The Gorlov helical turbine is a water turbine based on the Darrieus turbine, which was altered to have helical blades/foils and thus a constant (as opposed to intermittent) optimal angle of attack in a current. Because the foils are twisted about the axis this means there is always a portion of the blade at an optimal position to generate lift. It was invented by Professor Alexander M. Gorlov of the Northeastern University. In testing environments the GHT has been observed to have up to 35% efficiency in energy capture. The main difference between the Gorlov helical turbine and conventional turbines is the orientation of the axis in relation to current flow. The GHT is a vertical-axis turbine which means the axis is ideally positioned perpendicular to current flow, whereas traditional turbines are horizontal-axis turbines which means the axis is positioned parallel to the flow of the current. The main advantage to all vertical-axis turbines is that they always rotate in the same direction, regardless of the direction of current flow. Conventional horizontal-axis turbines (such as a wind mill) operate under a drag-based concept. This means they are pushed through their rotation by currents not unlike a sail. The GHT operates under a lift-based concept. This means that it uses forces in the current to pull itself through rotation. The foils of a Gorlov Helical Turbine are shaped like those of an airplane wing and thusly uses the same principals to generate lift. Its design is also the basis of some air turbines presently on the market, such as the Turby wind turbine and the Quietrevolution wind turbine
See also
-
- US6,253,700 Method for maintaining flotation using a helical turbine assembly
