AU723690B2

AU723690B2 - Wind driven turbine generator

Info

Publication number: AU723690B2
Application number: AU37484/97A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Robert Richards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-09-25
Filing date: 1997-09-10
Publication date: 2000-08-31
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-10
Also published as: AU3748497A

Description

VPATENT SPECIFICATION Australia John Robert Richards i'Wi d Driven Turbine Generator

S

S. a a.

a Patent Application Filing Date Inventor: 9 September 1997 John Robert Richards WIND DRIVEN TURBINE GENERATOR Technical Field The present invention relates to means for employing alternative energy sources and in particular to a wind driven transverse turbine connected to a generator.

Background of the Invention The current reliance on coal and petroleum products for the world's energy supplies is at significant expense to the environment with high levels of pollution and depletion of the ozone layer. With legislation being introduced around the world in attempts to minimise depletion of the ozone layer by gases produced in the combustion of coal and petroleum products and with natural resources of coal and oil gradually being consumed, there is a need to develop alternative, environmentally friendly sources of en~grqg.

The wind is a suitable inexhaustible and environmentally friendly source of energy which, if efficiently harnessed, can produce large quantities of electrical power. Currently available wind driven turbines connected to a generator rely on the flow of air through an impeller to harness the wind's energy which converts the rotational kinetic energy into electrical energy. Most of these existing wind turbines use impeller blades radially extendingspanwise about a central hub in an arrangement not unlike a standard aircraft propeller structure.

Naturally occurring wind is not provided at a constant speed, but pulses in gusts, typically in a wave like manner. This produces a ripple effect which is transmitted through the impeller blades of the current wind turbines to produce a varying frequency at the output of the± alternator/generator. The use of only two or three impeller blades prevents the build up of sufficient kinetic energy to smooth out the ripple effect.

Many currently available wind turbines are also relatively inefficient in harnessing the wind energy. If additional electrical output is desired, additional stand alone turbineunits with dedicated generators coupled to complicated interconnecting gear systems between units is required.

0000 00 OBJECT OF THE INVENTION 0000 •go• oo It is the object of the invention to use a 0 transverse turbine for greater versatility and increased •o application of wind driven turbines.

0**0 0 020 COMPARING WINDMILL PROPELLER DRIVEN TURBINES WITH TRANSVERSED DRIVEN TURBINES.

0 Cost per single unit or the amount of torque per single blade is one form when comparing efficiency.

Air is an inexhaustible supply, therefore efficiency is more truly related to a complete turbine installation with cost per kilo-watt hour (kwh).

WINDMILL PROPELLOR DRIVEN TURBINES There is only one dedicated design. Output varies with size and length of blades.

Additional electrical power requirements necessitate either multi unit wind farms or large impeller driven turbines which take them out of the cheapmass produced units into "specials" which can be prohibitively costly to produce and costly to transport and to instal. The impeller driven turbine is very limited in its application.

TRANSVERSE DRIVEN TURBINES Each unit can be mass produced. A plurality of units are simple to couple together forming a train which is then linked to a single generator or alternator.

A plurality of units forming a train can be mounted either in the vertical or horizontal plane. A single unit within a train can be removed for maintenance.

ooo S 20 TRANSVERSE TURBINE MULTI UNIT COST SAVING:- S. a. Turbine train coupled to one generator or alternator.

b. One mechanical structure for each train.

00•6 c. One concrete base.

9*9* oooo Sd. One set of electrical cables and ancillary equipment.

"25 e. Sub-assemblies as shown in drawings to lower cost *999 of manufacture, transport and installation.

Transverse driven turbines extend the versatility S" and application of electrical generators or alternators.

a. Multi unit turbine trains coupled to a generator mounted in the horizontal plane on high rise buildings.

b. The same turbine train mounted in the horizontal plane on factory roofs.

c. Multi unit turbine trains coupled to a generator mounted in the vertical plane. These units can be installed as a single or multiple group on a multi purpose float, located on the sea, lakes, dams or rivers.

d. A smaller version multi unit turbine generator mounted in the horizontal plane can be installed on mobile vehicles. Uses include battery charging for recreational purposes, refrigerated trucks.

e. Multi unit turbine trains coupled to a generator or alternator mounted either in the vertical or horizontal plane. Used to supply auxilliary electrical power requirements on all types of ships at sea.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION.

