US 2014015.

9375A1
(19) United States
(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/015.9375 A1
Friesth (43) Pub. Date: Jun. 12, 2014
(54) MULTI-TURBINE AIRFLOW AMPLIFYING (52) U.S. Cl.
GENERATOR CPC. F03D I/04 (2013.01); F03D 9/002 (2013.01)
USPC ............................................. 290/55; 415/220
(71) Applicant: Kevin L. Friesth, Fort Dodge, IA (US)
(57) ABSTRACT
(72) Inventor: Kevin L. Friesth, Fort Dodge, IA (US)
A wind generating device employs modules each having two
(21) Appl. No.: 14/179,619 turbines. Each turbine employs two rotors coaxially aligned
by a shaft associated with an in-line generator. Alternatively,
(22) Filed: Feb. 13, 2014 the turbine employs only one rotor for low-wind areas. The
O O arrangement includes a proximal channel with a leading por
Related U.S. Application Data tion having decreasing radius toward the first rotor which acts
(63) Continuation of application No. 11/999,811, filed on as a collector and a following portion connecting fluidly the
Dec. 7, 2007, now Pat. No. 8,668,433, which is a first and second rotor and a distal channel which is separate
continuation-in-part of application No. 1 1/315,711, from the proximal channel and opens into the following por
filed on Dec. 22, 2005, now Pat. No. 7,758,300. tion, adding to the airflow to the second rotor. Downstream
from the second rotor is a diffuser with a radius increasing
Publication Classification with distance from the rotor. Surrounding the second rotor is
a boundary layer control collar creating channels associated
(51) Int. Cl. with one or more channels between diffuser segments. The
FO3D L/04 (2006.01) modules may be stacked vertically allowing for yaw respon
FO3D 9/00 (2006.01) sive to wind and may be mounted on a tower.
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US 2014/015.9375 A1 Jun. 12, 2014

MULT-TURBINE AIRFLOW AMPLFYING wind speed passing through (and resulting power) a collector
GENERATOR alone will not increase the power produced.
0008. Some related art turbines are positioned in a shroud
CLAIM OF BENEFIT OF PRIORITY behind which a diffuser extends. The diffuser's radius
0001. This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. increases with the distance from the rotor. As wind passes
No. 11/999,811 filed Dec. 7, 2007, titled “Multi-turbine Air through the rotor, negative pressure will be induced at the
flow Amplifying Generator', which is a Continuation-in-Part throat with pressure recovery as it progresses to the exit. The
of application Ser. No. 1 1/315,711 filed Dec. 22, 2005, now negative pressure draws in more air through the turbine
issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,758,300 and titled “Multi-turbine Air which, in turn, results in a production of more power than a
bare turbine of the same size.
flow Amplifying Generator. Patent application Ser. No.
11/315,711, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,758,300, claims the 0009. The amount of wind drawn through a turbine as a
benefit of provisional patent application 60/639,200, filed result of a diffuser is affected by what is known as boundary
Dec. 27, 2004. Each of the patent application Ser. Nos. layer separation. This phenomenon occurs near the inner
11/999,811 and 11/315,711, now issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,758, surface of the diffuser where wind “separates from or does
300, as well as the provisional patent application 60/639,200 not closely follow the inner surface thereby decreasing the
are incorporated herein by reference. theoretical power increase otherwise expected. Related art
has addressed this inefficiency by employing additional
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION momentum obtained from tangential injection of the free
wind around the outside of the diffuser through inlet slots in
0002 1. Field of the Invention the diffuser. More than a single slot may be indicated depend
0003. The present invention relates in general to wind ing on the size and angle of the diffuser wall relative to
generated power and, more precisely, to airflow wind channel horizontal. By adding slots to address boundary layer sepa
capture and airflow acceleration for the purpose of generating ration, the angle at which a diffuser's inner Surface extends
power. can be increased and a complementary reduction in length
0004 2. Description of the Prior Art achieved thereby reducing the length required by earlier dif
0005. It is known in the art to use turbine rotors of assorted fuser designs.
designs and configurations for providing a rotational inertia 0010 More recent related art combines a collector,
output in response to air flow. However, prior art turbines, shroud, and diffuser. In addition to augmenting the power
particularly for wind energy transformation, are limited in over a bare turbine, this combination shortens the time for
their effectiveness by commonly available low speed wind cut-in of the turbine thus converting energy at a lower wind
power transformation. speed.
