A Numerical Study Toward Harvesting Power From Train Slipstream Using Savonius Rotor

Abstract

A novel and strategic green energy production method that utilizes relative wind generated from moving vehicles is presented. A speeding train generates an enormous wake of wind around it, which stocks a substantial amount of kinetic energy. In this study, this freely accessible wind power is harvested by installing a modified savonius wind turbine within the slipstream region of the train. A computer-oriented fluid-solid integrate simulation of wind turbine propelled by train-induced wind is performed by executing all physically realistic boundary conditions. The numerical study is based on open-source CFD toolbox openfoam, and the results were validated against benchmark experimental study. Parametric sensitivity analysis such as optimal turbine performance within the slipstream regime, torque prediction from express trains, two opposite crossing trains, tunnel condition, and turbine wind turbine clusters arrangement has been reported. This study enhances the understanding of the power generation by the turbine from the train slipstream which is not reported in any open literature as far as the authors’ present knowledge goes.