Vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract

A modified single airfoil Cyclo-turbine VAWT is provided. The VAWT minimizes vibration damage without the introduction of parts that are subject to failure by providing aerodynamic lift to the to VAWT's rotating arms. Due to the VAWT's single airfoil a less complicated, and therefore less expensive, pitch controller is required.

Description

VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention disclosed herein relates to wind turbines, and in particular to embodiments with a vertical axis of rotation.2. Description of the Related Art

[0002] There are two major types of wind turbines: HAWT (horizontal axis wind turbines) and VAWT (vertical axis wind turbines). HAWT's generally use a propeller that is attached to a shaft. Incoming wind force spins the propeller shaft about a horizontal axis which in turn drives an electric generator. A yaw mechanism continually orients the propeller to face the incoming wind for maximum energy capture. HAWT's are the conventional and most widely used wind turbine configuration. HAWT's operate at high tip speed ratios, which can result in excessive noise. However, HAWT configurations usually achieve high energy capture efficiency and are very well suited for use as wind turbines.

[0003] VAWT's, on the other hand, utilize a rotor attached to a rotatable main vertical axis shaft generally connected to a gearbox which in turn drives a generator. VAWT's generally operate at lower tip speed ratios than HAWT's and can be quieter. Because VAWT's do not need to change orientation to track changes in wind direction, they generate power instantly from wind in any direction, regardless of sudden changes in wind direction.

[0004] There are two basic types of VAWT's: Darrieus and Savonius. Darrieus rotors utilize airfoil-profiled blades, similar to HAWT propeller blades. Darrieus type VAWT’s can achieve high energy capture efficiency through the use of aerodynamic lift. However, Darrieus type VAWT’s are typically fixed pitch turbines. In other w ords, the blades pitch, i.e., is fixed with respect to incoming wind. Their blades are set at some constant angle with respect to the turbine. When a fixed-pitch VAWT spins, there is nothing to prevent the blades from stalling at some locations, which impairs their performance. Thus, resulting in lower efficiency.

[0005] Darrieus type VAWT’s cab be sub-classified into a Giromill or “H” type VAWT, the“H"’ being derived from the configuration of the airfoils. Giromill VAWT’s can be further subclassified into a Cyclo-turbine type VAWT.

[0006] Cyclo-turbine VAWTs are similar to a traditional fixed pitch turbine but have the ability to adjust the blades dynamically to optimize resulting in a significantly greater power output.

[0007] The angle at which the blades are positioned relative to the wind is referred to as the pitch angle. The pitch angle can be adjusted to optimize the performance of the turbine. A pitch control system is used to adjust the pitch angle of the blades to maintain optimal performance. The pitch control system is particularly important in variable wind conditions, where the wind speed and direction can change rapidly.

[0008] The pitch control system is responsible for two main functions: self-starting and optimization of pitch for angle of attack. Self-starting is the process of starting the turbine from a stationary position. In order to start the turbine, the blades need to be positioned at an angle that allows them to catch the wind and begin rotating. The pitch control system is responsible for adjusting the blade angle to achieve this.

[0009] The optimization of pitch for angle of attack is the process of adjusting the blade angle to maintain optimal performance based on the wind speed and direction. The angle of attack is the angle between the blade and the direction of the wind. The pitch angle needs to be adjusted to ensure that the blade angle is optimal for the wind speed and direction. If the pitch angle is too high, the blade will not be able to catch the wind and will stall. If the pitch angle is too low, the blade will create too much drag and will not rotate efficiently.

[0010] Typical Cyclo-turbine VAWTs are symmetrical in that the air blades are more than two blades arranged symmetrically about some predetermined radius from the main vertical shaft at. If the loads (weight) of the blades are uneven, the resulting vibration will shorten the life span of parts like bearings, foundations, rotors, housings, and in particular, gearboxes. The blade loading can be different for each blade due to blade manufacturing tolerances, each blade not pitched identically with respect to the incoming wind, variations of wind impingement on each blade (e.g.. one blade blocking or interfering with the wind impingement on another blade). The pitch controller for a multi-blade Cyclo-turbine VAWT must be a very precise controller with comprehensive electromechanical feedback to simultaneously maintain the proper pitch of each blade relative to the incoming wind as well as with respect to each other blade. It will be appreciated that the complexity of the pitch controller rises exponentially withrespect to the number of blades.

