Wind turbine

Abstract

Examples of an apparatus including a vertical axis wind turbine configured to receive wind from 360 degrees are described herein. The vertical axis wind turbine includes a top portion having a circular geometry, a body portion having a conical geometry, and an orifice formed in the center of the body portion to allow wind to exit. The blades, the top portion, and the body portion define a channel configured to increase the speed of incoming wind via a volume of the channel tapering as the channel approaches a central axis of the vertical wind turbine. A generator may be coupled to the central axis and configured to generate electrical energy from a spin of the central axis.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Renewable, carbon-friendly energy sources offer numerous benefits for future energy consumption. Examples include hydropower, solar power, geothermal energy, and wind power. Wind power, in particular, is one of humanity's oldest forms of renewable energy, harvested from sailboats to wind-driven mills. Providing efficient and affordable renewable energy can alleviate many of the problems associated with our modern, carbon-dependent economy and provide significant energy for future endeavors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] This description will be more fully understood when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrating various examples of wind turbines. The description is not intended to limit the wind turbine to the specific examples. Rather, the depicted and described specific examples are provided to explain and understand the wind turbine. Throughout the description, the drawings may be referred to as figures, diagrams, and / or diagrams.

[0003] Figure 1 A vertical axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0004] Figure 2 A top portion of a vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0005] Figure 3 A blade of a vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0006] Figure 4 A main body portion of a vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0007] Figure 5 A base of a vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0008] Figure 6 A top portion of a vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 7 An alternative vertical axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 8 A flow chart illustrating a method of generating wind energy via a vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The wind turbine disclosed herein will be better understood by reviewing the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings provide only examples of various embodiments of the wind turbine. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, not all contemplated variations may be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be substantially varied, modified, and altered without departing from the scope of the examples described herein.

[0012] Conventional wind turbines are horizontal-axis turbines, which describes the rotational orientation of the turbine. More importantly, these horizontal-axis turbines depend on winds in a specific direction to produce energy. A conventional horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) typically has blades (or blades) that extend radially from the center point (axis) of the turbine and extend downward toward the ground and upward toward the sky (perpendicular to the flat land on which the turbine rests). Such conventional horizontal-axis turbines are most efficient in winds that are head-on toward the center point of the turbine's axis, i.e., if the axis is facing due east, then a wind from due west will provide the greatest and most efficient energy. Horizontal-axis turbines make up the majority of wind turbines in use today.

[0013] HAWTs also typically have more expensive and complex blades due to local air velocity issues. This requires tapered and twisted blades, which are expensive to design and manufacture. Blade tip speeds for vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) can be lower, resulting in less noise, a common complaint about wind turbines.

[0014] While it is possible to change the orientation (or yaw) of a horizontal axis turbine, for example by moving the turbine to redirect the axis from due east to east-northeast or to north, moving large wind turbines is difficult, energy intensive and can cause damage to the wind turbine.

[0015] Alternatively, vertical-axis turbines can generate energy from wind traveling in any direction. Vertical-axis turbines have the added benefit of allowing the generator and gearbox to be positioned closer to the ground (as opposed to the axis of most horizontal wind turbines, which can be hundreds of feet in the air). This provides for simpler and cheaper maintenance.

[0016] Vertical-axis turbines have been described and used in limited circumstances. Examples of vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) include the Savonius (drag type, simpler, less efficient) and Darrieus (lift type, more complex, more efficient) wind turbines. Unfortunately, these variations are known to have significant torque fluctuations from their helically swept blades. Regardless, vertical-axis turbines generate less turbulence than horizontal-axis turbines, and some estimates suggest they are at least 15% more efficient.

[0017] Embodiments of vertical-axis wind turbines without propeller blades can solve some or all of the problems described above. A vertical-axis wind turbine can receive wind from all directions without the need to reorient the turbine. The wind turbine comprises a generally circular footprint with a variable radius and height. The wind turbine may have multiple air inlets along the periphery of the wind turbine. The blades may define the air inlets, wherein embodiments in which the blades extend vertically from the upper portion of the wind turbine to the lower portion of the wind turbine create an air inlet channel. Embodiments of the air inlet channel may include a cross-section that decreases as it approaches the central axis of the turbine, thereby increasing the wind speed and the resulting kinetic energy. This is caused by the Venturi effect. The wind with increased speed is then directed to movable blades attached to a generator to generate energy.

