BE1030982A1 - VERTICAL AIS WIND TURBINE ASSEMBLY AND BUILDING - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wind energy harvesting assembly (2) and a building (1) provided with the wind energy harvesting assembly. The assembly includes a wind guide structure (3), and at least one turbine unit (4) including a vertical axis wind turbine (40) arranged along a fluid path (P) provided by the wind guide structure. The wind deflection structure includes an inlet/outlet section (5,6) arranged along opposite ends of the wind deflection structure. The inlet and outlet sections include a funnel section (51,61) for collecting an air flow from a positive pressure side (OP) of the building, and releasing the flow to a negative pressure side (UP) of the building (1), respectively.

Description

1 BE2022/5852

VERTICAL AIS WIND TURBINE ASSEMBLY AND BUILDING

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a wind harvesting assembly, particularly a wind harvesting assembly for a building, to a building with the wind harvesting assembly, to a kit of parts for assembling the wind energy harvesting assembly, and to a method for retrofitting an existing building with the wind energy harvesting assembly. .

A wind turbine is a device that can convert wind energy into energy. Wind turbines are an important part of a transition to so-called green or sustainable energy. Wind turbines are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with either horizontal or vertical shafts.

Horizontal axis wind turbines produce the majority of wind energy worldwide today. These turbines have the main rotor shaft and electrical generator at the top of a tower and must be oriented downwind. Horizontal axis wind turbines are less suitable for use in a dense urban environment.

Vertical axis wind turbines (or VAWTs) have a vertically arranged main rotor axis and generally do not need to face downwind. Furthermore, known VAWTs can cover a relatively smaller footprint, which can be a further advantage in urban environments.

VAWTs are generally mounted at the end of a vertical pole (e.g. a lamp post) or as standalone elements on a structure/building. The so-called wind turbine is a commercial small vertical wind turbine that can be used in an urban environment.

This has a Savonius type rotor blade that has a closed twisted shape that resembles a helix. US8087897B2 and

9 BE2022/5852

US7344353B2 describes rotor blades of the Savonius type with a closed twisted shape that resembles a helix. For famous people

However, VAWTs generally still produce a relatively limited amount of energy, and/or noise, on average over time, which aspects constitute major disadvantages that prevent large-scale implementation. There therefore remains a need for more efficient wind-powered electric generators for use in urban environments.

RESUME

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wind energy harvesting and a wind energy harvesting system of particular benefit in an urban environment. The present disclosure provides a wind energy harvesting assembly, a building containing the wind energy harvesting assembly, a kit of components and a retrofit method addressing one or more of the needs identified above.

To this end, the wind energy harvesting assembly comprises: a wind guidance structure, and at least one turbine unit comprising a wind turbine, preferably a VAWT. The turbine is disposed along a fluid path provided by the wind guide structure, the wind guide structure including an inlet/outlet section disposed along opposite ends of the wind guide structure. The inlet and outlet sections each include a funnel section. The funnel extends outwards, directed towards the surrounding environment and is designed to collect an air flow from an over-pressure side of the building and to release the flow to a negative pressure side of the building after passing the turbine unit, respectively.

As will become clearer below, the wind deflection structure creates a tunnel effect that, during use, causes an air flow to flow from one side of the building (under positive pressure) as through a funnel to an opposite side of the building (under negative pressure). The

3 BE2022/5852 air flow is thereby guided past one or more, preferably a multiple number, of turbine units. The assembly benefits from over- and under-pressure zones along a building that result from naturally occurring wind. The assembly thus achieves a proportionately increased wind catch and higher achievable output power. Compared to standalone vertical axis wind turbines, the assembly allows the use of higher performance generators. The assembly can furthermore advantageously realize optimized use of limited available surface area in an urban or industrial environment (e.g. a flat roof) by providing a dense array of turbines. As will become clear below, the turbine units can advantageously form part of the wind guidance structure and contribute to the realization of a tunnel structure for guiding the air flow between opposite funnels.

In a preferred embodiment, the wind energy harvesting assembly includes a plurality of turbine units. The units are preferably arranged side-by-side in adjacent rows and columns, forming an array (arranged arrangement) in the pattern of a chessboard. Each turbine unit comprises a casing that defines part of the wind guide structure. The casing often includes closed roof and bottom panels. The sides are at least partially open and provide a first and a second fluid passageway between opposite sides of the unit. The assembly of the units in the array forms a corresponding array of intersecting fluid paths.