[0011] Further, the capital costs and the reliability of the gearboxes needed to step up the speed of the main shaft to a speed which is useful for generating electricity are other factors in wind power generation. The gearbox contains hundreds of precision parts. The quality of the bearings, the profiles of the gear teeth, the stiffness of the gearbox casing and many other issues make gearbox manufacturing a precision engineering art. Precision machine tools and skilled labor are required to construct the components for these gearboxes. Considering gearboxes account for approximately 30% of the cost of the new turbine, gearbox availability has been a limiting factor in the supply chain for wind turbines. Once in service, a failure of any single part is likely to result in the failure of the entire gearbox. To attempt to minimize vibration effects some prior art solutions support the main rotor with air or water bearings. However, this approach relies upon the reliability of the bearings. If the bearing fails the resulting vibration damage is likely to be greater than if the bearings were not used at all and is likely to result in catastrophic failure.

[0012] Therefore, it will be appreciated there exists a need for a Cyclo-turbine VAWT that minimizes vibration damage without the introduction of parts that are subject to failure; and a less complicated, and therefore less expensive, pitch control apparatus.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is disclosed. The VAWT starts in low wind and maintains efficient operation in a variety’ of conditions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0015] FIGS. 1A and IB, collectively referred to herein as FIG. 1, provides a pictorial illustration of a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine according to the teachings herein;

[0016] FIGS. 2A and 2B, collectively referred to herein as FIG. 2, are close-up views of portions of the vertical axis wind turbine system of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIGS. 3A and 3B, collectively referred to herein as FIG. 3, are close-up views of the pitch mechanism (3 A) and the blade balancer (3B) of the vertical axis wind turbine system of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a cutaway view of the dynamic balancer of the vertical axis wind turbine system of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a wireframe drawing of the pitch mechanism of FIG. 3 A;

[0020] FIGS. 6 A and 6B, collectively referred to herein as FIG. 6, depict aspects of an exploded view of the pitch mechanism of FIGS. 5 and 3 A, where FIG. 6A is an exploded view of the pitch mechanism, and FIG. 6B is a build-of-materials (BOM) list for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6A;

[0021] FIGS. 7A and 7B, collectively referred to herein as FIG. 6, depict aspects of an exploded view of the blade balancer of FIG. 3B, where FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the blade balancer, and FIG. 6B is a build-of-materials (BOM) list for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7A;

[0022] IG. 8 is a pictorial illustration of the main air foil;

[0023] FIG. 9 is a pictorial illustration of the blade balancer;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a pictorial illustration of the horizontal air foils;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a pictorial illustration of the pitch control mechanism;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a pictorial illustration of the counter weight assembly;

[0027] FIGS. 13 through 20 depict aspects of a second embodiment for pitch control;

[0028] FIGS. 21A through 21D depict further aspects of the counter-weight system;

[0029] FIGS. 22A and 22B depict aspects of an embodiment of the pitch control assembly; and,

[0030] FIG. 23 depicts sweep of the vertical airfoil throughout a rotation cycle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a modified Cyclo-turbine VAWT Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). Generally, the methods and apparatus include vertical axis wind turbine, a control system, and a suitable electrical system for distributing a signal produced.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 1A, the VAWT 10 generally includes a base 18 with a tower 8 disposed thereon. In this example, the tower 8 includes tower sections 15, 16, 17. The tower 8 may include any suitable number of sections. The tower 8 serves as an elevating structure for the vertical axis wind turbine 10, which is mounted to the tower at the center of an axis of rotation, R. VAWT 10 also includes vertical airfoil 11 (which may also be referred to as a “rotor blade”), blade balancer 25, substantially horizontal airfoils 12, a pitch control mechanism 14 (which may also be referred to as a “pitch controller” and by other similar terms), and a dynamic balancer 13. It will be appreciated that dynamic balancer 13 may be dimpled to reduce drag effects during rotation thereof.

