Overview

Generation of Energy via harnessing the immense engine exhaust power of an aircraft taking off and landing at an airport with the use of wind energy generators.

Power of an Aircraft Engine

When modern jet engines are operated at rated thrust levels, the exhaust wake can exceed 375 mi/h (325 kn or 603 km/h) immediately aft of the engine exhaust nozzle. This exhaust flow field extends aft in a rapidly expanding cone, with portions of the flow field contacting and extending aft along the pavement surface. Exhaust velocity components are attenuated with increasing distance from the engine exhaust nozzle. However, an airflow of 300 mi/h (260 kn or 483 km/h) can still be present at the empennage, and significant people and equipment hazards will persist hundreds of feet beyond this area. At full power, the exhaust wake speed can typically be 150 mi/h (130 kn or 240 km/h) at 200 ft (61 m) beyond the airplane and 50 to 100 mi/h (43 to 88 kn or 80 to 161 km/h) well beyond this point.

The Wind Energy Generators

Since the scenario being proposed is unique, it requires a rather unique set of solutions to make this a reality. The ideal requirements for a wind energy generator to work under these conditions are-

1- It should be low in height and flexible enough to withstand the immense power of the engine exhaust and not present a physical obstacle in path of the engine or the aircraft itself.

2- It must be rated to operate efficiently and flawlessly 24*7 as most modern airports have take-offs and landings every moment across the day.

Under these conditions, the following methods seem most appropriate for use as the wind energy generators-

a- Darrius Wind Turbines
b- Wind Stalks
c- Vortex Bladeless Wind Turbines

Potential

With an aircraft taking off or landing every minute at an airport and generating winds with high speeds, it’s only a matter of time before people realise the enormous potential of having a wind farm powered by engines exhaust at an airport. Not only will such a step ensure that we are moving away from hydrocarbons towards a more sustainable method of energy which is clean and green but will also serve as a bench mark for future endeavours where necessity has lead to innovation.