URBAN RENEWABLE ENERGY
It has long been understood that diminishing fossil fuel resources and a rapidly growing global population will mean a turn to alternative energy sources. Urban areas have been slower to respond than more rural areas likely due to the cost and technological limits of environmental improvements. Wind farms are becoming common in America’s farming communities, though people are hesitant to see enormous whirling blades spinning above a densely populated cityscape. New designs are making it possible for wind turbines to make an appearance in cities.
The most common and recognized type of wind turbine is a horizontal axis wind turbine, which is sensitive to different types of turbulence. Because of this they are best suited for open areas with few obstacles. However, vertical axis wind turbines are now bringing the possibilities of renewable and affordable energy closer to cities.
Vertical axis turbines are developed almost exclusively for urban environments. Since the Vertical axis turbine does not have to be facing the direction of the wind, they are more versatile, however they give up some of their efficiency this way as well.
New solar energy techniques are also making it possible for urban environments to possibly start leading the way in clean energy production. There is more surface area in a city with tall buildings than there is in a farming community where the tallest structure is likely a grain silo or a church. With new photovoltaic cell technology architects can literally give a building a ‘skin’ that is capable of producing nearly constant energy. Instead of a few panels on the roof or solar receptive windows, the entire façade of the building could become a source of energy.
Current projects including the Chicago Solar Tower by Zoca Zola are furthering innovation in this field by using a field of solar collectors on arms that track the sun’s movement throughout the day. This increases energy production by up to 40% compared to fixed arm systems. The EDITT (Ecological Design in the Tropics) Tower may soon bring Singapore a world class ecobuilding. Designed to be 26 stories constructed of recycled and recyclable materials, the EDITT Tower would include the maximum number of photovoltaic cells its size permits while having half of its exterior skinned in native vegetation.
Read more at
www.urban-wind.org/pdf/SMALL_WIND_TURBINES_GUIDE_final.pdf
Tagged: Colin Coyle
Tagged: Colin Coyle
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