[0018] Studies have shown that the Venturi effect increases power generation by 15% to 50%. Additionally, the lower initial wind speeds required allow energy to be generated on a higher percentage of days because the threshold activation level for the turbine is lower, meaning that energy can be generated via vertical wind turbines at lower wind speeds that would prevent conventional horizontal wind turbines from turning.

[0019] Figure 1 A vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown. Vertical-axis wind turbine 100 includes a main body 110, blades 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, a top portion 130, a base portion 140, blades 150, a central axis 160, and channels 170a, 170b. Blades 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e extend radially outward from main body 110 and vertically from top portion 130 to base portion 140. Blades 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e define channels 170a, 170b that direct wind inward toward the center of vertical-axis wind turbine 100.

[0020] Embodiments of the vertical-axis wind turbine 100 include a body portion 110 having a conical geometry wherein an exterior of the body portion 110 slopes inwardly and upwardly from a base portion 110 toward a central axis 160 of the vertical-axis wind turbine 100 as the body portion 110 approaches a top portion 130 .

[0021] Vertical-axis wind turbine 100 includes a plurality of blades 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and 120e. Vertical-axis wind turbine 100 may include 2 to 50 blades, 4 to 20 blades, 6 to 10 blades, and variations thereof. An embodiment may include eight blades 120 and eight channels 170. Blades 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, and 120e, in conjunction with body portion 110 and top portion 130, define channels 170a and 170b, in which wind is funneled toward the central axis.

[0022] The base portion 140 may have a circular geometry with a tapered slope that tapers inwardly as the base portion 140 extends downwardly from the body portion 110. The taper allows wind to be exhausted from the vertical-axis wind turbine 100.

[0023] Embodiments of blades 120 are generally narrow in width and have a vertical length defined by the distance between top portion 130 and base portion 140. Blades 120 create channels 170a, 170b that direct wind toward the central axis of vertical-axis wind turbine 100. The conical geometry of body portion 110 creates channels 170 that narrow as they approach the central axis. This narrowing increases wind velocity, resulting in greater kinetic wind energy being converted into energy via the generator.

[0024] Embodiments of the top portion 130 have a circular geometry with a narrow width. The top portion 130 helps redirect the wind after it has passed through a channel and / or allows the wind to exit the vertical-axis wind turbine 100. Embodiments include a top portion having a grid configuration formed by spokes and rings that allows air to flow around the vertical-axis wind turbine 100.

[0025] The blades 150 rotate about a central axis 160. The wind causes the blades 150 to rotate the central axis 160, thereby powering a generator (not shown). Embodiments of the blades 150 may include individual blades extending radially from the central axis 160, or a ring of blades 150 connected by a ring frame connected to the central axis 160.

[0026] Channels 170 are incorporated around the perimeter of wind turbine 100, allowing wind turbine 100 to receive 360° of wind without requiring a yaw system or movement or adjustment of wind turbine 100. When wind enters channel 170, it is directed radially inward toward the central axis of wind turbine 100. In one embodiment, the wind enters channel 170 in a generally horizontal trajectory. As the wind moves radially inward, wind turbine 100 redirects the wind downward or generally perpendicular to the inlet direction through apertures in main body 110. In embodiments having a non-solid top portion 130, wind can also be exhausted through top portion 130 of wind turbine 100.

[0027] Embodiments of wind turbine 100 cause the wind to experience a decreasing cross-section as it travels through channel 170. Due to the Venturi effect, the decreasing cross-section increases wind speed. In embodiments, blades 120 may form a horizontally decreasing channel 170 with top portion 130 and body portion 110 generally parallel to one another. Alternative embodiments may include top portion 130 and body portion 110 converging relative to one another to form a vertically decreasing channel 170.

