scope of the present application. The frame  910  can be made from metal, plastic, composite, or a combination thereof. A triangular shaped mount  902  with three side faces  940 ,  942 ,  944  is shown. Each side face  940 ,  942 ,  944  has a plurality of holes  1016  to mechanically coupled to a center frame member  1004  to a first end frame member  912  of the substantially rectangular-shaped frame  910 . It is important to note that other shape frames including rectangular are contemplated within the true scope of the present invention. A substantially triangular mount  902  with a plurality of holes  1016  is mechanically coupled to the rectangular-shaped frame  905 . Optional struts or stabilizers  1022 ,  1024  are also shown. The rectangular-shaped frame  910  holds a thin-film photovoltaic  950 . The rectangular-shaped frame  910  can act like a picture frame with a rectangular void in the center. The rectangular void is covered with the thin-film photovoltaic  950  is firmly held taught. In another example, the rectangular-shaped frame  910  has a top portion and similarly shaped bottom portion (not shown). The thin-film photovoltaic  950  is sandwiched between the top portion and the bottom portion and is firmly held taught, like a piece of glass in window frame. The two sections of frames can be held together using fasteners, snaps, screws, bolts, welds, glue or a combination thereof. In each of these examples, the frame  910  (whether one part or two) along with the thin-film photovoltaic  950  can be assembled at the factory for easy installation and maintenance in the field. As with blades in a ceiling fan, these can ship flat and be attached together in the field. The thin-film photovoltaic  950  and frame  905  together form the blade for wind turbine rather than having a separate blade. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  is a side view  1000  of a vertical support  1010  for a vertical axis paddle fan wind turbine with thin-film photovoltaic  950  of  FIG. 9 . Shown is power transfer mechanism  1004 . It is important to note that in one example the mount  902  is tilted slightly like a blade of a ceiling fan to capture wind from a horizontal direction or direction normal to the vertical support  1010 . Two or more blades constructed as shown in  FIG. 9  may be attached to the power transfer mechanism  1004 . Likewise, the shape of polygon  902 , shown as triangular shape would change to accommodate the number of blades. The number of blades used would be based upon the anticipated wind and the geometry and size of the system. 
         [0000]    Horizontal Axis Paddle Wheel with Frameless Glass Photovoltaic Panel Blades or Thin-Film Photovoltaic Blades 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of a horizontal axis paddle wheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panels  1100 . Shown are three photovoltaic panel blades  1145 ,  1155 ,  1165  mechanically fastened to a pair of substantially Y-shaped mounts  1192 ,  1192  are each end  1102 ,  1104 . The Y-shaped mounts  1192 ,  1194  are fastened to a common horizontal shaft  1110  mechanically coupled to a power transfer mechanism  1104  being held by a U-shaped frame  1170 . It is important to note that other numbers of photovoltaic panels forming less than three sides or more than three sides can be used. Each of the photovoltaic panel blades  1140 ,  1150 ,  1160  is held by a frame  1105 . For example for photovoltaic panel blade  1140 , the frame  1105  includes at least a first side  1110  and a second side  1120  to hold the photovoltaic panel  1150 . In other examples, the frame  1105  may include a top portion  1112  and a bottom portion  1122  as well. Each portion of the frame  1105  may include one or more slots (not shown) to allow edges the photovoltaic panel blade  1140  to fit firmly therein. Fasteners (not shown) such as bolts, screws, adhesive, or combination thereof may be used to further hold the photovoltaic panel blade  1140  into the frame  1105 . In another example, each photovoltaic panel blades  1145 ,  1155 ,  1165  includes a second photovoltaic panel disposed back-to-back to the first photovoltaic panel to enable the capture of photoelectric energy on both sides of the panel blade. 
