AN INTEGRATED AND SYNERGISTIC MULTI-TURBINE, MULTI-VANE ARRAY FOR A MODULAR, AMPLIFIED WIND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A large-scale, modular, wind power generating structure and system involving a toroidal or ovoidal shaped wind amplification structure/module that can be stacked vertically to form a tower that passively accelerates a wind flow that moves around each of the modules due to the Bernoulli Principle. Each amplification level includes a plurality of vertical axis wind turbine and generator assemblies, fairings, and vanes that form a synergistic system wherein the efficiency of the vertical axis turbine and generator assemblies and the amount of energy that can be produced per module are substantially improved compared to the turbine assemblies operating outside the integrated and amplified wind system.

Claims

1. A wind power generating system, comprising: a plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies; a plurality of vertically stacked wind amplification modules, including at least one toroidal shaped module; a plurality of adjustable wind vanes; and at least one fairing positioned in the middle and front of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies to bisect a wind stream to allow the wind stream to flow across the sides of at least one of the plurality of vertically stacked wind amplification module, wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies, vanes, and fairing is located in a cavity formed by a curvilinear surface of one or more of the wind amplification modules, wherein the plurality of adjustable wind vanes are positioned between the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies.

2. (canceled)

3. The wind power generating system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of adjustable wind vanes are positioned behind the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies.

4. The wind power generating system of claim 1, further comprising a generator assembly located beneath, above, or within the spinning trajectory of rotors of each of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies.

5. The wind power generating system of claim 4, further comprising: a continuously variable transmission coupled to the at least one of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies; a sensor coupled to at least one of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies; and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor and to the continuously variable transmission, wherein the generator assembly is mechanically coupled to the continuously variable transmission.

6. The wind power generating system of claim 1, further comprising a wind vane positioned along a vertical center axis inside a rotational trajectory of rotors of one or more of the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies.

7. The wind power generating system of claim 1, further comprising one or more rotor blades within each of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies, wherein the one or more rotor blades each has an edge substantially conforming to a curvilinear contour of the cavity.

8. The wind power generating system of claim 1, further comprising: a tower comprised of a stacked set of wind amplification modules; and stationary carousel tracks outside of each of the plurality of amplification modules securely fixed to a top and a bottom of the wind amplification module.

9. The wind power generating system of claim 1, further comprising a yawable frame assembly that connects together a set of the fairing, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and wind vanes per module level.

10. The wind power generating system of claim 9, further comprising one or more sets of rollers fixed to the yawable frame that connects together a top and a bottom of the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines assemblies, and wind vane assemblies, wherein the rollers are connected to both a top and a bottom of a stationary carousel track.

11. The wind power generating system of claim 9, further comprising one or more sets of rollers fixed to a cluster of components including the vertical axis wind turbine assembly, the continuously variable transmission, and the generator assembly such that the cluster can be moved onto and off of the yawable frame assembly.

12. The wind power generating system of claim 9, further comprising an actuator and a motor connected to each of the adjustable wind vanes on each of the plurality of modules.

13. The wind power generating system of claim 6, further comprising an actuator and motor connected to each of the wind vanes located along the center axis inside the trajectory of the vertical axis wind turbine rotors.

14. A method for generating electrical power from wind, comprising the steps of: transmitting mechanical energy from a vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly located adjacent to a vertically stacked wind acceleration module to an electrical generator, and transmitting electrical energy output from the electrical generator through a wire in a yawable frame that connects a plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes on each of the vertically stacked wind acceleration modules into an interior core of an acceleration module tower.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: moving the yawable frame that connects the plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies, and wind vanes along a path concentric with an axis of symmetry of the module, wherein the vertically stacked wind acceleration modules are substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising preventing transmission of mechanical energy from the vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly to the electrical generator according to a sensed rotational speed.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: sensing a rotational speed of the transmission input and a transmission output; varying a ratio of the rotational speed of a transmission input to the rotational speed of a transmission output over a continuous range of values: determining a range of rotational velocities; and controlling a continuously variable transmission such that the electrical generator operates within the range of rotational velocities, the range of rotational velocities being based upon a signal received from a sensor.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning at least one of the plurality of fairings to bisect ambient airflow to begin wind amplification, aid in passive rotation of the yawable frame that connects the at last one of the plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes, and provide an increased arc of lift for one or more vertical axis wind turbines located near the at least one of the plurality of fairings.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the vanes in front of the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies to restructure turbulent wind streams, increase amplification of wind streams, manage back pressures to enhance wind flow through the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and aid in passive rotation of the yawable frame that connects the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the vanes behind the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies to restructure turbulent wind streams, increase amplification of wind streams, manage back pressures to enhance wind flow through the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and aid in passive rotation of the yawable frame that connects the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes.

