WO2016085858A1 - High-efficiency wind generator - Google Patents

Abstract

A highly-efficient wind generator, comprising a turbine wheel comprising a center bearing, an inner ring, an outer ring, and fan blades, wherein the center bearing is connected to the inner ring, and the fan blades connect the inner ring to the outer ring, a cone-shaped body for compressing wind flowing into the wind generator to increase its velocity, and wherein the cone-shaped body is placed such that it forces the compressed wind into the fan blades, a cowling surrounding the turbine wheel, positioned such that it extends forward from the turbine wheel, providing a lip to catch and direct the wind into the turbine wheel, a wire structure to cover the turbine wheel, a generator rotatably connected to the turbine wheel, a means for turning the wind generator into the wind, and a center shaft, on which the turbine wheel spins freely, and to which the cone-shaped body is mounted.

Description

HIGHLY-EFFICIENT WIND GENERATOR

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0001] This patent document claims the benefit of priority of Phillips, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/085,149 entitled "HIGHLY-EFFICIENT WIND GENERATOR", filed on November 26, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to the field of power generation, and specifically to a highly- effective wind generator.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Wind generators, also known as wind turbines, exist in various types and sizes in the prior art. Wind generators in the prior art are typically broken into two main types, those with horizontal axes of rotation and those with vertical axes of rotation. Each type has its particular advantages and disadvantages.

[0004] Wind generators with horizontal axes of rotation resemble the classic windmill, with blades like a propeller spinning on a horizontal axis. These blades are held in the air on massive towers which can lift them up to take advantage of higher wind speeds in wind shear zones. However, these horizontal-axis wind generators have several disadvantages, including:

• Large, bulky towers are needed to support the heavy blades, gearbox, and generator.

• The components of a horizontal-axis wind generator, including the gearbox, rotor shaft, and brake assembly, must be hoisted into position on the tower during construction.

• The height and blade size of these wind generators make them visible at a long distance, obstructing the landscape and sometimes creating local opposition groups.

• Horizontal-axis wind generators require a yaw control mechanism to turn the blades into the wind.

• Horizontal-axis wind generators often require a braking or yawing device in high winds to stop the turbine from spinning and damaging itself.

• Horizontal-axis wind generators are subject to cyclic stresses and vibration.

• Birds can be killed flying into the travel path of the blades, and the collisions can cause damage to the blades. • When the wind generator turns to face the wind, the rotating blades act like a gyroscope. As the wind generator pivots, gyroscopic precession tries to twist the turbine into a forward or backward somersault. For each blade on a wind generator's turbine, force is at a minimum when the blade is horizontal and at a maximum when the blade is vertical. This cyclic twisting can fatigue and crack the blade roots, hub, and axle of the generators.

[0005] Wind generators with vertical axes of rotation have a main rotor shaft arranged vertically. The main advantage of this style is that the wind generator does not need to be pointed into the wind, which is an advantage on sites where the wind direction is highly variable or turbulent. [0006] With a vertical axis, the generator and other primary components can be placed near the ground, so the tower does not need to support it. This also makes maintenance of the wind generator easier.

[0007] These vertical-axis wind generators have several disadvantages, including:

• Vertical-axis wind generators can create drag when rotating into the wind, decreasing their efficiency.

• Vertical-axis wind generators have rotors located close to the ground, where wind speeds are lower, not taking advantage of higher wind speeds at higher elevations.

[0008] What is needed in the art is a highly-efficient wind generator that takes advantage of the superior power generation capabilities of a horizontal-axis wind generator while mitigating the disadvantages of such an arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is a highly-effective wind generator which achieves improved performance over the prior art. It does this by compressing the wind from the center of a given circular surface area to the extreme outer dimensions, which increases it's velocity, then using the leverage from the outer dimensions to turn the various powered generators at the center of the turbine wheel, one at a time, or in any combination to optimize the presently available wind power. This gives this unit a very wide range of operation from light winds, which is the norm, to very high winds, which is when a lot of energy can be harvested and when other machines must shut down. With this capability the annual energy harvest is greatly increased. [0010] In one embodiment, the unit operates in the same manner as a weather vane, turning into the wind by means of a rear tail fin. The wind hitting the cone-shaped front body is compressed and forced to the outer diameters, peaking in velocity at the point where it passes through the turbine blades. The blades are curved at the very outer edges to whip the wind and capture the ultimate amount of wind energy and at the same time guide the wind back to the center of the original surface area along the rear cone-shaped body. This replaces the vacuum formed behind the front cone-shaped body and prevents a low pressure pocket from forming that would otherwise reduce the energy harvest. In an alternate embodiment, a sensor will detect the direction of the wind, and electric motors will turn the unit into the wind based on the direction of the wind.

[0011] The turbine blades, located at the outer edges of the turbine wheel, will actually only fill the space between the cone-shaped body and the inside of the cowling that circles around the cone-shaped body. This focuses the increased wind velocity to a much smaller turbine blade located only at the outer edge of the wind surface area and greatly reduces any backside blade drag that would occur if the blade went all the way to the center of the turbine wheel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the blades are overlapping so there is no "see through" between them and finished in a dark flat grey or flat black to stop all flicker effects that would prevent residential usage. In an alternate embodiment, as may be needed to increase generator efficiency, the configuration of the blades will have a spacing between them, and the number of blades and their spacing will be designed by an expert in aerodynamics, or designed by a computer aided design program.

[0013] The "spokes" from the center of the turbine wheel to the blades would be tapered front and back like a double edge knife to minimize drag there, also. The turbine wheel rotates on the stable center shaft that runs from the front of the cone-shaped body to the rear where the tail fin is attached (in some embodiments). The rotation speed of the turbine wheel, by means of a shifting apparatus, controls which generator, or combination of generators, are receiving the power and when the power is shifted to the next generator or combination of generators as the wind fluctuates in speed, so as to optimize the available wind energy into electricity.

[0014] Also described is a device to restrict the wind access point to the turbine blades, making it possible to continue generating electricity in very high winds by limiting the amount of wind hitting the blades but while still achieving the maximum the generators will produce. This is done when the rotation of the turbine wheel exceeds the maximum RPM that the generators can handle. The wind access point will open and close to the point where no harm will occur to the generators. It can also be used manually as a shut-off for maintenance purposes. No brake is required for this unit, unlike most of the others in the prior art.

