WO2024084033A1

WO2024084033A1 - Vertical axis wind turbine assembly and building

Info

Publication number: WO2024084033A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/079261
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick BRANTS
Original assignee: Brants Patrick
Priority date: 2022-10-21
Filing date: 2023-10-20
Publication date: 2024-04-25
Also published as: BE1030982B1; BE1030982A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wind energy harvesting assembly (2) and a building (1) comprising the wind energy harvesting. The assembly comprises a wind guiding structure (3), and at least one turbine unit (4) comprising a vertical axis wind turbine (40) disposed along a fluid pathway (P) provided by the wind guiding structure. The wind guiding structure comprises an inlet/outlet section (5,6) disposed along opposing terminal ends of the wind guiding structure. The inlet and outlet section comprise a funnel portion (51,61) for respectively collecting an air flow from an overpressure side (OP) of the building and releasing the flow at an underpressure side (UP) of the building (1).

Description

Title: Vertical axis wind turbine assembly and building

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

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

A wind turbine is a device that can convert energy of wind into energy. Wind turbines form an important component of a transition towards so-called green or renewable energy. Wind turbines are available in a wide range of a varieties and sizes, with either horizontal or vertical axes. Horizontal-axis wind turbines produce the majority of wind power in the world today. These turbines have the main rotor shaft and electrical generator at the top of a tower and must be pointed into the wind. 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 shaft and do generally need not be pointed towards the wind. Further, knwon VAWTs can have a comparatively smaller footprint which can be a further advantage in urban environments.

VAWTs are generally disposed at the end of a vertical pole (e.g. a street light) or as stand-alone elements on a structure/building. The so- called “wind-wokkel” is an commercial small vertical wind turbine that can be used in an urban environment. It has a Savonius-type rotor blade formed with a closed twisted shape resembling a helix. US8087897B2 and US7344353B2 describe Savonius-type rotor blades formed with a closed twisted shape resembling a helix. However, known VAWTs generally still produce a comparatively limited amount of energy averaged over time and/or can generate noise, which act as major drawbacks hindering mass implementation. Accordingly, there remains a need for more efficient wind- powered electrical generators for use in urban environments.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to wind energy harvesting and a wind energy harvesting assembly with particular benefit in an urban environment. The present disclosure provides a wind energy harvesting assembly, a building with the wind energy harvesting assembly, a kit of parts and a retrofitting method that address one or more of the needs indicated above.

To this end the wind energy harvesting assembly comprises: a wind guiding structure, and at least one turbine unit comprising a wind turbine, preferably a VAWT. The turbine is disposed along a fluid pathway provided by the wind guiding structure, wherein the wind guiding structure comprises an inlet/outlet section that is disposed along opposing terminal ends of the wind guiding structure. The inlet and outlet section each comprise a funnel portion. The funnel opens outwardly towards the surrounding environment and is configured for respectively collecting an air flow from an overpressure side of the building and releasing the flow at an underpressure side of the building after passing the turbine unit.

As will become more clear hereinbelow, the wind guiding structure realizes a tunnel effect that during use funnels an air flow from one side of the building (at overpressure) to an opposing side of the building (at underpressure). The airflow is hereby directed past one or more turbine unit, preferably a plurality. The assembly advantages benefits from over- and underpressure zones alongside a building due to naturally occurring wind. The assembly thus realizes comparatively increased wind collection and higher realizable output power. As compared to standalone vertical axis wind turbines the assembly allows the use of more performant generators. The assembly can further advantageously realize an optimized use of limited available surface in an urban or industrial environment (e.g. a roof top) by providing a dense array of turbines. As will become clear hereinbelow the turbine units can advantageously be part of the wind guiding structure and contributing to the realization of a tunnel structure for guiding the airflow between opposing funnels.

In a preferred embodiment, the wind energy harvesting assembly comprises a plurality of turbine units. The units are preferably disposed side-by-side in adjacent rows and columns forming a so-called checkerboard array. Each turbine unit comprising an encasement defining a part of the wind guiding structure. The encasement typically comprises closed roof and bottom panels. The sides are at least partly open and provide a first and a second fluid passage between opposing sides of the unit. The assembly of arrayed units forms a corresponding array of intersecting fluid pathways. Each patch way extending directed between corresponding inlet/outlet sections. The checkerboard configuration realizes optimized roof coverage, and, importantly, enables wind energy harvesting regardless of wind direction.