21. The method of claim 19, further comprising using actuators and motors to adjust an angle of each vane in relation to a direction of incoming airflow to alter the interaction of the vane with the airflow.

22. The method of claim 14, further comprising using actuators and motors to adjust an angle of each vane located inside a trajectory of the rotors of the vertical axis wind turbines in relation to a direction of the incoming airflow to alter the interaction of the vane with the airflow to enhance the output of one or more of the vertical axis wind turbines.

23. The method of claim 14, further comprising repositioning a cluster of components including the vertical axis wind turbine assembly, the continuously variable transmission, and the generator assembly onto and off of the yawable frame assembly for inspection, repair, and/or replacement of the cluster.

24. A wind turbine power generation apparatus, comprising: a first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly; a plurality of blades within the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly shaped to substantially conform to a contour of a wind acceleration module; a generator assembly located beneath, above, or within a spherical trajectory of the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor blades; and a set of rollers affixed to a top and a bottom of the first vertical axis wind turbine assembly for moving the assembly off and onto a first yawable frame assembly.

25. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: a continuously variable transmission mechanically coupled to the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly; an electrical generator mechanically coupled to one of the continuously variable transmission and the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly; a sensor coupled to the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly; and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor and to the continuously variable transmission, wherein the electrical generator is mechanically coupled to the continuously variable transmission, wherein the electrical generator is configured to convert mechanical energy transferred by one of the continuously variable transmission or the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly into electrical energy.

26. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: an adjustable vane located along a center axis inside the trajectory of the rotors of the vertical axis wind turbine; and at least one actuator and motor to adjust an angle of each vane located inside the trajectory of the rotors of the vertical axis wind turbines in relation to a direction of incoming airflow;

27. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of claim 24, further comprising: a frame that connects together a plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and vanes; a plurality of rollers affixed to the frame to allow it to move along a stationary set of tracks affixed to the outside of a wind amplification module.

28. A wind turbine power generation apparatus of claim 27 further comprising electrical wires associated with the first yawable frame assembly of the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines, and wind vanes through which electrical energy output from the generator assembly is transmitted into the interior tower core.

29. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first yawable frame connecting the fairing, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and the wind vanes moves all of the connected wind vanes, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and fairings simultaneously from a first position to a second position.

30. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first yawable frame assembly is mounted to operate independently from a second yawable frame assembly located in the concavity formed by the curvilinear surface of the wind amplification modules above or below the first yawable frame assembly.

31. The wind power generating system of claim 1, wherein the at least one toroidal shaped module is round, ovoidal, or triangular from a perspective above a wind amplification module tower.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] For a more complete understanding of the present embodiments and their advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:

[0032] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical “horizontal wind shear” environment caused by the amplification of ambient wind around an amplification shroud surface, such as a toroidal shaped augmented wind power generation system, in accordance with one of more of the exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 2 depicts a lateral view of how an integrated VAWT turbine, CVT, and generator (“VCG”) assembly might fit within the concave portion of a wind amplification surface such as a toroidal wind module or tower in accordance with one or more of the exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 3A depicts an integrated VCG assembly where the CVT and generator are located beneath the VAWT turbine in accordance with one or more of the exemplary embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 3B depicts an integrated VCG assembly where the CVT and generator are located inside a nacelle type enclosure which is located inside the perimeter of the rotors near the central axis in accordance with one or more of the exemplary embodiments.

[0036] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of an aggregation of VCG assemblies, fairings, and multiple acceleration vanes arranged within the concave portion of a wind amplification structure such as a toroidal module in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 5 depicts a modular amplification wind power generating tower consisting of multiple toroidal modules each with its own set of VCG assemblies, fairings, and acceleration vanes stacked vertically about a central tower or axis in accordance with one or more of the embodiments.

