Low-speed wind energy devices to facilitate nearly zero energy buildings in urban Pakistan

Abstract

Energy consumption and its resultant impact on climate change are inextricably linked, with the burning of fossil fuels being a chief contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming. Mitigating these effects necessitates a two-fold approach: reducing energy consumption through enhanced efficiency and behavioural modifications, and concurrently transitioning to renewable and clean energy sources. Of particular concern is the domestic and commercial building sector, which currently accounts for a substantial 40% of the world's total energy usage. Conventional wind turbines, effective in harnessing wind energy, face limitations in urban areas due to the requisite wind speeds. Micro wind turbines, notably vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), present a promising solution for achieving net-zero energy buildings in urban settings. VAWTs exhibit advantages such as higher efficiency and lower cut-in speeds. Despite their promise, challenges such as reliability, cost and environmental impact persist. This concise overview suggests potential applications for Pakistan, emphasising the imperative for further exploration in optimising VAWT design, developing hybrid systems and evaluating societal acceptance of rooftop wind farms.