[0033] The vertical airfoil 11 and the horizontal airfoils 12 may be constructed of any suitable material. Materials may include, for example, thin, hard aluminum foil, fiberglass cloth, or carbon fabric providing a stiff outer skin either over a fully sheeted wing or a foam core, non- w oven materials such as fiberglass and carbonaceous materials, a variety of resins, epoxies and the like and any combination thereof deemed to be suitable. Generally, materials are selected to be lightweight and strong. Accordingly, a variety of materials may be used in any one installation. For example, higher-strength materials may be used at locations that will suffer considerable stress, while lighter weight (lower strength) materials may be used in other places (such as for airfoil surfaces). Other materials such as metals including steel, aluminum and copper may be used where appropriate.

[0034] A wireframe drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 1A is depicted in FIG. IB. In FIG. IB, it may be seen that a shaft 7 is disposed within the tower 8. Generally, the shaft 7 serves as the prime mover which drives a generator 5 disposed in the base 18. The generator 5 may be used to provide any type of electrical signal deemed appropriate and feasible in view- of operation of the VAWT 10.

[0035] FIG. 2 provides a cutaway view of the vertical axis wind turbine 10. As shown in FIG. 2A, the horizontal airfoil 12 (also referred to as a “boom”) is mounted atop of the tow er 8 at pitch mechanism 14. The horizontal airfoil 12 (or boom 12) includes opposing sectionsreferred to as a leader 12A and follower 12B. The leader 12A and follower 12B are in a linear orientation such that the dynamic balancer 13 offsets force from wind on the vertical airfoil 11, while working in concert with the adjustable pitch mechanism 14. Generally, the pitch mechanism 14 may be dynamically adjusted by operation of a motor (not shown). Exploded views of the pitch mechanism and related blade balancer are provided in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0036] Adjustment of the pitch mechanism 14 serves to adjust the influence of the dynamic balancer 13 on the rotational speed of the boom 12. That is, as w indspeed increases, the pitch control may adjust the boom such that the angle (<9) between a central axis of the boom (X) and the central axis of the tower (A), normal to the base, increases from an acute angle, up to ninety (90) degrees. Accordingly, as the boom angle (®) adjusts, the horizontal airfoil 12 will deviate at least slightly from a true horizontal position (normal to the axis of rotation, R). Therefore, it is considered that the horizontal airfoil 12 is “substantially” horizontal as some adjustment from normal to rotation is anticipated and within normal operational conditions. Refer also to FIG. 3 to see this in greater detail.

[0037] Generally, pitch control also enables self-starting and optimization of pitch for angle of attack, and may adjust for upstream and downstream wind. A motion controller and UDP programming may be employed for controlling movements in real-time. A weather station may be disposed with the VAWT 10 to ascertain wind speed and direction of the wind. An angle of attack may be continuously adjusted through adjustment of the pitch control throughout the rotational cycle.

[0038] A cutaway view of the dynamic balancer 13 is provided in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, a housing of the dynamic balancer 13 has been omitted to show internal elements thereof. As may be seen, disposed at a distal end of the follow er 12B, a turntable element is coupled to the boom via a sliding spring loaded coupling. The turntable may include a counterw eight to encourage gyroscopic action of the dynamic balancer 13.

[0039] In operation, the dynamic balancer 13 provides a counter veiling force to the wind impingent upon the rotor blade. Thus, the bearings driving the central shaft 7 are balanced, and the vertical axis wind turbine 10 maintains equilibrium of forces during rotation.

[0040] FIG. 6 provides an exploded view of the pitch mechanism 14. Numbers associated with elements of FIG. 6A are correlated with elements set forth in FIG. 6B. The elements of 6Aand 6B are limited to an exemplary embodiment of the pitch mechanism 14 (and these numbers are reused in FIG. 7 or elsewhere herein).

[0041] Similarly, FIG. 7 provides an exploded view of the blade balancer 25. Numbers associated with elements of FIG. 7A are correlated with elements set forth in FIG. 7B. The elements of 7A and 7B are limited to an exemplary embodiment of the blade balancer 25 (and these numbers are reused in FIG. 6 or elsewhere herein).