[0015] One object of the invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator for generating electricity in low winds and in high winds where most wind generators in the prior art have to shut down. During these low-wind and high-wind times, this wind generator will optimize the wind surface area energy present at any time. This is done when the wind has compressed from the center of the surface area into the area between the outer dimensions of the cone-shaped body and the cowling that circles the body. When the compressed wind hits the turbine blades, the energy is extracted by turning the turbine wheel, which would normally slow the wind down behind the blades (otherwise known as a low pressure pocket) and not let any fresh wind to enter. This wind generator will have a turbine blade that is twisted so it collects the energy at the farthest outer point, for leverage purposes, and whips it back to the rear cone- shaped body to expand to its original volume and fill the vacuum or low-pressure pocket that would otherwise be there. Eliminating the low-pressure pocket results in the wind flowing through the generator without bottlenecking the airflow and slowing the wind down beyond its compression stage. The optimization of this is done with the distance from the very front of the cone-shaped body to the turbine blades, the angle of the cone shaping the front cone-shaped body (which controls the time and pressure of compression), the percentage of the turbine blade area compared to the circular wind surface area, and the angle and twist of the blades and it's resistance on the wind.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that compresses the wind by forcing it to the outer edges of the machine, letting it flow through the turbine blades located at the parameter of the turbine wheel, which leverages the power to drive the generators located at the center of the turbine wheel. As the wind hits the cone point of the front cone-shaped body, the wind is forced from the center of the circular surface area to the outside parameter where the turbine blades are located. The cowling, which surrounds the cone- shaped body, is located behind the farthest point back of the turbine blades and extends forward past the front part of the blades, preventing the wind coming in from escaping and forcing the wind to flow through the blades and turn the wheel. The blades are attached to a set of flat circular rings, which rotate just outside of the cone-shaped body and are attached at the outer end of the turbine wheel spokes. The inside flat circular ring is wider than the gap between the front and rear cone-shaped body, preventing wind from entering the body of the machine. The spokes turn in between the gap of the front half of the cone-shaped body and the rear half of the cone- shaped body. The cowling serves as the outer wind escape barrier leaving a minimal space for wind to pass without extracting the energy.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that uses multiple generators of varying strengths to optimize the winds power by shifting from one to another or any combination of them to convert the wind to the highest possible amount of electrical energy. Along with this shifting (which is controlled by the turbine wheel rotation speed), it keeps the rotation of the wheel constant for more efficient power generation without "over-speed". If the turbine wheel turns faster or slower than a specified RPM, it will shift up or down to the next generator or combination of generators. Using a light (L) generator, a medium (M) generator, and a heavy (H) generator gives seven power generating options - (L) - (M) - (H) - (LM) - (LH) - (MH) - (LMH) to balance the wind speed with the best generating options.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that has a cowling around the turbine blades that not only prevents the wind from escaping after it is compressed, but also hides the "flicker" or "strobe" effect of the rotating blades. This would eliminate one of the major reasons communities establish zoning restrictions on wind generators in their residential districts, and which also prevents any and all residents from generating their own electrical power. The blades on the turbine can be overlapped (in some embodiments) and painted dark grey or black, which when rotating, appear as if nothing is moving. The inside of the cowling is also painted the same color to further enhance this no flicker effect. If one were to view the blades from the side, a space between the overlapping blades would show through, but the cowling is there and blocks this view.

[0019] Another object is to provide a highly- effective wind generator that does not need a brake when high winds would otherwise heat up bearings and generators. A wind-proof shield device would close or partially close the access point of the wind to the turbine blades and, in effect, slow or stop the turbine rotation. This wind shield device would partially close the wind access point to the turbine blades only after all the generators exceed their full capabilities, and would continue keeping the generators working at maximum power, and will close further if they exceed it again and again until a full shut down would take effect. Of course, a manual method to shut down would be available also when maintenance is needed. An umbrella-style shield opening from under the front cone-shaped body and guided on the wires between the body and the cowling and controlled by the turbine wheels RPM's is what will be referred to as the wind shield device. [0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator wherein the turbine blades, front and rear cone-shaped body, and all other parts making contact with the wind would be "dimpled" like a golf ball, creating less aerodynamic drag.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator wherein the turbine blades would be black or dark grey in color with a twist to eliminate as much visual side effects as possible and to get a "whip" effect at the most leveraged point of the unit. The twist would also quickly deflect the wind back to the center of the circular wind surface area at the same point it is extracting the energy out of the wind. This takes the compressed wind at the point of its highest leverage and returns it into the rear of the wind surface area that is forming a vacuum, which lets it expand again and prevents the vacuum or low pressure pocket from forming. This allows the wind to flow through the generator rather than bottlenecking at the access point.

[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator wherein the body of the machine is cone-shaped to compress the wind to the outer parameter of the circular wind surface area. Here the front cone of the cone-shaped body must be pointed and have the right pitch to mature the compression right at the point of contact with the turbine blades. The access point must be wide enough to not form a bottleneck and narrow enough to give it the maximum velocity.

[0023] The rear of the cone-shaped body is tapered or cone-shaped like the front half to let the wind expand at the same rate as it was compressed on the front side. This coordinates the compression and expansion and lets the wind flow through without bottlenecking at the access point of the turbine blades.

[0024] Another object is to provide a highly- effective wind generator that reduces wear and tear by having the turbine blades located at the extreme outer edges of the turbine wheel and inside the cowling where the blades never cross in front of the tower it is mounted on. On conventional 3 -blade wind generators the blades cross in front of the tower on which it is mounted, causing vibration from the uneven pressure on the blades. This happens three times per rotation increasing the maintenance and ending in the premature death of the unit.

