GB2603800A

GB2603800A - Apparatus for generating electricity

Info

Publication number: GB2603800A
Application number: GB2102089.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Teasdale Colin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-15
Filing date: 2021-02-15
Publication date: 2022-08-17
Also published as: GB202102089D0; WO2022172013A1

Abstract

An apparatus for generating electricity for attachment to a physical structure, eg a building, eg to the pitched roof of a house or to the corner of two walls, comprises a housing 12 having first and second housing portions 14, 16 inclined at an angle to each other, eg forming an inverted V-shape. Each housing portion 14, 16 has a passage 20, 40 with wind openings 22/24, 26/28 and one or more wind energy harvesting devices, eg turbines, 30, 60 each having an output shaft 34, 64 eg extending through an opening 170, 172 in the base 110, 112 of the housing portion 14,16 to a generator 180, 182. The housing portions (1014, 1016, fig.7) may be pivotally connected by a lockable hinge (1200) which is covered by a sealing member (1300). The invention may include only one housing portion 14 and wind energy harvesting device 60 having an output shaft extending through the base.

Description

Title: Apparatus for generating electricity

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating electricity. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus that utilises wind energy to generate electricity.

Typically houses or other dwellings and commercial properties, such as offices and other buildings, run off power that is provided to them by the power grid to power appliances within the property and to heat the property. For example, electricity and gas supplies are run to houses so that houses may be powered and heated. Some properties, however, do not have such an electrical or gas supply and so there is a need for them to produce their own supplies. Typically this is achieved through the use of an apparatus for generating electricity such as a fuel powered generator or other energy generation means. An issue with such generators is that they run off fossil fuels and so are polluting. Therefore, there is a general desire to provide alternative energy generators for buildings that are not on the grid.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for generating electricity.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for generating electricity for attachment to a physical structure, including: a housing including: a first housing portion including: a first internal passage defined by the housing; and first and second openings in fluid communication with the first internal passage through which wind may pass, in use, wherein the first and second openings define a first axis A; and a second housing portion attached to the first housing portion including: a second internal passage defined by the housing; and third and fourth openings in fluid communication with the second internal passage through which wind may pass, in use, wherein the third and fourth openings define a second axis B; a first wind energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the first internal passage, wherein the first wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind in a plane P1 and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members effect rotation of the output shaft; a second wind energy harvesting device, for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the second internal passage, wherein the second wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind in a plane P2 and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members effect rotation of the output shaft; and wherein the first axis is inclined at an angle to the second axis.

The members of the first wind energy harvesting device may rotate about an axis R1.

The members of the second wind energy harvesting device may rotate about an axis R2.

The axes R1 and R2 may be parallel or coaxial with the axes A and B respectively.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for generating electricity for attachment to a physical structure, the physical structure having a first generally planar surface which is inclined at an angle to a second generally planar surface, including: a housing, including: a first housing portion including: a first internal passage defined by the housing; and first and second openings in fluid communication with the first internal passage through which wind may pass, in use; wherein the first and second openings define a first axis A; and a second housing portion attached to the first housing portion including: a second internal passage defined by the housing; and third and fourth openings in fluid communication with the second internal passage through which wind may pass, in use; wherein the third and fourth openings define a second axis B; a first wind energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the first internal passage, wherein the first wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members rotate within a plane P1 to effect rotation of the output shaft; a second wind energy harvesting device, for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the second internal passage, wherein the second wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members rotate within a plane P2 effect rotation of the output shaft; and wherein the plane P1 intersects the first and second openings, and the plane P2 intersects the third and fourth openings.

The plane P1 may be inclined at an angle to the plane P2.

The housing may include a base for connection to the physical structure.

The base may include a first base portion which forms part of the first housing portion.

The base may include a second base portion which forms part of the second housing portion.

The first base portion may be generally planar The second base portion may be generally planar.

The first base portion may be parallel or generally parallel to the plane P1.

The second base portion may be parallel or generally parallel to the plane P2.

The first base portion may include a first output shaft opening. The output shaft of the first wind energy harvesting device may extend through the first output shaft opening.

The second base portion may include a second output shaft opening. The output shaft of the second wind energy harvesting device may extend through 25 the second output shaft opening.

The housing may include a top connected to the base.

The top may include a first top portion which forms part of the first housing portion.

The top may include a second top portion which forms part of the second housing portion.

The first top portion may be generally planar.

The second top portion may be generally planar.

The first top portion may be generally parallel to the first base portion.

The second top portion may be generally parallel to the second base portion.

The housing may include a fifth opening in communication with the second opening.

The fifth opening may extend across the first top portion.

The housing may include a sixth opening in communication with the fourth opening.

The sixth opening may extend across the second top portion.

The respective members of the first and/or second wind energy harvesting devices may lie wholly within the respective first and/or second internal passages The first housing portion may have first and second respective sides, the second side may be positioned closer to the second housing portion than the first side.

The first opening may be positioned at the first side of the first housing portion.

