Power Analysis

We will use a blue color for items that have to do with the motors which spin the airfoils and a red color for items that have to do with the MOTOR shown in the drawing below.

Consider a device with only one motor and a weight to balance the beam as illustrated below.

The above illustration is redrawn below to clearly show it as a MOTOR.

If the output Torque x the output RPM is greater than the input Torque x the input RPM, we have achieved power amplification.

We know that the output Torque is significantly greater than the Torque required to spin the airfoil (input Torque) because of the large Lift to Drag ratio of the airfoil.  Therefore, the RPM of the MOTOR will determine whether or not power amplification is possible.

Here are two arguments.  One argument presents a reason why the device cannot amplify power.  The other argument presents a reason why the idea can amplify power.  Whichever argument proves to be true will determine whether or not the device can actually amplify power.

Reason Why The Device Cannot Amplify Power

Compare the above device to a gearbox.  The input power is Torque x RPM and the output power is Torque x RPM.  Assume the gear ratio is n:1.  Then RPM = RPM/n and, since we assume the output power equals the input power Torque = Torque x n.  Actual gearboxes prove this to be true.  If this holds true for the mechanism shown above, then the RPM of the MOTOR will be limited to some specific value so that there is no power gain.

Reason Why The Device Can Amplify Power

The mechanism shown above is not a gearbox, and the RPM of the MOTOR is a function of airfoil size and shape and not just a function of the RPM of the motor as it is with a gearbox.  It is difficult to imagine that there is some sort of phenomenon that limits the RPM of the MOTOR to a specific value.

We know that Torque = I x alpha where I is the moment of inertia of the beam and airfoil and alpha is the angular acceleration of the beam and airfoil which implies that the beam and airfoil will accelerate until the torque opposing that rotation is equal to Torque, but we have no idea what the RPM of the MOTOR will be when that occurs.  The RPM of the MOTOR at that point could result in a power gain.  This is true for propeller driven airplanes.  The airplanes accelerate until the drag equals the thrust.  The velocity at which that happens depends on the RPM of the propeller and its size and shape.  If the propeller was a flat plate, there would be no thrust no matter what the RPM was.