One or two MEng students are needed for the study of wind energy in urban environments. The wind flow around high rise buildings causes the wind velocity to typically increase 20% more than the undisturbed air at that height.1 As the flow separates from the windward edge of the building, a separation bubble is formed on the roof, making it difficult for energy devices to be placed. This project therefore focuses on investigating different structures that can increase energy yield from the wind and ultimately lead to a decrease in external energy demand of a building. This project will involve both computer simulation of structures and experimental validation in a wind tunnel. Knowledge in wind power and computational fluid dynamics is preferred but not necessary.
1 Mertens S., “Wind energy conversion in the built environment,” Refocus, March/April 2002
Contact: Prof. Garcia, eg84@cornell.edu