Research Article Journal of Oil and Gas Research Reviews

Design and Analysis of Wind Turbines to Charge Electric Vehicle Batteries by

Utilizing Wind Resistance in Moving Vehicles
P. T. Nitnaware*1, Yash Joshi2, Siddharth Patil3, Nikhil Bhor4 and Pratik Adsul5

Professor and Head Mechanical Engineering D. Y. Patil *Corresponding Author

*1

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College of Engineering, Akurdi, Pune-44. P. T. Nitnaware, Professor and Head Mechanical Engineering D. Y. Patil
College of Engineering, Akurdi, Pune-44.
Research Scholar D. Y. Patil College of Engineering,
2,3,4,5

Akurdi, Pune-44. Submitted: 2023, June 30; Accepted: 2023, July 19; Published: 2023, July 29

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Citation: Nitnaware, P. T., Joshi, Y., Patil, S., Bhor, N., Adsul, P. (2023). Design and Analysis of Wind Turbines to Charge

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Electric Vehicle Batteries by Utilizing Wind Resistance in Moving Vehicles. J Oil Gas Res Rev. 3(1), 65-69.

Abstract
This paper explores a novel approach to charging electric vehicle [EV] batteries by harnessing the wind resistance
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encountered during the vehicle's motion. The proposed system involves integrating a specially designed wind turbine

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under the bonnet of the EV, which captures and converts the energy from the wind resistance into electricity to charge
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the vehicle's batteries. This approach aims to enhance the range and sustainability of EVs while reducing their reliance
on external charging sources. The study begins by discussing the motivation behind the research, highlighting the
increasing demand for EVs and the need for efficient charging solutions. It then delves into the technical aspects of the
proposed system, detailing the design considerations and specifications of the integrated wind turbine. The aerodynamic
properties of the chosen airfoil profile, such as the NACA 2412, are analyzed for optimal energy conversion. The
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implementation of the system is discussed, including the installation of the wind turbine on the EV and the necessary
electrical connections. Furthermore, the paper evaluates the performance of the proposed system through simulation
studies and experimental results. The potential benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, increased energy
independence, and cost-effectiveness, are also discussed.
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Keywords: Fossil Fuels, Electrical Energy, Velocity Magnitude, Kinetic Energy

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1. Introduction
As the problem of fossil fuels is increasing rapidly and
environmental problems surge too, there is a need for sustainable
development, and the use of alternate sources of energy needs
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the end of this decade, most of the countries are moving towards
installing more wind turbines around the world, because of the
increasing need for electric power without any pollution. Wind
energy is also known as green energy because it doesn’t produce

to be maximized. Therefore, there is a need for developing
sustainable transport vehicles which will fulfill the requirements
without harming the environment; therefore, using electric cars
emerges as a good choice due to various advantages. Since there
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any pollution. According to statistics the electricity consumption
is increasing largely due to the introduction of more electric
vehicles.

