Small Vertical Axis Wind Turbines for Energy Efficiency of Buildings

The integration of renewable resources in buildings is a fundamental aspect of the 21st-century architecture in order to achieve zero energy buildings (ZEB), reduce the consumption of fossil energy and cut carbon emissions in urban areas. Besides photovoltaic systems, nowadays Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, whose business is growing globally, are becoming particularly interesting because of the potential to produce energy and to be building integrated. These small wind generators (200 W - 10kW) can be used as stand-alone systems or as grid connected systems, and both can be paired with other energy conversion systems, such as photovoltaics. With a height from 2 to 10 meters, small wind turbines can be placed on rooftops, on streets or in gardens, they have relatively little visual impact and are able to produce energy even from modest wind flows. In addition to that, small wind turbines may also be coupled to street lighting systems (smart lighting). The article presents an analysis of the different types of vertical wind turbines available on the market, including investigational products, and illustrates how it is possible to install them on buildings (Building Augmented Wind Turbines) and the benefits achieved in terms of energy production compared to photovoltaic systems