[0028] Embodiments may include a top portion 130 having a constant thickness, a variable thickness, a concave surface, a convex surface, or a flat surface. Embodiments may include a solid convex dome. Embodiments of the top portion 130 may include corners, flanges, points, scallops, fins, or other geometric shapes or structures incorporated into the edge or body of the top portion 130. Embodiments of the top portion 130 may have openings (or a lattice structure) that coincide with the locations of the blades 120, the channels 170, and the openings or lattice structure of the top portion 130.

[0029] Embodiments of wind turbine 100 may include a top portion 130 and / or a base portion 140 that are square, circular, blade-like, or have alternative geometric shapes. The wind turbine may include features such as lips, spoilers, roughening, polishing, or combinations thereof. The surfaces and structures of wind turbine 100 may include other surface treatments or features.

[0030] Embodiments of wind turbine 100 may be coupled to a generator capable of converting mechanical motion into electricity. Wind turbine 100 may alternatively be coupled to an energy storage system. Other embodiments include other systems that utilize the rotational motion of wind turbine 100.

[0031] Embodiments include a vertical-axis wind turbine configured to receive wind from 360°, the vertical-axis wind turbine comprising a top portion having a circular geometry; a main body portion having a conical geometry, the main body portion comprising an upper main body portion, a lower main body portion, and an orifice formed in the center of the upper main body portion. Embodiments include the main body portion tapering inward from the lower main body portion to the upper main body portion toward the center of the vertical-axis wind turbine. A base portion may be coupled below the main body portion. The base portion may have a circular geometry surrounding the base portion orifice. The base portion further comprises an upper base portion and a lower base portion. Embodiments include blades extending radially outward from the main body portion and extending vertically from the top portion to the base portion. The blades, top portion, and main body portion define a channel configured to increase the velocity of incoming wind by tapering the volume of the channel as the channel approaches a central axis of the vertical wind turbine. The central axis is located at the center of the orifice formed in the center of the upper main body portion. The central axis is coupled to blades configured to receive wind from the channel and rotate the central axis. A generator may be coupled to the central axis and configured to generate electrical energy from the rotation of the central axis.

[0032] Embodiments include a vertical-axis wind turbine configured to receive wind from 360°, wherein the vertical-axis wind turbine includes blades extending between a top portion and a base portion, and the blades further extend radially from a conical body portion located between the top portion and the base portion. Embodiments of the blades, top portion, and body portion define a channel configured to increase the velocity of the incoming wind by tapering the volume of the channel as the channel approaches a central axis of the vertical wind turbine. The vertical-axis wind turbine further includes blades, a blade or ring structure comprising a plurality of blades coupled to the central axis. The blades are configured to receive wind and rotate the central axis. The central axis can be coupled to a generator configured to generate electrical energy.

[0033] Figure 2 1 shows a top portion 200 of a vertical axis wind turbine according to an embodiment. Figure 2As shown, the top portion 200 includes a plurality of spokes 210 and rings 220 forming a lattice structure to the top portion 200. An embodiment may include three rings 220a, 220b, 220c connected to the top portion center 230 by spokes 210a and 210b. An embodiment may include 2 to 20 spokes 210 connecting each ring 220, and may include 2 to 10 rings 220 leading to the center 230. An embodiment may include a solid top portion 200 without any rings 220 or spokes 210. The top portion may adopt alternative lattice structures, such as rectangular, triangular, or square shading. Figure 2 The lattice structure shown in is configured to allow air to flow out of a vertical axis wind turbine. An embodiment includes spokes in the top portion that are aligned with the position of the blades, and the alignment is configured to help wind exit the vertical axis wind turbine.

[0034] Embodiments of the top portion 200 may have a diameter between 10 and 250 inches, a diameter between 25 and 100 inches, and a diameter between 40 and 60 inches. Embodiments include a top portion 200 having a diameter of 45 inches. Embodiments of the height of the top portion 200 may be between 1 and 10 inches in height, between 2 and 8 inches in height, and between 3 and 6 inches in height. An embodiment of the top portion 200 may have a height of 5 inches. The length and width of the ring and spokes may vary, but the length and width of the spokes will generally be between 1 and 5 inches, and the diameter of the ring will be smaller than the outermost edge of the top portion 200.

