GB2576696A

GB2576696A - Turbine

Info

Publication number: GB2576696A
Application number: GB1812320.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ellis Robert
Original assignee: CROSS FLOW ENERGY Co Ltd
Current assignee: CROSS FLOW ENERGY Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-27
Filing date: 2018-07-27
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Also published as: GB201812320D0; WO2020021256A1; GB201910752D0; GB2577596A; GB201901934D0; EP3830923A1

Abstract

A power station comprising a wind turbine, another energy generator and an energy storage unit, each having a power output, with a controller to control their outputs to control power supplied by the station. The energy generator may be a diesel engine. The energy storage unit may be a battery. In an operational mode the energy generator and/or the wind turbine may supply power to the energy storage unit, and the energy storage unit, the energy generator, and/or the controller may be housed in an intermodal shipping container. In a transportation mode, the components of the wind turbine may fit into one or plural intermodal shipping containers, which may have solar panels on the roof. Also disclosed are: a turbine with a rotor that can rotate about a vertical axis to present more or less blade surface area to the fluid flow; turbines with rotor shields, wherein the blades extend horizontally or radially; a turbine with a rotor with two positions, the first at ground level and the second at the top of the support member, when in operation; and a turbine with a cellular transceiver mounted to the support member.

Description

TURBINE [0001] This invention relates to a turbine, in particular a wind turbine, and a method of operating and commissioning the same. The invention is also of applicability to water turbines. This invention also relates to a power station.

BACKGROUND [0002] Our international patent application WO 2011/01851, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, describes wind turbines of particular efficiency. The present application describes developments of the wind turbine technology described therein, with particular reference to the practical commissioning of wind turbines.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0003] According to an aspect of the present inventions, there is provided a power station for providing an electricity supply, the power station comprising, in combination: a wind turbine having a turbine power output; at least one further energy generator, other than a wind turbine, having a generator power output; at least one energy storage unit having a storage power output; a supply output for providing the electricity supply; and a controller configured to control the supply of electricity from the turbine power output, the generator power output and the storage power output to the supply output in an operating configuration of the power station. Thus, there is provided a power station which can supply power in windy conditions and in conditions without acceptable wind conditions for generating power from the wind turbine.

[0004] The power station may have a maximum power output less than 100 megawatts. The power station may have a maximum power output less than 25 megawatts. The power station may have a maximum power output less than 2.5 megawatts. The power station may have a maximum power output less than 250 kilowatts. The power station may have a maximum power output less than 25 kilowatts. The power station may have a maximum power output greater than 5 kilowatts.

[0005] The turbine power output may be electrically connected to the energy storage unit in the operating configuration. Thus, the wind turbine can be used to charge the energy storage unit.

[0006] The controller may be configured, in the operating configuration, to control the supply of energy from the turbine power output to the supply output via the storage power output. Thus, the wind turbine may supply electricity to the supply output via the energy storage unit and not directly to the supply output. The generator power output may be electrically connected to the energy storage unit in the operating configuration. The controller may be configured, in the operating configuration, to control the supply of energy from the generator power output to the supply output via the storage power output. Thus, the generator may supply electricity to the supply output via the energy storage unit and not directly to the supply output. For example, the generator can be used to charge the energy storage unit.

[0007] The energy storage unit may comprise at least one battery. The energy storage unit may comprise a plurality of batteries. The energy storage unit may be configured to provide at least 1000MAh of electricity storage capacity. It will be understood that the energy storage unit may comprise other forms of energy storage, such as flywheel energy storage, supercapacitors (sometimes referred to as ultracapacitors), pumped storage, fuel cell, compressed air storage, or any other energy storage unit to allow the power station to store energy for subsequent use.

[0008] At least one said further energy generator may be a fuel-powered generator. The fuel-powered generator may be a diesel generator. Thus, the fuel-powered generator can be used to supplement the energy output from the wind turbine.

[0009] At least one said further energy generator may comprise at least one photovoltaic cell. Thus, solar energy can be used as well as wind energy. The power station can be configured to be powered by renewable energy at least 60 per cent of the time. The power station can be configured to be powered by renewable energy at least 80 per cent of the time. The power station can be configured to be powered by renewable energy at least 90 per cent of the time.

[0010] In the operating configuration, the controller may be housed in an intermodal shipping container. Thus, the controller can be securely stored in the intermodal shipping container.

[0011] In the operating configuration, the energy storage unit may be housed in an or the intermodal shipping container. Thus, the energy storage units can be securely stored.

[0012] In the operating configuration, the further energy generator may be housed in an or the intermodal shipping container. Thus, the further energy generator can be securely stored. The intermodal shipping container in which the further energy generator is housed may have defined therein an external vent to allow any fumes from the further energy generator to escape from the intermodal shipping container. This is of particular relevance where the further energy generator is a diesel generator.

[0013] In the operating configuration, the intermodal shipping container may be configured to be locked. Thus, any components of the power station stored in the intermodal shipping container can be securely housed therein.

[0014] The intermodal shipping container may be adapted to receive at least one electrical connection from the wind turbine. The intermodal shipping container may be adapted to receive at least one electrical connection from the further energy generator. Thus, components housed in the intermodal shipping container can remain in electrical connection with the components outside the intermodal shipping container.

[0015] The wind turbine may be formed from a plurality of turbine component parts. In other words, the wind turbine may be assembled from the plurality of turbine component parts. Each of 30 per cent of the turbine component parts may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station. Each of a majority of the turbine component parts may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station. It will be understood that a majority means 50 per cent. Each of 70 per cent of the turbine component parts may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station. Each of 90 per cent of the turbine component parts may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station.

[0016] It will be understood that the 30 per cent, the 50 per cent, the 70 per cent and the 90 per cent of the turbine component parts may be by number. The 30 per cent, the 50 per cent, the 70 per cent and the 90 per cent of the turbine component parts may be by mass. The 30 per cent, the 50 per cent, the 70 per cent and the 90 per cent of the turbine component parts may be by volume.

[0017] Each turbine component part may be sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container in the transport configuration. Thus, the whole turbine can be transported by using one or more intermodal shipping containers. All of the turbine component parts of the wind turbine may be sized to fit, in combination, in a plurality of intermodal shipping containers. All of the turbine component parts of the wind turbine may be sized to fit, in combination, in exactly one intermodal shipping container. Thus, the turbine, in its component parts, can be transported in a single intermodal shipping container.

[0018] Each of 30 per cent of the component parts of the power station may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station. Each of a majority of the component parts of the power station may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station. It will be understood that a majority means 50 per cent. Each of 70 per cent of the component parts of the power station may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station. Each of 90 per cent of the component parts of the power station may be sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station.

[0019] It will be understood that the 30 per cent, the 50 per cent, the 70 per cent and the 90 per cent of the component parts may be by number. The 30 per cent, the 50 per cent, the 70 per cent and the 90 per cent of the component parts may be by mass. The 30 per cent, the 50 per cent, the 70 per cent and the 90 per cent of the component parts may be by volume.

[0020] Each component part may be sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container in the transport configuration. All component parts of the power station may be sized to fit, in combination, in a plurality of intermodal shipping containers in the transport configuration. Thus, the power station can be transported in one or more intermodal shipping containers, easily to remote locations.

[0021] In the operating configuration, the at least one photovoltaic cell may be supported on a roof of the intermodal shipping container. Thus, the potentially valuable photovoltaic cells can be difficult to access for nefarious purposes. Furthermore, the photovoltaic cells can be elevated out of any vegetation that might overgrow the photovoltaic cells to reduce efficiency.

[0022] The power station may further comprise the intermodal shipping container.

[0023] This in itself is believed to be a novel configuration and so, viewed from a further aspect, the present inventions provide a turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, in particular a wind turbine, formed from a plurality of component parts. In an operating configuration of the turbine, the turbine is larger than an intermodal shipping container. In a transport configuration of the turbine, each of the component parts of the turbine is sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container. Thus, the turbine can be easily transported to a desired location in one or more intermodal shipping container.

[0024] All of the component parts of the turbine may be sized to fit, in combination, in exactly one intermodal shipping container.