There is disclosed herein a wind turbine comprising:- A frustum of cone to control the wind flow. The word 20 "frusto-cone" will be used as an alternative to the full description "frustum of cone"throughout this specification.

The invention uses the surface of a cone to direct the incident air flow driving a plurality of blades rotating parallel to the frusto-cone.

25 The guide vanes attached to the frusto-cone force expended air from the rotating blades to flow out the smaller end of the frusto-cone. The expended air passes into thenormal air stream, bypassing the rotating blades passing at the rear of the frusto-cone.

30 The invention provides a cover over the rotating blades on the rear side of the frusto-cone. This prevents turbulent air causing a breaking action on the rotating blades passing through the dead zone at the rear of the turbine. The cover also assists the guide vanes attached to the frusto-cone to exhaust the expended air leaving the rotating blades.

A drive shaft rotatably mounted axially through the centre of the frusto-cone fitted with bearings at each end.

A coupling plate is fitted to the drive shaft to connect the generator or a second wind turbine drive shaft.

A plurality of rotor blades fixed to said drive shaft such that a trailing edge of each said rotor blade is generally parallel to the wall of said "frusto-cone".

Typically each of said rotor blades is attached at opposing span tips to first and second rotor frames, at least one of whichis fixedly mounted on said drive shaft.

Preferably each of said first and second rotor frames is constructed as a plurality of separate sectors which are adapted to be connected to each other during assembly about either of said drive shaft and said "frusto-cone" support tube. Typically a plurality of 20 guide vanes are fixed to the outer wall of the "frusto- -cone". Air flow directed on to the rotor blades applying torque, spills over to the "frusto-cone" wall. The guide vanes direct this air flow to the smaller end of the "frusto-cone" where it applies a small torque to the 25 booster fan. After leaving the trailing edge of the booster fan blades the air has dissipated its energy and passes into the normal air stream.

Typically a pluralityof collector guide vanes are provided about a front side of the periphery of said 30 rotor blades.

The collector guide vanes have several functions.

Sa. To guide the normal air stream onto said rotating blades at an optimum relatively constant angle of x_ attack.

6 b. To distribute the incident air over the entire length of each rotating blade.

c. To distribute the incident air flow simultaneously to each rotating blade over an area approximately 1800 of the "frusto-cone".

d. To increase the volume of air reaching the rotating blades by extending the guide vanes to increase the square area. This area is some multiple greater than the area equal to 1800 of the "frusto-cone".

Preferably each of said plurality of collector guide vanes is arranged such that, in use, a leading edge thereof is generally aligned with the expected prevailing wind direction and a trailing edge thereof is aligned at a constant angle with respect to said pluralityof rotor blades.

Preferably the rear cover and the said plurality of collector guide vanes are mounted as an assembly such that said assembly rotates with a weathercock effect.

O OB ot C. 0 0: Preferably said drive shaft includes a coupling on each end adapted to be coupled to a further said wind turbine unit via a drive shaft thereof, enabling multiple said wind turbine units to be coupled in a train. There is further disclosed herein a frame supporting said wind turbine train. A generator or alternator driven by said wind turbine train.

c o• APPLICATION OF WIND TURBINE GENERATOR OR ALTERNATOR:- Depending on application a wind turbine generator orho•on train can be mounted in either a vertical or horizontal position.

Preferably said wind turbine generator is installed on a hill side.

Preferably said wind turbine generator is installed on a cliff top.

Preferably said wind turbine generator is installed on a roof top.

Preferably said wind turbine generator is installed on a mobile vehicle.

Preferably said wind turbine generator is installed on ships at sea.

Preferably said wind turbine generator is installed on a multi purpose float. In use the float is secured to the bed of said body of water such that the float rotates under a weathercock effect such that said plurality of wind turbine generator units faces generally into the prevailing wind.

Preferably further wind turbine generator unit installations are connected to a further multi purpose float by a hinged boom member.

Preferably a jacking screw arrangement for maintenance of generators when a transverse wind driven generator multi unit train is installed in the vertical 20 position.

*as: o.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: S25 Figure 1 is a fragmentary sectioned front *too elevation view of a vertically mounted wind turbine 9rS* generator unit.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary front elevation view of a horizontally mounted wind turbine generator unit.

Figure 3 is a partial sectioned front elevation view of a wind turbine generator unit with the drive shaft and support tube fabricated in halves.

Figure 4 is a partial sectioned front elevation view of a drive shaft and support tube joint of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the drive shaft and support tube joint of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a front elevation view of a frustocone and guide vanes.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional plan view of a method of attaching guide vanes to a frusto-cone.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional plan view of another method of attaching guide vanes to a frusto-cone.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a rotor frame constructed in sectors.

Figure 10 is a fragmentary plan view of a section of another rotor frame constructed in sectors.

Figure 11 is a plan view of a booster fan.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary sectional side view of the booster fan of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a fragmentary sectional end view of the booster fan of Figure 11.

20 Figure 14 is a front elevation view of an alternator installation.

o o "Figure 15 is a partial front elevation view of a gearbox installation.

Figure 16 is a plan view of a wind turbine generator 25 unit including a collector guide vane and cover assembly •coo and steering rudders.

olao 7=--:.-Figure 17 is a side elevation view of the wind turbine generator unit of Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a front elevation view of a rail 30 truck and cover for rotatably mounting a collector guide vane and cover assembly.

cR, Figure 19 is a front elevation view of another rail track and cover for rotatably mounting a collector guide vane and cover assembly.

Figure 20 is a side elevation view of a vertical multiple wind turbine generator unit installation including swivel frames for mounting of collector guide vane and cover assemblies.

Figure 21 is a front elevation view of a vertical multiple unit tower installation.

Figure 22 is a plan view of the installation of Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a side elevation view of the installation of Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a side view of a hillside horizontal installation.

Figure 25 is a side view of a cliff top horizontal installation.

Figure 26 is a front elevation view of a horizontal multiple unit installation.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of an angled rooftop horizontal installation.

e 20 Figure 28 is a side elevation view of a high rise rooftop horizontal installation.

Figure 29 is a side elevation view of another high rise rooftop horizontal installation.

.9 Figure 30 is a plan view of a castal platform S 25 installation.

ooo° S:Figure 31 is a front elevation view of the '"coastal platform installation of Figure 32 is a side elevation view of the coastal platform installation of Figure S" 30 Figure 33 is a plan view of a multiple coastal platform installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS.

A wind generator unit 1 is provided with a frustocone 11 and a drive shaft 2 rotatably mounted concentric with the frusto-cone 11. The drive shaft 2 is adapted to be operatively associated with an alternator 34 so as to generate electricity when the drive shaft 2 is is rotated. Rotor blades 13 are fixed to the drive shaft 2 externally of the frusto-cone 11 so that a trailing edge 13a of each rotor blade 13 is generally parallel to the frusto-cone 11 wall. Mounting means are also provided to fixedly mount the frusto-cone on a fixed surface.

In a preferred embodiment as depicted in Figure 1, the drive shaft 2 is disposed within a frusto-cone support tube 3 with opposing ends extending therefrom.

The frusto-cone support tube 3 is fastened to a base surface such as a support beam 4, the ground or another such fixed surface via a flange 5 provided at an end of the support tube 3. A tapered load bearing assembly 6 is also secured to the support beam 4 and support tube flange The tapered roller bearing 6 supports the drive shaft 2 toward one end concentrically within the support tube 3.

A seal 7 is provided in the cavity between the drive shaft S2 and support tube 3 immediately above the tapered roller 25 bearing 6 to prevent moisture ingress therein. A drive go• shaft ball bearing assembly 8 is fastened to a further a..

'.'"flange 9 provided at the opposing end of the support tube 3 so as to secure the drive shaft 2 concentrically within the support tube 3. A protective boot 10 is 30 mounted on the drive shaft 2 immediately above the drive shaft ball bearing assembly 8 to protect it from moisture.

•oe S.If the wind turbine generator unit 1 is to be mounted horizontally (as depicted in Figure 2) the tapered roller bearing assembly 6 may be replaced with another drive 35 shaft ball bearing assembly 8 as axial loads will be greatly reduced without the weight of thewind generator unit 1. A cover 7a is provided in addition to the seal 7 to protect the bearing assembly 8. The cover 7a also acts as a mounting point for fastening to the support beam 4 which, in a horizontal installation, typically extends vertically from the ground or another such fixed base.

In a large installation the drive shaft 2 and support tube 3 may be fabricated in two halves and assembled on site. As shown in Figures 3 through 5, support tube halves 3a and 3b are joined by means of flanges provided on their ends. A predrilled sleeve 60 is welded on to the end of the drive shaft half 2a. The opposing drive± shaft half 2b is inserted into the sleeve 60 and bolts 61 are secured through corresponding holes in the sleeve and drive shaft half 2b. Access to the drive shaft joint is provided through opposing slots 62 in the support tube half 3b.

Returning to Figure 1, the frusto-cone 11 is fixed to the support tube 3 by a plurality of frusto-cone support spokes 65. The fixed frusto-cone 11 is mounted on the support tube 3 such that it tapers away from the support beam 4. A plurality of frusto-cone guide vanes 12 are here fixed to the frusto-cone 11 wall and are arranged such that, in use, air incident on the frusto-cone 11 is deflected toward the tapered end lla. In this embodiment 25 the frusto-cone guide vanes are generally parallel and are equally spaced around the circumference. The frustocone guide vanes 12 each extend along the length of the frusto-cone 11 offset at an angle to its longitudinal Saxis toward thetapered end 1la in a direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the drive shaft 2 as depicted in Figure 6. The frusto-cone vanes 12 may be fabricated with flanges 12a which may be riveted to the frusto-cone 11 as shown in Figure 7, or extruded such that extruded projections 12b interlock with locating members 12c provided on the frusto-cone 11 wall as shown in Figure 8. This arrangement allows 12 simple replacement of damaged frusto-cone vanes 12.

If the size of the frusto-cone 11 so dictates, it and the frusto-cone guide vanes 12 may be fabricated in sections to be assembled during installation.

In the preferred embodiment the plurality of rotor blades 13 are each attached at opposing span tips to first and second rotor frames 14,15 respectively. Each of the rotor blades 13 may be cambered in the same direction to increase the lift efficiency of each blade 13 and thereby increase the torque produced by the entire unit 1. In the current embodiment each of the rotor blades 13 has a span of approximately 8 metres. In such a large arrangement stiffeners 66 may be provided to connect adjacent rotor blades 13 part way along their span so as to increase the flexural stiffness of each rotor blade 13.

The first and second rotor frames 14,15 each contain a central hub 16,17 an outer ring 18,19 on which the ends of the trailing edge 13a of each of the rotor blades 13 are mounted and a series of spokes 20,21 connecting the hub 16,17 and the outer ring 18,19.

The rotor frames 14,15 may be constructed in sectors as shown in Figures 9 and 10 to facilitate transport and assembly of the rotor frames 14,15. According to Figure 9 each of the spokes 20,21 comprises two parallel arms which are fastened together when the rotor frame 14,15 is located in position, thereby forming the hub 16,17 and outer ring 18,19. According to Figure 10 separate spokes 20,21 are fastened to a unitary central hub 16, t 30 17. The first rotor frame 14 is rotatably mounted at :'"its hub 16 on the support tube 3 below the frusto-cone 11 by means of a rotor stabilising bearing assembly 22.

