Wind energy is one of the best solutions to our current energy crisis. One way to harness the winds power is through a device called wind turbine. A typical horizontal axis windmill requires an area of at least an acre and wind speed of not less than 11 miles per hour; a prerequisite most area doesn’t usually meet. Even the device itself can be costly since conventional wind turbine requires tall towers to operate. One of the perfect alternatives to typical wind turbine is the savonius wind turbine.
The savonius wind turbine was invented by a Finnish engineer named Sigurd J. Savonius in the 1920’s. During that time, horizontal axis windmills were already widely used. But early conventional windmill designs were quite sophisticated and costly to setup and maintain. The savonius wind turbine became a perfect alternative. The system was adapted for applications such as water pumping and grain grinding.
The savonius design has several advantages over convention horizontal axis windmill. The design patented by Sigurd J. Savonius was one of the few vertical axis wind turbine; also known as VAWT’s. Due to its vertical axis, the system can operate even at varying wind direction; a feature you won’t get from conventional horizontal axis turbines. Because the savonius design works well even with low wind condition, the system doesn’t require a tower or other expensive structure to hold it in place which greatly reduces its initial setup cost. And since the system is close to the ground, maintenance can be done with ease.
Because of the simplicity of the design, any DIY and alternative energy enthusiast can create their own savonius wind turbine at home. The material often used to create the scoops is made up of a single oil barrel cut lengthwise. The two halves are then joined at one end to form an “S” shape when viewed from the top. Because the design uses scoops instead of blades, the system can run quietly without waking up the neighbors. And because of the lack of long blades, it is safe for birds that would pass near the system.
However, due to the lack of blades of the savonius wind turbine is also its disadvantage. The scoop system it uses to harness the winds energy has only half the efficiency of conventional turbine resulting to less power generation. Although the system is short on efficiency, it still offers some interesting feature such as the low profile design making it durable even with very strong winds. Above all, it lets you enjoy the benefits of the winds free energy all at a less cost.
Enjoy the benefits of free energy now!
For more information on savonius wind turbines and reviews on alternate energy guides, visit http://www.sweetsolarenergy.com
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