Assessment of Wind Energy Potential Generated by Vehicles: A Case Study in Mexico

Abstract

This research focuses on analyzing the aerodynamic characteristics of residual air currents generated by vehicle movement and evaluating their feasibility for energy generation, then designing a vertical axis wind turbine. The parameters assessed include the characteristic velocity profile, the average and maximum velocities, disturbance lifetimes, as well as the frequency and probability of recurrence of these disturbances. Using the data, projections are made on the electrical energy amount that can be produced by a wind turbine operating under such wind conditions. Measurements were taken at four locations: three within Mexico City (CDMX) and one on the outskirts. The measurement station, consisting of a 2.35 m vertical tower equipped with eight vertically aligned thermos-resistive anemometers, is installed on medians less than 0.50 m from moving vehicles. The data from within CDMX show maximum wind velocities ranging from 6 to 8 m/s at ground level, while measurements on the outskirts record velocities of up to 19.5 m/s. A probabilistic analysis reveals that usable air currents could be present 58% of the time. Based on electrical production calculations, it is estimated that harnessing this residual energy could power approximately 4500 homes, considering the national cost per kWh and the average electricity consumption of a four-person household.