Vertical axis turbine having a movable mass connected to each turbine blade

摘要

A turbine is disclosed. The turbine comprises a plurality of turbine blades arranged in such a way about a substantially vertical central axis so as to rotate together about the central axis. Each turbine blade has an outer edge and an inner edge and is pivotally mounted near the outer edge about an axis substantially parallel to the central axis. A biasing means, which biases the inner edge of each turbine blade towards the central axis is provided. When the turbine blades are placed in a fluid flow they rotate together about the central axis and as their speed of rotation increases, they pivot about their mountings against the bias of the biasing means and into a more circumferential orientation about the central axis. The biasing means further comprises a mass positioned substantially on the central axis and axially movable with respect thereto. The mass is connected with each turbine blade where the turbine is adapted so that an increase the speed of rotation of the turbine causes the turbine blades to pivot about their mountings and lift the mass along the central axis.