Abstract:
This invention relates to a novel twin wind turbine power system. More particularly, this invention pertains to a twin wind turbine power system which has adjustable width blades, adjustable width wind deflectors and a telescoping erection capability. A twin wind turbine electrical power generating system comprising: (a) a first rotatable wind turbine with vertical radially extending blades around its axis; (b) a second rotatable wind turbine deployed parallel to the first turbine with vertical radially extending blades around its axis; (c) a vertical windshield positioned windwardly between the first and second wind turbines; (d) a wind direction member associated with the first and second wind turbines and directing the first and second wind turbines and windshield to face windward; (e) a rotational support upon which items (a), (b), (c) and (d) are mounted; (f) an alternator connected to the first and second wind turbines and generating electricity as the first and second wind turbines rotate.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a novel twin wind turbine power system. More particularly, this invention pertains to a twin wind turbine power system which has adjustable width blades, adjustable width wind deflectors and a telescoping erection capability. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    With the depletion of hydrocarbon fuels and increasing emphasis on environmental impact, alternative sources of energy have been sought. One source of alternative electrical energy is wind machines. Such wind machines have a number of disadvantages. To erect such wind machines, it is necessary to use cranes. Moreover, the rotating blades of the wind machines create significant air turbulence. For instance, although wind turbines typically rotate at only 30-50 rpm, the tips of the blades, because of the extensive length of the blades, for instance, 100-200 ft., travel at subsonic, sonic and supersonic speeds. This creates sonic air vibrations. Persons living proximate to the wind machines are aggravated by the constant noise created by the air turbulence. 
         [0003]    The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
         [0005]    The invention is directed to a twin wind turbine electrical power generating system comprising: (a) a first rotatable wind turbine with vertical radially extending blades around its axis; (b) a second rotatable wind turbine deployed parallel to the first turbine with vertical radially extending blades around its axis; (c) a vertical windshield positioned windwardly between the first and second wind turbines; (d) a wind direction member associated with the first and second wind turbines and directing the first and second wind turbines and windshield to face windward; (e) a rotational support upon which items (a), (b), (c) and (d) are mounted; (f) an alternator connected to the first and second wind turbines and generating electricity as the first and second wind turbines rotate. 
         [0006]    The widths of the blades of the first and second wind turbines can be narrowed or widened to accommodate variable wind speeds. The width of the windshield can be narrowed or widened according to variable wind speeds. 
         [0007]    The support for the first and second wind turbines can comprise a rotational shaft and a rotational member which rotationally rests on a stationary chamber which houses the alternator and associated electrical wiring. 
         [0008]    The first and second wind turbines can be connected to the alternator by a system of sprockets, connecting chains and timing gears. The width of the windshield can be controlled by a connecting shaft and servomotor. The system can include wind directional vanes located on each lateral exterior side of the first and second wind turbines. The rotational shaft for the first and second wind turbine can be a telescoping shaft. 
         [0009]    The first and second wind turbines can be constructed of modular sections which can be assembled separately. The windshield can be constructed of stationary and movable sections. The movable section of the windshield can be controlled by a system of sprockets and chains controlled by the servomotor. 
         [0010]    The axes of the first and second wind turbines can be vertically disposed axles which can be connected separately by pulley, sprocket timing gears and chain combinations to the alternator. The system can include a brake which upon command can apply a braking force to the pulley sprocket, chain system and timing gears. 
         [0011]    The turbine blades can be formed of stationary and movable vanes which cooperate together to increase or decrease the width of the turbine blade. The movable vane can be connected to a spring wherein the position of the movable vane resists the force exerted by the spring according to the centrifugal force generated by a rotating wind turbine. The stationary and movable vanes on the windward side can have a series of downwardly angled parallel grooves therein which deflect the wind downwardly, thereby imparting a lifting force on the first and second wind turbines. 
         [0012]    The leeward side of the system can have one or more downwardly disposed wind vanes which can deflect leeward wind downwardly and thereby impart a lifting force on the first and second wind turbines. The chamber can be cylindrical in construction and the movable member can be a plate which can be rotationally mounted on the top of the cylindrical chamber by a series of wheels. 
