A review of atmospheric vortex engines for power generation

A review has been conducted to understand buoyancy-induced vortex flow behaviour, establish control pa-rameters, and to assess the possibility of harnessing kinetic energy in the flow for electricity production. To create and maintain a vortex, a buoyancy force generated by a relatively large heat flux over a large surface area is required, such that warmed air is concentrated at the centre and rise. This flow induces an inward swirl and large angular momentum. These two contributions need to overcome surface friction and ambient shear flow. A single-cell vortex possesses the highest energy flux to circulation strength ratio. Even though a two-cell vortex at the base corner possesses a higher incoming tangential velocity which would translate to a larger change in angular momentum for higher aerodynamic torque, it is less stable due to high shear between the core downdraft and peripheral updraft swirl. The atmospheric vortex engine should be designed and controlled such that the buoyancy vortex can be generated and anchored, the guide vanes and other vortex station features create minimal flow shear, and the vortex stability is minimally affected by the physical presence of the turbine, saturated steam, air influx and energy extraction.

Automated summary

This article discusses the behavior of buoyancy-induced vortex flow and its potential for harnessing kinetic energy for electricity production. A large heat flux over a large surface area is needed to create and maintain a vortex. A single-cell vortex has the highest energy flux to circulation strength ratio, but a two-cell vortex, although having higher tangential velocity, is less stable.