Background Wind and water powered electricity generating systems have been known for many years. Turbines may be classified into four types depending upon the fluids used to drive them-water, steam, gas and wind.

At a general level, a water turbine uses potential energy from the difference in elevation of flowing water; steam turbines are driven by steam produced typically by a fossil fuel fired-or a nuclear powered-generator; in gas turbines, the working fluid is air mixed with the gaseous products of combustion, whilst wind turbines employ the energy available in wind to drive the turbine and produce electric power.

Wind turbines in particular may be divided into horizontal axis machines and vertical axis machines. Horizontal axis machines may consist of a rotor, having a

number of blades, and a tail vane that keeps the rotor facing into the wind by swivelling the entire rotary assembly. Modern horizontal axis wind turbines may employ from one to four metal blades which operate at much high rotor-tip speeds than windmills. Each blade may be twisted like an aeroplane propeller. Such machines may be self-starting however, self starting turbines typically have a reduced efficiency and include more complex designs which allow for self adjustment of the pitch of the vanes by, for example, articulation, pivotal rotation of the veins or employment of a diffusor.

Vertical axis machines on the other hand are typically of the Savonius or Darrieus designs. A common example of the Savonius rotor consists of semi-circular blades welded together with an off-set from the axis to form an open"S". Darrieus machines commonly consist of two blades of twisted metal strips tied to a shaft at the top and bottom and bowed out in the middle.

It is common for vertical axis turbines to have problems self starting.

Wind turbines often have the problem in operation of"high speed over-run"which is brought about by operation of the turbine in high wind situations, resulting in over-rewing. This problem can even result in disintegration of the turbine.

Typically to address this problem, alteration of blade design to allow the pitch of the blades to change, thereby reducing the rotational speed, has been used. This however results in a less efficient, more complex and expensive design.

Generators which are associated with wind turbines of the abovementioned designs are commonly not constructed for ease of assembly, operation or maintenance by the layman. This is a contributing factor preventing the more widespread use of such technology in areas of the world that may require it most-for example less affluent or less populated areas. Generator designs are specifically built for a particular application, and may not be interchangeable between applications.

Furthermore their operation and ultimate maintenance and repair must be carried out by a person experienced in that technology.

We have identified a need for a generator and/or a turbine and/or a generator- turbine assembly which may address some of these problems.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid driven turbine and/or generator for operation with such a turbine which allows simple assembly, operation and low level maintenance, such as can be maintained in less affluent areas of the world; or to provide a design of turbine which is self starting; or to provide a turbine which has an ability to self control to minimise overspeed; or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Disclosure of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a generator including or comprising : a substantially cylindrical first stator located about a rotational axis, a rotor having a peripheral sequence of magnets, the rotor being so disposed as to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the first stator, and a plurality of coils disposed about the stator, wherein any one coil is independent of any other coil, each being removable from and replaceable on the stator.

Preferably the stator of the generator includes a coil support member associated with each of the plurality of coils.

Preferably each coil is engaged over and under the associated coil support.

Alternatively the coil is mounted flush with the stator.

Preferably each coil has a pair of electrical connections (integral or otherwise) into a common electrical circuit (ie common to its phase).

Preferably when any one or more coil is removed connection may still be maintained to allow the generator to continue running.

Preferably the design of the generator is such that a generator of particular dimension or for a particular application may be prepared by scaling up or scaling down the design substantially by alteration of the diameter of the rotor and the stator, and addition or removal of one or more magnets and one or more coils to keep the system balanced.

Preferably the scaling up or scaling down of the design may alternatively or additionally include the addition or removal of a second substantially cylindrical stator, to or from the central shaft.

Preferably the number of coils of the generator is divisible by three and the number of magnets is divisible by four.

Preferably the generator includes minimal cladding to allow cooling of the generator by radiation and convection and/or access to the coils.

Preferably the generator is a three phase generator.

Preferably generator employs diodes to convert the current from AC to DC.

Preferably the generator output is used to charge batteries.

Preferably each coil is encapsulated.

Preferably each coil is encapsulated by dipping in liquid perspex or use of epoxy to seal the interstices.

Preferably the central shaft of the generator is directly or indirectly connected to a fluid driven turbine.

In one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the turbine is wind driven.