         [0013]    The first and second wind turbines and the windshield can be mounted in a supporting frame. The blades of the first and second turbines can intersect and the positions of the first and second wind turbines can be controlled by timing gears. 
         [0014]    The system can include at least one deflector which can direct wind downwardly and lighten the weight of the turbine system. 
         [0015]    The stationary and movable vanes can be secured at one end and can flare from the turbine blades when on the leeward side of the blades. 
         [0016]    The system can include a wind deflector on the windward side of the windshield. The brake can be a disk brake. 
         [0017]    The movable vanes can pivot away from the turbine blades when the movable vanes are on the leeward side of the turbine blades. 
         [0018]    In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the twin wind turbine power system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the twin wind turbine power system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates an enlargement of the section illustrated by the circled portion of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates a section view taken along section B-B of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the top section of the twin wind turbine power system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  illustrates an enlargement of the section illustrated by circled portion C of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  illustrates a section view taken along section D-D of  FIG. 6 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of the twin wind turbine power system. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates an enlarged view of the section illustrated by circled portion E of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 10A  illustrates an enlarged view of the section illustrated by circled portion F of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 10B  illustrates a section view taken along section G-G of  FIG. 10 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the top section of the twin wind turbine power system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  illustrates a top view of the twin wind turbine power system with turbine blades retracted and wind deflectors extended to accommodate high wind speeds. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  illustrates a detail of the main post connector assembly of the section illustrated by circled portion H of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  illustrates a rear isometric view of the telescopic main post installation procedure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of an optional twin turbine power system with the fixed and movable vanes pivoted away from the turbine blades in the leeward position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. 
         [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view of the twin wind turbine power system  2 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the twin wind turbine power system  2  is constructed of a first (left) vertical turbine  4  and a parallel vertical second (right) turbine  6 . The first turbine  4  is constructed with a radial series of stationary vanes  8  and movable vanes  10 . 
         [0038]    The second turbine  6  has a similar construction. A typical embodiment comprises six radial blades per turbine. The wind exposed portion of each blade is curved windwardly (see  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0039]    The stationary vanes  8  and movable vanes  10  together make up the turbine blades. The blades of the first turbine  4  and second turbine  6  intersect to a certain degree (for instance, see  FIG. 4 ) in order to reduce the overall width of the twin wind turbine power system without reducing wind catching efficiency. The intersecting positions of the first turbine  4  and second turbine  6  are coordinated by intersecting timing gears, as will be explained below. 
         [0040]    A pair of wind catchers  12  are located on the respective exterior sides of the first and second turbines  4  and  6 . These wind catchers  12  increase the effective “wind width” of the twin wind turbine power system, as illustrated by the hollow head arrows in  FIG. 8 , which will be discussed below. 
         [0041]    Located at the front, windward side of the twin wind turbine power system  2  are matching adjustable width vertical windshields  14  which are positioned on each side of a vertical V-shaped central wind deflector  15 . The pair of windshields  14  and deflector  15  prevent the wind from entering the central area of the parallel vertical twin wind turbines  4  and  6  and deflect that wind to the exterior blades (vanes  8  and  10 ) of the pair of wind turbines, as indicated in  FIG. 8 , which will be discussed below. 
         [0042]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the twin wind turbines  4  and  6 , constructed of vertically disposed turbine sections comprising stationary vanes  8  and movable vanes  10 , are supported on respective turbine shafts  38  (see  FIG. 4 ) and held in place and reinforced by a cage-like support frame  16 . Four vertical turbine sections are illustrated in  FIG. 1 . However, it is understood that the elevation of the twin wind turbine power system is adjustable and the number of sections can comprise anywhere from one to a significant number of twin wind turbine sections. 
         [0043]    A wind direction vane  18  is located at the top of the twin wind turbine  2 . This wind vane  18  reacts to wind direction and ensures that the front face of the twin wind turbines  4  and  6  and windshields  14  face windward. 
