Free Energy Systems

You may already be familiar with wind turbines, but did you that are actually two types: Vertical and Horizontal. They each perform differnt functions, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. To decide which one is the best for you, look at your needs. Both share the same common factor as they produce energy by using the wind, except that they do it differently. The main rotor shaft in a Vertical Axis Turbine runs vertically rather than horizontally, hence the name. There are of course advantages and disadvantages for it being in this direction. One of the best advantages is that the gearbox can be placed at the bottom of the turbine, which is not possible in a horizontal turbine, so the top of the tower does not carry all the weight.



Another advantage of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines is that it does not have to face in the wind\'s direction. The disadvantage is that it produces smaller amounts of energy than a horizontal turbine, and if the turbine is running in the same direction that the wind is blowing you can get pulsating torques through each turn of the turbine.


Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines


1. The newest type of turbine out at the moment is a windmill which has a rotation sail. When it is in operation the sails look like those you find on a ship, that expand or contract according to the change of winds. Each has three sails where the speed is controlled by a magnetic counter which expands or contracts the sails as needed. To minimise the damage to the sails there is a control unit for this purpose. The sails can tear during a large storm but the frame is very durable.


2. There are aerodynamic turbines with blades just like a plane made of airfoil base in order to capture the wind's energy. They are so designed to catch this artificial current of kinetic energy to the centre. A very effective wind turbine it runs at full capacity most of the time to utilise all the wind energy by redirecting and lifting it upwards to the turbines there. It not only responds to the wind but also free flowing water systems such as creeks, rivers, streams and oceans.


3. Darrieus Wind Turbines are known to be efficient but they are big machines for their shape and size. Because a lot of cyclic stress that is put on the tower it does tend to wear out sooner. It consists of three blades which are shaped like loops which connect to the top and bottom of the axle, and often called the 'eggbeater windmill' because that is what it resembles. They are connected from the ground upwards by large external structures which hold it up.


4. The Giromill consists of three vertical blades and was based on the patent of the Darrieus design. It is very low on maintenance as it self starting. The blades of strong, light material which are more robust to cope with the stresses placed upon them. They require less blade speed to channel energy with each turn of the blades as they are very high performing.


5. Savonius Wind Turbine mills usually consist of two scoops which convert windpower into torque on a rotating shaft. There also some which are self starting and feature three scoops. They are quite similar looking to helicopter blades except they are bent in a certain style and shape to provide enough energy to be of use.


6. The blades of Windstar Turbines are straight and made of aluminium. They are attached to either end of a central rotating shaft. There are a number of rotors with their own unique dual braking system of pneumatic disc brakes and blade pitch. Windstar Turbines were designed for locations with stronger winds.


7. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines have many advantages as the running costs are low and they are easier to maintain. They can almost withstand any type of low or high wind. They are smaller which means they can be transported easier. The disadvantages are that producing efficient energy from winds takes twice as much time. The turbines have to be installed on flat land and some models require guide wires, which adds more stress to the bottom of the tower; and they have a low starting torque. A consumer has to look at a design that is suitable for them by deciding on the best one for their needs.

Article Source: http://abhishekagarwal.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/7-types-of-vertical-axis-wind-turbine-benefits-available-774696.html

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