The wind energy harvesting assembly can be assembled, connected, on an new building structure, e.g. as part of the construction process. Alternatively, an existing building can be retrofitted with the wind energy harvesting assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the wind guiding structure extends across the rooftop area of the building. Alternatively, or in addition, the wind guiding structure, including the turbine unit can form part of the building rooftop. Preferably, the funnel portion includes a lower section that extends along a sidewall of the building. By having the wind guiding structure extend (on opposing ends) along a sidewall of the building the transfer of moment forces onto the building due to a wind exposure can controlled, realizing a comparatively reduced pull and increased compressive load onto structural support elements of the building. This enables fitting or retrofitting the assembly onto a building with minimal or even no adjustments to the internal support structure of the building. For example, the funnel can extend down the sidewall of the building by at least one meter or by at least two meters or more, e.g. down to a window, door or even ground level of the building.

It is strongly preferred that the wind guiding structure comprises an assembly of adjustable baffles or other elements for guiding an air flow. The baffles may be oriented hydraulically, e.g. by one or more pistons, or any other means known in the field. Electric power or even air pressure for realizing the motion can advantageously be provided by one or more of the turbine units comprised in the wind energy harvesting assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the inlet/outlet sections each comprise a wind deflector assembly. The wind deflector assembly having at least a first deflector plate that is configured to be orientable, to a position between a first (closed) position that obstructs at least part of the fluid pathway, and a second (open) position, whereby in the second, open, position at least part of the first deflector plate extends outwardly into the funnel portion under a downward slope. In the second position the plate, at an overpressure side of the building, thus redirects an airflow collected in the lower part of the funnel from an upward direction towards the turbine unit. Conversely, an air flow exiting the fluid passage can be redirected towards the lower section of the funnel for exiting the system at the underpressure side of the building. Air from an upper part of the funnel can flow freely into the system through a gap left between an upper side, roof of the wind energy harvesting assembly and the first deflector plate.

In a further preferred embodiment, the wind deflector assembly comprises a second deflector plate operating in unison with the first plate, wherein, the second deflector plate is orientable at a position between a first (closed) position obstructing at least part of the unobstructed part of fluid pathway and a second open position, whereby in the second position the deflector plate is oriented along roof plates of the wind guiding structure.

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

Preferably, the first deflector plate and/or the second deflector plate are operably connected to one or more controller configured to orient the plate in dependence of one or more control parameters including, but not limited, to a determined wind speed, wind direction, and a position of the overpressure side (OP) and/or underpressure side (UP) relative to the assembly. Sensors for determining wind speed/direction and/or pressure are known in the field and can be provided as needed, e.g. around a perimeter of the assembly and/or the building.

As described in more detail below the first and second baffle are typically rotatable along an about horizonal axis (± 10°). The baffles are preferably lightweight while durable, e.g. of a plastic or a tarp.

The building preferably comprising one or more further deflectors. The deflectors can be disposed along an outer perimeter of the wind guiding structure and/or at the turbine unit level. The baffles are rotatable along an upright axis (typically rotatable along an about vertical axis ± 10°), preferably in dependence of a one or more of a: wind speed, wind direction, and a position of the overpressure side and/or underpressure side of the building, and further preferably by the same or a further controller.

Preferably, the inlet/outlet sections comprise a tunnel section that extends between the funnel portion and the turbine unit. It will be understood that, in case the assembly is embodied of an array of turbine the a tunnel section is preferably provided each turbine unit along an edge of the array and the corresponding funnel portion. Preferably, the tunnel section comprise reversibly removable sidewalls, preferably tarp. The tunnel sections contribute to funneling wind toward the turbine/array whilst providing room for deflector motion. Embodying the tunnels sections with removable sidewalls allows access to the wind turbine assembly for m aintenance/insp ection .

When configured in an array, the vertical axis wind turbines comprised are preferably arranged in an alternating left- and right turning fashion. Inventors find this maxims energy harvesting by minimizing turbulence between adjacent turbine units.

