Performance of AeroMINEs for Distributed Wind Energy

Abstract

AeroMINE (Motionless, INtegrated Extraction) wind harvesters provide distributed power generation with no external moving parts. Their patent-protected design easily integrates into buildings and can operate stand-alone or in conjunction with rooftop solar photovoltaics. Here, the AeroMINE configuration of a single-pair of opposing foils is investigated in wind tunnel tests. Through various geometric optimizations (foil spacing, angle-of-attack and air-jet configuration) a mechanical efficiency of approximately 1/3 of the Betz limit is achieved. Intermittent operation at significantly higher efficiency (approaching ½ of the Betz limit) is demonstrated for higher angles-of-attack, but steady operation is impeded by an aerodynamic instability. In addition to pressure and anemometry, particle image velocimetry is utilized to characterize the flow around and through the AeroMINE pair.

Authors

Suhas Pol, Brent C. Houchens, David Marian and Carsten Westergaard

Keywords

Particle Image Velocimetry, Wind Tunnel Tests, Aerodynamic Instability, Angle of Attack, Wind Energy, Photovoltaics, Power Generation, Static Pressure, Cost of Electricity, Flow Velocity

Publication Type

Journal Article

Digital Object Identifier

https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1241

Full Citation

Pol, S., Houchens, B. C., Marian, D., & Westergaard, C. (2020). Performance of AeroMINEs for Distributed Wind Energy. In AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum (p. 1241).

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