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NUST COLLEGE OF
ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING

Design Analysis and Fabrication of

Roadway Wind Turbine

A PROJECT REPORT

DE-43 (DME)

Submitted by:

Abubakar Siddique (372957)

Muhammad Naveed (368570)

Muhammad Mahad Asim (389740)

Muhammad Usman Jinali (371478)

BACHELORS IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

YEAR 2021

PROJECT SUPERVISOR
Dr Talha Tariq

Dr Hassan Aftab Saeed

NUST COLLEGE OF
ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
PESHAWAR ROAD, RAWALPINDI
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Abstract
The growing need for sustainable energy solutions has led to the exploration of
alternative sources of renewable energy. This project focuses on designing, analyzing,
and fabricating a roadside wind energy turbine that harnesses the wind generated by
moving vehicles. The objective is to utilize this otherwise wasted kinetic energy to rotate
turbine blades, converting it into mechanical energy. Computational fluid dynamics
(CFD) analysis will be employed to optimize the turbine design, ensuring maximum
efficiency in capturing wind energy from traffic. If the primary design objectives are met,
further efforts will be made to convert this mechanical energy into electrical energy using
an appropriate energy conversion system. The project aims to contribute to a cleaner,
renewable source of energy in urban environments, reducing reliance on traditional
power sources.

Introduction

With the global energy demand rising and environmental concerns becoming more
pressing, the need for renewable energy solutions has never been greater. This project
explores the concept of roadside wind energy turbines, which aim to utilize the wind
produced by moving vehicles as a source of renewable energy. Traditional wind turbines
are typically placed in open areas with consistent natural wind, but the wind created by
traffic in urban areas represents an untapped energy source. The goal of this project is to
design, analyze, and fabricate a wind turbine that can efficiently capture and utilize this
wind to generate mechanical energy. The design will be analyzed using computational
fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to determine its performance and efficiency. Should
the design prove successful, the possibility of converting the mechanical energy
generated into electrical energy will be explored, further enhancing the system's potential
as a renewable energy source. This project could pave the way for innovative energy
harvesting techniques, particularly in densely populated areas where traditional wind
energy solutions may not be feasible.
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Background and Motivation

"Our project on roadside wind turbines aims to harness the untapped potential of wind
energy in Pakistan, transforming roadside spaces into sources of clean, renewable power.
By developing and implementing this technology, I seek to provide a sustainable and
environmentally friendly solution to combat climate change and reduce the reliance on
fossil fuels. Additionally, this initiative will foster local industry and innovation, creating
jobs and promoting energy independence. Ultimately, this project embodies the vision of
a greener future, where energy is sourced sustainably and responsibly, benefiting both the
environment and the economy."
Pakistan’s energy crisis and the government's push for renewable energy solutions
highlight the need for innovative ways to generate electricity. Highways in Pakistan are
often characterized by heavy traffic, which can be a source of considerable wind energy
due to the air turbulence generated by fast-moving vehicles. Traditional wind turbines
require strong natural winds, which are not consistently available in most parts of the
country. By capturing the artificial wind produced by vehicles, this project offers a
localized solution to energy shortages, especially for rural highways where infrastructure
is limited.
The growing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly oil and coal, has severely disrupted our
environment, leading to climate change, air pollution, and a host of health issues. The
urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources has never been more critical.
Among these alternatives, wind energy stands out as a promising solution. While solar
energy is a viable option, it is concerning that a significant portion of solar panels is
imported from other countries. This dependency on imports not only strains the economy
but also limits local technological advancement.
Pakistan's wind energy potential, particularly in consistent wind patterns, can be
harnessed to meet energy needs sustainably, stimulate economic growth, and foster
technological innovation, reducing reliance on imported energy solutions.
Pakistan's electricity consumption is around 1,200,000 GWH per month, with 5% used
along roadsides. This contributes to the energy landscape and supports infrastructure.
Implementing roadside wind turbines can increase energy efficiency, promote renewable
solutions, and benefit nearby communities. The development of a local wind energy
industry is crucial for meeting energy demands and environmental sustainability.
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Methodology
The methodology for this project includes the following steps:

1. Site Selection: Identification of suitable highways in Pakistan where the wind

wake generated by vehicles is substantial. Traffic data, such as vehicle speeds and
density, will be used to optimize turbine placement.

2. Design: Development of a road side wind turbine for high-speed wind

environments. The design process will focus on maximizing efficiency using
computational simulations and prototyping.

