Wind turbine rotor

Abstract

A wind turbine rotor, the rotor blades of which are shaped generally to resemble the sail of an Oceanic sprit rig sailboat (a traditional sailing craft with a sail plan having unusual and significant aerodynamic properties). The rotor blades might be movably mounted to maximize use of apparent wind. An alternative embodiment includes a contra-rotating rotor of similar design.

1 ) A wind turbine rotor; 
 the wind turbine rotor having at least one rotor blade shaped to resemble generally the sail of an Oceanic sprit rig.    
   
   
       2 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one rotor blade shaped to resemble generally the sail of an Oceanic sprit rig is manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid material, or from a pliant fabric material.  
   
   
       3 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one rotor blade shaped to resemble generally the sail of an Oceanic sprit rig is movably mounted to the wind turbine rotor.  
   
   
       4 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one rotor blade shaped to resemble generally the sail of an Oceanic sprit rig is attached to a strut or spoke opposite a central hub.  
   
   
       5 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 1 , in combination with a second, contra-rotating, rotor.  
   
   
       6 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one rotor blade shaped to resemble generally the sail of an Oceanic sprit rig is capable of flexing or folding to increase camber.  
   
   
       7 ) A wind turbine rotor; 
 the wind turbine rotor having one or more rotor blades;    at least one of the one or more rotor blades resembling generally the sail of an Oceanic lateen rig.    
   
   
       8 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more rotor blades is/are manufactured from a rigid or semi-rigid material, or from a pliant fabric material.  
   
   
       9 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more rotor blades is/are movably mounted to the wind turbine rotor.  
   
   
       10 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 7 , wherein the one or more rotor blades is/are attached to struts or spokes opposite a central hub.  
   
   
       11 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 7 , in combination with a second rotor that rotates in the opposite direction.  
   
   
       12 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the one or more rotor blades is capable of flexing or folding for de-powering.  
   
   
       13 ) A wind turbine rotor; 
 the wind turbine rotor having rotor blades;    some or all of the rotor blades resembling generally the sail of a crab claw rig.    
   
   
       14 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 13 , wherein the rotor blades are arranged to substantially balance forces when operating in wind.  
   
   
       15 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 13 , wherein one or more of the rotor blades is/are manufacture from a rigid or semi-rigid material.  
   
   
       16 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 13 , wherein one or more of the rotor blades is/are movably mounted to the wind turbine rotor.  
   
   
       17 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 13 , arranged in combination with a second, contra-rotating, rotor; 
 the second, contra-rotating, rotor having one or more rotor blades resembling generally the sail of a crab claw rig.    
   
   
       18 ) The wind turbine rotor of  claim 13 , wherein one or more of the rotor blades is/are capable of flexing or folding along more or less a centerline for de-powering.