Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT)

Advantages

• Ideal for urban locations
• YAW mechanism to turn the rotor against the wind not required.
• Ideal for siting on buildings or in between buildings catching air flow where HAWT’s cannot operate
• Will work if not directly in flow of wind
• Simple to install and maintain
• Quiet operation
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Easy to maintain & low maintenance costs
• No need for a tower
• Lower start up speed
• Ideal for sensitive locations

Disadvantages

• Low energy production
• Some models are not self starting and need a motor to propel blades to optimum rate
• Blades move through a dead zone where they do not generate torque
• Less efficient than horizontal axis wind turbines
• Many models on a tower need a guy line
• Changing parts may be difficult if not installed correctly