Preferably the turbine is a vertical axis turbine.

Preferably the turbine is self regulating as to excessive rotational speed.

Preferably the turbine and generator together are suspended from a support means in a hanging arrangement.

Preferably the support means is a cable.

Preferably the hanging arrangement allows for an up to substantially 60 degree swing of the turbine whilst suspended.

Preferably the turbine is a self starting turbine.

Preferably the distance between the roots of the blades at the core is 12-15% of the rotor diameter to enable self starting. Alternatively, if the shaft runs through the core, the distance between the roots of the blades is 12-18% of the rotor diameter.

Preferably there are at least two blades per blade set.

Preferably there may be three blade sets per rotor.

Preferably the blade length to rotor diameter end discs are proportional to the rotor blade diameter to enable the self regulation of rotational speed.

More preferably the dimensions include that: the central space between rotor blades is at least substantially 12-15% of wind rotor diameter; the blade length is no more than substantially 75% of the wind rotor diameter, and the end discs are substantially 20% larger than the wind rotor diameter.

In a second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention the turbine is water driven.

Preferably the rotational speed of the turbine can be controlled.

Preferably the nature of contact of the turbine with the water may be controlled.

Preferably the position of the turbine in a water flow may be controlled by supporting the turbine on or with a moveable float.

Preferably control of the position of the turbine in a water flow allows control of the frequency of power produced. More preferably control of the position of the turbine allows selection of the power frequency produced to be suitable for direct use.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is. provided a turbine assembly including or comprising a generator and a turbine, wherein the generator includes or comprises: 'a substantially cylindrical first stator of located about a rotational axis, a rotor having a peripheral sequence of magnets, the rotor being so disposed as to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the first stator, and a plurality of coils disposed about the stator, wherein any one coil is independent of any other coil, each being removable from and replaceable on the stator.

Preferably the stator of the generator includes a coil support member associated with each of the plurality of coils.

Preferably each coil is engaged over and under the associated coil support.

Preferably each coil has a pair of electrical connections (integral or otherwise) into a common electrical circuit (ie common to its phase).

Preferably when any one or more coil is removed connection may still be maintained to allow the generator to continue running.

Preferably the design of the generator is such that a generator of particular dimension or for a particular application may be prepared by scaling up or scaling down the design substantially by alteration of the diameter of the rotor and the stator, and addition or removal of one or more magnets and one or more coils to keep the system balanced.

Preferably the scaling up or scaling down of the design may alternatively or additionally include the addition or removal of a second substantially cylindrical stator, to or from the central shaft.

Preferably the number of coils of the generator is divisible by three and the number of magnets is divisible by four.

Preferably the generator includes minimal cladding to allow cooling of the generator by radiation and convection and/or access to the coils.

Preferably the generator is a three phase generator.

Preferably generator employs diodes to convert the current from AC to DC.

Preferably the generator output is used to charge batteries.

Preferably the arrangement includes a solar panel.

In one embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the turbine is wind driven.

Preferably the turbine is a vertical axis turbine.

Preferably the turbine is self regulating as to excessive rotational speed.

Preferably the turbine and generator together are suspended from a support means in a hanging arrangement.

Preferably the support means is a cable.

Preferably the hanging arrangement allows for an up to substantially 60 degree swing of the turbine whilst suspended.

Preferably the turbine is a self starting turbine.

Preferably the distance between the roots of the blades at the core is 12-15% of the rotor diameter to enable self starting. Alternatively, if the shaft runs through the core, the distance between the roots of the blades is 12-18% of the rotor diameter.

Preferably there are two blades per blade set.

Preferably there are three blade sets per rotor.

Preferably the blade length to rotor diameter end discs are proportional to the rotor blade diameter to enable the self regulation of rotational speeds

More preferably the dimensions include that: the central space between rotor blades is at least substantially 12-15% of wind rotor diameter; the blade length is no more than substantially 75% of the wind rotor diameter, and the end discs are substantially 20% larger than the wind rotor diameter.

In a second embodiment of the second aspect of the invention the turbine is water driven.

Preferably the rotational speed of the turbine can be controlled.

Preferably the nature of contact of the turbine with the water may be controlled.

Preferably the position of the turbine in a water flow may be controlled by supporting the turbine on or with a moveable float.

