Optimization of the energy harvesting from airfoil stall induced oscillations

Abstract

Stall induced limit cycle oscillations were observed experimentally and modeled by several researchers in the last decades. However, there are not enough works on the versatility of this phenomenon applied to the conversion of flow energy to electrical energy in a optimized approach. Given this fact, the present work proposes an analysis based on the choice of structural and aerodynamic parameters, which optimize an energy harvester based on, stall induced oscillations. Computational analysis will be performed with the aeroelastic model developed during Master's degree period (FAPESP process 2016/24522-4). The model considers an aeroelastic typical section with two degrees of freedom and unsteady aerodynamic loading given by the Beddoes-Leishman dynamic stall model in state space representation. An electrical generator is going to be associated to pitching motion and the governing equations are coupled to the aeroelastic model. Moreover, experiments will be carry out to validate the computational model and investigate if the optimal conditions to energy harvesting efficiency predicted by the simulations are attained experimentally. This project will result in the parameter characterization and tests of optimized stall induced oscillations energy harvesters by considering their efficiencies at different flow speeds. (AU)