[0035] Figure 3 A blade 300 according to an embodiment is shown. Figure 3 The blade 300 shown in FIG has a triangular geometry with a lower point 310, an upper point 340, an inner point 320, and a blade cutout portion 330. The blade cutout portion 330 forms an angle of approximately 90° on the inner upper portion of the blade 300. Alternative blade cutout portion inner angles include 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, and 120°. The blade cutout portion 330 allows the blade 150 (see FIG. Figure 1 and 7 ) rotates within a vertical axis wind turbine. The blade outer edge 360 ​​faces outward toward the incoming wind. The blade inner edge 350 is coupled to the main body portion 110 (see Figure 1 The present invention contemplates alternative shapes, configurations, sizes, and angles of blades 300. The combination of blades 300 that form a channel directs wind inward toward the blades, which rotate the central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine. The central axis is coupled to a generator that generates energy from the rotation of the central axis.

[0036] Embodiments of the blade 300 may have a vertical height between 5 and 100 inches, a vertical height between 15 and 75 inches, and a vertical height between 25 and 50 inches. Embodiments may include a blade 300 having a vertical height of 30 inches. The horizontal length of the blade 300 may be between 5 and 50 inches in length, between 10 and 30 inches in length, and between 15 and 25 inches in length. Embodiments may include a blade 300 having a horizontal length of 19 inches.

[0037] Embodiments of the cutout portion 330 may have a horizontal length between 3 and 30 inches, between 5 and 20 inches, and between 8 and 15 inches. Embodiments may include a horizontal length of 12 inches. Embodiments of the cutout portion 330 may have a vertical height between 3 and 30 inches, between 5 and 20 inches, and between 8 and 15 inches. Embodiments may include a vertical height of 10 inches. The cutout portion 330 is configured to allow the blade to spin inside the wind turbine.

[0038] The blade outer edge 360 ​​can be generally straight, or it can be angled outward. Embodiments include blade outer edge 360 ​​that includes an angle opposite to the inner angle of cutout portion 330. The shape of blade outer edge 360 ​​can vary to accommodate the top portion and the body portion. Additionally, cutout portion 330 can vary to accommodate the blade.

[0039] Embodiments of blade outer edge 360 ​​may be shorter, equal to, or longer than the diameter of wind turbine 100. Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the blades 120 extend radially outward from the main body portion 110 along a straight or linear path. The blades 120, 300 may also follow a curvilinear or non-linear geometry outward from the wind turbine 100.

[0040] Figure 4 1 shows a body portion 400 according to an embodiment. The body portion 400 has a conical geometry. Embodiments of the body portion 400 may be conical, such as Figure 4As shown in . An alternative shape of the main body 400 can be adopted, which provides a narrowed channel for the wind to be transmitted to the central axis of the wind turbine with the help of blades as side walls. The angle of the taper of the main body 400 can be between 30° and 60°, between 40° and 50°, and between 42.5° and 47.5°. An embodiment can have a taper of 45°. The taper produces a narrower upper portion 410 of the main body 400 and a wider lower portion 420 of the main body 400. The peak of the upper portion 410 contains a circular orifice 430 (or central orifice) that allows wind to be discharged through the central core of the main body 400. Wind can also be discharged upward toward the top portion and / or through the top portion (not shown). Embodiments of the central orifice can have a horizontal length between 5 and 50 inches, between 8 and 30 inches, between 10 and 20 inches, and a horizontal length of 12 inches. In one embodiment, the main body portion 400, the narrower upper portion 410, and / or the wider lower portion 420 may have a rounded shape or design. For example, the main body portion 400, the narrower upper portion 410, and / or the wider lower portion 420 may form a generally conical shape with a rounded ring at the top (e.g., below the blade 150). In one embodiment, the main body portion 400, the narrower upper portion 410, and / or the wider lower portion 420 may have a flat shape or design. In another example, the rounded or flat shape or design may form a structure in which the main body portion 400, the narrower upper portion 410, and / or the wider lower portion 420 have a multi-sided polygonal structure with a polygonal ring at the top. In one example, the multi-sided polygonal structure may include 7 to 10 sides.