[0025] The turbine may comprise a cellular transceiver mounted to the support member. Thus, the provision of a tall tower in the form of the support member for the wind turbine can advantageously also be used in a cellular base station for having mounted thereto the cellular transceiver. The cellular transceiver may typically be provided at an upper end of the support member. The cellular transceiver may be a cellular mobile telephone network transceiver. The cellular transceiver may be for use as part of a cellular mobile telephone network base station.

[0026] This in itself is believed to be a novel configuration and so, viewed from a further aspect, the present inventions provides a turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising: a support member having a substantially vertical axis; a rotor mounted to the support member for rotation about a rotational axis relative to the support member; and a cellular transceiver mounted to the support member.

[0027] The rotor may comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor.

[0028] The present inventions extend to a method of providing a turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, in particular a wind turbine for generating energy from wind, at a site location. The turbine, in an operating configuration, is larger than an intermodal shipping container. The turbine is formed from a plurality of turbine components each sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container. The method comprises: packing all turbine components of the turbine into one or more intermodal shipping containers; transporting the one or more packed intermodal shipping container to a site location; unpacking the turbine components from the one or more intermodal shipping containers; and assembling the turbine at the site location from the unpacked turbine components.

[0029] Thus, the turbine can be easily transported to a desired location using one or more intermodal shipping containers.

[0030] The present inventions extend to a method of providing a power station at a site location, the power station formed from a plurality of components each sized to fit in an intermodal shipping container, the method comprising: packing all components of the power station into one or more intermodal shipping containers; transporting the one or more packed intermodal shipping containers to a site location; unpacking the components from the one or more intermodal shipping containers; and assembling the power station at the site location from the unpacked components. It will be understood that in some examples, some of the components may be left in the one or more intermodal shipping containers, for example because they are to be housed in a one of the one or more intermodal shipping containers in the operating configuration of the power station.

[0031] It will be understood that in some examples, some of the components of the power station will not be moved in the one or more intermodal shipping container during unpacking, as they are already provided in their required positions in the one or more intermodal shipping containers in the assembled power station. For example, a control system, an energy storage unit, and a further energy generator may remain in the one or more intermodal shipping containers when the power station is assembled.

[0032] The method may further comprise housing one or more components of the power station in the one or more intermodal shipping containers at the destination location after assembly of the power station.

[0033] A method of commissioning the turbine described herein, the method comprising: mounting the rotor to the support member at a first position; and raising the mounted rotor from the first position to a second position higher than the first position. Thus, the rotor may be mounted to the support member at a lower position than an operational position of the rotor.

[0034] In the first position, the rotor may be accessible by an operator from a ground surface.

[0035] The first position may be along the vertical axis of the support member. The second position may be higher than the first position along the vertical axis of the support member.

[0036] The turbine may comprise a rotor shield. The method may further comprise mounting the rotor shield to the support member with the rotor at a position along the vertical axis of the support member that is lower than the second position.

[0037] Raising the mounted rotor from the first position to the second position may comprise pivoting the support member about a pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support member.

[0038] The turbine may further comprise a support arm having a support end spaced from the longitudinal axis in a direction transverse to the pivot axis and to the longitudinal axis. A link member may be connected between the support end of the support arm and a ground point on a ground surface on which the turbine is being commissioned. The ground point may be spaced from the support member. Pivoting the support member about the pivot axis may comprise pulling on the link member. In this way, the support end of the support arm can be moved towards the ground point. The support arm may extend substantially perpendicular to the support arm. The support arm may be formed as an Aframe.

[0039] The method may further comprise lowering the mounted rotor from the second position to the first position. Thus, the rotor can be lowered after commissioning as required.

[0040] The method may further comprise performing maintenance on the mounted rotor from the ground while the rotor is in the first position subsequent to the mounted rotor having been lowered from the second position to the first position. The method may further comprise, subsequent to performing maintenance on the mounted rotor, raising the rotor from the first position to the second position.

[0041] The mounted rotor may be lowered in high winds.

[0042] Th method may further comprising assembling the rotor in the first position.

[0043] The present inventions extend to a kit of parts for constructing the turbine, wherein none of the parts has any of a length, a width and a height greater than 5.8 metres. In some embodiments, none of the parts has any of a length, a width and a height greater than 11.5 metres. Thus, the kit of parts can be completely, or at least mostly, packaged in a standard 40-foot (approximately 12 metres) intermodal shipping container.

[0044] In some examples, at least 50% of the parts for constructing the turbine have none of a length, a width and a height greater than 5.8 metres. In some examples, at least 70% of the parts for constructing the turbine have none of a length, a width and a height greater than 5.8 metres.

[0045] The kit of parts may be packaged in at least one intermodal shipping container.

[0046] The intermodal shipping container may conform to ISO 668.

[0047] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, in particular a wind turbine for generating energy from wind, which comprises a support member having a substantially vertical axis; and a rotor mounted to the support member. The rotor is arranged for rotational movement relative to the support member about the substantially vertical axis, and for rotational movement relative to the support member about a substantially horizontal axis. The rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the substantially horizontal rotational axis, each turbine blade comprising a first surface and the rotor being arranged such that, when fluid which is flowing relative to the turbine blade is directed against the first surface, the rotor will rotate about the substantially horizontal rotational axis. The rotor is configured to be provided in an energy generating configuration in which the first surface of each blade presents an energy capture area as measured perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow during the rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis. The rotor is further configured to be provided in a reduced flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member relative to the fluid flow such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced.

[0048] In other words, there is provided a turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, in particular a wind turbine for generating energy from wind, which comprises a support member and a rotor mounted to the support member. The rotor is for rotation about a rotation axis to generate energy from the fluid flow and is rotationally mounted to the support member about a mount axis transverse to the rotation axis. The rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the rotation axis. The rotor is configured to be provided in an energy generating configuration in which the rotation axis is arranged to be substantially transverse to the direction of fluid flow, whereby to generate a first energy output from the fluid flow. The rotor is further configured to be provided in a reduced flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the mount axis relative to the energy generating configuration, whereby to generate a second energy output, lower than the first energy output, from the fluid flow.

[0049] Put another way, the rotor can move, for example rotate, between a first position corresponding to the energy generating configuration, and a second position corresponding to the reduced flow resistance configuration to change an amount of energy generated from a given fluid flow.

[0050] Thus, the rotor can be provided in the reduced flow resistance configuration during more windy conditions, such as during high velocity gusts or high wind speeds. One benefit of this is that the turbine can continue to generate energy at higher wind speeds than would otherwise be possible by extracting a smaller amount of energy from the fluid flow with the rotor in the reduced flow resistance configuration.

[0051] Another advantage of the described turbine is that an increase in the energy output of the turbine due to an increase in wind speed can be at least partially negated by providing the rotor in the reduced flow resistance configuration. This is desirable where the turbine is to supply power to one or more electrical components requiring a power output which does not fluctuate more than a predetermined amount. It will be understood that in some embodiments fluctuations in the wind speed can be at least partly negated by providing one or more energy storage units, for example batteries, electrically connected between the turbine and the one or more electrical components. In this way, any excess power from the turbine can be used to charge the energy storage units. Shortfalls in the power output from the turbine can be made up with supplementary power from the energy storage units. Therefore, a substantially stable power output can be provided.

[0052] In the reduced flow configuration, the rotor may be rotated at least 45 degrees about the substantially vertical axis relative to the rotor in the energy generating configuration. In the reduced flow configuration, the rotor may be rotated at least 60 degrees about the substantially vertical axis relative to the rotor in the energy generating configuration. In the reduced flow configuration, the rotor may be rotated at least 75 degrees about the substantially vertical axis relative to the rotor in the energy generating configuration. The rotor may be rotated 90 degrees or less about the substantially vertical axis relative to the rotor in the energy generating configuration. In an embodiment, the rotor is rotated less than 90 degrees about the substantially vertical axis relative to the rotor in the energy generating configuration. The rotor may be rotated about the substantially vertical axis to an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the rotor in the energy generating configuration.

[0053] In the energy generating configuration, the substantially horizontal axis may be arranged transverse to the direction of the fluid flow.