         [0052]      FIG. 12  is a top view of a horizontal axis paddle wheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blades or thin-film photovoltaic blades  1200 . Shown are two photovoltaic panel blades  1140 ,  1160  around a common horizontal shaft  1110  mechanically coupled to a power transfer mechanism  1194 . It is important to note that other numbers of photovoltaic panels less than three or more than three can be used. Each of the photovoltaic panel blades  1140 ,  1150 ,  1160  is held by at least two portions of a frame  1110 ,  1120 . Optionally, two other frame member may be used  1112  and  1122  to form an entire frame around the photovoltaic panel blades  1140 ,  1150 ,  1160 . Also shown are struts or supports  1170 ,  1172 ,  1174  between each of the panel assemblies to provide additional strength depending on geometries, relative sizes of the blades and anticipated wind loads. 
         [0053]    Turning to  FIG. 13 , shown is a side view  1300  of a horizontal axis paddle wheel wind turbine of  FIG. 12 . The two frame parts  1110  and  1120  hold firmly in place the photovoltaic panel or photovoltaic thin-film  1140  therebetween. The two frame parts  1110  and  1120  may be made from metal, plastic, composite or a combination thereof. Fasteners (not shown) such as bolts, screws, glue, or combination thereof may be used to further hold the photovoltaic panel blade  1140  into the frame  1110 ,  1220 . 
         [0054]    In another example, each photovoltaic panel blade  1140 ,  1150 ,  1160  includes a second photovoltaic panel disposed back-to-back to the first photovoltaic panel to enable the capture of photoelectric energy on both sides of the panel blade. 
         [0055]      FIG. 13  is a side view of a horizontal axis paddle wheel wind turbine with photovoltaic panel blades or thin-film photovoltaic blades of  FIG. 12 . The Y-shaped mounts  1192  is shown fastened to each of the photovoltaic panel blades  1145 ,  1155 ,  1165  and mechanically coupled to the central common axis  1110 . 
         [0000]    Tristar with Thin-Film Photovoltaic Blade 
         [0056]      FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of a tristar wind turbine design with thin-film photovoltaic  1400 . In this example, there are two end support structures  1492 ,  1494  mechanically coupled together by a rotatable shaft  1410 . A power transfer assembly  1480  is mechanically coupled to the shaft  1410 . Substantially rectangular thin-film solar panels  1492 ,  1494 ,  1496  disposed on a flexible material such as a metal, plastic, composite, or combination thereof, are flexed into a slight arc and held firmly together by their longer edges  1432 ,  1434 ,  1436 . The longer edges  1432 ,  1434 ,  1436  are held together at a common endpoint in one example using a piano hinge-type coupling assembly  1462 ,  1455 ,  1465 . In another example the longer edges  1432 ,  1434 ,  1436  are held together using a U-shaped clasp or other fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets, adhesives, welds, extrusions, a combination thereof. Or the thin film can be 1 continuous panel with perforations or folding crease marks equally spaced into 3 parts along the long edge of the panel shipped flat then folded and fastened to the 2 triangular shaped supports during the field installation. This allows simple field installation and maintenance. The thin-film solar panels  1492 ,  1494 ,  1496  may be shipped flat. Adjacent sides of each of the support structures  1492 ,  1494  form a common point or support arms  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424 . These support arms  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424 , on each support structure  1492 ,  1494 , are joined together hold the piano-hinge-type coupling assembly  1462 ,  1455 ,  1465  in place. The support structures  1492 ,  1494  radiates outward with approximately 120 degree angle between each of the support arms  1420 ,  1422 ,  1424 . This forms a substantially tristar shape as shown. The support structures  1492 ,  1494  are mechanically coupled to a common vertical shaft  1410 . The number N of sides rectangular thin-filmed solar panels can change from three or more sides or less than three sides depending on various anticipated factors like wind, weight, and geometry of the system. Likewise, number N of the polygon support structures  1492 ,  1494  would change to correspond to the number of thin-filmed solar panels. These factors include the amount of wind and the geometry and/or size of the system. 
