Vertical Turbines

Vertical wind turbines are just one of the accessible and available types of turbines to generate power using natural and clean energy.

Despite the development of vertical wind turbines as one of the most efficient and economic ways to harness wind energy, the wind energy community still has some questions about the concept. While most industry giants have been competing head on with the $17 billion stimulus package that was provided to expand, improve, and optimize the national power grid, the media and the public has started to notice the potential of micro and small power generations through vertical wind turbines.

The New Kid on the Block

While the wind industry giants AES Corp, MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy, Vestas Wind System and, of course, GE, have been competing on a large scale to increase the capacity of the at least 5,000 wind power turbines across U.S., the vertical wind turbine concept has slowly spread throughout the population and been fairly unknown for some time.

At least until these giants begin to see a decrease in the number of power subscribers from the power grid.

Unlike other small-scale generators in most urban areas, vertical wind turbines have:

• Small space requirement
• Lesser contribution in noise pollution
• Better visual appeal

Design Specifications

Vertical wind turbines, otherwise known as vertical-axis wind turbines, are primarily distinguished by a main and major rotor shaft designed to operate vertically. Other salient features of a vertical wind turbine include:

• The gearbox is placed near the ground, thereby, relieving the load off the tower.
• Being designed in a fixed position; the design of the wind power turbine had eliminated the need to ‘right’ the rotor or re-orienting where the wind speed is at a sufficient speed in order to produce power.
• Blades are designed to be more stiffer than those of horizontal turbines. This spec is primarily carried in order prevent the possibility of the turbines being detached from the towers by strong winds.

The Advantages of Vertical Wind Turbines

These vertical wind turbines are primarily and practically advantageous for small-scale applications due to:

• A 50% increased capacity in terms of electricity production than that of horizontal turbines
• Constant and stable power generation even with lower or decreased wind speed
• Ability to generate a stable power supply even when wind speeds could jump as high as 60 m/s or at 130 mph.
• A more efficient electricity delivery system as all vertical wind turbines had eliminated the need of the tower supporting the gearbox. This system practically has no record of oil leaks while operating – even during peak hours.
• Unlike most wind farms that are notorious for the number of wildlife that had been killed while being on mid-air, vertical wind turbines are practically designed to be one of the most responsive and sensitive power generating machines to advance the cause of truly being environment friendly

Drawbacks of Vertical Wind Turbines

• Every revolution produces a pulsating torque
• Difficulty in mounting on towers
• Vertical wind turbines are set to operate with a much turbulent near-the ground air flow
• Low in terms of resource efficiency as the turbines operate using turbulent air flows

Vertical Wind Turbine Sub-types

There are four sub-types of vertical wind turbines, namely, Darrius or the ‘eggbeater’, Gorlov helical turbines, Giromill, and Savonius turbines

Darruis turbine

Primarily distinguishable as it resembles that of an ‘eggbeater’. Invented by George Darrieus, this vertical wind turbine subtype primary features include:

• Necessitating an external power source to jumpstart its rotation, and
• Utilize Savonious rotor as an additional capacity to start up

Gorlov helical turbine

Also known as he GHT, this design is specifically a modification of the ‘eggbeater’ and at least 35% energy and resource efficient than those of other vertical wind turbines.

Unlike it’s the darrius subype, the GHT has:

• Lower vibration and, therefore, noise
• Lower cyclic stress
• Comparatively low torque ripple

Giromill

Also a self-starting turbine, Giromill is made distinguishable because of its straight turbines. Known advantages of using a straight turbine include a relatively low blade to speed ratio and higher starting torque.

Savonius

This subtype is primarily seen as one of the most micro-applications of vertical wind turbines. Often see used on van and bus roofs, Savonius is also utilized as an additional motor to jumpstart other low-efficiency turbines.

“Go green” is the motto of nearly every non-governmental organization or politician appearing on TV. Now you cannot only go green yourself but also save money with vertical wind turbines. And, please, don’t imagine these scary gigantic structures you have seen in the fields when traveling. There are models available to the general public that generate electrical power from wind, for personal use at home or at the office. This is the perfect solution that will provide you with light and heat for a cozy, comfortable and easy life all the time everywhere in the world.

No matter what your lifestyle or location is there are turbines that will definitely work out for you. Your business will benefit immensely from these inventions. Even in the heart of the city where the structures are tall and squeezed in, you can safely equip your office building with wind turbines. They can generate enough power to reduce your bills considerably, especially in summer months when air-conditioning is a must. Most models are silent and easy to maintain, so the work process can go smoothly and undisturbed by power network failures.

The benefits of vertical wind turbines for home owners are countless. Traditional sloped roof tops can safely accommodate these wonderful devices, as there are light and relatively short types available on the market. When placed in the backyard they even catch low blowing currents to accumulate power. There are models that can be directly used for battery charging as well, which allow you to save even more. The designs are made so that they suit every house’s style. The turbines are highly effective and you can rely on sufficient energy flows even when the wind is mild or coming from all different directions.

It might sound surprising, but the modern traveler can also take advantage of the vertical wind turbines. Portable small models are a hit on the market today. You can take them with you when you go to your house in the country and when you are on vacation with your caravan. The turbines can be easily and safely packed and do not take a lot of space, and most importantly, are straightforward to assemble at the desired location. Portable turbines are especially recommended to ardent sailors for onboard boat usage as the winds at sea are strong and constant.

Buy a vertical wind turbine today, save more tomorrow.

Last week a vertical turbine generator was installed on MacMillan Pier in Provincetown, Massachusetts.  The 30-foot-tall structure is visible from around the pier and should provide great exposure for this growing form of renewable energy collection.

According to the author, the vertical-axis turbine is “an elegant S shape reminiscent of the double-helix molecular structure of DNA.”  Very interesting, a power generator that is also aesthetically appealing.  Hopefully this form of energy will appeal to the naysayers who don’t like the looks of conventional renewable energy generators.

The vertical turbine is estimated to generate around 5 kilowatts of power and it is estimated that the generator will save the Provincetown Pier Corp. about $2,000 a year in energy bills.

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