Each track extends in a targeted manner between corresponding inlet/outlet sections. The checkerboard configuration achieves optimized roof coverage and, importantly, allows wind energy harvesting regardless of wind direction.

The wind energy harvesting assembly can be assembled, attached, to a new building structure, e.g. as part of the

4 BE2022/5852 construction process. Alternatively, an existing building can be retrofitted with the wind energy harvesting assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the wind guide structure extends transversely across the roof surface of the building. Alternatively or additionally, the wind guide structure including the turbine unit can be part of the roof of the building. Preferably, the funnel portion includes a subsection that extends along a side wall of the building. By extending the wind deflection structure (at opposite ends) along a side wall of the building, the transfer of moment forces to the building due to wind exposure can be controlled, with proportionately reduced tensile and increased compressive loads on structural support elements of the building. building to be realized. This allows application or retrofitting of the assembly to a building with minimal or no modifications to the building's internal support structure. For example, the funnel may extend down the side wall of the building for a distance of at least one meter, or two meters or more, e.g. to a window, door or even a ground level of the building.

The wind guide structure very preferably comprises an assembly of adjustable baffles or other elements for guiding an air flow. The vanes can be oriented hydraulically, e.g. by one or more pistons, or any other means known in the art.

Electrical power or even air pressure for achieving motion can advantageously be provided by one or more of the turbine units included in the wind energy harvesting assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the inlet/outlet sections each comprise a wind deflector assembly. The wind deflector assembly herein comprises at least a first deflector plate that is designed to be orientable to a position between a first (closed)

position that blocks at least part of the fluid path, and a second (open) position, wherein in the second, open, position at least a part of the first deflector plate extends outwards into the funnel part with a downward slope. In the second position, an air flow collected in the lower part of the funnel is then directed through the plate, on an overpressure side of the building, towards the turbine unit from an upward direction. Conversely, an air stream exiting the fluid passage can be redirected toward the lower section of the funnel to exit the system on the negative pressure side of the building. Air from an upper part of the funnel can flow freely into the system through a gap left between a top, roof of the wind energy harvesting assembly and the first deflector plate.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wind deflector assembly comprises a second wind deflector plate that operates in unison with the first plate, wherein the second deflector plate is orientable in a position between a first (closed) position that obstructs at least a portion of the unobstructed portion of the fluid path and a second open position, wherein in the second position the deflector plate is oriented along roof plates of the wind guide structure.

The first deflector plate, preferably in cooperation with the second plate, can effectively block the air passage in the closed position to protect the assembly against excessive stress, e.g. during a storm.

Preferably, the first deflector plate and/or the second deflector plate are operatively connected to one or more controllers designed to orient the plate in dependence on one or more control parameters including, but not limited to, a certain wind speed, wind direction, and a position. of the positive pressure side (OP) and/or negative pressure side (UP) relative to the assembly. Sensors for it

6 BE2022/5852 determination of wind speed/direction and/or pressure are known in the art and can be provided as required, e.g. around a perimeter of the assembly and/or the building.

As described in more detail below, the first and second baffles are often rotatable along an approximately horizontal axis (+ 10°).

The bulkheads are preferably lightweight and durable, for example made of plastic or tarpaulin.

The building preferably comprises one or more further deflectors. The deflectors can be positioned along an outer circumference of the wind guide structure and/or at the location of a turbine unit. The bulkheads are rotatable along an upright axis (often rotatable along an approximately vertical axis + 10°), preferably depending on one or more of one of the following: wind speed, wind direction, and a position of the positive pressure side and/or negative pressure side of the building, and furthermore preferably by the same or a further controller.

Preferably, the inlet/outlet sections include a tunnel section extending between the hopper section and the turbine unit. It will be clear that, where the assembly is implemented with an array of turbines, the tunnel section is preferably provided at each turbine unit along an edge of the array and the relevant funnel section.

Preferably the tunnel section comprises reversibly removable side walls, preferably tarpaulin. The tunnel sections contribute to funneling wind towards the turbine/array, while providing space for deflector movement. Implementing the tunnel sections with removable side walls allows access to the wind turbine assembly for maintenance/inspection.

