Integration of Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbine on Automobiles for Power Generation: A Novel Approach towards Sustainable Mobility

Abstract

Wind energy, a promising form of renewable energy, has evolved from basic windmills to complex wind turbines, playing a significant role in global energy supply. Innovations in wind turbine technology have led to exploring new applications beyond stationary setups. This thesis investigates the integration of Diffuser Augmented Wind Turbines (DAWTs) with mobile vehicles, focusing on designing, optimizing, and integrating a DAWT system on an auto rickshaw. The development of wind turbine technology has progressed from harnessing kinetic energy for mechanical tasks to advanced designs like horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs), which maximize efficiency and scalability. The global shift towards renewable energy has led to the creation of smaller, adaptable turbines suitable for urban environments. Integrating wind turbines into vehicles leverages the wind experienced by moving vehicles to generate electricity, offering a novel approach to renewable energy. This is particularly appealing for auto rickshaws, common in urban areas with substantial wind exposure. However, challenges include optimizing aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring structural stability, and assessing impacts on vehicle performance. This thesis addresses these challenges through comprehensive research on a DAWT system for auto rickshaws. It includes literature review, theoretical analysis, and empirical validation. The study highlights the benefits of DAWTs, which use diffusers to increase wind speed through the rotor, enhancing energy capture efficiency beyond traditional limits. Precision CAD tools were used to design turbine blades and diffuser shells, focusing on aerodynamic performance. The designs were refined through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize models. Calibration of a custom anemometer ensured accurate wind velocity measurements, aided by IoT technology for real-time data collection. Integrating the DAWT system into the auto rickshaw required careful consideration of aerodynamics and structural integrity. CFD models evaluated the turbine's impact on vehicle performance, and experimental tests validated the results. Findings indicate potential improvements in energy collection efficiency, suggesting significant implications for urban portable wind energy solutions. The study identifies areas for further design enhancements and adds to the knowledge base of sustainable energy solutions. 11 This research underscores the potential of combining renewable energy technology with transportation, proposing vehicles as mobile power generators. The study has practical implications for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing energy security in urban areas. By addressing aerodynamic, structural, and performance challenges, this thesis contributes to the development of mobile wind energy applications and supports the global transition to cleaner energy systems.