Tag Archives: vertical axis wind machines

Introduction to Vertical Axis Wind Machines

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Wind energy is growing more economical and reliable. Vertical axis machines can help meet smaller, local needs for communities with limited resources.  These include pumping water, grinding grain, powering  workshops and in some cases, generating electricity. Learn about the two main types of vertical axis wind machines in this article: The lift type (eggbeater, helical and h-rotor) The Darrieus vertical axis wind turbines often has two or three thin, curved blades, depending on the model. These turn at higher speeds suitable for generating electricity but require much greater skill in design and engineering. The h-type is simply vertical blades. The … Continue reading →

Historic Vertical Axis Wind Machines: Lessons for Sustainable Energy

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Most people are familiar with horizontal axis wind machines. These include the charming Dutch and Danish water pumping machines, the smaller sail windmills of Portugal, Greece and other areas, the iconic multi-blade water pumpers of the American west (millions sold), and the ever larger and more expensive three-blade wind turbines being used around the world to generate electricity. Hundreds of different wind machine designs have been proposed, built and tested and innovation continues to this day. The vertical axis wind machines are less well known. These had been invented and refined hundreds of years before the horizontal axis machines. Two … Continue reading →