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What Is a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine?

4/9/2024

Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), also known as “eggbeater” turbines, are simply used to convert wind into electricity. 

This type of wind turbine was created to expand and enhance power generation. That is the process of using different types of technology for electricity production. What sets apart VAWTs from other wind turbines is their ability to use wind from different directions. 

The main rotor shaft of a VAWT is pointed vertically. Because of this, the turbine doesn’t need to be pointed toward the wind to work. This was a great discovery because VAWTs can generate power even in unstable weather conditions.

If you’re interested in the wind turbine industry, it’s beneficial to have an understanding of the different types of wind turbines. At Universal Technical Institute (UTI), we offer a 30-week Wind Turbine Technician program that can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to service and install wind turbine technology.1 

Read more to learn about VAWTs and what makes them special.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Vs. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

What are the biggest differences between VAWTs and horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs)? It is their design. This highly affects the types of environments and conditions they thrive in. 

HAWTs are the most common types of wind turbine as they are proven to be reliable and perform well. However, they are difficult to service because the gearbox and generator are located at the top of the tower. Typically, in order to service HAWTs, cranes are needed for repairs and installations. 

VAWTs have their generators located at ground level which makes it safer and easier to service. Since they don’t rely on the direction of the wind, they also don’t need extra gears and systems to track the wind, which the HAWTs rely on. 

Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

From the 1920s to the 1930s, the VAWT was being developed and in the process of being commercialized. As progress was made, two types of vertical axis wind turbines were created. 

Savonius Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

The Savonius vertical axis wind turbine has two long, curved blades that sit across from each other. It operates on “drag force,” which is created when wind hits the blades and makes them rotate. This also means that it can’t rotate faster than the wind speed. 

The Savonius design doesn’t have the same power coefficient as other models. This means that the power it takes to convert the wind into electricity isn’t as efficient. However, the Savonius turbine is the most cost-effective, has low noise, and is the easiest to build and maintain. 

Darrieus Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

The Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine is the type of VAWT that looks more like an eggbeater. It has two or three thin, curved blades, depending on the model. This type of VAWT relies on the air pressure to create a life force, which is what causes it to rotate. 

The Darrieus model has more power coefficient as it is able to maintain a good torque speed. That allows it to generate more power than the Savonius design. A downside to this model is that it isn’t self-starting.

Benefits and Disadvantages of VAWTs

There are a handful of pros and cons for VAWTs. 

Some VAWT benefits include: 

  • Easy maintenance: The gearbox and generator can be placed at the ground level. The tower doesn’t need to support it, which makes it safer and more accessible for maintenance.  
  • Automatic orientation: VAWTs don’t require a yaw motor, which is what aligns other types of wind turbines with the wind. 
  • Weather flexibility: Unlike other wind turbines, weather conditions like sudden strong winds don’t have a great effect on VAWTs. They can withstand it and maintain their functions. That is why they work well in mountainous and coastal areas. 

Some VAWT disadvantages include: 

  • Not self-starting: Not all VAWT models have the capability to start on their own. They might require a start-up mechanism. 
  • Low tower: VAWTs are smaller than HAWTs, which means they can’t take advantage of wind at higher elevations. 
  • Airflow dead zones: A big drawback on the efficiency of VAWTs is that the rotations aren’t constant as the lift forces change the direction at every revolution. A wind revolution is what allows the turbine’s generator to produce electricity. 

The Importance of Wind Turbine Technicians

Wind turbines are used to provide electricity for all kinds of areas, like neighborhoods, business districts and farmland. Wind energy technicians are needed to service VAWTs to inspect and maintain the turbines to make sure they work efficiently. 

Qualities of wind turbine technicians include the ability to work at heights, physical strength, strong communication, problem-solving, and mechanical skills. 

Do Wind Turbine Technicians Need Technical Training? 

Taking wind turbine courses could benefit anyone who is interested in training for a career in the wind technology industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), wind techs typically have attended technical schools to earn a postsecondary certificate in wind energy technology. 

Wind Industry Jobs

Similar to any industry, other industries, wind technician training program graduates are prepared for entry-level roles. Over time, technicians may be able to advance their careers with experience and hard work.77 Jobs include:

Entry level:

Advanced:

  • Troubleshooting technician
  • LOTO I & II specialist
  • Wind farm support specialist
  • Research and development
  • Electrical engineer
  • Environmental engineer
  • Materials engineer

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for wind power technicians in the United States was $61,770 in May 2023.61 This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand, and cost of living in the area.

Considering a Career in the Wind Industry? 

UTI’s Wind Turbine Technician program can help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a wind turbine technician. From courses such as Energy Industrial Fundamentals to Advanced Electrical Theory, learn how to service wind turbines. 

Want to get started? You can request more information to learn more about our wind technician training program or apply today! 

Campuses That Offer Wind Technician Training

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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
61 ) The Wind Technician training program prepares graduates for entry-level positions using the provided training, primarily as wind power technicians. Estimated annual salary is for Wind Turbine Service Technicians as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages. Entry-level salaries are lower for graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Some graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as wind power technicians, such as installation technicians and field service technicians. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is available at https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageSpecificOccupations#. Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled wind turbine technicians in North Carolina is $34.35 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wages, Wind Turbine Service Technicians). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $32.45 and $31.97, respectively.
77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

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