Wind Power from Vehicle-Induced Flow: A Sustainable Solution of Bi-Directional Vertical Wind Turbines in Renewable Energy Generation

A mobile vehicle-induced wind turbine system offers a creative, efficient response to the growing need for clean and renewable energy. This paper discusses the installation of bi-directional vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT) on highways and roadways as means to harness the forces imposed by fast-moving vehicles. Specifically, the low-cost, low-maintenance wind turbines could be used to power streetlights and other small-scale infrastructure in areas without electricity. On the other hand, relating to mobile uses of the idea, turbines are being added to car hoods for power generation in electric vehicles (EVs) and taking a stride closer to energy independence. This study shows that bi-directional VAWTs offer a renewable energy source and reduce infrastructure costs thereby reducing long electric wiring from power stations. Experimental analysis shows vehicle-induced wind speeds of <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$5-20 ~\mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}$</tex> that produce <tex xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">$50-200 ~\mathrm{W}$</tex> of output per turbine with 35 % peak efficiency. This concept provides a new pathway to energy and economies beyond fossil fuels that pollute and destroy the environment towards sustainable development.