0006. Many wind turbines are of the windmill variety 0011. The traditional school of thought includes the use of
wherein a multi-blade rotor is mounted so that it spins around massive and very long rotors for which diffusers and collec
an axis generally horizontal to the ground. The blades are tors would be both expensive and heavy. Therefore, studies
exposed directly to the wind and are not housed by any means. have been completed to test whether the power augmentation
As wind passes over and under each blade, pressure differen of a given diffuser configuration would be reduced if the
tials cause the blades to rotate about the axis. This rotation trailing edge of the diffuser rested on or was near the ground.
turns gears which produces power. The amount of power or These studies revealed that when the ground plane was near
energy produced by these horizontal rotors is dependent on the trailing edge, there appeared to be an augmentation of
many factors one of the most important of which is the area power and that there was no decrease in power. Further stud
swept by the rotor or, in other words, the length of the blades. ies showed the velocity across the blade plane could be
Therefore, in its most common form, a tower may accommo improved using a bullnose on the diffuser inlet and parabolic
date only a single rotor and a generator. Even the most effi nose cone in front of the rotor hub.
cient of these allows some fifty plus percent of the wind to 0012 None of the related art addressed the problems here
pass through. It should be noted that some flow must be tofore suffered by large turbines. For example, tower struc
maintained through the rotor in order to produce any power at ture expense and size. The tower must be high to Support the
all, however, current turbines are less efficient than is desir turbine and, due to the turbine's weight, the structure must be
able. The formula for power derived from the wind includes equally Substantial as well as equipped to function against
the velocity cubed. Common windmills do not accelerate the wind shear.
wind to take advantage of this cubing effect. 0013. In addition, related art mostly employ single rotors
0007. Other related art turbines attempt to capitalize on the that generate no power if the rotor fails. Finally, although
increased Velocity factor by employing a collector which efforts have been made to augment the power of a turbine, no
includes a radius larger than the rotor at the aft end that efforts seem to have been made to actually use more of the
narrows to almost equal that of the rotor. The collector cap wind mass passing the rotor blades.
tures, focuses, and accelerates more wind toward the turbine 0014 More recently, related art has considered using a
than that which would pass through a bare rotor. A turbine and multiple of modules housing Small rotors stacked vertically.
collector combination may result in reducing the necessary These arrangements require less land area and provide redun
size of the rotor. The collector allows collection of a wider dancy Such that the malfunction of one rotor does not shut
range of wind directions and can greatly reduce dependence down power generation. Specifically, this arrangement
on yaw capabilities. The effects of the angle or surface cur employs toroidal accelerator rotor platform systems which
Vature at which the collector's radius decreases toward the function by placing an obstruction in the path of the wind
rotor on wind speed at the rotor's center or outer tips has not which causes the air to accelerate around it. A rotor is then
been well defined or studied. In addition, because a reduction placed in the region of highest local velocity. Using multiple
of static pressure at the rotor is necessary to accelerate the Such rotors Substantially increases the system power output
US 2014/015.9375 A1 Jun. 12, 2014

over rotors in free stream. The system uses the inner part of a and passes through the proximal rotor. The distal channel
toroid with a pair of rotors mounted in the semi-circular opens into the proximal channel behind the proximal rotor.
channel separated by 180 degrees so that both face the wind. This placement minimizes boundary layer separation while at
Toroidal modules are then stacked upon one another. The the same time Supplementing the wind mass and Velocity
rotors are free to yaw within the channel to face the wind. passing through the distal rotor. The rotors are connected by
0015 The present invention differs from the above refer a shaft and an in-line generator associated with the shaft
enced inventions and others similar in that these prior devices converts mechanical energy from the rotors into electrical
typically employ one turbine per tower and depend on very energy. In a second preferred embodiment for low wind areas,
large rotor Swept areas. Although strides have been made to the turbine only has the distal rotor and the generator is
augment wind power using collectors and diffusers, even the associated with the distal rotor.
modular types employing smaller rotors still allow over half 0027. Each module also includes means for mounting
of the wind (and its power) to pass through rotors unhindered each said module to the tower structure to allow generally
and unharnessed. horizontal yawing, a plurality of structural elements for Sup
0016 One object of the present invention is to greatly port and strength. Means for mounting in the preferred
enhance the power produced by a single tower by augmenting embodiment comprise a stationary Support associated with
the power of each turbine and by utilizing more of the wind the tower structure, a Support deck associated with each mod
passing through the rotors; ule, and both vertical and horizontal Support rollers associ
0017. A second object of the present invention is to pro ated with the support deck. The rollers and the support deck
vide a device that uses air channels to amplify airflow through are mounted on a bottom Surface of the module housing. A
the rotor along with associated collectors and diffusers; yaw deck and additional vertical and horizontal Support roll
0018. A third object of the present invention is to provide ers are mounted on a top Surface of the module housing. This
a device wherein multiple rotors may be associated with one arrangement provides a rotationally active interface between
another to enhance efficiency; vertically stacked modules which allows the modules to yaw
0019. A fourth object of the present invention is to reduce about a vertical axis of the tower while maintaining vertical
tower structure needs; placement. One modification uses a generally ring-like Sup
0020. A fifth object of the present invention is to provide port deck integrally formed with the housing. The tower
selective pitch control for rotors; protrudes through an opening in the housing and through an
