Three controls, three variable gear assemblies, an optional hatch or variable propeller pitch, and a variable overlap generator (VO generator), as well as one or more commutator and brushless free direct current generators may be used independently and together to provide constant frequency and voltage output power and to increase the amount of output power generated with the same input water flow or wind speed in a plurality of embodiments useful in wind power generation and water renewable energy generators for any of tidal and ocean current or wave conditions. Two Transgear assemblies side-by-side and sharing the same central shaft may comprise a constant speed motor control, produce required constant frequency and voltage and be reduced in part count and complexity. The variable overlap generator of a marine hydrokinetic or wind power generator may be used as a low torque generator, a high power-rated generator or a control in these applications and may generate more electric power than a conventional fixed power generator (the rotor axially aligned to overlap the stator in a conventional manner) over a wider input range. An electromotive force (EMF) embodiment generates alternating current at constant frequency and voltage in varying wind and water speed conditions.

A vertical-axis wind turbine apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides a substantially vertically-oriented main shaft. A blade assembly is coaxially aligned with and rotatably engaged about the main shaft. The blade assembly provides an at least one blade radially projecting therefrom. A housing is rotatably engaged with the main shaft and configured for selectively encompassing the blade assembly. A first screen is integral with the housing and configured for shielding a return portion of the blade assembly. A second screen is rotatably engaged with the housing and configured for selectively moving between a retracted position, wherein the second screen is positioned substantially adjacent to the first screen such that a catch portion of the blade assembly is exposed, and a deployed position, wherein the second screen is rotated away from the first screen for at least partially shielding the catch portion from the wind.

Tools and methods are provided for scarfing rotor blade segments. A rotor blade segment includes a pressure side and a suction side. A tool includes a first guide configured for mounting on one of the pressure side or the suction side, the first guide including a first curved rail and a second curved rail spaced from the first curved rail. The tool further includes a second guide movably coupled to the first guide at a scarf angle, the second guide including a guide rail extending between and movable along the first curved rail and the second curved rail. The tool further includes a cutting device movably coupled to the second guide, the cutting device movable along the guide rail and operable to remove material from the one of the pressure side or the suction side.

A vertical axis wind turbine structure is provided that comprises an upstanding structure having a plurality of levels, each level supporting a vertical axis wind turbine assembly therein. Each vertical axis wind turbine assembly drives a generator that develops electrical power. The wind turbine assemblies further comprise a plurality of rotor arms, each supporting a louvered vane assembly thereon. The louvered vane assemblies have louvered vanes supported within a frame that adjust based on the wind front direction. Finally, the outer surface of each of level comprises a rotatable outer surface, whereby an opening through the outer surface allows air flow into the interior thereof and across the louvered vane assemblies. The outer surface of the structure and the louvered vane assemblies adjust based on wind front direction. Overall, the present invention provides a new wind turbine construction that is efficient, modular, and reactive to wind conditions.

Three controls, three variable gear assemblies, a hatch, and a variable torque and power generator (VT&PG), may be used independently and together to provide constant frequency and voltage output power and to increase the amount of output power generated with the same input water flow or wind speed. A three variable spur/helical gear assembly of sun and planetary gear sets is a mechanical three variable control and referred to herein as a Transgear gear assembly, simply Transgear. A hatch wraps around a waterwheel and may control the amount of water inlet to the system by opening and closing and may be controlled by Transgears and a VT&PG. Two Transgears may comprise a constant speed motor control and produce required frequency and voltage and be reduced in part count and complexity. The VT&PG of a marine hydrokinetic or wind power generator may be used as a low torque generator and a high power-rated generator in these applications and may generate more electric power than a conventional fixed power generator (the rotor axially aligned to overlap the stator in a conventional manner) over a wider input range.

Wind turbines for vertical wind turbines, that is, self-adjusting stationary blades and wind routers which further enhance the operation and efficiency of each wind turbine on the main axis of the turbine. Depending on the height of the turbine, there may be one or more routers, depending on the height of the turbine, taking into account the rotor height of about 3 meters, it would have 3 wind routers of 1 m each.