Conventional wind generators blades flex and bend to adapt to the wind conditions and can flex to the point the blades will hit the tower it is mounted on. This unit eliminates that as a possible occurrence. [0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that uses the rotation speed of the turbine wheel to automatically shift the power to the next generator or combination of generators and optimize the available wind power. Options to perform this object may depend on the size of the unit, as to which is best, ranging from variable belt drives, torque converters, gears, direct drives, ball screws with servo motors, hydraulics, pneumatic, or any other method suitable for that particular size with a minimum of energy transfer loss.

[0026] The shifting apparatus would operate by detecting the rotation speed of the turbine wheel to run a servo motor connected to a ball screw to change the position of a camshaft that would shift the power to a particular generator or a combination of generators. The faster the wind speed, the faster the turbine wheel turns, which at a selected rotation speed, shifts the power to a heavier generator or combination of generators which pulls the rotation speed of the turbine wheel down, keeping the turbine wheel rotation speed fairly constant throughout the combinations of selected generators. [0027] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that has a stable center shaft that runs from the front cone-shaped body all the way to the end of the rear cone-shaped body and beyond to connect with the tail fin. Along the way it connects to the front and rear body, as support is needed, serves as a shaft for the "wind shield device" to slide along for opening and closing, as a center point where the turbine wheels bearing is attached to rotate on, and as a stator mount for the generators shifting apparatus. The stable center shaft supports everything that rotates into the wind on the turret and operates like a weather vane with the wind harvesting mechanisms attached to it.

[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that has a tail fin that attaches to the farthest rear point of the stable center shaft and is adjustable to fine tune the balance of the wind generator turning on the turret as it directs the unit into the wind. Larger units may find it more advantageous to eliminate the tail fin and use a weather vane controlled system to mechanically rotate the unit into the wind. A combination weather vane and anemometer mounted on top of the cowling that communicates wirelessly to relay wind direction and wind speed to the other components would be an alternate solution. [0029] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that includes a wire mesh that attaches and supports the cowling and the cone-shaped body to the stable center shaft. It also has guides on it extending from the front cone-shaped body to the front rim of the cowling to slide the wind shield device on to close the wind access point. It also serves to protect birds and other wind-blown objects from entering the wind access point and causing damage.

[0030] Another object is to provide a highly- effective wind generator that has a turret that is connected to the bottom of the cowling and mounted to the top of the wind tower. The complete unit must balance on this and allow the tail fin to guide the unit into the wind. Magnetic bearings would be one possible implementation for sensitivity to the wind, wear, and may reduce any noise that could occur. The center of the turret and the cowling must have a drainage system for rain and snow to escape from the bottom of the cowling.

[0031] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a highly-effective wind generator that is constructed of high-strength, light-weight substrates, and finished with a slick outer skin or exterior finish that has little or no wind drag and non-scratch qualities. Carbon graphite paint may be a good choice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of the wind generator of the present invention.

[0033] Fig. IB is an exploded view of the wind generator of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a top view of the main generator body, illustrating how the wind is compressed along the cone-shaped body.

[0035] Fig. 3A is a top view of the main generator body, illustrating how the flow of wind is blocked from entering the turbine blades as needed by the use of a wind shield device.

[0036] Fig. 3B is a top, cutaway view of the main generator body, showing the wind shield device in its non-deployed (retracted) state.

[0037] Fig. 3C is a top, cutaway view of the main generator body, showing the wind shield device in its deployed state.

[0038] Fig. 3D is a top, cutaway view of the main generator body with an alternate form of wind shield device.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a top, cutaway view of the main generator body, showing a number of generator units mounted on and interacting with the main turbine wheel.

[0040] Fig. 5A is a front view of the main turbine wheel. [0041] Fig. 5B is a front view of the main turbine wheel as it appears with the front cone- shaped body in place.

[0042] Fig. 5C is a top, cross-sectional view of the cowling, turbine wheel, and front cone- shaped body (in dashed line).

[0043] Fig. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a lower number of blades 13C than exist in the other figures shown.

[0044] Fig. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the cowling of the present invention.

[0045] Fig. 8 is a table containing the rotational velocity, torque, and generated mechanical power within the blades domain obtained from a computational fluid dynamics study.

[0046] Fig. 9 provides an illustration of how an airfoil-shaped leading edge of the blade can provide lift in order to provide a pulling force on the blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] References will now be made in detail to certain claims of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the enumerated claims, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit those claims. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which can be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0048] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an example", "another embodiment", "a further embodiment", "another further embodiment," and the like, indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or

characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0049] In this document, the terms "a," "an," or "the" are used to include one or more than one unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is used to refer to a nonexclusive "or" unless otherwise indicated. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Any use of section headings is intended to aid reading of the document and is not to be interpreted as limiting; information that is relevant to a section heading may occur within or outside of that particular section. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0050] In this document, the terms "wind generator" and "wind turbine" shall be considered to be synonymous with each other. Both terms shall be used to describe horizontal-axis types of devices which employ blades on a spinning axis to generate power based on the wind turning those blades, thereby spinning a shaft in a generator. [0051] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to Figs. 1 A through 5C thereof, a new wind generation device will be described.

[0052] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of the wind generator of the present invention. Shown in Fig. 1A is a cone-shaped front half 10, in front of a turbine wheel 13, and a cone-shaped back 11, behind the turbine wheel 13 that has the turbine blades attached outside of the cone-shaped body's (10/11) diameter to react with the compressed wind from whatever surface area the cone- shaped body (10/11) has, depending on the size needed. The turbine wheel 13 turns on sealed, ceramic, or magnetic bearings, or any appropriate turning device, mounted to a fixed stable center shaft 18 that runs from the front point of the inside of the front cone-shaped body 10 to the backside of the rear cone-shaped body 11 on which the tail fin 17 is attached. The cowling 12 that goes around the turbine wheel 13 connects to the front half of the body 10 and the rear half 11 by means of a wire mesh screen 14, serving to support the cowling 12 and the cone-shaped body (10/11) and as a protection from birds and other objects hitting the blades.

