1) Is differential pressure important for both propeller and Winga type turbines?

Differential pressure is responsible for all wind movement and the sun creates this effect. Strong winds are caused by an increase in differential pressure. The conventional 3-bladed propeller turbine can only use the differential pressure available from the sun whereas the Winga can greatly increase the differential pressure over the turbine by the use of a convergent-divergent.

The larger the convergent and divergent the larger will be the

differential pressure created and the higher will be the air stream velocity.

2) The Vortec 7 DAWT was not commercially viable as a second generation augmented: Why is the Winga now viable? There is no doubt that an appropriate diffuser installed downwind of a wind turbine will increase the energy density of the wind and the power produced.

The Vortec 7 and other DAWT designs have a common problem in that they are not scalable. As designers tried to increase the area ratio of the diffuser to increase the energy density of the air stream a condition of boundary layer separation would occur early along the face of the diffuser walls. Once boundary layer separation begins the efficiency of the diffuser falls rapidly. The Winga design has overcome this problem and the convergentdivergent structure being used produces a scalable increase in the energy density and power produced. The larger the convergent and divergent the larger will be the differential pressure created and the higher will be the air stream velocity. This makes the third generation Winga design commercially viable.

3) Will heavy winds topple the Winga?

In low wind conditions, the Wingas sails are deployed completely to derive maximum power, and the Winga is at its typical height of 35 meters.

In high winds the Winga can achieve full power with sails completely retracted.

In the event of severe winds the platform with the turbine and ducted channel is lowered to mid-point on the tower.

If severe winds are encountered, and for maintenance, the turbine platform can be lowered close to the foundation.

4) Is the visual and noise impact of a Winga sufficiently low enough to be accepted in community planning?
The noise produced by the conventional three-bladed, open design wind turbines is caused when the blades pass in front of the mast. The three-bladed propeller design also has a large visual impact created by the continuous movement of the large blades.

Winga blades are less than a meter in length and are enclosed within the tunnel. The noise created will be much less than the 3-bladed turbine as the enclosed Winga rotors are turning at a higher speed.

The Winga has no exposed moving parts, so the visual impact is comparable to that of a large building structure or water tower.

5) Thousands of three-bladed turbines have been installed around the world, why develop this new technology? By changing the design to one with active components under computer control, it is possible to achieve excellent performance on low wind sites, and achieve highly-distributed generating capacity, with less reliance on long power transmission lines.

With its enclosed rotor design, the Winga can be located inside urban areas and close to electricity users. In this way, it can provide the local production of community-based renewable energy.