[0038] FIG. 6A depicts a top down view of a toroidal wind amplification structure depicting where the front pair of VCG assemblies are located very close to the front central fairing allowing for an extended arc of travel of each individual VAWT rotor blade in a condition of lift or acceleration during its rotation about the vertical axis in accordance with one or more of the embodiments.

[0039] FIG. 6B depicts a top down view of a toroidal wind amplification structure depicting where the front pair of VCG assemblies are located substantially downstream of the front central fairing thereby benefitting from the amplified wind stream of the tower but not necessarily from an increased arc of travel as would be the case if it were located immediately adjacent to the fairing in accordance with one or more of the embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 7A illustrates curvilinear wind flows that help drive a greater arc of travel of the VAWT rotors within a pair of front VCG assemblies as described in FIG. 6A in accordance with one or more of the embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 7B illustrates the amplified wind flows around a toroidal tower when the pair of front VCG assemblies are not sufficiently close to the center fairing to substantially benefit from an increased arc of travel as described in FIG. 6B in accordance with one or more of the embodiments.

[0042] FIG. 8 depicts a path of possible wind flows that have been redirected by an acceleration vane that is located between front and aft VCG assemblies in accordance with one or more of the embodiments.

[0043] FIG. 9 depicts a pair of ‘aft’ VCG assemblies plus two sets of wind restructuring and grooming vanes located behind the aft VCG assemblies in accordance with one or more of the embodiments.

[0044] FIG. 10A illustrates a toroidal shaped wind amplification surface in accordance with one of more of the exemplary embodiments.

[0045] FIG. 10B illustrates two forms of an ovoidal shaped wind amplification surface in accordance with one of more of the exemplary embodiments.

[0046] FIG. 11 illustrates a top down perspective of two manifestations of a redirection vane located inside the rotational circumference of the vertical axis rotors in accordance with one of more of the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0047] FIGS. 1 through 11, discussed below, and the various descriptions of the embodiments disclosed herein are by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented in a suitably arranged augmented wind power generation system.

[0048] The Figures in U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,646 (Cory) illustrated the horizontal wind shear environment created when moving around a wind amplification toroidal structure and a system of stacked modules (levels) that included pairs of VAWT turbines and generators. U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,646 (Cory) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,679,207 (Cory) also illustrated various ways to integrate a VAWT turbine, a variable speed drive (such as continuous variable transmission, “CVT”), and a generator. These illustrations are applicable background for the current patent and can be referred to for additional specificity or embodiments.

[0049] FIG. 1 depicts the outside surface a typical amplification shroud 102 (such as a toroidal shaped shroud) and the horizontal wind shear environment 100 created by an augmented wind power system. The fastest winds are located nearest to the tower surface 102. The further one moves away from the tower surface 102, the lower the wind amplification. In FIG. 1, wind flow patterns 104 exist in close proximity to tower surface 102. Previous research suggests that within such a shaped surface, in region 106, wind flow can be approximately 2.16 times faster than the ambient wind speed (Weisbrich & Pucher, 1996). In region 108, wind velocity slows as the distance from the wall increases to approximately 2.0 times faster than the ambient wind speed. In region 110, wind velocity slows more to approximately 1.95 times faster than the ambient wind speed, and so on. As a result, to extract the greatest energy from the amplified wind stream, one embodiment can include blades of the VAWT rotors shaped to conform to the curvilinear shape or profile of the tower wall to access the fastest wind speeds near the tower. To facilitate the rotation of turbines, vanes, and fairings, there can also be located a carousel ring 112 on which the turbines, vanes, and fairings travel around the outside parameter of the shroud wall 102.

[0050] FIG. 2 depicts how a VCG assembly 201, including a set of wheels 203 that allow the VCG to move along the carousel ring into the tower for replacement or repair, fits into the contoured shape of a wind amplification surface such as the outside wall of a toroidal module 202 as described above. The shape of the wall of the toroidal module (or the surface of the amplification structure if not a toroid) can be modified depending on the application. Similarly, the relative height and width of the VAWT rotors on the VCG assembly can also be modified as needed to accommodate a large number of objectives including but not limited to managing torque, power capacity, wind flow turbulence, etc. In combination, the shape of the toroidal surface and the shape of the VAWT rotors are interdependent and should be adjusted and optimized for a particular) application. The exact shape of the amplification surface is not restricted to a toroid nor is the VAWT turbine restricted to a specific ovoidal or spherical shape. In addition, the VAWT turbine can have any number of rotors, struts between the rotors and the axis, or other additions to the VAWT assembly that are appropriate for a specific environment and set of objectives.