In a preferred embodiment, the assembly is provided with open passageways interspaced between adjacent rows and/or columns of turbine units. The passageways provide access for maintenance/inspection. Preferably, each passageway comprises one or more deflector element that is configured to direct an air flow within the passageway towards an adjacent turbine unit. The deflector elements can be static or orientable (along a vertical axis). Inclusion of deflector elements allows maintenance access 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 two to about three (x2 - x3). Simultaneously, addition of the ballast was found to increase wind speed around the rotor by a factor of upto times four, or even up to x8, improving turbine performance. Increased thickness or increased wind contacting surface area of the rotor due to the added ballast is believed to at in part contribute to the benefit of increased wind speed, The ballast advantageously increases a gyroscope effect to the vertical axis wind turbine, which mitigates the impact of fluctuations in wind speed and/or /direction on generator performance, thus rendering a more stable output.

The vertical axis wind turbine preferably comprises a helical wind rotor (e.g. “wokkel”). The helical wind rotor can have a comparative higher efficiency than most similar sized Savonius-type rotors and provides a closed wind impact area with a comparatively large effective surface crossing the fluid pathway. If the helical wind rotor comprises the ballast, said ballast is preferably provided at upper corners of helical wind rotor to provide a comparatively increased starting speed. The ballast can advantageously be an aerofoil-shaped ballast to further improve on wind harvesting efficiency of the turbine unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein:

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;

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

FIG 5 provides a partial cross-section side view of a building comprising a system according to the invention;

FIG 6 provides a partial cross-section side view of turbine unit;

FIG 7 provides a partial plan view of a system according to the invention;

FIG 8 provides a partial cross section side view of a system according to the invention;

FIG 9 provides a further plan view; and

FIG 10 provides a plan view of the system shown in FIG 1.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter 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 regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or crosssection illustrations of possibly 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 should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

FIG 1 depicts an industrial building 1 in perspective view. The building carries an embodiment of the wind energy harvesting assembly 2. The assembly comprises a wind guiding structure 3 and a plurality of turbine units 4. The units are arranged side-by-side with at least an adjacent unit forming an array with 18x5 rows/columns. As will be explained in more detail in relation to FIG 8 the wind guiding structure provide a plurality of intersecting fluid passage ways P (one indicated in FIG 1) that extend between an overpressure side (OP) and an underpressure side (UP) of the building formed by wind (W) impacting onto the building. In the embodiment as 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) can be equally also envisioned.

As shown, the wind guiding structure 3 preferably comprises inlet/outlet sections 5,6, with funnel portions 51,61, on opposing terminal ends of the wind guiding structure 3. During use a flow of air collected at the overpressure side OP by funnel 51 is guided along fluid pathway P past turbine unit 4 (obscured from view by cover plates) to exit the wind guiding structure 3 at the underpressure side (UP) via funnel portion 61. Due to the funneling effect each blade along path P is exposed to a comparatively increased air flow. Because the wind guiding structure 3 comprises an intersecting network of flow path that extends between corresponding inlet/outlet sections along all side four walls of the building the system can generate power irrespective of wind direction.

FIG 2 illustrates embodiments of a wind turbine unit. The top image provides a schematic overview of a turbine unit 4 for used in the array shown in FIG 1. The unit comprises a structural frame 4f. The frame can have a dimension matching a dimension of the turbine. The frame typically has a height and lateral dimension in a range of 0.5 to 3 meters, e.g. 0.5-2m, for example about Im. The unit comprises plates (31,32) covering a top and bottom side of the unit. Lateral sides are substantially open to allow air flow passage (Pl, P2). As shown in more detail in crosssection view the unit supports a vertical axis wind turbine 40. Top and bottom end of the turbine can be affixed to the unit to reduce vibrations during operation as compared to a single-side side mounted VAWT. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown the cross-section 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. Of course the generator can also be mounted above the rotor blade. In some embodiments, the generator can even be provided outside the unit (e.g. above roof plate 31). This allows the rotor blade to essentially extend between top and bottom of the fluid path and mitigates a need for a sloped ramp 48 guiding air flow around the generator. As shown the sides 39 of the unit comprise an aperture allowing airflow (P1,P2) across the unit. In preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the unit comprises vertical deflector elements 81 to guide an incoming airflow towards the rotor 39 and to guide an outgoing flow from the rotor towards an adjacent unit (see also the partial floor plan in FIG 7). The vertical axis wind turbine 40 is typically configured to generate an electric power. Alternative the vertical axis wind turbine 40 generator can configure to directly generate a hydraulic pressure (air pressure), preferably in combination with a storage unit (not shown) to store pressurized fluid.