[0041] Embodiments of the body portion 400 have a height between 10 and 100 inches, a height between 15 and 75 inches, and a height between 20 and 50 inches. Embodiments may include a body portion having a height of 21 inches. Embodiments of the body portion have a diameter between 10 and 500 inches, a diameter between 25 and 250 inches, and a diameter between 50 and 100 inches. Embodiments may include a body portion 400 having a diameter of 50 inches.

[0042] Figure 5 A base portion 500 according to an embodiment is shown. Base portion 500 has a tapered circular geometry, wherein base portion 500 tapers inwardly as the base extends downward. The taper of base portion 500 facilitates wind discharge from the wind turbine. The base portion may taper inwardly from upper base portion 510 to lower base portion 520. The angle of taper may be between 10° and 40°, between 15° and 30°, or between 20° and 25°. Base portion 500 may be coupled to body portion 400 via welding, brazing, adhesives, bolts, screws, or combinations thereof.

[0043] The upper (larger) diameter of an embodiment of the base portion 500 may be between 10 and 500 inches in diameter, between 25 and 250 inches in diameter, and between 50 and 100 inches in diameter. An embodiment may include an upper base portion 510 having a diameter of 42 inches. The diameter of the lower base portion 520 may be between 10 and 500 inches in diameter, between 25 and 250 inches in diameter, and between 50 and 100 inches in diameter. An embodiment may include a lower base portion 520 having a diameter of 34 inches. The thickness of the base portion 500 may be between 1 inch and 5 inches, between 2 inches and 3 inches, and 2.5 inches. The size and dimensions of the base portion may vary based on the desired final output rating of the vertical axis wind turbine. In one example, the base portion 500 may be 3 inches wide by 4 inches high, with the size decreasing as the output rating decreases. In another example, the base portion 500 may be 5 inches wide by 7 inches high, allowing for larger sizes as output ratings increase.

[0044] Figure 6 A view of a top portion 600 is shown according to an embodiment. Figure 6 The top portion 600 shown has Figure 2 The dome 620 is a solid dome 620, opposite the grid structure shown. Dome 620 redirects wind toward the blades and forces it out through the main body apertures and out the bottom of the wind turbine. An embodiment of dome 620 may have a convex geometry, with a peak at the center of dome 620 tapering downward toward the top portion outer edge 610. The outer edge 610 may have a vertical height between 1 and 5 inches, a vertical height between 2 and 3 inches, and a vertical height between 2.5 and 2.75 inches. The outer edge 610 may be angled to accommodate the aerodynamics of the wind turbine.

[0045] Figure 7 A vertical-axis wind turbine 700 is shown according to an embodiment. Figure 7 The vertical axis wind turbine 700 shown depicts an annular blade 750 located in the central axis of the vertical axis wind turbine 700. The vertical axis wind turbine 700 further includes a body portion 710, blades 720, a top portion 730, a base portion 740, and a channel 770. The vertical axis wind turbine 700 includes a body portion 710, blades 720, a top portion 730, a base portion 740, and a channel 770. Figure 6 The blades 750 are arranged in a ring structure, with multiple blades extending radially from a central axis point and connected by an outer ring frame. The ring structure receives wind energy directed into the channel and spins the central axis coupled to the generator.

[0046] Figure 8A flow chart illustrating a method for generating wind energy via a vertical-axis wind turbine according to an embodiment is shown. An embodiment of the method for generating electrical energy from wind via a vertical-axis wind turbine includes step 801 of forming a channel for directing wind toward a central axis. The channel is formed by blades that extend radially from a main body of the vertical-axis wind turbine and vertically between a top portion and a base portion of the vertical-axis wind turbine. Step 802 includes directing wind into the channel and increasing wind speed by reducing the area of ​​the channel as the channel approaches the central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine. Step 803 includes rotating blades coupled to the central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine via the wind. Step 804 includes connecting the central axis to a generator configured to generate electrical power via rotation of the central axis.

[0047] Features shown in one figure may be the same as or similar to features shown in another figure. Similarly, features described in conjunction with one figure may be the same as or similar to features described in conjunction with another figure. Unless expressly stated otherwise, identical or similar features may be designated by identical or similar reference numerals. In addition, the description of a particular figure may refer to features not shown in that particular figure. Such features may be shown and / or further described in conjunction with another figure.

