GB2616410A - Vertical axis wind turbine - Google Patents

Abstract

A non-horizontal (e.g. vertical) axis wind turbine 100 comprising a plurality of turbine modules each having a rotor that may operate independently. The turbine may have rotors with rotor blades A1 on arms A3 that are adjustable via linear servomotors A2. The rotors may rotate about a common shaft. The wind turbine may comprise wind intake and outlet portion B2-B5, B6 with a catchment structure that is of a size/width greater than the diameter of the rotor. The intake portion may comprise an open and closing members B2-B3 e.g. intake doors.

Description

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine The present invention relates to a vertical axis wind turbine.

When the term "vertical axis wind turbine" is used below, it should be taken to mean a wind turbine whose axis of rotation is vertical, substantially vertical or near vertical, with respect to a site of the wind turbine.

Background

In the global energy landscape, a transition is taking place in which renewable energy, especially wind, is taking an advantageous position in the market. It is in this energy that technology is becoming more mature, and the price of energy production has drastically reduced in recent years.

Although, when we mention wind energy, we are only talking about horizontal axis turbines, usually three blades, as they are the most common on the market. These turbines are getting bigger and bigger, they are better from the point of view of reliability in operation, as well as in maintenance, which makes them the most competitive means of exploiting electrical energy so far, based in renewable sources.

But there are also other less known turbines, especially in high power units (more than 1 MW), we are referring to vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT for short).

Currently, there are VAWT models on the market, but with 35 small power, models designed for off-grid systems and small power installations in windy places, where these small power turbines are a viable alternative to photovoltaic installations.

Since the 1970s there have been several attempts, by different companies, to build high power units (more than 1MW) but to date, a turbine that is considered as a serious alternative to the existing horizontal shaft technology has not yet been achieved.

That the engineers have not taken, successfully, this path in high power machines, is mainly due to the possible disadvantages existing in this type of turbines, disadvantages that have not been resolved to date and which are those mentioned, as follows: -Some types of VAWT need self-start.

- They have less performance than the three-bladed equivalent.

- They work in a lower wind range, which makes them less productive. 25 -The braking system, in case of emergency, is not effective.

- The necessary structure is not so robust, which produces undesirable vibrations in the system, reducing the lifetime of the turbine, as well as increasing maintenance.

Therefore, it becomes a great challenge to be able to design a high power VAWT that avoids all these problems and thus be able to compete or take part of the immense market, in some way, with the existing technology.

In the embodiments described below, it will be explained how 35 all these points are addressed, in an effective way, achieving a safe vertical axis turbine, with high performance and, therefore, high productivity.

Embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a vertical axis wind turbine which addresses one or more of 10 the aforementioned problems.

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended 15 thereto.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wind turbine comprising a plurality of turbine modules, each having a rotor, the rotors being arranged for 20 rotation about a common, non-horizontal axis.

In a preferred arrangement, the modules are arranged to operate independently.

The axis is preferably arranged to be substantially vertical in use. The or each rotor may be arranged for rotation about a common, or co-axial, shaft extending substantially axially.

Preferably, the rotors each comprise a plurality of rotor blades. At least some of the rotor blades are mounted movably with respect to the axis of rotation. The or each rotor blade may comprise a variable pitch blade. One or more of the rotor blades is preferably mounted for rotational movement about an axis which is substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the rotor itself. The moveable/variable pitch rotor blades allow for their orientation to be adjusted, for example so that the blade may be presented optimally to an incident wind.

In a preferred arrangement, the turbine comprises a plurality of rotor arms on which the rotor blades are mounted. The blade may be moveably mounted on the arm, more preferably to permit variation in the pitch of the blade. More preferably, the blade is mounted for pivotable movement on the arm. In a preferred arrangement, movement of the blade is controlled by an actuator, which may comprise any of (but not limited to) a hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical or electrical actuator.

One or more of the arms may be supported on a skate. The skate is preferably arranged in use to move over a supporting surface. In a preferred arrangement, the skate comprises a wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, or in addition, the skate may comprise a low-friction vehicle. The skate may be arranged to move across the supporting surface in a track.

In a preferred arrangement, each module has a rotor, a plurality of rotor arms, a plurality of rotor blades and one or more skates arranged to move across a track. The modules are preferably arranged in use to be stacked, substantially coaxially.

The turbine may include a wind catchment structure that may comprise a wind intake, and the turbine may include a wind 35 outlet portion. The wind intake may include a moveable wind intake portion that is preferably moveable with respect to the rotor and may include one or more fixed wind intake portions.

The wind catchment structure is preferably of a size/width 10 greater than a diameter of the rotor and more preferably greater than the distance between tips of the rotor blades at opposed sides of the rotor.

The moveable wind intake portion may comprise at least one 15 openable closure member/door arranged to control the flow of wind to the or each rotor.

In a preferred arrangement, the orientation of the or each moveable wind intake portion is moveable with respect to the 20 rotor to deflect incoming wind, thereby to present the wind optimally to the rotor blades.

The or each wind intake portion is preferably shaped to deflect incoming wind optimally towards the rotor blades.

In a preferred arrangement, the shape of the or each wind intake portion is curved in one or more axes. More preferably, the or each wind intake portion has a shape profile that is curved with respect to axes X and/or Y that are substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The wind intake portion may be curved in an XY plane. Still more preferably, the or each wind intake portion is curved with respect to an axis Z that is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The curvature of the wind intake portion may be in a XZ and/or YZ plane.

The or each fixed wind intake portion may be in the form of a column extending along an axis substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotor. Preferably, there is a plurality of fixed wind intake portions spaced substantially circumferentially with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor.

The turbine preferably includes a wind outlet portion for wind to exit the turbine. The wind outlet portion preferably includes a plurality of columns which may extend substantially parallel with the axis of rotation of the rotor(s). The columns are preferably arranged substantially circumferentially with respect to the turbine. In a preferred arrangement, the column has a radially innermost extent and a radially outermost extent. Preferably, a distance between the radially innermost extents of a pair of adjacent columns is less than a distance between the radially outermost extents of the pair of columns. The gap, being wider at the radially outermost extent encourages wind to exit the turbine.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vertical axis wind turbine having a wind intake portion and a wind outlet portion, wherein the wind intake portion includes a wind catchment structure that is of a size/width greater than a diameter of the rotor and more preferably greater than the distance between tips of the rotor blades at opposed sides of the rotor.

The wind catchment structure may comprise one or more wind 35 intake portions according to any statement herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular vertical axis wind turbine, wherein each module containing a rotor and a stator, as well as electromechanical components for the generation of electrical energy.

The rotor preferably comprises a plurality n blades, more preferably between two and seven blades, still more preferably five blades, fixed to n arms and oriented by means of n electro-actuators, as well as the entire assembly fixed by means of a connector to a main shaft.

The main axis is preferably supported by a hub by means of preferably two sets of bearings, preferably in addition to supporting one or more of an emergency brake, a parking brake 20 -blocker -Turner and/or the coupling.

