Two views of a two winged bone-end horizontal axis wind turbine
 

This design applies the same geometry as the one and one half wing bone-end horizontal axis wind turbine, but carries the short wing to a radius of 6, making the two of equal length.

This greatly reduces the load imbalance between the wings ; though some will remain, particularly when one is at peak altitude, (and in the strongest wind), while the other is low and in front of the tower, (where wind is twice attenuated).

To control these stresses, the oversized driveshaft of these models provides ample area for, and leverage to, bearings ; though some vibration in the tower, or of a mount, is probably inevitable.

l

Because the wings are 180°, (pi radians), separated, and designed to turn at their radius times airspeed when generating power, i expect ripple effects, (the returning upwind portion of their wakes), from each blade will cross the other at around pi.

This will reduce efficiency, and contribute to noise and wear, but is an issue common to horizontal axis design.

At pi, with the wing still fairly sturdy and traveling at medium speed, this seems acceptable.

l

Another issue common to horizontal axis design, killing birds, particularly migratory ones which by habit fly a path the turbine may be placed in, may be mitigable.

By painting the wings and hub, (a formed nacelle could be fitted for this purpose), to resemble an eagle, (which does at times spin to grab in flight), birds may prefer to fly around, rather than through.

Also, though the peripheral vision of a migratory bird can be very broad, their binocular vision, and the depth perception with it, can be very narrow -- focused forward.

The horizontal-axis turbine wing approaches from the side, (or off-axis generally), where they may not be able to gauge it accurately.

Any form of paint detailing, (or for bats, which are also killed, LED marking), could be of help in resolving the distance and speed of an approaching wing.

 
1 May 2010
www.tendingtodivinity-theshapeofmathematics.com