Performance of AeroMINEs for Distributed Wind Energy
Suhas Pol, Brent Houchens, David Marian, Carsten Westergaard
Abstract
AeroMINE (Motionless, INtegrated Extraction) wind harvesters provide distributed power generation with no external moving parts. Their patent-protected design easily integrates into buildings and can operate stand-alone or in conjunction with rooftop solar photovoltaics. Here, the AeroMINE configuration of a single-pair of opposing foils is investigated in wind tunnel tests. Through various geometric optimizations (foil spacing, angle-of-attack and air-jet configuration) a mechanical efficiency of approximately 1/3 of the Betz limit is achieved. Intermittent operation at significantly higher efficiency (approaching ½ of the Betz limit) is demonstrated for higher angles-of-attack, but steady operation is impeded by an aerodynamic instability. In addition to pressure and anemometry, particle image velocimetry is utilized to characterize the flow around and through the AeroMINE pair.