Vortex Bladeless Windmill for Power Generation

Abstract

The energy requirement of India is going to increase manyfold in the coming years which can not be met by fossil fuel due to its impact on global warming. In order to meet the increasing energy requirement renewable energy source should be utilised extensively. India has the fifth largest installed wind power capacity in the world. Bladeless wind power generation is a radically new technology to capture wind energy. It generates electricity by utilising the energy of vorticity, an aerodynamic effect that, if not properly controlled, can destroy a resonant structure. If there is a fixed structure on the path of wind flow, the pattern of wind flow generates a cyclical pattern of vortices. When these vortices become strong and in resonance with the natural frequency of the obstructing structure it oscillate the structure. Generally structures are designed to minimize vortex induced vibration so that it does not fail due to resonance. Instead of reducing the oscillation designers increase it, in order to capture the energy of resonant oscillation to operate a linear accelerator or piezoelectric device for generation of electricity. Vortex windmills do not require massive tower, nacelle and blades as we see in normal windmills. This device has a small mast, a power generator and a hollow lightweight and semirigid fibreglass cylindrical top. Installation of vortex windmills do not require vast stretches of land unlike conventional windmills .These advantages put the system very competitive and economical compared to other modes of electricity generation.