Australian researchers hope to put fresh spin on next-gen vertical wind turbines

South Australia’s Flinders University is set to trial a next-generation vertical wind turbine south of Adelaide in a research collaboration with local start-up VAWT-X Energy.

Backed by private equity and state and federal funding, a 6kW prototype will be installed on the Fleurieu Peninsula in the coming weeks for testing as part of a partnership to develop large-scale vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) prototypes.

So-called Darrieus VAWTs like the one being installed by Flinders University and VAWT-X Energy have been designed to be both quiet and adaptable and have demonstrated an ability to be just as efficient as traditional horizonal axis wind turbines, if not more so, while also being perfect for locations where the wind direction is highly variable.

This means that vertical axis wind turbines could be used in residential and urban areas.

Some issues still need to be addressed, however, such as drag co-efficiencies created by the blades rotating into the wind which have created challenges compared to more traditional turbines.

It is hoped, also, that VAWT turbines could be more economical to operate and are capable of providing greater stability for use offshore.

The new VAWT design being tested by Flinders University and VAWT-X Energy aims to address some of the aerodynamic challenges that have beset previous VAWT designs.

“We believe our VAWTs are not only more efficient but also more accessible for applications like off-grid power and sustainable energy solutions for small businesses and farms,” said Gary Andrews, founder of VAWT-X Energy.

“The design of these new VAWT-X Energy turbines solves some of the traditional barriers for Darrieus designs.”