Exploring wind energy potential in urban environments, a case of Bhopal/

Abstract

Renewable energy plays a crucial role in urban sustainability, as cities contribute approximately 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions and account for 75% of global energy consumption, necessitating innovative solutions for sustainable growth. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights the role of local governments in transitioning to low-carbon energy systems, emphasizing the need for decentralized renewable energy solutions like rooftop wind energy. While large-scale wind farms have been extensively studied and implemented, urban wind energy, particularly rooftop wind turbines in low wind density areas, remains underexplored. Rooftop wind energy generation holds promise as a viable option for cities. However, Indian cities, with their unique climatic conditions and urban morphologies, face distinct challenges in adapting such solutions. This study seeks to bridge the knowledge gap by assessing the rooftop wind energy potential across urban residential, focusing on factors influencing wind energy efficiency. The study has three key objectives: (1) to identify the critical factors influencing rooftop wind energy potential in urban areas, (2) to establish criteria for selecting urban built typology for wind energy assessment, and (3) to evaluate the rooftop wind energy potential of urban typologies, specifically on residential. By focusing on Bhopal, India, the research aims to provide a replicable framework for urban wind energy integration in cities with low wind speeds. The methodology integrates analytical and geospatial techniques, leveraging tools like ENVI for environmental analysis and to simulate wind flow patterns. GIS-based mapping will identify wind potential zones, integrating urban morphological data and environmental factors such as building heights, street orientations, open spaces, and vegetation. The outcome will be a zoning framework with recommendations for optimal zones for turbine placement in rooftops, catering to local governments, urban planners, and policymakers. This study will not only contribute to the literature on urban wind energy but also provide practical solutions to enhance energy security and combat climate change in low-wind-density regions. Keywords: Renewable energy, wind energy, Rooftop wind energy, Urban morphology, Low wind density, Wind flow simulation.