Evaluation of Wind Resources Generated from Vehicle Wakes in Highways
Focus Area
Energy
Subcommittee
Air Quality
Status
Archived
Cost
Under $99k
Timeframe
Under 1 year
Research Idea Scope
We propose to perform comprehensive investigation of wind resources generated from vehicle wakes onUS highways via physical collection of vehicle-generated wind data using state of the art wind measuring instrumentation, and by the development of proven computational modeling/simulation (CFD)for the highway wind domain, and state of the art wind tunnel experimentation. In addition to the technical perspectives, the feasibility study of thewind power generated from highway traffic wakes will also include an extensive economic study. The idea is to summarize the viability of wind energy harvesting from highway traffic wakes by field data collection, laboratory testing, computational simulation, and constructing land-based windturbines in the highways. We envision that this will be a pilot project to provide information to Renewable energy Evaluation regarding the technical and economical perspectives for the deployment of wind turbines in roadways.
Urgency and Payoff
Anticipation of this project to provide results that influence Energy harvesting consideration to go for alternative energy deployment. Results from this study could potentially affect capital investment for theturbine deployment, operating costs by reducing electricity supplied by the local electric grid and the revenue potentially earned from selling renewable energy credits. Main benefit of this project work is toprovide enough information for evaluation of alternative energy deployment and the economicviability. This project is expected to positively impact the State of Ohio and the entire US.The proposed work has a broad impact on green energy, science & technology development, outreach,and education. Although this study is focused on wind power production, the insight gained from this pilot project can be applied to several other forms of renewable energy analysis including solar powerharvesting, and capture of deceleration energy. This research will thus contribute in energy production and environmental remedies as well.
Submitted
04/13/2011