Numerical and Experimental Performance Study of Bladeless Wind Turbine

Abstract

Bladeless Wind Turbines (BWTs) represent an innovative and environmentally friendly approach to wind energy conversion, utilizing vortex-induced vibrations rather than traditional blades. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of BWTs by investigating key aerodynamic parameters through both numerical simulations and experimental methods. A comprehensive 3D analysis was conducted using the k-ω SST turbulence model in ANSYS FLUENT, alongside a 2D Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis in Tecplot. These analyses provided valuable insights into critical factors such as frequency synchronization, amplitude ratios, and force coefficients. A prototype was 3D-printed and tested in a wind tunnel to validate the theoretical findings. The experimental results demonstrated a maximum amplitude ratio of 0.155 and a nominal power output of 0.43 milliwatts at a wind speed of 3 meters per second, suggesting significant potential for small-scale applications. Additionally, direct amplitude measurements were taken using a custom-designed stand to corroborate the 2D FFT results. The overall findings indicate that BWTs could serve as effective alternatives for urban environments, where traditional wind turbines may not be feasible The findings highlight BWTs as promising alternatives for urban settings, with further optimization needed for increased efficiency.