Helix Wind`s S594 Turbine Withstands 80mph Storm in Alaska

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by Greenman

Are you comparing this vertical axis curiosity with a real wind turbine?

If large wind turbines can't survive winds above 35 mph, then there are a lot of stupid investors in wind farms all across the world.

You really should learn something before you post nonsense.

These turbines are simply focused on small wind. They are typically massively less efficient than large horizontal axis turbines. This is why utility wind farms have large, horizontal axis turbines. They are more efficient. And, they survive winds in excess of 100 mph, despite what you might see on YouTube.

Vertical axis turbines claim to be energy efficient but most vertical axis turbines are low height. This is great if you are looking to avoid a tall, expensive and unsightly turbine but not so great when you realize that wind energy is best above obstacles such as houses, tree lines, hills, etc.

While it is a selling point that vertical axis turbines generate energy at wind speeds in excess of 35 mph, how often does the wind blow like that compared to 5-10 mph? It's a simple answer that you should already know.

The primary issues in small wind are not survivability or energy generation at 35+ mph. The issues are cost, energy production, and noise.

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by Altazi

Can I use it as a CB-radio antenna?

It looks somewhat like a white large intestine. Excuse me, I have to go to the bathroom.

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by Jason M. Hendler

Yes, I've seen that film before. The Helix Wind design has a vertical axis of rotation, and its wind catching surface is only 1 - 2 feet from the axis support, so it can withstand gale force winds. The fan type turbines with horizontal axes and blades 100's of feet long usually can't handle winds above 35 mph.

Most turbines have a cut-in speed which is the wind speed before they begin generating energy. Turbines also have a cut-out speed which is the wind speed where they stall or pitch blades to prevent damage. Turbines also have survivability speeds where they are rated to not be significantly damaged by extreme, and rare, wind speeds.

It is clear that a vertical axis turbine with a small radius could sustain an 80 mph wind. But why would you state that a horizontal axis turbine (of which hundreds of thousands exist) can't handle winds above 35 mph.

Is it possible that you don't understand the simple difference between cut-out speed and survivability speed? Most large wind turbines are designed to survive in 120 mph winds, not 35 mph winds. This is why they are popping up all across west Texas. Of course, they don't continue to generate energy at 120 mph winds but as I said, this is rare.

Tell us again about what you know about global warming!

[Greenman]

Originally Posted by Jason M. Hendler

Nothing, but its far more economical for utilities to put up those large turbines. These turbines are for remote locations or distributed energy production for businesses and homes.

Even though these large turbines cost millions of dollars and destruct at wind speeds of 35 mph? How economical can that be?