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| Atkins designed BWTC spins turbines for the first time The Atkins designed Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) made history today as the turbines on this pioneering project turned together for the first time. The three 29m-diameter turbine blades on Bahrain's iconic landmark are the first in the world to be integrated on such a scale into a commercial development and are forecast to provide the equivalent of 11-15% of the power for the two towers when fully operational. The successful rotation of the blades involved collaboration between Atkins architects and engineers and turbine specialists Norwin, who were in Bahrain for the milestone event. The BWTC design blends maritime aesthetics with the functionality of traditional wind-towers. The visually striking sail-shaped towers form a commanding silhouette on the skyline of Manama, and serve to channel the strong on-shore winds directly onto the three spinning blades. Incorporating large-scale turbines onto a building is a world first and during the upcoming months the turbines will undergo detailed analysis and optimisation by turbine specialists Norwin to determine their actual generating potential. The turbines are expected to operate approximately 50% of the time. The BWTC project has received international acclaim for its commitment to sustainable development, being awarded LEAF Awards 2006 for 'Best Use of Technology within a Large Scheme' and recently the Arab Construction World 'Sustainable Design Award'. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |