Variable speed wind turbine with radially oriented gear drive

摘要

A wind turbine assembly includes a gear drive assembly having an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member, the inner member being positioned coaxially within the outer member. A pair of spaced bearings circumscribe the inner tubular member and support the outer member for rotation about the inner member. Propeller blades are coupled to the outer member for effecting rotation in response to wind. An electric power generator mounted to the inner member has a rotor shaft extending from one end. A gear unit is drivingly coupled between the rotor shaft and the outer member whereby rotation of the outer member is effective to cause rotation of the rotor shaft at a velocity substantially greater than a rotational velocity of the outer member for generating electric power from the generator.