The invention is a system, device and method that captures wind energy and converts it into mechanical or electrical energy. In a system embodiment, the system transfers wind power to rotational energy. The system includes a wind capture means that uses wind to generate a mechanical force, an energy coupling means for transferring the mechanical force to a horizontally mountable wheel having a shaft coupled thereto, and an energy transfer system that couples the mechanical force from the shaft to a machine. In a device embodiment, a wheel capable of receiving wind power is provided. The wheel includes an airfoil support having a center portion, a stop location, and an airfoil location, and an airfoil is coupled to the airfoil support at the airfoil location. A method of driving the wheel uses a mounted airfoil to capture wind energy in an airflow, where the airfoil is mounted to a horizontally mountable wheel.
The present invention is to provide a vertical axis wind engine comprising at least one arm each having its center rotatably coupled to a vertical axis mounted on a base on the ground, each pair of the upper and lower arms adapted to define an airfoil receiving space for pivotably mounting an airfoil by pivot pins thereof; and at least one elastic stop member each provided on the arm proximate the airfoil and spaced from the pivot pins, each stop member adapted to limit a pivot angle of the airfoil and lift the pivot limitation for allowing the airfoil to pivot when the airfoil experiences a wind force larger than a maximum resistance force thereof, preventing the components of the wind engine from being damaged by strong wind or when the wind engine is operating in high speed.
A blade system, has rows of blades extending radially outward along the length and around the circumference of a rotor of a low-profile ground-mounted wind turbine which is particularly suited for use in remote locations. The wind-engaging end of each blade is arc-shaped and is turned about 120 degrees to maximize efficiency. Preferably, two rotors having the unique blade system are connected to a single, centrally located generator, and the entire unit is mounted on a frame which is rotatable on wheels about a central shaft. Further, a circular track is provided in for engaging the wheels for ease of rotation of the unit either under the direction of a PLC or in yaw.
