Designing buildings for wind energy generation

What is it about?

Systematic Architectural Design for Optimal Wind Energy Generation The book provides an elaboration on wind interactions with architecture. How wind could be detrimental to architecture and how architectural form can proactively manages and controls wind with less side effects. How architecture can harness wind energy. It pinpoints some notable wind phenomena and forces within buildings that would enhance prospects of wind energy harnessing such as natural wind pressure, stack effect, Bernoulli’s effect and venture effect. In addition, it clearly depicts wind flow patterns with it’s flow types occurrence along buildings’ surfaces. Divulging promising scenarios for building integrated wind energy technologies. Some concepts of wind energy estimation at macro and micro levels are discussed, with means for their determination clearly spelled out. Thus paving the way for more informed decisions regarding wind energy utilization within the built environment. Namely, concepts of Capacity factors. The book establishes a systematic process to streamline wind flows around buildings by employing building forms, masses and aerofoils. The process depends on computational Fluid dynamics CFD in informing optimization of building forms and aerofoils by providing predictions of wind flow directions and velocity magnitudes for the envisioned designs. The publication includes a review to the diffuser augmented wind turbines from an architectural point of view in an attempt to further develop architectural designs for wind energy generation in a thoughtful yet technically sound manner. It proposes some guide lines along which architectural ideas may be developed accordingly. A thorough investigation into the positioning of wind turbines technology with regards to aerofoil wings integrated into buildings is provided, and obviously that suggests similar prospects for buildings without such an addition. It is estimated that power output would be increased 3.39 folds with the right positioning of turbines. The book proposes an aerodynamic version form of architecture resembling to the well-known acoustical form. However, the later may only be visible internally in buildings, the former is clearly exposed and integrated within the architectural image of buildings. In both cases careful planning and arrangements have to be in place for requirements needed, then testing/simulation and optimizing the solution until a final resolution is arrived at. Thus the product of producing an aerodynamic version of architecture should be a sustainable architecture.

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Photo by Kurt Cotoaga on Unsplash

Photo by Kurt Cotoaga on Unsplash

Why is it important?

It is essential consideration for both the safety and sustainability of buildings from wind energy stand point.