performance of the wind turbine is improved [16]. Turbulence could damage a turbine.
Unsteady forces around a wind device could damage blades, hub or the mast. Turbulence also
could affect the foundation and finally destroy it. In addition, in order to repair a turbine, it
must be within easy access for maintenance when it is needed.
Wind turbulence is very important in cities were speed and direction may change as
a result of the many impeding structures. The wind turbine efficiency drops and the power
output becomes less than expected. There are also concerns over structural loads, vibration
and noise; for these reasons the urban turbine is not yet well established. In cities it is difficult
to find places where wind is clear and constant; even in the highest building it is possible to
have turbulence, hence performance is affected.
The cost-efficiency of small wind turbines is open to question. The reality is that the turbine’s
design and production is very costly, hence it becomes difficult to see profit on the energy
savings made by the turbine. This is not helped by possible underperformance in the urban
environment.
Producing the wind turbines on a larger scale could reduce the initial costs; hence the
cost-efficiency would start to become attractive. If the efficiency of the turbines were
improved, their use would be more widespread. But there remain safety concerns and
possible threats to animals (especially birds that could potentially fly into the spinning rotor).
Nowadays, as people are more aware about possible global pollution problems and the
increase of the earth’s temperature, it is becoming more important to “possess” renewable
energy. At present wind energy is perhaps the most feasible in the renewable energy sector,
and turbines give a very visible indication of the owner’s green credentials. However,
researchers will need to improve the efficiency of turbines for maximum performance.