Wind in Urban Areas

Before you can install a wind turbine in an urban area you will need to understand what technology is available and know if there is sufficient wind speeds to make it worthwhile.  You will also need to address other issues such as grid connection.

Two studies commissioned by Sustainability Victoria and conducted by the Alternative Technology Association explored:

• the suitability of the technology for urban Melbourne
• the potential wind energy available at ten locations in urban Melbourne.

The studies found that:

• Small wind turbines installed in typical urban areas are likely to operate at low capacity, be subject to periods of non-operation and take a long time before achieving payback on the initial costs.
• The most promising sites in urban built environments are broad open areas on the seashore and on top of high rise commercial buildings.

The Technology

The study Viability of Domestic Wind Turbines for Urban Melbourne deals with the available small wind technology. The report:

• surveys the available technology
• reviews case studies of urban wind projects installed overseas
• identifies issues to be addressed by those considering installing a small wind turbine.

The case studies of small wind turbines show low economic performance and long payback periods which is frequently ascribed to a lack of accurate wind measurement installation.

The findings of the research highlight some of the issues relevant to this scale of wind technology, including:

• wind turbines performance
• planning
• grid connection.

Download  Viability of Domestic Wind Turbines for Urban Melbourne (926KB)

Download  Domestic wind report appendices (1.25MB)

The Wind Resource

The study Victorian Urban Wind Resource Assessment measured wind speeds and other wind characteristics at ten locations across Melbourne. The report indicates the potential energy available in the wind at these locations.

Over a period of three months measurements were taken of wind speed, wind direction and wind turbulence. Sites included:

• residential roofs
• backyards
• on a commercial high rise building in the CBD.

Wind speeds were correlated with data from the Bureau of Meteorology to estimate long term wind speed profiles to estimate the potential energy available from the wind at these locations.

The wind turbulence results show the influence of the surrounding terrain on the wind and the risk of damage to small wind turbines.
 
The findings of the report highlight that the more favourable wind energy characteristics occur in open terrain or substantial elevation above the rough layer of the urban landscape. In general, wind speeds are reduced close to buildings.

The study found that out of the ten selected sites the most promising sites in urban built environments are

• broad open areas on the seashore
• on top of high rise commercial buildings.

Download  Victorian Urban Wind Resource Assessment (3.44MB)

Top | Last updated 07/12/2009