Compact Skyscraper Stabiliser

About

Technology Overview The compact stabiliser is essentially a Tuned Mass-Damper-Interter (EH-TMDI). The EH-TMDI is an “assembly” of three different existing types of devices, namely, a tuned mass-damper, an inerter, and an electromechanical energy harvester. These devices are linked in a novel way to allow for simultaneous vibration suppression and energy harvesting from dynamically excited structures. Potential Applications Suppress excessive vibrations.  As well as generate electricity from large-amplitude low-frequency oscillations undergone by dynamically excited slender civil engineering structures, such as tall buildings (skyscrapers) subjected to wind excitation.  Technology Features & Specifications The EH-TMDI achieves the same levels of vibration suppression in high-rise buildings subject to extreme wind and/or earthquake induced loads using significantly smaller attached mass compared to the currently used tuned mass-dampers in practical applications. This is accomplished by exploiting the adjustable mass amplification effect of inerter devices, shown to have orders of magnitude larger apparent mass property compared to their physical mass/weight and, therefore, functioning as mass amplification devices. Furthermore, by adjusting the mass amplification property of the inerter, part of the kinetic energy dissipation takes place at electromagnetic motors generating electricity from wind excitations of moderate intensity. Specifically, changes to the inerter property can be "programmable" and informed by weather forecast and/or by early warning earthquake systems (currently in operation in Japan and under development in Italy) achieving a "smart" (i.e., adaptive), structures that are energy efficient and resilient to future aggressive environments without the need for power demanding active control or for expensive semi-active control solutions. For example, an EH-TMDI equipped tall/slender office building can be designed to ensure absolute comfort to users during work hours even under future ever extreme climate change-induced winds for which it has not been initially been initially designed for. During off-hours the same structure becomes a flexible cantilever producing renewable energy from wind by allowing low-frequency large amplitude wind induced oscillations to occur. Market Trends and Opportunities Manufacturers of vibration suppression and energy harvesting equipment/devices Design engineering consultancies (stakeholder/facilitator) Customer Benefits Installed on the top floors of buildings, the EH-TMDI can achieve ever more slender and, therefore, cost-effective, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing tall buildings in congested urban environments where the increase cost of land due to high demands for office and residential space calls for optimal land utilization. Value Proposition Combined with a pertinent multi-objective performance-based structural design framework, EH-TMDI equipped tall buildings achieve Minimization of construction materials use. Enhanced occupants’ comfort and renewable energy generation during exposure to wind fronts of moderate intensity. Resiliency to extreme dynamic loads due to strong wind fronts/ hurricanes and earthquakes in potentially multi-hazard environments.   Intellectual Property Provisional patent application