The Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) made history Tuesday as its pioneering wind turbines turned together for the first time. The three 29m-diameter turbine blades on Bahrain's iconic landmark are the world's first to be integrated into a commercial development, and are forecast to provide the equivalent of 11-15 percent of the power for the two towers when fully operational. The successful installation of the turbines involved collaboration between Atkins Architects and Engineers and Norwin turbine specialists, who were in Bahrain for the inaugural turning and presentation to media. Ole Sangill, managing partner of turbine specialists Norwin who have been involved with the project from conception, was present throughout the installation process and at the inauguration. “This was of course a first for Norwin as it was for the real estate world, and we truly have pushed the boundaries of environmental architecture with this project,” Sangill said. “It is a testament to Bahrain that private developers are investing in sustainability and pioneering design, which is certainly the future of architecture as it shapes the planet in years to come.” Speaking at the event, Simha LytheRao Atkins Project Manager explained that the use of established technologies, including type-tested turbines with minimal modifications ensured that the additional cost incurred by incorporating turbines into the project was reduced to around 3.5 percent of the overall project value, making it not only an environmentally responsible but also a financially viable venture. He also explained how the elliptical shaped towers act as aerofoils, funneling and accelerating the wind velocity between them, and exploiting the unobstructed prevailing onshore breeze from the adjacent Gulf coast to provide a renewable source of energy for the building. The incorporation of large-scale turbines onto a building is a world first. During the proceeding months the turbines will therefore undergo detailed analysis and optimization by Norwin to determine their actual electricity generation potential. __