[0053] The cowling 12 extends forward, beyond the front of the turbine wheel 13 and forces the wind to compress and flow through the turbine, maximizing the available wind power. The cowling 12 is mounted to the tower 19 by means of a turret or bearing (not shown) which will turn into the wind guided by the tail fin 17. Sizes ranging from sailing, residential roof-mounted, backyard tower-mounted, community, and commercial units would be available for any type of needs. With the blades closely gathered, painted black, and shielded by the cowling 12, there should be little or no blade rotation visible, making this unit perfect for both residential and commercial use. Also, there is no brake needed to keep the unit from overheating in high winds, as a wind shield device (described in later figures) will automatically cover the access point in front of the blades, preventing wind from reaching them and thus shutting the unit down. An anemometer 16 and an optional weather vane 21 can be used to provide information on wind speed and direction. This information can be sent to the electronics of the wind generator to indicate when the wind shield device (see Figs. 3 A-3D for details on wind shield device) should be deployed or to command the unit to turn to a certain directions to take advantage of the wind (in some embodiments of the wind generator, the weather vane 16 information may be used in conjunction with a motor to turn the unit instead of a tail fin in the wind.) [0054] Fig. IB is an exploded view of the wind generator of the present invention, providing an alternate view of the wind generator and its components for completeness. The entire assembly is built around a stable center shaft 18. From front to back, there is the front cone- shaped body 10, the wire mesh 14 (including a back wire mesh not shown in Fig. IB), the turbine wheel 13 (comprising the blades 13C and the weighted outer rim 13A), the cowling 12, the anemometer 16, the weather vane 21, a plurality of generators 20, the back cone-shaped body 11 , and the tail fin 17.

[0055] Fig. 2 is a top view of the main generator body, illustrating how the wind is compressed along the cone-shaped body. This top side view shows the wind 22 getting deflected and compressed starting at the initial contact point of the cone-shaped body 10, past the front edges of the cowling 12, which prevents the wind from escaping around the wind generator, and forced into the turbine wheel 13 access point. Once the wind hit's the turbine blades it rotates the turbine wheel 13 which extracts the energy and lets the wind flow through. The blades are twisted to a shape where it whips the wind back to the center of the surface area, filling the backside area where a low pressure pocket would otherwise form and lower the unit's efficiency. The energy hitting the wind surface area, which would be the entire area inside the parameters of the cowling 12, is compressed and exposed to just the turbine blades access area, which increases the winds velocity at a point where the most leverage is obtained to turn the turbine wheel 13. [0056] The arrows on the backside 23 show the wind flowing past the turbine blades and being released to expand to its original volume at the same rate as it was compressed on the front half of the cone-shaped body 10, eliminating a low pressure pocket from forming.

[0057] Fig. 3A is a top view of the main generator body, illustrating how the flow of wind is blocked from entering the turbine wheel 13 as needed by the use of a wind shield device 98. This top view shows the wind shield device 98 fully closed and deflecting the wind 22 from entering the access area to the turbine wheel 13. This wind shield device 98 would open and close the wind access point to various degrees when the turbine wheel's 13 set rotation speeds triggers a shift to another generator or combination of generators and will still keep harvesting energy at full capacity until the unit closes down completely due to excessive wind speeds. [0058] Fig. 3B is a top, cutaway view of the main generator body, showing the wind shield device 98 in its non-deployed (retracted) state. In one embodiment, the wire mesh 14 supports the wind shield device 98 when it is retracted. Within the wire mesh 14, a motorized body 96 is mounted on the stable center shaft 18 and connected to the wind shield device 98. When the wind shield 98 is to be deployed, the motorized body 96 is activated (turning now to Fig. 3C), and the motorized body 96 moves down the shaft or otherwise pushes or pulls the wind shield device 98 down over the flat portion or the wire mesh 14 that is above the turbine wheel 13, blocking the air flow, or only partially blocking it, as needed. [0059] Fig. 3D is a top, cutaway view of the main generator body with an alternate form of wind shield device. In this case, a modified version of the front cone or cone-shaped body 10A has several sections 10B which can expand when needed. The front cone 10A then could be pushed open like an umbrella to extend over the access to the turbine wheel 13. [0060] Fig. 4 is a top, cutaway view of the main generator body, showing a number of generator units 20 mounted on and interacting with the main turbine wheel 13. This embodiment features three generators 20 inside the rear cone-shaped body 11 of the unit driven by a variable speed belt drive system 26 coming off pulleys 25 attached to the turbine wheel 13 that rotates on the fixed stable center shaft 18. The rotation speed of the turbine wheel 13 controls the shifting of the unit from one gear to another by means of a shifting apparatus 99, which like the drive mechanism, could be of various different types to suit the need and size of the unit. The smallest generator 20 should be one to be able to generate power from very light winds and when combined with the other two generators 20 should be able to handle some of the strongest wind speeds. The generators 20, the shifting apparatus 99, and the wind shield device 98 must all be coordinated to operate at maximum efficiency.

[0061] It should be noted that, although the embodiment shown in Fig. 4 shows a belt-driven system with pulleys, there are other means of mounting the generators to the turbine wheel, such as torque converters. The choice of mechanism is not important to the invention, and these or other concepts would work as well. [0062] Fig. 5A is a front view of the main turbine wheel. Fig. 5B is a front view of the main turbine wheel as it appears with the front cone-shaped body in place. Fig. 5C is a top, cross- sectional view of the cowling, turbine wheel, and front cone-shaped body (in dashed line).

Looking at Figs. 5A-5C collectively, the turbine wheel 13 consists of a center with a bearing 13E that rotates around the stable center shaft 18. The center spokes 13D extend out to the inside flat circular ring 13F. The inside flat circular ring 13F then has twisted blades 13C attached to it that are also attached to the outside arched circular ring 13 A. The arch on the inside of the outer ring 13A is made to whip the wind back to the rear cone-shaped body 11 to eliminate a low pressure pocket from forming. The wind comes off the cone-shaped front body 10 and hits the angled and twisted blades 13C bringing it to the concave arch 13B of the outer ring 13A and forcing it to change directions which increases its velocity and extracts the energy. The remaining portion of the outside ring 13 A forming the arch 13B is weighted to create a flywheel effect, smoothing the operations of the unit, and sending the wind to the rear of the cone-shaped body 11. The cowling 12 surrounds the flat outside edge of the outer ring 13A and has a flange 12A to deflect the wind into the blades 13C and not between the ring 13A and cowling 12. A wider concave outer ring 13A than the inside ring 13F gives the twisted blades 13C a better grasp on the wind as it comes off the front cone-shaped body 10 which is compressing it. The blades 13C should come forward of the inside ring 13F possibly giving it a 90 degree angle, to give the wind a straight path into the blades 13C to avoid any loss of momentum until the arch 13B forces it to change direction and release its energy into the turbine wheel 13.

