A wind-solar energy harvester based on airflow enhancement mechanism for rail-side devices

Abstract

A significant challenge arising from the rugged climate and environment is the provision of power to isolated railway-side equipment on the Plateau. Emerging renewable energy harvesting technologies present a promising solution. This paper proposes and confirms a Wind-Solar Energy Harvester (WSEH) founded on an Airflow Enhancement Mechanism (AFEM) for powering rail-side equipment. The proposed WSEH comprises of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT), Flexible Photovoltaic Deflectors (FPVDs), and energy conversion and storage devices. The AFEM is executed founded on the FPVD that amplifies the airflow energy blown towards the VAWT due to the Blockage effect. The FPVD, grounded on an umbrella-like mechanism, unfolds as a PV panel for solar energy collection; and folds as a deflector to raise the wind energy collection potential for the VAWT. Through CFD simulation, the VAWT’s maximum power coefficient attains 0.387, and the optimum gain effect of FPVD is 66.54%. The prototypes, comprising VAWT and FPVDs, are scrutinized in a wind tunnel to authenticate the practicable effects illustrated by the no-load speed and load output of VAWT. The case study demonstrates that the WSEH creates 1566.82 kWh of electrical energy per year, sufficient for powering rail-side equipment on the Plateau.