The document is a seminar report on bladeless wind energy submitted by Ashish Kumar Saroj. It discusses the working principle of Vortex Bladeless wind turbines, which harness wind energy through vortex shedding without the use of blades. Vortex Bladeless turbines use an oscillating mast that enters resonance with vortices shed from the wind flow. This oscillation is used to generate electricity through an alternator system integrated into the base of the mast. The report outlines the key benefits of Vortex Bladeless turbines over conventional wind turbines, such as lower costs, reduced maintenance needs due to having no gears or moving parts, lower environmental impacts, and reduced impacts on wildlife.
1. 1
A
Seminar Report
On
BLADELESS WIND ENERGY
Submitted by: Supervisor:
ASHISH KUMAR SAROJ Mr. VIKAS PATEL
Roll No.-1673720017 Assistant Professor
EE 3rd
year EE Department
Department of Electrical Engineering
Rajkiya Engineering College
Ambedkar Nagar-224122 (U.P.), India
2. 2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am truly indebted to many individuals who had help and supported me
throughout the entire period of my seminar. Without their immense help and
continuous support, it would not have been possible for me to complete
I am grateful to my project supervisor Mr. Vikas Patel, Assistant Professor of
electrical engineering department. Yours guidance was most significant leading
path for me. I treasure those valuable discussions which we had that strengthen
my basics. Ihave enjoyed and experienced a deep senseof satisfaction under your
guidance.
I am very much thankful to all the faculty members of department of electrical
engineering for their immense help and continuous support throughout my
seminar. Last but not the least; I would like to acknowledge my family and
friends, for their constant support and encouragement.
ASHISH KUMAR SAROJ
EE 3rd year
(1673720017)
Department of Electrical Engineering
Rajkiya Engineering College, Ambedkar Nagar
3. 3
CERTIFICATE
The undersigned certify that Ashish Kumar Saroj, Roll.No.-1673720017,
Enrolment No.-167372072917 is registered for B. Tech. Program in Department
of Electrical Engineering under my supervision for seminar course.
I hereby recommend that the Seminar report entitled, “BLADELESS WIND
ENERGY” be accepted as the partial fulfilment of the requirements for
evaluation and award of B. Tech. Degree.
Date:
Place: Mr. VIKAS PATEL
Assistant Professor
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
RAJKIYA ENGINEERING COLLEGE, AMBEDKAR NAGAR
4. 4
ABSTRACT
New wind generators with different characteristics compared with conventional
wind turbines can improve the exploitation of this clean energy source.
Aeroelastic resonance phenomena are usually considered a problem, but they can
also constitute the basis of a technology for wind energy transformation. This
paper is a condensed synopsis of the most general aspects of an alternative
technology based on VIV fluid-structure interaction that avoids the use of gears
or shafts.
The application of magnetic forces to the resonant structure allows to passively
modify the structure rigidity, which leads to an increase of the lock-in range and
consequently a higher number of working hours per year. Electromagnetic
induction is also one of the available strategies to transform the energy of the
oscillatory movement into electricity.
Vortex Bladeless is an alternative and innovative way to harness energy from
wind, with different and exciting characteristics which makes it a revolution in
wind power generation. Nowadays, conventional wind turbines have shown that
the wind is an excellent sourceof energy. However, someof its characteristics do
not make them suitable for some applications.
Vortex technology uses no blades, getting energy from wind through oscillation
without gears, brakes nor oil. Its design makes it a nice alternative for a greener
on-site generation.
5. 5
CONTENT
Introduction ……………………………………………………………...6
Structure & design………………………………………………7-8
Vortex Shedding……………….………………………………………....9
Definition of Vortex Bladeless……………………………………….…11
How Vortex Bladeless works………………………….…………….12-14
Design of Vortex Bladeless……………………………………...……...15
Why is it Better…………………………………………………...…16-17
Conclusion…………………………………...…………………….……18
Reference………………………………………………………………..19
6. 6
INTRODUCTION:
The efficiency of renewable energies has grown significantly in recent years and
wind energy has been one of the most important responsible. The increasing size
of wind turbines is making wind power to be one of the most relevant energy
sources. However, in the distributed energy sector, where energy is generated
close to the point of use, the most remarkable technology may be photovoltaic
solar energy. The lacking ofmobile mechanical parts allow to collect energy from
the sun with minimal maintenance and no environmental noise impact. In
addition, it is well known that the combined use of different renewable energy
sources is synergistic due to mutual compensation in periods of absence of wind,
sunlight, etc. The development of a new wind generator can be very useful if it is
able to emulate the features that have made photovoltaics the main energy source
in the distributed energy sector. Inrelation to large-scale wind power, the offshore
technology (turbines installed in the ocean) is very promising. One of the faced
problems is the aggressiveness of marine environments, especially the corrosion
ofmobile mechanical parts ofthe mills. Therefore, the absenceofgears, bearings,
etc. in a device capable of collecting wind energy can also be an important
advantage. The influence on wildlife (mainly birds), the visual impact, the cause
of EMI phenomena with antennas or radars, the costs, and many other factors
must also be considered when developing a new wind generation device.
