Wind turbine system

Abstract

Wind turbine systems with wind directors are disclosed. The wind director is configured to simultaneously reduce drag force applied to a returning blade and increase force applied to an advancing blade. In some embodiments, the wind director includes an inlet having an inlet width configured to receive wind at a proximal end, and an outlet having an outlet width on a distal end opposite the proximal end. The wind director is configured to position near a wind turbine such that wind exiting the outlet is applied to an advancing blade of the wind turbine. Furthermore, the wind director provides a barrier to a returning blade opposite the first blade, thereby reducing drag force applied thereto. The wind director may further comprise a secondary duct which has an angled outlet and is configured to apply an additional force to the returning blade.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A wind turbine system, comprising:
 a first building having a first sidewall, the first building anchored to ground surface;   a turbine attached to the first sidewall of the first building, the turbine having a rotor perpendicular to both the ground surface and a direction of wind, the rotor comprising a plurality of blades including an advancing blade and a returning blade; and   a first wind director connected to the first building at the first sidewall, the first wind director configured to block wind from the returning blade and direct wind toward the advancing blade;   wherein the first sidewall is an exterior surface of the first building.   
     
     
         2 . The wind turbine system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second building separate and distinct from the first building, the first and second building forming an alley therebetween wherein the wind turbine is disposed within the alley. 
     
     
         3 . The wind turbine system of  claim 2 , wherein the wind turbine is disposed between the first building and the second building. 
     
     
         4 . The wind turbine system of  claim 2 , the second building further comprising a second sidewall wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall are characterized as being in a parallel formation. 
     
     
         5 . The wind turbine system of  claim 1 , the turbine further comprising one or more mounts coupled to the rotor, the one or more mounts further coupled to the first sidewall. 
     
     
         6 . The wind turbine system of  claim 1 , the first wind director further comprising:
 a first slanted portion having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;   a first support element coupled to the second end and further coupled to the first sidewall; and   a first angle formed by the first end of the first slanted portion and the first sidewall;   wherein the first wind director is configured to block wind from the returning blade and direct wind toward the advancing blade.