In fact, the entire structure can be compliant, bending in the wind to shed loads. We also take advantage of the fact that, in the absence of restraints, wind turbines tend to self-orient downwind . This permits us to avoid the use of a costly, load inducing rigid mechanical yawing mechanism. Finally, because it can be allowed to bend in the wind, a downwind turbine can make effective use of guy-wires to hold the tower upright. This permits downwind turbines to more economically employ taller towers to take advantage of generally higher wind speeds higher off the ground.
Higher winds result in more electricity production.
The electrical output of both upwind and downwind turbines is determined by rotor diameter, with no appreciable production efficiency differences between them. Reliability is also independent of rotor orientation. However, the cost of WTC's downwind turbines is considerably less than the more common upwind designs. This cost difference is due to the fact that obtaining rigidity requires more material. To rapidly penetrate the wind energy market with its new technology, WTC will initially develop and operate its own windfarms.