The Vertical Axis Wind Turbine – VAWT

As we mentioned before, there are two different types of wind turbine; Vertical and Horizontal axis. Each one performs their own function and they each have their advantages and their disadvantages. You should pick the one that is best for you and your needs. They do have one thing in common and that is that they produce energy from winds. They just do it in a different way.

A vertical axis turbine has the main rotor shaft running vertically instead of horizontally. This direction can have its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is the gearbox can be put in the bottom of the turbine, unlike the horizontal turbines. 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. This makes it more efficient than horizontal axis turbines. The vertical axis is always facing the wind! A possible disadvantages of vertical axis wind turbines is that with a poorly designed unit there can be pulsating torques that can happen during each turn when the turbine is running in the same direction as the wind. With the Kevonius design this pulsation has been eliminated.

Different Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

A Windmill with a rotation sail 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 will help to control the sails so the damage will be minimal. The sails might tear but the frame is durable and will last through the storms.

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. This design can respond to wind and also hydro use with 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 sooner. It features three blades that work well in higher winds. They are held up by external structures that are connected from the ground up.

Giromill is a type of unit that features three vertical blades. It is self starting so the maintenance is low. These types of mills have a low blade speed but they can create a high performance and success in channeling the energy from every turn of the blade.

Savonius Wind Turbine mills have two or three “scoops” that are used for wind conversion. The three scoops versions tend to make it self starting. They look like long helicopter blades that are bent in a direction. This style and shape is to provide enough energy to be adequate.

Windstar Turbines have 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 to running a vertical axis wind turbine is that they are easier to maintain and reduce cost plus can withstand almost all wind forces. They can be mounted low or  high and are smaller and easier to transport.  They can be installed on flat land or even a roof peak.  VAWTs are the wind power of choice for consumers. They are easily home built, are non intrusive and easy to maintain and install.

The design and the preference of the consumer make the best choice when it comes to choosing the right one for you.

Enjoy!

The Wizard Of Watts !