Helix Collapse Fails to Crush Hope for Vertical Wind Turbines

Vertical wind turbines certainly have certain advantages (no need for pointing into the wind, put the heavy gearboxes and generators closer to the ground for lower C.G.'s, etc) but apparently they suffer from fundamental limitations that cannot be overcome by all the hope and change in the world. While the forms may be pleasing to the eye, at the end of the day, its value is determined by how much energy it can produce for a given amount of money spent. I applaud those who push the limits and see where we can take a concept, but at some point, you have to be willing to say, "Enough" and try something else.

By the way, I had a debate with a reasonably well-educated person last week who was still convinced of the existence of a carburetor (back in the 70's) for "normal" cars that would allow them to get 50 MPG and that the oil companies bought it up destroyed the technology. No amount of explanation of the Carnot cycle, the second law of thermodynamics could convince him otherwise. I eventually just gave up. It baffles me as to why these myths still persist. It is interesting that through aerodynamics and sophisticated engine management systems (and some careful and creative driving on the driver's part) , we have cars that actually achieve those numbers these days.

since we think in pictures, and only recall 1/3 of what we saw an hour ago, being told to look and retain...

imaginings rule