An aeroelastic wind energy harvester with continuous orbiting motion and no friction components

A continuous-movement aeroelastic energy harvester with no friction parts is presented. Different from the commonly used vortex-induced vibration or galloping devices, the proposed energy harvesting system is constructed with a circular arc airfoil mounted to a flexible beam that follows a closed trajectory rather than oscillating linearly. The continuous motion of the airfoil results in the flow being fully attached, resulting in a greater efficiency than that of conventional oscillating wind energy harvesters. Experimental and numerical investigation has been conducted with the efficiency of energy conversion by the main element, the blade, measured to reach 3.5%.