Analysis of the Use of a Wind Turbine as an Energy Recovery Device in Transport Systems

Abstract

A wind turbine can act as an energy recovery device (ERS) in a comparable way to brakes (regenerative braking). When the velocity of a vehicle changes, the amount of energy related to it also changes. When its velocity decreases, the energy tends to dissipate. Over time, this dissipated energy has been ignored. For example, during the braking process, the kinetic energy of the vehicle was converted into heat. In recent years, society’s greater awareness of climate change, pollution, and environmental issues has led to a great deal of interest in developing energy recovery systems. It allows the recovery of kinetic energy from braking (KERS), resulting in consumption reductions (efficiency gains) of up to 45%. The usefulness of installing a wind turbine as an energy recovery device is analysed, evaluating the savings that can be achieved with its two possible working modes: as an energy recovery device and as a system for utilizing aerodynamic force. The wind turbine has a horizontal axis and a diameter of 50 cm and is installed on the front of a vehicle. This vehicle will undergo three particular driving schemes, which will operate under different experimental conditions and operational parameters characterized by speeds, accelerations, stops, and driving time. The results clearly show the advantages of using the proposed technology.

Feasibility studies of micro wind turbines installed on electric vehicles as range extenders using real-time analytical simulation with multi driving cycles scenarios

“…This percentage is referred to as the utilisation factor, and it equals the area of the wind turbine that can be utilised relative to the total frontal area of the vehicle multiplied by the Betz Limit of the wind turbine. [40][41][42] The area of three MWT is 0.145 m 2 and the frontal area of the EV is about 2.5 m 2 . Using 0.4 as the Betz limit of the MWT, the utilisation factor is 0.022, which can be rounded to 0.02 (20%).…”

Evaluation of Wind Energy Recovery from an Underground Mine Exhaust Ventilation System

“…Wind energy's fexibility ofers an alternative to reduce fossil fuel dependency [22]. Researchers have explored innovative concepts, such as harnessing wind energy from unconventional sources, to generate sustainable electricity [23]. Studies have also demonstrated the feasibility of using horizontal-axis wind microturbines in transport systems, recovering energy while vehicles are in motion [23].…”

“…Researchers have explored innovative concepts, such as harnessing wind energy from unconventional sources, to generate sustainable electricity [23]. Studies have also demonstrated the feasibility of using horizontal-axis wind microturbines in transport systems, recovering energy while vehicles are in motion [23]. In addition, researchers have proposed an assessment method to determine wind energy potential based on wind speed, direction, and power data [24].…”