From the coupling mentioned above, the mechanical or hydraulic transmission starts, which transmits the mechanical power to the generator.

The stator preferably comprises a horizontal element that serves as a base for fixing the vertical elements, as well as the intake doors and the maintenance door.

The horizontal element preferably rigidly supports the intake column, the fixed intake blades, the output columns and the access system.

Preferably, on the horizontal element, the intake doors and 35 the maintenance door rotate.

The intake doors are preferably curved in the direction of the X, Y and Z axes.

The maintenance door is preferably constructed in the form of a grill allowing air to pass through it without offering 10 resistance.

The emergency brake fixed to the main shaft may also be installed on the skates that support the blades.

The skates preferably move along a track, which may be of one or more different types, including but not limited to: - a skate that contains wheels and the track a mechanical track.

- a magnetic skate and magnetic track that produces levitation.

- a cryogenic track with an icy surface in which the skateboard is a metal plate that slides across said surface, with minimal friction.

- a pipeline that contains pressurized air, letting it escape through holes, the skateboard being a plank that levitates using pressurized air.

The vertical axis and modular wind turbine preferably has common elements including one or more of (but not limited to): a control room, low voltage cells, electricity storage, 35 a transformation room, as well as the necessary devices to evacuate the generated energy and receive command and communications.

The vertical axis and modular wind turbine may have living space at the base and/or on the top or it may be installed 10 on top of an existing or planned building to house the turbine.

The vertical axis and modular wind turbine can work in duplex mode rotating around a cylindrical tower That could 15 accommodate the most convenient use.

The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of 20 features as are mutually exclusive, Or mutually inconsistent.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the 25 accompanying diagrammatic drawings, at least some of which are schematic in nature, in which: Figure 1: Top view module: Top view of the module showing the open intake doors and the closed maintenance door; Figure 2: Top view stator: Top view of the module showing all the components related to the stator, the open intake doors and the closed maintenance door; Figure 3: Top view rotor: Top view of the rotor where the top view of the hub is also shown; Figure 4: comparison between C-rotor and turbine: Top view of a type C rotor and the patent turbine where the relative 10 size of the catchment area is compared between two machines of the same diameter; Figure 5: Intake area top view detail: Top view of the intake area showing open the intake doors 32 and 33; Figure 6: Intake area partial top view detail: Top view of the intake area showing open the intake door 32; Figure 7: module top view -50% power: Top view intake door 20 B2 open and intake door 33 closed; Figure 8: module top view machine stopped: Top view intake doors 32 and B3 closed; Figure 9: module top view maintenance mode: Top view maintenance door 38 open and intake doors 32 and 33 closed; Figure 10: top view outlet detail: Outlet detail showing measurements on internal and external section of the columns 30 36; Figure 11: Active real-time pitch attack angle regulation: Top view admission area showing intake doors 32 and 33 in open position and a fictitious/hypothetical blade in three 35 different positions; Figure 12: Vertical internal view module (mechanical transmission version): In this view mechanical devices are shown to deliver mechanical power to the generator; Figure 13: Vertical internal view module (Hydrostatic 10 transmission system): In this view hydraulic devices are shown to deliver mechanical power to the generator; Figure 14: Detail cross section intake door B2 (Position A): In this cross section is shown the blade immediately to get in the intake area; Figure 15: Detail cross section intake door B2 (Position B): In this cross section is shown the blade with 40% of the surface in the intake area; Figure 16: Detail cross section intake door B2 (Position C): In this cross section is shown the blade with 80% of the surface in the intake area; Figure 17: Detail cross section intake door B2 (Position D): 25 In this cross section is shown the blade with all the surface in the intake area; Figure 18: Vertical internal view floor level and underground installations; Figure 19: Vertical view turbine 'n' modules (underground installations not shown) Figure 20: As Figure 19, with usable space on the top; Figure 21: As Figure 19, With usable space on the bottom; Figure 22: Duplex layout, With usable space and installations above the ground (Side view); Figure 23: Duplex layout, With usable space and installations above the ground (Cross section): The same turbine, but symmetrical, using the usable space as rotation axle; Figure 24: Layout turbine fitted on top of a building; Figure 25: Venturi effect details: In the figure 25A and 25B is shown how Venturi effect works, and in the figure 250 is shown how Venturi effect works in a hydraulic turbine such as of the Francis-type; Figure 26: Emergency braking system: In the figure 26A is shown emergency brake system fitted on the main shaft and in the figure 26B is shown emergency brake system fitted on the skate; Figure 27: Detail mechanical set skate-track; Figure 28: Detail magnetic set skate-track; Figure 29: Detail cryogenic set skate-track; and Figure 30: Detail air jockey table set skate-track.

There follows a description of an embodiment of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), beginning with a list of its parts and then a description of the part and its function, with reference to the drawings.

Below is a list of parts in the exemplary embodiment(s) shown in the drawings: Al. Blade A2. Orientation linear servomotor A3. Arm A4. Hub connector 15 A5. Skate El. Base plate B2. Intake door number 1 B3. Intake door number 2 B4. Column intake area 20 B5. Fix intake blades B6. Column outlet area B7. Service gallery Be. Maintenance door B9. Track Cl. Hub C2. Main shaft C3. Bearing block C4. Emergency brake (Main shaft position) C5. Parking brake / blocker / turning system 30 C6. Coupling C7. Mechanical drive train C8. Gearbox C9. High speed shaft C10. Generator Cli. Low speed hydraulic pump 012. Pipe system transmission 13. High speed hydraulic motor 14. Accumulator 15. Emergency brake system (skate position) C15A. Electromagnet 0155. Fixed braking plate 0150. Mechanical support Dl. Columns D2. Yaw system D3. Control room 15 D4. Low voltage room D5. Storage power room D6. Transformer room D7. Slipring evacuation power D8. Slipring control and communications 20 D9. Transmission line D10. Control and communication line D11. Lightning wire D12. Rotary connection lightning wire D13. Lightning rod Due to the fact that some of the components described above are of large relative size, they will be manufactured in sections, so that these sections will be easy to transport by conventional means, so that they will be assembled in situ, in order to achieve the whole component.

These components are as follows: Base plate (131), intake doors (B2, B3), service gallery (57), maintenance door (88) & rail (B9) Note 2. Set of mechanical elements that are part of the mechanical transmission shown in Figure 12.

Note 3. Set of mechanical elements that are part of the hydrostatic transmission shown in Figure 13.

Note 4. Once the components of the mechanical transmission system (see Figure 12) and the hydrostatic transmission system (see Figure 13) have been described, we can conclude that both systems are suitable for this type of wind turbine, with the strengths and weaknesses that each of the energy transmission systems may have.

Note 5. In some descriptions is mentioned the PLC. That means Programable Logic Controller, which is a device well known in automation systems and used for control of processes and machines.

Al. Blade This is the mechanical component in charge of collecting the kinetic energy of the wind and by means of the appropriate curvature deflect its trajectory and thus achieve a force that will be exerted on the arm (A3) to achieve motor torque.

