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A novel bio-inspired ducted wind turbine: from prairie dog burrow architecture to aerodynamic performance optimization

Author

Listed:
  • Liu, Shibo
  • Zhang, Lijun
  • Lu, Jiahui
  • Liu, Ziyi
  • Jing, Zhengjun
  • Zhang, Xu
  • Cui, Xudong
  • Wang, Hang

Abstract

Urban wind energy has the potential to provide an emergency power reserve and alleviate regional electricity demand. However, low wind speeds resulting in poor collection efficiency remain a major barrier to its development. To address this challenge, this study proposes a bio-inspired duct that mimics the ventilation principles of prairie dog burrows, consisting of a contraction-expansion duct and a bio-inspired protrusion. By coupling the response surface method with the hybrid genetic-particle swarm optimization, 180 sample sets of twelve design parameters of the bio-inspired duct are optimized. Parameter sensitivity is analyzed and flow field analysis is conducted on the optimal structure. Results indicate that dimensions of the venturi-shaped duct and diffuser duct are the most critical factors affecting the performance of duct. The bio-inspired protrusion significantly reduces normalized turbulent kinetic energy to 0.004 (decrease of 94.5 %). The maximum wind speed of the optimized bio-inspired duct is increased from 5 m/s to 12.67 m/s (Vmax-f/Vi = 2.53). Field measurements demonstrate that the power coefficient of the optimized bio-inspired ducted wind turbine is 157 % and 30 % higher than that of the bare turbine and traditional ducted wind turbine, respectively. This study provides empirical and practical support for the future design of urban wind turbines.

Suggested Citation

  • Liu, Shibo & Zhang, Lijun & Lu, Jiahui & Liu, Ziyi & Jing, Zhengjun & Zhang, Xu & Cui, Xudong & Wang, Hang, 2026. "A novel bio-inspired ducted wind turbine: from prairie dog burrow architecture to aerodynamic performance optimization," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 256(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:256:y:2026:i:pb:s0960148125016052
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.123941
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    References listed on IDEAS

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