The goal of this project was to find innovative ways to harvest wind energy using phenomena known as vortex shedding and aeroelastic fluttering. We developed two vibrational small-scale wind energy harvesters, employing the use of a bluff body and an airfoil. We compared the theoretical natural and shedding frequencies to determine specifications for the spring constants in each system. Using an electromagnetic transducer, we harvested up to 1 milliwatt of power. We demonstrated the feasibility of our designs and explored the possibilities of scaling the system for use in different applications.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Shipulski, Ethan Edward
• Pierce, Brooke Katherine
• Neeld, Carly Jane
• Ciliberto, Frank R

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032119-125433

Advisor

• Savilonis, Brian James

Year

• 2019

Date created

• 2019-03-21

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright