Disclosed embodiments provide a renewable power generation apparatus. In embodiments, the renewable power generation apparatus is driven by wind. In other embodiments, the renewable power generation apparatus is driven by water. Disclosed embodiments utilize two cylindrical turbines placed adjacent to each other. A diverter directs wind towards both turbines, causing them to rotate about their respective longitudinal axis. The turbines are coupled to a driveshaft that drives a generator to generate power. Embodiments utilize an airfoil adjacent to each turbine. The airfoil causes air to move faster over the airfoil surface to create low pressure which increases the performance of the turbines. The renewable power generation apparatus of disclosed embodiments is relatively compact compared to a traditional wind turbine. This allows disclosed embodiments to have more flexibility in where they are installed, facilitating local power generation, off-grid applications, and other important environmental applications.

Disclosed embodiments provide a renewable power generation apparatus. In embodiments, the renewable power generation apparatus is driven by wind. In other embodiments, the renewable power generation apparatus is driven by water. Disclosed embodiments utilize two cylindrical turbines placed adjacent to each other. A diverter directs wind towards both turbines, causing them to rotate about their respective longitudinal axis. The turbines are coupled to a driveshaft that drives a generator to generate power. Embodiments utilize an airfoil adjacent to each turbine. The airfoil causes air to move faster over the airfoil surface to create low pressure which increases the performance of the turbines. The renewable power generation apparatus of disclosed embodiments is relatively compact compared to a traditional wind turbine. This allows disclosed embodiments to have more flexibility in where they are installed, facilitating local power generation, off-grid applications, and other important environmental applications.

A vertical axis wind turbine system having a vertical mast with one or more turbine units supported thereon. The turbine units are of modular construction for assembly around the foot of the mast; are vertically moveable along the height of the mast by a winch system; and are selectively interlocking with the mast to fix the turbine units in parked positions. The turbine system and each turbine unit includes a network of portals and interior rooms for the passage of personnel through the system, including each turbine unit. The electrical generators, and other sub-components, in the turbine units are of modular construction that permits the selective removal and replacement of component segments, including the transport of component segments through the portals and interior rooms of the turbine system while the turbine units remain supported on the mast. The electrical generators are also selectively convertible between AC generators and DC generators.

A vertical axis wind turbine system having a vertical mast with one or more turbine units supported thereon. The turbine units are of modular construction for assembly around the foot of the mast; are vertically moveable along the height of the mast by a winch system; and are selectively interlocking with the mast to fix the turbine units in parked positions. The turbine system and each turbine unit includes a network of portals and interior rooms for the passage of personnel through the system, including each turbine unit. The electrical generators, and other sub-components, in the turbine units are of modular construction that permits the selective removal and replacement of component segments, including the transport of component segments through the portals and interior rooms of the turbine system while the turbine units remain supported on the mast. The electrical generators are also selectively convertible between AC generators and DC generators.

A wind turbine system to provide electrical power in areas not connected to the electrical power grid. The wind turbine system includes a frame and a rotatable shaft supported by the frame. A ring and idler gear assembly is coupled to the rotatable shaft. An upper rotor assembly is coupled to the rotatable shaft. The upper rotor assembly is configured to rotate in a first direction and thereby to rotate the rotatable shaft in a first direction. A lower rotor assembly is coupled to the ring and idler gear assembly. The lower rotor assembly is configured to rotate in a second direction which is opposite of the first direction and thereby to rotate the rotatable shaft in the first direction via the ring and idler gear assembly.

A wind turbine system to provide electrical power in areas not connected to the electrical power grid. The wind turbine system includes a frame and a rotatable shaft supported by the frame. A ring and idler gear assembly is coupled to the rotatable shaft. An upper rotor assembly is coupled to the rotatable shaft. The upper rotor assembly is configured to rotate in a first direction and thereby to rotate the rotatable shaft in a first direction. A lower rotor assembly is coupled to the ring and idler gear assembly. The lower rotor assembly is configured to rotate in a second direction which is opposite of the first direction and thereby to rotate the rotatable shaft in the first direction via the ring and idler gear assembly.

A wind turbine includes a frame having a generally elongated shape, the frame having a first rotor support and a second rotor support, a rotor rotatably mounted to the frame between the first rotor support and the second rotor report, that, when mounted, a centerline of the rotor mounted has an angle relative to horizontal between approximately 30 and 60 degrees, and at least one blade coupled to the rotor.

A vertical-axis wind turbine generator includes two or more rotor assemblies, each rotor assembly having two or more wind turbine blades mounted for rotation, preferably those having a Savonius configuration. A cowling includes a nose portion forming a bifurcating wind diverter, in which the bifurcated airflow is directed in order to cause counter directional flow of the wind turbine blades. According to at least one version, the cowling further includes a cover portion that defines a venturi chamber above the rotating blades to draw air into the top of the turbine above the rotating blades and create a vacuum, thereby reducing resistance. The cowling can be part of an existing wind turbine or alternatively replace an original cowling as a retrofit.

A vertical-axis wind turbine generator includes two or more rotor assemblies, each rotor assembly having two or more wind turbine blades mounted for rotation, preferably those having a Savonius configuration. A cowling includes a nose portion forming a bifurcating wind diverter, in which the bifurcated airflow is directed in order to cause counter directional flow of the wind turbine blades. According to at least one version, the cowling further includes a cover portion that defines a venturi chamber above the rotating blades to draw air into the top of the turbine above the rotating blades and create a vacuum, thereby reducing resistance. The cowling can be part of an existing wind turbine or alternatively replace an original cowling as a retrofit.

An energy conversion device may include a shaft including a first portion and a second portion wherein the first portion of the shaft is configured to rotate relative to the second portion of the shaft. A rotor may be coupled to the first portion of the shaft and a stator may be coupled to the second portion of the shaft. A first one-way bearing may be coupled to the first portion of the shaft and configured to transfer rotational input to the first portion of the shaft in a first direction. A second one-way bearing may be coupled to the second portion of the shaft and configured to transfer rotational input to the second portion of the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction.