better generation - The Turby VAWT

measure your wind speed
If you're thinking of buying a wind turbine, there's no substitute for measuring your wind speed to work out whether you have a suitable site.

the turby vawt

This is an independent review we have compiled for your reference. Feel free to add your comments or experiences at the bottom of the page.

An attractive-looking vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) designed in the Netherlands. Like the Quiet Revolution QR5, the Turby features a helical twist to its blades, which means it turns more smoothly and protects the components from the fatigue problems that are often experienced by straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines.

turby power output curve

The graph below shows the typical power produced (in Watts) for the Turby at different wind speeds. At wind speeds above 14 metres per second, the Turby shuts down to protect from damage, and produces no power.

Compare power curve with other turbines

wind turbine blade diameter

Blade diameter is an important thing to look at when comparing turbines, since it affects how much power can be captured from the wind. This turbine has a blade diameter of 2.89 metres.

How windy? If you are thinking of buying a Turby, we'd advise measuring your wind resource first. Not just because we sell anemometers but it means you will have a much better idea of how much power you might generate.

the turby wind turbine in action

Short piece about the Turby wind turbine broadcast on the Science Channel, featuring interview with Martijn Sidler from Turby B.V.

video credit: The Science Channel

our view

There's a great deal of innovation going on in the vertical axis wind turbine market at the moment, with lots of claims about their improved suitability for urban environments. The Turby, designed and built in the Netherlands, is one of the more serious contenders, having been around for a number of years. However like most VAWTs it still is really in test phase - no large numbers have been produced as far as we can tell.

available voltages

240 Volt

noise levels

Noise levels are meant to be lower with vertical axis turbines like the Turby.

Compare this turbine with similar sized machines listed in our independent index of small wind turbines.

comments (2) add comment

Richard Smith said:

This seems to have a lot going for it, if building mounted turbines are in fact a viable option. Unlike parapet mounted systems, it takes wind from all directions, including upwards. My concern is with what appears to be a rather clumsy braking system. If I understand correctly, at peak power, just 14 m/s, it comes to a halt. If they could find a way to flatten out that power curve at higher speeds, I think they might be on to something.

November 17, 2008

Rosemary Jones said:

Please let me know of any company which might be interested in producing a patent protected 16cm high mini wind/water turbine frame for caravans, boats and sheds, and perhaps to be positioned on stationary vehicles to augment electric charge.
Many thanks if you have time for this.
Rosemary
UK

November 17, 2008

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