[0048] Elements of the processes (i.e., methods) described herein may be performed in one or more ways, such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, etc. Additionally, although various elements of the processes may be depicted in a particular order in the drawings, the elements of the processes may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the intent and spirit of the disclosure herein.

[0049] The foregoing description sets forth many specific details, such as examples of specific systems, components, methods, etc., in order to provide a good understanding of several embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that at least some embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known components or methods are not described in detail or are presented in a simple block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the current embodiment. Therefore, the specific details set forth above are merely exemplary. Specific embodiments may differ from these exemplary details and are still contemplated to be within the scope of the current embodiment.

[0050] The related elements in the examples and / or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar or dissimilar in different instances. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. On the contrary, using the same, similar and / or related element names and / or reference numbers can prompt the reader: the element with a given name and / or associated reference number can be similar to another related element with the same, similar and / or related element name and / or reference number in the examples explained elsewhere herein. About the specific instance, the element specific to a given instance can be described. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be identical and / or similar to the specific depiction of related elements in any given diagram or instance, so as to share the feature of related elements.

[0051] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Upon reading and understanding the above description, many other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present embodiment should be determined with reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are assigned.

[0052] The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple different examples with independent utility. Although these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the particular examples disclosed and shown above should not be considered in a restrictive sense because many variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein comprises novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or properties clearly and inherently disclosed above. If the present disclosure or a claim subsequently submitted lists "an" element, "first" element or any such equivalent term, the present disclosure or claim should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

[0053] As used herein, "same" means sharing all features, and "similar" means sharing a large number of features or sharing important features (even if a large number of features are not shared). As used herein, "may" should be interpreted as a permissive meaning and should not be interpreted as an indefinite meaning. In addition, the use of "is" with respect to an instance, element and / or feature should be interpreted as being certain only with respect to a particular instance and should not be interpreted as being certain with respect to every instance. In addition, references to "the present disclosure" and / or "this disclosure" refer to the entire written content of this document and the entire accompanying instructions, which extend to all written contents of each section of this document, including the title, background technology, description of the figures, detailed description, claims, abstract, and any other documents and / or resources incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] As used herein with respect to a list, "and" forms a group that includes all of the listed elements. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and D is an example that includes A, includes B, includes C, and also includes D. As used herein with respect to a list, "or" forms a list of elements, and any element may be included in the list. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, or D is an example that includes any of the elements A, B, C, and D. Unless otherwise stated, an example of a list that includes alternative inclusive elements does not exclude other examples that include various combinations of some or all of the alternative inclusive elements. An example described using a list that replaces an inclusive element includes at least one of the listed elements. However, an example described using a list that replaces an inclusive element does not exclude another example that includes all of the listed elements. Furthermore, an example described using a list that replaces an inclusive element does not exclude another example that includes a combination of some of the listed elements. As used herein with respect to a list, "and / or" forms a list of inclusive elements individually or in any combination. For example, an example described as including A, B, C, and / or D is an example that can include: A alone; A and B; A, B, and C; A, B, C, and D; etc. The scope of an "and / or" list is defined by the complete set of combinations and permutations of the list.

[0055] If multiple specific elements are shown in a figure, and if it is clear that the elements are repeated throughout the figure, even if there are multiple instances of the elements in the figure, only one label may be provided for the elements. Therefore, other instances of elements with the same or similar structure and / or function in the figure may not be redundantly labeled. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize redundant and / or repeated elements of the same figure based on the disclosure herein. Nevertheless, redundant labels may be included where it helps to clarify the structure of the depicted examples.

[0056] Applicants reserve the right to file claims directed to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed examples that are believed to be novel and non-obvious. Examples embodying other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amending these claims or presenting new claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new claims, whether directed to the same example or a different example, and whether different, broader, narrower, or the same in scope as the original claims, are also considered within the subject matter of the examples described herein.

