Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
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Residential Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
People have been harnessing the wind’s power for centuries to pump water and perform other mechanical tasks. But it’s only been in the last few decades that the expertise for
converting the wind’s energy into electricity by using wind turbine generators has made the necessary strides to become an
alternative source for energy production. Most of this technology has been applied to
large scale operations and some smaller units for home use.
For the home owner interested in producing their own electricity, choices have been
limited primarily to investing in a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). These units can
carry a hefty price including the installation of a large tower, maintenance, plus the
regulation in some areas regarding tower height, noise concerns and environmental issues.
For city dwellers with no place to erect a HAWT, wind power has not been an option at all.
The vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) provides a more economical alternative for the small
scale user. Some of the most recent designs have overcome the problems of early models
such as their inability to self-start in light winds plus issues of noise and vibration
levels. Most of the new technology works well in an urban or suburban environment where
some wind turbulence is inevitable unless the turbine is sited well above any surrounding
buildings.
A HAWT has to physically rotate to face into the wind every time the direction changes,
requiring a large tower to place the rotors above all obstructions. The VAWT doesn’t
require such clearances and can keep producing power in these turbulent areas.
Most vertical axis wind turbines are very silent, emitting only a slight humming sound
near the equipment. The turbines turn at a lower speed unlike the larger tower turbines
where the blade tips can travel at supersonic speeds becoming a threat to bats and birds
traveling thru them. For these reasons they are safe to use in population centers, public
spaces, parks, wildlife parks and on buildings. Some of the more adventurous designs have
the look of sculpture adding another dimension to your installation.
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The VAWT systems have a larger wind speed range and are able to self start in light winds,
sometimes 2-3 meters per second, and continue producing electricity at much higher wind
levels than the traditional HAWT units.
If you are considering alternative energy sources to lower your utility bills or to
minimize your impact on the environment, vertical axis wind turbines offer new technology
that can help you achieve your goals.
Author: Pat Herron
Pat Herron is an environmental activist concerned with our energy choices and the effects they have on our world. More information can be found at http://small-scale-wind-energy.blogspot.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pat_Herron
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Posted on: Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:56 pm 
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vawt wind power…
An interesting post by a bloger made me ……
September 29th, 2009 at 10:40 pm