Building-integrated wind turbine technology has been receiving a lot of heat for not being able to deliver what it promises in terms of energy production.
Fast Co. Exist profiles a system that places the turbines where they can actually turn. The WindRail was designed in Zurich, Switzerland, where there isn’t enough space for a wind or solar park. Sitting between a building’s façade and the roof edge, the system combines wind and solar energy harvesting, taking advantage of the building’s air flows, even if it's in the middle of a city.
The system was developed by the Anerdgy. “When wind flows around the building, it creates a pressure difference between the façade and the rooftop. The façade has a higher wind pressure,” CEO of Anerdgy Sven Koehler told Fast Co. Exist. “Because we are channeling the wind and making a connection between the high and low pressure areas, the speeds are faster and we have more energy.”
Koehler, an engineer and economist, came up with the idea with the help of his parents. After years of research, he came up with the WindRail System and started the company in 2012.
According to the company, pressure effect accounts for 50% of the power the WindRail generates. The device comes in two meter modules and can generate 1,500 to 2,000 kWh a year. For comparison, the average U.S. home uses 10,837 kWh a year, Fast Co. Exist reports.
Related Stories
Sustainability | Apr 10, 2018
Thermal comfort, big impact
CallisonRTKL’s Pablo La Roche explains how outdoor thermal comfort could mitigate the effects of climate change.
Sustainability | Apr 9, 2018
Planning for 100: Looking beyond the horizon of zero-net-energy buildings
Imagine a future where buildings and infrastructure are 100% utilized and 100% responsive.
Energy Efficiency | Apr 4, 2018
A new energy metric for building design and operations
A building with a higher occupant density may have a higher energy use, but expend less energy per person.
K-12 Schools | Jan 24, 2018
Hawaii’s first net-zero public school
G70 is the architect, planner, and civil engineer of record for the project.
Energy | Jan 12, 2018
Putting wastewater to work: America’s next great energy source
As much as 40 to 50% of a building’s energy literally goes down the drain every day.
Energy | Jan 11, 2018
Harvesting energy and profits: A new approach to MEP cost analysis
In the course of providing cost estimating services, educating the client on making prudent choices is a high priority.
Energy Efficiency | Dec 19, 2017
New building energy quotient portal gives quick analysis on energy performance
ASHRAE tool provides more automated approach to receive Building EQ Performance Score.
K-12 Schools | Oct 28, 2017
A new elementary school in Cambridge, Mass., aims at being a pilot for that city’s NZE commitment
The building’s programming will provide more access to the community at large.
Codes and Standards | Oct 23, 2017
Energy efficiency investments on the rise; will increase next year
Survey of facility management executives shows onsite renewables, energy storage will spike in 2018.
Energy Efficiency | Sep 15, 2017
To reach ambitious energy targets, firms must dig deeper
The number of firms involved in AIA’s voluntary pact to slash energy consumption in buildings grew to more than 400 in July.