0021. A sixth object of the present invention is to effec opening in the stationary Support.
tively capture and use wind power from any direction; 0028. The preferred embodiment of the energy generating
0022. A seventh objective is to reduce the costs associated device includes means for lifting each module vertically
with wind power production by increasing the power pro along the height of the tower structure for assembly purposes
duced per tower erected and decreasing the cost of compo and for maintenance purposes. Means for lifting provided by
nents, reduces land use and greatly increases the ratio of the preferred embodiment comprises a winch and crane arm
electricity generated to erected tower cost; and at the top of the tower structure. It should be understood that
0023. An eighth objective is to provide a wind power many modules may be combined in a single energy generat
generative device that is more avian friendly by providing ing device of the present invention.
physical profiles detectable by birds and bats; 0029. For each turbine, the minor outside opening com
0024. A ninth objective is to provide a wind power gen prises a radius larger than and decreasing along the proximal
erative device that does not require gear boxes to transfer air channel to approximately equal the proximal rotor Such
mechanical energy to generators; and that air flow through said rotor is amplified both in mass and
0025 A tenth objective is to provide a wind power gen Velocity. The major opening is fluidly connected with said
erative device that takes advantage of the stronger and distal rotor through said distal air channel and separated from
steadier winds available at higher altitudes. said minor opening. A diffuser having a radius gradually
SUMMARY
increasing with distance from the second rotor creates nega
tive pressure at the rotors and amplifies the wind speed and
0026. The present invention provides an energy generat mass through the proximal rotor and the distal rotor. Electri
ing device comprising a tower structure and at least one—but cal energy is transported from the generators out and down the
preferably a plurality of wind amplifying multi-turbine tower structure through Successive yaw collars which are
modules. In the preferred embodiment, two turbines are equipped with electrical contacts in continuous contact even
employed in each wind amplifying module and, while two as the module swings about the vertical axis of the tower. This
said wind amplifying modules could be mounted side by side, arrangement provides a lighter, Smaller, less expensive
the preferred embodiment employs generally vertical relativ energy generating device.
ity. Each wind amplifying module of the preferred embodi 0030 Independent pitch control means are provided for
ment has a housing and two turbines. In a first preferred each said rotor for maximizing efficiency. Mechanics known
embodiment, each turbine has a minor outside opening fluidly in the art including a motor are linked to the blades to change
connected to a proximal rotor and a proximal air channel, a the angle of attack or pitch on each blade. This change alters
major outside opening fluidly connected to a distal air chan the amount of wind affected by the rotor. Functionally this
nel and a distal rotor. The proximal rotor and the distal rotor allows the turbine to maximize possible power production.
are fluidly connected by the proximal air channel such that Control of this change can be either manual or automated. The
airflow to the distal rotor includes that which has passed manual system would be adjustable only when rotational
through the proximal rotor in addition to that which has been inertia was paused. An automated system would be controlled
collected by the distal air channel. The design of the proximal by an algorithm receiving signals from various sensors moni
air channel near the minor opening includes a collector sec toring physical characteristics of wind flow and also mechani
tion having convex or concave sides into which wind enters cal characteristics of the rotor assembly. The automated sys
US 2014/015.9375 A1 Jun. 12, 2014

tem would use an iterative process based on the algorithm to 0042 FIG. 8 is perspective view of portion of a tower
adjust pitch and maximize power. The automated system structure showing means for lifting of the preferred embodi
would allow pitch to be modified when rotational inertia is ment of the present invention;
present. 0043 FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a wind amplifying
0031 Structural elements employed in the module com module of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present
prise a variety of shapes, sizes and arrangements which are invention;
dictated by the conditions and capacity of the energy gener 0044 FIG. 10 is a side view in elevation of a cross section
ating device with which the module will be associated. The of FIG.9 along line 5-5:
conditions include the total number of modules, expected 0045 FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative
wind velocities, number of turbines within the module, the embodiment of an energy generating device of the present
height of this particular module relative to the ground and its invention.
placement relative to other modules. The plurality of struc
tural elements in the preferred embodiment are uniformly DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
spaced ribs both axially and concentrically oriented relative EMBODIMENTS
to the air channels relative to the axis of the rotors. However, 0046. The energy generating device of the present inven
it is contemplated that said elements could also comprise a tion is shown generally as 10 in FIG.1. The energy generating
webbed structure, ribs of various lengths and depths, posi device 10 comprises a tower structure 12 and at least one but
tioned either internal or external to the wind channel or hous
preferably a plurality of wind amplifying multi-turbine mod
ing, or other similar devices. ules 14. In a first preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a
0032. The present invention provides an energy generat and 3, each module 14 employs a first turbine 16 and a second
ing device modular in nature. Modules may be mounted turbine 18. Each module 14 is surrounded by a housing 20,
together in any fashion deemed structurally safe. Modules are and the first turbine 16 has a proximal channel opening 22, a
outfitted with electrical generating hardware optimally sized first proximal rotor 24, a first proximal air channel 26 having
for the wind resources available at the location the modules
are to be erected. Groups of modules may include but are not an inner surface 28 and a leading portion 30 and a following
limited to configurations ranging from 1 to 60 modules portion 32, a distal channel opening 34, a first distal rotor 36,
mounted together in a fashion to generate between 50 kilo and a first distal air channel 38 having a surface 40. A diffuser
watts and 30 megawatts. The number of Such energy gener 42 having an inner Surface 44 is positioned just behind the
ating devices that can be located on a given space of Suitably first distal rotor 36. The second turbine 18 comprises a second
characterized ground varies as numbers may increase or proximal channel opening 50, a second proximal rotor 52, a
decrease with Suitability. Compared to other energy generat second proximal air channel 54, a second distal channel open
ing devices utilizing wind power, the present invention is ing 56, a second distal rotor 58, and a second distal air channel
projected to provide increased power output for less cost than 60, shown in FIG. 4.
currently accepted industry averages. 0047 Referring again to FIG. 3, the proximal rotors 24
0033. Other objects, features, and advantages of the and 52 respectively, and the distal rotors 36 and 58, respec
present invention will be readily appreciated from the follow tively are in fluid communication such that airflow into the
ing description. The description makes reference to the distal rotor 36 includes that which has passed through the
accompanying drawings, which are provided for illustration proximal rotor 24 in addition to that which has passed through
of the preferred embodiment. However, such embodiment the distal air channel 38. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the proxi
does not represent the full scope of the invention. The subject mal rotor 24 is substantially centered within the proximal
matter which the inventor does regard as his invention is opening 22, and the distal rotor 36 is generally axially aligned
particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at with and spaced apart from the proximal rotor 24. The proxi
the conclusion of this specification. mal rotor 24 and distal rotor 36 are sequentially associated by
means 62. In the first preferred embodiment, the means 62 is
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS a drive shaft 64. To convert the mechanical energy of the
rotors into electrical energy, each turbine 16 and 18 has an
0034 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an energy generating in-line generator 70. It is preferred that the generator 70 is
device of the present invention; associated with means 62 without the need for additional
0035 FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a wind amplifying gearboxes. However, in-line gearboxes may be included if
module of a first preferred embodiment of the present inven specific circumstances require them. It should be understood
tion; that many modules 14 may be combined in a single energy
0036 FIG.2b perspective view of a wind amplifying mod generator of the present invention.
ule of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention; 0048. The radius of the leading portion 30 of the proximal
0037 FIG.3 is a side view in elevation of a cross section of channel 26 is larger than the radius of the proximal rotor 24
FIG.2a along line 3-3; and the radius of the proximal channel inwardly tapers toward
0038 FIG. 4 is a top view in elevation of a cross section of the proximal rotor 24. The radius of the following portion 32
FIG.2a along line 4-4; is nearly equal to the radius of the proximal rotor 24 Such that
0.039 FIG.5 is a side view in elevation of a cross section of in the first preferred embodiment air flow through the proxi
FIG. 2a along line 3-3 showing a second preferred embodi mal rotor 24 is directed to the distal rotor 36. In a second
ment of the present invention; preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the proximal chan
0040 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a tower nel serves as a collector only for generating greater airflow to
structure showing means for mounting of the preferred the distal rotor 36.
embodiment of the present invention; 0049. The surface 28 may be convex or straight, and it is in
0041 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a half-module of the fact preferable that the surface 28 be both convex and straight.
preferred embodiment of the present invention: The inventors have discovered that there is very little accel
US 2014/015.9375 A1 Jun. 12, 2014

eration due to employing a concave Surface when compared intermixing and flow interaction within diffuser segments
to a convex or straight Surface. When convex or straight to the 208. This will enhance mass flow near the periphery walls.
