AWEC: High-Efficiency Modular Wind Energy Conversion System - ON-1074

Project type: Innovation
Desired discipline(s): Engineering - mechanical, Engineering
Company: APEX Wind Energy Substitutes
Project Length: 6 months to 1 year
Preferred start date: As soon as possible.
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Windsor, ON, Canada
No. of positions: 1 - 2
Desired education level: Postdoctoral fellow
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

Apex Wind Energy Substitutes Inc. is a startup dedicated to advancing wind energy technology through the Alternative Wind Energy Conversion System (AWECS). Our goal is to introduce a novel, highly efficient and scalable wind energy system that outperforms conventional wind turbines in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to varying wind conditions. Our research so far has provided promising insights, and we are now focused on finalizing theoretical foundations and validating our computational models.

Describe the project.: 

1.      Main Goal of the Project

The objective of this project is twofold: (1) to validate the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations based on prior work conducted for the AWECS technology, refining and verifying the existing models without introducing new external optimizations beyond the defined design scope, and (2) to advance the theoretical framework of AWECS by developing a mathematical model that accurately describes its performance, potentially analogous to Betz’s law for conventional wind turbines.

2.      Innovation to Be Developed

AWECS is a modular system that utilizes two sequential turbines:

• Powering Turbine: A dual-concentric turbine assembly that captures initial wind energy.
• Production Turbine: A sprinkler-like turbine that extracts additional energy from the remaining flow.

This controlled flow path maximizes energy capture beyond conventional single-turbine designs. The innovation lies in managing energy conversion at multiple stages while preserving modular adaptability.

3.      Theoretical Development & Benchmarking

The candidate will build upon the existing theoretical framework that has been developed for the dual turbine and coupled with the established theory for sprinkler-like turbines. The objective is to finalize the theoretical model that defines AWECS efficiency compared to traditional turbines (e.g., HAWT). The project will address how to benchmark AWECS performance, including defining its swept area and key performance metrics.

4.      Methodology/Techniques to Be Used

The candidate will work with existing ANSYS Fluent and CFX models and focus on:

• Model Validation: The candidate will critically assess and refine the existing computational model to ensure an accurate representation of the physical behavior of the AWECS system. This includes reviewing and enhancing the CAD geometry, optimizing the computational grid (meshing) for accuracy and efficiency, and refining solver parameters and boundary conditions. Additionally, the candidate will evaluate turbulence modeling strategies and numerical schemes to ensure consistency with established fluid dynamics principles. Validation will be conducted through best practices in CFD, such as grid independence studies, conservation laws checks, and validation against fundamental fluid dynamics principles and existing wind turbine performance data to establish confidence in the results. Parameter Optimization (within defined scope): Adjusting blade angles, number of blades, number of sprinkler arms, and arm dimensions (ID/length) to assess performance improvements.

 

• Theoretical Contributions

The candidate will build upon the existing analytical framework to develop a formalized mathematical model governing AWECS performance. Since conventional wind energy theories, such as Betz’s law, do not directly apply to this novel system, a new theoretical approach must be formulated to describe the aerodynamic interactions within the dual-turbine assembly and its coupling with the sprinkler-based power extraction mechanism. This work involves deriving governing equations, establishing theoretical efficiency limits, and defining key performance parameters that differentiate AWECS from conventional wind turbines. The candidate will also investigate appropriate benchmarking methodologies to compare AWECS performance with existing wind energy conversion systems, including defining an equivalent swept area representation.

For a Ph.D. candidate, this project presents an opportunity to contribute original research to the field of wind energy by developing a new theoretical framework for AWECS technology. The work could form the basis of high-impact academic publications and establish a foundation for future advancements in alternative wind energy conversion.

• Academic Publications: The candidate is required to produce multiple peer-reviewed publications as a key outcome of this project. These publications will serve to formally introduce and establish the AWECS technology within the academic community, contributing to the body of knowledge in wind energy conversion and computational fluid dynamics. The research findings are expected to be disseminated in high-impact journals and conferences relevant to renewable energy and fluid mechanics.

• Future Research & MVP Development: Following the successful validation of the computational model and the formulation of related theory, the project will transition toward the development of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). This phase will open opportunities for continued research, integrating simulation performance, theoretical advancements and experimental validation. The candidate may have the opportunity to contribute to further refinement of the technology, bridging the gap between simulation and real-world implementation.

Required expertise/skills: 

• Strong background in fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, and wind energy systems.
• Experience in validating theoretical models and conducting advanced CFD simulations.
• Ability to work independently on complex problems while adhering to project constraints.

Career & Incentives

• The candidate can publish and present findings within the project’s scope.
• Potential industry connections and a career path in renewable energy.
• If AWECS commercialization occurs, the candidate may be considered for future employment at APEX Wind Energy Substitutes.
• Research may extend to an experimental phase if an agreement between APEX and the university is reached.

Intellectual Property & Rights

• Apex Wind Energy Substitutes retains full commercial rights and ownership of all developed IP.
• Researchers may be co-inventors on patents if their contributions meet patentability criteria, but Apex retains full commercialization control.
• Universities and researchers are granted a non-commercial research license to use validated results for academic purposes only.
• All research findings can be published in peer-reviewed journals without restrictions.
• Successful validation may lead to future research collaborations on scaling and optimizing AWECS technology.

This project presents an unparalleled opportunity for a researcher interested in cutting-edge wind energy technology, with direct industry relevance and long-term career prospects.