Each module has five (5) units fixed in its central area to the arms (A3), at the bottom, each one rests on a skate (A5). Both, in the central fixation and in the lower one there will be the appropriate mechanism that allows a certain rotation, in order to allow adequate orientation, as explained in the section 'Active real-time pitch attack angle regulation technology', as can be seen in the figure 11.

A2. Orientation linear servomotor As explained in the section 'Active real-time pitch attack angle regulation technology' and as can be seen in the figure 11, the blades (Al) need to be oriented at the optimal angle of attack, depending on the position of the blade (Al) on the travel within the admission area.

For this, between each blade (Al) and each arm (A3) the electromechanical component orientation linear servomotor will be installed, linked to a positioning system and a PLC, which controls its position and angle of attack at each moment of the travel.

A3. Arm See Figure 1.

This is the mechanical component in charge of collecting the force coming from the Blade (Al) and transferring the motor torque to the hub connector (A4). In addition, it will support the linear orientation of the servomotor (A2).

At the outer end, it will have a component that will serve as a fixation and allow the rotation of the blade (A1), as well as another component that will serve as a fixation and will allow the rotation of the linear orientation of the servomotor (A2).

At the central end it will have the necessary mechanical components for fixing to the hub connector (A4).

A4. Hub connector This is the mechanical component in charge of collecting the motor torque from the five (5) arms (A3) and transferring this motor torque to the main shaft (C2). In addition to the component itself, it will have all the necessary accessories (bolts, nuts, etc.) for a safe and effective fixing of the assembly.

For a better understanding of this explanation, see top view in the Figure 1 and side view in the Figures 12 or 13. Note that in the Figures, only the main components are shown and the subcomponents such as bolts, etc are omitted as necessary in the interests of brevity and clarity.

AS. Skate This is a mechanical component where the blade (Al) rests and that moves on the track (B9).

The skate-track set, at first glance we can associate it with a set of wheels fixed to a chassis and moving on a mechanical track. But we should not necessarily associate it with this design, since there could be other totally different types of skate-track set based on other technologies. The adoption of different technologies will depend on the performance to be achieved, and especially on the environment where the turbine will be located.

For example, a purely mechanical skate-track set would adapt well to any environment, but if we go to more technologically sophisticated ideas, such as a magnetic skate track, where 35 the skate levitates on a track of electromagnetics controlled by a PLC, or a cryogenic track where the friction surface is a layer of ice and the skate is a polished sheet of metal that slides with minimal friction, or the track is a pipeline where air under pressure is allowed to escape through a set of holes. In a controlled manner and on this pressurized air levitates a skate similar to an air hockey table.

We can see these different versions in the Figures 27, 28, 29 and 30.

B1. Plate base See Figure 2 and note 1.

Each module consists of a rotor and a stator. These in turn are divided into components, some of which will be fixed to the base plate (B1) that will act as a chassis.

On this base plate (B1) elements such as B4, B5, E6 and E9 20 are rigidly fixed.

Other elements, such as the intake doors (B2, B3) and the maintenance door (B8) will be fixed to the base plate (B1), but allowing an angular movement, that is, they will only be 25 fixed through an axis of rotation.

Furthermore, the hub (Cl) as a turning element of the rotor will also be rigidly fixed to the base plate (31).

B2 and 33. Main door number 1 and number 2 See note 1.

Although doors B2 and 33 are different, they are not even symmetrical, but because they have the same function in the whole module, we will define them in the same section as if 35 they were the same constructive element.

The doors 52 and B3 have different functions depending on the operating mode of the module and this function is described below: -Module stopped (see section 'machine stopped, independent module' or 'machine under maintenance, independent module) If the operating conditions so recommend it, as well as in the event of shutdown for maintenance, doors 52 and B3 will be in the closed position (see Figure 8) -Module 100% power (see section 'machine in operation 100%) If the operating conditions so recommend, doors B2 and B3 will be in the open position (see Figure 1) -Module 50% power (see section 'machine in operation 50%) If the operating conditions so recommend, door 52 will be open and door 53 will be closed (see Figure 7) The doors will be fixed to the base plate 31 with the necessary mechanical sub-components, as well as motorized for the closing and opening function, in addition to the electromechanical locks that are opportune so that the position is adequate at all times.

It is important to note that both doors have a curved shape in the sense of the three Cartesian axes (X, Y, Z). If we visualize the doors from the top (see Figure 1 or 9) it is 35 clear that the doors are curved in the axes (X, Y), that is to say horizontally, and simply by looking at the drawings it is easy to deduce the reason of this curvature. But not so obvious is the curvature that both doors (B2 and B3) have in the sense of the Cartesian axis (Z), that is to say vertical direction, the curve is more accentuated as we approach the area where both doors pivot, in other words, where the doors in the open position (see Figure 1) are close to the travel of the blades (Al).

To further clarify this curvature in the direction of the Cartesian axis (Z): In Figure 6, we can see a section A-B indicated at the end of the door B2. To see this section, we have to refer to Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17. In these Figures we can perfectly see the section of door B2, which is curved in the vertical sense, that is, in the sense of the Cartesian axis (Z). The main reason of this curvature, due to the blade (Al) being completely straight in the Cartesian axis (Z), is that when the blade enters into the intake area, any unwanted vibration or aerodynamic noise is avoided. That happens because the blade (Al) is taking high speed wind in a progressive way, due the curvature of the door in the Cartesian axis (Z). That is easy to understand looking at Figures 14, 15, 16 and 17.

B4. Column intake area This is a structural element, which works as a column, and also, at the same time, because it is in the wind intake area, must be designed with a cross section as aerodynamic as possible, so that it offers the least resistance to the passage of the wind. Therefore, the cross section must be the closest thing to teardrop, as can be seen in the different drawings showing the top view. (see Figures 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11) This column will be rigidly fixed, in the lower and upper part, to the base plate (B1) with the appropriate mechanical 10 elements.

B5. Fixed intake blades See Figures 1, 2, 5, 6 & 11 There are an indefinite number of components, in the design we can see four (4) units on each side of the intake area column (B4) destined to partially deflect the direction of entry of the wind, and thus achieve the best possible incidence of this against the rotor and thus obtain a better performance. These will be rigidly fixed, in the lower and upper part, to the base plate (B1) with the appropriate mechanical elements.

B6. Column outlet area Opposite to the air inlet area, we have the wind outlet area, 25 in which the outlet area columns (B6) are located, fixed rigidly to the base plate (B1) and positioned radially. In the embodiment shown we can see fourteen (14) units.

In addition to being a structural element, functioning as a support, because they are positioned in the wind outlet area, they have an aerodynamic function. This means that its design contributes to being efficient, aerodynamically speaking. For a better explanation of this we have to refer to Figure 10 and the explanation of Figure 25.

B7. Service gallery See note 1.

It is necessary to provide the turbine assembly with a vertical access gallery, which will be designed according to the final use of the turbine.