Unconventional wind turbines are those that differ significantly from the most
common types in use. As of 2012, the most common type of wind turbine is the
three-bladed upwind horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT) and vertical-axis
wind turbine (VAWT).
The wide variety of designs reflects ongoing commercial, technological, and
inventive interests in harvesting wind resources.
A more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to produce
energy called Vortex Bladeless which works onthe Principle ofVortex Shedding.
Vortex Bladeless is a vortex induced vibration resonant wind generator.
It harnesses wind energy from a phenomenon ofvorticity called Vortex Shedding.
Basically, bladeless technology consists of a cylinder fixed vertically with an
elastic rod. The cylinder oscillates on a wind range, which then generates
electricity through an alternator system. In other words, it is a wind turbine which
is not actually a turbine. Vortex wind generators are more similar in features and
cost-effectiveness over time to solar panels than to regular wind turbines.
7. 7
STRUCTURE & GEOMETRY
The outer cylinder is designed to be largely rigid and has the ability to vibrate,
remaining anchored to the bottom rod. The top of the cylinder is unconstrained
and has the maximum amplitude of the oscillation. The structure is built using
resins reinforced with carbonand/or glass fiber, materials used in conventional
wind turbine blades. The rod’s top supports the mast and it’s bottom is firmly
anchored to the ground.
It is built of carbon fibre reinforced polymer, which provides a great fatigue
resistance and it has aminimal energy leak when oscillating. Naturally, the design
of such wind turbine is quite different from a traditional turbine. Instead of the
usual tower, nacelle and blades, our device has only a mast made of lightweight
materials over a base. This reduces the usage of raw materials and the need for a
deeper foundation.
8. 8
VORTEX’S ALTERNATOR
Currently, Vortex generates electricity through an alternator system, made by
coils and magnets, adapted to the vortex dynamics, without gears, shafts or any
rotating parts. Our Vortex generator is currently considered a “small wind
turbine”. Alternators are a well-known technology, although the way Vortex is
using it is innovative and patented. This design allows to reduce maintenance
and eliminates the need for greasing.
A. Stator’s fixed part
B. Alternator’s mobile part
C. Stator’s support
9. 9
VORTEX SHEDDING
Our bladeless wind turbine captures the energy from the wind by a resonance
phenomenon produced byan aerodynamic effect called vortex shedding. In fluid
mechanics, as the wind passes through a blunt body, the flow is modified and
generates a cyclical pattern ofvortices. Oncethe frequency ofthese forces is close
enough to body’sstructural frequency, the bodystarts to oscillate and enters into
resonance with the wind. This is also known as Vortex Induced Vibration (VIV).
Vortex Technology, fluid dynamics
This VIV phenomenon is commonly avoided in structural engineering,
aeronautics and architecture. Quite the opposite, Vortex’s turbines maximizes this
aerodynamic instabilities and wind turbulences, capturing this energy. Vortex’s
mast geometry is specially designed to achieve maximum performance to the
average observed wind velocities.
It is able to adapt very quickly to wind direction changes and turbulent airflows
commonly observed in urban environments. The disturbance of the downstream
wind current is why regular turbines need to beinstalled far from each other. This
doesn’t affect bladeless wind turbines, any limitation associated with the “wake
effect” is avoided. Furthermore, we expect Vortex devices to work better
together, feedbacking each other if they have the properfree spacearound them,
which is estimated to be half of the total height of the device. For regular wind
turbines, this free space is usually five times the total height of the device.
In fluid dynamics, vortex shedding is an oscillating flow that takes place when a
fluid such as air or water flows past a bluff (as opposed to streamlined) body at
certain velocities, depending on the size and shape of the body.
10. 10
WHAT IS VORTEX BLADELESS?
