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→Vertical Axis Wind Turbines
== Vertical Axis Wind Turbines ==
There isn't the space on a boat necessary for a horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) for supplementary power. Even a small vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) is problematical. Think an egg beater, with the gearbox and generator located at the bottom of the mast. VAWTs are omnidirectional and can take advantage of turbulent and gusty winds because they require a lower wind speed to self-start. They rotate at 1/3 to 1/4 the speed of HAWTs, which reduces their noise and vibration levels.
Early designs (Savonius, Darrieus and giromill) had significant torque variation on the blades during each revolution, which tended to break the blades. Later designs based on the Darrieus model solved these issues with a helical twist of 60 or 120 degrees in the blades; and by using composite materials for the blades.
