The experimental validation of a new energy harvesting system based on the wake galloping phenomenon

In this paper, a new energy harvesting system based on wind energy is investigated. To this end, the characteristics and mechanisms of various aerodynamic instability phenomena are first examined and the most appropriate one (i.e. wake galloping) is selected. Then, a wind tunnel test is carried out in order to understand the occurrence conditions of the wake galloping phenomenon more clearly. Based on the test results, a prototype electromagnetic energy harvesting device is designed and manufactured. The effectiveness of the proposed energy harvesting system is extensively examined via a series of wind tunnel tests with the prototype device. Test results show that electricity of about 370 mW can be generated under a wind speed of 4.5 m s − 1 by the proposed energy harvesting device. The generated power can easily be increased by simply increasing the number of electromagnetic parts in a vibrating structure. Also, the possibility of civil engineering applications is discussed. It is concluded from the test results and discussion that the proposed device is an efficient, economic and reliable energy harvesting system and could be applied to civil engineering structures.

[1]  Ephrahim Garcia,et al.  Development of an aeroelastic vibration power harvester , 2009, Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[2]  Daniel J. Inman,et al.  On the energy harvesting potential of piezoaeroelastic systems , 2010 .

[3]  Kevin D. Jones,et al.  Oscillating-Wing Power Generator , 1999 .

[4]  Hyung-Jo Jung,et al.  Feasibility Study on a New Energy Harvesting Electromagnetic Device Using Aerodynamic Instability , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Magnetics.

[5]  James DeLaurier,et al.  Wingmill: An Oscillating-Wing Windmill , 1981 .

[6]  Hod Lipson,et al.  Vertical-Stalk Flapping-Leaf Generator for Wind Energy Harvesting , 2009, Volume 2: Multifunctional Materials; Enabling Technologies and Integrated System Design; Structural Health Monitoring/NDE; Bio-Inspired Smart Materials and Structures.

[7]  Shinae Jang,et al.  Feasibility study of wind generator for smart wireless sensor node in cable-stayed bridge , 2010, Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring.

[8]  Ephrahim Garcia,et al.  Energy harvesting: a key to wireless sensor nodes , 2009, International Conference on Smart Materials and Nanotechnology in Engineering.

[9]  Mohammed F. Daqaq,et al.  A scalable concept for micropower generation using flow-induced self-excited oscillations , 2010 .

[10]  A. G. Davenport.  Buffeting of a Suspension Bridge by Storm Winds , 1962 .

[11]  Gul Agha,et al.  Structural health monitoring of a cable-stayed bridge using smart sensor technology: deployment and evaluation , 2010 .

[12]  Julio Romano Meneghini,et al.  Experimental investigation of flow-induced vibration on isolated and tandem circular cylinders fitted with strakes , 2010 .

[13]  Hod Lipson,et al.  Ambient wind energy harvesting using cross-flow fluttering , 2011 .