Inspiration Case 12: Vertical Axis Wind Energy Turbines

INSPIRATION CASE 12: VERTICAL AXIS WIND ENERGY TURBINES General Information Vertical axis wind turbines, like our featured example Mag-wind, rotate around a vertical axis and are especially designed for use in urban settings. As they are smaller and much quieter than horizontal turbines as well as not dependent on wind directions, they fit seamingly well on top of urban buildings or close nearby.

Inspiration & Parametres for change a) integrated sustainable design

As normal wind turbines are, due to their noise production and size, likely to be installed in the outskirts or even off-shore, these turbines are designed for in-built appliance. This reduces the distance and a dependancy of availability.

b) societal inclusion of sustainable living

ÂŠ Clear Village 2011

Installing sources of renewable energy directly in the neighbourhood shows that sustainability is not only nice to have but works as an education and social inclusion tool as it creates awareness for sustainability and responsibility.

INSPIRATION CASE 12: VERTICAL AXIS WIND ENERGY TURBINES Our inspiring examples: Mag-wind vertical axis wind turbine

The Mag-wind vertical axis turbine is a ‘Magnetically-Levitated Axial Flux Alternator with Programmable Variable Coil Resistance, Vertical Axis Wind Turbine’. It has been designed by Thomas Priest-Brown and Jim Rowan in Canada and is being manufactured in Texas. This wind turbine is especially designed for home installation in urban settings, only 4 feet high and told to be inaudible. Unlike common turbines, it doesn’t mind little turbulences, works well in developed areas and gets utilises the socalled “the roof effect” that makes winds stronger at sloped roofs.

What does this mean for the local community? Vertical axis wind turbines are visually more appealing than other models. But more importantly, their smaller scale allows it to fit into any urban environment, providing energy in spaces that could not be suitable for other forms of renewable energy provision like horizontal wind turbines.

How do vertical wind turbines work in detail? There are different versions of vertical axis wind turbines existing on the market, the presented Mag-wind is just one example of it. Some might come with symmetrical blades, some rather look like a cone consisting of several smaller welded blades. Nonetheless, all vertical axis wind turbines have mututal advantages in comparison to horizontal ones. There is no need to turn vertical axis turbines into the wind, it can be driven by wind from any direction. This is especially valuable in urban environments, where winds are constantly changing directions. Secondly, there’s no need to shut them down at high wind speeds. Additionaly, vertical wind turbines are much quieter hence can be built within or close to urban dwellings. Lastly, they are symmetrical in design which makes them better balanced than horizontal ones. As they consist of fewer moving parts, they are more robust and less expensive to produce.

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