Vertical Axis turbines are the only wild life friendly turbines in the world. Although wind has been harnessed for centuries, it has only recently emerged as a major part of our energy solution. Before the 21st century, wind was primarily used to pump water from wells and to grind grain, but over the last twenty years the cost of wind energy has dropped by more than 80 percent, turning it into the most affordable form of clean energy. Recent advances have allowed for sophisticated wind technologies, which previously sat in the mind of thoughtful engineers and inventers, to be developed into cost-effective, reliable solutions.
On a small scale, the characteristics of wind vary greatly and show few similarities to the ones faced by large horizontal axis wind turbines on wind farms. Because of the high cost of tall towers and local permitting requirements, small wind turbines are typically placed closer to the ground than the 30 story-height seen on wind farms. The winds found at these heights switch directions frequently and are generally of lower quality than those found on a wind farm – situations generally more suitable for vertical axis turbines.
For a small wind turbine to be effective, it has to produce energy across a wide range of wind and continuously changing directions. Additionally, it has to be very quiet not to disturb nearby neighbours, and it certainly helps if it is pleasing to the eye as well!
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