Why VAWT?
Less maintenance
Fewer mechanical parts and simpler construction than conventional turbines result in less service needed and a longer life span.
VAWTs are omnidirectional, meaning the direction of the wind does not have an impact on the performance. They do not need to be rotated to face the wind to maximize energy output as the wind direction changes. This eliminates the need for yawing mechanism.
The generator, which is generally in line with the rotational axis, can be placed at ground level. This allows for easier access and less weight at the top of the turbine.
Placing the generator at ground level makes a larger diameter generator more feasible than if it were in the hub. By allowing the diameter of the generator to be larger, the spinning rate of the axis can be lower, and hence eliminating the need to use a gearbox for gearing up the speed.
Fewer mechanical parts and simpler construction than conventional turbines result in less service needed and a longer life span.
VAWTs are omnidirectional, meaning the direction of the wind does not have an impact on the performance. They do not need to be rotated to face the wind to maximize energy output as the wind direction changes. This eliminates the need for yawing mechanism.
The generator, which is generally in line with the rotational axis, can be placed at ground level. This allows for easier access and less weight at the top of the turbine.
Placing the generator at ground level makes a larger diameter generator more feasible than if it were in the hub. By allowing the diameter of the generator to be larger, the spinning rate of the axis can be lower, and hence eliminating the need to use a gearbox for gearing up the speed.
Less noise level
Less noise disturbance from a VAWT than a HAWT. Much less noise from drag-based types.
Studies show that VAWTs have a lower noise level than HAWTs with similar power output and that the noise intensity drops at a higher rate with distance.
Less noise disturbance from a VAWT than a HAWT. Much less noise from drag-based types.
Studies show that VAWTs have a lower noise level than HAWTs with similar power output and that the noise intensity drops at a higher rate with distance.
Recyclable materials
No use of glass fiber or othernon-recyclable materials.
With the deconstruction of old wind turbines, the concern for responsibly disposing of the turbine blades arises. Glass or carbon fiber reinforced epoxy and other composite materials traditionally used for wind turbine blades are either difficult or impossible to recycle with current technology.
The blades of VAWTs can have different but simpler shapes than those of HAWT, making it possible to use other materials and manufacturing processes to produce them. We strive to use recyclable materials as much as possible and use aluminum blades for our lift-based turbine blades and HDPE for our drag-based turbine blades.
Tower constructions for the larger turbines are built out of laminated wood with steel reinforcements and are aimed at being CO2 neutral.
No use of glass fiber or othernon-recyclable materials.
With the deconstruction of old wind turbines, the concern for responsibly disposing of the turbine blades arises. Glass or carbon fiber reinforced epoxy and other composite materials traditionally used for wind turbine blades are either difficult or impossible to recycle with current technology.
The blades of VAWTs can have different but simpler shapes than those of HAWT, making it possible to use other materials and manufacturing processes to produce them. We strive to use recyclable materials as much as possible and use aluminum blades for our lift-based turbine blades and HDPE for our drag-based turbine blades.
Tower constructions for the larger turbines are built out of laminated wood with steel reinforcements and are aimed at being CO2 neutral.
Less harm to biodiversity
Lower bird and bat kill rate than for conventional turbines. Even lower risk for drag-based types.
On VAWT, the whole blade travels at the same speed. This is not the case for conventional HAWT, and the blade tip travels much faster than the parts close to the hub. Consequently, the blade tip speeds of HAWTs are in general much higher than those of VAWTs with similar power outputs. It is assumed to be easier for birds and bats to avoid collision with the blades if they travel more slowly and only horizontally, and hence VAWTs are considered less likely to kill birds and bats.
The reduced risk of birds and bats being killed by the turbine blades makes it more convenient for use in areas rich with flying wildlife or areas known to inhabit vulnerable species of birds and bats.
Lower bird and bat kill rate than for conventional turbines. Even lower risk for drag-based types.
On VAWT, the whole blade travels at the same speed. This is not the case for conventional HAWT, and the blade tip travels much faster than the parts close to the hub. Consequently, the blade tip speeds of HAWTs are in general much higher than those of VAWTs with similar power outputs. It is assumed to be easier for birds and bats to avoid collision with the blades if they travel more slowly and only horizontally, and hence VAWTs are considered less likely to kill birds and bats.
The reduced risk of birds and bats being killed by the turbine blades makes it more convenient for use in areas rich with flying wildlife or areas known to inhabit vulnerable species of birds and bats.
