US Patent 7948109 System and method for generating electricity

A system for generating electricity including a substantially frustoconical shaped scoop having a fluid intake opening at a larger end for receiving fluid flow, and a fluid outlet opening at a smaller end for allowing the fluid flow to exit the scoop. The scoop is rotatably mounted to a tower. One or more sets of turbine blades are located within the scoop in relative proximity to the smaller end, wherein the set of turbine blades are caused to rotate by the fluid flow. One or more turbines are located within the tower, and one or more shafts operatively connect the one or more sets of turbine blades to the one or more turbines to transmit torque of the one or more sets of turbine blades to the one or more turbines to generate electricity.