When configured in an array, the vertical axis wind turbines included are preferably arranged in an alternating counterclockwise and clockwise rotation manner. The inventors' finding is that this

7 BE2022/5852 maximizes energy harvest by minimizing turbulence between adjacent turbine units.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly is provided with open corridors, spaced between adjacent rows and/or columns of turbine units. The corridors provide access for maintenance/inspection. Preferably, each corridor comprises one or more deflector elements adapted to direct an air flow within the corridor towards an adjacent turbine unit. The deflector elements can be static or orientable (along a vertical axis). The inclusion of deflector elements allows access for maintenance while minimizing wind losses.

In another or further preferred embodiment, a ballast is provided eccentrically around the rotor of the vertical axis wind turbine. Preferably, the ballast increases the angular momentum of the rotor at a given rotational speed by at least a factor of two to approximately three (x2 — x3). At the same time, it has been shown that adding the ballast increases the wind speed around the rotor by a factor of up to four, or even <8, thus improving turbine performance. The increased thickness or increased wind contact area of the rotor due to the added ballast is believed to contribute at least partly to the benefit of increased wind speed. The ballast beneficially increases a gyroscope effect on the vertical axis wind turbine, which moderates the impact of fluctuations in wind speed and/or wind direction on generator performance, thus making output more stable.

The vertical axis wind turbine preferably comprises a helical, i.e. screw-shaped, wind rotor (e.g. “wokkel”). The helical wind rotor can have a relatively higher efficiency than most similarly sized Savonius type rotors and provides a closed wind impact area with a relatively large effective area crossing the fluid path. If the helical wind rotor is the ballast

8 BE2022/5852, said ballast is preferably provided at upper corners of the helical wind rotor to provide a proportionately increased take-off speed. The ballast can advantageously be a wing-shaped ballast in order to further improve the wind harvesting efficiency of the turbine unit.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the device, systems and methods of the present disclosure will be better understood upon review of the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings with the following figures:

Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of an industrial building comprising an embodiment of the system according to the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates embodiments of a wind turbine unit;

Fig. 3 illustrates aspects of the system shown in FIG. 1 system shown;

Fig. 4 provides a further view of the device shown in FIG. 1 system shown;

Fig. 5 provides a side view, partly in section, of a building comprising a system according to the invention;

Fig. 6 provides a side view, partly in section, of a turbine unit;

Fig. 7 provides a partial top view of a system according to the invention;

Fig. 8 provides a side view, partly in section, of a system according to the invention;

Fig. 9 provides a further top view; and

Fig. 10 provides a top view of the device shown in FIG. 1 system shown.

9 BE2022/5852

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used to describe specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the applicable items listed. It will be understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising” indicate the presence of the items mentioned but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other items. It will further be understood that when a specific step of a method is referred to as following another step, that specific step may immediately follow said other step, or one or more intermediate steps may be performed before performing the specific step, unless otherwise stated. mention. Likewise, it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be made directly or through intermediate structures or components, unless otherwise stated.

The invention will hereinafter be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and areas may be exaggerated for clarity.

Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or sectional illustrations of possible idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof are to be interpreted as referring to the orientation as then described or as then shown in the drawing under discussion. This relative

10 BE2022/5852 terms are used in the description for convenience and do not imply that the system must be constructed or operated in a specific orientation unless otherwise stated.

In Fig. 1 shows an industrial building 1 in perspective view. The building carries an embodiment of the wind energy harvesting assembly 2. The assembly comprises a wind guide structure 3 and a plurality of turbine units 4.

The units are arranged side-by-side with at least one adjacent unit to form an 18x5 row/column array. As will be explained in more detail in relation to Figs. 8, the wind guide structure provides a plurality of intersecting fluid passageways P (one indicated in Fig. 1) extending between an overpressure side (OP) and a negative pressure side (UP) of the building, which pressure sides are formed by wind (W) acting on the building falls. In the embodiment shown, the roof is covered with 80 turbine units 4. Of course, other configurations with a different number of units per row and/or column (e.g. between 2 and 25 or more, preferably > 5) are equally envisaged can be.

