Characterizing the response of galloping energy harvesters using actual wind statistics

In this paper, we incorporate actual wind statistics into the response of galloping energy harvesters and shed light onto the influence of the wind probability distribution on the average power as compared to the deterministic scenario. Specifically, we obtain an expression for the average output power of the harvester as a function of the wind statistical averages, which are, in turn, obtained by fitting wind data using a Weibull Probability Density Function (PDF). The resulting expression is then used to demonstrate that knowledge of the actual PDF is essential for correct power predictions as well as for accurate electric load optimization. We discuss the influence of the wind direction on the average output power and show that the direction of the prevailing wind is not necessarily the ideal direction to maximize the average power.