         [0044]    Located at the bottom of the twin wind turbine system  2  is an electrical room  20  which has a cylindrical configuration. Electrical room  20  is hollow and stationary and is supported on a solid foundation  21 , for example, concrete as indicated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0045]    Rotatably mounted at the top of the cylindrical electrical room  20  is a rotatable plate  22 . This rotation is indicated by the arrows in  FIG. 1 . Positioned in the center of rotatable plate  22  is a vertical twin turbine support shaft cover  26 . Mounted in vertical parallel configuration to support shaft cover  26  is windshield control shaft  24  (see  FIG. 8 ). A warning light  28  for aircraft is located at the top of the twin wind turbine system  2 . 
         [0046]    While the applicant does not wish to be bound or restricted by any specific dimensions, a typical twin wind turbine system  2  according to the invention can be 100 feet in overall height and 40 feet in width. The electrical room  20  and rotatable plate  22  can be 20 feet in height, while the respective stacked sections of the twin wind turbine system  2  can each be 20 feet in height. It will be understood that other dimensions of twin wind turbines can be engineered and put into practice. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the twin wind turbine power system  2 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the twin wind turbine system  2  comprises stationary vanes  8  (the movable vanes  10  are not visible), wind catchers  12 , curved wind retaining wall  13 , windshields  14 , V-shaped wind deflector  15  and support frame  16 . Mounted at the leeward side of the twin wind turbine system  2  are three vertically arranged load lifters  18 . These load lifters  18 , by being curved downwardly, deflect the wind downwardly as indicated by the hollow head arrows, thereby creating a lifting force on the load lifters  18  as indicated by the solid head arrows. This lifting force is transferred to the overall structure and helps to reduce the weight of the overall twin wind turbine system on bearings and other moving parts and thereby prolongs the life of the moving parts of the twin wind turbine system  2 . In an alternative embodiment, the top load lifter  18  can be designed to be the wind direction vane  30  as well. 
         [0048]    As also illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the cylindrical electrical room  20  rests on a solid foundation  21  typically constructed of concrete. Rotationally mounted on the cylindrical electrical room  20  is rotatable plate  22 , which carries turbines  4  and  6 , frame  16 , wind shields  14  and rotates about twin turbine support shaft  27 , which is housed in shaft cover  26 . The twin wind turbines  4  and  6  rest on and rotate about respective turbine shaft covers  32 , only one of which is visible in  FIG. 2 . An electrical generator or alternator  34  is located inside cylindrical electrical room  20  adjacent the support shaft  26 .  FIG. 2  also illustrates a servo motor  36  which is mounted at the base of windshield control shaft  24  and controls the wind exposure width of the pair of windshields  14 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 3  illustrates an enlargement of the section illustrated by circled portion A of  FIG. 2 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , support shaft  26  is connected to the top of cover  22  and the base of support frame  16 . As also seen in  FIG. 3 , alternator (generator)  34  is connected by a system of sprockets and gears to respective turbine shafts  38  for the two wind turbines (one of which is visible in  FIG. 3 ). The turbine shafts  38  are rotationally mounted inside turbine shaft covers  32 . Turbine sprocket shafts  38  are connected to respective sprockets  40 . The shafts  38  are rotationally mounted in respective pairs of ball bearing units  42 . Located at the base of the respective shafts  38  are oil reservoirs  44  which keep all moving parts lubricated and minimizes friction. Visible sprocket  47  is connected by drive chain  46  to sprocket  47  and accompanying vertical shaft  49 , which is rotationally mounted in a pair of ball bearings  50 . Sprocket  47 , via shaft  49 , drives alternator (generator)  34 . Electrical A/C power generated by the alternator  34  is transmitted for use through appropriate wiring  52 . A disc  54  is mounted on shaft  49  and by brake  55  regulates or stops the speed of rotation. A similar set of shafts, sprockets, chains and bearings link the alternator (generator)  34  to the turbine sprocket shaft of the second wind turbine  6 .  FIG. 3  also illustrates the system of vertical and horizontal wheels  58  that rotatably mount the plate  22  on the electrical room  20 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4  illustrates a section view taken along section B-B of  FIG. 2 . As seen in  FIG. 4 , first wind turbine  4  and second wind turbine  6 , with windward curved stationary vanes  8  and movable vanes  10  respectively, are housed in an overall support frame  16 . Solid head curved arrows at the top region of the figure indicate the direction of rotation of the respective turbines  4  and  6 . The respective sprocket shafts  38  rotate in unison with the respective wind turbines  4  and  6 , and drive respective sprockets  40  and respective drive chains  46  as denoted by the directional solid head arrows in the central region of the figure. The chains  46  are respectively connected to a pair of sprockets  47  (not visible) which are connected to timing gears  48 , which rotate in the direction indicated by the curved arrows on those gears.  FIG. 4  also illustrates disc brake  54 ,  55  which is used to regulate or stop the speed of rotation of the sprockets  40  and  47 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  also illustrates rotatable plate  22 , which rotates about cylindrical electric room  20 . Rotation is accomplished by a radially extending series of reinforcing spokes  56  and horizontal and vertical rotation wheels  58 , mounted at the ends of the respective spokes  56  (see also  FIG. 3 ). 