The second opening may be positioned at the second side of the first housing portion.

The second housing portion may have first and second respective sides, the second side may be positioned closer to the first housing portion than the first side.

The third opening may be positioned at the first side of the second housing portion.

The fourth opening may be positioned at the second side of the second housing portion.

The or each wind energy harvesting device may be a wind turbine.

The apparatus may include a generator, or a plurality of generators, operably connected to the or each wind energy harvesting device for generating electricity from the energy harvested by the or each wind energy harvesting device The apparatus may include a plurality of first wind energy harvesting devices in the first internal passage.

The apparatus may include a plurality of second wind energy harvesting devices in the second internal passage.

The plurality of first wind energy harvesting devices may be positioned along an axis which is orthogonal to the first axis A. The plurality of second wind energy harvesting devices may be positioned along an axis which is orthogonal the second axis B. The base may be configured to be attached to an outer surface of the physical structure to at least partially define a further space between the base and the outer surface of the physical structure when attached. A generator may be received in the further space.

The first housing portion may be pivotally connected to the second housing portion for altering the angle formed between the axes A and B. The apparatus may include a hinge member connected to the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

The apparatus may include a sealing member which extends between the first and second housing portions and covers the hinge member, said sealing member for sealing the hinge member and preventing the ingress of liquid.

The apparatus may include a locking member for locking the hinge member in a fixed position.

The first base portion may be inclined at an angle to the second base portion.

The first base portion may be inclined at an angle to the second base portion from at least 40 degrees; 50 degrees; 60 degrees; 70 degrees; or 80 degrees.

The first base portion may be inclined at an angle to the second base portion from at most 140 degrees; 130 degrees; 120 degrees; 110 degrees; 100 degrees; or 90 degrees.

The first base portion may be inclined at an angle of 90 degrees to the second base portion.

The axis A and/or the plane P1 may be inclined at an angle to the axis B and/or the plane P2 from at least 40 degrees; 50 degrees; 60 degrees; 70 degrees; or 80 degrees.

The axis A and/or the plane P1 may be inclined at an angle to the axis B and/or the plane P2 from at most 140 degrees; 130 degrees; 120 degrees; 110 degrees; 100 degrees; or 90 degrees.

The axis A and/or the plane P1 may be inclined at an angle of 90 degrees to 10 the axis B and/or the plane P2.

The second aspect of the invention may include one or more or all of the features of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide an apparatus for generating electricity for attachment to a physical structure, including: a housing including: an internal passage defined by the housing; a base for connection to the physical structure; and first and second openings in fluid communication with the internal passage through which wind may pass, in use; a wind energy harvesting device, for harvesting energy from wind, mounted within the first internal passage, wherein the wind energy harvesting 25 device includes members for rotation by wind in a plane P1 and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members effect rotation of the output shaft; wherein the output shaft extends through an opening in the base.

The first and second openings may define a first axis A which is generally parallel to a generally planar surface of the physical structure.

The base may be parallel or generally parallel to the plane Fl.

The housing may include a generally planar top connected to the base.

The top may be generally parallel to the base.

The apparatus may include a further opening in communication with the second opening.

The further opening may extend across the top.

The members of the wind energy harvesting device may lie wholly within the internal passage.

The housing may include first and second generally opposite sides.

The first opening may be positioned to the first side of the housing.

The second opening may be positioned to the second side of the housing.

The apparatus may include a further opening in fluid communication with the second opening.

The further opening may be positioned in a top of the housing.

The further opening may be positioned on the second side of the housing.

The further opening may be positioned adjacent the second opening.

The wind energy harvesting device may be a wind turbine.

The apparatus may include a plurality of wind energy harvesting devices in the internal passage.

The plurality of wind energy harvesting devices may be positioned along an axis which is orthogonal to the first axis A. The third aspect of the invention may include one or more or all of the features of the first and/or second aspects of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a combination of a physical structure and an apparatus according to any one of the first, second or third aspects of the invention.

The physical structure may be a building including a pitched roof.

The apparatus may be positioned at an apex of the pitched roof.

The physical structure, or building, may include first and second walls which 20 form an edge.

The apparatus may be positioned on the edge.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, 25 with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a top view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of figure 1 along the line X-X; Figure 3 is a further cross-sectional view of the apparatus of figure 1 along the line X-X; Figure 4 is a further cross-sectional view of the apparatus of figure 1 along the line X-X; Figure 5 is a further cross-sectional view of the apparatus of figure 1 along the line X-X; Figure 6 is a further cross-sectional view of the apparatus of figure 1 along the line X-X; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is an enlarged view of the hinge member 1200 and sealing member 1300 of figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a physical structure including an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further physical structure including an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to figures 1 to 6 there is provided an apparatus 10 for generating electricity. The apparatus 10, in use, is attached to a physical structure such as, for example, a roof of a house or on the edge of a building where first and second sides of the building meet to form an edge.

The apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 which includes first and second housing portions 14, 16. The first and second housing portions 14, 16 are substantially the same. In other embodiments this may not be the case. For example, the first and second housing portions may differ without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first and second housing portions 14, 16 are inclined at an angle with respect to each other. In other words, the first and second housing portions 14, 16, in cross-sectional view (as shown in figure 2), form an inverted V shape. In particular, the housing 12 is generally shaped as a V-shaped prism. This is advantageous as it permits the housing 12 to be installed at an apex of a roof or on an edge of a building whilst maintaining a low profile. The housing 12 also includes a base 11 for connection to the physical structure and a top 13 connected to the base 11. The base 11 is configured to be attached to an outer surface of the physical structure to at least partially define a further space between the base 11 and the outer surface of the physical structure when attached. One or more generators may be received in the further space as explained in more detail below.

The first housing portion 14 includes a first generally planar base portion 110, which forms part of the base 11, and a first generally planar top portion 130 which forms part of the top 13. The first base portion 110 is connected to the first top portion 130. The first top portion 130 is generally parallel to the first base portion 110. The first base portion 110 and/or first top portion 130 are generally rectangular in plan view. The first housing portion 14 is generally rectangular cuboid-shaped and extends along an elongate axis W1. The first housing portion 14 includes first and second ends 144, 146 which are connected by respective sides 140, 142 which extend therebetween and are spaced apart in a widthwise direction. .. The first and second respective sides 140, 142 and/or first and second respective ends 144, 146 extend between and connect the first base portion 110 to the first top portion 130.

The second housing portion 16 includes a second generally planar base portion 112, which forms part of the base 11, and a second generally planar top portion 132 which forms part of the top 13. The second base portion 112 is connected to the second top portion 132. The second top portion 132 is generally parallel to the second base portion 112. The second base portion and/or second top portion 132 are generally rectangular in plan view. The second housing portion 16 is generally rectangular cuboid-shaped and extends along an elongate axis W2. The second housing portion 16 includes first and second respective ends 164, 166 which are connected by respective sides 160, 162 which extend therebetween and are spaced apart in a widthwise direction. The first and second respective sides 160, 162 and/or first and second respective ends 164, 166 extend between and connect the second base portion 112 to the second top portion 132.

Referring to figure 2, the first housing portion 14 includes a first internal passage 20 which is defined, at least partially, by the first housing portion 14. The first internal passage 20 in particular is formed as a cavity in the first housing portion 14, e.g. as a space defined by the internal surfaces of the top portion and base portion. The first housing portion 14 includes first and second openings 22, 24 at respective sides 140, 142 and the first internal passage 20 is in fluid communication with the first and second openings 22, 24. The first internal passage 20 extends lengthwise across the first housing portion 14 along axis W1 between ends 144, 146 and extends in a widthwise direction across the first housing portion 14 between the first and second sides 140, 142.

In use wind enters the first housing portion 14 through the first or second opening, passes through the first internal passage 20 and exits through the other of the first or second opening. The first internal passage 20 extends in a depthwise direction between the first base portion 110 and the first top portion 130. The first internal passage 20 is generally elongate and may lie in a plane parallel to the first base portion 110 and/or the first top portion 130.

The first and second openings 22, 24 define a first axis A along which the first internal passage 20 extends. The first and second openings 22, 24 extend across the first housing portion 14 and are formed as elongate slots in the housing 10 in the present embodiment. In particular, the first and second openings 22, 24 extend across the first and second sides 140, 142 between, and up to, the first and second ends 144, 146. The first and second openings 22, 24 and/or the first and second sides 140, 142 of the first housing portion 14 lie in planes which are parallel with respect to each other. Referring to figure 3, the first and second openings 22, 24 lie in respective planes 01, 02 which are orthogonal to the first axis A which extends between the first and second openings 22, 24.

A first wind energy harvesting device 30 for harvesting energy from wind is positioned in the first housing portion 14. In particular the first wind energy harvesting device 30 is mounted in the first internal passage 20.

The first wind energy harvesting device 30 includes members 32 which may, in particular, be aerofoils and a first output shaft 34 is connected to the members. The members 32 are for rotation of the first wind energy harvesting device 30 by wind which passes through the first internal passage 20 to effect rotation of the first output shaft 34. The members 32 of the first wind energy harvesting device 30 lie wholly within the first internal passage 20. In other embodiments, the entire first wind energy harvesting device 30 may be lie wholly within the first internal passage 20.

The aerofoils 32 of the first turbine 30 lie in a plane P1 (see figure 3). The plane P1 extends parallel to the first internal passage 20. The plane P1 is parallel or coaxial with the axis A. The plane P1 intersects the first and second openings 22, 24. The plane P1 is also orthogonal to the planes 01, 02, and, in particular, the first and second openings 22, 24. The plane P1 is parallel to the first base portion 110 and/or the first top portion 130. Providing the first turbine 30 in this configuration has an advantage in harvesting wind energy whilst providing an unobtrusive and sleek design of the apparatus 10.

