Self-adjusting wind power machine

Abstract

A machine for economical recovery of wind power employs a self-adjusting mass-balanced aerodynamic blade weathervaning freely around a lengthwise pitching axis forward of its aerodynamic center, and an aerodynamic roller in its leading edge, spun at high RPM by a motor. The roller controls aerodynamic performance to high levels of efficiency at high lift coefficients, employing novel roller/airfoil profiles. For ship propulsion, the self-adjusting blade with roller stopped is like a furled sail, and with the blade held angling to the wind with roller spinning is like a large, efficient, easily controlled sail. On a horizontal axis wind turbine, the self-adjusting blade is continuously held to an efficient angle of attack by centrifugal lift-increasing pitching moments balancing aerodynamic lift-decreasing pitching moments. The blade whirls steadily despite fluctuations of wind speed and direction, reducing stresses, and preventing structural damage or loss of efficiency. Gyroscopic blade teetering moments are neutralized by mass-balance counter-spin, using a single blade with a balancing stub, on a teetering pivot at the mill shaft. A teetering pivot at the top of the mast and horizontal tail surfaces complete an overall dynamic stress relief system. Sensors monitor operating conditions, control roller speed and move centrifugal mass positions for optimum power output.