Preferably control of the position of the turbine in a water flow allows control of the frequency of power produced. More preferably control of the position of the turbine allows selection of the power frequency produced to be suitable for direct use.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a wind powered device including or comprising : a body portion able to rotate about shaft being the rotational axis disposed longitudinally in respect of the body; a mounting assembly or means for connection to a mounting assembly, capable of suspending the device from a suitable support such that the rotational axis is substantially vertical; the body portion including one or more blade sets; the one or more blade sets including a plurality of substantially upright rotor blades which are disposed to radiate substantially outwardly from and/or through the rotational axis and are contained between one or more end discs.

wherein the blade length to rotor diameter end discs are proportional to the rotor blade dimeter to enable the self regulation of rotational speed.

More preferably the dimensions include that: the central space between rotor blades is at least substantially 12-15% of wind rotor diameter; the blade length is no more than substantially 75% of the wind rotor diameter, and the end discs are substantially 20% larger than the wind rotor diameter.

Preferably the suspended device may incline from the vertical in the direction of the wind, thereby reducing the rotational speed of the body in comparison to a purely vertical alignment and thereby remaining operational at the inclinations away from the vertical.

Preferably the device includes a plurality of blade sets each directly or indirectly pivotally connected to another.

Preferably there are three blade sets each with two rotor blades.

Preferably at rest the rotational axis of each body portion is substantially in alignment, but under differing wind velocities may incline such that the rotational axes have differing inclinations.

Preferably the outwardly radiating path of a blade is substantially spiral when the body portion is viewed in top plan. Alternatively the configuration of a vane is substantially serpentine when the body portion is viewed in top plan.

Preferably the blades of each blade set are paired diametrically opposite each other about the rotational axis.

Preferably there is a substantially open central longitudinal portion of the body portion wherein air from the windward side can flow to the leeward side.

Preferably the wind powered device includes an electricity generating device deriving power from the shaft and able tor transfer that power without detrimentally affecting the hanging characteristics.

Preferably the electricity generating device is positioned at or near an end of the body portion.

Preferably the electricity generating device is positioned at or near the distal end of the body portion from the mounting assembly. Alternatively the electricity generating device is positioned at or near the proximal end of the body portion from the mounting assembly Preferably the electricity generating device is a generator comprising or including: a substantially cylindrical first stator located about a rotational axis, a rotor having a peripheral sequence of magnets, the rotor being so disposed as to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the first stator, and a plurality of coils disposed about the stator, wherein any one coil is independent of any other coil, each being removable from and replaceable on the stator.

Preferably the stator of the generator includes a coil support member associated with each of the plurality of coils.

Preferably each coil is engaged over and under the associated coil support.

Alternatively the coil is mounted flush with the stator.

Preferably each coil has a pair of electrical connections (integral or otherwise) into a common electrical circuit (ie common to its phase).

Preferably when any one or more coil is removed connection may still be maintained to allow the generator to continue running.

Preferably the design of the generator is such that a generator of particular dimension or for a particular application may be prepared by scaling up or scaling down the design substantially by alteration of the diameter of the rotor and the stator, and addition or removal of one or more magnets and one or more coils to keep the system balanced.

Preferably the scaling up or scaling down of the design may alternatively or additionally include the addition or removal of a second substantially cylindrical stator, to or from the central shaft.

Preferably the number of coils of the generator is divisible by three and the number of magnets is divisible by four.

Preferably the generator includes minimal cladding to allow cooling of the generator by radiation and convection and/or access to the coils.

Preferably the generator is a three phase generator.

Preferably generator employs diodes to convert the current from AC to DC.

Preferably the generator output is used to charge batteries.

Preferably each coil is encapsulated.

Preferably each coil is encapsulated by dipping in liquid perspex or use of epoxy to seal the interstices.

Preferably the central shaft of the generator is directly or indirectly connected to a fluid driven turbine.

Preferably the wind powered device further includes a contra rotational generator.

In a fourth aspect the present invention consists in an electricity generating apparatus comprising or including: a windmill of a vertical axis type supported from a structure such that its substantially vertical rotational axis can swing from that vertical under the influence of increased wind load, and 'a generator carried by the windmill apparatus, including one component being a rotor or a stator being rotatable relative to the other (ie, of the stator or of the rotor), and electrical outlets from said windmill apparatus, the construction and arrangement being such that said stator and rotor are of a kind as previously defined.

