Open Access

A Dynamic Vibration-Based Approach for High-Efficiency Energy Extraction from Fluid Flows

https://doi.org/10.55640/ijrgse-v03i10-01

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Dilan Perera ¹ , Nethmi Fernando ¹ ,

⁴ Department of Renewable Energy Engineering, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana

⁴ Department of Renewable Energy Systems, University of Colombo, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Flow-induced vibration (FIV) represents a potentially effective mechanism for converting kinetic energy available in fluid flows into useful electrical power. Unlike conventional turbines, vibration-based energy harvesters can extract energy through the interaction between unsteady fluid forces and compliant structural elements, reducing dependence on continuously rotating components. This paper develops a dynamic vibration-based framework for high-efficiency energy extraction from fluid flows by synthesizing established findings on vortex-induced vibration, hydroelastic response, oscillating foils, hydrokinetic converters, and structural damping. The proposed analytical framework considers flow velocity, structural mass, damping, stiffness, oscillation amplitude, vortex shedding, and energy-conversion efficiency as coupled variables. Particular emphasis is placed on synchronization between structural oscillation and vortex formation, because this interaction governs the available mechanical energy and consequently the electrical output. The literature indicates that low effective damping can increase vibration amplitude, while excessive damping can suppress oscillatory motion and reduce extractable power. Conversely, controlled damping can improve net energy extraction by balancing structural response and energy transfer. The framework further incorporates geometric modifications, multiple-cylinder arrangements, rotating-cylinder configurations, rod attachments, and passive turbulence-control mechanisms as strategies for enhancing fluid–structure interaction. The resulting synthesis establishes a research direction in which vibration amplitude alone is not treated as the principal performance metric; instead, maximum useful power is associated with an optimized relationship among hydrodynamic excitation, structural dynamics, and energy-conversion loading.

Keywords

Flow-induced vibration, hydrokinetic energy harvesting, vortex-induced vibration

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