[0063] Fig. 6 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention showing a lower number of blades 13C than exist in the other figures shown. The front cone-shaped body 10 compresses the wind, forcing it between the outer ring 13A of the turbine wheel 13 and the front cone-shaped body 10, so that it passes through the blades 13C with increased velocity and energy. This is similar to configurations shown in previous figures, however there are significantly fewer blades 13C shown in this embodiment. Fig. 6 shows seven blades 13C, as this is a number of blades that provided good results in computational fluid dynamics studies, to be discussed below. However, the exact number of blades 13C required to give optimal performance in a given embodiment may vary greatly, and this number is not intended to be limiting. The configuration in Fig. 6 is an example embodiment only.

[0064] Fig. 7 shows an alternate embodiment of the cowling 12. In this embodiment, the cowling 12 has an extended portion 12A which extends out past the main length of the cowling 12. This extended portion 12A provides additional shielding from weather elements such as rain and/or snow from striking the blades 13C. This embodiment of the present invention also shows an alternate method of supporting the front cone-shaped body 10, which is a support 35 which extends up from the base of the cowling 12 to the tip of the front cone-shaped body 10 (a similar support would extend up to support the back cone-shaped body, as well, not shown here.)

[0065] EXPERIMENT: Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

[0066] The configuration of the wind generator of the present invention shown in Figs. 6 and 7 was analyzed using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis tool, with the purpose of modeling the air flow inside the blades system, with specified boundary and initial conditions. The main desired outcomes were the fluid velocity fields within the system, for a variety of inlet wind velocity values. [0067] The COMSOL Multiphysics CFD tool was used for the model definition and for executing the simulation. The model was imported into COMSOL, the CFD analysis was performed, and the required pressure and velocity plots were captured for the model. [0068] Physics Setup

[0069] The second goal of the CFD analysis was to determine the blades' rotational velocity, torque, and generated mechanical power as a direct result of the wind velocity. The COMSOL Multiphysics regular FSI (Fluid - Structure Interaction) module was the main physics module used in this fluidic analysis.

[0070] Several boundary conditions were applied, in accordance with the initial requirements:

• Inlet, for the fluid intake boundary. Inlet properties: variable velocity. No backflow at inlet.

• Outlet, for the fluid exhaust boundary. Outlet properties: pressure. No backflow at outlet.

• Wall, for all boundaries except the FSI ones. Wall condition: No slip.

• Fluid Solid Interface, for the surfaces where the water gets in contact with the moving solid components.

• Linear Elastic Material, for the solid components.

• Fluid, for the water domain.

• Rigid connector, for the surfaces defined as rotational.

[0071] The materials used in the model were Air and Aluminum, for their respective fluid and solid domains. The material properties were extracted from COMSOL's Material Library.

[0072] The solver was a Stationary type, in order to account for the required steady state analysis. Solver type: Direct. Hardware specs: 2x 8 cores Xeon processor, 128GB RAM.

[0073] The mesh contained approximately 1,200,000 elements, with a finer mesh around the restrictions areas. The number of degrees of freedom solved: 2,220,000.

[0074] Analysis and results

[0075] The CFD solver computed the velocity and pressure fields within the air domain and the deformation and other mechanical parameters for the solid domain.

[0076] The calculations were performed for several inlet air velocity values. The rotational velocity, torque, and generated mechanical power within the blades domain was calculated and extracted from the model. The numerical results are presented in the table captured in Fig. 8.

[0077] Inventive Elements of the Present Invention [0078] Referring to the drawings previously described, we will now discuss the primary inventive elements of the invention as well as the operational scenario under which it may be used. These inventive elements include:

• Compressing the Wind

· Leverage of the Turbine Blades

• Combinations of Generators

[0079] Compressing the Wind

[0080] The cone-shaped body of the machine cuts through the wind at the front point and forces the wind to the outer edges where the cowling, around the middle section of the body, forces the wind to pass through the blades of the turbine, thus compressing the wind and giving it more velocity.

[0081] The front half of the cone-shaped body must act like an arrow and take very little of the energy out of the wind, but instead, be designed to increase the wind's compression at the point when it contacts the turbine blades. [0082] The cowling around the cone-shaped body acts not only to connect and support the front and rear cone-shaped body sections, it also turns the body on the upright tower, by means of a turret or bearing, into the wind, forcing the compressed air to pass through the turbine blades, rather than going around without getting harvested. It also serves to visually hide any blade movement that could be distracting in a residential or commercial setting. [0083] Leverage of the Turbine Blades

[0084] Once the increased wind velocity passes through the turbine blades at the outer edge of the turbine wheel, the leverage there to the center of the turbine wheel further increases the energy harvested. A ratio of 8 to 1 to increase the velocity and a leverage of 8 to 1 back to the center seems to provide good starting point. Once the wind's force is optimized at the farthest outside parameter, it is forced to escape through the turbine blades, the angle and twist of which whips the wheel around and leverages energy to the generators, and also releases the compressed air to expand and fill the vacuum or low pressure pocket that would otherwise form on the backside.

[0085] An important factor in the design of the shape of each blade on the turbine is that each blade is shaped like an airfoil on the top edge (that is, the edge that faces in the direction of blade spin). As the compressed wind from the from front cone-shaped body pushes past and through the blades, this airfoil shape on the leading edge of the blade will begin to generate lift in the direction of rotation of the blades.