         [0052]      FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the top section of the twin wind turbine power system illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , which for convenience shows only the topmost portion of the pair of wind turbines  4  and  6 , the movable vanes  10 , as indicated by the arrows, are fully extended in the direction of the axis of the respective turbines. Meanwhile, the movable portions of the windshields  14  are fully retracted, as indicated by the directional arrows. This configuration maximizes turbine blade exposure to the wind and is suitable for light to medium wind speeds. 
         [0053]      FIG. 6  illustrates an enlargement of the section illustrated by circled portion C of  FIG. 5 . As seen in  FIG. 6 , the wind, as indicated by the hollow head directional arrows, is caught in and directed by sloped wind deflection channels  60 . This action results in an upward force being generated on the vane  8  as indicated by a solid headed straight arrow. This action provides a lifting force on the turbine and helps to reduce the weight of the turbine on the bearings and other moving parts. The wind deflection channels  60  are preferably angled at 15° to horizontal in order to provide the appropriate upward lifting force. In the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 6 , movable vane  10  is fully extended inwardly relative to stationary vane  8 , a configuration which is suitable for light to medium winds. 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  illustrates a section view taken along section D-D of  FIG. 6 . This figure illustrates in detail the sloping stacked series of wind deflection channels  60  that are formed in the stationary vane  8 . Wind deflection is indicated by the hollow-headed arrows, while the lifting force on the vane  8  is indicated by the vertical solid-headed arrows. 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  illustrates a top view of the twin wind turbine power system. As seen in  FIG. 8 , the wind pattern is indicated by the hollow-headed arrows. The two outside wind catchers  12  catch peripheral wind which normally would pass by the exterior of the pair of wind turbines  4  and  6  and not generate power. The two wind catchers  12  direct the peripheral wind inwardly onto the respective outer regions of the blades of the two turbines  4  and  6 . At the same time, central wind is deflected laterally by the pair of windshields  14  onto the respective vanes  8  and  10  of the respective first and second turbines  4  and  6 . If the two windshields  14  and V-shaped wind deflector  15  were not present, then the central wind would impinge on the interior facing vanes of the respective turbines  4  and  6  and create a negative rotational effect. With the presence of the pair of windshields  14  and V-shaped wind deflector  15 , the central wind is directed outwardly onto the outward portions of the respective vanes  8  and  10  of the respective turbines  4  and  6 . Accordingly, the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8  ensures that the wind is divided and directed onto the outward portions of the respective vanes  8  and  10  of the rotating first and second wind turbines  4  and  6 .  FIG. 8  also illustrates wind direction vane  18 , which ensures that the pair of wind turbines  4  and  6 , windshields  14  and wind deflector  15  face windward at all times.  FIG. 8  also illustrates how wind catchers  12  extend into respective curved wind retaining walls  13 . These retaining walls  13  ensure that the wind cannot escape past the vanes  8  without delivering power to the vanes  8 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 9  illustrates an enlarged view of the section illustrated by circled portion E of  FIG. 8 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , the stationary vane  8  remains in place at the outer radial region of the turbine, whereas movable vane  10  can move radially inwardly or outwardly as indicated by the solid-headed arrow. The movable vane  10  is connected to coil spring  62 , which induces a return to position force on the vane  10  when retraction is required. The strength of the coil spring  62  is balanced with the centrifugal force created by the turbine  4  so that the faster the turbine  4  rotates, the more the movable vane  10  moves outwardly. Thus the area of the blade adjusts according to wind speed. The same system exists for turbine  6 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 10A  illustrates an enlarged view of the section illustrated by circled portion F of  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 10A  shows that the pair of windshields are