The first output shaft 34 has a main rotational axis R1 about which the aerofoils 32 rotate in use. The main rotational axis R1 is orthogonal to the plane P1. The main rotational axis and/or the first output shaft 34 are generally elongate and extend transversely with respect to axis A. The main rotational axis R1 and/or the first output shaft 34 extend between the first top portion 130 and the first base portion 110.

The first base portion 110 includes a first output shaft opening 170. The first output shaft 34 of the first turbine 30 extends through the first output shaft opening 170. A first generator 180 is operably connected to the first output shaft 34 outside the first housing portion 14. In embodiments the first generator 180 may form part of the apparatus 10. In embodiments a plurality of first generators 180 may form part of the apparatus. In particular, the first base portion 110 includes first and second respective sides wherein the first side faces in a direction towards the first internal passage 20 and the second side faces in a direction away from the first internal passage 20 which is generally opposite the first side. The generator 180 is positioned to the second side.

The provision of a first output shaft opening 170 in the first base portion 110 is advantageous as it permits easy access to, and maintenance and replacement of the generator 180 and first output shaft 34.

In other embodiments the first wind energy harvesting device 30 may be positioned differently in the first internal passage. For example, the main rotational axis R1 may be parallel or coaxial with the axis A without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A plurality of first wind energy harvesting devices 30, in particular first turbines, may be provided in the first internal passage 20. In the present embodiment two wind energy harvesting devices 30, or two turbines, are provided in the first internal passage 20. However, it should be appreciated that more or fewer first wind energy harvesting devices 30 could be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. The plurality of first wind energy harvesting devices 30 are positioned along an axis W1 that bisects the ends 144, 146 (in other embodiments they may be positioned differently) which is generally orthogonal to the first axis A and/or parallel to the planes 01, 02 and/or the first and second openings 22, 24. In other words, the plurality of first wind energy harvesting devices 30 may be positioned along an axis W1 which extends in a direction parallel to the sides 140, 142.

Referring to figure 2, the second housing portion 16 includes a second internal passage 40 which is defined, at least partially, by the second housing portion 16. The second internal passage 40 in particular is formed as a cavity in the second housing portion 16, e.g. as a space defined by the internal surfaces of the top portion and base portion. The second housing portion 16 includes third and fourth openings 26, 28 at respective sides 160, 162 and the second internal passage 40 is in fluid communication with the third and fourth openings 26, 28. The second internal passage 40 extends lengthwise across the second housing portion 16 along axis W2 between ends 1664, 166 and extends in a widthwise direction across the second housing portion 16 between the first and second sides 160, 162.

In use wind enters the second housing portion 16 through the third or fourth 30 opening, passes through the second internal passage 40 and exits through the other of the third or fourth opening. The second internal passage 40 extends in a depthwise direction between the second base portion 112 and the second top portion 132. The second internal passage 40 is generally elongate and may lie in a plane parallel to the second base portion 112 and/or the second top portion 132.

The third and fourth openings 26, 28 define a second axis B along which the second internal passage 40 extends. . The third and fourth openings 26, 28 extend across the second housing portion 16 and are formed as elongate slots in the housing 10 in the present embodiment. In particular, the third and fourth openings 26, 28 extend across the first and second sides 160, 162 between, and up to, the first and second ends 164, 166. The third and fourth openings 26, 28 and/or the first and second sides 160, 162 of the second housing portion 16 lie in planes which are parallel with respect to each other. Referring to figure 4, the third and fourth openings 26, 28 lie in respective planes 03, 04 which are orthogonal to the second axis B which extends between the third and fourth openings 26, 28.

A second wind energy harvesting device 60 for harvesting energy from wind is positioned in the second housing portion 16. In particular the second wind 20 energy harvesting device 60 is mounted in the second internal passage 40.

The second wind energy harvesting device 60 includes members 62 which may, in particular, be aerofoils and a second output shaft 64 connected to the members. The members 62 are for rotation of the second wind energy harvesting device 60 by wind which passes through the second internal passage 40 to effect rotation of the second output shaft 64. The members 62 of the second wind energy harvesting device 60 lie wholly within the second internal passage 40. In other embodiments, the entire second wind energy harvesting device 60 may be lie wholly within the second internal passage 40.

The aerofoils 62 of the second turbine 60 lie in a plane P2 (see figure 4). The plane P2 extends parallel to the second internal passage 40. The plane P2 is parallel or coaxial with the axis B. The plane P2 intersects the third and fourth openings 26, 28. The plane P2 is also orthogonal to the planes 03, 04, and, in particular, the third and fourth openings 26, 28. The plane P2 is parallel to the second base portion 112 and/or the second top portion 132. Providing the second turbine 60 in this configuration has an advantage in harvesting wind energy whilst providing an unobtrusive and sleek design of the apparatus 10.

