In July 2007 Murdoch University was awarded a grant to conduct research into ‘Initiating Best Practice Guidelines for Rooftop Wind Systems.’ The current focus of the project involves two primary initiatives: a computer simulated modeling exercise and an onsite rooftop wind monitoring station. This paper focuses on the methodology and justification for developing the monitoring station. An ultrasonic three-dimensional anemometer was chosen as the key piece of equipment in order to be able to collect data at a fast scanning rate (ensuring a suitable level of detail for analysis of turbulence) and to develop a three-dimensional wind profile. The wind regime on a rooftop in the complex terrain of the built environment is highly dynamic, turbulent, and includes a strong vertical component. Site selection for turbines must be informed by a proper feasibility study involving accurate data. The initial phase of the project to predict the resource and deploy the monitoring station has been completed, however long-term data collection, additional modeling, and the development of guidelines is still in process
