Vertical axis wind turbines are joining the ranks of solar panels and hydro turbines as a new green energy generation technology. What exactly characterises this type of wind turbine – and are they also suitable for domestic use? The new chapter of renewable energy is as interesting as is the new mode at 22Bet Ghana
Renewable energies should help Germany to become climate-neutral more quickly. Wind power will also become increasingly important in this context. However, traditional wind turbines often meet with little enthusiasm from the public – too loud, too massive and possibly a deadly danger for birds.
In contrast to traditional wind turbines with three horizontally aligned rotor blades, vertical wind turbines have two or more vertically aligned blades in different shapes and sizes.
There are currently four different types of vertical axis wind turbines on the market:
- Helix shape with spiral-shaped axes
- H-shape, in which the axes are parallel to each other vertically
- Darrieus shape, which catches the wind with a kind of moulded shell consisting of two axles
- Savonius shape, in which the axes represent shovel-shaped, overlapping blades
So-called microturbines are installed in vertical wind turbines. There are now many different power classes and manufacturers – from 300 watts to 1000, 2000 or 3000 watts to 5000 watts and more. The space requirements and prices vary accordingly.
Vertical wind turbines: the advantages
Although, or perhaps because, vertical axis wind turbines are smaller than horizontal axis wind turbines, they have a number of advantages:
- Due to their smaller size, the motors are significantly quieter than those of large wind turbines. In addition, the turbines can be installed in places where horizontal wind turbines are currently prohibited.
- Vertical wind turbines are less dependent on constant wind, as they generate energy even at low wind speeds. This makes them attractive for more built-up areas – for example, rooftops in large cities.
- In contrast to horizontal wind turbines, which have to turn depending on the wind direction, vertical wind turbines catch the wind from all directions.
- In addition to the ‘classic’ models, which stand at a height of around ten metres, there are also mini wind turbines that are no higher than a television aerial and therefore fit on any roof or balcony. Similarly small and space-saving models are also available in the field of photovoltaics.
- Vertical wind turbines have very few moving parts. When generating electricity, only the generator is in motion, which minimises wearing parts.
- Regardless of whether there is little wind or a storm – vertical wind turbines are suitable for all weather conditions and even hold up in strong winds.
Vertical wind turbines could also become an animal-friendly alternative to the long, horizontal rotor blades. According to estimates by various research groups, around 40 birds a year are killed by a single wind turbine.
In contrast, Sebastian Scholz, Head of Climate and Environmental Policy at NABU Bundesverband, assumes that birds are better able to perceive vertical wind turbines. Due to their smaller radius and faster rotational speed. The result: fewer animals would die. However, this figure is difficult to measure and is therefore highly controversial.
Disadvantages of vertical axis wind turbines
However, there is a second side to the coin. From an energy industry perspective, vertical axis wind turbines do not generate enough energy to be installed in large numbers in the landscape. They are generally regarded as small wind turbines. And at their low height can only generate a fraction of the energy that horizontal rotor blades generate.
As far as private use is concerned, there are not only positive opinions. According to the consumer advice centre, the technology is not yet fully developed. The yields of wind turbines are very small and depend too much on the location. Whether an installation in a private household is worthwhile can be determined by a wind measurement, which in turn costs a lot of money.