Claims

1. A device comprising: A vertical axis wind turbine configured to receive wind from 360°, the vertical axis wind turbine comprising: a top portion, which has a circular geometric shape; The main body portion has a conical geometry and comprises: Upper body portion; a lower body portion; and an orifice formed in a center of the upper body portion; wherein said body portion tapers inwardly from said lower body portion to said upper body portion to said center of said vertical-axis wind turbine; a base portion coupled below the body portion; wherein the base portion has a circular geometry surrounding the base portion orifice, and further comprising: an upper base portion and a lower base portion; blades extending radially outward from the body portion and vertically from the top portion to the base portion; wherein the blades, top portion and body portion define a passage configured to increase the velocity of incoming wind via a volume of the passage tapering as the passage approaches a central axis of the vertical wind turbine; the central axis being located at a center of the aperture formed in the center of the upper body portion, wherein the central axis is coupled to a blade, the blade being configured to receive wind from the channel and rotate the central axis; and A generator is coupled to the central axis, the generator being configured to generate electrical energy from the spin of the central axis.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the blade further comprises: outer edge of leaf blade; a blade inner edge coupled to the body portion; as well as A blade cutout portion is configured to allow the blade to rotate about the central axis.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The blade cutout portion forms a 90° blade cutout portion inner angle, and The blade outer edge is angled at a point opposite the inner angle of the 90° blade cutout portion.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion further comprises: Ring, and Spokes configured to connect the rings, Wherein the ring and spokes are configured to allow wind to be exhausted from the vertical-axis wind turbine.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the top portion comprises a convex solid dome configured to direct wind toward the aperture formed in the center of the upper body portion.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The main body portion has a 45° taper; and The base portion has a 10° taper.

7. The device according to claim 6, comprising: Eight blades; Eight channels; as well as A ring structure is coupled to the plurality of blades.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the spokes in the top portion are aligned with the position of the blades, and the alignment is configured to assist in exhausting wind from the vertical-axis wind turbine.

9. A method comprising: Producing electrical energy from wind via vertical axis wind turbines, The method further comprises: forming a channel for directing wind toward the central axis; Wherein the channel is formed by: Blade extension: extending radially from a main body portion of said vertical-axis wind turbine; and extending vertically between a top portion and a base portion of said vertical-axis wind turbine; directing the wind into the channel and increasing wind velocity by reducing the area of ​​the channel as the channel approaches a central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine; rotating blades coupled to the central axis of the vertical-axis wind turbine via the wind; and The central axis is connected to a generator configured to generate electricity via rotation of the central axis.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the paddle comprises: a ring structure comprising a plurality of blades, and The ring structure is configured to rotate about the central axis and within a blade cutout portion on an inner edge of the blade.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the top portion comprises: spokes and rings; wherein the spokes and rings are configured as follows: aligned with the blades, and Wind is allowed to exit from the vertical axis wind turbine.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the vanes extend outwardly from the body portion in a curvilinear geometry.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein: The blades have a variable thickness as they extend inwardly toward the body portion, and The variable thickness is configured to increase the tapering of the channel.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the top portion: is a solid convex dome, and The thickness of the top portion is variable.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein: The main body portion has a 30° taper; The base portion has a 15° taper, and The blade cutout portion has an inner angle of 110°.

16. A system comprising: A vertical axis wind turbine configured to receive wind from 360°; wherein the vertical axis wind turbine comprises: a blade extending between the top portion and the base portion; The blade further extends radially from a conical body portion between the top portion and the base portion; wherein the blade, top portion and body portion define a channel configured to increase the velocity of incoming wind via a volume of the channel tapering as the channel approaches a central axis of the vertical wind turbine; and The vertical-axis wind turbine further comprises blades coupled to the central axis, wherein the blades are configured to receive wind and rotate the central axis, Wherein the central axis is coupled to a generator configured to generate electrical energy.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the top portion: having a grid structure configured to allow wind to escape, and The main body portion has a 50° taper.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the base portion: has a 15° taper, and The base portion includes a base portion aperture having a diameter of 50 inches.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the blade: having a blade cutout portion with an internal angle of 100°, and The blades are aligned with the grid structure of the top portion.

20. The system of claim 16, further comprising: Eight blades; Eight channels; a top portion, which is configured with a solid convex dome; as well as The center orifice is 12 inches in diameter.

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