Aerodynamic performance of bridges equipped small wind turbines

This study addresses a methodology to use small wind turbines for dual purposes, improving aerodynamic performance of flexible bridges and wind energy harvesting. A way to proper placement of small wind turbines on flexible bridges were proposed according on the analogy of conventional aerodynamic appendages. From the wind tunnel tests of the Rio-Niteroi bridge in Brazil, it was found that the wind turbine attached like fairing was effective to reduce the vortex-induced vibration of bridge and the optimal spanwise interval of the wind turbine was 3-4.5 time of turbine diameter. Moreover the aerodynamic coefficients of the bridge were improved after installation of the wind turbines. Present results showed the general availability of wind turbine for improvement of aerodynamic performance and energy supply of flexible bridges although the capacity of wind power generation was strongly dependent on wind characteristics of the bridge site.