Performance Analysis of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine in an Urban Environment

This study investigates the performance and feasibility of deploying a 5-kW horizontal-axis wind turbine
(HAWT) in an urban setting, specifically on the rooftop of a high-rise building at Ain Shams University.
Given the complex and turbulent wind patterns in urban areas, this research assesses key parameters
including power output, wind velocity, and directionality, with a focus on optimizing turbine efficiency
under variable wind conditions. The turbine’s performance was experimentally monitored, and power
output was correlated with wind speed to derive an urban-specific power curve. Results indicate that the
turbine operates optimally within a moderate wind speed range, with an average power output of
approximately 2 kW, a peak measured power of about 2.5 kW at a wind speed of around 7.75 m/s, and a
maximum efficiency (Cp) of 0.35. Structural analysis confirmed that the load on the rooftop is acceptable,
making the turbine feasible and practical for rooftop installation. Additional considerations, such as yaw
control and monitoring systems, were integrated to enhance the turbine's adaptation to the urban
aerodynamic environment. This paper contributes valuable insights for the effective design and
implementation of small-scale wind energy systems within urban microgrids, promoting sustainable
energy generation in densely populated areas.