| 摘要 |
Methods and apparatus of improved wind energy capture system design and operation are discussed. Improved wind energy capture system blade/sail implementations are described. Retractable sails are used in a novel configuration in some but not all implementations. In one embodiment, a turbine blade assembly includes a plurality of uniformly spaced hollow blades. Each hollow blade includes a furling rod onto which a retractable sail can be rolled and stored. Each hollow blade also includes a sail tensioning cable guide for providing tension for a retractable sail included in an adjacent hollow blade. The turbine blades are secured at their root end to a hub assembly. In some but not all embodiments the turbine blades are supported at their tip end, e.g., by using a set of support cables which provide tension. Computer control and automated operations of sail deployment and/or blade adjustments are implemented. |
