Investigation on the design parameters of an aero elastic wind energy generator

Abstract

The conceptual model of Aero-elastic Wind Energy Generator (AeWEG) has been developed for harnessing wind power at low wind speeds. A straight rectangular rigid wing with controlled torsional flutter has been used as aero elastic wind generator. A model of an AeWEG has been fabricated and tested in the wind tunnels under various wind speed conditions. The equation of motion of AeWEG wing by using Lagrange s equation has been derived and non-dimensionlised in order to determine influencing parameters of design variables. Three variables have been newlineidentified and simulated numerically using MATLAB, as a result of which optimized variables are obtained. Dimensional analysis has been carried out to find the relationship between all physical parameters of AeWEG and flow parameters. newlineBuckingham theorem has been used for the dimensional analysis of AeWEG. newlineExperimental set-up consists of a rigid wing, helical torsion springs and shaft mounted on bearings connected to the specially constructed strut assembly for the model of 1:10 scale AeWEG. The support structure (strut assembly) comprises of a rod connecting the rectangular wing assembly to the base of the wind tunnel using a fixture. Shaft is connected to the wing through an attachment. This attachment is used to screw holes along the leading edge of the wing which enables rotation of wing along with the shaft. Helical torsion springs are attached to the shaft to place the wing at the stall angle of attack. Potentiometer is used for the measurement of oscillations in the system. newline newline