For example, if the turbine is designed only to generate electricity (see Figure 19), then we will provide the service gallery (B7) with a vertical access ladder for maintenance personnel and a forklift lift enough to access with small components and tools.

On the other hand, in the event that the turbine is designed to provide living space in the upper part (see Figure 20) then the service gallery (B7), in addition to what is mentioned in the previous paragraph, will also include one Or more elevators for the public, as well as a ladder for evacuation in case of fire, which complies with current regulations, according to the use of public space and occupation.

B8. Maintenance door See note 1.

This is that structural element similar to a swing door, which in its open position leaves space available to remove (or insert) from the rotor any component that needs to be repaired or replaced.

In normal operating conditions, the maintenance door (B8) will be in the closed position and it will only be allowed 35 to open in maintenance mode (see Figure 9) Its action will be carried out in a motorized manner, with the necessary safety elements, so that the manoeuvre does not pose any risk to both the users and the installation itself.

Note that in 'turbine stopped operation' mode (see Figure 8) it can be seen that the maintenance door (B8) is fixed perpendicular to the wind, because such a situation cannot be tolerated when the turbine is stopped due to high wind speed. For this reason, the maintenance door (B8) cannot be a solid element but will be designed as if it were a grill, so that in these conditions it does not offer resistance to the wind, thereby endangering the structure.

B9. Track See note 1.

This is a mechanical component that is traversed by the skate (A5) and which in turn is jointly fixed, with the appropriate mechanical elements to the base plate (B1).

As was mentioned in the description of the skate (A5) the track at first glance would be a mechanical element through which a set of wheels slide, in the same way that a train can do. But because we can adopt other technologies, the track can also be a set of electromagnets that make the skate levitate, or the track can also be a surface covered with ice and make the skate slide without almost friction, or the track is a rectangular section channelling filled with pressurized air, which has holes in the upper part through which the air is allowed to escape and keeps, also levitating the skate.

The different versions can be seen in Figures 27, 28, 29 and 30.

Cl. Hub See Figure 12 and 13.

This is a mechanical-structural element, which aims to support the rotor assembly, being rigidly fixed to the base plate (B1).

Basically, the hub (Cl) is an element composed of two (2) plates joined by four (4) columns. The lower part of these columns is fixed, by means of the appropriate mechanical components, to the base plate (B1) and the plates will be fixed to the central and upper part of the legs. These plates, in turn, will serve as a base for fixing components such as bearing blocks (C3), as well as the emergency brake (04) and the parking brake-blocker (05).

(The emergency brake (04) will be fixed to the upper plate 25 of the hub (Cl) in the case of adopting the system described in Figure 26A) 02. Main shaft This mechanical component not only has the role of transmitting the motor torque from the rotor, but it will also act as a support between the rotor and the hub (C1), as well as serve as the basis for the pair of bearing sets (03), the emergency brake disc (04) and parking brake -blockerturner disc (CS) (see Figure 12) Basically it is a cylinder, with the necessary mechanisms to fix the connector (A4) in its upper part, the coupling (C6) in the lower part and in the central section what is necessary to fix two (2) sets of bearings ( C3), as well as the disk belonging to the emergency brake (C4) (in the event that the emergency brake shown in Figure 26A is adopted) and the disk belonging to the parking brake-blocker (C.5).

C3. Bearing block In every rotating machine there are bearings or groups of 15 bearings. In this case, we need at least two seJs, so that both the radial stress and the axial stress are compensated.

As can be seen in Figure 12, one bearing block (03) will be fixed to the upper plate of the hub (Cl), while the other 20 will be fixed to the intermediate plate.

These bearings could be unitary, that is, a bearing of the appropriate size in each place, or a set of hearings radially fixed by means of an intermediate piece could be installed between these bearings and the main shaft (02). Each system offers its advantages and disadvantages, in terms of performance, maintenance, ease of being changed if necessary, etc. C4. Emergency brake (main shaft position) See Figure 26A.

This is that electromechanical set of components capable of reducing speed abruptly, in the event that an abnormal overspeed occurs.

The causes of an abnormal overspeed can be of different nature, both of internal origin (mechanical failure, fault in the generator, etc.) or of external origin (lack in the electrical network or similar) and can affect the whole of the turbine or only to one of the modules.

In any case, in the event of a sudden braking it is necessary to resort to an emergency braking system, before the rotor is damaged by an abnormal overspeed and the intake doors (B2 & B3) are closed and thus stop the entry of wind.

For emergency braking, we have two possible options, but both are based on the eddy current type brake powered by a battery bank, so that the system would be powered, even in the event that there was a power failure.

The first way would be to apply a magnetic field to a disk attached to the main shaft (02) see Figure 26A.

The other design is explained in section 015 (Emergency brake system skate position) Both designs are really effective, as a braking system based 25 on eddy currents is powerful and sufficiently proven in various fields of engineering where safety is paramount.

06. Coupling This is the mechanical component that connects the main shaft (02) with the drive train (07) or the low-speed pump (C11), depending on the case (see Figure 12 and 13).

This component not only transmits the motor torque from the main shaft (02) but also has a certain elastic component, 35 being capable of absorbing certain vibrations from the rotor, so that these are not transmitted to the other mechanical components, making them run smoother, resulting in a longer life.

7. Mechanical drive train See Figure 12 and note 2.

This is the set of mechanical elements that have the purpose of transmitting the motor torque between the coupling (06) and the gearbox (08).

The basic component of this set is the cardan-type shaft, but since a 900 change of direction is necessary during its travel, a bevel-type gearbox could also be part of this set. The rest of the components are commonly used in power transmission, and these could be such as bearings, bearing cages, etc. 8. Gearbox See Figure 12 and note 2.

This is the set of mechanical elements that has the purpose of multiplying the rotation speed that is necessary to rotate the generator (010) with the necessary angular speed, according to the number of pairs of poles and the frequency of the network at which it is connected.

It is quite common, especially in large wind turbines, that the rotational speed of the rotor is quite low, which makes it incompatible with the rotational speed of conventional generators. For this, it is very common to use gearboxes, which increase the rotation speed to the desired size. This turbine is no exception. There is the possibility of replacing the gearbox (C8), the high-speed shaft (09) and the generator (010) with a permanent magnet generator that allows electricity to be generated at low revolutions. This option is very interesting, taking into account that a large percentage of stops and maintenance work in current turbines are due to the existence of the gearbox (ce).

9. High-speed shaft See Figure 12 and 13. See note 2 and 3.

This is the mechanical component in charge of transmitting 15 the motor torque between the gearbox (08) previously described or the high-speed hydraulic motor (013) and the generator (010).

10. Generator As its name indicates, this is the component responsible for producing electricity, from the mechanical energy it receives from the high-speed shaft (09) (see Figure 12), in the case of mechanical transmission or the high-speed hydraulic motor (013) (Figure 13) in the case of hydraulic transmission.

The generator will also be electrically connected to the low voltage cells (D4), see Figure 18.

cli. Low speed hydraulic pump See Figure 13 and note 3.

