Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines

This new millennium as seen many great changes and perhaps the most notable has been the shift in consciousness amongst the masses toward "sustainable living". A major factor in sustainable living is renewable energy. Yes, the old-fashioned windmill is back and with a bang. Except this time instead of just mechanical energy, that mechanical energy is turned into electricity by the vertical axis wind turbine.

A vertical axis wind turbine differs from its sister technology, the horizontal wind turbine, in an obvious way - its blades are attached to a central vertical shaft instead of a horizontal one, allowing for some benefits, particularly in low wind circumstances.

Vertical axis wind turbines tend to be easier to build and maintain, safer, easier to transport and they can be mounted close to the ground, which many find more aesthetically pleasing. They also handle wind turbulence much better than horizontal wind turbines.

The motor shaft in a vertical axis wind turbine is attached to the lower portion of the turbine resulting in an overall shorter and lighter machine. The anatomy and technology of a horizontal axis wind turbine requires the motor to be attached near the top, resulting in top-heaviness and height. For this reason some people choose a vertical axis wind turbine based on aesthetics alone.

There are also a few disadvantages to vertical axis wind turbines such as: they need to be installed on flat land, they have a low torque and they take twice as much time to produce efficient energy from winds.

Even the US government has jumped on board and is offering tax credits and other incentives to encourage the use of solar energy and residential wind power amongst US citizens nationwide. Keeping that in mind, one could even consider installing a residential wind power unit on one's property as an act of patriotism! It most certainly falls in the category of love for one's planet!

Whatever your energy needs, all can be supplied in a sustainable and renewable fashion with the latest in "green technologies" such as wind turbines. Whether you choose a vertical or horizontal one, it would pay in the long run to do your research..