How can you design a wind turbine that is both cost-effective and high-performing?

The Gorlov turbine (my all time favourite) is probably the hardest to make on a DIY level, but probably the best overall choice. As a VAWT it doesn't care for wind direction and this can simplify a lot of things. There are sufficient amount of studies about different parameters like solidity, blade inclination angle and so on.

One often overlooked aspect of VAWT blade design is the self-starting ability. VAWTs generally are poor in this regard. The Darrieus and certain Gorlow designs are difficult to design well. Some implementations have a Savonius in the middle with the sole purpose of aiding self-starting.

Wind turbine foundations play a pivotal role in creating greater efficiencies and improving cost-effectiveness. For example, we are using innovative ‘Soft-Spot’ foundations at an RWE wind farm in Spain, which rather than transferring loads to the subsoil, redistributes them across the donut shaped surface of the foundation. Stability is increased whilst the diameter of the foundation slabs and the concrete needed is reduced, enabling us to significantly reduce our construction efforts, material costs and not to mention also saving several tonnes of CO2. We are also working on the development of functional wooden towers.

Let's see now?? I am 80 years old in February 2024....how old was I when I took by two way vacuum/ shock wave wind turbine to Professor Ellision at London City University??...say 27..How did I demonstrate it ?? A pencil for a shaft two egg cups for bearing:- and a small cylinder vacuum cleaner [ to blow/suck ] Professor Ellison was very impressed with the demonstration. His last remarks, took the wind out of my sails?? " Well young man go get O level Physics then a degree, then everyone will fall at your feet" I did not go for any further education as I could not spell education?? So who am I ?? Bestwishes Richard Vere-Compton YouTube channel and click on E booklets Help for the Masses, Plasma Active Craft, Pulse Rection Drive.

I find that the key expression in the whole wind turbine discussion is "renewable". Wind is renewable and it is fantastic, but wind turbines are not. The whole point of taking the good old windmill project out of its box is to reduce waste associated with generating electricity. Just because wind is renewable and green it doesn't automatically make the electricity generated renewable and green. While being hypnotized by magic expressions like "green energy" we must be aware of the tons of indestructible plastic waste created by the wind turbine frenzy. The other key expression is "cost effective". If we wanted cost effective electricity, we would not use wind turbines at all. This is about being environment friendly!