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 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 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.

What stage is the development of this wind turbine at?

Initial research and development has been undertaken, and the next steps are for us to refine this and also undertake the various processes required for health and safety certification so that the silent wind turbine can be commercialised and brought to market. As a result of high levels of commercial demand, we’re currently working on a micro-turbine with a 1.5kW output, though in the future other sizes of turbine would also be developed. The latest company news can be found here, and for more information on the opportunities available please see here.

Which applications is the 1.5kW turbine suited to?

The silent wind turbine can be used for:

§         Powering a cluster of street lights or CCTV cameras.

§         Powering cell phone (mobile phone) masts, especially in outlying areas.

§         Charging batteries.

§         Domestic power supply via a battery bank if the house is converted to 12v or 24v power, e.g. lifestyle blocks and self-sufficient homes.

§         Complimenting solar panels.

§         Surplus output can be sold back to the national grid.

§         Heat pump power supply, backed up by a mains switch-over.

§         Water heating.

§         Pumping water.

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

The turbine is still under development and not available for purchase as yet. Luethi Enterprises would be pleased to hear from any individuals or companies with a commercial interest in our silent wind turbine – please do contact us.

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

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.

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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