I'm real proud of the Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic (BIPV) solar projects I've been involved with. There's an elegance to using solar panels as elements of the facade, as a freeway noise wall, or shading device. But there's some pretty significant challenge.
This building integrated challenge has been taken one step further - building integrated wind turbines. See a picture of one below.
The challenge is that in urban environments, the wind quality can be poor - hence the turbines are mounted at height to ensure laminar flow. However, because the building cannot turn to face the wind, the yield can be far less than optimal. That said, its far better than no yield. Well done to the architects and engineers who work on this innovative concept. See another one in Bahrain: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/03/bahrain_install.php, and Melbourne's innovative (but futile) attempt at making some energy from turbines that double as heat exhaust fans. http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=171&pg=1933
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/urbines_at_elep.php
This building integrated challenge has been taken one step further - building integrated wind turbines. See a picture of one below.
The challenge is that in urban environments, the wind quality can be poor - hence the turbines are mounted at height to ensure laminar flow. However, because the building cannot turn to face the wind, the yield can be far less than optimal. That said, its far better than no yield. Well done to the architects and engineers who work on this innovative concept. See another one in Bahrain: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/03/bahrain_install.php, and Melbourne's innovative (but futile) attempt at making some energy from turbines that double as heat exhaust fans. http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/info.cfm?top=171&pg=1933
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/urbines_at_elep.php
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