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Performance of small-scale bladeless electromagnetic energy harvesters driven by water or air

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  • Zhao, Dan
  • Ji, Chenzhen
  • Teo, C.
  • Li, Shihuai

Abstract

In this work, three different-diameter energy harvesters driven by turbulent air flow and rainwater are designed. Experiments are conducted first on the air-driven harvesters to gain insight on the energy conversion process. Unlike conventional blade-involved systems, the present setup involves using a number of co-rotating compact discs. They are closely spaced and attached to a central shaft, on which a magnet is attached. As the air flow excitations are set to 4 different levels, the harvester performances are measured in both open- and closed-loop electrical circuits. The results show that approximately 0.3 W electricity is produced. Parametric analysis is then conducted to highlight the effect of the system parameters, such as disc diameter, number, exhaust flow rates and inter-disc distance on its performance and to gain insight on its optimum design. Numerical simulations are then conducted to understand the flow physics. Finally, a 40 mm harvester is used to harness energy from rainwater. Compared with the same size air-driven harvester, the rainwater-driven one is working more efficiently in terms of the overall energy conversion efficiency. The maximum electric current is about 4.5 mA. A practical demonstration is then conducted by using the electricity generated to power a red light-emitting diode (LED).

Suggested Citation

  • Zhao, Dan & Ji, Chenzhen & Teo, C. & Li, Shihuai, 2014. "Performance of small-scale bladeless electromagnetic energy harvesters driven by water or air," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 99-108.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:74:y:2014:i:c:p:99-108
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2014.04.004
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