FAQs - frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) and a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT)?

The traditional style of wind turbine, and the ones currently used for wind farms, are horizontal axis wind turbines, so called because the blades revolve around an axis which is horizontal.

The silent wind turbine by Luethi Enterprises is a vertical axis wind turbine, that is, the blades revolve around an axis which is vertical.

What is a Savonius wind turbine?

A Savonius wind turbine is a type of vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) originally invented by Finnish engineer Sigurd J Savonius in 1922. Savonius turbines are drag-type devices, and unlike horizontal axis wind turbines, no pointing mechanism is required to allow for shifting wind directions, as the blades always face the wind. Savonius wind turbines are self-starting, unlike the Darrieus wind turbine (another type of VAWT) which usually needs a push start.

How can a wind turbine be silent? Surely it must make some sound?

The silent wind turbine by Luethi Enterprises really is silent – view a movie clip which demonstrates this. (48 seconds; 4.9MB; WMV format)

The reason our wind turbine is silent is because the blades don’t have any friction in the wind. Unlike horizontal axis wind turbines whose blades cut through the wind, and the tips of the blade are faster than the wind itself, thereby creating the whirring sound so often associated with wind turbines. Our wind turbine works with the wind, rather than cutting through it, so noise is not an issue. There is no mechanical noise either.

How does the 500W silent wind turbine by Luethi Enterprises work?

The blades always face the wind, so the wind turbine is always in the wind, whereas the large horizontal axis wind turbines need a gearbox to angle the turbine into the wind, and also to angle the blades according to the wind speed. The gearboxes in these turbines work very hard and consequently tend to have a relatively short lifespan.

The silent wind turbine by Luethi Enterprises is much simpler – and also more effective. Our unique patented regulator in the 500W turbine mechanically angles the blades according to the wind speed, producing a relatively consistent power supply with little drop-off as the wind oscillates and gusts. It even continues producing power in high winds, when other wind turbines have to be switched off.

For more information, see the design overview.

Why is it an advantage not to have a gearbox?

The gearboxes in the traditional horizontal axis wind turbines currently have an average life span of 1.5 years. Replacing them is costly. So with the silent wind turbine by Luethi Enterprises you don’t have this worry.

Which applications is the 500W turbine suited to?

The applications page of this website lists the different uses of the silent wind turbine.

How can the power of the wind turbine be used? Is it suitable for battery charging and/or grid inversion?

The applications page of this website lists the different uses of the silent wind turbine.

Where can I buy a silent wind turbine by Luethi Enterprises?

Please see our "How to buy a wind turbine" page.

If you’re interested in a distribution licence for your territory, find out more about the opportunities available and do contact us.

Where should I site my wind turbine? What's an ideal location?

Please see the Installation information here.

I want to fit a wind turbine to my home. Will I need planning permission or resource consent?

This depends on where you live, though the silent wind turbine by Luethi Enterprises has been designed to be within the dimensions allowed by UK planning regulations. Please check with your local council or planning office to ensure compliance.

Like most other wind turbine suppliers, we would not recommend installing a wind turbine on a pitched roof for a variety of factors, such as roof strength and potential damage through vibrations. Installing and maintaining a wind turbine on a pitched roof is also extremely hazardous.

Please see the Installation information here.

What is the easiest way to install a Silent Wind Turbine?

Please see the Installation information here.

Can I install a silent wind turbine in a remote location?

Yes! The Silent Wind Turbine by Luethi Enterprises is ideal for remote locations. Most other wind turbines need power to run their electronics, so these turbines either need an external power source to run, or they draw a significant percentage (up to 80%) of the power produced. This drastically affects the power available to the end user.

With the Silent Wind Turbine by Luethi Enterprises, 100% of the power produced is available to the end user.

Do you have any other questions which haven’t been answered here?

Then please contact us.

Luethi Enterprises Limited       Email: info@silentwindturbine.com       Phone: +44 (0) 1634 711 179           

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