Based on the principals Darrieus Design.
(Design description, technical and scientific challenges, concept, solution and technical risk.)

Small scale HAWTs and VAWTs have historically all suffered from one major failing and this pertains to their ability to handle high winds or turbulent conditions.

Currently there isn’t a variable pitch vertical axis wind turbine system available anywhere in the world available for general sale. The technical difficulties that need to be over come have proved too taxing even for research institutions which have no limitations in terms of time or product cost. Recent history has recorded few designs which have provided a slightly improved performance over existing fixed pitch systems; however the mechanisms used have been extremely complex and proved woefully unreliable.

Variable pitch systems have been used extensively in aerospace over the past 70 years; however the control system we need to incorporate is very different. HAWT use a common systems used a universal pitch change mechanism, i.e. all the blades move together through the same pitch increment. This is used to vary either the speed or thrust of the system, but since the air is moving through the device in a uniform manor, the method of control remains simple. Since our application is in the vertical axis, we have a very different requirement and need to affect pitch changes in a much more controlled and independent way every revolution, which is very difficult. This is the reason why this system has not been used by any previous company, and indeed why all other attempts by research establishments have ultimately failed, this is a totally new design.

In order to maximise the VAWT efficiencies, a pitch control system must make many incremental changes to blade pitches on every revolution of the turbine, in order to maximise lift, minimise drag and stabilise the system in all wind conditions.

OUR TURBINE ADVANTAGES

Our groundbreaking approach is set to achieve this for the VAWT market, making it a clear leader for the urban environment, and a strong contender and alternative in rural settings.

• Has a much broader operating envelope (low and high wind speed tolerances) most shutdown
• or peak at 25 Metres per second / 50 mph
• Requires no external electricity power to operate the control mechanisms, it is purely mechanical control mechanisms.
• External braking system is not required, utilizes aerodynamic properties rather than large additional parts. Mechanical braking systems need more servicing, inevitably wear out and the greater weight makes the turbine harder to start and stop.
• Reduces overall installation cost (less expensive electronics required for control and grid tie interface).
• Our groundbreaking approach is set to achieve this for the VAWT market, making it a clear leader for the urban environment, and a strong contender and alternative in rural settings.