This is the first component of the hydraulic transmission system.

Mechanically coupled to the main shaft (02) by means of the coupling (06), it transforms the motor torque from the rotor, at low speed of rotation, into pressure in the piping system (012).

012. Pipe system transmission See Figure 13 and note 3.

This is a set of hydraulic components, mostly pipes, which, working together with the low-speed hydraulic pump (C11), transmit the fluid pressure to the high-speed hydraulic motor (C13).

As in all hydraulic circuits, there is a flow pipe and a return pipe, between them the hydraulic circuit is created, which works at a given pressure and flow.

13. High speed hydraulic motor See Figure 13 and note 3.

This is the hydraulic component capable of transforming the hydraulic energy contained in the pipes (012) into mechanical 25 energy of rotation on the high-speed shaft (013).

14. Accumulator See Figure 13 and note 3.

This is a hydraulic component that, connected to the piping system (C12), is capable of damping possible variations in flow and pressure, making the mechanical power in the shaft of the high-speed hydraulic motor (013) remain as constant as possible, making the generation of electrici7_y constant and of quality.

015. Emergency brake system (skate position) See Figure 26B.

Before describing this electromechanical assembly, we have to refer to section 04, where the Emergency brake (main shaft position) is described.

The emergency brake installed in the skates are based on the same principle, only the place of installation changes and with it the performance.

The fact that performance improves in the case of skate position is due to the braking being applied at five (5) different points, and on the outside of the rotor with which the braking torque is higher, so it is almost possible to deduce that the braking is more effective.

015A. Electromagnet On each skate (A5), one or more electromagnets will be mechanically fixed by means of a mechanical support (050) that will be fed by direct current from a battery bank, so that this system is effective under any circumstance, even in the unlikely event of a failure on the power grid.

0153. Fixed braking plate This is a mechanical element, based on a solid metal plate, which will be fixed by means of the appropriate elements to the base plate (B1). On the fixed braking plate, if the emergency brake is activated, the electromagnets (C15A) will apply a magnetic field, which will produce a braking torque.

C15C. Mechanical support This is the mechanical element that has the mission of rigidly fixing the electromagnet (C15A) to the skate (A5) D1. Columns The turbine assembly made up of a number of modules one on top of the other, will be supported by a certain number of column-type structural elements, which will be fixed in the upper part to the lower face of the base plate (131) of the first module. In its lower part, the yaw system (D2) (see below) will be installed, on which the entire turbine assembly will rest.

D2. Yaw system The turbine assembly, which is made up of a series of modules, and each module, due to its design, must have a specific orientation with respect to the wind, it will then be necessary to equip the turbine assembly with a yaw system that orients it according to the direction of the wind.

The yaw system (D2) will be located between the ground level and the set of columns (D1). There are different technologies on the market to achieve this mechanism, but it depends on the size of the turbine, the environmental conditions, as well as the maintenance conditions, which will tell us the type of technology to choose.

The yaw system could be composed of several sets of wheels placed directly on the ground, as can be seen in different types of mobile cranes. We could also use solid metal wheels 35 rolling on a track, just like the railway system. There are other more sophisticated means, such as those used to slide large masses in the oil industry, but it all depends on the conditions mentioned above.

193. Control room See Figure 18.

Although the turbine is fully automated, it is necessary to provide a space as a control room (D3).

This place is intended to contain elements such as the PLC, HMI, etc. It will also allow the turbine to be controlled by an operator on site, if necessary, in operations such as shutdown for total maintenance of the turbine, shutdown of a certain module for maintenance or inspection, or other operations where the intervention of an operator is necessary.

194. Low voltage room See Figure 16.

There are a series of low voltage power lines, which feed the different modules or common areas for their correct operation and exploitation. Likewise, a line also starts from each generator for the evacuation of the electrical energy it produces.

For the connection, sectioning and protection of the aforementioned lines, we must reserve a space where the low voltage cells are installed. In addition, the lines that feed the transformer room (196) and the storage power room (D5) will start from these same cells.

D5. Storage power room See Figure 18.

Despite the fact that the turbine is designed to generate electricity that will be integrated in real time into the electrical network, it is possible to house a space destined to contain the appropriate technology to accumulate electrical energy in large quantities. The most appropriate technology today would be based on battery banks, but it is possible to accumulate energy based on other existing technologies, as well, as hydrogen production.

The accumulation of energy, in the case of this turbine, would have a double advantage. On the one hand, it would allow energy to be accumulated in off-peak hours, and then integrated into the grid at peak hours. And on the other hand, because battery banks and other systems are usually very heavy, they would drastically lower the center of gravity of the turbine assembly, in such a way that a superior structural stability would be achieved, allowing the construction of taller turbines Allocating part of the available space to accumulate electrical energy through battery banks Or other technologies, would also reduce the footprint of the generation-accumulation complex, integrating these two concepts in the same installation.

D6. Transformer room There is a transformer room for two reasons. On the one hand, we need a transformer that feeds all the devices inside the 35 turbine necessary for its operation from the external line (high voltage). On the other hand, we need a transformer that allows us to raise the voltage of the generators to integrate it into the electrical network.

The transformer linked to the generators will have a power 10 greater than the sum of all the generators in the conditions of maximum wind.

D7. Slipring evacuation power See Figure 18.

The slip ring is a device commonly used in any rotating electrical machine. This turbine is no exception. Because the turbine assembly must be able to rotate through the yaw system (D2) to face the turbine in the direction of the wind, then it is because we need to have a slipring with very significant characteristics, which are the following: -It must be able to work at the output voltage of the power transformer -It must be able to evacuate the total sum of power (current in amps) -must be equipped with as many channels as there are operating phases (normally 3 phases) 30 -in addition, and very important, the slip ring must have a donut (torus)-like architecture, since the lightning rod line will run through the centre of the set, which will evacuate any overvoltage from the lightning rod (D13) to the ground.

D8. Slipring control and communications See Figure 18.

In the same way that we need a slip ring to evacuate the energy, we will need another slip ring to allow the input of 10 the low voltage auxiliary line, as well as the communications and data line.

The turbine in normal conditions will work autonomously. Therefore, we will need to have all the information remotely, for control and monitoring from a checkpoint, which could be far away. In addition, we could need to modify any variable in the operation from this remote control position. All this will be done through the control and communications slip ring.

In the same way, the control and communications slip ring will be donut type for what was explained in the previous section.

1)9. Transmission line See Figure 18.

It is necessary to install an underground high voltage line that starts from the fixed part of the energy evacuation slipring (1)7) and that transports the energy to the closest 30 point of the utility network.

1)10. Control and communications line See Figure 18.

It is necessary to install one or more communication lines 35 for remote control, management and checking of the installation. In addition, the necessary low voltage lines will be installed for any external source or control need (for example, outdoor lighting, etc.) D11. Lightning line This is the electromechanical element whose purpose is to derive/direct/conduct the surges from the lightning rod (D13) located in the upper part of the turbine.