[0054] It may be that the rotor is further configured to be provided in a minimum flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced to a minimum.

[0055] Typically, the turbine will further comprise a motor which is connected to the support member and the rotor, such that operating the motor can rotate the rotor relative to the support member about the substantially vertical axis. The turbine may further comprise a controller, the controller being arranged to operate the motor to move the turbine between the energy generating configuration and the reduced flow resistance configuration.

[0056] The controller may be arranged to operate the motor to move the turbine between the energy generating configuration and the reduced flow resistance configuration according to a rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis. Typically, the controller will be arranged to operate the motor to move the turbine from the energy generating configuration to the reduced flow resistance configuration when the rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis increases above a first threshold. The controller will typically be arranged to operate the motor to move the turbine from the reduced flow resistance configuration to the energy generating configuration when the rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis reduces below a second threshold. The second threshold may be lower than the first threshold.

[0057] The controller may be arranged to operate the motor to rotate the rotor about the vertical axis so as to reduce the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade whenever the rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis increases above the first threshold, until a minimum flow resistance configuration in in which the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced to a minimum is reached. The controller may be arranged to operate the motor to rotate the rotor about the vertical axis so as to increase the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade whenever the rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis decreases above the second threshold, until an energy generating configuration in in which the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is increased to a maximum is reached.

[0058] The controller may be arranged to operate the motor to move the turbine between the energy generating configuration and the reduced flow resistance configuration according to a rate of fluid flow relative to the turbine. The turbine may further comprise a device for measuring the rate of fluid flow relative to the turbine, such as an anemometer.

[0059] It may be that the turbine further comprises a rotor shield mounted to the support member and positioned relative to the rotor, whereby to shield some of the turbine blades from oncoming wind. The rotor shield may shield substantially only the turbine blades in a rotational position of the turbine blades about the substantially horizontal axis where a second surface of the turbine blades, opposite the first surface, is facing into the fluid flow. Thus, the rotor shield advantageously shields only turbine blades which would otherwise be acted on by the fluid flow to impair a rotation speed of the rotor.

[0060] There is also provided a turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising a support member having a substantially vertical axis and a rotor mounted to the support member for rotation about a substantially horizontal rotational axis relative to the support member. The rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor, each turbine blade having a longitudinal axis which extends primarily in a substantially horizontal direction. The turbine further comprises a rotor shield mounted to the support member and positioned relative to the rotor, whereby to shield some of the turbine blades from oncoming wind.

[0061] Typically, the rotor is mounted to an upper end of the support member in an operational configuration of the turbine.

[0062] In embodiments of the invention, the rotor is mounted to the support member for translational movement relative thereto along the substantially vertical axis of the support member. In this way, the rotor can be commissioned at the bottom of the support member and subsequently raised into an operating position.

[0063] The rotor may be mounted to the support member for rotational movement relative thereto about the substantially vertical axis of the support member. In this way, the rotor can be directed into the oncoming wind.

[0064] The rotor may be mounted to the support member by a collar. However, other mounting mechanisms may be suitable depending on the operational requirements of the turbine.

[0065] The rotor may comprise an axle. The axle may be mounted to the support member. In particular, the axle may be mounted to the collar. The axle may be mounted for rotational movement with the rotor. Alternatively, the rotor may be mounted for rotational movement about the axle.

[0066] The rotor shield may be mounted below the rotational axis of the rotor. In this way, the weight of the rotor shield may be effectively supported with a relatively simple mechanical configuration.

[0067] The rotor shield may comprise a first shield member and a second shield member. The second shield member may be spaced from the first shield member in a windward to leeward direction.

[0068] This in itself is believed to be a novel configuration and thus viewed from a further aspect the invention provides a turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising a rotor comprising a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from a rotational axis of the rotor, each turbine blade having a longitudinal axis which extends primarily in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis, and a rotor shield positioned relative to the rotor, whereby to shield some of the turbine blades from oncoming wind, wherein the rotor shield comprises a first shield member and a second shield member and the second shield member is spaced from the first shield member in a windward to leeward direction.

[0069] In embodiments of the invention the first shield member has a convex windward surface. In embodiment of the invention the second shield member has a concave windward surface.

[0070] The support member may have a proximal end for mounting at a ground surface and a distal end, opposite the proximal end. The turbine may be adapted for movement of the rotor between a first position substantially at the ground surface, and a second position at the distal end of the support member. In the second position the turbine may be in an operating configuration and the rotor may be higher than in the first position. Thus, the turbine can be commissioned with the rotor at or near the ground surface and then raised to the operating configuration.

[0071] This in itself is believed to be a novel configuration and thus viewed from a further aspect the invention provides a turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising: a support member having a proximal end for mounting at a ground surface and a distal end, opposite the proximal end; and a rotor mounted to the support member for rotation about a substantially horizontal rotational axis relative to the support member, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor, each turbine blade having a longitudinal axis which extends primarily in a substantially horizontal direction, wherein the turbine is adapted for movement of the rotor between a first position substantially at the ground surface and a second position at the distal end of the support member, wherein in the second position the turbine is in an operating configuration and the rotor is higher than in the first position of the turbine.

[0072] The support member may be adapted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis at the proximal end of the support member. The pivot axis may be substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support member. In this way, the rotor can be pivotably moved between the first position and the second position.

[0073] The turbine may further comprise a support arm having a support end spaced from the longitudinal axis in a direction transverse to the pivot axis and to the longitudinal axis, and a link member connected to the support member via the support end of the support arm. In this way, pulling the link member towards a ground point on the ground surface may cause the support member to pivotably move from the first position to the second position.

[0074] The invention extends to a method of operating a turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, and in particular a wind turbine for generating energy from wind. In such a method the turbine comprises: a support member having a substantially vertical axis; and a rotor mounted to the support member and arranged for rotational movement relative thereto about the substantially vertical axis, and for rotational movement relative thereto about a substantially horizontal axis. The rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the substantially horizontal rotational axis, each turbine blade comprising a first surface and the rotor being arranged such that, when fluid which is flowing relative to the turbine blade is directed against the first surface, the rotor will rotate about the substantially horizontal rotational axis. The method comprises: operating the turbine in an energy generating configuration in which the first surface of each blade presents an energy capture area as measured perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow during the rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis; and operating the turbine in a reduced flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced.

[0075] The method of operating the turbine may further comprise measuring a rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis and operating in an energy generating configuration or a reduced flow resistance configuration according to the measured rate of rotation. The method of operating the turbine may further comprise measuring a rate of rate of fluid flow relative to the turbine and operating in an energy generating configuration or a reduced flow resistance configuration according to the measured rate of rotation.

[0076] The method of operating the turbine may method further comprise operating the turbine in a minimum flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced to a minimum.

[0077] The invention further extends to a kit of parts for constructing a turbine according to the invention, the kit of parts comprising the support member and the rotor.

[0078] It will be understood that the controller described hereinbefore may be implemented in hardware or software. Thus, there is also provided computer software which, when executed, is arranged to perform any of the methods described herein. Similarly, there is also provided computer software which, when executed, is arranged to implement the controller described hereinbefore.

[0079] The computer software may be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0080] Although the preceding disclosure describes a wind turbine for generating energy from wind, it will be understood that the present disclosure can equally be applied to other turbines, for example liquid turbines including a water turbine for generating energy from liquid including water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0081] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first wind turbine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 2A to 2G illustrate the steps in the construction of the first wind turbine of Figure 1;

Figures 3A, 3B and 5A to 7B illustrate different operating positions of a second wind turbine according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 shows a diagram of components of the second wind turbine;

Figure 8 shows an electricity supply system including a wind turbine;

Figures 9A to 9J illustrate the steps in the construction of a wind turbine;

Figure 10 shows an example of a filling layout of storage container including components for forming the wind turbine shown in Figures 9A to 9J;

Figure 11 shows an example of a blade of the turbine shown in Figures 9A to 10;

Figure 12 shows an example of a rotor shield of the turbine shown in Figures 9A to 10;

Figure 13 shows a schematic example of another wind turbine, having a tower different to the tower of Figures 9A to 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0082] Figure 1 shows a first wind turbine according to an embodiment of the invention. The first wind turbine comprises a rotor 1 mounted to a tower 2 by means of collar 3. The rotor 1 comprises an axle 4, which is arranged for rotation relative to the collar 3 about a substantially horizontal axis. The tower 2 has a substantially circular cross section about a substantially vertical axis. The collar 3 is arranged for rotation relative to the tower 2 about the substantially vertical axis. In this way, the rotor 1 can turn relative to the tower 2 to align the axle 4 transversely, ideally perpendicularly, to the prevailing wind direction.