The Vortex Bladeless device is type of Unconventional Wind Turbine which
deliberately maximizes vortex shedding, converting wind energy to fluttering of
a light-weight vertical pole, then captures that energy with a generator at the
bottom of the pole.
Vortex's innovation comes from its unusual shape, where a fiberglass and carbon
fiber mast oscillate in the wind taking advantage of the vortex shedding effect.
A carbonfiber rod sits at the bottom of the mast and its movement inside a linear
alternator generates the electricity
Frequency tuning
The frequency of the Vortex shedding is proportional to the Windstream’s
velocity; however, each structure has its own natural vibration frequency. To
match wind frequencies with a device’s natural frequency you should modify the
bodymass (the more mass the less natural frequency) and the rigidity (the more
rigidity, higher frequencies), among other parameters.
Therefore, you would need complex mechanisms to vary the natural frequency of
that device. To avoid this, Vortex design uses instead a magnetic confinement
system with permanent magnets that increase the apparent stiffness of the system
according to their degree offlexion. The degree of flexion grows as long the wind
intensifies.
We call this “tuning system “. As a result, Vortex’s patented self-synchronization
system allows capturing a wider range of wind speeds with no effort, with a cut-
in point in 3 m/s approx. (start speed). It can automatically vary rigidity and
“synchronize” with the incoming wind speed, in order to stay in resonance
without any mechanical or manual interference. This way the aerogenerator’s
lock-in range increases.
11. 11
WORKING PRINCIPLE
An aerodynamic effect that creates a pattern of spinning vortices or whirlwinds.
the structure attracts whirlwinds which develop at determined frequencies
depending on the speed at which the wind is travelling.
When the Frequency of the whirl winds or vortex coincides with the frequency
of the structure, the energy is absorbed, reaching at a peak due to aerostatic
coupling. It relies on the oscillation of its reed-like mast in reaction to air vortices
to move a series of magnets located in the joint near its base to generate
electricity.
This kinetic energy is then used to power an alternator, which multiplies the
frequency of the tower’s oscillation and converts the motion in to usable
electricity.
The first model to be made available commercially will be known as the Mini: a
4 kW, 12.5 meter (41 ft) high unit intended for residential and small-scale
commercial.
A larger model, dubbed the Gran, is also being designed and is a unit with a
greater than one megawatt outputintended for use in large-scale powergeneration
for industry and electricity companies.
12. 12
MAIN FEATURES
MATERIALS &LIFE SPAN
Current wind turbine technology need to supportvery different load levels under
variable wind speeds, which puts high mechanical demands on transmitting
components such as gears, bearings, bushings or brakes. The multiple moving
parts are constantly under wear, which leads to high maintenance costs.
Bladeless wind turbines completely eliminates mechanical elements that can
suffer wear by friction. The main materials used for manufacturing Vortex
turbines are carbon fiber polymers, plastics, steel, neodymium, and copper. The
working limits of these materials are far away from Vortex’s operational
standard.
13. 13
Stress & Fatigue
Of course, this wind turbine is not immune to fatigue and stress forces. Fatigue is
defined by the weakening of a material caused due to repeatedly applied loads or
forces. Vortex turbine’s rod suffers continued flexion and a material failure could
eventually occur. The first products have been designed paying special attention
to this issue.
The carbon fiber rod was designed to work at a maximum oscillation amplitude
of 2,7º. This implies a very low material’s deformation. Computational and
mathematical analysis carried out in relation to the component most affected by
this phenomenon of fatigue make us think that Vortex aerogenerator has a huge
life span.
14. 14
COST-EFFECTIVENESS
One of the main advantages of Vortex turbines are the low costs associated.
We have estimated that Vortex turbines’ levelized cost of energy (LCOE) will be
lower, which will allow a faster return on investment. Anyway, further research
has to be done on this topic to say with certainty.
This makes this tech highly competitive not only against generations of
alternative or renewable energy, but even compared to conventional technologies.
You can read an study about cost-effectiveness for bladeless turbines here.
These cost reductions come from a clever design and usage of raw materials.
There is no need for a nacelle, support mechanisms, and blades, that are usually
costly components in the conventional wind generators.
Thanks to be very lightweight and to have the gravity center close to the ground,
anchoring or foundation requirements have been reduced significantly compared
to regular turbines, easing installation.
15. 15
GENERATION CAPACITY
In wind energy conversion, power generation is proportional to the swept area of
the wind turbine. Vortex currently sweeps up as much as 30 % of the working
area of a conventional 3-blades-based wind turbine of identical height.