The second rotor frame 15 is fixedly mounted at its hub 17 on the frive shaft 2 above the frusto-cone 11 by means of a torque key 17a cooperating with corresponding slots in the hub 17 and drive shaft 2. The torque key 17a Stransfers torque from the rotor blades 13 to the drive shaft 2. The rotor frames 14,15 are sized such that the trailing edge 13a of each of the rotor blades 13 is parallel to the frusto-cone 11 wall and the frustocone guide vanes 12 leaving a small gap between the rotor blade trailing edge 13a and the frusto-cone guide vanes 12. The resulting mean outer diameter of the rotor blade assembly (as measured at a mid span position) is approximately 12 metres in the current embodiment, however the wind turbine generator unit 1 may be constructed on any scale within reason.

A booster fan 23 is provided on the drive shaft2 directly above the second rotor frame 15. Details of the booster fan are depicted in Figures 11 through 13.

Each of the fan blades 24 of the booster fan 23 spans from generally in line with the wall of the frustocone 11 to the leading edge 13b of each of the rotor blades 13. In the current embodiment each of the fan blades 24 comprises a cambered span section 24a and fences 24b at span tips of the span section 24a. The booster fan 23 is mounted on the drive shaft bymeans of upper and lower fan frames 25a, 25b fixed to the upper edge of each fan blade span section 24a and the lower edge of each inner fan blade fence 24b respectively. The upper and lower fan frames S 25 25b may be formed from multiple sectors in a similar manner to the rotor frames 14,15 to facilitate transport and assembly. The upper and lower fan frames 25a,25b are mounted on a central fan frame hub 25c which is in turn mounted on the drive shaft 2 by means of a fan 30 torque key 26. The booster fan 23 arrangement is such om that it is driven by air exhausted from the frustocone guide vanes 12 so as to increase the torque generated at the drive shaft 2.

Coupling members 27,28 are provided at opposing ends of the drive shaft 2, coupling member 27 being S"provided at the end adjacent to the booster fan 23 (the upper end for a vertical installation). Further wind turbine generator units 1 may be coupled in line with the existing wind turbine generator unit 1 by means of the coupling members 27,28. A multiple unit 14 assembly is thereby created to increase the output of the system. The support beam 4 securing the lower end (for a vertical installation) of each successive wind turbine generator unit 1 acts to secure the upper end of the wind turbine generator unit 1 directly therebeneath via the coupling members 27,28. For a single wind turbine generator unit 1 installation, a further support beam is required to secure the upper end (for a vertical installation) of the drive shaft 2. Likewise an additional support beam is required at the upper end of the uppermost wind turbine generator unit 1 in a multiple unit installation. Depending on the nature of the installation either single or multiple angularly displaced support beams 4 may be used the ends of successive wind turbine generator units 1 to ensure each wind turbine generator is rigidly supported. Each support beam 4 may be fastened directly to the ground or a similar fixed base or may be an integral member of a framework supporting a multiple unit installation.

The lower coupling member 28 of the lowermost wind turbine generator unit 1 in a vertical assemblyis coupled to an alternator input shaft 32. The alternator input shaft 32 drives an alternator 34 which is provided with an exciter 35. A hydraulic clutch 33 may be 25 installed in line between the drive shaft 2 and alternator input shaft 32, as shown in Figure 14, to maintain V synchronous speed input to the alternator 34. Similarly a gearbox 40 may be installed in line, as shown in Figure 15 to provide either a rotational speed increase 30 or decrease of the alternator input shaft 32 in relation

CC..

oo:to the drive shaft 2. In the embodiment depicted in ogio Figure 14 the alternator 34 is mounted via oscillation woo: dampers 36 on jacking screws 37 in turn mounted on pedestals 38. The jacking screws 37 simplify the 35 installation of the alternator 34 by enabling it to be easily raised into the correct position for coupling with the drive shaft 2. After coupling, chocks 39 may be fitted under the oscillation dampers 36 to support the weight of the alternator 34 on a fixed structure (not shown).

