Aerodynamic Blade Design for Performance Enhancement in Compact Vertical Axis Electromagnetic Wind Energy Harvester

This project develops a Vertical Axis Electromagnetic Wind Energy Harvester (VAEWEH) featuring an innovative blade design and an optimized electromagnetic system. The design process integrates aerodynamic modeling, FEMM-based magnetic simulation, and wind tunnel testing. The final prototype consists of nine integrated KF-N-21 airfoil-shaped blades, ten copper coils, and twelve magnets arranged in alternating polarities on concentric inner and outer magnet rings to enhance magnetic flux interaction. Most structural components, excluding the magnets and coils, are fabricated via 3D printing. Electrically, each of the ten coils is capable generating an output voltage signal. When multiple coils are connected in series, the total output voltage increases, although not in strict linear proportion. For instance, a single coil produces 1.78- 0.12 V with an EMF ratio of 91.28%, two coils in series yield 3.65 - 0.45V, and three coils produce 5.00 - 0.80V. The deviation from ideal scaling is attributed to partial voltage cancellation caused by phase mismatches between coils during rotation. While this slightly reduces the peak voltage, it contributes to a smoother, more stable output waveform. All measured voltage waveforms exhibit sinusoidal characteristics with consistent frequency and phase coherence, confirming stable and synchronized system operation.