Urban Building-Integrated Wind Power Systems: Turbine Layout Optimization in Low-Turbulence Wind Fields

Urban Building-Integrated Wind Power Systems: Turbine Layout Optimization in Low-Turbulence Wind Fields

In urban environments, integrating small wind turbines into buildings is an innovative way to develop local clean energy. However, urban wind conditions are complex, with low wind speeds and variable wind directions, easily generating turbulent airflow around buildings (low-turbulence environments), severely impacting turbine efficiency and safety. Therefore, scientifically optimizing the layout of integrated wind turbines is crucial for improving system performance and feasibility.

The core of layout optimization lies in guiding and utilizing building wind energy. Unlike open areas, urban buildings significantly alter wind flow. When optimizing the layout, it is essential to first analyze the surface wind pressure distribution and airflow paths of the target building under different wind directions through computer simulations or actual wind tunnel tests to identify "advantageous areas" with relatively high wind speeds and relatively stable airflow. These areas are typically located at the leading edge of the building roof, corners, or on specially designed wind-enhancing components (such as sail structures). The layout should prioritize these locations and ensure sufficient distance between turbines to avoid mutual obstruction of wind paths.

Optimization must balance efficiency, safety, and architectural aesthetics. While pursuing high power generation, it is crucial to strictly control the vibration and noise generated by wind turbine operation to avoid impacting building structures and occupants. This typically means selecting turbine models with stable operation and low noise, and employing efficient vibration-damping mounting bases. The layout must also consider aesthetic integration with the building, treating the wind turbine as an organic part of the architectural design, rather than an added industrial device. The final solution should be a balance between power generation potential, structural safety, environmental impact, and visual appeal.

Through this refined layout optimization, urban building-integrated wind power systems can capture energy more reliably and efficiently under limited wind resources, providing supplemental power to the building itself and the surrounding area, becoming an integral part of modern green building and smart city energy systems.