There are two basic types of wind turbines: vertical and horizontal axis. Each has pros and cons. Horizontal-axis turbines tend to capture more power per square meter of wind, but are noisier, vibrate more, present hazards to birds, require more empty space around them, and must be elevated away from people. Vertical-axis turbines, on the…

A high-wind version of a vertical axis wind turbine is said to withstand jetstream-like 168 mph winds and extreme weather conditions. The High Wind Windspire from Mariah Power, Reno, Nevada, will feature a shorter version of the company’s giromill straight blade design and its current generator and inverter. The company plans to sell this new…

UK-based wind-energy company quietrevolution says it will use PLM software from Dassault Systèmes, Paris, to improve design and manufacturing of its wind energy generators. Having calculated a mathematically correct shape for its aerodynamically-optimized vertical axis rotor blades, quietrevolution uses Dassault’s Catia to design, engineer, and manufacture its turbines. The company says Catia helps them capitalize…

Not all wind turbines are megawatt units. Two designs from HelixWind, San Diego, are said to work in low-wind speeds common around residential areas and small commercial businesses. The developer says its Savonius-turbine design (a vertical axis windmill) catches wind from all directions creating smooth torque to spin an electric generator. Mounted up to 35-ft…