Sight
Perhaps the most obvious feature of the Aquilo Vertical Wind Turbine is its visual design. The pleasing aesthetic promotes the image of grace and freedom, like the mast of a yacht, rather than the propellers of a plane. The benefit is minimum view obstruction.
Sound
The vertical design reduces the sonic footprint as much as 50% to 70% or more in comparison to horizontal turbines. It is that much quieter due to blade tip speed. The vertical design and physics prevent the blade from exceeding the speed of the centre, which in return produces less noise. The horizontal turbine designs create more noise with significant blade tip speeds 3 to 4 times faster than the rotation of the centre of the turbine. Reduced noise pollution is a major consideration in the suitability of wind power for homes and businesses.
Wind Capacity
The vertical design has the same wind surface as that of a horizontal turbine. And because of the vertical design and its ability to rotate and diffuse the wind, a higher survival speed is possible, generating power longer. (While the horizontal turbine will yaw or auto furl out of the wind and shut down until winds slow down, the vertical can maintain production longer before the braking mechanism is called into play.)
Brake System
The Aquilo VAWT is equipped with a hydraulic automatic brake system, which activates at specifications based on your location, with a survival speed not to exceed 50MPS. There is also a manual brake option if required. This means less wear and tear on the blades and more efficient wind harvesting.
Wind Direction
With the vertical design, wind is captured from any direction without the need of a yaw mechanism. The Aquilo VAWT is always positioned for optimum wind harvesting.
Area Required
The geographical footprint of the vertical turbine is typically less than half that of horizontal turbines. 5KW and 10KW turbines can be placed in close proximity to one another. The largest 50KW VAWT would require a mere 50’ between them based on tower height, staggered at 45-degree angles to one another. The actual land being used is a visible circle 36’ in diameter with the footings underground. The Aquilo vertical-axis wind turbine design requires less than half the footprint compared to horizontal-axis wind turbines. This enables flexible placement to take advantage of locations that maximize wind velocity.
Power Curve
The vertical turbine requires lower wind speed for its start up, creating electricity with winds as low as 6 mph. The progression of power is slow and controlled, allowing 10-30% more power generation than other turbines.
Maintenance
The Aquilo Vertical Wind Turbines utilize a direct drive permanent magnetic system. There is no gearbox. There are fewer moving parts and they located close to the ground resulting in easy access when required. Due to the unique design and material used, lifetime maintenance will be 50% to 60% less than that of the traditional turbines. This is why Aquilo offers one of the best warrantees in the wind turbine market.
Life of Turbine
The Aquilo Turbine will have an estimated life of 20 to 30 years depending on winds and weather and maintenance.