[0051] FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a VCG assembly where the CVT 301 and generator 302 are located beneath the VAWT turbine 303. Given the likely size of large utility-scale wind towers, each VAWT rotor could easily exceed 10 meters in height with a proportionate width enabling sufficient room to install a continuously variable transmission and axial permanent magnet stacked beneath the larger rotor assembly.

[0052] FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment of a VCG assembly where the CVT 301 and generator 302 are located inside a nacelle 304 within the perimeter of the rotors along the vertical axis. Although this configuration leaves more vertical space between the modules (or levels) of the amplification tower, the airflow through the VAWT rotors could be impacted and can result in the need to be optimized for the situation. Nonetheless, there may be situations where space constraints and use cases make this the superior configuration.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates a lateral view of an embodiment that includes multiple VCG assemblies 401, a fairing 402, and multiple acceleration vanes 403 located adjacent to the contoured shape of a wind amplification surface 40) such as the outside wall of a toroidal module. One of the implications of this depiction is that the number of VCG assemblies, fairings, vanes, or other wind shaping devices or power conversion assemblies are not limited to one VCG per side of the tower or amplification structure as depicted in previous art. In addition, once multiple assemblies, fairings, and/or vanes are positioned in a given wind stream, the interaction—positive and negative synergies—of the various assemblies and devices can be managed to increase the production of energy and better control downstream wakes in ways that are very valuable and not possible with a single pair VCG assemblies alone. For example, there are a very large number of minor modifications that can be made to any one of the assemblies or devices in the wind stream, e.g., the size, angle, contour, composition, and surface texture of a single wind vane, such that the interaction of the various assemblies and devices are nearly infinite depending on the needs of the user. Having the optionality to optimize the various attributes of the assemblies and devices in the wind stream is a primary source of engineering and economic value for such a system and an important part of the value being created with this patent.

[0054] FIG. 5 depicts how individual levels (or modules) 501 that include multiple VCG assemblies 502, fairings 503, and acceleration vanes 504 can be connected to a core internal tower or structure and stacked to form a vertical system 50) of independently operating modules. Although the stacking of toroidal or other wind amplification structures has been described in previous art (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,127,646 (Cory)) the system created by multiple VCG assemblies, fairings, and vanes on a single module can be multiplied across multiple levels to profoundly increase both the capacity, energy density, and operational production of a tower within a fixed footprint. This is important because the footprint of traditional wind farms (the area of land required for a given amount of power generating production) is a significant limitation on both the economics of wind energy as well as the ability to locate wind farms in areas closer to the user of electricity. Alternatively, a single, narrow diameter tower 500 comprised of multiple, high energy density modules, each with independent operation enables the owner/operator to profoundly increase the amount of power generated from a single tower and the number of towers that can be deployed in a wind farm thereby facilitating an exponential increase in energy production from a given wind farm (i.e., a fixed area of real estate). It is this combination of factors that can help large-scale wind power achieve unprecedented levels of production and reductions in costs per megawatt-hour produced.

[0055] FIG. 6A depicts one embodiment of an array of VCGs, fairing, and acceleration vanes where the front VCGs 601 are located very close to the center fairing 602 to allow the VAWT rotors to benefit from a greater arc of travel through a curved wind stream wherein the period of lift and acceleration of the rotors through the wind stream is substantially longer than what could be realized in a more common straight-line wind scenario. This is a unique wind environment for a VAWT turbine that has not been identified in previous wind power art or commercial application, and the exact benefits of the added propulsion must be rigorously researched. However, it is clear that not only can there be a greater period of lift for each rotor, but if there are sufficient (e.g., four or more) rotor blades on the VAWT turbine then there should be a significant reduction and/or elimination of the normal ‘dynamic stall’ condition that momentarily affects each rotor blade on each of its revolutions. If this brief stall condition can be reduced or eliminated and a subsequent rotor blade can enter the accelerated wind stream before the first rotor blade has finished its extended arc, then the efficiency and power of the VAWT should be improved even further.

