Balenciaga — Wind potential.

Creating a digital study model

The model of the factory was created taking into account the site topology with great precision, in order to capture the evolution of the air flows as fully as possible. This digital twin precisely reproduces the various sets of beams, the air volumes and the surrounding buildings.

This very high precision translates into a clear gain in the accuracy and relevance of the results obtained during the CFD simulation.

Wind simulation around the building and in the turbine installation zones

We simulated the wind around and inside the building in order to optimise the geometry and achieve the best possible turbine yield. We also studied the wind speeds under the roof, in the turbine siting zones.

The first CFD simulations of the external airflow revealed phenomena of interest for increasing the wind potential: the restriction of the wind passage section at the rear of the building creates a Venturi effect, and therefore a local increase in speed.

Following this study, EOLIOS proposed different designs while respecting the architectural constraints. These conclusions gave rise to in-depth work with the design teams, in order to accentuate and make the most of this local increase in speed.

Optimising the architecture and aerodynamics

Wind simulation

Our objective is to install wind turbines without impacting the overall architecture of the building. The study assesses whether or not it is relevant to install turbines within this building.

Using CFD makes it possible to simulate a large number of prototypes in a short time, in order to quickly gather information for optimising the placement of the turbines and the design, with the aim of increasing their yields.

This CFD study approach is part of a policy of developing sustainable energy: minimising the environmental impact and the energy consumption of buildings is at the heart of EOLIOS Engineering's interests.