Vertical axis wind vane - has set of aerofoil sails orientated by connecting rods to give desired angle of attack

摘要

The wind vane comprises a circular disc mounted horizontally to turn about a vertical axis with two bearings. The bearings may be attached to a mobile chassis or mounted in masonry to support the disc 0.5 to 1 metre above ground level. Standing around the circumference of the disc are eight to twelve posts of height equal to the dia. of the disc. These are similar to the masts of a ship, with sails attached to them. The sails attached to the posts may be orientated by connecting rods linked to a central wheel turning at the same speed as the disc. The wheel is eccentric w.r.t. the disc and is linked by a hypocycloidal gear movement. This keeps the vanes correctly oriented to make max. use of the effect of the wind incident upon them. The sails have an aerofoil cross-section and are arranged so that each provides a contribution to the turning effect of the disc.