A numerical study on the effect of different roof shapes on the performance of an oscillating aerofoil energy harvester integrated into a building structure

The increasing demand for sustainable building solutions has driven the exploration of renewable energy technologies integrated into buildings. One such approach involves harnessing wind energy around buildings through the integration of oscillating aerofoil-based energy harvesters. Whilst previous studies have investigated building-integrated wind energy devices, these technologies faced challenges such as low wind speeds, high turbulence levels, and cost concerns, hindering widespread adoption. To address these limitations, researchers have turned their attention to oscillating aerofoil energy harvesters. However, the integration of these devices onto building structures requires further investigation, as there exists a knowledge gap in this area. To fill this void, this study utilises computational fluid dynamics simulations and a one degrees of freedom solver in ANSYS Fluent to analyse the behaviour and performance of an oscillating aerofoil installed on a building's roof structure. The study's findings reveal promising results, demonstrating the prediction of the aerofoil's performance under varying conditions. In addition, the placement of oscillating aerofoils on pitched structure has shown to enhance the energy harvester's overall performance. This insight could drive future research to explore additional parameters to further optimise the energy extraction process. Through integrating oscillating aerofoil energy harvesters onto building structures, this study shows the method for the advancement of building-integrated wind energy technologies. This technology holds great promise in enhancing wind energy extraction from the built environment, contributing to more sustainable and eco-friendly energy solutions. As the demand for low-energy building design and renewable energy solutions continues to grow, this research aligns with the broader goal of promoting sustainable development and mitigating climate change. In conclusion, the integration of oscillating aerofoil energy harvesters onto building structures offers a promising approach to maximize wind energy extraction and foster the development of sustainable energy solutions in the built environment. As further research explores and refines this technology, it has the potential to revolutionize the way buildings generate and utilise clean energy, significantly reducing their environmental footprint.