The second output shaft 64 has a main rotational axis R2 about which the aerofoils 62 rotate in use (see figure 4). The main rotational axis R2 of the second output shaft 64 is orthogonal to the plane P2. The main rotational axis R2 of the second output shaft 64 and/or the second output shaft 64 are generally elongate and extend transversely with respect to axis B. The main rotational axis R2 and/or the second output shaft 64 extend between the second top portion 132 and the second base portion 112.

The second base portion 112 includes a second output shaft opening 172. The second output shaft 64 of the second turbine 60 extends through the second output shaft opening 172. A second generator 182 is operably connected to the second output shaft 64 outside the second housing portion 16. In embodiments the second generator 182 may form part of the apparatus 10. In embodiments a plurality of second generators 182 may form part of the apparatus 10.

In particular, the second base portion 112 includes first and second respective sides wherein the first side faces in a direction towards the second internal passage 40 and the second side faces in a direction away from the second internal passage 40 which is generally opposite the first side. The second generator 182 is positioned to the second side.

The provision of a second output shaft opening 172 in the second base portion 112 is advantageous as it permits easy access to, and maintenance and replacement of the second generator 182 and second output shaft 64.

In other embodiments the second wind energy harvesting device 60 may be positioned differently in the second internal passage. For example, the main rotational axis R2 may be parallel or coaxial with the axis B without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A plurality of second wind energy harvesting devices 60, in particular second turbines, may be provided in the second internal passage 40. In the present embodiment two wind energy harvesting devices 60, or two turbines, are provided in the second internal passage 40. However, it should be appreciated that more or fewer second wind energy harvesting devices 60 could be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The plurality of second wind energy harvesting devices 60 are positioned along an axis W2 that bisects the ends 164, 166 (in other embodiments they may be positioned differently) which is generally orthogonal to the first axis B and/or parallel to the planes 03, 04 and/or the third and fourth openings 26, 28. In other words, the plurality of second wind energy harvesting devices 60 may be positioned along an axis W2 which extends in a direction parallel to the sides 160, 162.

Referring to figure 6, the first axis A is inclined at an angle a to the second axis B. In other words, the plane P1 is also inclined at an angle a to the plane P2.

This is advantageous because it enables the housing 12 to be positioned at an apex or edge of a building or physical structure and to have a relatively low profile in respect to surfaces of the physical structure. This causes the apparatus 10 to be less visually obtrusive and therefore able to be installed more easily. The angle a between the first and second axes A, B and/or the angle between the plane P1 and the plane P2 in the present embodiment of figures 1 to 6 is the same as the internal angle p formed by the apex of the roof to which it is attached. In embodiments the angle formed may differ to, or be slightly smaller or larger than, the apex to permit easier fitment of the apparatus to the roof or to permit fitment to a greater range of roofs. The angle formed may depend on the portion of the building to which the apparatus is attached. For example, the angle may differ depending on if the apparatus 10 is attached to an internal structure of the roof, i.e. truss members, or to tiles of the roof. The angle formed may be from at least 40 degrees; 50 degrees; 60 degrees; 70 degrees; or 80 degrees. The angle a between the first and second axes A, B and/or the angle between the plane P1 and the plane P2 may be from at most 140 degrees; 130 degrees; 120 degrees; 110 degrees; 100 degrees; or 90 degrees without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In addition, the first base portion 110 is inclined at an angle y to the second base portion 112. In the present embodiment of figures 1 to 6 the angle y is the same as the internal angle p formed by the apex of the roof to which the base 12 is attached. This is to permit easy fitment of the base 12 to an apex of a roof of a house, or for fitment over a side of a flat roof and a wall of a building. In embodiments the angle y formed may differ to, or be slightly smaller or larger than, the apex to permit easier fitment of the apparatus to the roof or to permit fitment to a greater range of roofs. The angle y formed may depend on the portion of the building to which the apparatus is attached. For example, the angle may differ depending on if the apparatus 10 is attached to an internal structure of the roof, i.e. truss members, or to tiles of the roof. In embodiments the first base portion 110 may be inclined at an angle to the second base portion 112 from at least 40 degrees; 50 degrees; 60 degrees; 70 degrees; or 80 degrees. In embodiments the first base portion 110 may be inclined at an angle to the second base portion 112 from at most 140 degrees; 130 degrees; 120 degrees; 110 degrees; 100 degrees; or 90 degrees without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The angle y between the first and second base portions 110, 112 and the angle a between the first and second axes A, B and/or the plane P1 and the plane P2 in the present embodiment are the same. However, in embodiments they may differ without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring to figures 1 and 5, the first top portion 130 includes a fifth opening 90 which is in communication with the second opening 24. The fifth opening 90 is generally elongate and extends across the outwardly facing surface of the first top portion 130 and is positioned adjacent the second side 144 of the first housing portion 14. The housing portion includes a further opening 90' that is identical to the fifth opening and is provided on the opposite surface of the first top portion, i.e. the inwardly facing surface thereof. The first top portion includes a passage that extends between the fifth opening and further opening 90'. The further opening 90' is positioned adjacent the second opening 24 and in communication therewith. In particular the fifth opening 90 extends parallel to the axis W1 between the first and second ends 144, 146 of the first housing portion 14 to a similar width as the first turbine 30. In the present embodiment a plurality of fifth openings 90 are provided. In particular a fifth opening 90 is positioned above each first turbine 30. In embodiments only a single fifth opening 90 may be provided for the or each first turbine 30.