As best seen in Figs 5 and 7 the turbine units 4 are preferably mounted to the building by a truss structure 99. The truss structure stabilized the wind guiding structure 3 and affixes the assembly to the building 1. The turbine can advantageously be a high performant turbine, e.g. a turbine > 6 kWpeak performance, preferably a turbine with > 7 kWp, more preferably > 8 kWp, e.g. about 9 kWp, upto about 10 or even 50 kWp or more.

It is not essential to avoid lateral air gaps between adjacent units. Air gaps (e.g. lateral air gaps resulting from the truss structure) can be tolerated as the air flow is believed to be pushed/pulled through the system at least in part by the over- and underpressure at opposing sides of the building.

FIGs 3 and 4 illustrates aspects of the embodiment shown in FIG 1. As indicated in FIG 3 the wind energy harvesting assembly comprises a 2D array of turbine units 4. As better seen in FIG 7 adjacent units form intersecting pathways Pl P2 for air flow passage. As indicated in FIG 3 and 8 the wind guiding structure 3 comprises a inlet/outlet section 5,6 disposed along opposing terminal ends of the wind guiding structure. The inlet/outlet section 5,6 The wind guiding structure 3 At the terminal end comprises a tunnel portion 50 and a funnel portion 51. The funnel portion opens outwards to the side of the building. The funnel section 50 interconnects the funnel to the nearest turbine unit 4. The tunnel section 50 has sidewalls 51 and typically also roof an bottom panels to guide all wind W captured to the turbine (see also FIG 8). In preferred embodiments, e.g. as shown, sidewalls 51 are reversible detachable. This allows forming a pathway around a perimeter of the assembly of turbine units for maintenance and/or inspection.

As indicated the wind guiding structure 3 further comprises a plurality of passageways 90 interspaced between adjacent rows and/or columns of turbine units 4. The passageways provide access for maintenance personnel to each of the turbine units. Within the passage ways deflector elements 91 are provided to redirect an air flow exiting 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 FI s 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 passageways, to prevent large objects from entering the interior of the unit during operation.

As indicated in FIG 5 the bottom plates 32 can advantageously be provided as of fitted with a thermal insulation 32T. Top plates 31 may be fitted with or provided as a structural top layer 3 IS. The top layer can advantageously carry further elements including but not limited to solar panels and conventional roofing elements such as (rain)water drainage. FIG 6 provides a partial cross-section side view of turbine unit (4) of an assembly according to the invention. The unit comprises a vertical axle 47. The axle is attached to the roof and bottom of the unit via bearings 46. The bearing can be a ball bearing (as shown or the top) and/or any other bearing known in the field. The axle may be stabilized laterally by one or more further bearings. The axle carries a rotor blade. A generator 45 converts rotation motion to electrical or hydraulic power. In a preferred embodiment, e.g. as shown, the rotor blade is a closed helical blade 41. The blade can b e a composite blade, e.g. a polymer composite wokkel-shaped. The blade can be a commercial blade, e.g. a blade having a mass of ± 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. 2 times ± 40 kg) to significantly increase the impulse moment of the rotor, preferably by at least 4 times. Most preferably the ballast 42 is provided with an aerofoilshaped cover layer (as indicated in cross-section in the detailed insert), image).

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

Alternatively, or in addition, one or more of: the roof plates and/or the bottom plates of the wind guiding structure; and the first and/or the deflector plate can covered with an acoustic damping layer (e.g. an acoustic foam). The acoustic damping is preferably provided on non-wind guiding faces. Accosting damping can be especially relevant for residential buildings, due dampen vibrational noises generated by the turbine unit, in particular when the rotors are provided with the ballast.

Alternatively, or in addition, wind guiding faces of one or more of the roof plates, the bottom plates and the adjustable baffles or other elements, e.g. the first deflector plate and/or the second deflector plate can be provided with turbulence reducing relief structure.