are zero tailpipe emissions from electric vehicles, it doesn’t
have any room for air pollution. Cleaner air means fewer
greenhouse gas emissions will save the ozone layer and reduce
our carbon footprint. Various types of sustainable systems have
been developed in electric cars, such as solar vehicles, PHEV
[Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle]. Due to less feasibility and high
manufacturing cost, usage of this type of vehicle is limited to
some extent.
Wind energy is freely and abundantly available and inexhaustible.
This range can be increased by installing a wind turbine to
convert wind energy to electrical energy to charge the battery
pack while in motion to recover the energy used and increase
the range significantly, thereby making it more efficient green
energy or wind energy which is the one of the most important
sources of renewable energy that easily available in nature. At
J Oil Gas Res Rev, 2023
1.1. Literature Review
In this paper they have focused on the most renewable source
of energy being utilized which is Wind Energy. To harness this
wind energy, the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine [VAWT] is used.
The VAWT will be placed inside the front grille of the vehicle
where there will be air flow, which will propel the turbine, and
thus power is generated [1, 2]. In this study, Modeling of two
ducts installed in a car model of a varied cross- section with
a fan connected with an alternator was done. Simultaneously,
simulations were carried out in Ansys Fluent for wind speed and
torque analysis for alternator power calculations [3].
In this paper they have proposed the concept of charging the
batteries of an electric vehicle when it is in motion or propelling.
This may be done by using the energy of wind which is caused by
the relative motion between the vehicle and the wind surrounding
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it [4]. This paper presents the design and implementation of
LMWT [Locomotive Mounted Wind Turbine] to generate
electricity from the vehicle. LMWT has several new advantages,
including high RPM turbine, convenient weight, practical shape,
direct storage and portability [5]. They have performed an
energy audit on alternator’s current output and battery’s voltage
based on alternator speed [6]. In this study, they have performed
the wind tunnel testing on a physical model and analyzed its data
and have also made continuous improvements to achieve drag
reduction through passive flow control [7].
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In one configuration, the system efficiently harvests wind energy
from the airstream moving across a vehicle roof during forward
motion [8]. A Portable horizontal axis diffuser augmented wind
turbine is adopted for the design since that is able to produce a
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higher power output as compared to the conventional bare type
wind turbine. Through the theoretical calculation on the power
generated from the wind, a significant amount of electrical
power [about 3.26 kW] is restored to the batteries when the car
is moving at a speed of 120 km/h [9]. The aim of this paper is to
investigate whether it is worth developing smaller scale vertical
axis wind turbines [VAWT] as a solution towards mitigating
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climate change [10]. Exposed Area Influence for Light Off of
Catalyst to Reducing HC/CO Emission from Automobile Si
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Engine Exhaust by Using Low Mass Electrically Heated Metal
Catalyst.
The book has mentioned aspects related to wind energy and
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wind turbines, it’s aerodynamics, mechanics, design, testing
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and economics [11]. In this book they have discussed the
aerodynamic design and performance of VAWTs based on the
Darrieus concept, it also discusses the comparison between
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HAWTs and VAWTs [12]. Design and Analysis of wind turbine
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installation system and its various components. Onshore and
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offshore wind power harnessing and power generation [13].
Prime focus on horizontal axis wind turbines HAWTs their
designs and installation [14]. The design and implementation
of LMWT to generate electricity from the vehicle and also
evaluation of LMWT performance in terms of power generation
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[15].
1.2. Need of Study
The increase in the number of electric vehicles [EVs] on the road
is expected to lead to an increase in electricity consumption.
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As EVs rely solely on electricity for their power source, their
widespread adoption could put a strain on the existing electrical
infrastructure, especially during peak charging periods.
Also, the driving range of battery driven vehicles is very low as
compared to conventional fuel ICE vehicles that makes them
unsuitable for long trips and slow charging rates to recharge the
battery. In spite of better operation, performance and efficiency
of motor driven electric and environment friendly characteristics
J Oil Gas Res Rev, 2023
they are falling behind in the automobile industries due to the
problem of driving range. We target the design of a wind turbine
that will be assembled in the electric car to generate electrical
power to charge the car batteries when in motion without
harming its aerodynamic shape as well as its performance [16-
19].
2. Research Methodology
The main objective is charging the batteries by using wind
energy which is caused by the relative motion between the
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vehicle and the wind surrounding it, converting the kinetic
energy of wind into electric energy and using it to charge the
batteries. Our project is regarding this concept about converting
wind resistance encountered by the vehicle while moving, into
electric energy to charge batteries using our proposed system.
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As we all know that vehicle experiences wind resistance while
moving which is also called drag. This kinetic energy of flowing
wind is simply wasted. If we were able to utilize this energy to
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charge vehicle batteries it could be a major turning point in EV
technology.
2.1. Research
We searched and went through various research papers and
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patents available on different platforms on the internet which are
related to our idea. And there we came across research that had
proposed solutions related to our problem. After analyzing those
papers, for an optimized solution we proceed with the below
methodology.
2.2. Conceptualization and Optimization
The basic principle is when the wind strikes on the turbine
blades it results in rotation of the wind turbine and the alternator
respectively which leads to power generation. And that power
will be stored in the battery.
2.3. Design and Develop CAD Model
Using Autodesk Fusion 360 software and all design considerations
and project requirements we designed a 3D CAD model of the
system.
2.4. NACA 2412 Airfoil Profile
We have designed the wind turbine using the NACA 2412 airfoil
profile because they are highly-efficient lifting shapes and able
to generate lift with significantly less drag. The airfoil also has
a relatively thick chord, which allows for greater structural
strength and increased internal space for fuel and equipment
storage. Additionally the NACA 2412 airfoil's design allows
for smooth airflow over its surface, reducing turbulence and
improving stability and control, making it suitable for high-
speed and high-performance applications.
2.5. CFD Analysis Results
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Figure 1: Velocity Magnitude Figure 2: Tangential Velocity Path line

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In the above fig. The velocity magnitude varies from minimum In the above fig. The Tangential velocity path line varies from
9.55 × 10-2 m/s to a maximum 3.08 × 10 m/s. minimum -2.82 × 10 m/s to a maximum 2.77 × 10 m/s.

