We’re excited to announce the release of a new publication exploring a novel, semi-analytical method for the preliminary design of energy-harvesting devices based on Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV).
As global interest grows in decentralised and small-scale renewable energy solutions, VIV-based systems offer a promising way to generate energy from small water flows—particularly in environments where traditional hydroelectric plants are not viable.
What’s new in this research?
This study focuses on a unique configuration using two clamped–clamped plates placed downstream of a bluff body. These plates deform due to the vortex street effect, enabling energy extraction from oscillatory motion.
To simplify the design process, the authors developed a semi-analytical model based on energetic considerations, bypassing the need for time-consuming numerical simulations in early-stage design.
Key Highlights:
The model effectively captures non-linear oscillations of the plates.
Its accuracy is benchmarked against Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations for both static and dynamic conditions.
The approach offers clear insights into the impact of modeling simplifications, and suggests pathways for future refinement.