[0083] The rotor 1 comprises a plurality of blades 5, which extend substantially horizontally and distributed about the circumference of the rotor 1. In the embodiment shown, the rotor 1 comprises sixteen blades 5, arranged in eight pairs, with one blade 5 of each pair arranged on each side of the longitudinal axis of the tower 2. The blades 5 have a curved profile, such that they each have concave side and a convex side. The blades 5 are arranged with their concave side facing the tower 2 when the blade 5 is at its uppermost position during clockwise rotation of the rotor 1. In this way, the concave side of the blade 5 faces the wind during operation of the first wind turbine in order to maximise capture of energy from the airflow due to incident drag forces of the wind.

[0084] The blades 5 are mounted to the axle 4 by an arrangement of struts 6, which extend substantially radially from the axle 4 to a respective blade 5. The struts 6 provide a relatively lightweight structure to the rotor 1. At their innermost ends, closest to the tower 2, the groups of blades 5 on respective sides of the tower 2 are connected by connecting rings 7. A drive wheel 8 is provided within one of the connecting rings 7 and mounted for rotation therewith. The drive wheel 8 engages mechanically with a drive arrangement (not shown) to transmit the energy of the rotating rotor 1 on to an electrical generator or similar energy capture device.

[0085] The first wind turbine further comprises a rotor shield 9. The rotor shield 9 shields the convex sides of the blades 5 from the oncoming wind and guides air flow around the rotor 1 to maximise energy capture by the concave sides of the blades 5. In the embodiment shown the rotor shield 9 comprises a pair of first shield members 9a and a pair of second shield members 9b. The shield members 9a, 9b of each pair are located on respective sides of the tower 2. The shield members 9a, 9b are mounted to the collar 3 by a pair of shield frames 10 provided on respective sides of the tower 2. The shield frames 10 maintain the shield members 9a, 9b in the position shown in Figure 1 relative to the rotor 1 and allow the rotor shield 9 to rotate with the rotor 1 about the vertical axis of the tower 2.

[0086] The first shield members 9a have a convex wind-facing surface, which shields the convex sides of the blades 5 from the oncoming wind and also guides some air flow upwardly onto the concave sides of the blades 5. The second shield members 9b have a concave wind-facing surface, which directs the oncoming wind downwardly towards the leeward side of the rotor 1. The effect of the second shield members 9b is to generate a pressure differential between the windward and the leeward sides of the rotor 1. The air pressure on the windward side of the rotor 1 is higher than the air pressure on the leeward side of the rotor 1. The pressure differential encourages airflow through the rotor 1, which airflow passes over the curved blades 5. The curvature of the blades 5 means that although they are primarily drag devices, during the rotation they also act as aerofoils generating some aerodynamic lift to further encourage rotation of the rotor 1. The second shield members 9b are spaced from the first shield members 9a in the windward to leeward direction of the rotor 1. The spacing between the shield members 9a, 9b allows airflow passing over the first shield members 9a to pass between the first shield members 9a and the second shield members 9b and through the rotor 1. Such airflow can contribute to the energy capture of the rotor 1 from the oncoming wind.

[0087] The rotor 1 and rotor shield 9 may incorporate further features described in WO 2011/01851.

[0088] The first wind turbine of Figure 1 has the advantage that the rotor 1 and rotor shield 9 can be mounted to the tower 2 at ground level and then raised up the tower 2 by a hoist or winch (not shown) to the operational position shown in Figure 1. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided to maintain the collar 3 in the operational position, while allowing rotation of the collar 3 relative to the tower 2. For example, the locking mechanism may comprise projections which extend radially outwardly from the tower 2 when the collar 3 is in the operational position to support the weight of the collar 3, rotor 1 and rotor shield 9. The projections may be retracted when the collar 3 is to be raised or lowered.

[0089] The first wind turbine of Figure 1 has the further advantage that the rotor 1 and rotor shield 9 are substantially symmetrically arranged about the axis of the tower 2. This assists in maintaining the balance of the turbine and reduces mechanical stress on the structure of the turbine. Furthermore, the concave, wind-facing surfaces of the blades 5 are located at the highest point of the turbine, where wind speed is expected to be high. Moreover, the rotor shield 9 is located generally below the rotor 1, which assists in providing an appropriate mechanical structure to maintain the rotor shield 9 in position.

[0090] The steps in the construction of the first wind turbine of Figure 1 at an operational location will now be described in relation to Figures 2A to 2G.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2A, the collar 3 and axle 4 are firstly mounted to the tower 2. As shown in Figure 2B, the collar 3 is then raised so that the struts 6, connecting rings 7 and drive wheel 8 can be mounted to the axle 4. The blades 5 can then be mounted to the struts 6 and the connecting rings 7. As shown in Figure 2C and 2D, the rotor 1 is rotated as each pair of blades 5 is fitted, so that the blades 5 can be fitted at the lowest point of the rotor 1. Once all the blades are fitted (Figure 2E), the collar 3 is raised further to accommodate the fitting of the shield frames 10 and the first shield members 9a, as shown in Figure 2F. As shown in Figure 2G, the collar 3 is further raised to accommodate the fitting of the second shield members 9b. Finally, with all of the components of the rotor 1 and rotor shield 9 mounted to the collar 3, the collar 3 is raised up the tower 2 to the operational position shown in Figure 1.

[0092] In summary, a turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprises a support member 2 having a substantially vertical axis and a rotor 1 mounted to the support member 2 for rotation about a substantially horizontal rotational axis relative to the support member. The rotor 1 comprises a plurality of turbine blades 5 radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor, each turbine blade 5 having a longitudinal axis which extends primarily in a substantially horizontal direction. The turbine further comprises a rotor shield 9 mounted to the support member 2 and positioned relative to the rotor 1, whereby to shield some of the turbine blades 5 from oncoming wind.

[0093] The invention is not limited in application to wind turbines. For example, the invention may be applicable to water turbines. In the case of a water turbine, the tower 2 may extend from a sea or river bed. In this case, it may be convenient for the construction of the turbine, as illustrated in relation to Figures 2A to 2G, to take place with the collar 3 located at an upper end of the tower, close to the surface of the water, with the collar 3 subsequently lowered into an operational position with the rotor 1 below the surface of the water. It is also possible for the tower 2 to be supported from above by a pontoon or similar buoyant support, rather than being fixed to a sea or river bed.

[0094] Figures 3A and 3B show an example of a second wind turbine according to the invention. The second wind turbine is similar to the first wind turbine in that it comprises a rotor 1 mounted to a tower 2, the rotor comprising an axle 4, a plurality of blades 5, struts 6, connecting rings 7 and a drive wheel 8. A rotor shield 9 comprises a pair of first shield members 9a and a pair of second shield members 9b. A collar 3 of the rotor 1, which is not visible in Figures 3A and 3B, is arranged for rotation relative to the tower 2 about a substantially vertical axis. Similarly labelled components of the second wind turbine perform similar functions to their equivalents in the first wind turbine.

[0095] While operating in an energy generating configuration as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, wind blows across the rotor 1 in the direction indicated by arrow 101 so that the wind strikes the blades 5 and causes the rotor to turn around the axle 4. As such the turbine is yawed 0 degrees to the wind direction, and aimed to maximise the wind energy captured by rotation of the rotor.

[0096] Figure 4 is a diagram which shows the schematic relationship between further components of the second wind turbine. A controller 110 is provided which comprises an electronic processor or similar, and which is connected to a motor 111. The motor is electrically connected to the rotor 1 and the tower 2 such that operating the motor will cause the rotor 1 to rotate about the vertical axis relative to the tower 2, as is allowed by the collar 3.