FIG 7 provides a partial plan view of a system according to the invention. The plan covers a portion of the assembly indicated in the bottom corner FIG 1. The further illustrates the position of the turbine unit 4, the tunnel section 50 and position of adjustable baffles 80,81 or other elements for directing the air flow into, within, or out of the wind guiding structure. Vertical baffles 80, provided at corners sections of the wind guiding structure 3 and/or at the entrance of the passageways 90 guide an impinging wind flow towards and adjacent turbine unit 4. Vertical baffles 81 provided at the level of the turbine unit can advantageously direct the fluid pathway P within the wind guiding 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/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 provides a partial cross section side view of a system according to the invention. As shown the wind guiding structure 3 is comprised of a plurality of adjacently positioned turbine units 4 and an inlet/outlet section 5. The wind guiding structure 3 is carried by a truss structure which is connected to the roof Ir and sidewall Is of building 1. The inlet/outlet section (5,6) is devised of a tunnel section 50 and a funnel portion 51. Sidewalls 55 of the funnel in the embodiment as shown are formed of a tarp. The funnel portion extends over the roof. The funnel opens outwardly towards the side of the building. In the figure as shown winds imparts onto that side forming a local over pressure. The opposing side of the building (not shown) will be at underpressure. The funnel includes a lowered section that extends down alongside the side of the building. As shown the funnel can also include an optional upper portion 54 that extend upwardly to receive a larger volume of air. The inlet/outlet section (5,6) comprises an assembly of deflectors include a first deflector plate 71 and a second deflector plate 72, position directly above the first plate (see also corresponding plates marked in FIG 3. The first plate is configured to be orientable at a position between a first closed position 71-1 obstructing at least part the fluid pathway and a second open position 71-2. As shown, in the open position the first deflector plate extends into the funnel portion under a downward slope (a) to direct air flow from the lower section 52 towards the array of turbine units. The top plate operates in unison with the first plate, and is configured to be orientable at a position between a first closed position 72-1 obstructing at least part of the unobstructed part of fluid pathway and a second open position 71-2 whereby in the second deflector plate is oriented along the roof of the wind guiding structure. As indicated the funnel can, due to drag, advantageously collect a larger volume of air than one might expect from a total cross-section area of the funnel. To further direct a flow of air collected from the funnel portion the one or more of the first and second deflector such as a spoiler 71s.

Alternatively, or in addition, the top and/or bottom plates may be provided with structures that direct the air flow towards a more central position between roof and bottom.

It will be appreciated that the invention is not to be interpreted as being limited to a particular building. The building can be a residential building, such as an apartment building, e.g. a high rise. Alternatively, or in addition, the building can be a commercial building, e.g. an industrial building such as a storage hall.

FIG 9 provides a further plan view of illustrating four turbine unit 4 positioned side-by-side in a checkerboard array. Each comprises a vertical axis wind turbine. The units are mounted to the roof of a building by a truss structure 99. Tunnel sections open into the array along two sides (left and bottom in the image). A passage way 90 extends along another side (right in the image). Each each turbine can be accessed for maintenance, even with additional turbine units positioned along a reaming side of the array (top in the image). A removable wind open protective structure (e.g. a mesh 33) mitigates accidental contact between rotors and external objects.

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

As shown each unit comprises a vertical axis 47 with a rotor blade 42 having an aerofoil-shaped ballast 42. The ballast decreases free space between the rotor and wind guiding baffles 81, realizing a combatively increased wind speed. Directly adjacent rotors turn in alternation left/right (clock/counter-clockwise) directions.

FIG 10 provides a plan view of the wind energy harvesting assembly as shown in FIG 1. Note that the first and second deflector plates 71,72 can advantageously span a distance of more than one row/column of turbine units 4. Having the horizontal baffles span more than more than one row/column (e.g. 2, 3, 4, or more) reduces complexity of the system.

While some figures illustrate the wind guiding structure as essentially covering an entire roof area, it will be appreciated that this is by no means essential. Due to the interconnecting network of gas passages parts or sections of the roof can be left free or used for alternate purposes (e.g. a sky-light) with minimal effect on the overall performance. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described, course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements in finding and matching designs and advantages.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved by the combination of their respective features. But the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage. The present embodiments may thus include all working combinations of the claims wherein each claim can in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.

