Vertical Wind Turbines

Concern for the environment is no longer the exclusive niche of tree-huggers or the intellectual elite. Everyday people like you and me now wish to leave behind a greener planet for our children and grandchildren

What better way to do this than to invest in local energy resources? The best energy resources are not found overseas and transported here, rather the best and most renewable sources of energy are found around and above us - the wind and the sun

One way of capturing and utilizing wind energy is via vertical wind turbines.

A windmill is a machine that converts kinetic wind energy into mechanical energy. A turbine is a machine that further converts that mechanical energy into electrical energy. A turbine is also referred to as a wind energy converter.

Wind turbines are of two types; a horizontal wind turbine, which has its rotor shaft placed at the top of its body and must be pointed at the wind, and a vertical wind turbine which has its rotor placed vertically and at a lower point.


Vertical wind turbines are of several types:

An aerodynamic turbine is comprised of an airfoil base that captures kinetic energy flow from a current to the center. It can respond to rivers, creeks, oceans and other free flowing water systems in addition to wind.

Windstar turbines have aluminum blades attached to each end of the rotating shaft. This turbine contains more than one rotar with each having their own dual braking system. Windstar turbines are designed for extremely strong winds.

The Giromill features three vertical blades and is self starting. It runs at a low blade speed but is uber efficient as it channels energy from every turn of every blade.

Darrieus Wind Turbines are also efficient but due to their size and shape they may produce cyclic stress on the tower resulting in wear and tear. Its three blades work well in high wind situations.

Savonius Wind Turbines contain two scoops used for wind conversion. Some contain three scoops which enable them to self start.

Vertical wind turbines of various types have enjoyed popularity for several years now and with environmental consciousness catching on across the globe, we expect to see more dotting our landscape.