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
Building Team | Aug 21, 2020
A healthcare project in Wisconsin benefits from including MEP subs in early design discussions
Prefabrication played a major role in quickening construction.
Coronavirus | Mar 30, 2020
Learning from covid-19: Campuses are poised to help students be happier
Overcoming isolation isn’t just about the technological face to face, it is about finding meaningful connection and “togetherness”.
Building Team | Jan 31, 2020
Red Wing unveils a work boot designed by women, for women
The boots are available now.
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
Building Team | Dec 9, 2019
The right funding mechanism can help move your project forward
The following case studies illustrate some of the ways we’ve helped our clients navigate different tax credits.
Building Team | Nov 12, 2019
Autodesk and AGC to provide construction industry with custom-fitting safety harnesses for women
Construction technology provider and national trade organization launch grant program to help address industry need for better-fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women working at heights.
Building Team | Oct 7, 2019
Contractor Giants are all in on offsite construction
Speed, quality, advanced coordination, and schedule gains are commonly cited as benefits of offsite construction.
Building Team | Jul 17, 2019
12 key features your AEC website could be lacking
Today’s A/E/C firms can no longer rely on the brochure-style websites of the past.
Building Team | May 21, 2019
Real estate learns to share
The sharing economy puts a different spin on new construction and building operations.
Building Team | Mar 22, 2019
AEC firms go outside the box
A look at six products and companies incubated by AEC firms for commercial sale.