Journal of Theoretical and Applied Vibration and Acoustics

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Vibration and Acoustics

Nonlinear analysis and numerical study of vortex bladeless turbine with experimental verification

Document Type : H. Ahmadian Prize

Authors
Mechanical Engineering Department, Imam Hossein University, Tehran, IRAN
10.22064/tava.2025.2041373.1247
Abstract
With the growth of societies and the complexity of industry and technology, the human need for energy sources and the use of renewable energies, such as wind and sun, have been increasing. One way to achieve clean and renewable energies is the development of wind turbines. In this article, the development and parameter sensitivity analysis of a vortex bladeless turbine have been discussed. This type of turbine is made of a mast (fiberglass) connected to the ground by a rod (made of fiberglass). When the mast is exposed to an airflow, the pressure change causes von Karman vortices, and as a result, the mast starts to vibrate in the direction perpendicular to the fluid flow. Finally, electricity can be harvested by electromagnetic or piezoelectric mechanisms due to the displacement created. This article aims to maximize energy harvesting, which will occur in the highest range of displacement. By doing so, the nonlinear equations governing this problem are derived, and the effective parameters in the displacement (diameter of the mast and base, height of the mast and base, and density) with the objective function of the highest displacement have been analyzed. The vortex bladeless turbine was simulated as a fluid-structure interaction in ANSYS software, and the results were evaluated using an analytical solution. Finally, the experimental prototype was prepared, and the displacement of the mast was investigated and evaluated with analytical results.

Highlights

  • Efficiency of bladeless wind turbines is investigated versus design parameters.
  • Nonlinear dynamic equations are solved both numerically and analytically for simulations.
  • System frequency response is investigated considering the non-linear parameters.
  • Numerical simulation using structure-fluid coupling is conducted considering disturbances.

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