inside, the surface 28 acts as an object in the path of the wind 0055 Another improvement of the fourth preferred
and creates a higher local velocity and wind mass at the embodiment is reduced material usage as well as beneficial
proximate rotor. Depending on the size of the turbine 16, it usage of an external periphery channel wall 203 to form the
may be advantageous to employ only slight convexity to the outer wall of the boundary layer control channels 204. The
surface 28 of the proximal channel 26. Where such inner inner wall 205 of the boundary layer control channel 204 also
surface 28 is convex toward the air channel, air flow can be functions as the diffuser periphery wall segment. The bound
moved closer to the center of the rotor thereby countering ary layer control channels 204 also function as a bleed chan
outflow otherwise expected. nel for excessive solidity pressure build up, caused by blade
0050. The distal channel openings 34 and 56 are fluidly plane rotor rotation, to bypass the rotor plane yet benefit the
connected with the distal rotor 36 through the distal air chan boundary layer control and enhance mass flow exit speed.
nel 38 and therefore separated from the proximal channel 0056. Each rotor in the first preferred embodiment, rotors
opening 22. The diffuser 42 is fluidly connected to both the 24, 36, 52, and 58, and the second preferred embodiment,
proximal rotor 24 and the distal rotor 36 to receive air flow rotors 36 and 58, has an independent means 100 for control
from both. The inner surface 44 of the diffuser 42 angles ling pitch to maximize energy efficiency. The rotors 24, 36.
outwardly such the radius of the diffuser 42 expands away 52, and 58 each have a plurality of blades 102. The means 100
from the distal rotor 36. The expanding radius of the diffuser of the preferred embodiment includes a motor 104 associated
42 creates a negative pressure behind the distal rotor 36 which with each blade 102 to rotate each blade 102. The motor 104
draws air through both rotors at higher mass and Velocity. can be controlled either manually or automatically in
0051. The distal air channel 38 opens into the following response to changes in wind speeds and direction. Automa
portion 32 of the proximal channel 26 thereby adding tangen tion of the motor 104 may be accomplished by use of a
tial velocity to the air flow into the distal rotor 36 increasing computer and wind sensors (not shown). Balance of each
the power generated as well as addressing and managing module 14 relative to the wind direction is achieved via
boundary layer separation otherwise expected at the inner proper placement of the channel openings 22, 34, 50, and 56.
surface 44 of the diffuser 42. Taking advantage of winds at In a third preferred embodiment, shown in FIG.2b, the mod
high altitudes also increases the amount of energy generator ule 14 is further balanced by inclusion of a rudder 108 located
per wind turbine. between the turbines 16 and 18 and opposite the openings 22,
0052. In the second preferred embodiment of the module 24, 50, and 56.
14, the turbines 16 and 18 have only the distal rotors 36 and 58 0057 The preferred module 14 is strengthened by a plu
and do not include the proximal rotors 24 and 52. Because the rality of structural elements 110 shown in FIG. 4 as extending
distal rotors 36 and 58 produce the majority of the energy
generated, this second preferred embodiment is cost effective into the turbines 16 and 18. Although the structural elements
for use in low wind areas. The proximal rotors 24 and 52 may 110 of the preferred embodiments are uniformly spaced con
not contribute enough energy in low wind conditions to war centrically oriented ribs 112, the structural elements may be
rant their expense. Also in the second preferred embodiment, of any shape, size, or arrangement. The form of the structural
the means 62 is eliminated and the generator 86 is directly elements 110 depend upon such factors as the wind condi
associated with each of the distal rotors 36 and 58. tions, size of the module 14, the total number of modules 14,
0053 Again referring back to the first preferred embodi number of turbines 16 and or 18, altitude of the module 14,
ment of FIG.3 and FIG.4, means 62 for sequentially associ and placement of the module relative to other modules. It is
ating the rotors 24 and 36 further includes the following contemplated that the structural elements 110 could be a
portion 32 of proximal air channel 26. Air flow that passes webbed structure, ribs of various lengths and depths, internal
through the following portion 32 is subsequently combined or external to the air channels 26 and 28 or the housing 20. The
with airflow through the distal channel38. It is preferable that ribs 112 of the preferred embodiments are both axially and
the radius of the following portion 32 tapers toward the distal concentrically oriented relative to the channels 26 and 38 and
to the axis of the rotors 16 and 18.
rotor 36 until the radius of the following portion 32 is less than
that of the distal rotor 36 thereby focusing the airflow toward 0058 Looking to FIG.9, a fourth preferred embodiment
the middle of the distal rotor 36 to avoid outflow. of the module 14 is shown that contemplates the ribs 112
0054 Referring to FIG. 10, illustrating a fourth preferred creating a multipoint Support structure 200 placed internally
embodiment, the module 14 includes a boundary layer con and/or externally to the air channels 26 and 28 and/or the
trol collar 202 surrounding the distal rotor 36 and forming housing 20. The fourth preferred embodiment of FIG. 9 con
boundary layer control channels 204 associating with one or templates multiple multipoint support structures 200 located
more diffuser flow control channels 206 located between on either end of each rotor 24, 36, 52, and 58 as well as
diffuser segments 208. This allows mass flow external to the approximately centrally located with each half module 172.