constructed in two parts, a pair of movable windshields  14  and a corresponding pair of stationary windshields  76 . As seen in  FIG. 10A , the respective positions of the pair of movable windshields  14  is controlled by a complementary set of first chain  64  and second chain  66 . Cables can also be used. The two chain systems  64  and  66  travel around a dual set of pulley wheels or sprockets  70 ,  72  and  74 . The movable windshields  14  can be retracted or extended in the directions of the respective arrows by means of double-wheel systems  78  and  80  which travel on frame  16 . The degree of lateral extension of the windshields  14  is controlled by the positions of the pair of chains  64  and  66  that pass around double sprocket  68 , which in turn is controlled by windshield control shaft  24  and servo motor  36  (see  FIG. 3 ). A detailed view of the double sprocket  68  and the pair of chains  66  and  64  is illustrated in  FIG. 10B , which is a section view taken along line G-G of  FIG. 10A . 
         [0058]      FIG. 11  illustrates an enlarged isometric view of the top section of the twin wind turbine power system. As seen in  FIG. 11 , in contrast to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5  previously, the movable vanes  10  are shown in a retracted position while the movable windshields  14  are shown in an extended position. This is the configuration that is preferred when the twin wind turbines  4  and  6  are exposed to strong or heavy winds. This turbine blade area exposure to high winds is reduced and prevents the turbines  4  and  6  from rotating at undesirable speeds, which could tend to burn out alternator  34 .  FIG. 11  also illustrates double wheels  80  which are located at the top and bottom corners of the movable windshields  14  and enable them to travel laterally along the rims of the support frame  16 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 12  illustrates a top view of the twin wind turbine power system with turbine blades retracted and wind deflectors extended to accommodate high wind speeds. As seen in  FIG. 12 , contrary to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the movable vanes  10  are shown in retracted (outer) position and the movable windshields  14  are shown in extended position. In this manner, the turbines  4  and  6  are able to accommodate strong winds without being forced to rotate at unduly high speeds, which runs the risk of burning out the alternator  34 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 13  illustrates a detail of the main post connector assembly of the section illustrated by circled portion H of  FIG. 11 . Specifically,  FIG. 13  illustrates how the sections of the twin turbine support shaft  26  are assembled together by means of sets of first and second collars  82  and  84  and securing bolts  86 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 14  illustrates a rear isometric view of the telescopic main post installation procedure. As seen in  FIG. 14 , because of the telescoping shaft design  88 , it is possible to erect the twin wind turbine system as illustrated in  FIG. 1  in stages. When constructing the twin wind turbine system, the first shaft  88  is initially elevated and the twin wind turbines  4  and  6 , including respective pairs of stationary vanes  8  and movable vanes  10 , lateral windcatchers  12 , windshields  14  and support frame  16 , as well as wind direction vane  30 , are installed in place on the shaft  88 . Subsequently, shaft  89  is then raised into an upright extended position, which in turn raises shaft  88  and the supported structure vanes  8  and  10 , windcatchers  12 , and shafts  14  and support frame  16 . Once shaft  89  is raised, the accompanying supporting structural turbine assembly is then secured to shaft  89 . Successively, shafts  90  and  92  are then raised into position and the accompanying turbine components are secured to those shafts. 
         [0062]      FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of an optional twin turbine power system with the fixed and movable vanes pivoted away from the turbine blades in the leeward position. As seen in  FIG. 15 , the stationary vanes  8  and movable vanes  10  are pivotally fixed to the respective turbines  4  and  6  at the leading edges. Thus, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the stationary vanes  8  and movable vanes  10  can pivot away from the respective turbine blades  4  and  6  when in the leeward position and enable the turbines to catch back draft wind currents. This enhances the overall wind catching power of the turbines  4  and  6 . 
         [0063]    While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.