Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine HAWT
This type of wind turbine is the most common and seen across Europe. In simple terms it is 'a wind turbine whose rotor axis is substantially parallel to the wind flow.' (Wind Energy - The Facts. March 2009. A European project financed by the Intelligent Energy).
In general HAWTs used on an industrial scale, such offshore location are most commonly placed upwind, that is to say that the rotor bladed are positioned in front of the tower to face the wind, with the gear and generation system behind. These upwind HAWTs are most popular as the offer higher energy efficiencies because the wind hits the blades directly as opposed to hitting the mechanism first and then the blades as is the case with downwind turbines. The advantage of down wind turbines is that they can pivot in the direction of the wind by using only the wind, as a sail might do by catching the air behind, upwind turbines need to be mechanically turned to face the wind.
Both upwind and and downwind HAWTs can have varying numbers of blades, normally two or three spaced evenly, but single blade turbines do exist as well as small fan turbines with a higher number of blades spaced evenly around the central nose.
Featured articles and news
Copyright and Artificial Intelligence
Government report and back track on copyright opt out for AI training but no clear preferred alternative as yet.
Embedding AI tools into architectural education
Beyond the render: LMU share how student led research is shaping the future of visualisation workflows.
Why document control still fails UK construction projects
A Chartered Quantity Surveyor explains what needs to change and how.
Inspiration for a new 2026 wave of Irish construction professionals.
New planning reforms and Warm Homes Bill
Take centre stage at UK Construction Week London.
A brief run down of changes intentions from April in an onwards.
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.