A collector guide vane and cover assembly 43, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, is typically provided around the periphery of the rotor blades 13, as depicted particularly in Figure 16 and 17. The cover portion 44 of the assembly 43 wraps partially around the rotor blades 13 through an arc of typically approximately 1800 around a rear face of the wind turbine generator unit 1, covering the full length of the rotor blades 13. Splayed extensions 44a, 44b of the cover extend forward of the wind generator unit 1 and act as an air scoop facing generally into the prevailing wind direction W. The tips of the cover extensions 44a, 44b typically cover a scoop width of the order of twice the mean frusto-cone 11 diameter.

A plurality of collector guide vanes 45 are disposed between the cover extensions 44a, 44b, each spanning the full length of the rotor blades 13. Each collector guide vane 45 is arranged such that the leading edge 45a is generally aligned with the expected prevailing wind direction at that point, and is twisted along its chord such that the trailing edge 45b is disposed adjacent to the path of the leading edges 13b "of the rotor blades 13 at an orientation which will guide wind travelling between the collector guide vanes 25 45 onto the rotor blades 13 at a positive angle of attack. Each of the collector guide vane trailing edges 45b is oriented substantially equally with respect 9* a.

to the adjacent tangent of the rotor blade 13 path, thereby providing a relatively consistent angle of ooo.

30 attack of wind incident on the rotor blades 13 over an arc of approximately 1800 between the cover extensions 44a and 44b. The collector guide vanes 45 thus can be optimised to provide maximum lift to each of the rotor blades 13 over half of the perimeter of the frusto- 35 conell.

Continuation of the cover 44 around the rear of the rotor blade assembly traps the air passing through Sthe collector guide vanes 45 and onto the rotor blades 13 such that the rotor blades 13 passing around the rear of the frusto-cone 11 are c ontinuously driven until the air passes out the top-,of the assembly and through the booster fan 23. Maximum use is therby made of the wind energy caught within the cover extensions 45a,45b.

If the wind generator unit 1 is to be installed in a vertical orientation, then the collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 should preferably be mounted on the unit 1 such that the assembly 43 rotates with a weathercock effect. As the wind direction changes, the leading edge 45a of each of the collector guide vanes 45 and the cover extensions 44a,44b should face generally into the wind to maximise the wind energy acting on the rotor blades 13 with a resultant maximum drive shaft 2 torque and alternator output. A steering rudder 42 or rudders as depicted in Figures 16 and 17 may be used to provide the weathercock effect.

Figures 16 through 19 show a rail track arrangement which may be employed to support the rudder 42 and collector guide and cover assembly 43. A circular rail track 46 is provided concentrically about the drive shaft 2, and in the embodiment depicted in Figures 16 and 17 is secured to the ground beneath the single wind generator unit 1. Wheels 48 are fixed to the steering rudder 42 and collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 and engage the rail track 46 such that the rudder 42 and collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 is free to rotate about frusto-cone 11, with the steering rudder 42 maintaining the collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 pointing into the wind. The individual collector guide vanes 45, cover 44 and steering rudder 42 are held in 30 a fixed relation so that the entire assembly 43 rotates as a single structure. A track cover 49 (see Figure 18) or 50 (see Figure 19) may be utilised to protect the rail track 46 from dirt and debris.

Other simple mechanisms may also be employed to allow the collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 to maintain its position relative to the wind. In a multiple unit 0-7' ssembly as shown in Figure 20 each collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 is mounted on upper and lower swivel frames 47 may be rotatably mounted on the support beams 4, support tube 3 or drive shaft 2 with a bearing assembly (not shown).

If the wind generator unit 1 is to be mounted horizontally, then the inlet guide vane and cover assembly 43 may be fixed, with the drive shaft 2 of the wind generator unit 1 generally aligned perpendicularly to the prevailing wind direction. There is hence no need for a rudder 42, rail track 46 or swivel frame 47 assembly mount in a horizontal installation.

