The Case for Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

We know that there is enough wind globally to satisfy much, or even most, of humanity's energy requirements if it could be harvested effectively and on a large enough scale. Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), which may be as efficient as current horizontal axis systems, might be practical, simpler and significantly cheaper to build and maintain than horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs). They also have other inherent advantages, such as they are always facing the wind, which might make them a significant player in our quest for cheaper, cleaner renewable sources of electricity. VAWTs might even be critical in mitigating grid interconnect stability and reliability issues currently facing electricity producers and suppliers. Additionally, cheap VAWT's may provide an alternative to the rain forest destruction for the growing of bio-fuel crops. This paper describes some research findings of a particular original VAWT design and argues for increased research and development of this technology.