[0097] The controller 110 is also electrically connected to a rotation rate meter 112, which is located in the axle 4 and measures the rate of rotation of the rotor 1 around the axle 4. If the rate of rotation of the rotor 1 around the axle 4 increases so that it is greater than a first threshold, then the controller 110 is arranged to operate the motor 111 to rotate the rotor 1 about the vertical axis relative to the tower 2 as is shown in Figures 5a and 5b. This puts the second wind turbine into a reduced flow resistance configuration, by changing the angle of the blades 5 relative to the wind direction 101 so that an energy capture area of the blades is decreased. The energy capture area of the blades is the projected surface area of the blades in a plain perpendicular to the wind direction 101, as indicated by the line 102 in Figure 5B. By reducing the energy capture area, the amount of force imparted to the blades by the wind is also reduced, so that the rotation of the rotor 1 about the axle 4 is decreased. In Figure 5B, the blades are arranged at approximately a 25 degree angle to the wind direction.

[0098] If the rate of rotation of the rotor 1 about the axle 4 drops below a second threshold, the controller 110 is arranged to operate the motor 111 to rotate the rotor 1 to return the second wind turbine to the state shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0099] The controller is also electrically connected to an anemometer 113 which measures the speed of the wind relative to the second wind turbine. If the anemometer detects a wind speed over a third threshold, then the controller is arranged to operate the motor 111 to rotate the rotor 1 about the vertical axis relative to the tower 2 as is shown in Figures 4a and 4b, putting the second wind turbine into a reduced flow resistance configuration.

[00100] If the wind speed detected by the anemometer 113 drops below a fourth threshold then the controller 110 is arranged to operate the motor 111 to rotate the rotor 1 to return the second wind turbine to the state shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[00101] As such, when the wind speed is higher than a rated wind speed, the second wind turbine will yaw away from the wind, reducing the chance of damage occurring to the second wind turbine due to high wind speeds.

[00102] If the second wind turbine is in a reduced flow configuration as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, and the rate of rotation of the rotor rises or remains above the first threshold, or the wind speed rises above a fifth threshold which is greater than the third threshold, then the controller is arranged to operate the motor 111 so as to turn the rotor 1 and further decrease the energy capture area as shown in Figures 6A and 6B. In Figure 6B, the blades are arranged at approximately a 45 degree angle to the wind direction.

[00103] If the second wind turbine is in a state as shown in Figure 6A and 6B, and the rate of rotation of the rotor drops below the second threshold, or the wind speed drops below a sixth threshold, then the controller is arranged to operate the motor 11 so as to return the second wind turbine to a state as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

[00104] If the second wind turbine is in a reduced flow configuration as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, and the rate of rotation of the rotor rises or remains above the first threshold, or the wind speed rises above a seventh threshold which is greater than the fifth threshold, then the controller is arranged to operate the motor 111 so as to turn the rotor 1 and put the second wind turbine in a minimum flow resistance configuration by decreasing the energy capture area to a minimal amount as shown in Figures 7A and 7B. In Figure 7B, the blades are arranged so that they are at 85 degrees to the wind direction. At 85 degrees, the blades are sheltered from the wind by the other components of the second wind turbine, such that at 85 degrees the second wind turbine is less resistive than it would be if the blades were arranged at 90 degrees to the wind direction. The blades may be arranged so that they are substantially parallel to the wind direction. The minimum flow resistance configuration therefore minimises the rotational force which the wind will impart to the rotor.

[00105] As such, in the case of extreme winds, the second wind turbine will be positioned in a position of least wind resistance, enabling the second wind turbine to survive higher wind loads than if it was facing the wind directly.

[00106] If the second wind turbine is in a state as shown in Figure 7A and 7B, and the rate of rotation of the rotor drops below the second threshold, or the wind speed drops below an eighth threshold, then the controller is arranged to operate the motor 11 so as to return the second wind turbine to a state as shown in Figures 6A and 6B.

[00107] The second threshold is lower than the first threshold, and the further threshold is lower than the third threshold. This introduces a hysteresis in the response of the controller to changes in the rate of rotation of the rotor or the wind speed, so that the motor is not operated constantly when the rate of rotation or the wind speed cross repeatedly back and forth across a threshold. Alternatively, the controller can be configured to make continuous adjustments to the yaw of the rotor relative to the direction of the wind, in order to maintain the rate of rotation as close to an optimum value as is possible.

[00108] Lastly, the controller is electrically connected to a transceiver 114, and may operate the motor according to information received from the transceiver. This information can comprise wind measurements taken at other locations, weather forecasts, or direct control instructions issued by an operator.

[00109] Figure 8 shows an example of an electricity supply system 200 in the form of a power station 200. The energy supply system includes a wind turbine 201, in this example similar to the second wind turbine, for generating electrical energy from a fluid flow. The electricity supply system 200 also includes one or more energy storage units 202, for example a plurality of batteries 202. In this example, the one or more energy storage units 202 are provided in an intermodal shipping container 210 in an operational configuration. The electricity supply system 200 in this example further includes a fuel-powered generator 203, for example a diesel generator 203, shown schematically in Figure 8. The electricity supply system 200 in this example further includes a further energy generator 204 in the form of a plurality of photovoltaic cells 204 to convert electromagnetic radiation from the sun, for example light, to electricity. The electricity supply system 200 also includes a controller 205 in the form of a power controller 205 to control the supply of electricity to a power output 206. The controller 205 is provided in the intermodal shipping container 210 in the operational configuration. One or more electrical components (not shown in Figure 8) can be connected to the electricity supply system 200 via the power output 206. Therefore, the one or more electrical components can be powered by the electricity supply system 200. In maximum safe wind speeds, the wind turbine 201 alone is typically capable of providing sufficient electrical energy to power the one or more electrical components in a standard mode of operation. The power output 206 is electrically connected to each of the wind turbine 201, the one or more energy storage units 202 and the further energy generator 204. The wind turbine 201 is electrically connected to the one or more energy storage units 202, whereby to be usable to charge the one or more energy storage units 202. It will be understood that the power output 206 can be electrically connected to the wind turbine 201 via the electrical connection between the power output 206 and the one or more energy storage units 202 and via the electrical connection between the one or more energy storage units 202 and the wind turbine 201.

[00110] When wind blows across wind turbine 201, electricity is generated which can be used to charge the plurality of batteries 202. Similarly, when there is sufficient sunlight, the plurality of photovoltaic cells 204 also generate electricity which can be used to charge the plurality of batteries 202. The power output 206 is electrically connected to the plurality of batteries 202 and utilises the electrical energy stored in the plurality of batteries 202 to power the one or more electrical components connected to the power output 206. The power controller 205 can monitor a state of charge of the plurality of batteries 202 and may operate the diesel generator 203 when the state of charge of the plurality of batteries 202 is determined to be insufficient to provide electrical energy to the one or more components. Furthermore, the power controller 205 can manage excess electrical energy when the electrical power output required by the one or more electrical components electrically connected to the power output 206 is less than the electrical power generated by the combination of the wind turbine 201, the plurality of photovoltaic cells 204 and the diesel generator 203. For example, the power controller 205 can, if the diesel generator is switched on, control the diesel generator 203 to switch off when the electrical power output required by the one or more electrical components electrically connected to the power output 206 is less than the electrical power generated by the combination of the wind turbine 201, the plurality of photovoltaic cells 204 and the diesel generator 203. The power controller 205 can also use the excess electrical power to charge the plurality of batteries 202. If the plurality of batteries 202 are already at full capacity, the power controller 205 can also control the wind turbine 201 to move into the reduced flow configuration as described hereinbefore in order to reduce energy output from the wind turbine 201. In an example, the power controller 205 can be configured to dump excess electrical energy when the electrical power output required by the one or more electrical components electrically connected to the power output 206 is less than the electrical power generated by the combination of the wind turbine 201, the plurality of photovoltaic cells 204 and the diesel generator 203, and when the plurality of batteries 202 are already fully charged.

