| 摘要 |
A series of horizontal axis type rotors is distributed along the upper section of an elongate torque transmitting tower/driveshaft. The tower/driveshaft projects upward at its base, supported by a cantilevered bearing means, so it is free to rotate about its own axis. The tower/driveshaft is bent downwind, until the coaxially attached horizontal axis rotors become sufficiently aligned with the wind to rotate the entire tower/driveshaft. Power is drawn from the rotating shaft at the base. Surface mount, subsurface mount, and marine installations are disclosed, including a sailboat that can sail upwind, and store energy while moored. Vertical axis rotor blades may be attached to the lower, substantially vertical section of the tower/driveshaft and even to the distal section of the tower/driveshaft, should it hang in a sufficiently vertical direction for such blades to contribute toward rotation. Vertical and horizontal axis type rotor blades may be interconnected along the entire length of the tower/driveshaft, serving as structural members, even to the point that a central shaft may be unnecessary. Blade to blade lashing may also be included. Various means, including downwind tails, lifting bodies, buoyant lifting bodies, buoyant rotor blades, and methods of influencing the tilt of the rotors, can help elevate the structure. This self-directing wind turbine, including tower, passive guidance system, multiple rotors, means for combining their rotational power and transmitting it to surface level, and load, such as a generator, can comprise as few as one single moving part.
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