Research Projects

The search for renewable energy resources in the last few decades has led to the development of windmills, hydro-turbines, solar panels, etc. Each of these technologies have their own advantages and limitations. Since these technologies are not adequate, researchers have tried to find alternate ways to generate energy continuously. Flow-induced vibration (FIV) is one such evolving technology that has a huge potential in the area of renewable energy. The development of VIVACE (vortex-induced vibration aquatic clean energy) demonstrated the potential of FIV for energy generation. These systems offer a simple and compact solution that is easily integrable into broader applications, particularly in remote or off-grid environments. However, experimental facilities for energy harvesting and for analyzing the response of body experiencing FIV exist at only a few institutions worldwide. A state-of-the-art experimental facility to study FIV and harness energy has recently been developed by our group at IIT Bombay, which can display the required response over a wide range of flow conditions. Here we propose to use this facility to design, develop and demonstrate a flow-induced vibration based system that can harvest energy at low flow speeds (order of few m/s), unlike traditional turbines that require much higher flow rates. This development could be particularly relevant for extracting energy from readily available flowing water sources within the country, such as rivers, irrigation canals, drains, etc. The primary aim of this proposal is to develop a robust and efficient flow-induced vibration based energy harvester. Our solution would be scientifically designed and carefully optimized to maximize the amount of energy harvested for given input conditions. This would involve: (a) studying the effect of shape of bluff body suspended in the flow, (b) understanding the interaction of same/different shape bluff bodies placed one behind the other, (c) measuring displacement and forces experienced by bodies under different flow conditions, (d) performing three-dimensional velocity measurement of the flow field, and (e) demonstration of energy harvesting using an electro-magnet based electrical circuit. The specific objectives of this proposal therefore are: (1) To study the flow field and forces around four different types of bluff bodies (circular, C-, D-shape cylinders, cube) under a wide range of flow conditions (flow speed of 0.1-2 m/s; low and moderate turbulence intensities), (2) To understand the interaction of wakes and optimize the spacing between same/different shape bluff bodies placed one behind the other (i.e., up to two bodies will be investigated), (3) To develop three-dimensional flow measurement capability (i.e., develop an in-house 3d particle image velocimetry system) for detailed flow field measurement (esp. in case of cube) and for short-length bodies, (4) To design and optimize an electro-magnet based energy harvester coupled to bluff-body. We have preliminary work done on the objectives proposed above and therefore we should be able to execute the project within the stipulated timeframe. The proposal is novel on several counts: specifically, we will perhaps be studying FIV experimentally for the first time in the country; study of interacting FIV bodies is almost unexplored even at the global stage, and development of a green energy harvester of a novel configuration should generate a lot of excitement. In addition, (a) 3d-PIV is a modern experimental technique and its development (as opposed to buying a commercial system) will lead to instrument building capacity within the country; (b) the understanding gained as part of this work will lead to the capability to customize the solution for a variety of conditions (flow speed, depth of river, upstream turbulence, etc); and (c) developing, patenting, and commercializing a novel energy harvester is abundantly possible at the end of project.