[00111] Figures 9A to 9J show an installation and assembly of the wind turbine 201 at a location. In Figure 9A, a storage container 210 is provided. Typically, as will be described further with reference to Figure 10 hereinafter, the components of the wind turbine 201 can be provided in the storage container 210 during transport of the wind turbine 201 to a site location. Nevertheless, the storage container 210 can remain on site even after assembly and commissioning of the wind turbine 201 to provide secure storage for control components associated with the wind turbine 201, and also for the energy storage unit 202, for example the plurality of batteries 202 described with reference to Figure 8 hereinbefore. As shown in Figure 9B, the storage container 210 can also serve as a support structure for at least some of the photovoltaic cells 204 described with reference to Figure 8 hereinbefore. Therefore, the photovoltaic cells 204 can be raised off a ground surface G for security or to provide better visibility of the sun.

[00112] In Figure 9C, a foundation 211, such as a base support 211 is provided. The base support 211 is to be secured to the ground surface G and is to support the rest of the wind turbine 201 securely at the ground surface G. The base support 211 can be formed from a single component, or from multiple separate components, working together to provide a foundation for the turbine 201. In this example, a support member 213 in the form of a tower 213 is pivotally mounted to the base support 211 via a pivot axis 212. In particular, a lower end of the tower 213 is pivotally mounted to the base support 211. The tower 213 is a substantially cylindrical tube, having a tapered form such that a diameter of the tower 213 at an upper end of the tower 213 is less than a diameter of the tower 213 at the lower end of the tower 213. The tower 213 is initially arranged to lie substantially flat over or on the ground surface G. Although not shown, in some examples, the upper end of the tower 213 can be supported off the ground surface on a support frame in some examples. The tower 213 comprises a mounting point 214 for attaching a link member (not shown in Figure 9C) thereto, as will be described further hereinafter.

[00113] In Figure 9D, a transceiver 220 is mounted on the tower 213. Typically, the transceiver is mounted towards an upper end of the tower 213, such that transmissions horizontally outwardly from the transceiver 220 will not be occluded by any further features of the wind turbine 201, for example by the rotor shield 221 (see Figure 9F hereinafter). The transceiver 220 is capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals, for example cellular telecommunication signals such as 3G, 4G, 5G or any other cellular telecommunication signals. The transceiver 220 is electrically connected to a cellular base station controller (not shown in Figures 9A to 9J). The cellular base station controller can be provided in the storage container 210 and operates in conjunction with the transceiver 220 to provide a cellular base station and provide cellular telecommunication coverage in a vicinity of the wind turbine 201. In this way, a single installation can provide both a cellular base station and an energy generation capability, using the same tower 213.

[00114] In Figure 9E, a winch point 215 is mounted at the ground surface G, away from a centre of the base support 211. The winch point 215 is anchored to the ground surface G, for example with a ground anchor (not shown), or in any other way. In this example, the winch point 215 is located approximately 8 metres from the centre of the base support 211. The turbine 201 further comprises a support arm 216, in the form of an A-frame 216. The support arm 216 is also pivotally mounted to the base support 211 for rotation about the pivot axis 212. The pivot axis 212 is substantially parallel to the ground surface G and transverse to a line from the base support 211 to the winch point 215. The support arm 216 comprises a support end 217 spaced from a longitudinal axis of the tower 213, in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tower 213 and also substantially transverse to the pivot axis 212. The support end 217 is connected to the winch point 215 via a link member 218, for example a flexible link member 218. The support end 217 is further connected to the mounting point 214 via a further link member 219. Therefore, when the flexible link member 218 is pulled towards the winch point 215, the tower 213 can pivot about the pivot axis 212 as will be described further with reference to Figures 9H to 9J hereinafter. It will be understood that, in some examples, the further link member 219 can be the same as the link member 218. The support arm 216 is sized such that, when the support arm 216 is rotated about the pivot axis 212 such that the tower 213 is substantially vertical, the support end 217 of the support arm 216 is positioned substantially directly over the winch point 215.

[00115] In Figure 9F, a rotor shield 221 is mounted to an upper end of the tower 213. The turbine 201 further comprises support arms 222a, 222b for securing the rotor (not shown in Figure 9F) relative to the rotor shield 221. The rotor shield 221 and the support arms 222a, 222b are together rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the tower 213. As can be seen, the rotor shield 221 does not extend over the transceiver 220 of the cellular base station. It will be understood that alternative rotor shield designs are possible, including no rotor shield at all.

[00116] In Figure 9G, a rotor 223 is mounted at the upper end of the tower213, between the support arms 222a, 222b. Although the rotor shown in Figure 9G is substantially similar to that described in relation to Figures 3A, 3B and 5A to 7B, it will be understood that substantially any rotor can be used for the wind turbine 201.

[00117] In Figures 9H to 9J, the assembly of the tower213, the rotor 223, and the support arm 216 is moved from the lowered position of the tower 213 to the raised position of the tower 213, such that the wind turbine 201 is moved into a deployed configuration (as shown in Figure 9J). In the deployed configuration, the wind turbine 201 can be used to generate electrical energy from the wind. By pulling the flexible link member 218 towards the winch point 215, the support end of the support arm 216 can be pulled towards the winch point 215 to cause the assembly of the tower 213, the rotor 223, and the support arm 216 to move from the lowered position of the tower 213 to the raised position of the tower 213 by rotating the tower 213 about the pivot axis 212. For example, a winch motor may be provided (not shown) to pull the flexible link member 218 and move the wind turbine 201 into the deployed configuration.

[00118] As described hereinbefore, it will be understood that the rotor 223 can rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tower 213 in order to control an amount of electrical energy generated by the wind turbine 201 as a result of wind flow through the turbine 201. It will be understood that the tower 213 can be secured at the base support 210 in the raised position to substantially prevent unexpected movement of the tower 213 from the raised position to the lowered position.

[00119] It will be understood that there may be more or fewer steps to assembly of the wind turbine 201. Importantly, the rotor 223 and rotor shield 221 can be attached to the tower 213 when the rotor 223 is at or near the ground surface G, making assembly simpler than if the rotor 223 needed to be raised off the ground before attachment to the tower 213.

[00120] For disassembly or maintenance, it will be understood that the method of assembly described with reference to Figures 9A to 9J hereinbefore can be performed in reverse. In other words, the rotor 223 can be lowered towards the ground surface G. For example, the winch motor can be used to gradually pay out the flexible link member 218 connected between the support end of the support arm 216 and the winch point 215.

[00121] Although the wind turbine 201 is shown being capable of yawing about the longitudinal axis of the support 213, as described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 3A to 7B, it will be understood that alternative wind turbine designs can also be installed and assembled following the steps described hereinbefore with reference to Figures 9A to 9L.

[00122] Figure 10 shows an example of an arrangement of component parts for the wind turbine 201 which can be provided in a standard twenty-foot shipping container. It will be understood that standard dimensions of several different sizes of shipping containers are well known. Importantly, at least a majority of the components from which the wind turbine 201 is assembled at a site location can be sized to fit within a standard-size intermodal shipping container, for example a twenty-foot shipping container. For example, the inside dimensions of a standard twenty-foot shipping container are a length of just under 6 metres (approximately 5.71 metres), a width of approximately 2.35 metres and a height of approximately 2.38 metres. Thus, where components are laid out lengthways along the container, the maximum length of any component is approximately 5.71 metres. For this reason, it will be appreciated that the blades of the rotor have a maximum size of 5.71 metres unless the blades are split into multiple parts. Similarly, the tower 213 is typically higher than 5.71 metres, and indeed may be 15 metres or higher. In the illustrated example, the total height of the turbine 201 is 22 metres, with the height of the tower being 17 metres from the ground surface G to a yaw bearing at an upper end of the tower 213 and facilitating rotation of the rotor 216 about the longitudinal axis of the tower 213. Therefore, in some example, the tower 213 may be supplied separately, either in multiple parts in a separate shipping container, or not in a shipping container. Where the tower 213 is supplied in multiple parts in a shipping container, the tower 213 is typically split up into 3 parts or more. Further, other components of the wind turbine 201 can be sized to fit within the container. It will be understood that where a larger intermodal shipping container is used, the components from which the wind turbine 201 is assembled at a site location may be larger.

