I was wondering what people thought about verticle wind turbines?

Hey Chris;

  This is a regular debate.  There seems to be a general consensus in the wind-power community that says VAWT's are enough LESS powerful per Swept Area that it's preferable to just get a Horizontal.   I've got the parts mostly collected to make a vertical, and really want to see for myself.  I think there are some advantages that could offset the 'efficiency-deficiency', such as

1) simpler to construct (one bearing set, no detailed shaping),

2)takes wind from all directions, so doesn't have to reorient to new sources, missing the power in more turbulent situations (albeit turbulence is a yield-cost from the get-go)

3)less torque on tower structure (HAWT's turning into a new source gyroscopically crank on the Tower)

4) 'supposedly' can be set up to gain advantage of draft coming UP the sides of a roof, if in Rooftop mode..(generally advised against, at least with HAWTS, due to vibration on House frame, and maddening Noises inside)

5) Rotation speed is slower, so less noise, less danger to birds (?!), less wear on edges, less to break down.

Check out www.windside.com for a cool look at a commercial model from Finland, I think.

Bob Fiske