Wind energy potential of a novel green building design: Three connected high-rise buildings with Y-plan layout

To promote the sustainable development of cities and society, a novel green building design, named the three connected high-rise buildings with Y-plan layout, is proposed. The design not only facilitates the harvesting of wind energy through the venturi effect formed between three buildings, but also creates favorable conditions for the installation of vertical-axis wind turbines owing to aerial platforms. In this study, four wind energy potential assessment indicators are introduced. Subsequently, an analysis of the wind energy potential of this building is conducted based on the large eddy simulations, considering each gap space under different wind directions and gap distances. The results show that the wind energy potential is low for wind directions of 0° and 15°, but high for wind directions of 30° to 60°. In particular, the wind energy potential of the top gap space (Space I) is outstanding when the gap-to-depth ratio s/D≥ 0.75, as it exhibits a higher wind power density ratio and a lower average turbulence intensity. Finally, the estimated annual energy production of the proposed wind turbine in the gap spaces of this building in Guangzhou, considering different orientations and gap distances, is calculated by using the long-term measured data from the meteorological station near the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The results show that the peak estimated annual energy production of proposed wind turbine in Space I occurs when s/D = 0.75, with a value of 77.5 MWh. These findings reveal the substantial wind energy potential of this building and provide valuable insights for future green building designs.