VAWT

[sindhu]

VAWTs (vertical axis wind turbine) are both efficient and quiet, making them more suitable for energy production in residential areas than previous wind-based renewable energy technologies. Many current VAWT models resemble eggbeaters, with two blades attached to a central shaft, which is in turn anchored in a power generator. Others have a number of large, flat blades protruding from the central axis; and still others have a helix of extremely light plastic surrounding the axis. They typically stand between two and five feet in height and the best ones are able to attain 30 – 60% efficiency, depending on where they are located.

In residential areas, wind movement presents a challenge for VAWTs because it is disrupted by buildings, and the resulting turbulence impedes the rotation of the turbine, even if the turbine is positioned at the top of a building. The newest VAWTs, however, are able to generate electricity in wind speeds of as low as 4 mph. This means that in an urban area, one unit may be able to generate enough power to meet about half the energy needs of the average individual, even with wind disruption taken into account. Many VAWTs are now being designed to be stacked one on top of another to increase the amount of energy gathered.

horizontal axis wind turbine