[00123] It will be understood that where the term intermodal shipping container is used in this specification, it is to be understood to mean any of the sizes of intermodal freight shipping containers conforming to any of the ISO 668 - Series 1 freight container designations. In particular, the intermodal shipping container may be any of the intermodal freight shipping containers sometimes referred to as 20 foot, 20 foot standard, 10 foot, 30 foot, 30 foot standard, 30 foot high cube, 40 foot, 40 foot standard, 40 foot high cube, 45 foot standard and 45 foot high cube.

[00124] Figure 11 shows a cross-section through a blade 224 for use in the rotor 223 of the turbine 201. The rotor blade 224 has a generally arcuate external profile in this example. It will be understood that alternative shapes for the blades 224 can be used. The blade 224 has a substantially constant cross-section along a length of the blade 224. For this reason, the blade 224 can be formed by a continuous process, for example pultrusion or extrusion. In the present example, the blade 224 is formed by pultrusion of a polymer material, for example glass fibre reinforced polymer. As can be seen in Figure 11, the blade 224 comprises an outer profile 225 and a plurality of shear webs 226a, 226b, 226c. Where each of the shear webs 226a, 226b, 226c meet the outer profile 225, there is provided a thicker portion of material. In this way, lightweight, strong blades 224 can be produced at a relatively low-cost because the blades 224 can be manufactured as part of a continuous process. Following pultrusion in accordance with the cross-section shown in Figure 11, the resulting continuous length of material can be cut into individual blades 224 of the desired length, for example six metres. The blades 224 are capped at each end by a bulkhead portion (not shown) bonded thereto to further strengthen and rigidise the blades 224 and to prevent the increase of wind or water within the blades 224. The bulkhead portion can be formed from any suitable material, for example a plastics material.

[00125] It will be understood that alternative techniques for manufacturing the blade 224 are possible, for example extrusion.

[00126] Figure 12 shows a representation of a cross-section through an example of a rotor shield 221 for use in the turbine 201 described hereinbefore. The rotor shield 221 is formed from an extruded plastics sheet, for example a multiwall polycarbonate extruded sheet. Therefore, there is provided a lightweight, durable material rotor shield 221 which can be manufactured by a continuous process at relatively low cost. As with the blades 224 described hereinbefore, the multiwall polycarbonate extruded sheet can be capped with a bulkhead portion (not shown) to further strengthen and rigidise the rotor shield 221 and to prevent the increase of wind or water within the rotor shield 221.

[00127] Figure 13 shows a further wind turbine 301, in a lowered configuration. A rotor, 302, for example a horizontal axis wind turbine rotor 302 is shown schematically at the end of a support member 303 in the form of a tower 303. The tower 303 is of openwork construction and comprises three leg members 304a, 304b, 304c, having a plurality of bracing spars 305 connected therebetween. As in other turbines described herein, the rotor 302 is arranged to pivot around a longitudinal axis of the tower 303 via a rotatable collar 306 arranged at an upper end of the plurality of leg members 304a, 304b, 304c. The tower 303 is pivotally connected to the ground surface G at a lower end of each of the first leg member 304a and the second leg member 304b, thereby defining a pivot axis 307 between the lower end of the first leg member 304a and the lower end of the second leg member 304b. The lower end of the third leg member 304c is connected to a ground anchor point 308 by a link member 309, for example a flexible link member 309. In a similar way to the turbine 201 described with reference to Figures 9A to 9L, when the flexible link member 309 is gathered at the ground anchor point 308, the lower end of the third leg member 304c is pulled towards the ground anchor point 308, rotating the tower 303 about the pivot axis 307 and moving the turbine 301 into a raised configuration. In the raised configuration, it will be understood that the longitudinal axis of the tower 303 will be substantially vertical.

[00128] In summary, there is provided a power station (200) for providing an electricity supply. The power station (200) comprises, in combination, a wind turbine (201) having a turbine power output, at least one further energy generator (203) other than a wind turbine, at least one energy storage unit (202) having a storage power output, a supply output (206) for providing the electricity supply, and a controller (205). The at least one further energy generator (203) has a generator power output. The controller is configured to control the supply of electricity from the turbine power output, the generator power output and the storage power output to the supply output (206) in an operating configuration of the power station (200).

[00129] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[00130] Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A power station for providing an electricity supply, the power station comprising, in combination:

a wind turbine having a turbine power output;

at least one further energy generator, other than a wind turbine, having a generator power output;

at least one energy storage unit having a storage power output;

a supply output for providing the electricity supply; and a controller configured to control the supply of electricity from the turbine power output, the generator power output and the storage power output to the supply output in an operating configuration of the power station.

2. A power station as claimed in claim 1, wherein the turbine power output is electrically connected to the energy storage unit in the operating configuration.

3. A power station as claimed in claim 2, wherein the controller is configured, in the operating configuration, to control the supply of energy from the turbine power output to the supply output via the storage power output.

4. A power station as claimed in ay preceding claim, wherein the generator power output is electrically connected to the energy storage unit in the operating configuration, and wherein the controller is configured, in the operating configuration, to control the supply of energy from the generator power output to the supply output via the storage power output.

5. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the energy storage unit comprises at least one battery.

6. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one said further energy generator is a fuel-powered generator, for example a diesel generator.

7. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one said further energy generator comprises at least one photovoltaic cell.

8. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in the operating configuration, the controller is housed in an intermodal shipping container.

9. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in the operating configuration, the energy storage unit is housed in an or the intermodal shipping container.

10. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, in the operating configuration, the further energy generator is housed in an or the intermodal shipping container.

11. A power station as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein, in the operating configuration, the intermodal shipping container is configured to be locked.

12. A power station as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the intermodal shipping container is adapted to receive at least one electrical connection from the wind turbine and/or the further energy generator.

13. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wind turbine is formed from a plurality of turbine component parts, and wherein each of a majority of the turbine component parts are sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a transport configuration of the power station.

14. A power station as claimed in claim 13, wherein each turbine component part is sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container in the transport configuration.

15. A power station as claimed in claim 14, wherein all of the turbine component parts of the wind turbine are sized to fit, in combination, in a plurality of intermodal shipping containers.

16. A power station as claimed in claim 15, wherein all of the turbine component parts of the wind turbine are sized to fit, in combination, in exactly one intermodal shipping container.

17. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each of a majority of component parts of the power station are sized to fit in an or the intermodal shipping container in a or the transport configuration of the power station.

18. A power station as claimed in claim 17, wherein each component part is sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container in the transport configuration.

19. A power station as claimed in claim 18, wherein all component parts of the power station are sized to fit, in combination, in a plurality of intermodal shipping containers in the transport configuration.

20. A power station as claimed in any of claims 8 to 19 when dependent on claim 7, wherein, in the operating configuration, the at least one photovoltaic cell is supported on a roof of the intermodal shipping container.

21. A power station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising the intermodal shipping container.

22. A turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, in particular a wind turbine, formed from a plurality of component parts, wherein, in an operating configuration of the turbine, the turbine is larger than an intermodal shipping container and wherein, in a transport configuration of the turbine, each of the component parts of the turbine is sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container.

23. A turbine as claimed in claim 22, wherein all of the component parts of the turbine are sized to fit, in combination, in exactly one intermodal shipping container.

24. A turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, in particular a wind turbine for generating energy from wind, comprising:

a support member having a substantially vertical axis; and a rotor mounted to the support member and arranged for rotational movement relative thereto about the substantially vertical axis, and for rotational movement relative thereto about a substantially horizontal axis, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the substantially horizontal rotational axis, each turbine blade comprising a first surface and the rotor being arranged such that, when fluid which is flowing relative to the turbine blade is directed against the first surface, the rotor will rotate about the substantially horizontal rotational axis, wherein the rotor is configured to be provided in an energy generating configuration in which the first surface of each blade presents an energy capture area as measured perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow during the rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis the rotor being further configured to be provided in a reduced flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member relative to the fluid flow such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced.

25. A turbine as claimed in claim 24, further comprising a motor which is connected to the support member and the rotor, such that operating the motor can rotate the rotor relative to the support member about the substantially vertical axis.