[0042] Aspects of another embodiment of the VAWT 10 are provided in FIGS. 8 to 22.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a pictorial diagram of an interior of the main airfoil 1 1. Included are main airfoil supports 22, large tubing support 21, small tubing supports 26, blade balancer 25, and adjustable pitch control arm. It will be understood that the main airfoil 11 may be rotated by blade balancer 25 by rotating air foil support 22A and large tubing support 21. both of which are coupled to the blade balancer 25.

[0044] It will be appreciated that main airfoil supports 22 are generally elliptically (airfoil) shaped to provide optimum rotational force when the pitch controller rotates the main airfoil 11 to maintain optimal performance based on the wind speed and direction.

[0045] Referring also to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the blade balancer 25 is shown. Blade balancer 25 includes rotational motor 31 and adjustable pitch control arm 32. Rotational motor 31 may be any suitable rotational motor such as a Kollmorgen TM brushless servo motor KBMS-43S01 -C00.

[0046] Generally, pitch control also enables self-starting and optimization of pitch for angle of attack and may adjust for upstream and downstream wind. A motion controller and UDP programming may be employed for controlling movements in real-time. An angle of attack may be continuously adjusted through adjustment of the pitch control throughout the rotational cycle.

[0047] Referring also to FIG. 10, there is shown a pictorial diagram of the interior of the horizontal airfoil 12. Shown in FIG. 10 are airfoil supports 41, radius support tube 45, and small tubing supports 43. It will be appreciated that airfoil supports 41 are substantially shaped with a profile of an airfoil to provide optimum lift force thereby reducing the strain and vibration on the pitch control 14.

[0048] Referring also to FIG. 11, there is shown a pictorial view of the pitch control 14. The pitch control mechanism 14 includes guide wire supports 51, and airfoil 12 supports 53.

[0049] Referring also to FIG. 12, there is shown an interior view of a counter-weight maintained within housing 13. Counter-weight housing includes counter-balance support arm 61 and counter-balance support weights 62 and 63. It will be appreciated that the total counterbalance weight is a function of support weights 62 and 63, and the distance of the weights from the center axis of the pitch control 14. It will be further appreciated that the weights may be added to or subtracted from the counter-balance support weights.

[0050] With regard to a second embodiment, FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of a rotor mount. FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of an electronics mount. FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of an inner zettlex mount. FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of a stator spacer. FIGS. 17A and 17B are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of a zettlex stator mount. FIGS. 18 A, 18B, 18C and 18D are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of a stator mount. FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of an outer zettlex rotor mount. FIGS. 20A and 20B are schematic diagrams (top and side views, respectively) of a lower bearing mount.

[0051] FIGS. 21 A through 21D provide further detail on embodiments of the counter-weight system. Generally, the counterbalance shown in FIG. 21D provides perpetual movement. Centrifugal forces will apply balance throughout rotation of the vertical axis wind turbine. Weights can be added or subtracted incrementally by controlling, for example, the height and or thickness of the material used in the counterweights, as well as density7.

[0052] FIGS. 22A and 22B provide additional detail on an embodiment of the pitch control assembly. FIG. 22A provides an exploded view of the pitch control assembly, while FIG. 22B depicts an assembly from the side. With regard to FIG. 22A, the main support may be it into mount on to a radius arm, terminating with the one-piece slip hinge is depicted as an intermediate block which can slip into the terminal and the main support beam. Generally, the one-piece slip hinge will reflect the same degree on the center how7so the main airfoil will be substantially parallel to the ground and perpendicular to the tower. This effect may be better seen with regards to FIG. 22B, where a nominal angle of 3° of perpendicular is shown. Theslip hinge may be slipped into the terminal end of the main support and coupled thereto with techniques such as for shoulder bolts.

[0053] With regard to pitch control, it is important to understand the basic principles of wind turbines. Wind turbines operate by using the kinetic energy of wind to turn the blades, which in turn rotates a generator to produce electricity. The angle at which the blades are positioned relative to the wind is referred to as the pitch angle. The pitch angle can be adjusted to optimize the performance of the turbine.