In a fifth aspect the present invention consists in an electricity generating apparatus comprising or including: - a water wheel assembly including water wheel and float, wherein the float includes positioning means allowing positioning of the water wheel within the water flow, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the water wheel, - a generator carried by the windmill apparatus, including one component being a rotor or a stator being rotatable relative to the other (ie, of the stator or of the rotor), and electrical outlets from said windmill apparatus, the construction and arrangement being such that said stator and rotor are of a kind as previously defined.

In a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a generator substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

In a seventh aspect of the invention there is provided a turbine assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

In an eighth aspect of the invention there is provided a wind powered device substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

In an ninth aspect of the invention there is provided electricity generating apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the drawings.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a side cut away view of a generator in accordance with aspect of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a plan cut away view of the generator of Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a single rotor section (blade set) in accordance with a wind turbine of the invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the blade set of Figure 3.

Figure 5 illustrates a hanging turbine assembly in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

Figure 6 illustrates a side view of an alternative hanging turbine assembly.

Figure 7 illustrates a plan view from above of the assembly of Figure 6.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of a hanging turbine assembly of the invention incorporating a contra-rotational generator.

Figure 9 illustrates a contra-rotational generator.

Figure 10 illustrates a side cut away view of a water wheel assembly in accordance with another form of the invention.

Figure 11 illustrates an end-on cut away view of the assembly of Figure 10.

Figure 12 illustrates a plan view of the assembly of Figure 10.

Detailed Description The invention deals with power generating technology particularly designed for use in less populated and/or less affluent areas of the world, or at least with simpler and cheaper construction technology.

There are two central aspects to this technology i) the generator construction ii) the turbine configuration The generator is designed for use with a turbine driven particularly by wind or by water. In particular the wind turbine design includes suspension of one or more generator units and one or more turbine units from a cable or other suspension means. The turbine is designed to be self-regulating as to speed (particularly excessive speed), to be able to accept wind from all directions due to its self- manoeuvrability, to have a high starting torque and relatively low operating speed.

It is also preferably self-starting. The particular design is also capable of starting at low wind speeds-for example 3-4km/hr.

A. Generator As detailed one important aspect of the invention is the novel generator construction which may be scaled up or down at ease, and employs cheap and/or standard and therefore widely available componentry.

The generator of the invention can be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The generator X includes a cylindrical rotor 1 provided within a stator 6. Both the rotor 1 and stator 6 are concentric about the central shaft la which is driven by a turbine (not shown). The rotor 1 is composed of, or supports a number of magnets 4, oriented end to end, whilst the stator 6 supports or holds a number of coils 7.

These coils 7 are wound with the number of turns to suit the output required. Each coil 7 is mounted upon an individual coil support in the form of coil clips 8 upon a ferrous strip coil 5. The use of the clips 8 is an important feature of the preferred generator of the invention in that they allow the separate removal and replacement of anyone of the coils 7 for maintenance purposes. The stator is shown mounted upon a base board 9.

Furthermore, the type of magnet 4 used is an important feature of the design of the generator X. It is envisaged that"standard"magnets may be employed, the number of which depending upon the requirement and resultant diameter of the rotor 1.

These are separate magnets 4 which are touching end to end to form a continuous magnetic ring.

The diameter of the rotor 1 and thus the scale of the generator X is dependent upon the particular application or requirement, and can be taken to such diameter as is needed to get speed relativity. This will be important as the turbine may be driven by air, or by water, with differing speeds.

The number of coils 7, will always be 3/4 of the number of poles of the magnets 4.

For example 16 poles-12 coils; 24 poles-18 coils. This ratio will remain constant irrespective of the application and size of the generator X.

In the preferred construction the casing of the generator is kept at a minimum, using cheap materials (simple strip metal or example) in order to reduce cost,

minimise the number of parts and to allow access to the coils 7 and other componentry of the generator for replacement and/or maintenance.

The preferred generator will be 3 phase, irrespective of size but it will be appreciated that other phase numbers will be accommodated within the scope of the invention.

