Vertical Axis Turbines vs. Horizontal Axis Turbines

As new ideas evolve in our world, developed technologies must be compared in order to make educated decisions. Wind turbines have been around for a long time originating from sail boats to capture the awesome power of the wind. Aesthetics, function, and simplicity are design elements that new consumers are demanding. The following two comparisons outline the key advantages and disadvantages to these technologies:

ADVANTAGES OF VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINES:

• Produces up to 50% more electricity on an annual basis versus conventional turbines with the same swept area.
• Generates electricity in winds as low as 4.5 mph and continues to generate power in wind speeds up to 150 mph based on the model.
• Withstands extreme weather such as frost, ice, sand, salt, humidity, and very high wind conditions in excess of 140 mph.
• Non-polluting through its sealed generator design.
• Easy on the eyes with non-reflecting surfaces to eliminate shadow strobing effect.
• Does not harm wildlife as birds can detect a solid object and can be seen on aircraft radar.
• Can be installed in turbulent wind conditions such as between buildings, alleys, or even downtown urban rooftops with adjacent buildings.
• Color graphics can be added to create an infinite array of art or signage to promote or market your business.
• Virtually silent, as there are no tips on the turbine design which allows the unit to be as quiet as the wind.
• Less moving parts means less service and maintenance.
• Structurally more stable as the wind increases the gyroscopic forces are transmitted concentrically to the pole or building.
• Less cost based on the same rated power output but with higher efficiency.

DISADVANTAGES OF HORIZONTAL AXIS WIND TURBINES:

• Produces 50% less electricity on an annual basis than vertical axis wind turbine with the same swept area.
• Needs higher wind speeds to start generating electricity and less become less efficient at producing power in very high winds over 90 MPH.
• They cannot withstand extreme weather conditions due to frost, freezing rain or heavy snow plus heavy winds in excess of 110 MPH.
• The gearboxes and excessive yawing reduce the lifespan of these HAW turbines.
• Tend to be visual distraction to the human eye.
• Birds are injured or killed by the propellers since they are not solid objects so the birds fly into the blades.
• Cannot be installed in turbulent wind conditions because the flow of wind must be "smooth" to make the HAWT efficient.
• Blades are too thin to promote graphics or signage for advertising.
• The propellers on the HAWT design make more noise as the wind speeds increase.
• More moving parts leads to more service and constant maintenance.
• Structurally less stable as wind speeds increase do to eccentric loading.

With these comparisons, it is easy to see why Vertical Axis Wind Turbines will be become the next generation of Alternative wind power