Harvesting energy along muscat expressway using vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract

The continuous use of fossil fuels as energy source has depleted their level, and if used by the same rate, these forms of energy sources are going to become extinct in a few hundred years. In addition, the emissions generated from the usage of these fuels are adversely affecting the environment. Hence, governments has been forced to find other non-conventional forms of energy, which can be used sustainably. Due to its geographic location, Oman has a very high potential for renewable energies like solar and wind. Oman receives moderate wind speeds both offshore and onshore. On highways, the wind turbulence caused by fast moving cars would add up to the energy that can be obtained from the natural wind. This study focuses on harvesting of electric energy from the highway wind turbulence along with the normal wind breeze, and converting it into useful electrical energy. A comparative study was done between different types of wind turbines. Based on this study, a Savonius-type Vertical Axis Wind Turbine was selected to study and determine the amount of energy that can be generated along Muscat Expressway from the wind energy. The optimum location for the implementation of the designed VAWT was found out to be in the middle of the highways. The total electricity which can be generated was estimated to be around 1.063 kWh in one day using a single VAWT. It was found that the harvested electricity could be used to power the street lights on the highways if multiple VAWTs would be installed at regular intervals.