Experimental investigation and performance modeling of centimeter-scale micro-wind turbine energy harvesters. Issue 147 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zakaria, Mohamed Y.; Pereira, Daniel A.; Hajj, Muhammad R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics. Issue 147(2015)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Micro-wind turbines -- Energy harvesting -- Wind tunnel testing; Wind-pressure -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Aerodynamics -- Periodicals; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Constructions -- Aérodynamique -- Périodiques; Buildings -- Aerodynamics; Wind-pressure; Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2015.09.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-6105

Abstract

Abstract: Centimeter-scale micro wind turbines have been proposed to power small devices. Design models and operating conditions for large scale wind turbines do not directly apply towards these small harvesters. We perform an experimental investigation of a swirl-type micro-wind turbine. We measure the useful power extracted from this turbine in an open circuit suction type wind tunnel facility. The optimal resistive loads for different flow speeds are determined. A model for the friction, torque drive and generated power is derived and validated. The effect of varying the direction of incident flow on the turbine performance is also determined. The results show an optimal combination between the rotor diameter and the number of rotor revolutions. The power density and efficiency of this turbine were found to be larger than previously tested turbines that have slightly larger diameters. This is true over a broad range of free stream speeds. Finally, because of its shape, the swirl configuration is effective in harvesting power for yaw angles of ±30°. Abstract : Graphical abstract: Abstract : Highlights: We test the performance of a swirl type micro-wind turbine. We provide a model for output power prediction of CSMWTs. We achieved high power density for swirl CSMWTs. No reduction in generated power for yaw angles less than 10°.