Hybrid ventilator

Abstract

A ventilator ( 10 ) comprises a ventilator stator ( 12 ) for mounting to a structure and a ventilator rotor ( 14 ) for mounting and rotation with respect to the stator. One or more wind-drivable elements ( 44 ) are mounted to the ventilator rotor. A motor ( 20 ) is provided for operation between the ventilator rotor and ventilator stator for selective motor-driven rotation of the ventilator rotor.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A selectively wind- or motor-driven ventilator, comprising;
 a stator for mounting to a structure;   a rotor containing an in-use top plate, an in-use bottom plate, and a plurality of wind-drivable elements extending between and connected at respective opposing element ends to said top and bottom plates that are substantially exposed to the wind when in use;   a low rotational resistance external rotor motor mounted between the stator and rotor such that, when the motor is activated, it rotates the external rotor to thereby rotate the rotor with respect to the stator,   said motor located at least partially within the rotor; and   a control system that selectively activates the ventilator to be powered by both ambient wind and/or the motor.