As a result, generally speaking we can say Vortex wind power is less power
efficient than regular horizontal-axis wind turbines. On the other hand, a smaller
sweptarea allows more bladeless turbines to be installed in the same surface area,
compensating the power efficiency with space efficiency in a cheaper way.
The Vortex Tacoma (2,75m) estimated rated power output is 100W once
industrialised.
16. 16
WHY IS IT BETTER?
Eco-friendly
Vortex turbines aim to be a “greener” wind alternative. Athough a more
rigorous carbonfootprint analysis is needed, bladeless wind power seem to bring
some extra advantages from the environmental point of view.
Vortex bladeless is mainly a solution for distributed energy generation. It is
perfect to be placed near a house or over the roof. It can work on grid and off
grid, and as a part of a hybrid solar installation plus wind generation.
Environmental impact
Its simple design and light weight allow a very efficient use of raw materials. No
complex manufacturing process is required to build a bladeless wind turbine,
although current methods has to be slightly different to industrialise the
production. The absence of lubricants makes unnecessary to manage this waste.
The total weight of a Vortex Tacoma is estimated to be less than 15 Kg once
industrialised. Unlike regular rotating-based wind power, with the proper
calibration and anchoring we expect Vortex technology to be completely
noiseless. As an extra, Vortex Bladeless design’s interferences on radio signals
are negligible.
Wildlife’s impact
Although small wind turbines usually do notrepresent an important issue for local
wildlife, bladeless wind power’s impact on birds population is expected to be
much smaller. Vortex’s design allows an oscillatory movement on bladeless
turbines to be tiny and less aggressive than traditional wind turbines, so it won’t
disturb wildlife and allow birds and bats to avoid them easily while flying.
The NGO Birdlife is collaborating with us to measure this impact. Wind energy
and birds can share the same wind!
18. 18
CONCLUSION
The implementation of a wind generation device based on aeroelastic resonance
is feasible. It has been suggested that it is desirable to collect wind energy with a
device that minimizes maintenance needs, especially as far as distributed
generation is concerned. A slender and circular cross section wind generator
whose diameter is variable according to height is proposed for achieve this
mission. To maintain the resonance in a wider range of wind speeds, a strategy
based on magnetic repulsion by using permanent magnets has been shown.
Finally, regarding to the conversion of mechanical energy into electricity, the use
of permanent magnets alternators whose stator is fixed to the ground and its
mobile part is fixed to the oscillating structure part has been illustrated. No
mechanical components susceptible to wear due to friction are required.
When it comes to clean energy, wind poweris considered one ofthe mostreliable
and sustainable alternatives.And thanks to the combination of improved
technology and diminishing prices, its adoption has increased in recent years.
Innovations like these, are what is leading to a revolution in wind power, and
some very optimistic appraisals for its adoption.
In 2014, the Department of Energy estimated that by 2050, wind power could
account for as such as 35% of the US' electrical production.
An even more optimistic appraisal came from the Global Wind Energy Council
and Greenpeace International.
Together, they released a report in 2014 that stated how wind power could
account for as much as 25 to 30% of global electricity demands by 2050.
SO , If we look at the future of Vortex Bladeless I looks Damn Bright.
19. 19
REFERENCE
[1] K. Y. Bilhah, and R.H. Scanlan, “Resonance, Tacoma Narrows
bridge failure, and undergraduate physics textbooks”, Amer. J. Phys.
59, 1991, pages 118-124.
[2] C. C. Feng, “The measurement of vortex induced effects in a flow
past stationary and oscillating circular and D-section cylinders”MSc
thesis, University British Columbia, Vancouver, 1968.
[3] D. A. Spear and T. R. Richards. “Modified power law equations
for vertical wind profiles”, NASA Lewis Research Center, 1979.
[4] A. Betz. “Das Maximum der theoretisch moglichen Ausnutzung
des Windes durch Windmotoren” Zeitschrift fur das gesamte
Turbulences, 1920, pages 307–309.
[5] D. J. Yanez “An electrical power generator and an electrical
generator method”, Patent W PCT/ EP2015/072802,2015.
[6] R. Bourget, G. E. Karnataka's, M. S. Triantafyllou. “Lock-in of the
vortex-induced vibrations of a long tensioned beam in shear flow”,
Journal of Fluids and Structures, 2011, vol. 27, pages. 838-847.
6. www.vortexbladeless.com
7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unconventional_wind_turbines