[0086] Fig. 9 provides an illustration of how the airfoil-shaped leading edge of the blade can provide lift in order to provide a pulling force on the blade. The blade 13C (a single blade 13C is shown here mounted on the outer ring 13 A) has a leading edge 13C2 and a trailing edge 13C1. The leading edge 13C2 is the edge facing in the direction of movement of the blade 13C. By designing the shape of the blade 13C such that the leading edge 13C2 creates an airfoil, the wind 22 flowing over the blade 13C will impact the trailing edge 13C1, creating a pushing force 39, and the wind 22 flowing over the leading edge 13C2 will create a pulling force 37 in the form of aerodynamic lift. In this way, both the pushing force 39 and the pulling force 37 will act to move the blades 13C in the direction of rotation, creating higher torque and generating greater power.

[0087] The cross-sectional shape of the blade 13C shown in Fig. 9 is an example only and is not intended to represent the exact shape of the blade 13C. It is for illustration purposes, to show an airfoil shape on the leading edge 13C2 as well as a pushing surface on the trailing edge 13C1. [0088] Combinations of Generators

[0089] In at least one embodiment, the turbine wheel turning around the fixed stable shaft would drive multiple generators of varying sizes using variable speed drives to optimize the power available at any given time. The drives would shift from one generator to another, or a combination of them, being regulated by the turbine wheel speed meter or an anemometer. [0090] There are 7 combinations of generating power using three generators of relative size small (S), medium (M), and large (L). These combinations are S, M, L, SM, ML, SL, and SML. Each must be set to run between a certain RPM range, and when the speed crosses above or below its RPM range, the next generator or combination of generators will take over.

[0091] Variable speed pulley drives could further optimize energy coming off the turbine wheel's power take-off point.

[0092] Connections of Main Elements and Sub-Elements of Invention

[0093] As with any wind generator, the surface area of the unit identifies the unit's possible generating capabilities. If the wind hitting this surface area is forced to pass through an opening much smaller than the total surface area, it increases the velocity. However, when also leveraged from the far outside diameter to the center of the turbine wheel, the wind energy harvest is compounded even more. Add to that the ability to use one generator or a combination of two or more, highly increases the generating capabilities. So, in a light wind, the unit could be generating at least some power, and in very strong winds, the unit would turn on all the generators, pulling down the RPMs, while still harvesting maximum energy. This also keeps the unit from overheating when there is too much wind, as in a tornado. This is when the wind shield device covers the blade access area, preventing the wind from entering the turbine and naturally bring the unit to a stop. It is also a perfect feature to use for maintenance operations.

[0094] Operational Example

[0095] Somewhat like a weather vane, this wind generator is mounted on top of a tower and rotates on a turret into the wind by means of a tail fin in some embodiments, or

electromechanically (driven into place by electric motors) with a weather vane as the controlling device. The wind surface area, or otherwise known as the "swept area" on conventional wind generators, is the controlling factor of the amount of energy one can harvest from it.

[0096] The wind hits the point of the cone-shaped body, deflecting, compressing, and guiding it to the access point of the turbine blades located at the outer edge of the circular surface area. A cowling that runs around the machines body keeps the wind from escaping and forces it to pass through the blades with a higher velocity wind speed than what is actually present at the time. With this high velocity wind hitting the turbine blades located at the outer edge of the turbine wheel, it is then leveraged to the center of the wheel where the power take-off is located to turn the generators. In one embodiment, there are three various powered generators, small, medium, and large, which can be shifted to 7 different levels of generating power - S, M, L, SM, ML, SL, and SML - by means of a shifting apparatus, controlled by the turbine wheel's RPMs. One, two, or all three generators can be operating in any combination to optimize the wind harvesting. Variable speed pulleys and other mechanical methods can further optimize this process. Any appropriate number of generators might be used beside the example shown in the figures herein without varying from the inventive concept. [0097] The rear section of the cone-shaped body is shaped to keep a low pressure pocket from forming, which would result in resistance, and reduce the amount of power one could collect. The stable center shaft on which the turbine wheel rotates, runs from the front point of the cone- shaped body, all the way to the rear half and beyond, where the tail fin is attached, always guiding the machine into the wind. All parts of the machine that contact the wind may be finished with a slick coat to reduce any wind drag. All the parts are to be light-weight, high- strength substrates, suitable for this type of long-term use. [0098] If the winds get extremely strong, a wind shield device will automatically close over the turbine blades access point to restrict the wind from turning the wheel. This feature will take effect only when the machine is running all the generators at full capacity and the turbine wheels RPMs exceeds the set launch point. The access point to the turbine blades will close partially to reduce the RPMs and keep generating electricity at full capacity when the opportunity is there, or close completely if the wind gets too severe. After a complete shut down an anemometer detects when to reopen the wind shield device and resume generating power. This is especially useful if the grid power is down and basic power is needed. A manual control to shut down for maintenance purposes is also available.

[0099] Using compression to increase the winds velocity and leverage at the outer edge of the turbine wheel to drive varying powered generators at the center, while at the same time eliminating any low pressure pocket from forming by means of the cone-shaped body, this wind generator will demonstrate an increase in harvesting electrical energy over wind generators found in the prior art, and eliminate many other problems associated with conventional units.

[00100] Some of the advantages of the present invention over the prior art are:

(1) Generating more power from the same surface area than existing wind generators

(2) Reduces or eliminates the flicker or strobe effect which could change the restrictions in residential zoning rules.

(3) No brake is needed to shut the unit down.

(4) Turbine blades never cross in front of the tower eliminating the vibration associated with traditional horizontal-axis generators which causes excessive wear.

(5) Prevents birds and other objects from hitting the blades.

(6) Because of superior wind utilization, the present invention can be used on shorter towers compared to the prior art.

(7) The wind generator of the present invention is scalable for nearly any application.

(8) The wind generator of the present invention allows for highly-automated operations with no need for close monitoring.

(9) The wind generator of the present invention is operational in low winds and very high winds resulting in a much higher harvest. [00101] Detailed Description of Core Elements [00102] Cone-Shaped Body

[00103] The body is cone-shaped for good reasons. The front cone-shaped body compresses the wind and the rear cone-shaped body lets it expand at the same rate as not to cause a bottleneck effect if a vacuum or low pressure pocket were to form on the backside. The goal is to keep the wind flowing while extracting as much energy as possible. The front of the cone- shaped body must have the right pitch to guide and compress the wind so it matures with its maximum velocity at the exact point it reaches the turbine blades. So, the distance from the front point of the cone-shaped body, along with the angle to get the most compression right at the point it contacts the turbine blades, without having it expand and go around the cowling, is the optimal shape of the front half of the body and will be the same on the rear half also. The front point must be sharp to cut through the wind like an arrow and not take any energy out of the wind and the body has to have a slick finish as not to cause drag.

