This research project investigates the feasibility of optimising wind energy systems (WES) for urban environments as an alternative to conventional wind energy systems (CWES). The study uses wind data from two University of Chichester Bognor Regis Campus locations to analyse two existing urban wind energy systems (UWES) technologies, Aeromine and Ridgeblade. The technologies are evaluated using mathematical modelling (Weibull distribution) and SolidWorks CFD simulations. Crucial performance factors are derived, such as wind speed, turbine efficiency, and swept area. Based on the analysis, the Aeromine core principles offered the optimal performance. Thus, the urban wind turbine (UWT) concept design applied the Aeromine principles. The UWT scale ratio (1:9.25 to Aeromine) was prototyped and examined. Experimental results demonstrated that the UWT generated electrical power proportional to the wind speed (5.43 ∙10−4 W at 13.69 m/s) was significantly lower than the existing UWES. Therefore, the research indicates that direct optimisation based on this design method is not feasible.
The study conveys that while the concept demonstrates potential, further optimisation and research are required in VAWT (Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine) blade configuration and low-Kv motor efficiency.