Three Dimensional Effects and analysis on the energy harvesting performance of an oscillating wing

Project Title

Three Dimensional Effects and analysis on the energy harvesting performance of an oscillating wing

Project Area of Specialization Mechanical EngineeringProject Summary

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis of a finite oscillating wing is required to find the effect of 3-dimensionalities on the energy harvesting performance of an oscillating wing. CFD analysis of the oscillating wing will be done using computational analysis in ANSYS-Fluent to study and analyze the energy harvesting performance of an oscillating wing through detailed flow physics and subsequent aerodynamic and power coefficients.

Project Objectives

An Oscillating wing energy harvester is a relatively new design inspired by birds, insects, and aquatic animals which has become a major focus for harvesting energy. This method has proved to be very effective in extracting energy at low velocities. This project addresses the 3-dimensional effects and losses for a finite span oscillating wing. The project focuses on giving out the best wing design and optimized motions for maximum power extraction, considering the 3-dimensional effect due to a finite wingspan. An effective solution by the project could help in a prominent innovation in the field of renewable energy and be an effective replacement of conventional windmills in generating power.

Project Implementation Method

The project is based on computational analysis using ANSYS-FLUENT. For initial analysis and set up validation a preliminary finite wing model with NACA0015 airfoil is used. Certain parameters including foil kinematics (models, frequencies, amplitudes, and time histories of motion), foil and system geometry (shape, configuration, and structural flexibility) and flow physics effects (Reynolds number and turbulence) will be kept in correspondence with the given literature. The experimental setup will be validated by comparing the CFD results to the given literature on geometry and gird independence will be obtained. Once the setup is validated, we will model and run the cases on the geometry for the actual analysis. 

Benefits of the Project

Pakistan is considered an underdeveloped country in the world, and it is facing a lot of energy crises in recent times. Most of the energy extraction in Pakistan is dependent on unregenerate energy sources such as coal, natural gas, and oil which may cause prominent problems of energy sources and the environment in the future. We need to move towards using renewable and zero-pollution energy for energy extraction. As suggested in the project use of an oscillating wing energy harvester could be a good alternative for energy harvesting and effective power extraction. An optimally designed energy harvester using the concept of the oscillating wing could be of great national use in the field of energy generation.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The analysis will be divided into two parts as follows:

• Effect of 3-dimensionalities on the energy harvesting performance of an oscillating wing

• Effect of change is wing geometry on the energy harvesting performance of an oscillating wing

For each case, the analysis will be conducted at different parameters to  find the best conditions for the maximum power extraction for the oscillating wing

Final Deliverable of the Project Software SystemCore Industry Energy Other Industries Education Core Technology Clean TechOther TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	70000
high processing PC	Equipment	1	70000	70000