Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
There are two major types of wind turbines. A vertical axis wind turbine is one which rotates around
a vertical axis. Each type of turbine is based upon the axis on which the turbine rotates. Vertical axis
wind turbines (VAWTs) are less frequently used, as they are not as efficient as horizontal axis wind
turbines.
The rotor shaft of a VAWT is designed to
operate vertically.
The main advantage of a VAWT is that the
turbine doen't need to be oriented to face into
the wind to be effective. As a result, VAWTs
can use wind from all directions. This is
particularly useful on sites with highly
variable wind direction.
Another advantage of a VAWT is the
generator and gearbox can be placed near the
ground. This makes it faster and easier for
maintenance to be carried out. There is also no
need for a tower to support it, cutting down
construction and possibly also maintenance
costs (depending on the design).
So why are VAWTs less common than
horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs)?
They have some major drawbacks. Some
VAWT designs produce pulsating torque, and
drag is often created when the blade rotates
into the wind.
VAWTs are difficult to errect on towers. This
means they are predominantly installed on the
base which they rest upon, such as the ground
or a building.
As wind speed is slower at lower altitudes,
less wind energy is available to harness. Also,
air movement nearer the ground can create
turbulents which cause VAWTs to vibrate and
to operate with increased noice. The result is
increased wear and tear which increases the
maintenance.
Most VAWTs produce less energy than
HAWTs. VAWTs run at about 50% of the
efficiency of HAWTs. This is mainly due to
the additional drag that VAWT blades have -
as they rotate into the wind.
While the parts of a VAWT are located on the
ground, they are also located under the weight
of the structure above it. This can make
changing parts nearly impossible without
dismantling the structure.
There are different designs of vertical axis wind turbines. These are listed below.

Darrieus Wind Turbine Commonly descibed as an "Eggbeater"

turbine, the Darrieus VAWT generally
have good efficiency. The downside
however, is that they produce large torque
ripple and cyclic stress on the tower, which
contributes to poor reliability.

Darrieus VAWTs generally require some

external power source to start turning as the
starting torque is very low.

The torque ripple can be reduced by using

three or more blades, resulting in a higher
solidity for the rotor.
Giromill Wind Turbine A giromill is a subtype of the Darrieus
VAWT. The giromill has straight blades,
where as the Darrieus has curved blades.
The cycloturbine variety has variable pitch
to reduce the torque pulsation associated
with the VAWT design.

Giromill VAWTs are also self-starting.

Savonius Wind Turbine These are drag-type devices with two (or
more) scoops that are used in anemometers,
Flettner vents (commonly seen on van
roofs), and in some high-reliability low-
efficiency power turbines.
A Savonius vertical axis wind turbine is
always self-starting provided that there are
at least three scoops.