Numerical study of vibrations induced by horizontal-axis wind turbine on a steel building

One of the most important acceptance issues regarding the implementation of small-scale wind turbines in urban environments is related to human comfort. Turbine-induced vibrations can have a large influence on small-scale turbine implementation for urban wind harvesting. A typical five-storey steel-framed office building with a roof-mounted, horizontal-axis wind turbine was numerically analysed. The aim of the work was to investigate the increase in vibration after the installation of the turbine. A comparison was made between floor vibrations caused by wind action on the building only and by wind action on the building and turbine combined. The results were then compared with requirements given in various design codes. The main outcome of the analysis is that the installation of the turbine did not compromise the building's serviceability.