Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) feature a vertical rotor shaft and can capture wind from any direction without orientation systems. Modern VAWTs achieve 35-40% efficiency in urban environments with turbulent winds, making them suitable for distributed generation where horizontal turbines struggle.
Important Considerations
Lower efficiency compared to horizontal turbines. Limited commercial deployment due to performance and cost challenges.
How It Works
VAWTs use helical or straight-bladed rotors that spin around a vertical axis. The generator and gearbox are located at ground level for easy maintenance. Advanced designs use variable pitch control and magnetic levitation bearings to reduce friction and improve efficiency.
Advantages
No yaw mechanism needed as they accept wind from any direction, quieter operation suitable for urban areas, easier maintenance with ground-level components, better performance in turbulent wind conditions, and lower visual impact.
Challenges
Generally lower efficiency than horizontal axis turbines, higher cost per kWh generated, limited commercial deployment and track record, structural challenges for large-scale designs, and more complex blade dynamics.