Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Advantages And Disadvantages

1. Summary

This report covers the early discovered but not commonly used Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The report will focus on the key features of the VAWT, which are somewhat more beneficial compared to other traditional Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines. The creation of a 3D animated video will be used to show the operations of a VAWT in action. It will simulate how and what is used in a setup of a typical VAWT. The 3D video will also demonstrate how the power output is calculated and
For comparison sake the HAWT will be mentioned throughout the report in order to show what advantages and progress can be achieved from the use of VAWT’s.
The report will compromise of factual based decisions to come to a conclusion as to why the VAWT should
Disadvantages of a vertical axis wind turbine
The majority of the disadvantages associated with VAWT technology have been overcome by the use of modern composite materials and improvements in engineering and design.
The blades of a VAWT were fatigue prone due to the wide variation in applied forces during each rotation. This has been overcome by the use of modern composite materials and improvements in design; the use of aerodynamic wing tips causes the spreader wing connections to have a static load. The vertically-oriented blades used in early models twisted and bent during each turn, causing them to crack. Over time, these blades broke apart, sometimes leading to catastrophic failure. VAWTs have proven less reliable than HAWTs. Modern designs of VAWTs have overcome the majority of issues associated with early designs.
5. Theory
Wind Turbine Power Calculation:
First we start with the kinetic energy
Most of these factors may seem obvious but it is essential to mention them in order to aim for maximum efficiency when designing a turbine.
Wind: The more the wind speed, the more power output.
Height: Wind speed is greater at higher altitudes because of fewer obstructions from hills, buildings and tress. Also due to atmospheric factors more wind is present.
Rotor: The larger the rotor, the more the power output. However this will be costly in the long run.
Air density: The force applied by the wind increases when air density increases and this will allow the turbine to generate maximum power at a lower wind speed. The wind speed at which maximum power output is obtained from the turbine is called rated wind speed.

Temperature: The temperature for the turbine to work regularly is between -20 and 50 degrees centigrade. This is due to air density increasing at lower temperatures. When temperature is too high than less power output and if temperature is too low than the blades and other parts of the turbine will freeze up and wind turbine will stop