A Japanese start-up called Challenergy has tested a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) in Okinawa that is designed to withstand high wind speeds, enabling it to capture the kinetic energy from typhoons. Its Magnus VAWT turbine has withstood wind speeds of 225kph/140mph.
Traditional wind turbines can break under the pressure of typhoons, and so are disconnected when storms hit for safety or avoided altogether in typhoon-prone regions, including parts of Japan. GE Renewable Energy is working to strengthen their design, but its current leading product – which can withstand winds of 205 kmph/128 mph – would not weather a typhoon.