[0054] The pitch control system is used to adjust the pitch angle of the blades to maintain optimal performance. The pitch control system is particularly important in variable wind conditions, where the wind speed and direction can change rapidly.

[0055] The pitch control system is responsible for two main functions: self-starting and optimization of pitch for angle of attack. Self-starting is the process of starting the turbine from a stationary position. In order to start the turbine, the blades need to be positioned at an angle that allows them to catch the wind and begin rotating. The pitch control system is responsible for adjusting the blade angle to achieve this.

[0056] The optimization of pitch for angle of attack is the process of adjusting the blade angle to maintain optimal performance based on the wind speed and direction. The angle of attack is the angle between the blade and the direction of the wind. The pitch angle needs to be adjusted to ensure that the blade angle is optimal for the wind speed and direction. If the pitch angle is too high, the blade will not be able to catch the wind and will stall. If the pitch angle is too low, the blade will create too much drag and will not rotate efficiently.

[0057] In order to control the pitch angle, a motion controller is used. The motion controller is responsible for sending commands to the pitch control system to adjust the pitch angle. The motion controller receives inputs from a variety of sensors, including wind speed and direction sensors, to determine the optimal pitch angle.

[0058] Real-time movements are achieved through the use of UDP programming. UDP is a protocol that allow-s for real-time communication between devices on a network. The motion controller sends commands to the pitch control system using UDP packets, which are transmitted in real-time.

[0059] The tempest weather station is used to measure wind speed and direction. The weather station is mounted on top of the turbine and sends data to the motion controller. The motion controller uses this data to adjust the pitch angle in real-time.

[0060] In order to determine the orientation of the pitch control on the orbit, a method is used to provide feedback to the motion controller. This feedback allows the motion controller to determine the position of the blade relative to the wind. Once the position is determined, the motion controller can adjust the pitch angle to maintain optimal performance.

[0061] Having introduced aspects of the VAWT 10, some additional features and advantages are now presented.

[0062] Generally, the pitch control system is responsible for adjusting the pitch angle to maintain optimal performance in variable wind conditions. The use of a motion controller and UDP programming allows for real-time adjustments, while a weather station may provide w ind speed and direction data as an input. The feedback system provides information on the orientation of the pitch control on the orbit, allowing for precise adjustments to be made.

[0063] At least some of a control system for the VAWT 10 may be implemented as machine readable instructions stored on non-transitory machine readable media. The instructions may provide for controlling pitch and other system parameters, including electrical output.

[0064] Generally, the VAWT 10 may be implemented in micro-to-substantial scale. Advantageously, the VAWT 10 disclosed herein is well balanced and can start in the presence of very7low7wind speeds (at or above about four mph).

[0065] Instead of tacking back and forth the main airfoil rotates around long way and creates more efficiency with less stress. See FIG. 23. Generally, the VAWT 10 is capable of startup in 4 mph wind and maintaining revolutions at about 115 RPM up to w indspeed of about 14 MPH wind by going in and out of the angle of attack.

[0066] In the pursuit of sustainable energy7solutions and improved aerodynamic performance, disclosed herein is an innovative self-starting vertical axis lift device. This technology redefines the conventional approach to lift generation, focusing on enhancing efficiency while minimizing mechanical stress. By employing a unique rotational mechanism for the airfoil, the design promises significant advancements in power generation.

[0067] The vertical axis lift device includes a novel airfoil design that departs from traditional tacking motions. Instead of moving back and forth to adjust to varying wind conditions, the airfoil rotates around its longitudinal axis. This rotational movement allows for smoother airflow over the surface of the airfoil, which leads to improved aerodynamic efficiency.

[0068] One advantage of this design is its ability to maintain a consistent angle of attack, ultimately resulting in enhanced lift generation. Traditional airfoil designs often face challenges such as increased drag and mechanical stress due to abrupt changes in motion. In contrast, this design provides for operation with greater stability7and efficiency, reducing the wear and tear associated with conventional systems.

[0069] The vertical axis lift device is engineered to function optimally in low wind conditions. The startup process begins at a wind speed of just 4 mph, which is critical for self-starting capabilities. This low threshold allows the device to harness available wind energy effectively, enabling it to initiate lift without requiring external assistance.

