Extending the feasibility of high-rise façade augmented wind turbines

In association with building form and height among other physical attributes, wind accelerates around the high-rise building skin at particular regions substantially. In many emerging applications today the building top is favoured for mounting wind rotors. One of the most significant current discussions is the utilisation of façade area for power generation out of wind energy. However, because of the complexity of the wind behaviour current planning methods dispute with that problem in later stages. Due to the high associated investment in rotors as well as their impact on the appearance of the building, one would suggest that the optimisation of rotors’ position together with other decisive parameters should come in first place and must be considered as early as possible. This paper introduces a method for maximising the performance of façade integrated wind rotors. The resulting planning software tool can be utilised by the architect in the conceptual design stage. The validation of the outcomes indicates high level of plausibility and thus application potentials.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We developed a wind energy optimisation tool for high-rise buildings. ► The tool focuses on the integration of vertical axis wind rotors in high-rises. ► The wind behaviour in the location is considered. ► Rotors’ position, quantity and areas at each position will be optimised. ► The presented tool can be utilised by architects in the conceptual stage.