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Evaluation of the energy generation potential of rain cells

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  • Helseth, L.E.
  • Wen, H.Z.

Abstract

Raindrops carry mechanical energy which with proper transducers can be converted into electrical energy. Several promising transducer technologies have been developed and tested in the laboratory, but it is also necessary to incorporate the characteristics of real rain in order to be able to assess the energy generation potential of such technologies. In this paper, we present a new model for predicting the electrical output of a rain cell exposed to real rainfall parameters. We review the important parameters characterizing rain, and identify how they contribute to the available kinetic energy of a rain shower. Most significant is the rainfall intensity, which together with the physical characteristics of the transducer governs the electrical output energy of the rain cell. Here we show that under the simplifying conditions of no wind and realistic rainfall intensity distribution, the electrical output energy can be predicted based on meteorological data combined with knowledge of the characteristics of the specific rain cell under study. Future planning of the impact of rain cells on the renewable energy market requires knowledge of potential locations and performance, thus suggesting the need for such a model.

Suggested Citation

  • Helseth, L.E. & Wen, H.Z., 2017. "Evaluation of the energy generation potential of rain cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 472-482.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:119:y:2017:i:c:p:472-482
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2016.12.097
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Helseth, L.E. & Guo, X.D., 2016. "Fluorinated ethylene propylene thin film for water droplet energy harvesting," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 845-851.
    2. Paish, Oliver, 2002. "Small hydro power: technology and current status," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 6(6), pages 537-556, December.
    3. Johnson, Neil & Kang, Jian & Hathway, Elizabeth Abigail, 2014. "Acoustics of weirs: Potential implications for micro-hydropower noise," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 351-360.
    4. Ilyas, Mohammad Adnan & Swingler, Jonathan, 2015. "Piezoelectric energy harvesting from raindrop impacts," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(P1), pages 796-806.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Jiaxin Yu & Jun Wang, 2020. "Optimization Design of a Rain-Power Utilization System Based on a Siphon and Its Application in a High-Rise Building," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-18, September.
    3. Helseth, L.E., 2021. "Harvesting energy from light and water droplets by covering photovoltaic cells with transparent polymers," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).

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    Keywords

    Rain; Droplet; Energy harvest;
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