Claims

1. Building with a wind energy harvesting assembly, the wind energy harvesting assembly comprising a wind guiding structure, and at least one turbine unit, preferably a plurality, comprising a vertical axis wind turbine disposed along a fluid pathway provided by the wind guiding structure, wherein the wind guiding structure comprises an inlet/outlet section disposed along opposing terminal ends of the wind guiding structure, the inlet and outlet section each providing a funnel portion for respectively collecting an air flow from an overpressure side of the building and releasing the flow at an underpressure side of the building.

2. The building according to claim 1, wherein the wind guiding structure structure stretches along, or forms part of, a rooftop of the building and whereby the funnel portion includes a lower section that extends along a sidewall of the building.

3. The building according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet/outlet section comprises a wind deflector assembly, having at least a first deflector plate configured to be orientable at a position between a first closed position obstructing at least part the fluid pathway and a second open position, whereby in the open position the first deflector plate extends into the funnel portion under a downward slope, and wherein the first deflector plate is operably connected to a controller configured to orient the plate in dependence of a one or more of a determined: wind speed, wind direction, and a position of the overpressure side and/or underpressure side of the building.

4. The building according to claim 3, wherein the wind deflector assembly comprises a second deflector plate operating in unison with the first plate, and where the second deflector plate is configured to be orientable by the controller at a position between a first closed position obstructing at least part of the unobstructed part of fluid pathway and a second open position, whereby in the second deflector plate is oriented along roof plates of the wind guiding structure.

5. The building according to any of the preceding claims, comprising one or more further deflectors disposed along an outer perimeter of the wind guiding structure, the deflectors having baffles rotatable along an upright axis in dependence of a one or more of a determined: wind speed, wind direction, and a position of the overpressure side and/or underpressure side of the building.

6. The building according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet/outlet section comprises a tunnel section extending between the funnel portion and the turbine unit said tunnel portion comprising reversibly removable sidewalls, preferably tarp.

7. The building according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wind energy harvesting assembly comprises a plurality of turbine units disposed in adjacent rows and columns forming a checkerboard array, each turbine unit comprising an encasement defining a part of the wind guiding structure and providing a first and a second fluid passage between opposing sides of the unit forming a corresponding array of intersecting fluid pathways.

8. The building according to claim 7, wherein the vertical axis wind turbines comprised in the checkerboard array are arranged in an alternating left- and right turning fashion.

9. The building according to claim 7 or 8, comprising open passageways interspaced between adjacent rows and/or columns of turbine units, each passageway comprising one or more deflector elements configured to direct an air flow passing the passageways elements towards an adjacent turbine unit.

10. The building according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a ballast provided eccentrically around the rotor of the vertical axis wind turbine.

11. The building according to any of the preceding claims wherein the vertical axis wind turbine comprises a helical wind rotor, whereby if the helical wind rotor comprises the ballast according to claim 10 said ballast is preferably provided at upper corners of helical wind rotor, most preferably as an aerofoil-shaped ballast.

12. The building according to any of the preceding claims, wherein wind guiding faces of one or more of the roof plates, the bottom plates, the first deflector plate, the second deflector plate and the further deflectors are provided a turbulence reducing surface structure.

13. A wind energy harvesting assembly, preferably the wind energy harvesting assembly as specified in any of claims 1-12, the assembly comprising a wind guiding structure, and at least one turbine unit comprising a vertical axis wind turbine disposed along a fluid pathway provided by the wind guiding structure, wherein the wind guiding structure comprises an inlet/outlet section disposed along opposing terminal ends of the wind guiding structure, the inlet and outlet section each providing a funnel portion for respectively collecting an air flow from an overpressure side of a building and releasing the flow at an underpressure side of a building.

14. A kit of parts for assembly of the wind energy harvesting assembly as specified in any of claims 1-12, the kit comprising a wind guiding structure, at least one turbine unit comprising a vertical axis wind turbine disposed along a fluid pathway provided by the wind guiding structure, wherein the wind guiding structure comprises an inlet/outlet section disposed along opposing terminal ends of the wind guiding structure, the inlet and outlet section each providing a funnel portion for respectively collecting an air flow from an overpressure side of a building and releasing the flow at an underpressure side of a building, and preferably means for durably connecting the assembly onto the building.

15. A method of retrofitting a building with the wind energy harvesting assembly as specified in any of claims 1-12, the method comprising providing the assembly or the kit of parts according to claim 13-14, and fixing the assembly to the building.