Vertical Wind Generator

Vertical Wind Generator

Basically, a vertical wind generator - or vertical-axis wind turbine, is a type of wind generator in which the main rotor shaft is fixed vertically, while the generator and other components which produce electricity using the mechanical energy are located at the base. As a result of this, these generators are either erected on the ground or on the roof of a building (with the experts suggesting that a chimney is an ideal place for the same). This is in stark contrast of horizontal wind generators, wherein the main rotor shaft and electrical generator are housed on a top of the tower. Vertical wind generators have come a long way from the crude models of past - with an efficiency of 5-10 percent, to the latest variants which promise an efficiency of around 30 percent. Do these wind generators really have an edge over horizontal wind generators? Now that is something which can be only determined by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of vertical wind generators.

Vertical Wind Generators Advantages

By far the biggest advantage of vertical wind generator is the fact that it is not mandatory for this device to face the direction of wind. Irrespective of which direction the wind is blowing from, these turbines can harness its kinetic energy and use it for generation of electricity. More of such advantages of this device are given below:

• These wind generators can adapt to change in wind direction very well.
• They can be installed on the chimney or some other tall structure with ease.
• Maintenance is not a major issue as the device is generally within the reach.
• As the generator is within your reach, even repair work doesn't require much efforts.
• There is no stress on the supporting structure as in case of horizontal wind generator.
• As they require limited space, these devices can be spaced close to each other in a wind farm.
• Manufacturers also claim that these wind generators do not cause noise pollution.

Vertical Wind Generators Disadvantages

Even though these advantages may make vertical wind generators seem quite promising, there also exist some disadvantages of these devices which you can't afford to turn a blind eye to. Given below are some disadvantages of vertical wind generators that you need to take into consideration when you evaluate their efficiency.

• The low installation height of these generators makes them dependent on low level winds.
• The additional drag that they are subjected to as they rotate into the wind further lowers their efficiency.
• Even though the manufacturers boast of amazing efficiency, at 30 percent they are no better than HAWTs.
• The chances of these wind generators stalling when subjected to gusty winds cannot be ruled out.
• The modern vertical wind generators are efficient to their predecessors, but again they are quite expensive as well.