Study on Installation of the Vertical Axis Wind Turbines on the Upper Floors of High-Rise Buildings

Abstract

Introduction. Nowadays the sector of high-rise and super high-rise buildings construction is rapidly developing. The deficiency of non-renewable energy sources and the deterioration of the environment are two major problems faced by every country. Therefore, the wind power engineering is intensely developing and is able not only to stop the rapid deterioration of environmental situation but also to improve accessibility of energy supply and considerably reduce the deficit of energy. It is rational to use the wind power to source the clean renewable energy for the high-rise buildings by installing the vertical axis wind turbines on the upper floors of the buildings. The aim of the work is to confirm that the vertical axis wind turbines are the best appropriate for installation on the upper floors of high-rise buildings in the cities due to unique advantages thereof (simple design, easy maintenance, adaptability to complicated and changeable wind environment, long operation life), which ensure the supply of the cities with the safe and clean green energy.Materials and Methods. A small-size vertical axis wind turbine was taken for the study. The operation efficiency of various wind turbines was measured by changing the wind strength and direction under the same environmental conditions to determine whether a vertical axis wind turbine could operate safely, sustainably and efficiently in the complicated and changing wind environment of the city. Alongside it was proved that for ensuring the supply of the cities with the safe and clean energy the installation of the vertical axis wind turbines on the upper floors of high-rise buildings is more appropriate compared to the installation of horizontal ones.Results. By changing the wind strength and direction, it was found that the vertical axis wind turbines have good and stable operation efficiency and can provide a constant source of clean energy for urban development in a safer and more stable way.Discussion and Conclusions. The vertical axis wind turbines are ideally adapted to the complicated and changing wind conditions of the upper floors of high-rise buildings and can be safely and efficiently operated, making positive contribution to reducing the energy load and improving the state of environment.