blade plane and rotational contact area as well as back pres Each multipoint support structure 200 connects to a bridge
sure due to rotor blade solidity from blade rotational forces plate 201 located above and/or below the module housing 20
(which causes bleed mass flow and pressures towards the exit creating additional Support, load balancing, and load bearing
of the channel or segment) to encourage boundary layer con for the module 14 and the entire tower structure 12.
trol flow movement. The boundary layer control collar 202 0059. The preferred turbine 16 is composed of low cost
and channels 204 will also enhance mass flow by eliminating off-the-shelf small generators and the preferred blades 102
potential stagnant Zones within the diffuser 42. It is also are short turbine blades. Unlike long turbine blades, short
contemplated that the insertion of vortex generators 210 turbine blades can be manufactured without esoteric materi
directly opposite the diffuser flow control channel 206 exit als or special fabrication techniques. By reducing the costs of
situated between diffuser segments 208, will create higher components and concentrating output via Stacking of mul
US 2014/015.9375 A1 Jun. 12, 2014

tiple turbines, the preferred embodiment has increased power is wound on the winching mechanism 162. To further aid in
per cost of the erected tower 12. construction and maintenance, each module 14 is preferably
0060 Referring now to FIG. 6 showing a portion of the formed from two half-modules 172, shown in detail in FIG. 7.
tower structure 12 and the preferred means 66 for mounting The cable 168 is removably attached to one of the half
the module 14. The preferred means 66 should allow gener modules 172 for lifting it onto mounting means 66. The
ally horizontal yawing of the module 14 with respect to the elevator 134 serves to move means 160 up the tower 12 as the
tower 12. To accomplish yawing, the preferred means 66 tower 12 is constructed.
includes a stationary ring Support 120 below a stabilizing 0064. Many modifications and variations of the present
support 122. Both supports 120 and 122 are associated with invention are possible in light of the above teachings. For
the tower structure 12. Corresponding to the ring support 120, example, the tower structure 12 may be used with a variety of
a plurality of horizontal support rollers 124 and a plurality of wind energy devices. Although in the preferred embodiments
vertical support rollers 126, shown in FIG. 7, are positioned module 14 serves as a means for generative energy from
on a lower surface 128 and an upper surface 130, respectively, airflow, other such means are contemplated for use with the
of the module housing 20. These surfaces 128 and 130 define tower structure 12. As another example, the diffuser 42.
an aperture 132 in the housing 20, the aperture 132 running proximal channel 26, and distal channel 38 may be of any
generally vertically through the module 14. The ring Support shape and size most beneficial for transferring mechanical
120 provides the support for the module 14 while the stabi energy including but not limited to a square. It should further
lizing Support 122 prevents the module 14 from moving be understood that although horizontal yawing is advanta
beyond the horizontal axis. This arrangement provides a rota geous to allow the module 14 to harness as much wind energy
tionally active interface between vertically stacked modules as possible, means for mounting 66 need not require yawing.
14 which allows the modules to horizontally yaw about a Though not preferred, rollers 124 and 126 can be eliminated
vertical axis of the tower 12 while maintaining vertical place and the module 14 can instead be attached to the tower 12.
ment. The modules 14 may yaw independently, or the mod 0065. Thus, the present invention has been described in an
ules 14 may be connected to yaw in groups. illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology
0061 Because the tower structure 12 of the preferred that has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of
embodiments protrudes through the module 14, the interior of description rather than of limitation.
the tower structure may be used to hold additional elements What is claimed is:
such as an elevator 134 and a power rail 140. Referring again 1. An energy generative device for harnessing airflow com
to FIG. 6, the elevator 134 runs vertically through the tower prising:
structure 12 and provides access to each module 14. To elec a. A wind amplifying module:
trically associate each module 14 with the power rail 140, the b. A tower structure;
tower also includes conductor slip rings 142 between each c. Said wind amplifying module comprising at least one
support 120 and 122. The power rail 140 is connected to each turbine positioned in a housing:
of the conductor slip rings 142 to electrically associate each d. Said at least one turbine comprising:
module 14 and transfer power down the tower structure 12. i. A distal rotor,
Each of the conductor slip rings 142 is conductively associ ii. A proximal channel;
ated with the turbines 16 and 18 allowing the module 14 to iii. A distal channel annularly Surrounding the proximal
rotate without losing conductive contact. The tower 12 is channel Such that the proximal channel is fully con
preferably faced with a covering, except where each module tained within the distal channel and arranged such that
14 is mounted. airflow to said distal rotor includes that which has
0062. The tower structure 12 may be of such a height that passed through said proximal channel and air flow
it becomes unstable without additional support. The preferred provided by said distal channel;
embodiment, referring again to FIG. 1, is therefore anchored iv. An in-line generator powered by said distal rotor;
by guy wires 150. The guy wires 150 may be attached to the V. A diffuser made up of segments separated by at least
tower structure 12 directly, but it is preferred that the tower one diffuser flow control channel; and
structure 12 include a plurality of struts 152 for attachment of vi. Said diffuser positioned in fluid communication with
the guy wires 150. The struts 152 extend sufficiently from the the distal rotor to accommodate air passing through
tower structure 12 to prevent contact between the guy wires the distal rotor.