The output of the generator is AC however, in a preferred form, diodes will be employed to convert the output to DC current and thereby allowing the assembly to be used in charging batteries, for example, as may be useful in more remote areas.

The cooling of the generator may be by use of a fan on the generator shaft. In regions where sand storms are possible this will need to be an enclosed unit.

Alternatively the generator may be liquid cooled.

B. Turbine The turbine of the invention may be a wind turbine or a water turbine or other fluid driven turbine however we are predominantly concerned here with wind and water turbines.

B1. Wind Turbine The kinetic energy in the wind is converted to mechanical energy via a wind rotor.

The power taken from the wind is directly proportional to the swept area of the wind rotor. It is a function of the wind rotor's efficiency as to wind speed.

Wind rotor swept area is the comparative factor when dealing with different types and sizes of rotors.

One preferred wind turbine of the invention is a vertical axis, turbine designed for use in less populated or affluent areas. Thus the construction is simple and the design preferably self starting.

In order to achieve the self-starting capability of the turbine the distance between the roots of the blades at the core are between 12-15% of the rotor diameter, or if the drive shaft is through the core, between 12-18% of the rotor diameter. It is preferable to have three blades per rotor for self-start purposes.

The body may be constructed in different ways, with there being optionally end pieces (typically disc-like) for supporting the ends of each blade. Other end or intermediate blade supports, braces and stiffeners may be employed.

One preferred embodiment of the invention comprises at least one body portion in turn comprising one or more blades or vanes. Preferably there are a plurality of blades per blade set with 2 or more being an ideal number. Preferably the rotor will have 3 blade sets set at 120° spacing. The blade length will be at a ratio of 3 to 4 with the diameter of the blades. Also the end discs of each section should be at least 20% larger than the blade diameter.

If more power is required additional blades sets of the same proportions should be fitted.

It is possible using the above system to scale up or down the rotor sizes. A runaway rotor cannot occur and if need be a second or third generator could be installed to load the rotor ; more power at the same time.

Where there are several sections to a body portion, each section may be rigidly fixed to an adjacent section. However the use of several body portions in a single

wind powered device is also envisaged. Here each body portion may be arranged so as to be able to rotate (or at least its blade portion able to rotate) independently of an adjacent body portion. This allows the possibility of counter rotating portions which can in some cases afford advantages such as reduced vibration. In one preferred embodiment a counter rotational generator is included to reduce vibration and increase the relative speeds of the rotor and stator, and supply a larger input to the generator.

The shape and configuration of the blades may vary. While substantially linear (in top plan view) blades may be used, the preferred arrangement is for curved blades which appear partially spiral when the body is viewed along its rotational axis. The radius of the curvature of each blade may vary. Serpentine configurations are also possible.

The positioning of the blades can also vary and in one embodiment there is a substantially open central portion which allows air flow through. Typically this can allow the air from the windward side to travel through and act against the blades on the leeward side. More specifically such an arrangement allows air within the volume substantially bounded by the two faces of adjacent blades to travel through and into the volume bounded by at least one second set of faces of adjacent blades.

More preferably the arrangement is such that the air travelling through is able to act against one face of the second set of faces in a manner assisting rotation of the device in the preferred direction of rotation. The air passing from the central spaces fills the space"voided"by the blade moving against the natural wind flow.

In the preferred embodiment a relatively large capture area is presented to the wind.

While a large proportion of this wind force will act against the larger radiused portion of the blade (towards the outside) in order to turn the device, a proportion

will be directed or naturally find its way into the central portion. This will also be assisted by the adjacent facing surface whose curve may assist in the direction of air into the central region of the body, especially if curved such that laminar flow will occur at least along part of its length.

Laminar flow may also be beneficial in assisting rotation of the device. By following a curve, laminar flow will increase wind velocity in the vicinity of the back of the adjacent blade. This will usually result in a corresponding drop in pressure, helping to draw the back of the blade. While the back of the blade may be the same configuration as the front, it also may be modified to adopt other configurations to enhance laminar flow and/or any negative pressure due to a Bernoulli effect.

