Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-25-2020

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the feasibility of harvesting wind energy on a small scale in residential areas. The method investigated was the initiation of movement-induced excitation (MIE), a type of aeroelastic flutter, within samples of polyvinylidine fluoride (PVDF), a piezoelectric polymer. Single samples of PVDF were secured in a wind tunnel and sample voltage was measured over a broad range of wind speeds. Power was calculated then via the addition of ohmic resistance matched to the magnitude of the capacitive impedances of the samples. The geometry of the PVDF samples studied was maintained as a simple rectangular shape with flat or pointed tips so as to facilitate ease of manufacture from an engineering perspective. Length, width, thickness, and tip shape were varied among samples in order to determine optimal dimensions for the generation of electric power by a sample at wind speeds typical to urban areas. Flutter was found to be a reliable mechanism for power generation at the wind speeds of interest. The most power was produced by flat-tipped samples with a width of 22 mm, a length of 63 mm, and a thickness of 40 μm.

Keywords

flutter, piezoelectric, wind power, wind energy, renewable

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Mechanical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Svetlana V. Poroseva

Second Committee Member

Nathan Jackson

Third Committee Member

Peter Vorobieff

Document Type

Thesis

Language

English

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