Well the person I am helping get it up and running has it behind there barn and behind a bunch of trees. So I agree it may not need braking! but I still need to get it working. They have about $50,000 put into this little money pit. The company they purchased it from out in California went out of business and it was never installed correctly. They burned out three controllers before I came to their rescue. I had to pull it off the tower and replace the rusted pitted bearings, and repair a cracked blade. But its back up and running (when it's really windy) and producing power some power. As of now I would not recommend a VAWT to anyone.I had the manufacture send a new brake control board for free from china but they did not give much info on the install. I would still take any recommendations to other manufactures brake controllers. This VAWT has brake pads under the white hub that are similar to trailer brakes. After the brakes are engaged and the turbine comes to a stop then a shot pin is activated and holds it in place for a time.
