Windmill mechanism
An improved windmill mechanism for adjusting the position of a wind responsive assembly in relation to wind is disclosed. The preferred embodiment comprises a fabric sail mounted on the end of an arm which extends from a power output shaft. A torque sensor is disposed on the arm to sense the torque contribution through that arm to the power output shaft in response to wind acting upon the fabric sail on that arm. The position of the fabric sail is adjusted on the arm by means of a control processor which controls a trim-motor and a magnetic brake. The control processor receives the torque signal provided from the sensor and provides adjustment of the fabric sail in accordance with the torque signal. The control operates to position the sail in a running mode over the semi-circular path segment of rotation of the arm which has a leeward component of motion. It is also effective to position the sail to tacking modes at the beginning and ending of the semi-circular path segment and the flutter mode in the middle of that segment which has a windward component of motion. The control is also effective to automatically adjust for changes in the prevailing wind direction. The sails are supported on flexible mast elements which provide automatic feathering of the sails in response to wind gusts and high wind velocities.
- Assignee:
- EDB-86-001894
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4530642
- OSTI ID:
- 6498049
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 17 Nov 1983; Other Information: PAT-APPL-552945
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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