The second top portion 132 includes a sixth opening 92 which is in communication with the fourth opening 28. The sixth opening 92 is generally elongate and extends across the outwardly facing surface of the second top portion 132 and is positioned adjacent the second side 164 of the second housing portion 16. The housing portion includes a further opening 92' that is identical to the sixth opening and is provided on the opposite surface of the second top portion, i.e. the inwardly facing surface thereof. The second top portion includes a passage that extends between the sixth opening and further opening 92'. The further opening 92' is positioned adjacent the fourth opening 28 and in communication therewith. In particular the sixth opening 92 extends parallel to the axis W2 between the first and second ends 164, 166 of the second housing portion 16 to a similar width as the second turbine 60. In the present embodiment a plurality of sixth openings 92 are provided. In particular a sixth opening 92 is positioned above each second turbine 60. In embodiments only a single sixth opening 92 may be provided for the or each second turbine 60.

Figure 7 shows a second embodiment in accordance with the present invention. Features which are in common with the first embodiment have been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 1000. Those features will not be discussed again here.

As explained above, the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016, in cross-sectional view (as shown in figure 2), form an inverted V shape. The first housing portion 1014 is pivotally connected to the second housing portion 1016. This permits an angle between the first and second axes A, B to be altered.

The apparatus 1010 includes a hinge member 1200 which is connected to both the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016. In particular, the hinge member 1200 is connected to the respective first and second base portions 1110, 1112 of the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016. The hinge member 1200 is also connected at respective second sides 1142, 1162 of the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016.

The hinge member 1200 may have a generally elongate axis H about which the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016 pivot. The generally elongate axis is generally orthogonal to the first and second axes A, B and generally parallel to the first and second wind turbines axes W1, W2. In embodiments this may not be the case.

The hinge member 1200 extends along the generally elongate axis parallel to the respective second sides 1142, 1162 of the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016. The hinge member 1200 may also extend up to the respective first and second ends 1144, 1164, 1146, 1166 of the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016.

A plurality of hinge members may be provided along the respective second sides 1142, 1162 of the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016 without departing from the scope of the present invention. The plurality of hinge members may be evenly spaced along the respective second sides 1142, 1162.

The apparatus may include a sealing member 1300 which extends between the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016 and covers the hinge member 1200. The sealing member 1300 prevents the ingress of liquid into the hinge member 1200. The sealing member 1300 is a gasket and may include a waterproof material such as PVC. The sealing member 1300 extends along the generally elongate axis of the hinge member 1200 between the respective second sides 1142, 1162 of the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016 between the first and second respective ends 1144, 1164, 1146, 1166 of the first and second housing portions 1014, 1016. Referring to figure 7, the sealing member 1300 includes first and second respective protrusions 1302, 1304 which are received in first and second respective recesses 1306, 1308 in the first and second base portions 1110, 1112. The protrusions and/or recesses 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308 extend axially along the generally elongate axis, though this need not necessarily be the case. The protrusions 1302, 1304 in side cross-sectional view include a generally circular portion connected to an end of a generally rectangular portion. The recesses 1306, 1308 in side cross-sectional view include a generally circular portion connected to an end of a generally rectangular portion. The protrusions may be a push-fit into the recesses.

The apparatus 1010 includes a locking member 1400 for locking the hinge member 1200 in a fixed position. The locking member 1400 may, in particular, be a threaded bolt which can be turned to lock the hinge member 1200 in a fixed position.

According to a third embodiment in accordance with the present invention the apparatus may include only the first housing portion 14 and first wind energy harvesting device 30 as described in relation to the first embodiment in accordance with the present invention. As explained in respect of the first embodiment the base 110 includes an output shaft opening 170 through which the output shaft 34 of the turbine 30 extends. The first generator 180 is then operably connected to the first output shaft 34 outside the first housing portion 14. This is advantageous as it permits easy access to, and maintenance and replacement of the generator 180 and first output shaft 34. Other combinations of features discussed in relation to the first housing portion 14 or first wind energy harvesting device 30 may be included in the third embodiment.

Referring to figure 9 there is shown a combination of a physical structure and an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

The physical structure 2000 is a house, e.g. a domestic dwelling. In other embodiments the physical structure may be a wall or other building structure. The house 2000 includes a pitched roof 2002. The pitched roof 2002 includes first and second respective sides 2004, 2006 which extend towards each other and meet at an apex 2008. An apparatus 10 in accordance with the first embodiment is provided at the apex. In the present embodiment a plurality of apparatus 10 are provided at the apex positioned adjacent each other. In embodiments a space may be provided between the apparatus 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The angle between the first and second axes A, B and/or the angle between the plane P1 and the plane P2 is the same as the angle formed by the apex 2008 of the roof 2002 to which it is attached. In embodiments the angle between the first and second axes A, B and/or the angle between the plane P1 and the plane P2 may differ to, or be slightly smaller or larger than, the angle of the apex 2008 to permit ease of fitment or to permit fitment to a range of roofs.