[0056] FIG. 6B depicts another embodiment of an array of VCGs, fairing, and acceleration vanes where the front VCGs 601 are located substantially downstream of the center fairing 602 thereby benefitting from the amplified wind stream but not necessarily from an increased arc of travel as would be the case if it were located immediately adjacent to the fairing. Although the positioning of a VCG assembly near a fairing would likely lead to an improved rotor efficiency and output, the location also diminishes the amount of time the wind flow stream has to be amplified by the toroidal tower wall. In some circumstances, it would be advantageous to move the front rotors significantly downstream from the fairing to focus on benefiting from the amplified wind stream which should be enhanced by the existence of the fairing, instead of an extended arc of lift.

[0057] FIG. 7A illustrates a wind stream 701 flow in a curved path along the sides of the fairing 702, creating a unique curvilinear shape that allows for a greater arc of travel for the pair of front VCG assemblies 703 as described in FIG. 6A.

[0058] FIG. 7B illustrates the amplified wind flows 705 around a wind amplification surface 704 (such as a toroidal tower) when the pair of front VCG assemblies 703 are not sufficiently close to the center fairing 702 to substantially benefit from an increased arc of travel as described in FIG. 6B. In this scenario, the fairing provides both a more efficient way to initiate the diversion of wind around the tower and more surface area for the wind to be amplified. This results in a smoother and more amplified wind stream.

[0059] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of an acceleration vane 801 that is located between front 802 and aft 803 VCG assemblies. The illustration depicts the aggregation, grooming, and partial amplification of both an ambient wind flow 804 that has not moved through the diameter of the front VCG assembly and the more turbulent wake of wind 805 that has moved through the front VCG rotors. The system of gathering, grooming, accelerating, and targeting the wind stream towards the rotors of the aft VCG assembly is a synergistic process leading to a wind flow 806 that is more stable and has a higher potential energy capacity which then leads to an improved efficiency and output of the aft VCG assembly.

[0060] FIG. 9 depicts how a wind stream 901 might move through the aft VCG assembly 902 and either impact a directional vane 903 that would create small vortices/eddies to help reduce and deflect the wake of wind behind the tower, or impact a vane at the back of the module 904 that would act like a tailfin on an airplane and aid in the passive yawing or rotation of the various VCG, fairing, and vane assemblies around the central tower structure similar to a weather vane rotating passively about a central axis.

[0061] Most of the present disclosure has focused primarily on a toroidal shaped wind amplification structure, but as alluded to throughout, the system and processes described herein are not intended to be specifically limited to a toroid. Although a toroid is circular from a top and bottom perspective and can better facilitate an easier rotation of the VCG, fairing, and vane equipment around a stationary tower or axis, there are other shapes that can conceivably offer many of the same benefits described by the present disclosure.

[0062] For example, FIG. 10A illustrates a typical toroidal shaped wind amplification structure 10-01 wherein the sides of the toroid are concave 10-02 in orientation and the top of the toroid is essentially circular 10-03. Alternatively, one could elongate the toroid into various forms of an ovoid shape as illustrated in FIG. 10B. One manifestation is more oval in shape when viewed from the top 10-04, while another might be shaped more like an egg or rounded delta from the top 10-05. Although these shapes might force the entire amplification structure to rotate about a central axis instead of just the VCG, fairings, and vanes, many of the benefits of the wind amplification system described herein would still apply. The present disclosure is therefore not explicitly limited exclusively to a true toroidal shaped wind amplification surface.

