Harvesting Wind Power from Tall Buildings

Abstract

Integrating wind energy systems into building design is a small but growing trend, and high rises with their elevated wind speeds seem particularly suited to the technology. Designs that incorporate wind turbines are increasingly being seen on the drawing boards for skyscrapers across the globe. Leading the development of this fledgling field, wind engineers at CPP have evaluated the potential for wind turbine integrated buildings in both the U.S. and China. This paper will focus on a project conducted for the Discovery Tower in downtown Houston, TX, which is slated to break ground in early 2008.