As shown, the wind deflection structure 3 preferably includes inlet/outlet sections 5,6, with funnel portions 51,61, at opposite ends of the wind deflection structure 3. In use, a stream of air collected on the positive pressure side OP by funnel 51 is collected along a fluid path. P is guided, past turbine unit 4 (hidden from view by cover plates) to leave the wind deflection structure 3 on the negative pressure side (UP) via funnel section 61. Due to the funnel effect, each blade along track P is exposed to a relatively increased airflow. Because the wind guide structure 3 includes an intersecting network of flow paths extending between corresponding inlet/outlet sections along all four side walls of the building, the system can generate power regardless of wind direction.

11 BE2022/5852

Fig. 2 illustrates embodiments of a wind turbine unit.

The top left representation is a schematic overview of a turbine unit 4 for use in the turbine shown in Fig. 1 array shown. The unit includes a structural frame 4f. The frame can have a size that matches a size of the turbine. The frame generally has a height and lateral dimension in a range from 0.5 to 3 meters, e.g. 0.5-2m, for example about 1m. The unit includes plates (31,32) covering a top and bottom of the unit. Lateral sides are essentially open to allow airflow passage (P1, P2). As shown in more detail in cross-sectional view, the unit supports a vertical axis wind turbine 40.

Top and bottom ends of the turbine can be attached to the unit to reduce vibration during operation compared to a single-sided side-mount VAWT. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown in the cross-sectional view, the vertical axis wind turbine 40 comprises a closed helical type rotor 39. The generator is mounted within the unit at a position below the rotor blade. Naturally, the generator can also be mounted above the rotor blade. In some embodiments the generator may even be provided outside the unit (e.g. above roof plate 31). This then allows the rotor blade to extend essentially between the top and bottom of the fluid path and alleviates a need for a ramp element 48 that directs airflow around the generator. As shown, the sides 39 of the unit include an opening that allows airflow (P1,P2) across the unit. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the unit comprises vertical deflector elements 81 to direct an incoming air flow to the rotor 39 and to direct an outgoing flow from the rotor to an adjacent unit (see also the partial top view in Fig. 7 ).

The vertical axis wind turbine 40 is often designed to generate an electric current. Alternatively, the vertical axis wind turbine generator can be designed to directly generate hydraulic pressure (air pressure),

12 BE2022/5852 preferably in combination with a storage unit (not shown) to store pressurized fluid.

As best seen in Fig. 5 and 7, the turbine units 4 are preferably mounted to the building by a truss or truss structure 99. The truss structure stabilizes the wind guide structure 3 and attaches the assembly to the building 1. The turbine can advantageously be a high performance turbine e.g. a turbine with > 6 kW peak performance, preferably a turbine with > 7 kWp, more preferably > 8 kWp, e.g. approximately 9 kWp, up to approximately 10 or even 50 kWp or more.

It is not essential to avoid lateral air breaks between adjacent units. Air breaks (e.g. lateral air breaks due to the truss structure) can be tolerated as the airflow is believed to be pushed/pulled through the system at least in part by the positive and negative pressure on opposite sides of the building (push-pull). .

Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate aspects of the device shown in Figs. 1 embodiment shown. As shown in Fig. 3, the wind energy harvesting assembly includes a 2D array of turbine units 4. As better seen in

Fig. 7, adjacent units form intersecting paths P1 P2 for airflow passage. As shown in Fig. 3 and 8, the wind deflection structure 3 includes an inlet/outlet section 5,6 arranged along opposite ends of the wind deflection structure. The inlet/outlet section 5,6 of the wind deflection structure 3 comprises a tunnel section 50 and a funnel section 51 at the end. The funnel section opens outwards at the side of the building. The tunnel section 50 interconnects the funnel with the nearest turbine unit 4. The tunnel section 50 has side walls 51 and often also roof and bottom panels to direct all captured wind W to the turbine (see also

Fig. 8). In preferred embodiments, e.g. as shown, side walls 51 are reversibly detachable. This allows a walkway around one

13 BE2022/5852 outline of the assembly of turbine units for maintenance and/or inspection.

As indicated, the wind guide structure 3 further comprises a plurality of passageways 90 spaced between adjacent rows and/or columns of turbine units 4. The passageways provide maintenance personnel with access to each of the turbine units.

Within the aisles, deflector elements 91 are provided to redirect an air flow leaving a turbine unit 4 towards a unit in an adjacent row.

The system as shown comprises a plurality of adjustable baffles and other elements for guiding an air flow, which will be explained in more detail with reference to Fig. 7 and 8.

