Development of a near-ground novel wind energy converter

Abstract

This paper investigates the performance of a novelwind energy capture system consisting of ducted oscillating aerofoils. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate the system's ability to capture and focus wind energy, and its potential for scalability. The system is designed with modular units, each containing two aerofoils that can oscillate independently. A CFD model was developed to simulate the power extraction process, incorporating two regions within the duct to represent the action of the aerofoils. Through using an actuator volume to model the blades' inertial resistance, the thrust coefficient was calibrated, providing an accurate representation of the aerofoils' performance. The model was then placed in an open domain to evaluate the airflow dynamics and assess the available power for practical extraction. Results show that the Wind Panel design can extract up to 370 W at 12 m/s, demonstrating its strong performance in higher wind conditions, whilst producing 210 W at 10 m/s, proving its efficiency at lower wind speeds. The findings indicate that the design is a reliable, scalable, and efficient solution for sustainable energy production in varying wind environments.