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A low cost strategy on energy harvesting of flapping foil with time-warping optimization

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Listed:
  • Wang, Zhangyuan
  • Xu, Wenhua
  • Han, Xuliang
  • Li, Ruipeng
  • Gong, Jiaye
  • Cui, Weicheng
  • Fan, Dixia

Abstract

This study presents a low-cost computational fluid dynamics (CFD) combined with experimental fluid dynamics (EFD) strategy for optimizing the energy harvesting performance of a flapping foil. Utilizing a time-warping optimization approach, we develop a methodology that enhances the efficiency of energy extraction from fluid. The research encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the foil’s kinematics, time-warping model, and parametric optimization techniques, leading to a refined understanding of the underlying hydrodynamics. The integration of multitask and multi-fidelity Gaussian processes (MMGP) with multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) proves particularly instrumental in identifying optimal parameter configurations, thereby reducing the experimental data requirements significantly. The simulation results are validated through a purpose-built flapping foil rig, demonstrating the superiority of the time-warping model over traditional sinusoidal waveforms in improving energy harvesting efficiency. Furthermore, the experimental forces are independently verified through high-fidelity CFD simulations. The achievements of this study are of great significance in promoting the technological advancement of energy harvesting using flapping foil systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Zhangyuan & Xu, Wenhua & Han, Xuliang & Li, Ruipeng & Gong, Jiaye & Cui, Weicheng & Fan, Dixia, 2025. "A low cost strategy on energy harvesting of flapping foil with time-warping optimization," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 337(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:337:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225041969
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.138554
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    References listed on IDEAS

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