As shown in Fig. 2 and 4, a mesh 33 may be provided along the lateral sides of each turbine unit 4, or around an outer perimeter of the array or corridors, to prevent large objects from entering the interior of the unit during operation.

As shown in Fig. 5, the bottom plates 32 can advantageously be provided as, or equipped with, thermal insulation 32T. Top plates 31 may be equipped with, or provided as, a structural top layer 31S. The top layer can advantageously support further elements, including, but not limited to, solar panels and conventional roof elements such as (rain)water drainage.

Fig. 6 provides a side view, partly in section, of a turbine unit 4 of an assembly according to the invention. The unit includes a vertical shaft 47. The shaft 1s attached to the roof and bottom of the unit via bearings 46. The bearing may be a ball bearing (as shown above) and/or any other bearing known in the art. The shaft may be stabilized laterally by one or more further bearings. The axle carries a rotor blade. A generator 45 converts rotational motion into electrical or

14 BE2022/5852 hydraulic power. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the rotor blade is a closed helical blade 41. The blade may be a composite blade, e.g. a polymeric composite spiral blade. The blade can be a commercial blade, e.g. a blade with a mass of approximately 80 kg. As shown, the blade is preferably provided with additional ballast 42. The ballast (e.g. metal, preferably a heavy metal such as lead) is provided eccentrically around the rotor blade and preferably at the top corner sections of the blade. The ballast provides a mass (e.g. twice approximately 40 kg) to significantly increase the angular momentum of the rotor, preferably by at least a factor of 4. Very preferably, the ballast 42 is provided with a wing-shaped covering layer (as shown in cross-section). in the detailed inset).

In some embodiments, at least bottom plates of the wind guide structure, including bottom plates of the turbine unit and/or the tunnel section, comprise a thermally insulating composition. The base plates can advantageously increase thermal insulation of the building, e.g. an industrial or other building retrofitted with the wind energy harvesting assembly.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of: the roof plates and/or the bottom plates of the wind guide structure; and the first and/or the second deflector plate are covered with an acoustic damping layer (e.g. an acoustic foam). The acoustic damping is preferably provided on surfaces that do not conduct wind. Acoustic damping can be particularly relevant for residential buildings, to dampen vibration noise generated by the turbine unit, especially when the rotors are ballasted.

Alternatively, or additionally, wind guide surfaces of one or more of the roof plates, the bottom plates and the adjustable partitions or other elements, e.g. the first deflector plate and/or the second deflector plate, can be provided with a turbulence-reducing relief structure.

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Fig. 7 shows a partial top view of a system according to the invention. The top view covers a portion of the assembly indicated in the lower corner of Fig. 1. The top view further illustrates the position of the turbine unit 4, the tunnel section 50 and the position of adjustable baffles 80,81 or other elements for directing the air flow into, within, or away from the wind guide structure. Vertical baffles 80 provided at corner sections of the wind guide structure 3 and/or at the entrance to the corridors 90 guide an incident wind flow in the direction of an adjacent turbine unit 4. Vertical baffles 81 provided at the location of the turbine unit can advantageously direct the fluid path P within the wind guide structure 3, e.g. within a row or column or even diagonally across rows and columns.

Vertical baffles 80,81 and horizontal baffles provided in the inlet cabin outlet section 5,6 (as described in more detail with reference to Fig. 8) can be positioned hydraulically as indicated by pistons 82.

Fig. 8 shows a side view, partly in cross-section, of a system according to the invention. As shown, the wind deflection structure 3 is provided with a plurality of adjacently positioned turbine units 4 and an inlet/outlet section 5. The wind deflection structure 3 is supported by a truss structure connected to the roof 1r and side wall 1s of building 1. The inlet/ outlet section 5,6 is equipped with a tunnel section 50 and a funnel section 51. Side walls 55 of the funnel in the embodiment as shown are formed from a tarpaulin. The funnel section extends over the roof. The funnel opens outwards towards the side of the building. As shown in the figure, incident wind hits that side, forming a local overpressure. There will be negative pressure on the opposite side of the building (not shown). The funnel