In use, the wind turbine generator unit 1 is assembled in an area with high prevailing winds either with its longitudinal axis in a vertical or horizontal orientation as discussed above. The collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 guides incident wind caught between the cover extensions 44a and 44b onto the rotor blades 13 at a relatively constant angle of attack over approximately 1800, thereby enabling efficient driving of the rotor blades 13 over this entire region. In the embodiments depicted the rotor blades are driven in an anticlockwise 9direction. The cover 44 also entraps air which has passed through the collector guide vanes 45 adjacent to the cover 9999 extension 44a, preventing it from escaping out of the 25 rear of the unit 1, thereby effectively driving rotor blades a 13 further around the back of the unit beyond the area of direct incident air at the front of the unit 1. The og rotating rotor blades 13 drive the drive shaft 2 through :the second rotor frame 15 and torque key 17a.

As wind passes over the trailing edge 13a of each rotor blade 13, it impinges on the surface of the frustocone 11, thereby preventing turbulent air from passing a through the unit 1 and interfering with the rotor blades 13 as they pass around the rear of the unit 1. The frustocone guide vanes 12 along with the tapered surface of the frusto-cone directs the turbulent air around and towards 18 the tapered end lla of the frusto-cone 11 where it exhausts through the booster fan 23, rotating the same to assist in driving of the drive shaft 2. When only a small air gap is left between the rotor blades 13 and frusto-cone guide vanes 12 a small back pressure is created. The back pressure forms a barrier to the free flow of air from the trailing edge of the rotor baldes. The effect of this back pressure and the incident wind is a higher resultant air pressure on the rotor blades 13 with a resultant increase in torque. The back pressure also accelerates air between the frusto-cone guide vanes 12 toward the tapered end lla of the frusto-cone 11, thereby increasing the air pressure driving the booster fan 23.

Rotation of the drive shaft 2 drives the alternator 34 which converts the rotational movement into electrical energy for consumption as required. The rotational inertia of the rotor blades 13 and rotor frames 14, tends to have a flywheel effect and thereby smooths out ripples caused by fluctuations in the wind. Several wind turbine generator units 1 can be coupled in line to drive a single alternator 34.

e *Several typical installations are depicted in .Figures 21 through 33. Figures 21 through 23 depict a vertical multiple unit tower installation. Several wind 25 turbine generator units 1 are coupled in line and are ""mounted vertically in a tower structure 70 built on the ground. Support beams 4 secure each wind turbine generator unit 1 within the tower structure 70 as described above.

:eo 3 An alternator 34 installation as described with reference roo• 30 to Figure 14 is housed in an underground control room 71 directly beneath the tower Figures 24 through 26 depict typical horizontal installations on a hillside 72 or cliff top 73. Wind 99999* accelerates up hillsides 72 and over the tops of cliffs 73 and hence horizontal installations in such locations can be very effective in harnessing the increased wind 19 energy available. The incident wind direction with respect to the horizontal will vary across the diameter of the unit 1 close to the ground in such locations as the cliff 73 or hillside 72 will deflect the wind at ground level.

The collector guide vanes 45 in a horizontal installation may be individually fine tuned with respect to the local wind angle of incidence. An apron 74 may be provided to ,oin the cover extension 44a to the ground in front of each wind turbine generator unitl to account for any uneven terrain77 and ensure that wind passing along the ground is deflected toward the wind generator units 1. In the multiple unit installation shown in Figure 26 the alternator 34 and a control cabinel 75 are enclosed in a control room 76 to protect them from the external environment. Several such installations may be made spaced up a hill side as shown in Figure 24.