3. Fabrication: Using locally available materials, the turbine will be fabricated. The
turbine's components, including the rotor and blades, will be made from affordable
materials like alloy steel and lightweight material which has high strength to weight
ratio.

4. Testing: The turbine will be tested along selected highway segments to measure its
energy generation capabilities under various traffic conditions. Wind speed
measurements will be taken using an anemometer.

5. Analysis: Data on energy output, efficiency, and feasibility will be gathered and
analyzed to evaluate the performance of the turbine.
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Literature Review
The potential of wind energy as a renewable resource has been extensively researched, with
roadside wind turbines emerging as a promising solution to harvest energy from highways. The
study of [1] emphasizes the utilization of vehicle wakes on highways to generate electricity using
vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs). This approach leverages the high-speed winds created by
vehicles to rotate turbines positioned along the Bhopal-Indore highway, producing electricity that
can be used for various applications, including street lighting and traffic signals in rural areas with
limited electricity access. The researchers argue that the array of VAWTs made from low-cost
materials is economically viable, particularly for rural communities. Their analysis demonstrated
that vehicle speeds ranging from 60 to 90 km/h produce consistent wind wakes, sufficient to rotate
these turbines efficiently, especially in scenarios where both natural wind and vehicle wakes are
present. [1]
Another study by [3] reviews the technological advancements of wind turbines used for highway
energy harvesting, particularly focusing on the challenges of designing turbines to efficiently
convert the wind energy generated by moving vehicles. Their work highlights the environmental
benefits of wind energy, noting that it is a clean, pollution-free alternative to fossil fuels. [3] study
also discusses different models of turbines, including Darrieus and Savonius VAWTs, and
emphasizes the need for further experimental and computational research to improve turbine
designs and efficiency. The researchers underline that small wind turbines installed along highways
can harness vehicle-induced wind energy, which can be stored for future use or directed toward
powering streetlights and other infrastructure.
Similarly, [2] in their project on energy generation from traffic windmills, emphasize the
significance of harnessing wind energy from traffic for powering road networks. Their study
introduces a model of semi-circular blade turbines installed on highways, which convert the wind
energy from moving vehicles into electricity. The project also highlights the importance of
developing cost-effective solutions, suggesting that the government should explore low-cost turbine
models that can be installed across highways to provide a sustainable power source. [2]
Further, [3] noted that using VAWTs with additional enhancements like Omni-directional Guide
Vanes (ODGV) could improve power output by guiding the wind more effectively toward the
turbines. This design, particularly useful in urban areas and highways, increases turbine efficiency
by optimizing the interaction between wind and turbine blades. Their experiments revealed a
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significant improvement in the rotational speed of turbines when ODGVs were employed, making
this approach particularly viable for energy harvesting in regions with varying wind directions.

In the Bhopal-Indore highway project in India, vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) designs were
optimized to harness energy from the wakes of moving vehicles. Key factors such as vehicle speed,
turbine placement, and the use of cost-effective materials like plastic drums were considered in the
design process. The study tested wind speed and turbine rotation efficiency along the highway,
particularly focusing on the high-speed heavy vehicles like trucks and buses, which generate
significant wind wakes. The research also compared the performance of VAWTs with and without
a gap between the shaft and blades, determining the optimal configuration for maximizing angular
velocity and electricity generation [1].

In Malaysia, at the University Malaysia Perlis, a comprehensive study was conducted to review and
optimize the design of various wind turbines, with a particular emphasis on vertical axis wind
turbines (VAWTs) and Giromill turbines. Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
simulations, researchers enhanced the turbine designs for improved performance. The study
evaluated how wind generated by moving vehicles impacted the turbines placed on highways.
Designs such as Darrieus and Savonius turbines were tested, and their performance was analyzed
under different conditions to gauge their effectiveness in roadside energy harvesting [3].

On the King Fahad Bin Abdul Aziz Highway in Kuwait, Darrieus vertical axis wind turbines
(VAWTs) were installed along the sides of the road to harness wind energy. Wind speeds and
turbine performance were measured at varying heights, with a maximum recorded wind speed of 5
m/s at a height of 1.5 meters. The study optimized the system to generate 46 watts of power from
the wind created by moving vehicles. This project demonstrated the potential of VAWTs to
contribute to roadside energy generation, particularly in regions with steady vehicle traffic [4].

In Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India, a new design for a three-bladed helical vertical axis wind turbine
(VAWT) was developed specifically for highways. The prototype was tested on highways with
heavy traffic to determine its performance and optimize energy generation. Wind speeds were
measured using anemometers, and the power output was evaluated at various wind speeds. The
system achieved an efficiency of 34.6% at a wind speed of 4.4 m/s, showcasing its potential for
energy generation in high-traffic highway environments. This project highlights the importance of
location-specific design and testing in optimizing roadside wind turbines for energy production [4].
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Research Gap
Several research gaps were identified after reviewing the papers, but the primary gap we aim to
address is the optimization of efficiency. The key aspects of this gap are outlined below.

1. Efficiency Optimization: While road side wind turbine are known for their ability to
harness wind energy from multiple directions, their overall efficiency remains a challenge.
Studies have yet to fully optimize the turbine designs, particularly regarding blade shape and
material, to maximize the capture of wind generated by vehicles on highways. Current designs,
such as Savonius or Darrieus turbines, have been explored but not fully optimized for both
performance and cost-effectiveness. [4]

Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are:

1. Design and Development of a road side wind turbine: To create a highly efficient
road side wind turbine is optimized to capture low-speed winds generated by the wake of
vehicles on highways. The turbine will be designed to meet the unique conditions of Pakistan's
highways, including variable traffic patterns and lower natural wind speeds.

2. Cost-Effective and Scalable Solution: To design the wind turbine system using locally
available and low-cost materials, making it affordable and scalable for widespread
implementation across Pakistan. The design will prioritize simplicity and robustness to ensure it
can be easily manufactured, installed, and maintained.

3. Comprehensive Testing and Validation: To conduct thorough testing of the road side
wind turbine prototype under real-world conditions along Pakistan’s highways. This will
include evaluating the turbine's performance in terms of energy output, efficiency, and
reliability under different traffic volumes and wind conditions.
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Deliverables

Design Documentation:
Detailed designs of the roadside wind turbine, aerodynamic considerations.

Design Analysis:
Comprehensive analysis of the turbine design to ensure the optimal performance and stability under
varying conditions.
Simulations Analysis and Results:
Will perform the analysis on Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) to get the result.
Material Selection:
Research and selection of optimal materials for turbine construction to enhance durability and
performance. Consideration of environmentally friendly and locally sourced materials.
Fabrication Plan:
Outline of the fabrication process, including construction methods and timelines for the wind
turbine.
Material Selection:
Research and selection of optimal materials for turbine construction to enhance durability and
performance.
Consideration of environmentally friendly and locally sourced materials.
Cost Efficiency Analysis:
Detailed cost analysis of the project, identifying potential savings and funding opportunities.
Evaluation of lifecycle costs versus energy output to ensure economic viability.
Efficiency Increment Strategies:
Identification and implementation of methods to enhance the efficiency of the wind turbine.
Analysis of performance metrics and recommendations for improvements.

Working Principal
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The primary working principle of roadside wind turbines is to harness the wind energy created by
the movement of vehicles on highways. As vehicles move at high speeds, they generate turbulent
air or wind wakes. The road side wind turbine is positioned strategically along the roadside to
capture this wind energy.

The wind produced by the vehicle's movement causes the turbine blades to rotate. This rotational
kinetic energy is then converted into mechanical energy. A generator connected to the turbine
converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be stored or used for applications
like street lighting or traffic signals. The design of the turbine, particularly the shape and material
of the blades, is optimized to ensure maximum energy capture from the variable and low-speed
winds produced by the passing vehicles.

Project Timeline

Phase 1: Research
 Conduct a comprehensive literature review on Vertical Axis Wind Turbines.
 Identify the research gap and establish the project objectives.
Phase 2: Design
 Develop the detailed CAD model of the Vertical Axis Turbine using SolidWorks.
Phase 3: Analysis
 Perform the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to optimize the design for
performance.
 Conduct the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to ensure the structural integrity.
It will have done at the end of 7th Semester.
Phase 4: Fabrication
 Prototype Development
 Testing and Optimizing
It will be done before final year presentation.

REFERENCES
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[1] FYP RESEARCH PAPER\enrergy-production-potential-road-side-turbine.pdf

[2] FYP RESEARCH PAPER\IJCRT2210185.pdf
[3] FYP RESEARCH PAPER\Liew_2020_J._Phys.-_Conf._Ser._1432_012059.pdf
[4] FYP RESEARCH PAPER\roadside windtubine.pdf
[5] FYP RESEARCH PAPER\traffic-powered-wind-turbine.pdf
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