About FlowVolt Charge:
FlowVolt Charge is an innovative energy harvesting system designed to convert fluid motion, such as wind or water flow, into electricity using a self-adjusting rotating airfoil. This dynamic airfoil responds to changes in fluid speed and direction, enabling consistent oscillatory motion that drives energy conversion. The system uniquely combines piezoelectric and electromagnetic transduction mechanisms: the piezoelectric elements generate electricity from mechanical vibrations induced by the airfoil's motion. In contrast, the electromagnetic components produce current through relative movement between magnets and coils. This dual approach maximizes energy output across a wide range of operating conditions. FlowVolt Charge is particularly suited for powering smart technologies and remote monitoring systems, including sensor networks, marine buoys, and environmental monitoring stations, where access to traditional power sources is limited. Its robust, low-maintenance design ensures long-term reliability, making it ideal for deployment in harsh or isolated environments. By offering a sustainable and scalable alternative to batteries or wired electricity, FlowVolt Charge supports the growing demand for self-powered devices in the Internet of Things (IoT) era, setting a new standard for hybrid energy harvesting technologies.
Scientific or Technical Area:
Mechanical Engineering, Vibration energy harvesting, technology
Project Timeline:
January, 2023 – January, 2024
Main Objectives of the Project:
- To create a self-tuneable airfoil mechanism.
- To design, develop, and test a nonlinear airfoil-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester from flow-induced vibration.
- To optimize the system to enhance energy harvesting performance.
Anticipated Impact and Relevance:
The FlowVolt Charge project makes a significant contribution to scientific advancement by introducing a novel hybrid energy harvesting system that combines piezoelectric and electromagnetic principles with a self-adjusting rotating airfoil. This interdisciplinary innovation enhances the efficiency and adaptability of fluid-based energy harvesting, offering new insights into smart materials, fluid-structure interaction, and low-power generation systems. The project addresses critical environmental and energy challenges by providing a clean, renewable, and maintenance-free power source for remote and off-grid applications such as environmental monitoring, smart agriculture, and infrastructure diagnostics. These applications are vital in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing environmental footprints.
Aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, FlowVolt Charge supports the pillars of sustainable development, economic diversification, and environmental preservation. By promoting clean energy technologies, the project contributes to building a knowledge-based economy and enhancing the country's technological self-reliance. Moreover, the development and implementation of this system create opportunities for innovation, local manufacturing, and the development of technical skills, fostering a culture of research and entrepreneurship. The project also plays a key role in promoting youth-led research by engaging students and early-career researchers in cutting-edge experimental and simulation-based work. It encourages critical thinking, hands-on learning, and multidisciplinary collaboration, empowering the next generation of engineers and scientists to lead in sustainable innovation.
Supervisor(s) Details:
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Full Name: Dr. Asan G. A. Muthalif
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Job Title/Position: Professor
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Department or Unit: Mechanical Engineering
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Institution/Affiliation: Qatar University
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Email Address:
drasan@qu.edu.qa
Team Members Involved:
- Muhammad Hafizh, PhD, Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
- Mohammad Farhan, PhD., Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
Associated Resources or Publications:
Picture of the Prototype:
