Experimental Studies on the Scalability of a Vortex-Driven Hydroelectric Power Generator

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In this project, a new generator of electrical energy from a water stream will be investigated for scalability of the concept. Thisgenerator consists of an array of hydrodynamically-shaped bodies that when immersed in a water stream oscillate about theirlongitudinal axes. The forced periodic motion of the bodies is used to generate electric power. The concept was alreadydemonstrated in a simple installation, but its scalability to a large production unit consisting of many bodies remains to be proved.For this, a prototype consisting of two bodies aligned along their longitudinal axis of oscillation will be constructed, instrumentedand placed at Carleton University's water channel for measurements. In particular, answers of fundamental questions such as thehydrodynamic interference between the two bodies, effect of their sizes, relative distance between them will be sought. Answers ofthese question will allow the optimization of the array of bodies towards the manufacturing of an industrial production unit.