Parametric optimisation of a dual cantilever flutter for electromagnetic wind energy harvesting

Abstract

This paper investigates the parametric optimisation of dual cantilever flutter (DCF) beams for electromagnetic wind energy harvesting application. When two cantilever beams are placed side by side facing the direction of the wind flow, both beams would oscillate in an anti-phase motion once the critical flutter speed has been achieved. This arrangement is known as the DCF and it represents an ideal situation for energy harvesting through electromagnetic induction due to its anti-phase motion. Experimental results showed that the optimum load resistance value for the device is equivalent to a single-degree-of-freedom vibration energy harvester for low electromagnetic coupling case, despite the difference in the type of oscillations. Further analysis showed that there among the two possible arrangements for the magnets one arrangement results in a 51.5% larger magnetic flux density. It was seen that reducing the length of the electromagnetic DCF by 41.2% can increase the power output of the device by approximately six times, although the critical flutter speed also increased by 125.0%. Finally, some suggestions were provided on how to further improve the device.