In addition, the first base portion 110 is inclined at an angle to the second base portion 112. In the present embodiment the angle is the same as the angle formed by the apex 2008. This permits easy fitment of the apparatus 10 to the apex 2008. In embodiments the angle between the first base portion 110 and the second base portion 112 may differ to, or may be slightly smaller or larger than, the angle of the apex 2008. This may be to provide ease of use to fit to a range of different roofs.

Ridge tiles for the roof may then, optionally, be positioned on the top 13 of the apparatus 10. In embodiments an apparatus in accordance with the second and/or third embodiments may also, or alternatively, be positioned on the apex 2008 of the pitched roof 2002.

The house 2000 also includes first and second walls 2010, 2012. The first and second walls 2010, 2012 extend towards each other and form an edge 2014. An apparatus 10 in accordance with the first embodiment is positioned on the edge 2014. In embodiments, an apparatus in accordance with the second and/or third embodiments may also, or alternatively, be positioned on the edge 2014.

Referring to figure 10 there is shown a combination of a further physical structure and an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

The physical structure 3000 is a building having a generally planar roof, e.g. an office or a flat roofed extension to a house. Alternatively the building may be a wall. The building 3000 includes a flat roof or generally planar top surface 3006. The physical structure 3000 also includes a first wall 3010. The generally planar top surface 3006 and the first wall 3010 extend towards each other and form an edge 3014. The generally planar top surface 3006 and the wall 3010 may extend towards each other and form an angle of 90 degrees at the edge 3014. An apparatus 10 in accordance with the first embodiment is positioned on the edge 3014. In the present embodiment a plurality of apparatus 10 are provided at the edge 3014 positioned adjacent each other. In embodiments a space may be provided between the apparatus 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The first base portion 110 of the apparatus 10 in the present embodiment is inclined at an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the second base portion 112 to permit a secure fitment of the apparatus 10 at the edge 3014. In embodiments, an apparatus in accordance with the second and/or third embodiments may also, or alternatively, be positioned on the edge 3014.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for generating electricity for attachment to a physical structure, including: a housing including: a first housing portion including: a first internal passage defined by the housing; and first and second openings in fluid communication with the first internal passage through which wind may pass, in use, wherein the first and second openings define a first axis A; and a second housing portion attached to the first housing portion including: a second internal passage defined by the housing; and third and fourth openings in fluid communication with the second internal passage through which wind may pass, in use, wherein the third and fourth openings define a second axis B; a first wind energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the first internal passage, wherein the first wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind in a plane P1 and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members effect rotation of the output shaft; a second wind energy harvesting device, for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the second internal passage, wherein the second wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind in a plane P2 and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members effect rotation of the output shaft; and wherein the first axis is inclined at an angle to the second axis.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the members of the first wind energy harvesting device rotate about an axis R1 and/or the members of the second wind energy harvesting device rotate about an axis R2, wherein the axes R1 and R2 are parallel or coaxial with the axes A and B respectively.
3. An apparatus for generating electricity for attachment to a physical structure, the physical structure having a first generally planar surface which is inclined at an angle to a second generally planar surface, including: a housing, including: a first housing portion including: a first internal passage defined by the housing; and first and second openings in fluid communication with the first internal passage through which wind may pass, in use; wherein the first and second openings define a first axis A; and a second housing portion attached to the first housing portion including: a second internal passage defined by the housing; and third and fourth openings in fluid communication with the second internal passage through which wind may pass, in use; wherein the third and fourth openings define a second axis B; a first wind energy harvesting device for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the first internal passage, wherein the first wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members rotate within a plane P1 to effect rotation of the output shaft; a second wind energy harvesting device, for harvesting energy from wind mounted within the second internal passage, wherein the second wind 30 energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members rotate within a plane P2 effect rotation of the output shaft; and wherein the plane P1 intersects the first and second openings, and the plane P2 intersects the third and fourth openings.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plane P1 is inclined at an angle to the plane P2.
5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the housing includes a base for connection to the physical structure, said base including: a first base portion which forms part of the first housing portion; and a second base portion which forms part of the second housing portion; optionally wherein the first base portion is generally planar; and/or wherein the second base portion is generally planar.
6 An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the first base portion is parallel or generally parallel to the plane P1 and/or the second base portion is parallel or generally parallel to the plane P2.
7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the first base portion includes a first opening and the output shaft of the first wind energy harvesting device extends therethrough; and/or wherein the second base portion includes a second opening and the 25 output shaft of the second wind energy harvesting device extends therethrough.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the housing includes a top connected to the base, said top including: a first top portion which forms part of the first housing portion; and a second top portion which forms part of the second housing portion; wherein the first top portion is generally planar; and/or wherein the second top portion is generally planar.