16 BE2022/5852 contains a lowered section that extends down the side of the building. As shown, the funnel may also include an optional top portion 54 that extends upward to accommodate a greater volume of air. The inlet/outlet section 5,6 comprises an assembly of deflectors including a first deflector plate 71 and a second deflector plate 72 positioned directly above the first plate (see also the corresponding plates marked in Fig. 3). The first plate is designed to be orientable in a position between a first closed position 71-1, which at least partially blocks the fluid path, and a second open position 71-2. As shown, the first deflector plate in the open position extends into the hopper section with a downward slope (a) to direct airflow from the lower section 52 towards the array of turbine units. The top plate works in unison with the first plate, and is adapted to be orientable in a position between a first closed position 72-1 which obstructs at least a portion of the unobstructed portion of the fluid path, and a second open position 71 -2 where the second deflector plate is oriented along the roof of the wind guide structure.

As indicated, due to drag, the funnel can advantageously collect a larger volume of air than would be expected from a total cross-sectional area of the funnel. To further direct an airflow collected from the funnel portion, one or more of the first and second deflectors may, for example, comprise a spoiler 71s.

Alternatively, or additionally, the top and/or bottom plates can be provided with structures that direct the airflow to a more central position between roof and bottom.

It will be understood that the invention should not be interpreted as being limited to a particular building. The building can be a residential building, such as an apartment building, e.g. a tower block. Alternatively, or

17 BE2022/5852 additionally, the building can be a commercial building, e.g. an industrial building such as a warehouse.

Fig. 9 provides a further plan view illustrating four turbine units 4 positioned side-by-side in a checkerboard array. Each unit includes a vertical axis wind turbine. The units are mounted to the roof of a building using a truss structure 99. Tunnel sections flow into the array along two sides (left and bottom of the drawing).

A corridor 90 extends along another side (right in the drawing).

Each turbine can be accessed for maintenance, even with additional turbine units positioned along a hold side of the array (top of drawing). A removable, wind-open protective structure (e.g. a mesh 33) prevents accidental contact between rotors and external objects.

A plurality of adjustable baffles 81 can regulate a direction of air flowing through the array. To reduce turbulence, some or all of the baffles may be provided with a surface relief 91.

As shown, each unit includes a vertical shaft 47 with a rotor blade 41 with a wing-shaped ballast 42. The ballast reduces free space between the rotor and wind deflectors 81, achieving a competitively increased wind speed. Immediately adjacent rotors rotate alternately in the counterclockwise / clockwise direction.

Fig. 10 is a top view of the wind energy harvesting assembly shown in FIG. 1. It is noted that the first and second deflector plates 71,72 can advantageously span a distance of more than one row/column of turbine units 4. Allowing the horizontal partitions to span more than one row/column (e.g. 2, 3, 4, or more) then reduces the complexity of the system.

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Although in some figures the wind guide structure is illustrated as covering essentially an entire roof area, it will be clear that this is by no means essential. Due to the interconnected network of gas passages, parts or sections of the roof can be left free or used for alternative purposes (e.g. a skylight) with minimal effect on overall performance.

For purposes of clarity and concise description, features have been described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, but it will be understood that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the described features. Naturally, it should be understood that any of the above embodiments or processes can be combined with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide further improvements in the invention and coordination of design and benefits.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or actions other than those stated in any given claim; that the word “a” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; that reference marks in the claims do not limit their scope; that several “resources” can be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; that the disclosed devices or parts thereof can be combined with each other or separated into further parts, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may be an indication of a synergistic benefit achieved through the combination of the respective measures of those claims. But the mere fact that certain measures are mentioned in mutually different conclusions is not an indication that

19 BE2022/5852 a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage.

The present embodiments may thus include all operative combinations of the claims, wherein each claim may in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.

Claims (15)

