Exploring Vehicle-Induced Turbulence as a Supplemental Energy Source for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

The growing energy requirements of modern urban areas, particularly for public infrastructure such as street lighting and signaling systems, have intensified the need for innovative and sustainable renewable energy solutions. Among emerging concepts, vehicle-induced turbulence (VIT) has gained attention as a potential yet underexplored source of supplemental energy in densely populated urban environments. This study investigates the feasibility of harvesting VIT using vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) strategically integrated into roadside infrastructure to capture the airflow generated by moving vehicles. Unlike conventional power systems that rely heavily on grid electricity or fossil fuels, the proposed approach aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution that reduces both operational expenses and environmental impacts. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted using ANSYS to analyze airflow behavior, pressure distribution, and aerodynamic characteristics around the turbine blades under various flow conditions. The turbine geometry and blade tilt angle were optimized based on the simulated wind velocity profiles derived from real-world vehicle flow patterns. Experimental validation through small-scale prototyping confirmed that optimal airflow angles, particularly around 120°, produce sufficient mechanical torque to rotate the turbine effectively. Results demonstrate that integrating small VAWTs into urban infrastructure, such as lighting poles, highway dividers, and sound barriers, can significantly enhance local energy recovery while improving the reliability of off-grid lighting systems. Overall, this research highlights the promising potential of VIT-based microgeneration systems to complement existing renewable energy sources, contributing to the realization of cleaner, smarter, and more resilient urban energy networks.