[0063] FIG. 11 depicts two embodiments of how the vertical axis inside a VAWT turbine can be shaped into yet another vane to further enhance the structuring, amplification, or back pressure management of the airflow around an amplification tower or structure. Specifically, it was illustrated in FIG. 3B that there may be situations where it is advantageous to make the center axis 3-04 of a VAWT turbine 11-01 wider to house various configurations of generation, CVT, and/or monitoring equipment. This basic concept can be expanded to further change the shape of the center axis 11-02 into either a symmetrical vane 11-04 or a curvilinear vane 11-05 to provide different types of refinements to the airflow pattern 11-03. This adaptation is particularly important at lower wind flow velocities when the turbine is spinning at a sufficiently low RPM that a substantial amount of wind is still passing through the center area of the turbine. For VAWT turbines that have more than three rotor blades, the faster they spin, the more they are perceived to be “solid” by the wind flow which then automatically and passively deflects around the outside of the turbine. This phenomenon, known as “solidity,” is an important feature of multi-bladed VAWT turbines because it helps to reduce overspinning and bleeds off excess energy which, in turn, helps to protect the turbine in higher wind speeds. The internal vane is, therefore, more effective when wind flows are slower and the need for increased restructuring and amplification is greater.

[0064] Although the present disclosure has been described by various embodiments, various other changes and modifications are also contemplated. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

[0065] The following clauses are offered as further description of the disclosed invention. [0066] Clause 1. A wind power generating system, comprising:

[0067] a plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies;

[0068] a plurality of vertically stacked wind amplification modules, including at least one toroidal shaped module;

[0069] a plurality of adjustable wind vanes;

[0070] at least one fairing positioned in the middle and front of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies to bisect a wind stream to allow the wind stream to flow across the sides of at least one of the plurality of vertically stacked wind amplification module; and

[0071] wherein at least one of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies, vanes, and fairing is located in a cavity formed by a curvilinear surface of one or more of the wind amplification modules. [0072] Clause 2. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim wherein the plurality of adjustable wind vanes are positioned between the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies. [0073] Clause 3. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim wherein the plurality of adjustable wind vanes are positioned behind the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine assemblies. [0074] Clause 4. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising a generator assembly located beneath, above, or within the spinning trajectory of rotors of each of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies. [0075] Clause 5. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising:

[0076] a continuously variable transmission coupled to the at least one of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies;

[0077] a sensor coupled to at least one of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies; and

[0078] a controller electrically coupled to the sensor and to the continuously variable transmission,

[0079] wherein the generator assembly is mechanically coupled to the continuously variable transmission. [0080] Clause 6. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising a wind vane positioned along a vertical center axis inside a rotational trajectory of rotors of one or more of the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies. [0081] Clause 7. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising one or more rotor blades within each of the plurality of vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies,

[0082] wherein the one or more rotor blades each has an edge substantially conforming to a curvilinear contour of the cavity. [0083] Clause 8. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising:

[0084] a tower comprised of a stacked set of wind amplification modules; and

[0085] stationary carousel tracks outside of each of the plurality of amplification modules securely fixed to a top and a bottom of the wind amplification module. [0086] Clause 9. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising a yawable frame assembly that connects together a set of the fairing, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and wind vanes per module level. [0087] Clause 10. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising one or more sets of rollers fixed to the yawable frame that connects together a top and a bottom of the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines assemblies, and wind vane assemblies,

[0088] wherein the rollers are connected to both a top and a bottom of a stationary carousel track. [0089] Clause 11. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising one or more sets of rollers fixed to a cluster of components including the vertical axis wind turbine assembly, the continuously variable transmission, and the generator assembly such that the cluster can be moved onto and off of the yawable frame assembly. [0090] Clause 12. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising an actuator and a motor connected to each of the adjustable wind vanes on each of the plurality of modules. [0091] Clause 13. The wind power generating system of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising an actuator and motor connected to each of the wind vanes located along the center axis inside the trajectory of the vertical axis wind turbine rotors. [0092] Clause 14. A method for generating electrical power from wind, comprising the steps of:

[0093] transmitting mechanical energy from a vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly located adjacent to a vertically stacked wind acceleration module to an electrical generator, and

[0094] transmitting electrical energy output from the electrical generator through a wire in a yawable frame that connects a plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes on each of the vertically stacked wind acceleration modules into an interior core of an acceleration module tower. [0095] Clause 15. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising:

[0096] moving the yawable frame that connects the plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbine rotor assemblies, and wind vanes along a path concentric with an axis of symmetry of the module,

[0097] wherein the vertically stacked wind acceleration modules are substantially symmetrical about a vertical axis. [0098] Clause 16. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising preventing transmission of mechanical energy from the vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly to the electrical generator according to a sensed rotational speed. [0099] Clause 17. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising:

