Vertical Windmills

Vertical windmills aren’t such a recent concept. In fact, despite that we are accustomed to seeing horizontal axis windmills, the first windmills invented were the vertical ones. The first functional types were invented in the 9th century, but their design has changed very much over the years in order to get a higher efficiency from them.

Vertical windmills have many advantages. One of them is the low sound that they make. Horizontal windmills usually are very noisy, a fact that is proven by their settlements in non-populated or low populated areas with not so many habitants around. Due to their silent work, vertical windmills are most of the times used by humans for their homes, cities or commercial buildings.

Another advantage that vertical windmills have is that they can capture more wind than horizontal windmills. No matter the direction from which the wind blows, vertical windmills can capture it and transform it into energy. We can’t say the same about the horizontal axis type windmills.

A vertical windmill is easier to maintain. It is also safer to do it, too. We owe this to the fact that the location of the generator is at the ground level. Because it is in such a handy place and uncomplicated to repair, we save more time and energy when we give it maintenance or when we repair it.

Using the vertical windmills’ design also brings benefits for the birds. Birds often fly into the horizontal axis windmill. From this point of view the vertical axis type is safer and there are minimal chances for birds to fly into its blades.

Vertical windmills can also have a highly esthetical look, as they can be adapted to the surrounding area. They don’t have a pre-established pattern to pursue when building them. You can find them in many shapes.

The most common vertical windmills are the Savonius and the Darrieus. The Savonius windmill is mainly used for pumping the water or for grain grinding. If you look at it from above, you notice that its shape is the one of the letter “S”. Unlike the Savonius, the Darrieus windmill is used for generating electricity and not for pumping water. Its blades are in shape of the letter “C”, providing it the aspect of an eggbeater.

We live in a world where the electricity is not only beginning to become more and more expensive, but we’re also becoming more aware that  some sources that produce it are affecting the environment. Start thinking at building your own vertical or even horizontal axis windmill so you can save money and help save the Earth in the process.