Importance

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Abstract

A wind energy conversion device includes a support frame that pivots on a vertical yaw axis, and a rotor/bushing assembly coupled to the support frame through a governing coupling that permits the rotor/bushing assembly to pivot on a governing axis relative to the support frame. The governing axis is inclined from the vertical preferably by about 30.degree. to provide a substantial gravitational bias of the rotor/bushing assembly toward a normal operating position when wind velocities are below a predetermined threshold. The governing axis also is laterally offset from a drive axis about which the wind rotates a propeller of the rotor/bushing assembly. This facilitates alignment of the rotor/bushing assembly so that the drive axis intersects the yaw axis. As a result, wind induced thrust does not generate a torque about the yaw axis. Wind velocities above the threshold pivot the rotor/bushing assembly counter to the gravitational force, thus to move a propeller structure of the rotor/bushing assembly out of its normal orientation perpendicular to the wind direction, thus reducing wind-induced thrust and rotational speed. A tail assembly, mounted to the support frame, maintains the support frame in a predetermined angular position relative to the wind direction as the rotor/bushing assembly pivots. In an alternative construction, the tail assembly is mounted to the rotor/bushing assembly, so that governing action pivots and tilts the tail assembly.

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First Claim