Techno-economic analysis of a wind–solar hybrid renewable energy system with rainwater collection feature for urban high-rise application

This wind–solar hybrid renewable energy system is a new concept of the utilization, integration and optimization of existing renewable energy and rain water harvesting technologies. It is compact and can be built on the top of high rise buildings to provide on-site green power to that building or feed into the grid line. This system utilizes the advantages of Malaysian climate, i.e. high solar radiation and rainfall for green energy generation and free water supply. It also overcomes the inferior aspect on the low wind speed by guiding and increasing the speed of the high altitude free-stream wind from all directions radially through power-augmentation-guide-vane (PAGV) before entering the wind turbine at center portion. The PAGV is an innovative design used to guide and create venturi effect to increase the wind speed before the wind-stream enters wind turbine. The system must also be designed to provide optimum surface area for solar panel (solar thermal or photovoltaic or solar PV/T)) installation and battery compartment for power storage. In addition; rain water collection feature must be built-into the system design. The system is recommended to be sited on the top of high rise buildings or structures with its appearance or outer design can be blended into the building architecture without negative visual impact. With this system, the size of wind turbine can be reduced for a given power output and the noise is also reduced since it is contained in the PAGV. The design is also safer and suitable to be used in populated area. Mesh can be mounted at the entrance of the PAGV to prevent the bird-strike. This system can eliminate or minimize the current problems concerning public acceptance of wind energy, i.e. poor starting behavior in low wind speed, noise, visual impact, electromagnetic interference, safety and environmental factors. [Display omitted] ► This wind, solar and rain harvester integrates existing renewable energy and rain water harvesting technologies. ► The system overcomes the inferior aspect on the low wind speed by introducing the power-augmentation-guide-vane (PAGV). ► The PAGV is used to guide and create venturi effect to increase the wind speed before the wind-stream enters wind turbine. ► This design can be blended into the building architecture without negative visual impact, and is safer for populated area. ► The PAGV improves the wind turbine’s starting behavior and prolongs its operating hour, thus reduces the payback period. The