150 and the modules 14. An alternative embodiment shown in 2. The energy generative device of claim 1 wherein said
FIG. 11, illustrates an energy generating device 10 wherein distal rotor is surrounded by a boundary layer control collar.
the modules 14 run from ground level vertically to the top of 3. The energy generative device of claim 1 wherein at least
the tower structure 12. This alternative embodiment creates a one Vortex generator is attached opposite an exit of said at
relatively solid structure of modules 14 with a central support least one diffuser flow control channel.
spine made of the tower structure 12 around which each 4. The energy generative device of claim 1 wherein said
module 14 may still yaw horizontally independently or in module further includes a rudder positioned between a first
connected groups. turbine and a second turbine and associated with said housing
0063 To aid in constructing and servicing the energy gen to provide balance and wind orientation.
erating device 10, the preferred embodiment of the present 5. The energy generative device of claim 1 wherein said
invention includes means 160 for lifting the modules 14 onto device includes a plurality of said modules.
the tower structure 12. The preferred embodiment of means 6. The energy generative device of claim 2 wherein said
160 as shown in FIG. 8 and comprises a winching mechanism boundary layer control collar forms an inner wall of at least
162 and a crane arm 164 at least one Support guide 166 and at one boundary layer control channel and the inner wall of said
least one cable 168. The winching mechanism is mounted on diffuser forms an outer wall of said at least one boundary layer
a top portion 170 of the tower structure 12 and the cable 168 control channel.
US 2014/015.9375 A1 Jun. 12, 2014

7. The energy generative device of claim 6 wherein said 13. The energy generative device of claim 12 wherein at
boundary layer control channel is in fluid communication least one Vortex generator is attached opposite an exit of said
with at least one diffuser flow control channel. at least one diffuser flow control channel.
8. The energy generative device of claim 1 further com 14. The energy generating device of claim 12 wherein said
prising a plurality of structural elements to support and device includes a plurality of said modules.
strengthen said energy generating device. 15. The energy generative device of claim 12 further com
9. The energy generative device of claim 8 wherein said prising a plurality of structural elements to support and
plurality of structural elements further comprise two or more strengthen said energy generating device.
ribs forming a multipoint Support structure. 16. The energy generative device of claim 15 wherein said
10. The energy generative device of claim 9 wherein at plurality of structural elements further comprise two or more
least one said multipoint Support structure is located in said ribs forming a multipoint Support structure.
wind amplifying module and further includes: 17. The energy generative device of claim 16 wherein at
a. Said at least one multipoint Support structure attached to least one said multipoint Support structure is located in said
at least one bridge plate; and wind amplifying module and further includes:
b. Said at least one bridge plate connected to said wind a. Said at least one multipoint Support structure attached to
amplifying module. at least one bridge plate; and
11. The energy generative device of claim 1 wherein said at b. Said at least one bridge plate connected to said wind
least one turbine further comprising: amplifying module.
a. A proximal rotor, 18. The energy generative device of claim 12 wherein said
b. Said proximal rotor is generally coaxially spaced apart at least one turbine further comprises:
from said distal rotor such that airflow to said distal rotor
a. A proximal rotor Substantially centered in said proximal
further includes that which has passed through said opening, the radius of said proximal rotor being Smaller
proximal rotor, than the radius of said leading portion;
c. Means for associating said rotors; and b. Said proximal rotor generally coaxially spaced apart
d. Said in-line generator powered by said rotors and from said distal rotor wherein airflow to said distal rotor
through said means for associating said rotors. further includes airflow having passed through said
12. An energy generative device for harnessing airflow proximal rotor,
comprising:
a. A wind-amplifying module; c. Means for associating said rotors;
b. A tower structure; d. Said in-line generator powered by said rotors and
c. Said wind amplifying module comprising at least one through said means for associating said rotors;
turbine positioned in a housing: e. The radius of said leading portion being larger than the
d. Said at least one turbine comprising: radius of said proximal rotor and a following portion in
fluid communication with said distal rotor; and
i. A distal rotor; f. Said distal rotor generally axially aligned with said
ii. A proximal channel having a proximal opening and an proximal rotor and said proximal channel and positioned
inner Surface having a leading portion and a following relative to said distal channel to receive airflow from said
portion in fluid communication with said distal rotor, distal channel, said proximal rotor, and said distal rotor.
