Introduction:
Generally, when it comes to purchasing and installing a wind turbine, many people mainly think of the horizontal axis variety. However, you should note that there is another category of wind turbines, namely, vertical axis wind turbines. Each of these categories consists of large and small wind turbines, and both types have their advantages and disadvantages. The objective of this article is to present the various aspects of a vertical wind turbine for home use.
Brief Overview of Vertical Wind Turbines:
A vertical wind turbine is one of the types of wind turbines, which are more practical in residential areas. Unlike other types of wind turbines, vertical wind turbines have all the essential components placed at the base or ground. Hence, it does not require a tower or pole for support. The top of the central shaft structure features the blades.
Vertical wind turbines comprise fewer parts; as such, there will be less equipment to break down or wear out. You should note that rotation of the blades is possible from any directions in a vertical wind turbine. Hence, you do not have to worry about facing the turbines towards the precise wind direction. Besides, you can use this type of wind turbines, even for areas where the wind blows steadily.
Vertical wind turbines have three main problems as listed below:
Inadequate power production performance.
Poor stability.
It works with low wind speed and brake often; as such, it reduces its power output.
Difference between Vertical and Horizontal Wind Turbines:
Horizontal wind turbines mainly govern the wind industry as they generate the most electric power. The rotating axis of horizontal wind turbines is parallel with the ground. This type of wind turbines is the most common system used in large-scale power production. However, for residential or home purposes, vertical wind turbines are the ideal option. One of the advantages of horizontal wind turbines is that it can generate a substantial amount of electricity on given wind speed. Nevertheless, this type of wind turbines requires adequate open space without any obstructions from trees or buildings.
On the other hand, vertical wind turbines are an ideal choice for residential or home applications. In vertical wind turbines, the rotating axis is perpendicular or vertical to the ground. This type of wind turbines does not require facing towards the wind direction to generate electricity. The reason is that it can utilize wind energy from all 360 degrees. As such, vertical wind turbines become a typical installation for regions with inconsistent wind conditions. There are several advantages and disadvantages of a vertical wind turbine, as discussed in the next session.
Advantages of Vertical Wind Turbine for Home:
Some of the benefits of a vertical wind turbine for home are as follow:
Vertical wind turbines can generate electric power in any direction of the wind. Hence, you do have to concern about facing it towards the wind direction. You also do not need a tail for this type of wind turbines.
These types of wind turbines do not require a tower or pole as you place all the essential components on the ground. As such, you do not need climbing gear and lifting equipment.
In comparison to other types of wind turbines, vertical wind turbines offer low production costs.
It allows for quick installation and low maintenance costs.
You can easily transfer from one place to another.
Vertical wind turbines, with all the essential components near the ground, allows for quick maintenance. It also ensures safety for the workers.
It is suitable even for a region with low wind speed.
The rotation of the blades does not create unpleasant noise.
Disadvantages of Vertical Wind Turbine for Home:
Vertical wind turbines also have its drawbacks as listed below:
The efficiency of this type of wind turbine is quite low since only a blade functions at a time.
Vertical wind turbines are typically not suitable for regions where the speed of the wind is very high.
As the rotor rotates faster, the blades of this type of wind turbines tend to twist and flex.
Conclusion:
To sum up, a vertical wind turbine for home has both advantages and disadvantages as discussed above. There is no doubt that a vertical wind turbine generates less electricity than a horizontal wind turbine. Nevertheless, it can still produce electric power, and it can be an ideal choice depending on your requirements and needs. Unlike other types of wind turbines, vertical wind turbines have all the necessary equipment placed at the base or ground. As such, vertical wind turbines do not require a tower or pole for support.
Vertical wind turbines do not occupy ample space, and it provides free-risk maintenance and come with fewer challenges. As vertical wind turbines continue to improve its energy production efficiency, it is only a matter of time before it will become the ideal option for wind projects.