[0070] As wind speeds increase, the device maintains a rotational speed of 115 RPM at a wind speed of 14 mph. This consistent RPM provides for maximizing performance, as it ensures that the airfoil operates within an optimal efficiency range. The airfoil's ability to dynamically adjust its angle of attack — moving in and out of optimal positions — further enhances lift while minimizing drag. This adaptability is particularly advantageous in changing wind conditions, allowing for sustained performance across a variety of environmental scenarios.

[0071] Benefits and advantages over the prior art include, without limitation:

[0072] Enhanced Efficiency: The rotational design of the airfoil significantly improves lift-to- drag ratios, translating to greater energy efficiency. Whether utilized in wind turbines or aviation applications, this efficiency can lead to reduced energy costs and enhanced performance.

[0073] Reduced Mechanical Stress: By eliminating the need for abrupt directional changes, the design minimizes mechanical stress on the airfoil and associated structures. This reduction in stress can extend the lifespan of the device, lower maintenance costs, and improve overall reliability7.

[0074] Self-Starting Capabilities: The ability to initiate operation in low wind conditions is a key feature of the vertical axis lift device. This characteristic enables the device to function effectively in diverse environments, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

[0075] Versatility: The capacity to adjust dynamically to varying wind speeds and directions allows the device to perform optimally in a wide range of conditions. This versatility is particularly beneficial for both renewable energy applications and potential future integration into aviation.

[0076] Note that, generally as used herein, "zeltlex" refers to components, such as direct drive components, available from Celera Motion, aNovanta Company, based in Bedford, MA. The company provides robust, high resolution and high accuracy pointing of stabilized gimbal payloads, such as searchlight and optoelectronics systems for search and rescue helicopters. When integrated with the VAWT 10 disclosed herein, the technologies enhance operation thereof.

[0077] When introducing elements of the present invention or the embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. Similarly, the adjective “another,” when used to introduce an element, is intended to mean one or more elements. The terms “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0078] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated by those skilled in the art to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A prime mover for a vertical axis wind turbine, the prime mover comprising: a boom comprising a dynamic balancer disposed at one end thereof and a blade balancer disposed at an opposing end of the boom, the blade balancer host to a main airfoil substantially normal to the boom, the boom further including a pitch control mechanism disposed within a length of the boom at a point of rotation for the vertical axis wind turbine.

2. The prime mover as in claim 1, wherein a combination of the dynamic balancer, the pitch control mechanism and the blade balancer operate to maintain the main airfoil in a substantially vertical position during operation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

3. The prime mover as in claim 1, wherein the pitch control mechanism is configured to mount upon a tower and rotate a shaft during operation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

4. The prime mover as in claim 1, wherein the dynamic balancer provides gyroscopic action to cause balancing of the boom during operation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

5. The prime mover as in claim 1, wherein the boom comprises a substantially horizontal airfoil.

6. The prime mover as in claim 1, wherein the blade balancer comprises a motor to cause adjustment in positioning of the main airfoil during operation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

7. The prime mover as in claim 1, wherein the main airfoil comprises a single airfoil with an adjustable angle of attack.

8. A vertical axis wind turbine comprising:a base upon which a tower is mounted, the tower comprising a shaft extending from a top thereof down to a generator disposed at the base, the top of the tower comprising a boom comprising a dynamic balancer disposed at one end thereof and a blade balancer disposed at an opposing end of the boom, the blade balancer host to a main airfoil substantially normal to the boom, the boom further including a pitch control mechanism disposed within a length of the boom and configured for causing the shaft to rotate during operation of the vertical axis wind turbine.

9. The vertical axis wind turbine as in claim 8, wherein a minimum windspeed for causing rotation of the boom is about four miles per hour.

10. The vertical axis wind turbine as in claim 8, wherein a rotation speed of about 115 revolutions per minutes may be maintained for windspeed ranging from about four miles per hour to fourteen miles per hour.

11. The vertical axis wind turbine as in claim 8. wherein a controller comprising machine readable instructions stored on non-transitory machine readable media is configured to provide dynamic adjustments during operation of the vertical axis wind turbine.