[00104] Dimples can be formed into the body to keep the wind close to the surface, like they do on golf balls, which can increase performance. Manufacturing substrates could vary from aluminum, plastics, fiberglass, or any appropriate material. Inside the body, the stable center shaft connects to the area close to the front point of the cone-shaped body and various other points of support as well as the area close to the rear point on the back half of the body and various other points there also. The wire mesh goes inside and forward of the wind shield device on the front body and inside and back of the generators on the rear body to allow room for the interior devices and to connect to both half s of the cone-shaped body and to the cowling so everything is supported by the stable center shaft.

[00105] Turbine Wheel

[00106] The turbine wheel connects to the stable center shaft with a sealed, ceramic, or magnetic bearing, or any other appropriate spinning mechanism, on which it rotates. A power take-off point extends horizontally to the rear half of the cone-shaped body some distance, where the generators are located and which also rotates on the stable center shaft or which is connected to or part of the turbine wheel and has the same bearings or a separate one which will support the pressure that will occur at that point. Spokes extend vertically outward from the center just past the cone-shaped body where they connect to a flat circular ring where the turbine blades are connected. This flat circular ring rotates outside of the cone-shaped body while the spokes rotate in a separation between the front and rear half s of the body and the ring extends some distance to the front and rear of that separation to prevent wind from entering inside the body. In some embodiments, the turbine blades connect to the flat circular ring in an overlapping and angled fashion and have a twist towards the farthest point out that whips the wind with the most leverage and returns it back to the center of the rear cone-shaped body. The overlapping eliminates "see through" that would result in flicker, the angle, of course, transfers the winds energy to the turbine wheel, and the twist increases the transfer and guides the wind to expand at the rear of the cone-shaped body and avoids a low pressure pocket from forming. The blades must extend close to the cowling to capture the maximum amount of energy without letting it pass in between or a second flat circular ring somewhat larger than the first, could be added to prevent this.

[00107] As previously discussed, alternate blade configurations are possible which may introduce gaps between the blades. In these embodiments, however, the design of the cowling will help to reduce the instance of flicker caused by the rotating blades.

[00108] Cowling [00109] The cowling is a flat circular ring that encompasses the turbine wheel and extends forward of the turbine blades wind access point preventing the wind from escaping around the unit and forcing it to flow through the turbine blades. It supports the entire embodiment of this wind generator and is connected to the front and rear halves of the cone-shaped body and the stable center shaft by means of a heavy wire mesh, such as on a commercial fan, or a similar covering around the blades. The cowling helps to eliminate flicker caused by the blades when seen from the side view. The inside may be colored the same as the turbine blades which further helps to eliminate flicker. The bottom of the cowling is connected to a turret that is mounted to the upright tower and allows the unit to turn into the wind by means of the tail fin in some embodiments, or by an electromechanical means such as electric motors directed by a wind direction sensor. A water drain is located at the bottom of the cowling.

[00110] Optional Tail Fin

[00111] In some embodiments, the tail fin is connected to the stable center shaft that extends past the cone-shaped body and serves to guide the unit into the wind as would a weather vane. It is adjustable for both balance and light wind sensitivity. It could be eliminated entirely on larger units and a weather vane or electronic wind direction sensor controlling servo motors or other like mechanisms to turn the unit into the wind could be used.

[00112] Generators [00113] The generators, are located inside the cone-shaped body near the stable center shaft and the power take off point of the turbine wheel. These are of varying power to adjust the generation of energy to the varying wind speeds that would be available at any given time. The lightest powered one would be able to generate power in very light winds, which is most of the time in most any given area. It is true that it is a minimal amount generated, but the light wind being most of the time will increase the annual harvest and make a better transition between the 7 shifts in power generation. The medium generator and the heavy generator should be selected to total the 3 generators capacity with the maximum wind speed before total shut down of the wind shield device. The power of each generator must be coordinated with the shifting apparatus for a graduated step to the next power level.

[00114] Shifting Apparatus

[00115] The shifting apparatus operates off the turbine wheel's rotation speed or an anemometer to shift the energy coming off the turbine wheel to the appropriate generator or combination of generators, maximizing the harvest. A servo motor controlling a camshaft with 7 different positions on a 3 -generator system, as previously explained, would make an excellent shifting apparatus, but this could also be done in a variety of ways for different sizes or styles of units.

[00116] Stable Center Shaft

[00117] The stable center shaft is located inside the cone-shaped body and runs from the front and all the way to the rear of the cone-shaped body and beyond where optional the tail fin is attached. It serves as a stator where all other things are attached for stability. It supports the body, the turbine wheel, the generators, the shifting apparatus, the wire mesh, the optional tail fin, and the wind shield device.

[00118] Wind Shield Device [00119] The wind shield device serves as a variable cut-off to the turbine blades' access point. Controlled by the rotation speed of the turbine wheel, it will partially close after all the generators are at full operating capacity and the rotation speed of the turbine wheel exceeds a preset speed. The generating will continue at maximum capacity, but will close further if the rotation speed maximum is exceeded again, and close completely if wind speed gets excessive. This allows for wind harvesting when the wind is at its highest levels. This device could work like an umbrella, using the stable center shaft like the umbrella handle, and the wire mesh like the umbrella's wire frame to guide it to the front-most point of the cowling where the access point would be completely closed. An anemometer on the unit would detect when the wind speed has slowed and the access point can reopen.

[00120] Wire Mesh

[00121] The wire mesh is located in front of the turbine blades' access point and connects the shroud, the cone-shaped body, and the stable center shaft together for support. It serves as a guide for the wind shield device and also to deflect birds and other airborne objects from entering the access point.

[00122] Turret/Bearing

[00123] The turret or bearing is mounted on top of the upright tower and to the bottom of the cowling to rotate the wind generating unit into the wind by means of the tail fin or by electric motors controlled by electronics. A locking mechanism is located between the turret and the tower for maintenance purposes.

