Modeling and simulation of a bladeless wind turbine with vortex technology for runway application in the UAE

Abstract

Background & Objective Vortex Bladeless Wind Turbines (VBWTs) represent a novel approach to wind energy harvesting: unlike traditional bladed turbines, these devices utilize a bluff body that vibrates—rather than rotates—due to wind-induced vortex shedding. This study targets the growing demand for sustainable aviation-sector energy by designing an environmentally friendly VBWT tailored for airport runway application in the UAE. Methods The VBWT system was designed, analyzed, and simulated using two-way Fluid–Solid Interaction (FSI) modeling within ANSYS FLUENT. The analysis considered two distinct wind flow cases representative of the UAE’s wind conditions. Findings Wind-induced unsteady lift and drag forces on a three-dimensional flexible cylinder produce mechanical oscillations. Resonance synchronization enhances these oscillations, which are subsequently converted into electrical energy through mechanical dynamics. Significance This work demonstrates the feasibility of integrating bladeless, vortex-induced turbines into airport infrastructure as a sustainable energy solution adapted to regional wind profiles.

Keywords: Vortex Bladeless Wind Turbine (VBWT), Bladeless wind turbine, Vortex-induced vibration (VIV), Two-way Fluid–Solid Interaction (FSI), ANSYS FLUENT