Verticle Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) is a wind turbine where the shaft is vertical as opposed to horizontal. Usually the generator is located at it's base.

Advantages:

Generators and gearboxes are close to the ground for ease of maintanance

VAWTs are omni-directional so do not need to be pointed into the wind.

Transverse axis wind turbine (TAWT)

A VAWT tipped sideways with the shaft axis horizontal  o the ground, opperates in the same way.

Advantages of vertical axis wind turbines

• They are not subject to the minimum distace rules applied to Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT).
• VAWTs are rugged, quiet, omni-directional, and they do not create as much stress on the support structure.
• They have a very low starting torque.
• They do not require as much wind to start generating power.
• Easier to maintain.

Disadvantages of vertical axis wind turbines

• Tendency to stall under gusty winds.
• The VAWTs are not efficient in high wind speed environments.
• The blades can be prone to fatigue
•  Limited to operation in relatively low wind speeds.