Wind turbine spoiler

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985

OSTI ID:865345

Sullivan, William N ^[1]

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1. Albuquerque, NM

An aerodynamic spoiler system for a vertical axis wind turbine includes spoilers on the blades initially stored near the rotor axis to minimize drag. A solenoid latch adjacent the central support tower releases the spoilers and centrifugal force causes the spoilers to move up the turbine blades away from the rotor axis, thereby producing a braking effect and actual slowing of the associated wind turbine, if desired. The spoiler system can also be used as an infinitely variable power control by regulated movement of the spoilers on the blades over the range between the undeployed and fully deployed positions. This is done by the use of a suitable powered reel and cable located at the rotor tower to move the spoilers.

• Research Organization: AT&T
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4500257
• OSTI ID: 865345
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

wind
turbine
spoiler
aerodynamic
vertical
axis
spoilers
blades
initially
stored
near
rotor
minimize
drag
solenoid
latch
adjacent
central
support
tower
releases
centrifugal
force
causes
move
producing
braking
effect
slowing
associated
desired
infinitely
variable
power
control
regulated
movement
range
undeployed
deployed
positions
suitable
powered
reel
cable
located
central support
rotor axis
vertical axis
centrifugal force
power control
wind turbine
turbine blade
turbine blades
support tower
variable power
infinitely variable
deployed position
force causes
suitable power
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