Air which finds its way to the centre will typically then attempt to exit, and preferably to the lower pressure leeward side of the device. Typically the air entering this central section will have direction, and if the blades are distributed appropriately, the air will attempt to enter the volume defined by the two faces of diametrically opposed blades.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4 we have illustrated a single rotor section (blade set) of a turbine in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This illustrates the blades 12, (preferably two per blade set) the end discs 15 and disc stays 14.

In one preferred turbine assembly of one aspect of invention (including generator and turbine) the turbine is a vertical axis, self starting turbine used in conjunction with a generator as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The assembly may include such features as solar panels to provide an alternative energy source for use in remote areas.

The most preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention is the suspension of the assembly in a"hanging arrangement"as illustrated in Figure 5. The generator and vertical axis turbine are together suspended from a high tensioned cable across, for example, a valley or other area which will expose the assembly to the wind. As the assembly of the invention is simple, and the whole assembly relatively lightweight, the tension in the cable can be such that the force required to twist the cable is beyond the force generated by the rotor resistance to the wind. The design ideally has bearings at both swivel points.

The hanging design prevents overspeed in high winds. In high wind speeds there is an excess of power and rotor and support structure must be able to withstand the forces in the wind. To compensate for these factors the suspension of a Savonius type windmill from its top and allowing clear swing of the whole structure the wind pressure relative to the swept area is much reduced. It changes the"angle of attack" of the wind to the blades of the turbine without needing to alter the design of the blades, as previously discussed. The fact that the turbine is suspended allows the body to swing with the wind to the degree that in high winds the rotational axis deviates from the vertical orientation.

The basis of this design is the fact that if the wind rotor has a blade length in a certain proportion to the rotor discs, the disc itself is proportioned to the rotor diameter, then the angle that the rotor attains at high wind speed will reduce the swept area. If an angle of 15 degrees is reached the projected area presented to the wind is reduced by 18%. At 30 degrees a 56% reduced area, the angle of attack is also changed to reduce the efficiency in relation to the power in the wind, which varies as the cube of its speed.

This effectively also reduces the wide capture area thereby limiting the rotational speed of the device. In effect the device is self limiting in respect of speed, without expensive governing or braking systems, though these could be included optionally.

The means of the mounting is also important in this design. Vertical axis embodiments of the prior art are mounted in a fixed manner so that their rotational axes are strictly vertical, this invention is mounted in such a way as to allow it to defect and incline or swing with the wind. This is most readily achieved by suspending the device from the top, though it could also be achieved by a flexible mount at the bottom. Thus typically a wind powered device according to the present invention will include a mount enabling the body to be suspended, or include means for attaching the device to a mount to that it is suspended or otherwise supported in a manner allowing it to incline or deflect with the wind.

The supporting assembly for the device may be relatively simple, and could comprise a cable or support member linking two vertical structures (which may be existing structures). Specialised support assemblies which need to be able to support the device in high winds are not generally required to the same degree as horizontal axis embodiments and may often be simpler in design and construction, if existing structures are not utilised.

Various other modifications and arrangements include the use of arrays of several wind powered devices suspended from a single cable or spanning supporting device. Lighter frame structures can be used reducing costs per unit. Because of the more compact size of these devices, a greater number can be positioned closely in a given area than is typically possible with horizontal axis embodiments.

The best hanging arrangement to involve some 300m between anchors, which will take at least three generator units. The distance between the suspension cable and

the top of the suspension frame must allow for at least a 60 degree swing. The hanging design effects self-control of the rotational sped, and has a shock absorbing effect from gusts of wind.

Modifications may be made to the invention to limit maximum swing or deflection of the device with the wind. This may merely be a securing device, such as a chain or cable, attached to a suitable point on the bottom of the of the body. Other arrangements are possible such as connecting a biasing means such as tension spring, bungy cord etc) between the base of the body portion to the ground or another fixed point. This device may be then under tension once hte body starts to swing outwardly, with the amount of tension providing by the biasing means limiting how far the device will swing in the wind.

The simplest means to limit the angle of inclination is to put a weight at the bottoms of the turbine. This is preferably one of more generators as discussed above.

Depending on the ground clearance a contra-rotational unit can be installed, this takes advantage of lower wind speed, also increasing the power input to the generator.

