Oppp 1

Wallaga University
Research and Technology Transfer

V/President Office
Research Directorate Office
Research Concept Note
Application on Theme 2 Tittle of the Theme 1. Engineering Products and

Theme Number:
Technologies Research
2. Energy, Environment, And

Development Research
Sub-theme Sub-theme - 2.1 Title of the Sub-theme Manufacturing Technologies,
Number: Sub-theme – 4.1 Energy
Title of the Design Optimization of a Mast Used for Power Generation from Vortex
project: Induced Vibration
1. Authors, specialization and their affiliations:
No Name Specialization Affiliations
1 Dr Bonsa Regassa Additive School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga
Manufacturing University
2 Mr. Dame Ayane Mechanical Design School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga

University
3 Mr. Leta Getachew Electrical Engineering School of Electrical and Computer
Engineering, Wallaga
University
4 Mr. Adugna Fikadu Mechanical Design School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga
University
5 Mr. Lami Negera Thermal Engineering School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga
University
6 Miss Asegu Regassa Sustainable Energy School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga
Engineering University
7 Mr Shimalis Tamene Manufacturing School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga
Engineering University
8 Mr Edosa Ketema Mechanical Design School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga
University
2. Introduction
The increasing global demand for renewable and sustainable energy sources has driven extensive
research into innovative methods for power generation. Among these, wind energy stands out
due to its abundance and potential for reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Traditional wind turbines,
characterized by large rotating blades, are commonly employed to capture wind energy.
However, these conventional designs come with challenges, including high maintenance
requirements, significant environmental impacts, and limited applicability in small-scale or low-
wind environments.
An alternative approach is the bladeless wind turbine, which utilizes vortex-induced vibrations
(VIV) to generate electricity without the need for rotating blades. VIV technology capitalizes on
the natural oscillations produced when wind flows past a cylindrical structure, inducing lateral
vibrations in response to the changing pressure fields around the cylinder. This mechanism
enables the conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy through the use of piezoelectric
materials or other energy-harvesting methods. Bladeless turbines are advantageous in several
ways: they have fewer moving parts, lower space requirements, reduced manufacturing costs,
and minimized environmental impacts, making them suitable for off-grid and small-scale
applications.
This study focuses on optimizing the design of the mast—the main oscillating component of the
bladeless wind turbine—to maximize power generation from VIV. Key aspects of optimization
include improving the oscillation frequency, enhancing energy conversion efficiency,
minimizing environmental impact, and reducing production costs. By refining the mast design,
this research aims to develop a more efficient, durable, and sustainable power generation system
that offers a viable alternative to traditional wind turbines, especially for small-scale and remote
applications.
3. Problem of Statement
Conventional wind turbines, while effective on a large scale, face significant challenges related
to maintenance, environmental impact, and adaptability for small-scale or low-wind
environments. Their complex moving parts and large blades often result in high maintenance
costs and frequent mechanical failures, especially in harsh conditions. Additionally, the rotating
blades pose risks to wildlife, particularly birds, raising environmental concerns. Bladeless
windmills, particularly those leveraging vortex-induced vibrations (VIV), offer a promising
alternative by eliminating blades, reducing moving parts, and lowering production costs.
However, they currently face limitations in component durability, efficient energy conversion,
and cost-effective design. Optimizing the VIV mast design, selecting appropriate piezoelectric
materials, and developing standardized, low-cost models could enhance their potential as
sustainable and reliable energy sources, suited for both small-scale and off-grid applications.
4. Objectives
4.1 General objective

The main objective of this research design Optimization of a mast used for Power Generation
from Vortex Induced Vibration.
4.2 Specific objective

 Investigate the electricity generation system of a functional prototype.
 Evaluate power generation performance and explore future development.
 Optimize the VIV-induced oscillation frequency.
 Minimize environmental impact.
 Reduce manufacturing costs.
 Enhance feasibility for small-scale applications.
5. Methodology
6. Beneficiaries
a) Small-Scale and Off-Grid Communities
Communities in remote or off-grid areas with limited access to conventional power sources can
benefit from small-scale, bladeless windmills for reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity.
b) Individual Homeowners and Small Businesses
Homeowners and small businesses interested in reducing their dependence on conventional
power grids and lowering energy costs can adopt this technology for localized power generation.
c) Environmental Conservation Organizations
Bladeless windmills have a reduced impact on wildlife, especially birds, and offer a more
turbines.
d) Renewable Energy Researchers and Engineers
Researchers and engineers in the renewable energy sector can use the optimized design and
findings from this study as a foundation for further development and innovation in wind energy
technology.
e) Manufacturers and Renewable Energy Companies
Manufacturers and companies specializing in renewable energy solutions can leverage this
bladeless windmill technology to diversify their offerings.
7. Expected Output from the Research

o Optimized Mast Design for Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV):
o Lifespan Prediction Model for Bladeless Windmills:
o Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly Design
o Guidelines for Small-Scale Power Generation Feasibility:
o Contribution to Sustainable Wind Energy Solutions:
8. Estimated budget (total figure) 400,000 ETB (from WU 400,000 ETB ETB other sources
None)
9. Brief CV of the Authors and their role in the project.
No Name Academic Role Recent publications
rank
1 Dr Bonsa Assistant Lead - Hunde, B. R., Woldeyohannes, A. D., &
Regassa Workneh, G. A. (2024). Printing
Professor of researcher PEDOT: PSS optimized using Response
Mechanical surface method (RSM) and genetic
algorithm (ga) via modified 3D printer
Engineering for perovskite solar cell applications.
Applied Materials Today, 37, 102134.
2 Mr. Lecturer Lead

Dame - Development and characterization of short
researcher
Ayane glass fiber reinforced-waste plastic
composite filaments for 3D printing
applications,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22
333
3 Mr. Lami Lecturer Lead
-
Negera researcher
4 Mr.Leta Lead
Lecturer -
Getachew
researcher
5 Mr.Adugna Lead
Lecturer -
Fikadu
researcher
6 Asegu Lead
Lecturer -
Regasa
researcher
7 Mr Shimalis PhD Study Lead researcher
Tamene
8 Mr Edosa Lecturer Principal
Ketema Investigator

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Wallaga University

Research and Technology Transfer

Research Directorate Office

Research Concept Note

Application on Theme 2 Tittle of the Theme 1. Engineering Products and

2. Energy, Environment, And

2 Mr. Dame Ayane Mechanical Design School of Mechanical Engineering, Wallaga

4.1 General objective

4.2 Specific objective

7. Expected Output from the Research

2 Mr. Lecturer Lead

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