Aerodynamic Mitigation

About

Florida International University (FIU) is seeking companies interested in developing and commercializing an Active Aerodynamics Mitigation and Power Production System. This system is designed to simultaneously reduce wind damage and provide power to buildings, homes, and other construction structures. Wind damage to homes and buildings is primarily caused by uplift forces caused by wind. Damage caused by wind may also allow for water intrusion and therefore, water damage. This technology uses a lightweight mini helicoidal wind turbine attached to a roof gutter, or to a roof edge if no roof gutter is available, attenuating wind induced suction (negative pressures) and also providing green energy in the form of wind energy that can be stored in batteries or can be used through net metering. The system can also be integrated into wall edges/corners of buildings and other structures to reduce wind induced suction generated by separated flows and vortices. This technology would alleviate financial burdens due to damage caused by wind and water intrusion. This aerodynamic system has been successfully tested in computational simulations as well as with a prototype in the laboratory. Both saw a significant reduction in wind suction and generation of power by harvesting wind energy. Advantages Simultaneously reduces wind damage and provides green energy, ability to capture wind energy at both low and high speed winds, reduces risk of water intrusion, easy to integrate to existing buildings, homes, and other structures, light, durable and aesthetically appealing and low maintenance cost.