Energy harvesting based on bio-inspired fluid-structure interaction (Mathematical Aspects and Applications of Nonlinear Wave Phenomena)

Abstract

This work is concerned with flag-like structures in a fluid flow. If a waving (fluttering, i.e. linearly unstable) flag is covered with piezoelectric elements it can be used to harvest energy from the flow. This problem has been considered by many researchers and it is known that the power generation efficiency is not high. The purpose of the present work is to consider a large number of interacting flags and determine the optimum pattern (positions) of these flags under the assumption that they can utilize the vortex wake from the other flags to increase the efficiency of the power generation, just as individual fish in a large school of similar fish can utilize the surrounding wakes with benefit. The present paper first gives a review of the classical, fundamental flapping flag problem. It then goes on to develop a simple model for the main problem, as just described.