An advantage of the invention is that it may be used over rugged or unstable terrain where it is not possible to build a suitable supporting mast of structure for conventional horizontal axis embodiments, or for prior art vertical axis embodiments. This is a significant potential advantage in some terrains and ground conditions, making it also very easy to install a constructed embodiment in remote areas by helicopter if need be.

Figure 5 shows the generator 28 mounted to the top of the turbine 30. The turbine 30 comprises two end discs 26,27 containing a number of turbine blades 25. The

turbine 30 and generator 28 are together suspended from a cable 20 via a mounting assembly 24. The mounting assembly 24 comprised two pivots 21,22 about the rotational axis 23, arranged perpendicular to each other. This arrangement allows the free swinging of the entire assembly at virtually any angle in a 360 degree circle. Figure 5 may illustrate one or more blade sets, depending upon choice.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate an alternative form of the hanging turbine assembly embodiment. In this instance the generator X is mounted at the base of the assembly. The assembly comprises three rotor units (blade sets) 41 (as illustrated in Figure 3) mounted on a central shaft by a universal joint 47, and bearings 48, within a frame 46. Each rotor unit 41 has a plurality of blades 42 (ideally two), with end discs 45 and held in place by disc stays 44. The whole assembly is suspended from a suspension cable (not shown) by a suspension bracket 49.

Figure 8 illustrates a further alternative form of the hanging turbine assembly embodiment, this time incorporating a contra-rotational generator Y.

Figure 9 illustrates the contra-rotational generator Y located with the embodiment of Figure 8. This illustrates the central shaft of the magnetic rotor 81, and a cut away of the rotor/stator section (generally 80). The shaft 81 fits into a bearing 88 in the stator base to maintain rigidity and ensure the air gap is kept constant. With this section rotor 89 can be viewed. The slip rings 83 and slip ring insulation 14 are illustrated along with the slip ring brushed 85. The contra-rotational generator Y is located within the frame 86.

An electronic system of rectifiers, inverters etc will be required to suit the variable speed to give a constant frequency to the electrical power.

B2. Water Turbine

A second preferred assembly of turbine and generator according to the invention incorporates a water wheel system as the fluid turbine. With reference to Figures 4 to 6 there is illustrated the preferred form of the water wheel of the invention. The paddle wheel 101 is supported upon the paddle wheel shaft 102 and includes paddle wheel bearings and mounts 103. The paddle wheel 101 is supported and positioned by the floatation hulls 104 which are secured together by floatation hull ties 105.

To aid securing to the shore or other means the floatation hulls 104 are fitted with anchor connectors 106. The generator of the invention as previously described is shown (by the generator cover 107) as being positioned at the side of the paddle wheel 101 in these Figures. It will be appreciated that the generator may be located at a number of convenient locations without departing from the scope of the invention.

This water turbine is for use in rivers, streams or the sea. As shown, the water turbine may be positioned or supported by a floating structure. In the preferred form, it is effectively an undershot waterwheel positioned on a catamaran. In such an arrangement the wheel is mounted between the two hulls of the catamaran-type float. This type of float is preferred but it will be appreciated other forms of float may be used without departing form the scope of the invention. The outer sides of the catamaran are preferred straight whilst the insides taper in from the bow towards where the wheel starts. This will result in a slight increase in flow rate at the wheel.

The support structure is anchored to the shore, and allows the water wheel to be pulled away for attention or repairs, and also in times of heavy rains and flooding.

It also means the waterwheel can be positioned in a swift flowing part of a stream, for example, at the top of a waterfall. This means the speed of rotation can be set to suit the frequency of power required for direct use. An indirect drive may be

used to increase speed of rotation where necessary. Such an arrangement gets rid of the need for shore-based heavy construction.

The catamaran form will have a mooring line from the front of each bow to assist in positioning it in the swifter flowing parts of a stream/river/tide. It is envisaged that the unit can be positioned close to the top of a waterfall where the water flow rate is swift and constant within a range. Control of the speed of rotation may be achieved in such an arrangement.

Where water speeds are slow, indirect drive of the generator will be possible. The water wheel can be used to drive a water pump for irrigation or to pump to high grounds for storage and possible use in a mini-hydro power generation plant.

It is also possible to the draw catamaran away from its operational position if heavy rains cause flooding with debris entering the water. The plant may also be brought to a maintenance position when needed or to a loading ramp for withdrawal altogether.