Optimizing Performance of Wind Energy Power Enhancer Systems

Project goal: To design a system that improves current wind energy technology. Current technology was examined and analysis conducted to determine improvement areas. Fluid flow analysis provided understanding of how to manipulate wind coming from any direction. A model was created of the sponsor’s Windgrabber system that included the improved design. A rudimentary two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics analysis of the system identified the ideal design for the improved system. Through the fluid dynamics visualization, the deflector plates were positioned for optimal airflow to the turbine. A static computational fluid dynamics analysis was used to determine the pressure differentials of the turbine airfoils, and a similar analysis was performed to see how the air would flow in the Windgrabber scoop.