We study a parallelized flapping piezo-leaf generator for harvesting ambient wind energy and demonstrate an initial design. We fabricated prototypes in various configurations and performed a series of experiments to study performance trends. We propose a novel vertical-stalk L-shape design that exhibits improved output power density over horizontal piezoelectric configurations. While a signific...

This paper presents modeling, simulation and control of matrix converter (MC) for variable speed wind turbine (VSWT) system including permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG). At a given wind velocity, the power available from a wind turbine is a function of its shaft speed. In order to track maximum power, the MC adjusts the PMSG shaft speed.The proposed control system allowing independen...

The harmonic impact caused by wind turbines should be carefully investigated before wind turbines are interconnected. However, the harmonic currents of wind turbines are not easily predicted due to the variations of wind speed. If the harmonic current outputs can be predicted accurately, the harmonic impact of wind turbines and wind farms for power grids can be analyzed efficiently. Therefore, ...

In this experimental study, we propose and test a bioinspired piezo-leaf architecture which converts wind energy into electrical energy by wind-induced fluttering motion. While conventional fluttering devices are arranged in parallel with the flow direction, here we explore a dangling cross-flow stalk arrangement. This architecture amplifies the vibration by an order of magnitude, making it app...

This paper presents the modeling and control for a novel Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system for wind turbines. The system captures excess power prior to electricity generation so that electrical components can be downsized for demand instead of supply. Energy is stored in a high pressure dual chamber liquid-compressed air storage vessel. It takes advantage of the power density of hydra...

The higher specific torque and power density of a transverse flux permanent magnet (TFPM) machine in comparison to a conventional machine makes it a promising direct-driven wind turbine generator. The new topology presented in this paper is believed to have a better utilization of the available in the nacelle space. This would favor a reduced inactive weight of the generator and thus remove one...