Keith P Wohlwend

US Patent:

7530785, May 12, 2009

Filed:

Apr 13, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/106133

Inventors:

Kenneth J. Deering - Seattle WA, US
Keith P. Wohlwend - Issaquah WA, US

Assignee:

The Wind Turbine Company - Bellevue WA

International Classification:

F03D 7/02

US Classification:

416 1, 416 98, 416102, 416108, 416155, 416156

Abstract:

A wind turbine with improved response to wind conditions is provided. Blade flap angle motion is accompanied by a change in pitch angle by an amount defining a pitch/flap coupling ratio. The coupling ratio is non-constant as a function of a flap angle and is preferably a substantially continuous, non-linear function of flap angle. The non-constant coupling ratio can be provided by mechanical systems such as a series of linkages or by configuring electronic or other control systems and/or angle sensors. A link with a movable proximal end advantageously is part of the mechanical system. The system can provide relatively large coupling ratios and relatively large rates of coupling ratio changes especially for near-feather pitches and low flap angles.