"VAWTs have several advantages. They are omnidirectional, that is, they do not change orientation to match the wind direction as HAWTs must do. This reduces the number of parts. . . . VAWTs are reportedly much more efficient in turbulence, enabling rooftop and urban installations, and they turn at comparatively lower revolutions per minute, thus producing less vibration and noise." Ginger Gardener, Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld

Engineering with Rosie has a some great videos on VAWTS:
Are Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Better?
Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Aerodynamics and Design

Here is a design doc from the Technological University of Pereira,Colombia:
Design, assembly and experimental tests of a Savonius type wind turbine