Electromagnetic Energy Generation Using Novel Generators for Bladeless Wind Turbines

Renewable energy provides a cleaner alternative to burning fossil fuel. Conventional wind turbines, which rely on rotating blades to convert wind energy into electricity, are often expensive, mechanically complex, and require substantial maintenance. Additionally, these structures pose a threat to wildlife, particularly birds in flight. As a result, researchers are increasingly focusing on harnessing aeroelastic resonance phenomena to generate electricity through the vibration of bluff bodies. vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) in bluff bodies offer a simpler, more compact, and environmentally friendly alternative, especially concerning avian safety. This study explores electromagnetic energy generation using two novel generators: Generator I and Generator II, both assuming magnet vibrations in one direction. Generator I models the electromechanical interaction as a transformer, where the mechanical component is represented as the primary part and the electrical component as the secondary part. Transfer functions are derived for voltage-force, current-force, and velocity-force relationships. Generator II is based on a linear alternator, where the magnetic force is generated between a stationary magnet fixed to the center rod of the BWT and a freely vibrating magnet positioned within surrounding coils. A mechanical model is developed using SolidWorks and MATLAB and then coupled with the derived electromechanical transfer functions to evaluate the magnet’s dynamic response, including horizontal velocity and displacement. The available power extracted from Generator I under defined specifications is 29.5 watts, with an electrical efficiency of 55.14%. Generator II produces 1.36 watts, and when two units are aligned, the total output becomes 2.72 watts, with an electrical efficiency of 48.7%. Compared to other methods in the literature, both generators offer effective solutions for enhancing electric power extraction from BWT vibrations, representing promising advancements in electromagnetic energy harvesting.