Wind turbines come in two types: horizontal and vertical axis. Horizontal turbines are efficient and cost-effective, while vertical turbines are less efficient but have new designs to minimize noise and harm to birds. The Darrieus and Savonius are two types of vertical turbines, while the Windspire is a tall, narrow model. Smaller models are also being developed for home use.
Wind turbine design falls into two basic types: horizontal and vertical axis turbines. Horizontal wind turbines are the most recognized and the most used. The design of vertical axis wind turbines is ongoing and is currently being mostly contributed by individual inventors. As the popularity of wind turbines grows, so do the design options.
Horizontal wind turbines are the most popular because they are efficient and cost effective. Unlike vertical wind turbine designs, horizontal turbines are mostly based on old windmill designs. Horizontal turbines vary in size, but the larger models are the most efficient and produce the most energy.
The design for a horizontal turbine is simple. The turbine consists of two or three blades which, driven by the wind, move a gear. The gear powers a generator, which produces electricity. The gear and generator are kept inside the nacelle which sits above the turbine shaft. A yaw motor on some horizontal designs adjusts the blades to maximize wind position.
Although vertical wind turbines are not as popular because they are less efficient, new designs and models are constantly being produced. One of the basic ideas for designing vertical wind turbines is to minimize the noise pollution and potential harm to birds that the horizontal wind turbine produces. Vertical wind turbines have blades and their design varies widely.
One style of vertical wind turbine is the Darrieus, which is likened to an egg beater in appearance. The Darrieus has an airfoil design that uses the lift forces of the wind to move, similar to airplane wings. This upright model does not start automatically and needs a motor to generate speed before creating significant torque of its own. The Darrieus is highly inefficient at producing enough wind power to produce electricity.
The Savonius is another vertical wind turbine design. While slightly more efficient than the Darrieus model, the Savonius is best used for small-scale power generation. The Savonius uses drag force to move by winding around the wind in a shape resembling a half-barrel. This model is also extremely quiet and can withstand strong winds without damage.
The Mariah Power company created the Windspire®, a turbine model that also uses airfoil design. The wind turbine is extremely tall and narrow. It consists of three airfoils that catch the wind and rotate on a large vertical axis mast.
In addition to large-scale wind turbine designs, smaller models such as Honeywell and WindCube® are being developed for home use. Honeywell looks like a fan, while WindCube® consists of horizontal blades that move inside a cube. Both designs would work on individual homes or buildings.
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