This element ends in the rotating lightning wire connection (D12). In its route, very sharp curves will be avoided. Likewise, it will be electrically insulated in all the supports with respect to the turbine structure, and special attention will be paid to the electrical insulation in the interior path of the sliprings (D7, D8) in order to avoid any undesirable overvoltage in any electrical component.

D12. Rotary connection lightning wire See Figure 18.

Due to the fact that the lightning rod line (D11) is fixed to the turbine structure throughout its entire route, and the turbine rotates with respect to the surrounding terrain, it is necessary to have a rotating mechanism that allows the rotation between the part that is attached to the main structure and grounding, so that an electrical continuity capable of deriving the overvoltage is possible.

The upper rotating part of this mechanism will be linked to the line of the lightning rod (D11) and the fixed lower part will be jointly fixed with the ground connection.

1913. Lightning rod See Figure 19, 20 and 21.

This is the mechanical element or elements in charge of capturing the surges from the lightning bolts that hit the structure of the turbine. It will be located in the upper part so that the entire installation will he protected, that includes each of the rotors housed in each module, since the design of the module itself acts as a Faraday cage.

-Aerodynamic considerations It is necessary to explain some theoretical aerodynamic considerations, to then apply them to the design of the turbine according to embodiments of the present invention.

We will first explain the Venturi effect, applied to a fluid 20 that runs through a conduit, which changes section along its path. We refer to Figure 25A and 2519.

In the first case (Figure 25A) the fluid runs through the truncated conical conduit from section 1 to section 2. If we 25 call the velocity 'V' and the pressure 'P', the relative values are the following: Vsectionl <Vsection2, in this case there is an increase in speed.

Psectionl> Psection2, in this case there is a drop in pressure.

The most relevant thing in this case is that there is an 35 increase in relative speed.

In the second case (Figure 25B) the fluid runs through the truncated conical conduit from section 3 to section 4. Using the same nomenclature, the relative values will be the following: Vsection3> Vsection4, in this case there is a decrease in speed.

Psection3 <Psection4, in this case there is an increase in pressure.

The most relevant thing in this case is that there is an increase in relative pressure, that is, a suction effect. The Venturi effect in its two versions has been applied in existing fluid turbines for many years. As an example, we can see in Figure 250, a practical application of the Venturi effect in a schematic section of a Francis-type turbine.

At the entrance we have the forced pipe followed by the spiral box, which reduces the section as the fluid approaches the impeller. If we apply what is explained in Figure 25A, this means that in this section the speed of the fluid is increased. On the contrary, at the outlet of the impeller we have the truncated conical tube, in which a suction occurs, as explained in Figure 25B. Therefore, a double effect is achieved, in order to extract the maximum possible energy from the fluid that runs through the turbine.

Similarly, in the turbine of this patent, the area of the cone intake can be taken, where the wind speed is increased, 35 and on the other hand, in the section of the output columns, a suction effect of the trapped wind is produced on the rotor.

For a better visualization of this concept, see Figure 4, where it can be clearly seen that the catchment area is relatively larger than the section on the rotor. And to clearly see the effect of suction at the outlet, see Figure 10, where comparatively section X1 is much smaller than section X2, which can be extrapolated to what is explained in Figure 25B.

Operating modes Before explaining the operating modes of the turbine, we must point out that the turbine is multimodule, this means that it is composed of a series of modules. Each module works 20 independently of the others.

There are also elements common to the whole turbine, such as the control room, the power transformer, the storage area, the yaw system, etc. All these elements are installed below the first module, except the lightning rod and its earth line, which protects the assembly and which is installed in the upper part of the turbine assembly (see Figure 19).

Having mentioned this, we can say that the operating modes 30 can be applied to the whole turbine or to each of the modules independently.

In any case, at each point the impact of the operating mode will be explained separately, for the turbine as a whole or 35 for each of the modules independently.

Likewise, in each operating mode it is necessary to explain how each of the most relevant components act and which are the ones mentioned below: -Intake doors (B2 and B3) and maintenance door (136) 10 -Yaw system (D2) -Generator (C10) -Emergency brake system (C4) and Parking Brake-Blocker system (C5) -Storage power (D5) The operating modes are as follows: - Stopped machine (turbine assembly) - Stopped machine (independent module) -Machine in operation (100%) -Machine in operation (50%) -Emergency braking operation -Operation of parking brake-blocker -Machine under maintenance (turbine assembly) -Machine under maintenance (independent module) -Stopped machine (turbine assembly) Due to the undesirable wind conditions, that is, either below the operating minimum or above the operating maximum, the turbine assembly will remain at rest.

This means that both intake doors (32 and 33) will be closed, the parking brake or blocker (C5) activated and the generator (C10), as is obvious, will be at rest. See Figure 6.

In the event that the wind is less than the minimum, the yaw 35 system (D2) will not guide the turbine assembly, that is, it will also be at rest. But if the cause of the turbine assembly shutdown is that the wind is higher than the maximum operating capacity, then the yaw system (D2) will orient the turbine in the most suitable direction according to the wind direction, thus avoiding any structural damage.

Apart from the wind conditions, the turbine assembly could be stopped due to any mechanical breakdown or maintenance or safety situation that occurs in some common element of the turbine assembly, such as the transformer (D6), any of the slip rings (D7 and D8), etc. Cr also, some situation outside the turbine itself, such as a power cut or similar situation.

-Stopped machine (independent module) See Figure 8.

Because the turbine is composed of a certain number of modules, it may be the case that some of the modules need to be stopped, while the others would be operating normally 25 according to the wind conditions.

In the case of independent shutdown of any of the modules, it would only be due to an internal problem of the module itself (mechanical or electrical failure) or for maintenance reasons. The shutdown conditions for maintenance will be dealt with in the point 'machine under maintenance (independent module)'.

In the event that it is necessary to stop any of the modules, 35 in this the explained in the previous point will be fulfilled, that is, both admission doors (52 and 53) will be closed, the parking brake or blocker (05) activated and the generator (010), as is obvious, will be at rest. See Figure 8.

To the other modules that are in normal operation, what is explained in the point "machine in operation" will be applied. Also, the common elements will be working normally to give service to those modules that are not stopped.

-Module in operation (100%) Refer to Figure 1 and 5.

To explain the module working at 100%, we have to start from the module at rest. When the detection systems capture the appropriate wind speed, then the module is ordered to start 20 up.

First, the parking brake-blocker (05) is deactivated, leaving the rotor ready to turn. The opening of the intake doors (B2, 53) is then ordered in the appropriate order.

Once the intake doors are open the wind will enter the intake area (see Figure 5) and as it is easy to intuit the kinetic energy of the wind will push two (2) of the five (5) blades (Al) which will produce a motor torque in the rotor that will be transmitted, by whatever means (see Figure 12 and 13) to the generator (010).

This operating mode will give the maximum power to the generator, since the collection surface is maximum in this mode.

If the wind starts to blow at a speed, called The cut-off speed, then the turbine will go to work in 50% mode, which we will explain below.