Figures 27 through 29 depict horizontal installations suitable for commercial, light industrial or domestic housing applications on a roof top. Figure 27 shows a multiple unit installation mounted on the apex of an angled roof 78. Figures 28 and 29 show installations on the roof top of a high rise building 79. The roof top 9 .9 installation is similar in effect to the cliff top installation of Figure 73 utilising wind that accelerates 25 up the side of the building 79. A second line 80 of a wind turbine generator units 1 may be installed on the S• roof behind a first line 81 as shown in Figure 29 to maximise output. The second line 80 should be installed *Pee higher than the first line 81, and may be tilted back to generally face wind flowing over the top of the 30 first line 81. A hood 82 may be installed on the second line 80 to capture wind passing directly overhead.

A coastal platform 90 suitable for supplying power to grid networks is depicted in Figures 30 through 33.

A multi-purpose float 91 is provided on which is assembled a supporting structure 92 for housing an array of wind Sturbine generator units 1 comprising several multiple unit vertical installations mounted side by side.

Cover extensions 45a, 45b of units 1 mounted side by side join at their leading edges to maximise the amount of wind energy harnessed by the array. Each vertical installation generates electricity through an alternator located in a housing 93 on the deck of the multipurpose float. Electricity generated is fed from the alternators 34 through a submarine cable to a power grid on shore.

The multi-purpose float 91 is secured to the sea bed 96 by means of a sea anchor 94 and chain 95 secured to a front edge of the multi-purpose float 91. Positioning of the chain 95 at the front edge of the multi-purpose float 91, assisted by the shape of the multi-purpose float 91, results in a weather cock effect whereby the multi-purpose float rotates about the sea anchor 94 in a similar way to a yacht about a mooring so that the wind turbine generator units 1 will always point generally into the wind. A swivelling collector guide vane and cover assembly 43 is hence not required, with a simple fixed assembly 43 being adequate. The chain also prevents the entire platform 90 from tipping over under wind pressure.

*0*6 Several platforms 90 may be connected using hinged .booms 97 as depicted in Figure 33. Each boom 97 is fixed 25 to the side or rear of a multi-purpose float 91 to be secured. Further platforms 90 may be branched out to I°"t create a substantial power supply, limited only by the load sustainable by th e sea anchor 94, chain 95 and ""hinged booms 97.

It becomes apparent from above that the possible installations and applications of the current invention 999* are many and varied. Smaller single wind turbinegenerator units are suitable for use in the leisure market with applications in auxiliary power supply for boats, caravans or off road four wheel drives. Larger multiple unit installations can be used to provide power in domestic, commercial or light industrial applications. Even larger arrays built in high wind land areas or on platforms at sea could be used for large scale power supply to grid networks, reducing the need for fossil fuels and overcoming some of the inefficiencies and impracticalities of currently available wind turbine driven generators.

*o *o

Claims

1. A wind driven transverse turbine generator comprising: a frusto-conically shaped fixed member, a drive shaft rotatably mounted concentric to said fixed member and adapted to drive an alernator, a plurality of rotor blades fixed to said drive shaft "..externally of said fixed member such that a trailing edge of each rotor blade is closely adjacent to and 10 generally parallel to the frusto-conical wall of said fixed member, and wherein guiding means are provided on the frusto conical surface to guide air which has passed between the rotor blades to the smaller end of the fixed member. 15

2. A wind driven transverse generator as defined in "claim 1 wherein a plurality of collector vanes concentrate the wind onto said rotor blades.

3. A multiple wind driven transverse generator comprising a plurality of turbines as defined in claim 1, having a single drive shaft driving a single electrical generator or alternator.

4. A multiple wind driven transverse generator as defined in claim 3 wherein said plurality of turbines are arranged on a single vertical drive shaft and wherein there is a jacking screw arrangement for installation and maintenance thereof.

A multiple wind driven transverse turbine generator as defined in claim 2 wherein the generator;is mounted upon a float being secured to a sea anchor in such a manner that the turbines thereon are free to continually face into the prevailing wind.

6. A wind driven transverse turbine generator as defined in claim 1 constructed in a number of sub assemblies to reduce cost of manufacture, transport and assembly. SDate 30.5.2000 INVENTOR: JOHN ROBERT RICHARDS