27-10-2014, 12:44 PM
Abstracts: The objective of the project is to design a wind turbine to recapture wind energy from vehicles running on the highway. Wind energy is considered the fastest growing clean energy source. However; it is limited by variable natural wind currents. Highway traffic can provide a considerable amount of wind to drive a turbine due to heavy vehicles. Currently, this energy is not utilized. Extensive research on wind patterns is required to determine the average velocity of the wind created due to vehicles passing by. The wind turbines will be placed on the medians therefore fluid flow from both sides of the highway will be considered while designing. Using all of the collected data, existing streetlights on the medians can be illuminated with these wind turbines. Additionally, since the wind-power amount will fluctuate, a storage system for the power generated will be designed to distribute and maintain a constant source of power. Ideally, the turbine can be used globally as an unlimited power source for streetlights and other public amenities. In this project we work on design and development of a vertical axis wind turbine which can run on low wind velocities.