9. An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the first top portion is generally parallel to the first base portion; and/or wherein the second top portion is generally parallel to the second base portion.
10. An apparatus according to claim 8 or 9 wherein the housing includes a fifth opening in communication with the second opening; wherein the fifth opening extends across the first top portion; and/or a sixth opening in communication with the fourth opening, wherein the sixth opening extends across the second top portion.
11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the respective members of the first and/or second wind energy harvesting devices lie wholly within the respective first and/or second internal passages.
12. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first housing portion has first and second respective sides, the second side being positioned closer to the second housing portion than the first side; wherein the first opening is positioned at the first side of the first housing portion; and/or wherein the second opening is positioned at the second side of the first housing portion.
13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the second housing portion has first and second respective sides, the second side being positioned closer to the first housing portion than the first side; wherein the third opening is positioned at the first side of the second housing portion; and/or wherein the fourth opening is positioned at the second side of the second housing portion.
14. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the or each wind energy harvesting device is a wind turbine; and/or including a generator, or a plurality of generators, operably connected to the or each wind energy harvesting device for generating electricity from the energy harvested by the or each wind energy harvesting device.
15. An apparatus according to any preceding claim including a plurality of first wind energy harvesting devices in the first internal passage and/or a plurality of second wind energy harvesting devices in the second internal passage.
16. An apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the plurality of first wind energy harvesting devices are positioned along an axis which is orthogonal to the first axis A; and/or the plurality of second wind energy harvesting devices are positioned along an axis which is orthogonal the second axis B.
17. An apparatus according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 5 wherein the base is configured to be attached to an outer surface of the physical structure to at least partially define a further space between the base and the outer surface of the physical structure when attached, and wherein a generator is received in the further space.
18. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first housing portion is pivotally connected to the second housing portion for altering the angle formed between the axes A and B.
19. An apparatus according to claim 18 including a hinge member connected to the first housing portion and the second housing portion; optionally including a sealing member which extends between the first and second housing portions and covers the hinge member, said sealing member for sealing the hinge member and preventing the ingress of liquid; and/or including a locking member for locking the hinge member in a fixed position.
20. An apparatus according to any preceding claim when dependent, directly or indirectly, on claim 5 wherein the first base portion is inclined at an angle to the second base portion; and wherein the first base portion is inclined at an angle to the second base portion from at least 40 degrees; 50 degrees; 60 degrees; 70 degrees; or 80 15 degrees; and/or wherein the first base portion is inclined at an angle to the second base portion from at most 140 degrees; 130 degrees; 120 degrees; 110 degrees; 100 degrees; or 90 degrees; optionally wherein the first base portion is inclined at an angle of 90 20 degrees to the second base portion.
21. An apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the axis A and/or the plane P1 is inclined at an angle to the axis B and/or the plane P2 from at least 40 degrees; 50 degrees; 60 degrees; 70 degrees; or 80 degrees; 25 and/or wherein the axis A and/or the plane P1 is inclined at an angle to the axis B and/or the plane P2 from at most 140 degrees; 130 degrees; 120 degrees; 110 degrees; 100 degrees; or 90 degrees; optionally wherein the axis A and/or the plane P1 is inclined at an angle 30 of 90 degrees to the axis B and/or the plane P2.
22. An apparatus for generating electricity for attachment to a physical structure, including: a housing including: an internal passage defined by the housing; a base for connection to the physical structure; and first and second openings in fluid communication with the internal passage through which wind may pass, in use; a wind energy harvesting device, for harvesting energy from wind, mounted within the first internal passage, wherein the wind energy harvesting device includes members for rotation by wind in a plane P1 and an output shaft connected to the members, wherein the members effect rotation of the output shaft; wherein the output shaft extends through an opening in the base.
23. An apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the first and second openings define a first axis A which is generally parallel to a generally planar surface of the physical structure.
24. An apparatus according to claim 22 or claim 23 including one or more or all of the following features: a) the base is parallel or generally parallel to the plane P1; b) a generally planar top connected to the base; optionally wherein the top is generally parallel to the base; c) a further opening in communication with the second opening, wherein the further opening extends across the top; d) the members of the wind energy harvesting device lie wholly within the internal passage; e) first and second generally opposite sides, wherein the first opening is positioned to the first side of the housing; and/or wherein the second opening is positioned to the second side of the housing; optionally including a further opening in fluid communication with the second opening positioned in a top of the housing on the second side of the housing adjacent the second opening; f) wherein the wind energy harvesting device is a wind turbine; g) a plurality of wind energy harvesting devices in the internal passage; optionally positioned along an axis which is orthogonal to the first axis A.
25. A combination of a physical structure and an apparatus according to any preceding claim; optionally wherein the physical structure is a building including a pitched roof and wherein the apparatus is positioned at an apex of the pitched roof; 20 and/or wherein the building includes first and second walls which form an edge and wherein the apparatus is positioned on the edge.