20 BE2022/5852 CONCLUSIONS 1. Building (1) with a wind energy harvesting assembly (2), the wind energy harvesting assembly comprising a wind guide structure (3), and at least one turbine unit (4), preferably a plurality, comprising a vertical axis wind turbine (40) arranged along a fluid path (P) provided by the wind guide structure, the wind guide structure comprising an inlet/outlet section (5,6) disposed along opposite ends of the wind guide structure, the inlet and outlet sections each providing a funnel section (51,61) for collecting an air flow from a positive pressure side (OP) of the building and releasing the flow on a negative pressure side (UP) of the building (1), respectively. The building of claim 1, wherein the wind deflection structure (3) extends along, or forms part of, a roof of the building and wherein the funnel portion (51,61) includes a subsection (52,62) extending along a side wall of the building. The building according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet/outlet section (5,6) comprises a wind deflector assembly, with at least a first deflector plate (71) arranged to be orientable in a position between a first closed position (71 -1) which at least partially blocks the fluid path (P) and a second open position (71-2), wherein in the open position the first deflector plate extends into the funnel part under a downward slope (a), and wherein the first deflector plate (71) is operatively connected to a controller arranged to orient the plate depending on one or more of a certain: wind speed, wind direction, and a position of the positive pressure side (OP) and/or negative pressure side (UP) of the building . 91 BE2022/5852 The building according to claim 3, wherein the wind deflector assembly (7) is provided with a second deflector plate (72) cooperating in unison with the first plate, and wherein the second deflector plate is arranged to be orientable by the controller in a position between a first closed position (72-1) blocking at least a portion of the unobstructed portion of fluid path (P) and a second open position (71-2) in which the second deflector plate is oriented along roof plates (31) of the wind deflection structure ( 3). The building according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or more further deflectors (80) arranged along an outer periphery of the wind deflection structure (3), wherein the deflectors comprise baffles that are rotatable along an upright axis in dependence on one or more of a certain: wind speed, wind direction, and a position of the positive pressure side (OP) and/or negative pressure side (UP) of the building. The building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet/outlet section (5,6) comprises a tunnel section (50) extending between the funnel section (51,61) and the turbine unit (4), said tunnel section being reversible removable side walls (55), preferably tarpaulin. The building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wind energy harvesting assembly (2) comprises a plurality of turbine units arranged in adjacent rows and columns forming a checkerboard array, each turbine unit (4) comprising an enclosure containing a part of the wind guide structure (3) defines and provides a first and a second fluid passageway between opposite sides of the unit, forming a corresponding array of intersecting fluid paths (P). The building of claim 7, wherein the vertical axis wind turbines (40) included in the checkerboard array are arranged in an alternating counterclockwise and clockwise rotation manner. 29 BE2022/5852 The building according to claim 7 or 8, comprising open corridors (90) provided interspatially between adjacent rows and/or columns of turbine units (4), each corridor being provided with one or more deflector elements (91) which are arranged to direct an air flow passing the corridor elements towards an adjacent turbine unit (4). The building according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a ballast (42) provided eccentrically around the rotor of the vertical axis wind turbine. The building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical axis wind turbine (40) is provided with a helical wind rotor (41), wherein if the helical wind rotor is provided with the ballast according to claim 10, said ballast is preferably provided at upper corners of the helical wind rotor, very preferably as a wing-shaped ballast. The building according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein wind deflection surfaces provide one or more of the roof plates (31), the bottom plates (32), the first deflector plate (71), the second deflector plate (72) and the further deflectors (80). are of a turbulence-reducing surface structure (91). A wind energy harvesting assembly, preferably the wind energy harvesting assembly as specified in any one of claims 1 to 12, the assembly comprising a wind guidance structure (3), and at least one turbine unit (4) comprising a vertical axis wind turbine (40) arranged along a fluid path (P) provided by the wind guide structure, the wind guide structure comprising an inlet/outlet section (5,6) arranged along opposite ends of the wind guide structure, the inlet and outlet sections each having a 93 BE2022/5852 provide funnel section (51,61) for collecting an air flow from an overpressure side (OP) of a building and releasing the flow to a negative pressure side (UP) of a building (1), respectively. A kit of parts for assembling the wind energy harvesting assembly as specified in any one of claims 1 to 12, the kit comprising a wind guide structure (3), at least one turbine unit (4) comprising a vertical axis wind turbine (40) arranged along a fluid path (P) provided by the wind guide structure, the wind guide structure comprising an inlet/outlet section (5,6) disposed along opposite ends of the wind guide structure, the inlet and outlet sections each providing a funnel section (51,61) for respectively collecting an air flow from an overpressure side (OP) of a building and releasing the flow on a negative pressure side (UP) of a building (1), and preferably means for permanently attaching the assembly to the building. A method of retrofitting a building with the wind energy harvesting assembly as specified in any one of claims 1-12, the method comprising providing the assembly or kit of parts according to claims 13-14, and fixing the assembly to the building.