When most people think of wind turbines, they imagine the large, horizontal axis turbines that are commonly seen in rural areas. However, there is another type of wind turbine called a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), which has been growing in popularity in recent years. So, we will explore the differences between these two types of wind turbines and see which one comes out on top.
What is Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine?
A horizontal-axis wind turbine is a wind turbine with its main rotor shaft arranged horizontally. Most commonly, the main rotor shaft is aligned vertically. The key advantage of this arrangement is that it doesn’t need a device to keep it facing into the wind. This type of turbine has blades similar to those on a propeller. When the wind blows, the blades rotate, turning an internal shaft connected to a gearbox. The gearbox increases the speed of rotation before it’s sent to a generator that converts the kinetic energy into electricity. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are by far the most common type in use today. They’re cheaper and easier to maintain than vertical-axis turbines, and they’re more efficient at converting wind energy into electricity. One of the newest innovations in horizontal-axis wind turbine technology is the use of variable-speed generators. These generators can operate at different speeds, depending on the wind conditions. This allows for more efficient energy production and less wear and tear on the turbine components.
What is Vertical Axis Wind Turbine?
A vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) is a type of wind turbine where the main rotor shaft is set vertically. The main advantage of this arrangement is that the blades always remain perpendicular to the wind, regardless of the turbine’s orientation. This allows the VAWT to capture more energy from the wind and makes it easier to maintain. Furthermore, VAWTs are quieter and less visually obtrusive than traditional horizontal axis turbines, making them more popular in urban areas. Even though VAWTs have many advantages, they are generally less efficient than horizontal axis turbines and are not well suited for locations with high winds.
Difference between Horizontal and Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) are the most common type of turbine. The blades on a HAWT rotate around a horizontal axis, and the main shaft is perpendicular to the ground. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), on the other hand, have blades that rotate around a vertical axis. The main shaft on a VAWT can be either parallel or perpendicular to the ground.
There are several key differences between HAWTs and VAWTs. Perhaps the most obvious difference is their orientation. HAWTs are typically pointed into the wind, while VAWTs can operate in any direction. This means that HAWTs require less land, but they also tend to be less efficient than VAWTs. In addition, VAWTs are typically quieter and easier to maintain than HAWTs.
Conclusion
The horizontal axis wind turbine is the most popular type of wind turbine and it’s perfect for smaller applications. If you have a large space to fill or want to generate more power, then the vertical axis wind turbine might be a better option for you. Whichever option you choose, make sure to do your research and find a qualified installer to get the job done right.
