Do building integrated wind turbines actually work?
The integrated building turbines are definitely one of the emerging technologies in harnessing the wind energy. But there have been various discrepancies in the performance of the building integrated wind turbines. There is no question that they do make a green statement. But do they actually do what they say? ( Above: Largest Building Integrated Power System Installed in Oklahoma City . US) One of the biggest challenges of the turbines has been the air turbulence. The wind turbines often work efficiently only when the airflow is steady or also known as laminar wind. According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), although it is pretty windy on the roof, it is more turbulent than steady wind. “A common rule is to elevate a wind turbine at least 30 feet (9 m) above anything within a 500-foot (150 m) radius, including the building itself.”(Stimmel) Various surveys were conducted to analyze the performance of the building integrated wind turbines. ...