E1.02 - Vortex 1

Bladeless Wind-powered Generator

Sponsor: Ingram School of Engineering, Dr. Rich Compeau
Student Team: Zachary Trascher, Matthew Crain, Ryan Middleton, Grant Page
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rich Compeau

E1.02 Logo
E1.02 Logo

Our project is the Vortex 1: a bladeless wind-powered generator, resembling a long, shaking cylinder secured to the ground, that harvests crosswinds and outputs a steady DC voltage. The concept takes advantage of the phenomenon of vortex-induced vibrations: in a moving fluid, long structures will experience vortex shedding, where the low-pressure zone behind the structure will periodically collapse into alternating vortices. This results in alternating low-pressure zones on the left and right sides of the structure that will cause it to vibrate. The Vortex 1 uses a series of linear alternators to convert this motion into electricity.

E1.02 Poster Pitch

To view a PDF file of our poster, click the link below!

E1.02 Poster.pdf

Team Contact Information

E1.02 Team Photo
From left to right (Zachary Trascher, Ryan Middleton, Matthew Crain, Grant Page)

Team Project Manager: Zachary Trascher, zat7@txstate.edu

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Rich Compeau, crc194@txstate.edu


Let us know what you think! You can evaluate our project here: E1.02 Evaluation Form