         [0057]    A series of one or more openings  1447  is formed in each thin-film solar panels  1492 ,  1494 ,  1496  near their longer edge. Air flowing over the thin-film solar panel  1445  enters these opening  1447  and pushes against an interior side  1467  of thin-film solar panels  1494 . 
         [0058]    This tristar structure  1400  is lightweight. This greatly reduces manufacturing, shipping, and installation costs. No separate mounting structure or ballast is needed to mount the panels. The thin-film solar may be cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide, gallium arsenide multijunction, light-absorbing dyes (DSSC), quantum dot solar cells, organic/polymer solar cells, silicon thin films, or a combination thereof. In another example, solar inks, such as DuPont™ Innovalight™ silicon inks and similar products may be applied to metal, plastic, composite, or combination of substrates to form the wind turbine blade. 
       Tristar Deployment on Cables 
       [0059]      FIG. 16  is a side view of the tristar wind turbine design  1600  with thin-film photovoltaic of  FIG. 14  deployed on supporting cables  1620 ,  1630 ,  1624 ,  1634 . Shown are six  1684 ,  1686 ,  1686 ,  1690 ,  1692 ,  1694 ,  1694 ,  1696  tristar assemblies of  FIGS. 14 and 15 . The lower end of each of these tristar assemblies are mechanically coupled to a bottom support cable  1630 ,  1634  though a short section of cylindrical pipe support rotatably attached to the tristar assembly as one end and the other end of the cylindrical pipe support mechanically coupled to fixed non-rotating mount to the lower cable (not shown). The upper end of tristar assemblies is attached to the inner race of the bearing of the power transfer mechanism  1680  and the other end affixed to the upper or top cables  1620 ,  1624 . In one example, the top rotatable coupling assembly is a power transfer mechanism  1680 , such as  1480  shown in this  FIG. 14 . In another example, the power transfer mechanism is on the bottom. The top support cable  1620 ,  1622  and bottom support cable  1630 ,  1632  are held substantially horizontal by being mechanically coupled to right support pole  1640  and left support pole  1650 . Additional cables and supports may be need to stabilize the assembly depending on relative sizes, distance, geometries, and anticipated wind loads. This deployment configuration  1600  allows easy addition and subtraction of tristart units in the field to meet the required power density. Also, in case of storms, such as hurricanes, this deployment of tristar units can be quickly collapsed by moving one or more of the right support pole  1640  and left support pole  1650 . In another example a setup similar to a sky trolley or chairlift retrieval system or an up and down pulley system similar to that of a flag pole may be incorporated into this design to enable fast and easy retrieval, deployment, or storage. 
         [0060]    Other designs above such as those shown in  FIGS. 1-13  can be mounted on a cable system with the power transfer mechanism motor on the bottom &amp; stabilizer wire on top connecting to the top of the vertical mast of a plurality of pinwheels with a swivel bearing &amp; tension coil spring. 
       Power Transfer Mechanism 
       [0061]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a power transfer mechanism  1700 . The design provides many advantages. First, for mounting with a horizontal axis or vertical axis wind turbine for transferring by the rotating wind energy. Second, for transferring photovoltaic energy from photovoltaic blades of the wind turbine. Third, allow simple field installations for the designs shown above to a fixed horizontal axis or vertical axis mount. 