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Figure 3: Relative Total Pressure Figure 4: Dynamic Pressure Contour

In the above fig. The Relative velocity path line varies from In the above fig. The Dynamic Pressure varies from minimum
minimum -2.26 × 102 Pa to a maximum 1.41 × 102 Pa. 2.32 × 10 Pa to a maximum 4.93 × 102 Pa.
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Figure 5: Reynolds Number Contour Figure 6: Static Residual

In the above fig. The Reynolds Number varies from minimum
3.04 × 10 to a maximum 1.20 × 104.

J Oil Gas Res Rev, 2023 Volume 3 | Issue 1 | 67

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Figure 7: Graph of velocity and analyzed parameters.

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Figure 8: Graph of velocity and Power Developed
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1. Results

Parameters CFD
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Velocity of Air, m/s 9 11 14 15

Drag Coefficient (Cd), N 0.0237 0.0349 0.0229 0.0262
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Drag Force (Fd), N 0.623 0.9148 1.4578 1.6629

Lift Coefficient (Cl), N -0.0000077 -0.000073 0.00026 0.000057
Lift Force (Fl), N -0.0002 -0.0019 0.0169 0.0036
Power (P), KW / Hr 62.7 92 146.664 167.2266
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Table 1:
The above table depicts the values of parameters such as Drag there is a significant reduction in carbon emissions associated
Coefficient, Drag Force, Lift Coefficient, Lift Force and Power with electricity production. By transitioning from traditional
which are analyzed and tested at four different velocities of air combustion engine vehicles to EVs, which are powered
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9, 11, 14, 15 m/sec respectively. In ideal working conditions, by renewable energy sources, the transportation sector can
this system can develop sufficient power to charge the vehicle contribute to mitigating climate change and improving air
battery. quality.

3.1 Benefits of using this System and its Impacts on
Environment
Electric vehicles [EVs] charged from the wind resistance
encountered by the moving vehicle offer several potential
benefits, including reduced carbon emissions, increased energy
independence, and cost-effectiveness.
Reduced Carbon Emissions: By utilizing the wind resistance
to charge EV batteries, this innovative approach reduces the
reliance on fossil fuel-based power generation. As a result,
J Oil Gas Res Rev, 2023
Increased Energy Independence: Charging EV batteries using
wind resistance promotes greater energy independence. As EVs
tap into the vehicle's motion to generate electricity, they become
less reliant on external power grids. This aspect is particularly
advantageous in remote areas or during emergencies, where
access to charging infrastructure may be limited. By harnessing
the power of wind resistance, EV owners can enjoy increased
freedom and flexibility in their charging options, making electric
mobility more accessible and resilient.
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Cost-Effectiveness: The use of wind resistance to charge EVs
can lead to cost savings for vehicle owners. As electricity is
generated on-board from the vehicle's motion, it reduces the need
for frequent visits to public charging stations or home charging
units, which can be costly. This approach offers a potentially
cheaper alternative for recharging EVs, making electric mobility
more affordable and economically viable for a wider range of
users. Moreover, as renewable energy costs continue to decline,
the overall cost of charging EVs from wind resistance is likely
to become increasingly competitive compared to traditional
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charging methods, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness.
2. Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of harnessing wind resistance
encountered by a moving vehicle to charge an electric vehicle
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[EV] battery presents a promising and innovative approach
towards sustainable transportation. This project report has
explored the feasibility and potential benefits of this method.
By incorporating wind turbines or similar devices into the
design of an EV, the vehicle's forward motion generates wind
resistance, which can be effectively converted into electrical
energy. This renewable energy source provides an additional
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means of charging the EV battery, thereby reducing reliance
on conventional charging methods and promoting eco-friendly
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transportation.
The findings of this project indicate that the utilization of wind
resistance for EV battery charging has several advantages.
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Firstly, it enables the generation of clean and renewable energy,
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contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and
combating climate change. Secondly, it enhances the overall
energy efficiency of the vehicle, as it utilizes a previously
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untapped source of power. This could potentially extend the
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driving range of EVs and reduce the frequency of conventional
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charging requirements. In conclusion, the exploration of wind
resistance as a means of charging EV batteries represents a
significant step towards sustainable transportation. This project
paves the way for future advancements in the field, fostering
the development of more efficient, environmentally friendly, and
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self-sustaining electric vehicles.
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Copyright: ©2023 P. T. Nitnaware, et al. This is an open-access article
distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any
medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
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