-Module in operation (50%) Refer to Figure 7.

When during 100% operation, explained in the previous section, we exceed the cutting speed, it is possible to continue turbine with a higher wind speed, just by reducing the catchment area. This is achieved, as can be seen in Figure 7, by closing one of the intake doors (B3).

By reducing the catchment area, we will be able to allow the rotor to work with higher wind speeds without damaging the rotor.

-Emergency braking operation First, it is necessary to justify the need for an emergency braking system, which makes this turbine a safe machine under any circumstance, even if it is unlikely.

In principle, since the wind intake can be aborted by closing the intake doors (B2, B3), there could be a series of circumstances that could endanger the integrity of the rotor and with it the integrity of the entire structure.

The danger appears when an abnormal overspeed occurs for whatever reason (for example, generator failure, power cut, etc.), then the machine tends to run away and therefore the intake doors are automatically ordered to close. (B2, B3). But there is a closing time that is sufficient to compromise the integrity of the rotor by overspeed. That is why we need a powerful, effective and fail-safe emergency braking system that is capable of stopping the rotor and allows the parking brake-block system (C5) to be applied in time while the doors are closed, and with it the danger of overspeed has stopped.

With these operating premises, an eddy Current type brake powered by a set of batteries has been chosen, which could be positioned on the main shaft (C2) or on the skates (A5) as can be seen in Figure 26 or in the explanation the emergency brake.

-Operation of parking brake-blocker-turner Under normal conditions, when the turbine or one of the modules goes from normal operation (100% or 50%) to the machine at rest, the intake doors (B2, B3) close, so that the wind stops pushing the blades (Al) and therefore the rotor tends to stop. When this happens, we need to apply the parking brake function to stop the rotor until total rest and when the rotor is totally stopped, that is when we will apply the blacker function so that the rotor is totally at rest for safety reasons.

The blocker function is also useful in maintenance operations, when for some reason we need to act on a rotor component and for safety it must be immobile.

In the same way, we will use a turning function, in case of maintenance of some of the rotor components or in case of needing the replacement or repair in situ of a rotor component (note that any rotor component to be replaced must be removed through maintenance door).

-Machine under maintenance (turbine assembly) During the life of the turbine assembly, it may be necessary to stop for predictive or corrective maintenance. In one case or another, it will be necessary to completely close each and every one of the modules, since they depend on the common elements of the turbine such as control room, transformer, sliprings, etc. There are elements such as the yaw system, in which maintenance or any repair will be done on days with very low winds, since the cancellation of this system could endanger 15 the structure of the turbine assembly.

Whatever the maintenance or the component involved, any operation will be carried out taking into account any safety measure, or any impact of this component on the turbine 20 assembly.

-Machine under maintenance (independent module) Refer to Figure 9 Since each and every one of the modules works independently of the others, it is possible to close a module for maintenance, while the others continue in normal operation. When you want to put a module in maintenance mode, it is obvious that, for security reasons, we need to stop the module first. Once it is stopped, this means the intake doors (32, 33) closed and the parking brake and the blocker activated it is then when it is possible to put the module in maintenance mode, so that all the interlocks and safety 35 actions are carried out, so that it will not be in any way dangerous for maintenance personnel to enter the module to carry out the necessary actions.

It is only in this mode that we can activate, if necessary, components such as the maintenance door (B8) or the turner 10 (C5), as well as auxiliary elements associated with maintenance such as interior lighting, power sockets, etc. -Active real-time pitch attack angle regulation technology For the explanation and justification of this technology we 15 will refer to Figure 11.

In this Figure we can see the top view of the intake area, as well as all the components involved.

For the development of this section, we have divided the entire route of the wind access area into three positions, where in each position a fictitious/hypothetical blade is represented passing through that point and where we can see different angles of attack represented.

Let's start with position 1. In this position the blade enters the wind action zone and we can see that it enters the wind direction in this position and the axis of the arm (A3) is zero degrees (0 0) and the direction between the arm (A3) and the blade (Al) is fifty-one degrees (51 °). This angle is fictitious and will depend on the optimal blade curvature design, but we will assume that this is the optimal angle of attack for maximum power output at that point.

If we go to position 2, we can see that between the wind 35 direction in this position and the axis of the arm (A3) the angle is twenty-nine degrees (29 °) and the optimal angle between the axis of the arm (A3) and the blade (Al) is twenty-two degrees (22 °).

Similarly, at position 3, the wind direction has an angle with respect to the axis of the arm (A3) of thirty-nine degrees (39 °). Therefore, in this position, the optimal angle of attack between the blade (Al) and the axis of the arm (A3) is twelve degrees (12 0).

If we put names to the different angles, as follows: aA (P1): Angle between the wind direction and the axis of the arm (A3) in position 1 aB (P1): Angle between the axis of the arm (A3) and the orientation of the blade (Al) in position 1 aA (P2): Angle between the wind direction and the axis of the arm (A3) in position 2 aB (P2): Angle between the axis of the arm (A3) and the orientation of the blade (Al) in position 2 aA (P3): Angle between the wind direction and the axis of the arm (A3) at position 3 aB (P3): Angle between the axis of the arm (A3) and the orientation of the blade (Al) in position 3 the sum of these angles in the different positions is equal, as shown below: aA (P1) + aB (P1) = aA (P2) + aB (P2) = all (P3) + aB (P3) This is true in the three different positions, which is why it follows that in each position the optimal angle of attack is relative to the angle between the direction of the wind 35 and the axis of the arm, a value that is different at each point, therefore the need for this system is justified, controlled by an automatic positioning system, a PLC and executed by a linear electro-actuator (A2) associated with each blade-arm assembly.

There are numerous advantages of turbines according to embodiments of the present invention when compared to existing current (previously considered) technology Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines, and other Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

MAXIMUM VERSATILITY

1. -This is a turbine whose elements are fully covered by an outer fairing, which would allow to enter the wind energy in places so far discarded, close to the outskirts of the city, such as semi-urban, industrial parks, ways of communication, etc.

AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENT

2. -Aesthetic improvement because, practically it is not 25 visible from the outside any moving component.

IMPROVED CATCHMENT AREA

3. -Bigger wind catchment area. Its constructive feature increases by 66% over the catchment area, respect with other 30 turbines with the same rotor diameter.

WIDE RANGE OF WIND SPEED

4. -Generates electricity with very low wind speeds and ensure very high wind speeds to generation without risk of 35 collapse, due the catchment area is partially regulated.

IMPROVED SAFETY

5. -The design can withstand any wind without risk of breakage. Even in the unlikely event that a breakdown arises in any element of the rotor, this would produce no harm to 10 the machine or to others, as this is shrouded.

MODULARITY

6. -In its design two parameters can be modified to affect an increase in power. The tower height (number of modules) and the diameter of the rotor, so optimize power for about the cost of manufacture and ease of assembly and transport to your location, as well as adapt to the geome7_.ry that is best in each case, on the final location of the turbine.

