Atkins introduces unique wind turbine technology for Bahrain World Trade Center

For the first time anywhere in the world, large scale wind turbines will be used to make a significant 'sustainable energy' contribution in the operation of a building.

Three 29m diameter giant wind turbines will be key features of the iconic, 50-floor, 240m high twin towers that make up the new Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC), currently under construction on the shores of the Arabian Gulf in central Manama. Multidisciplinary Atkins has designed the entire project, from architectural concept through to detailed engineering design and is supervising construction.

Atkins recently won two awards from regional trade newspaper "Construction Week" - both for the BWTC. These were for 'Project of the Year, Bahrain' and for 'Achievement through Innovation'.

In a paper to be presented on December 7, Richard Smith (Associate Director, Technology) and Shaun Killa (Associate Director, Head of Architecture) of Atkins Middle East will describe the design and validation of the unique three-turbine concept. These will produce up to 1300 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy per year - providing between 11 and 15 percent of the total electrical consumption of the building.

The speakers will explain how the elliptical shapes and sail-like profiles of the twin tower structure act as aerofoils, funnelling the offshore breeze between them to further accelerate and optimize the wind velocity.

Research by Atkins has shown that previous large-scale integration of turbines into buildings has mostly failed due to excessive cost - up to 30 percent of project value. The premium on this project will be less than 3 percent of project value. Large scale wind-tunnel testing which addresses many other issues related to safety, reliability and maintainability has validated the concept.

Atkins will present the paper "Bahrain World Trade Centre - the First Large Scale Integration of Wind Turbines in a Building" at 8 am on Wednesday December 7 at the Exhibition Centre.

Atkins will feature the BWTC and other major projects on its exhibition stand, No. 10C. The company is also architectural and engineering designer and consultant for the forthcoming Durrat Al Bahrain city resort.