Turbine Comparison

Vertical and conventional horizontal turbines are generally similar when looking to generate electricity. A closer look into assembly, installation and maintenance shows the savings possible for the equipment and maintenance needed to take advantage of wind power.

DURABILITY

Our Maglev vertical wind turbines use Maglev bearings, or magnetic levitation technology, to increase their lifespan by creating a frictionless operating mechanism, which greatly reduces wear and tear. As a result, our turbines can last for 20 to 25 years, while horizontal turbines can fail after 16000 hours of use.

Our vertical turbine blades use a special tension system to ensure that they are always positioned for the lowest possible air resistance. Horizontal turbine blades, on the other hand, lack this tension system and often work against greater air resistance, which increases wear and tear and the risk of blade failure.

Additionally, our vertical turbine blades are made from recycled aluminium, which is lighter and more environmentally friendly than the steel used in horizontal turbine blades.

With the current rise in environmental awareness, more and more businesses are looking to renewable energy sources. Wind turbines, which convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, are an increasingly popular choice. However, conventional or “horizontal” turbine systems can be costly, difficult to maintain, and inefficient.

With our revolutionary technology, Maglev vertical wind turbines can provide the affordable, productive and user-friendly solution to these problems.

SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS WITH INSTALLATION & MAINTENANCE WHEN USING VERTICAL TURBINES

Compared to conventional wind turbines, our vertical turbines are:

  • More cost-effective
  • Longer-lasting
  • More technologically advanced
  • Easier to transport
  • Easier to install
  • Easier to maintain
  • & more environmentally friendly

TRANSPORTATION

Transporting conventional turbines involves moving heavy, large components, which leads to many difficult planning and equipment requirements. These can include a large fleet of heavy transport and escort vehicles, travel limitations, removal or displacement of obstacles such as power cables, and a wide range of specialised lifting equipment.

As a result of these requirements, transporting a conventional turbine can entail very high costs.

Our UK Maglev vertical turbines, however, are both easier and more cost-effective to transport:

  • The turbine, blades and hardware can be handled with ordinary freight handling equipment and transported in an ordinary truck.
  • Total combined weight does not exceed 5000 kilograms (excluding the concrete base)
  • More travel options since more roads will be able to support the weight.
  • No obstacle removal or escort vehicles required.

INSTALLATION

Our Maglev vertical wind turbines are easy and quick to install.

While horizontal turbines require intensive preparation such as deep excavation, building large foundations and hardstandings, clearances for vehicles and transport, continued area maintenance, and large spaces to avoid wind interference, our vertical turbines:

  • Can be mounted on a simple concrete base (for turbines up to 30 kilowatts)
  • Require little to no excavation
  • Require only minor site preparation (for turbines up to 50 kilowatts)
  • Can be placed close together to save valuable space and wiring

All site preparation can be accomplished with a small digger or backhoe, and does not require specialised equipment. The concrete base can be formed either on- or off-site, and the centre tower can also be made locally in order to save shipping costs. Installation can be performed easily by two or three people with the use of a small hydraulic hand-operated crane, or a “cherry picker”.

[Image]The Construction Needed for Large Horizontal Wind Turbine

As these illustrations show, a Maglev vertical turbine requires much less space and building work – and therefore much less cost and time - to install than a horizontal turbine.

MAINTENANCE

Our Maglev vertical turbines are affordable and easy to maintain.

Conventional horizontal turbines require a gearbox and a wind tower to operate, which require highly specialised maintenance. In contrast, our vertical turbines operate without gearboxes or wind towers, and only require 2 or 3 semi- skilled people for occasional generator maintenance or replacement.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

As a renewable energy company, Maglev UK is dedicated to making environmentally friendly products. Since Maglev vertical turbines require:

  • Fewer vehicles for transportation
  • Less installation space, both aboveground and underground
  • Less or no specialised building equipment

Leaving a much smaller carbon footprint than horizontal turbines.

With our long-lasting products, cutting-edge technology, and our commitment to practicing what we preach, it’s clear that Maglev UK is the smart choice for your renewable energy needs.