COMPETITIVE TECHNOLOGY

7. -Is built in a modular way and big components are made in smaller subcomponents, making it competitive in manufacturing costs, transportation and final assembly. The manufacturing technology is similar to that employed in steel building technology, which is very mature and widespread throughout the world, which also makes it competitive.

ENVIROFRIENDLY

8. -In addition to the known environmental advantages posed 30 by wind energy, is summarily aesthetic improvement and would avoid bird mortality, these are aspects very criticized by environmental groups and public opinion in general.

STRENGTH

9. -This system has great mechanical strength which enables it to withstand winds that would destroy conventional bladed turbines. It also has a braking system fool proof, even if the machine disconnected from the electrical system by external breakdown. It has lightning rod that allows it to support direct rays fall.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE

10. -All the command and control system is installed at 15 ground level, which is very advantageous for maintenance issues, breakdowns, replacement or routine monitoring required. At the same time, every module has very easy access for people and materials thanks to the service gallery.

ADJUSTABILITY = MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE 11. -The orientation of the turbine is electrically adjustable with the yaw system, allowing always to work with the best possible performance with the wind blowing in any 25 direction.

MULTIPLE VERSIONS

12. -It would only make towers for power generation, but also could be manufactured versions there may be multi-purpose, such versions that can accommodate living space on the base, on top or both, or versions to install on skyscrapers and may have at the top of an advert.

13.-RADAR INTERFERENCE Radar interference would be reduced due to the rotor is shrouded. The external parts can work like a Faraday's cage and then help to mitigate a possible interference with any surrounding radar or communication waves.

With regard to the problems of previously considered wind turbines, the following explains how these have been addressed by embodiments of the present invention: -Some types of previously considered VAWT need auto start: in the case of the turbines according to embodiments of the present invention, it does not need auto start. It is only necessary to open the intake doors (B2 and/or B3) and it will start by itself, as described in the section "Machine in operation (100%)".

-Previously considered VAWT have less performance than the three-bladed equivalent: note that a three-bladed turbine obtains power based on a two-dimensional surface (the circular area defined by the path of the blades), but in the case of turbines according to the embodiments of the present invention, the power is extracted from a three-dimensional volume (the rotating rotor defines a cylinder) which means that, comparatively with turbines of the same dimensions, we get more power due to the indicated concept. -Previously considered VAWT work in a lower wind range, which makes them less productive. All wind turbines have a working range, between a minimum and a maximum speed. In this turbine the minimum is lower than that of previous turbines due to the fact that there is an increase in the wind speed in the intake area, due to the fact that the total catchment surface (see Figure 4) is greater than the diameter of the rotor itself, Therefore, it is assumed that there is an acceleration in the intake, which makes it start working with a lower wind speed. On the other hand, the maximum cutting speed is higher than any other turbine, as can be seen in Figure 7, that by closing the intake door (B3) the intake surface is drastically reduced, which allows it to operate at speeds of wind that would practically destroy other types of turbines.

-The braking system of previously considered VAWT, in an emergency, is not effective. This turbine has emergency braking (different versions), parking braking and blocking, which as described in each section make braking in any circumstance something more than resolved.

-The necessary structure of previously considered VAWT is not so robust, which produces undesirable vibrations in the whole, reducing this the life time of the turbine, as well 25 as increasing maintenance.

The main structure is the stator that houses the rotor, composed of a main body and a series of columns, which make this structure something totally solid, so solid that it even allows modules to be placed on top of each other as if it was a multiple storey building. In addition, the rotor is fixed to a central structure (hub, Cl) which, due to its geometry, is resistant to any type of static, dynamic, vibration, etc. In addition to raising the possibility that there is a modular wind turbine that by design can be installed in semi-urban environments, even with this we have not solved the basic problem posed by renewable energy such as wind energy. This concerns intermittence.

To integrate more and more wind power into the electrical grid, which is what is happening in today's energy landscape, we therefore need to partially integrate ways of storing electrical energy, so that it is stored when there is excess production and then it is integrated into the network when needed.

Today, in the field of wind energy, the accumulation and production process are totally unrelated. Although there has been some attempt to integrate accumulation of electrical energy in wind turbines, this today is only achieved with the installation of huge battery banks in the surroundings of the wind farm. This is a great disadvantage, since they consume a large amount of space for installation.

Again, in turbines according to embodiments of the present invention we find a great additional advantage, since it is designed to integrate energy accumulation inside it, which makes the relative space necessary in the generation-accumulation unit less than previously considered technology.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be 35 of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS1. A wind turbine comprising a plurality of turbine modules, each having a rotor, the rotors being arranged for rotation about a common, non-horizontal axis.
2. 2. A wind turbine according to Claim 1, wherein the modules are arranged to operate independently.
3. 3. A wind turbine according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the axis is arranged to be substantially vertical in use.
4. 4. A wind turbine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the or each rotor is arranged for rotation about a common shaft extending substantially axially.
5. 5. A wind turbine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotors each comprise a plurality of rotor blades.
6. 6. A wind turbine according to Claim 5, wherein the turbine comprises a plurality of rotor arms on which the rotor blades are mounted.
7. 7. A wind turbine according to Claim 6, wherein the blade is moveably mounted on the arm.
8. 8. A wind turbine according to Claim 7, wherein the blade is mounted for pivotable movement on the arm.
9. 9. A wind turbine according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein movement of the blade is controlled by an actuator, which may comprise any of (but not limited to) a hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical Or electrical actuator.
10. 10. A wind turbine according to Claim 6, wherein one or more of the arms is supported on a skate.
11. 11. A wind turbine according to Claim 10, wherein the skate is arranged in use to move over a supporting surface.
12. 12. A wind turbine according to Claim 11, wherein the skate comprises a wheeled vehicle.
13. 13. A wind turbine according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the skate comprises a low-friction vehicle.
14. 14. A wind turbine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the turbine includes a wind intake portion and a wind outlet portion.
15. 15. A wind turbine according to Claim 14, wherein the wind intake portion includes a wind catchment structure that is of a size/width greater than a diameter of the rotor.
16. 16. A wind turbine according to Claim 14 or 15, wherein the wind intake portion comprises at least one openable closure member arranged to control the flow of wind to the or each rotor.
17. 17. A vertical axis wind turbine having a wind intake portion and a wind outlet portion, wherein the wind intake portion includes a wind catchment structure that is of a size/width greater than a diameter of the rotor -t;1, and more preferably greater than the distance between tips of the rotor blades at opposed sides of the rotor.
18. 18. A vertical axis wind turbine according to Claim 17, in which the wind outlet portion includes a plurality of columns.
19. 19. A vertical axis wind turbine according to Claim 19, wherein the columns are arranged substantially circumferentially with respect to the turbine.
20. 20. A vertical axis wind turbine according to Claim 16 or 19, wherein the columns each have a radially innermost extent and a radially outermost extent, and a distance between the radially innermost extents of a pair of adjacent columns is less than a distance between the radially outermost extents of the pair of columns.