[00124] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[00125] The description of the different advantageous embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different embodiments may provide different advantages as compared to other embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[00126] Some of the possible alternatives and alternate embodiments include, but are not limited to, the following. [00127] Sound-proofing the wind generator around the generators and sound proofing on the inside surface of the cone-shaped body to reduce noise in residential areas.

[00128] A slick outside finish on the front and rear cone-shaped bodies and everything that comes in contact with the wind, which could also have golf ball type dimples to increase aerodynamic performance.

[00129] Flat or curved turbine blades placed overlapping each other and placed 45 degrees left of 12 o'clock (10:30) and 45 degrees right of 12 o'clock (1 :30) as viewed from the bottom of the blade. The lower part of the turbine blade is attached to the smaller inside ring of the turbine wheel and the top is attached to the larger outside ring. An option here is a thick concaved outer ring, rectangular shaped with the bottom concaved or like a low arch, which would make up the fly wheel effect by it adding weight to the circumference of the turbine wheel. The outside of the larger ring would be flat (top part of the rectangle) to fit closely in next to the cowling with a flange coming off the cowling to keep wind from passing through this area. The blades could have a twist in them, somewhat similar to a pin wheel, to whip and change the direction of the wind being forced from the center of the surface area by the front half of the cone-shaped body to going back to the center of the surface area on the rear half of the cone-shaped body. The larger outside circumference ring could also be wider ( shaped as a isosceles trapezoid) and centered or forward of the smaller inside ring with a turbine blade that would have a wider top to better grab the wind being guided along the sides of the front half of the cone-shaped body into the turbine blade access area. This concave area on the inside of the outer turbine wheel ring would have the rounded surface necessary to extract the energy by turning the turbine wheel and redirect it back to the center of the surface where it came from.

[00130] The blades could also have an airfoil design and tested for performance compared to a flat or twisted design. [00131] Magnetic bearings would eliminate wear and reduce noise but other options could be sealed bearings, fluid, ceramic, roller, or any other type that does the job better.

[00132] Another option would be to use dual rotor generators that would not have a stator but a rotor on each end. This would double the RPM's and could give a better energy harvest but would need some changes made to the original mechanical operations. [00133] A weather vane/anemometer or electronic wind sensor mounted on top of the cowling to change the direction of the unit into the wind, start the unit back up after a shut down, and shift from one generator to another or any combinations of them by means of a wireless connection. It can also connect to one's personal computer monitoring the energy harvest, wind speed, wind direction, maintenance issues, any other information deemed useful.

[00134] Another option would be a stronger support that makes the connection from the cowling to the rest of the wind generator with a finer wire mesh to compare differences between just a wire mesh supports as on a large commercial fan. This would prove true with the fly wheel effect adding additional weight to the unit and give the wind shied device a stronger place to guide the shield.

[00135] The wind shield device could be a wind and waterproof proof barrier such as a vinyl canvas but could also be an interlocking and overlapping flexible metal slats, a rubber that would stretch nicely over the wind access area in varying degrees, or any other workable method to control wind access to the turbine blades.

[00136] The power transfer from the turbine wheel to the generators would come off a hollow or pipe type drive shaft attached to the turbine wheel and rotates around the stable center shaft extending some distance to the rear where the generators are located. The power transfer could be by pulleys, gears, chain drive, pneumatic, hydraulic, or any method that give the best results for the particular size of the unit. Engaging or disengaging the drive options could be by pulleys, gears, or the generators mounted to a cam shaft style unit that would change positions to accommodate all 7 generator combinations, or by torque converters connected to each generator. Synthetic transmission fluid with a higher density to obtain more torque could be the perfect fit to increase performance and longer life of the unit. A device that detects the rotation speed of the drive shaft would control the engagement or disengagement of each generator, by means of the torque converter, to achieve the 7 powers of the 3 generators. This shock less shifting done with torque converters along with a fly wheel designed turbine wheel that helps smooth the turbulent rough wind speed changes should be considered the preferred power transfer method. [00137] The turbine blades could also have the ability to adjust anywhere in between the 12 o'clock (360 degree) and the 1 :30 o'clock (45 degree) position to let more or less wind through to optimize energy harvest and prevent a bottlenecking situation.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed:

1. A highly-efficient wind generator, comprising a turbine wheel, said turbine wheel comprising a center bearing, an inner ring, an outer ring, and fan blades, wherein the center bearing is connected to the inner ring, and the fan blades connect the inner ring to the outer ring; a cone-shaped body for compressing wind flowing into the wind generator, wherein the compression of the wind increases its velocity, and wherein the cone-shaped body is placed such that it forces the compressed wind into the fan blades of the turbine wheel; a cowling surrounding the turbine wheel, positioned such that it extends forward from the turbine wheel, providing a lip to catch and direct the wind into the turbine wheel; a wire structure to cover the turbine wheel while allowing wind to pass through it; at least one generator rotatably connected to the turbine wheel; a means for turning the wind generator into the wind; and a center shaft, on which the turbine wheel spins freely, and to which the cone-shaped body is mounted.

2. The highly-efficient wind generator of claim 1 , wherein the center bearing is connected to the inner ring by a system of spokes.

3. The highly-efficient wind generator of claim 1 , wherein the center bearing is connected to the inner ring by a flat, solid circular wall.

4. The highly-efficient wind generator of claim 1 , wherein the means for turning the wind

generator into the wind is a tail fin mounted on the center shaft.

5. The highly-efficient wind generator of claim 1 , wherein the means for turning the wind

generator into the wind is a motorized system, comprising at least one motor, an electronic control module, and a wind direction sensor.

6. The highly-efficient wind generator of claim 1 , further comprising a tower, upon which the wind generator is attached by a bearing operably mounted between the cowling and the top of the tower.

7. The highly-efficient wind generator of claim 1, further comprising a wind shield device which can be placed in front of the turbine wheel in order to restrict the flow of air that reaches the turbine wheel.

8. The highly-efficient wind generator of claim 7, further comprising a wind speed sensor to detect wind speed to help determine when the wind shield should be deployed.