Evaluating the potential of wind and solar energy in achieving zero energy ratings in residential homes: A Nottingham case study

Abstract

This research explores the potential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels through the combined utilisation of photovoltaic energy and local Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs). In urban settings, VAWTs offer advantages such as lower noise emissions, independence from wind direction, operational efficiency at both low and high wind speeds, and enhanced stability due to their unique helical blade design. These characteristics make VAWTs a suitable and effective option for generating sustainable energy in urban environments. A Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) will be virtually introduced to 2050 Homes Development in Nottingham, a cluster of 27 houses configured to use a micro–Low Temperature District Heating (LTDH) network.This paper investigates the possibility to move 2050 Homes scheme into zero energy level by using Quite Revolution (QR6) helical blade VAWT along with photovoltaic energy generation. The preliminary results show that two QR6 VAWT can bring the 27 terrace homes from the 2050 Homes scheme into zero energy class performance.