摘要 |
A feathering fluid-driven turbine comprises impellers, arranged around the turbine axis and affixed to axles disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of the turbine, and further comprises a vane, such as a wind vane, which points in the current direction of fluid flow, mounted on an axis. The impellers are operatively engaged by a feathering mechanism, which, responsive to the direction indicated by the vane, rotates the impellers along their axles so that impellers on the windward side of fluid flow are aligned to present maximum aerodynamic resistance to fluid flow and impellers on the leeward side of fluid flow are aligned to present minimum aerodynamic resistance, thereby maximizing torque output of the turbine regardless of direction of fluid flow. The feathering mechanism comprises an offset cam affixed to the axis of the vane, moving in conjunction therewith as the direction of fluid flow changes. Fitted to the cam is a collar that is rotatable with the rotation of the turbine. Rocker arms linked to the collar are variably displaced during turbine rotation responsive to the offset of the cam. The rocker arms variably rotate linked impellers, thereby appropriately feathering the impellers during turbine rotation, responsive to the direction of fluid flow.
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