Theoretical and experimental analysis of flutter-based wind microgenerator /

In this work, we propose a novel flutter-based wind energy harvesting technique which is capable of providing power to low power applications in remote areas. The flutter-based wind microgenerator developed in this work uses electromagnetic transduction to generate power with permanent NdFeB (Neodym...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Javid, Abdul Hakim
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: Kuala Lumpur : Kulliyyah of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, 2014
Subjects:
Online Access:http://studentrepo.iium.edu.my/handle/123456789/5296
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this work, we propose a novel flutter-based wind energy harvesting technique which is capable of providing power to low power applications in remote areas. The flutter-based wind microgenerator developed in this work uses electromagnetic transduction to generate power with permanent NdFeB (Neodymium, Iron and Boron) magnets used to provide intense magnetic field around the harvester. We develop a mathematical model comprising the various physical phenomena of the energy conversion from wind to mechanical vibrations and then electric. The mathematical model is further compared with finite element analysis solution obtained using NASTRAN to check its conformity. It was found that the flutter frequency and voltage output increases with wind speed and decreases with increase in width of the cantilever. And there is no effect of increase in span of the cantilever on flutter. Experimental investigations were performed on two proposed designs: (1) a horizontal cantilever harvester with embedded coils on the surface, and (2) an inverted cantilever with coils surrounding a bluff body attached to the cantilever tip. The cantilever attached with a square bluff body at the tip showed better flutter characteristics and power generation than the cylindrical bluff body of same size. We found that the proposed microgenerators can provide power from wind speeds as low as 1 m/s and produce a peak power of 0.26 mW without any use of bluff body. Peak power of 0.21 mW and 0.16 mW were produced using square and cylindrical bluff bodies at the tip at wind speed of 4 m/s. It also shows that there is no adverse interference between the vibrating elements when stacked together in a row which is desirable for power generation to support larger remote application devices. An electric circuit capable of stepping up, conditioning and storing the energy harvested is also integrated to the harvester and tested. The proposed design experimentally demonstrates a low wind speed harvesting device suitable for environmental applications monitoring the environment in rural areas such as forests or mountains.
Physical Description:xiv, 112 leaves : ill. ; 30cm.
Bibliography:Includes bibliographical references (leaves 84-87)