After conceiving the idea of vehicle wind turbines, it was crucial to figure out the most efficient and practical design. To do this, we utilized the sophisticated simulation capabilities of ANSYS and SolidWorks. Both are powerful engineering tools that are widely used for their ability to accurately simulate physical conditions and test the performance of different designs.
Using ANSYS, we modeled and simulated various turbine blade designs under high-speed conditions, similar to those experienced by a vehicle on the move. These simulations gave us valuable insights into the dynamics of wind turbine operation at high speeds and helped us identify the most effective blade designs.
Simultaneously, we employed SolidWorks for its superior capabilities in 3D modeling and design. The tool allowed us to create detailed, precise models of our turbine blades. By simulating airflow over these models, we could closely study their aerodynamic performance.
After rigorous simulations and tests, we discovered that our innovative turbine design has the potential to generate between 72 to 140 Newton-meters (N*m) of power. This is a substantial amount of energy that can contribute significantly to the vehicle's electrical needs.
It's important to understand that a Newton-meter is a measure of torque, which, in the context of a wind turbine, reflects the turning force produced on the turbine's rotor by the wind. This turning force is directly related to the amount of electrical power the turbine can generate.
With this range of power, our design shows real promise in advancing towards sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. The energy harnessed from wind while the vehicle is in motion can be used to power various electrical systems within the vehicle, potentially reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
However, it's crucial to remember that the exact amount of power a turbine can produce depends on various factors, such as the speed and direction of the wind (which, for a vehicle, largely depends on its speed and direction of travel), the design and condition of the turbine, and the efficiency of the generator. Despite these variables, our tests demonstrate that our turbine design has the potential to make a meaningful contribution to a vehicle's power needs.
This dual approach - using ANSYS for dynamic simulations and SolidWorks for detailed design and airflow analysis - helped us identify the optimal blade designs for our vehicle wind turbines. These simulations formed a solid foundation for our next step, which was to produce 3D printed models for real-world testing.