摘要
A hydroelectric power generator, which is able to extract the water flow energy from the hydroelastic response of an elastically supported rectangular wing, is experimentally investigated. An electric motor is used to excite pitching oscillations of the wing. Both the wing and the electric motor are supported by leaf springs which are designed to work both as a linear guide for the sway oscillations and as elastic elements. The wing mass in sway direction necessary to achieve a hydroelastic response is obtained by utilizing a mechanical snubber mechanism. The appropriate load to generate electricity is provided by magnetic dampers. In the previous paper, the generating power rate and the efficiency were examined through the experiments with a single wing model, and the feasibility of the flapping wing hydroelectric power generator was verified. In this paper, the influence of the neighboring wings is examined by using two experimental apparatuses, with the intention of achieving a practical cascade wing generator. Tests revealed that the cascade moving in-phase with the neighboring wings at narrower intervals has a higher rate of electric power generation.
