horizontal axis and vertical axis wind turbines

Basis of Difference Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Definition A horizontal axis wind turbine is the one A wind turbine is called a vertical
whose axis of rotation is horizontal. axis wind turbine if its axis of
rotation is vertical.
Abbreviated HAWT is the abbreviation used for VAWT is the abbreviation used to
name horizontal axis wind turbine. denote the vertical axis wind
turbine.
Axis of rotation For the horizontal axis wind turbine, the For the vertical axis wind turbine,
with respect to axis of rotation of turbine is parallel to the the axis of rotation of the turbine
wind stream wind stream. is perpendicular to the wind
stream.
Location of In the horizontal axis wind turbine, the In the vertical axis wind turbine,
electric generator electric generator is installed at the top of the generator is installed on the
the tower. ground.

Location of In HAWT, the gearbox is installed at the In VAWT, the gearbox is

gearbox top of the turbine tower. installed at the bottom of the
turbine.
Need of yaw In the horizontal axis wind turbine, the yaw The vertical axis wind turbine
mechanism mechanism is required to orient the turbine does not require yaw mechanism
in the direction of wind. because it receives wind from all
directions.
Self-starting Horizontal axis wind turbine is self- Vertical axis wind turbine is not
starting. self-starting, hence a starting
mechanism is required to start it
from stationary position.
Design and The design and installation of a horizontal The design and installation of a
installation axis wind turbine is complex. vertical axis wind turbine is
comparatively simple.
Operation space Horizontal axis wind turbine requires large Vertical axis wind turbine
of blades space for blade’s operation. requires small space for blade’s
operation.
Dependency on The operation of horizontal axis wind The operation of vertical axis
wind direction turbine is dependent on wind direction. wind turbine is independent of the
wind direction because it receives
wind from all directions.
Height from The height of the horizontal axis wind The vertical axis wind turbine is
ground turbine from ground is large. installed at comparatively smaller
distance from the ground.
Need of nacelle In case of horizontal axis wind turbines, a There is no need of nacelle in case
heavy nacelle is installed at the top of the of vertical axis wind turbines.
tower.
Power coefficient Horizontal axis wind turbine has a high Vertical axis wind turbine has a
power coefficient. low power coefficient.
Tip speed ratio Horizontal axis wind turbine has high tipVertical axis wind turbine has
(TSR) speed ratio. considerably low tip speed ratio.
Noise produced The operation of horizontal axis wind Vertical axis wind turbines
turbine is noisy. produce comparatively less noise.
Efficiency The ideal efficiency of horizontal axis wind
The ideal efficiency of vertical
turbine is around 50% to 60 %. axis wind turbine is usually more
than 70%.
Hindrance for Horizontal axis wind turbines cause high Vertical axis wind turbines cause
birds obstruction for birds. less hindrance for birds.
Cost Horizontal axis wind turbines are more Vertical axis wind turbines are
expensive due their complex design and less expensive because their
installation. design and installation is quite
simple.

1. write details about maintenance. procediese of Horizental axis wind turbine.

Regular Inspections:
Visual inspections: Technicians visually inspect the turbine components for signs of wear, damage, or
corrosion. This includes the blades, tower, nacelle, gearbox, and other critical components.
Electrical inspections: Check electrical connections, wiring, and components such as the generator and
control systems for any issues.
Cleaning: Remove dirt, debris, and bird droppings from the turbine blades and other exposed surfaces.
Cleaning may be done manually or using specialized equipment such as drones or robotic systems.
Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts such as bearings, gears, and shafts to ensure smooth operation and
reduce friction. This helps prevent premature wear and extends the lifespan of critical components.
Tightening and Adjustment: Check and tighten bolts, nuts, and fasteners to ensure that all connections are
secure. Inspect and adjust the tension of belts and other mechanical components as needed.
Gearbox Maintenance: Inspect the gearbox for leaks, abnormal noises, or excessive vibration, which
could indicate internal damage or wear. Replace gearbox oil or grease according to manufacturer
recommendations.
Blade Inspection and Repair: Inspect turbine blades for cracks, erosion, delamination, or other damage
that could affect performance or safety. Repair minor damage using specialized materials and techniques, or
replace damaged blades if necessary.
Yaw and Pitch System Maintenance: Inspect and maintain the yaw and pitch systems, which control the
orientation and angle of the turbine blades relative to the wind direction. Ensure that sensors, actuators, and
mechanical components are functioning correctly.
Safety Systems Inspection: Test and inspect safety systems such as overspeed protection, braking systems,
and emergency shutdown procedures to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Data Monitoring and Analysis: Utilize monitoring systems and data analytics to track turbine
performance, identify potential issues, and optimize maintenance schedules. This may involve analyzing
data on power output, wind conditions, and equipment health.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities, inspections,
repairs, and component replacements. This information helps track the history of the turbine and facilitates
compliance with maintenance schedules and regulatory requirements.
Training and Certification: Ensure that maintenance personnel receive proper training and certification to
safely and effectively perform maintenance tasks on HAWTs. This includes training on electrical safety,
working at heights, and handling specialized equipment
2. Explain working of Horizontal and Vertical axis wind Turbines.

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Working

- Once the wind blows, a wind turbine changes the kinetic energy from the motion of the wind into
mechanical through the revolution of the rotor. After that, this converted energy can be transmitted
through the shaft & the gear train toward the generator. Further, this generator converts the
energy from mechanical to electrical to generate electricity.

- The wind flows on both faces of the airfoil-shaped blade although flows faster on the upper face
of the airfoil to create a low-pressure region on the airfoil. The pressure difference between both
the top & bottom surfaces results within the aerodynamic lift.

- As the blades of a wind turbine are constrained to move in a plane with the hub as the center, the
lift force causes rotation about the hub. In addition to the lift force, a drag force perpendicular to
the lift force prevents rotor rotation.

- The horizontal axis wind turbine design mainly includes a high lift to drag ratio, especially for the
blades. So this ratio can change through the blade’s length to optimize the output energy for the
wind turbine at different speeds of wind. The generator & rotor shaft are arranged within the box at
the top of the array.