         [0062]    Starting from the top, shown is a slip ring  1702  or commutator is electrically coupled to a set of feed wires  1780  and to wires  1750  running towards the bottom. A mounting surface  1704  for mechanically coupling to the center regions or mounts of the designs above, e.g.  102 ,  402 ,  702 ,  902 ,  1102 ,  1202 ,  1402 . A shell  1728  is rotatably mounted on bearings  1722 ,  1724 , and  1742  fastened to shaft  1726 . Feed wires  1780  run through an opening near the shaft  1726  to carry power away from the solar panels turbine blades. A set of optional support bracket/arms (not shown) may also be mechanically attached to shell  1728 . The purpose of these support brackets/arms is hold the combination wind turbine and photovoltaic blades for larger installation geometries and/or heavy wind loads. A set of holes  1704 ,  1706  for fasteners (not shown) are used to firmly attach to the combination wind turbine and photovoltaic blades. A slip ring  1742  or commutator is electrically coupled to a set of feed wires  1780  and to wires  1750  running towards the bottom. These wires carry power from the photovoltaic blades of the wind turbine. The slip ring  1742 , such as a Mercotac, allows power to be transferred from the rotating wind turbine down to a set of wires  1750  attached to  1752  fixed support  1752 . One or more gears or a transmission is mechanically coupled the shell  1728  to drive electrical generator  1748 . The electrical generator  1748  produces DC power over lines  1762  to an optional inverter  1760  to convert DC power to AC power. A quick disconnect interface is also contemplated to make electrically connecting the entire power transfer mechanism  1700 . Likewise, depending on the application, DC may be output and combined with other photovoltaic and wind energy production system. Likewise, the wires  1762  carrying DC power from the photovoltaic to convert to an optional micro-inverter  1760  to convert DC power to AC power. Depending on the application, DC may be output and combined with other photovoltaic and wind energy production system. The power produced by the photo voltaic and/or the power produced by the generator can be wired in series for an inverter, series/parallel for a battery charge controller of tied to a micro inverter working synchronously with the wind generator. Inverters, micro inverters, charge controllers, and battery banks are all sized according to the specific designed use. 
         [0063]    A mechanical coupling  1770  is used to mount the entire power transfer mechanism  1700  to a fixed horizontal or vertical support depending on the wind turbine used. The mechanical coupling  1770  can be held in place with a plurality of fasteners, screw, bolts, for easy installation, maintenance, or temporary removal of the unit in case of impending severe weather. 
       Deployment Option 
       [0064]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a deployment option of the various turbine designs described here using an intermodal (trucks, ships, and railroad cars) shipping container  1800 . The container  1802 , typically fabricated from steel has one or more doors  1804 , and a bank of batteries  1810  for storing power. Cooling and ventilation such as a fan or air conditioning unit  1808  is shown. An inverter and wiring assembly to convert DC to AC power is embedded in the container  1802 . In another example, the container  1802  includes additional amenities to enable self-sustaining deployment includes, but is not limited to, sleeping quarters, working quarters, food storage, cooking facilities, water storage, bath or shower facilities, and waste handling facilities. 
         [0065]    The tristar wind turbine design  1600  of  FIG. 16  is shown deployed on cables between mounting poles  1842 ,  1844 ,  1846 ,  1848  and  1832 ,  1834 ,  1836 ,  1838 . The mounting poles and cables can be stored inside container  1802  during transport. Mounting poles  1832 ,  1834 ,  1836 ,  1838  are shown to be mechanically fastened to the top  1816  of the container  1802 . This deployment configuration  1800  allows easy shipping, storage, transport tristar units in the field to meet the required power density. Also, in case of storms, such as hurricanes, this deployment of tristar units can be quickly collapsed. 
         [0066]    Other designs above such as those shown in  FIGS. 1-14  can be mounted on a cable system with the power transfer mechanism motor on the bottom &amp; stabilizer wire on top connecting to the top of the vertical mast of a plurality of pinwheels with a swivel bearing &amp; tension coil spring. 
       Non-Limiting Examples 
       [0067]    Although the present application has been described in relative terms of size and shape of the components, other components of different sizes and shapes are within the true scope. The scope of the invention is not to be restricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intended that the appended claims cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0068]    The size of the combination wind turbine and solar depends on the application. Sizes will range from 2′-8′ diameter. Camping, boating, street lights, billboard signs, residential, commercial, industrial, solar-wind farms, agricultural, military, off-grid, developing countries and remote construction are all possible uses. Solar &amp; wind output rating will be dependent upon size of solar panels &amp; wind generator as it relates to the size of the designs described herein.