Tutor HuntResources Physics Resources

Introduction To My Dissertation

This is the introduction to my final year masters project, the device I went on to build was fully functional and is in the patenting process.

Date : 24/11/2015

Author Information

Luke

Uploaded by : Luke
Uploaded on : 24/11/2015
Subject : Physics

Introduction

Nobody can perfectly model or predict the continued heavy use and dependence on fossil fuels use as a primary source of energy. It is clear however that the bi-products released in the chemical process undertaken in the burning of these fuels has had an overall negative effect on the global environment.[1, 10] Opinion for change on this matter differs vastly worldwide, but a correlation between atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and the heavy reliance on fossil fuels has consistently been proven to be true by many independent organisations. With many governments and world powers still in debate over the exact consequences of the rises of carbon dioxide levels, most have formed some level of agreement and have laid out policies backing greener futures, by substituting renewable energy sources for fossil fuels[15].

1.1 Fossil Fuel Depletion and Climatic Effects

"Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems."[1] A statement released by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) in the 2014 Summary for policy makers. Average global temperatures are rising and when the most recent summary from the IPCC is studied it is clear to see from their findings that the global use of fossil fuels as a primary energy source will have irreversible effects when no change is implemented. It is a common misconception that fossil fuel reserves are almost depleted and that an effort to switch to renewables will be made when they are completely diminished. The duration until complete fossil fuel depletion has been calculated on numerous occasions and suggests that fossil fuels will last for over another century.[16] This coupled with the International Energy Agency predicting 90% of the global energy production from fossil fuels with no further addition from renewables, it can be safely said that carbon emissions will continue to rise.[17]

1.2 Barriers to renewable energy production

Renewable energy is still far from it`s potential in terms of global energy production.[13] Even though research, development and production has advanced over the last 20 years, there are still many applications wide open for implementation. Between 80 and 90 percent of the global population increase over the next two decades is expected to occur in developing countries[17]. Due to the development of a countries infrastructure heavily dependant on energy it`s an important time to ensure that renewable energy sources capitalise on these opportunities.[13] In many rural areas large devices are not necessary as a small solar panel or wind turbine makes such a large difference. Of course there are disadvantages to switching over to renewable sources, technical issues such as research and development problems and probably the biggest barrier of all, cost effectiveness. With that said more innovative ideas are entering the market which slowly allows the concept of easier and practical solutions for moving away from fossil fuels.

1.3 Renewables in the 21st Century

According to the energy information administration an independent statistics and analysis organisation in the U.S. the rise in electricity consumption generated by renewable energy from 1990 to 2010 was 66% and projects a 77% increase by 2040 from present.[19]

1.3.1 Wind Power Wind power in particular saw a growth of 32% in 2006 from 74 GW to 94 GW global capacity.[9] It is clear that harvesting the wind as an energy source is a well established and viable process which will continue for years to come. Wind energy is carried out almost entirely on a large scale and predomi- nantly using a horizontal axis turbine and induction generator. Although this clearly is an effective method of harvesting energy and will certainly continue to be, challenges are nevertheless present. High costs of construc- tion and transport of the structure, large amounts of work from the civil sector are all disadvantages of the large scale wind turbine. Reducing the size doesn`t necessarily help either, due to a direct correlation between size and effciency. This then leaves a gap for novelty designs on the smaller scale that retain effciency and consist of less pricey components. There have been many studies that look in to converting mechanical vibration in to electrical energy however further research is required to obtain these vibrations from renewable sources.

1.4 Project Proposal

This project will attempt to test a different implementation of vortex induced vibrations (VIV) to harvest energy from the wind. Vortex shedding occurs frequently in nature and most of the research and engineering thus far has been an attempt to stop these vibrations. Although there are devices that have been researched and put in to practice under water there is still yet to be a device which uses VIV in air to harvest electrical energy. The theory de- scribing different oscillations caused by the wind are explained, concentrating mainly on vortex shedding. This is then followed by the design and develop- ment process of the prototypes which have been built. The prototypes are then to be tested in a wind tunnel changing parameters in an attempt to fully understand the behaviour of the system.

References available on request.

This resource was uploaded by: Luke

Other articles by this author