[0100] sensing a rotational speed of the transmission input and a transmission output;

[0101] varying a ratio of the rotational speed of a transmission input to the rotational speed of a transmission output over a continuous range of values:

[0102] determining a range of rotational velocities; and

[0103] controlling a continuously variable transmission such that the electrical generator operates within the range of rotational velocities, the range of rotational velocities being based upon a signal received from a sensor. [0104] Clause 18. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising positioning at least one of the plurality of fairings to bisect ambient airflow to begin wind amplification, aid in passive rotation of the yawable frame that connects the at last one of the plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes, and provide an increased arc of lift for one or more vertical axis wind turbines located near the at least one of the plurality of fairings. [0105] Clause 19. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising positioning the vanes in front of the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies to restructure turbulent wind streams, increase amplification of wind streams, manage back pressures to enhance wind flow through the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and aid in passive rotation of the yawable frame that connects the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes. [0106] Clause 20. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising positioning the vanes behind the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies to restructure turbulent wind streams, increase amplification of wind streams, manage back pressures to enhance wind flow through the vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and aid in passive rotation of the yawable frame that connects the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines, and vanes. [0107] Clause 21. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising using actuators and motors to adjust an angle of each vane in relation to a direction of incoming airflow to alter the interaction of the vane with the airflow. [0108] Clause 22. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising using actuators and motors to adjust an angle of each vane located inside a trajectory of the rotors of the vertical axis wind turbines in relation to a direction of the incoming airflow to alter the interaction of the vane with the airflow to enhance the output of one or more of the vertical axis wind turbines. [0109] Clause 23. The method of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising repositioning a cluster of components including the vertical axis wind turbine assembly, the continuously variable transmission, and the generator assembly onto and off of the yawable frame assembly for inspection, repair, and/or replacement of the cluster. [0110] Clause 24. A wind turbine power generation apparatus, comprising:

[0111] a first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly;

[0112] a plurality of blades within the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly shaped to substantially conform to a contour of a wind acceleration module;

[0113] a generator assembly located beneath, above, or within a spherical trajectory of the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor blades; and

[0114] a set of rollers affixed to a top and a bottom of the first vertical axis wind turbine assembly for moving the assembly off and onto a first yawable frame assembly. [0115] Clause 25. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising:

[0116] a continuously variable transmission mechanically coupled to the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly;

[0117] an electrical generator mechanically coupled to one of the continuously variable transmission and the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly;

[0118] a sensor coupled to the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly; and

[0119] a controller electrically coupled to the sensor and to the continuously variable transmission, wherein the electrical generator is mechanically coupled to the continuously variable transmission,

[0120] wherein the electrical generator is configured to convert mechanical energy transferred by one of the continuously variable transmission or the first vertical axis wind turbine rotor assembly into electrical energy. [0121] Clause 26. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising:

[0122] an adjustable vane located along a center axis inside the trajectory of the rotors of the vertical axis wind turbine; and

[0123] at least one actuator and motor to adjust an angle of each vane located inside the trajectory of the rotors of the vertical axis wind turbines in relation to a direction of incoming airflow; [0124] Clause 27. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of any preceding or proceeding claim, further comprising:

[0125] a frame that connects together a plurality of fairings, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and vanes;

[0126] a plurality of rollers affixed to the frame to allow it to move along a stationary set of tracks affixed to the outside of a wind amplification module. [0127] Clause 28. A wind turbine power generation apparatus of any preceding or proceeding claim further comprising electrical wires associated with the first yawable frame assembly of the fairing, vertical axis wind turbines, and wind vanes through which electrical energy output from the generator assembly is transmitted into the interior tower core. [0128] Clause 29. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of any preceding or proceeding claim, wherein the first yawable frame connecting the fairing, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and the wind vanes moves all of the connected wind vanes, vertical axis wind turbine assemblies, and fairings simultaneously from a first position to a second position. [0129] Clause 30. The wind turbine power generation apparatus of any preceding or proceeding claim, wherein the first yawable frame assembly is mounted to operate independently from a second yawable frame assembly located in the concavity formed by the curvilinear surface of the wind amplification modules above or below the first yawable frame assembly.