said Surface is shaped convex or straight with respect 19. An energy generative device for harnessing airflow
to the interior of said proximal channel; comprising:
iii. A distal channel fluidly connected to said distal rotor a. At least one wind amplifying module:
conducting airflow passing through said proximal
channel and airflow provided by said distal channel to b. A tower structure;
said distal rotor, said distal channel having a distal c. Said at least one wind amplifying module comprising at
channel opening positioned around said proximal least one turbine in a housing:
channel and a Surface spaced apart from and annularly d. Said at least one wind amplifying module further com
Surrounding said proximal channel. Such that said prising a plurality of structural elements to support and
proximal channel is completely contained within said strengthen said energy generating device;
distal channel; e. Said at least one turbine comprising:
iv. An in-line generator powered by said distal rotor, i. A distal rotor,
V. A boundary layer control collar annularly Surrounding ii. A proximal channel having a proximal opening and an
said distal rotor; inner Surface having a leading portion and a following
vi. A diffuser made up of segments separated by at least portion in fluid communication with said distal rotor,
one diffuser flow control channel; said Surface is shaped convex or straight with respect
vii. Said diffuser positioned in fluid communication with to the interior of said proximal channel;
the distal rotor to accommodate air passing through iii. A distal channel fluidly connected to said distal rotor
the distal rotor, conducting airflow passing through said proximal
viii. Said boundary layer control collar forming an inner channel and airflow provided by said distal channel to
wall of at least one boundary layer control channel said distal rotor, said distal channel having a distal
and the inner wall of said diffuser forming an outer channel opening positioned around said proximal
wall of said at least one boundary layer control chan channel and a Surface spaced apart from and annularly
nel; and Surrounding said proximal channel. Such that said
ix. Said boundary layer control channel is in fluid com proximal channel is completely contained within said
munication with at least one diffuser flow control distal channel;
channel. iv. An in-line generator powered by said distal rotor;
US 2014/015.9375 A1 Jun. 12, 2014

V. A boundary layer control collar annularly Surrounding a. Said at least one multipoint Support structure attached to
said distal rotor; at least one bridge plate; and
vi. A diffuser made up of segments separated by at least b. Said at least one bridge plate connected to said wind
one diffuser flow control channel; amplifying module.
vii. Said diffuser positioned in fluid communication with 23. The energy generative device of claim 19 wherein said
the distal rotor to accommodate air passing through tower structure further comprises a top portion with means for
the distal rotor; lifting said at least one wind amplifying module, said top
viii. Said boundary layer control collar forming an inner portion comprising:
wall of at least one boundary layer control channel a. A winching mechanism;
and the inner wall of said diffuser forming an outer b. A crane arm;
wall of said at least one boundary layer control chan c. At least one Support guide; and
nel; and d. At least one cable for removable attachment to said
ix. Said boundary layer control channel is in fluid com means for lifting said at least one wind amplifying mod
munication with at least one diffuser flow control ule.
channel; 24. The energy generative device of claim 19 wherein said
f. Said tower structure comprising: at least one turbine further comprising:
i. Means for mounting said at least one wind amplifying a. A proximal rotor Substantially centered in said proximal
module on said tower structure allowing horizontal opening, the radius of said proximal rotor being Smaller
yawing of said at least one wind amplifying module: than the radius of said leading portion;
ii. A plurality of conductor slip rings conductively asso b. Said proximal rotor generally coaxially spaced apart
ciated with said at least one wind amplifying module: from said distal rotor wherein airflow to said distal rotor
and further includes airflow having passed through said
iii. A power rail running vertically along said tower and proximal rotor,
connecting to each of said plurality of conductor slip c. Means for associating said rotors;
rings. d. Said in-line generator powered by said rotors and
20. The energy generative device of claim 19 wherein at through said means for associating said rotors;
least one Vortex generator is attached opposite an exit of said e. The radius of said leading portion being larger than the
at least one diffuser flow control channel. radius of said proximal rotor and a following portion in
21. The energy generative device of claim 19 wherein said fluid communication with said distal rotor; and
plurality of structural elements further comprise two or more f. Said distal rotor generally axially aligned with said
ribs forming a multipoint Support structure. proximal rotor and said proximal channel and positioned
relative to said distal channel to receive airflow from said
22. The energy generative device of claim 21 wherein at
least one said multipoint Support structure is located in said distal channel, said proximal rotor, and said distal rotor.
wind amplifying module and further includes: k k k k k