Wind turbine using sails affixed to chains

摘要

A sail on a chain wind turbine comprises a plurality of preferably rectangular sails each attached at its edges to a pair of parallel looped chains. The chains are each routed along a triangular path engaging three circular sprockets selected for low friction rotation. The upper extent of the assembly forms the top apices of the chain triangles with two opposing sprockets located at each such apex. The remaining circular sprockets form the base of the triangle with one sprocket located at each end of the base on each side of a frame. The two chains are precisely congruent to one another with respective sprockets being axially aligned. One such pair of aligned sprockets is interconnected by a shaft which rotates from the force of a wind against the sails. A linkage rotates an electrical generator shaft as the sails catch the wind.

主权项

1. An electrical generating apparatus responsive to incident wind to rotate a turbine generator; the apparatus comprising:
a frame having a self-supporting structure and providing a plurality of freely rotatable sprockets; at least one chain formed as a closed loop and engaging said sprockets for rotation about said frame; at least one sail attached to said chain for catching said incident wind for propelling said chain around said frame; a linkage driven by said chain in response to said incident wind and is connected to said turbine generator for producing electrical energy in response to said incident wind engaging said sail.