Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

There are two different types of wind turbine; Vertical and Horizontal.  Each one works their in their own particular way and they each have their advantages and disadvantages. One thing they have in common and that is that they both produce energy from the wind – they just do it in a different way.

Vertical axis turbines have the main rotor shaft running vertically instead of horizontally which has advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is the gearbox can be located in the bottom of the turbine, unlike the horizontal turbines.  This means that all the weight is not at the top of the tower.

It also does not need to be pointed in the direction of the wind. The disadvantages of vertical axis wind turbines is that pulsating torques can occur during each turn when the turbine is running in the same direction as the wind. They also produce a smaller amount of energy from the wind.

Different Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

This type of turbine is the newest out there as it looks like sails on a ship once it is up and running.  The sails can expand or contract to the changing winds. There are three sails on it and the speed is managed through a magnetic counter that expands or contracts these vertical sails.  It has a control unit that can control the sails so the damage will be reduced in bad weather. The sails might tear but the frame is durable and will withstand stormy weather.

An aerodynamic turbine is made up of an airfoil base that is designed to capture the kinetic energy flowing from an artificial current to the center.  It can utilize most of the air mass that passes through by redirecting it over the upper turbines.  It can respond to wind and also rivers, creeks, oceans or other free flowing water systems.

Darrieus Wind Turbines are efficient but because of their size and shape they can produce cyclic stress on the tower which can wear it out much more quickly. It features three blades that work well in higher winds. They are held up by external structures that are connected from the ground up.

A Giromill is a type of turbine that has three vertical blades and is self starting so the maintenance is low. These types of mills have a low blade speed but they can produce high performance and are successful in channeling the energy with every turn of the blade.

Savonius Wind Turbine mills have two scoops that are used for wind conversion. Some do come in three scoops that make it self starting.  They look like long helicopter blades that are bent in a particular direction and can provide adequate energy.

Windstar Turbines has straight aluminum blades that are attached on each end of the rotating shaft.  This windmill features more than one rotor and they each have their own dual braking system that has pneumatic disc brakes.  They are designed for strong powerful winds.

The advantages in running a vertical axis wind turbine is that they are easier to maintain, can withstand almost most wind conditions, low and high, and are smaller and easier to transport.  The disadvantages are they take twice as much time to produce efficient energy from winds, need to be installed on flat land, have low starting torque, and some use guyed wires which can add stress to the bottom.

It’s down to the personal preference of the consumer to make the best choice for their situation. You should pick the one that is best for you and your needs.