Helical Wind Turbine
Helical wind turbines have grown in popularity recently especially
for home and urban use. Many helical wind turbines look like DNA
structures, large drill bits or other spiral designs which catch
the wind and produce electricity.
The helical wind turbine is said by manufacturers to be quieter
than bladed turbines because of slower speeds along the blade tips.
Another advantage of the helical wind turbine design is that many
times slow minimum wind speeds are needed in order to get the device
rotating.
Typically, helical wind turbines are designed along a vertical
axis. Vertical axis wind
turbines are generally gaining popularity for residences and
urban settings because they can be placed lower to the ground and
on rooftops.
Another advantage of the helical wind turbine is that it generally
can be used in areas with higher wind speeds where bladed turbines
would need to be shut down for safety reasons. Three of the popular
manufacturers of the helical wind turbine include Helix, QuietRevolution
and Wind Wanderer.
Helical wind turbines can be mounted on rooftops, in yards, at
airports or other settings depending upon the exact design and application.
They can be tower mounted or mounted close to the base.
Another advantage of the helical wind turbine is bird safety. In
recent years, manufacturers of utility scale horizontal axis bladed
wind turbines have come under fire for killing birds especially
in migratory paths.
With a helical wind turbine, bird issues have rarely been a concern.
Helical wind turbines are also less susceptible to problems with
crosswinds than bladed turbines and they require no tail-fan to
keep them pointed in the optimal direction.
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