26. A turbine as claimed in claim 25, further comprising a controller, the controller being arranged to operate the motor to move the turbine between the energy generating configuration and the reduced flow resistance configuration.

27. A turbine as claimed in claim 26, wherein the controller is arranged to operate the motor to move the turbine between the energy generating configuration and the reduced flow resistance configuration according to a rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis.

28. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 27, wherein the rotor is further configured to be provided in a minimum flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced to a minimum.

29. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 28, further comprising a rotor shield mounted to the support member and positioned relative to the rotor, whereby to shield some of the turbine blades from oncoming wind.

30. A turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising:

a support member having a substantially vertical axis;

a rotor mounted to the support member for rotation about a substantially horizontal rotational axis relative to the support member, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor, each turbine blade having a longitudinal axis which extends primarily in a substantially horizontal direction; and a rotor shield mounted to the support member and positioned relative to the rotor, whereby to shield some of the turbine blades from oncoming wind.

31. A turbine as claimed in claim 30, wherein the rotor is mounted to the support member for rotational movement relative thereto about the substantially vertical axis of the support member.

32. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 29 to 31, wherein the rotor shield is mounted below the rotational axis of the rotor.

33. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 29 to 32, wherein the rotor shield comprises a first shield member and a second shield member and the second shield member is spaced from the first shield member in a windward to leeward direction.

34. A turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising:

a rotor comprising a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from a rotational axis of the rotor, each turbine blade having a longitudinal axis which extends primarily in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis; and a rotor shield positioned relative to the rotor, whereby to shield some of the turbine blades from oncoming wind, wherein the rotor shield comprises a first shield member and a second shield member and the second shield member is spaced from the first shield member in a windward to leeward direction.

35. A turbine as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein the first shield member has a convex windward surface.

36. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 33 to 35, wherein the second shield member has a concave windward surface.

37. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 36, wherein the rotor is mounted to an upper end of the support member in an operational configuration of the turbine.

38. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 37, wherein the support member has a proximal end for mounting at a ground surface and a distal end, opposite the proximal end, and wherein the turbine is adapted for movement of the rotor between a first position substantially at the ground surface, and a second position at the distal end of the support member, wherein in the second position the turbine is in an operating configuration and the rotor is higher than in the first position.

39. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 38, wherein the rotor is mounted to the support member for translational movement relative thereto along the substantially vertical axis of the support member.

40. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 39, wherein the rotor is mounted to the support member by a collar.

41. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 40, wherein the rotor comprises an axle and the axle is mounted to the support member.

42. A turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising:

a support member having a proximal end for mounting at a ground surface and a distal end, opposite the proximal end; and a rotor mounted to the support member for rotation about a substantially horizontal rotational axis relative to the support member, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor, each turbine blade having a longitudinal axis which extends primarily in a substantially horizontal direction, wherein the turbine is adapted for movement of the rotor between a first position substantially at the ground surface and a second position at the distal end of the support member, wherein in the second position the turbine is in an operating configuration and the rotor is higher than in the first position of the turbine.

43. A turbine as claimed in claim 42, wherein the support member is adapted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis at the proximal end of the support member and substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support member, whereby to pivotably move the rotor between the first position and the second position.

44. A turbine as claimed in claim 43, further comprising a support arm having a support end spaced from the longitudinal axis in a direction transverse to the pivot axis and to the longitudinal axis, and a link member connected to the support member via the support end of the support arm, whereby pulling the link member towards a ground point on the ground surface causes the support member to pivotably move from the first position to the second position.

45. A turbine as claimed in any of claims 24 to 44, comprising a cellular transceiver mounted to the support member.

46. A turbine, in particular a wind turbine, comprising:

a support member having a substantially vertical axis;

a rotor mounted to the support member for rotation about a rotational axis relative to the support member; and a cellular transceiver mounted to the support member.

47. A turbine as claimed in claim 46, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the rotational axis of the rotor.

48. A power station as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the wind turbine is as claimed in any of claims 22 to 47.

49. A method of providing a turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, in particular a wind turbine for generating energy from wind, at a site location, the turbine, in an operating configuration, larger than an intermodal shipping container, and formed from a plurality of turbine components each sized to fit in the intermodal shipping container, the method comprising:

packing all turbine components of the turbine into one or more intermodal shipping containers;

transporting the one or more packed intermodal shipping container to a site location;

unpacking the turbine components from the one or more intermodal shipping containers; and assembling the turbine at the site location from the unpacked turbine components.

50. A method of providing a power station as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21 at a site location, the power station formed from a plurality of components each sized to fit in an intermodal shipping container, the method comprising:

packing all components of the power station into one or more intermodal shipping containers;

unpacking the components from the one or more intermodal shipping containers; and assembling the power station at the site location from the unpacked components.

51. A method as claimed in claim 50, further comprising housing one or more components of the power station in the one or more intermodal shipping containers at the destination location after assembly of the power station.

52. A method of operating a turbine for generating energy from a fluid flow, and in particular a wind turbine for generating energy from wind, wherein the turbine comprises:

a support member having a substantially vertical axis; and a rotor mounted to the support member and arranged for rotational movement relative thereto about the substantially vertical axis, and for rotational movement relative thereto about a substantially horizontal axis, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of turbine blades radially spaced from the substantially horizontal rotational axis, each turbine blade comprising a first surface and the rotor being arranged such that, when fluid which is flowing relative to the turbine blade is directed against the first surface, the rotor will rotate about the substantially horizontal rotational axis, the method comprising:

operating the turbine in an energy generating configuration in which the first surface of each blade presents an energy capture area as measured perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow during the rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis; and operating the turbine in a reduced flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced.

53. A method according to claim 52, further comprising:

measuring a rate of rotation of the rotor about the substantially horizontal axis; and operating in an energy generating configuration or a reduced flow resistance configuration according to the measured rate of rotation.

54. A method according to claim 52 or claim 53, wherein the method further comprises operating the turbine in a minimum flow resistance configuration in which the rotor is rotated about the vertical axis of the support member such that the energy capture area presented to the fluid flow by each blade is reduced to a minimum.

55. A method of commissioning the turbine of any of claims 24 to 47, the method comprising:

mounting the rotor to the support member at a first position; and raising the mounted rotor from the first position to a second position higher than the first position.

56. A method as claimed in claim 55, wherein, when the mounted rotor is in the first position, the rotor is accessible by an operator from a ground surface.

57. A method as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56, wherein the first position is along the vertical axis of the support member, and wherein the second position is higher than the first position along the vertical axis of the support member.

58. A method as claimed in any of claims 55 to 57, wherein the turbine comprises a rotor shield, further comprising mounting the rotor shield to the support member with the rotor at a position along the vertical axis of the support member that is lower than the second position.

59. A method as claimed in claim 55 or claim 56, wherein raising the mounted rotor from the first position to the second position comprises pivoting the support member about a pivot axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of the support member.

60. A method as claimed in claim 59, wherein the turbine further comprises a support arm having a support end spaced from the longitudinal axis in a direction transverse to the pivot axis and to the longitudinal axis, wherein a link member is connected between the support end of the support arm and a ground point on a ground surface on which the turbine is being commissioned, the ground point spaced from the support member, and wherein pivoting the support member about the pivot axis comprises pulling on the link member whereby to move the support end of the support arm towards the ground point.

61. A method as claimed in any of claims 55 to 60, further comprising lowering the mounted rotor from the second position to the first position.

62. A method as claimed in claim 61, further comprising performing maintenance on the mounted rotor from the ground while the rotor is in the first position subsequent to the mounted rotor having been lowered from the second position to the first position and subsequently raising the rotor from the first position to the second position.

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63. A method as claimed in claim 61, wherein the mounted rotor is lowered in high winds.

64. A method as claimed in any of claims 55 to 63, further comprising assembling the rotor in the first position.

65. A kit of parts for constructing a turbine as claimed in any of claims 22 to 47,

10 wherein none of the parts has any of a length, a width and a height greater than 5.8 metres.

66. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 65, packaged in at least one intermodal shipping container.

67. A power station, turbine, method or kit of parts as claimed in any preceding claim, 15 wherein the intermodal shipping container conforms to ISO 668.