Design and Nonlinear Static Simulation of a Small–Scale Vortex Bladeless Wind Power Generator

Abstract

Wind turbines can be a replacement for coal as an energy source. However, the conventional wind turbines are expensive and are very complicated due to many mechanical components translating to high manufacturing and maintenance costs. This study aims to help improve the efficiency and design of bladeless wind power generators through generation of power using vortex induced vibration. A bladeless wind power generator was designed using Autodesk Fusion 360 wherein the prototype was modeled to be approximately 1.35 m x 0.5m x 0.5m (overall height, width, and length). A Nonlinear Static Simulation, using ANSYS®Academic Student MechanicalTM, was performed to determine the effect of two different wind velocities, 4.5 m/s and 6.5 m/s, acting on the mast. The design of the bladeless wind turbine was focused on simplifying its manufacturability by using a helical spring to connect the mast to the base while also attaining maximum vortex shedding at a low velocity. The researchers of this study used a static simulation to simplify the study. The predetermined wind velocities were converted into a pressure value, allowing the researchers to obtain the total deformation, directional deformation, and maximum principal and shear stresses (in the spring). It has been determined that the maximum deformation experienced by the bladeless wind power generator was 131.800 mm and 253.270 mm for wind velocities of 4.5 m/s and 6.5 m/s resulting to a theoretical power output of 9.765W and 29.428W, respectively.