University of Michigan electrical engineering professor Heath Hofmann developed a novel electrical generator for water turbines that needs an equally novel water turbine design to evaluate its performance. Students on this team will design and prototype a novel renewable energy system, focusing on efficiency, durability, and overall performance.
Abstract:
University of Michigan electrical engineering professor Heath Hofmann’s expertise lies in the areas of power electronics and electromechanical systems. Professor Hofmann has developed a novel electrical generator that needs an equally novel water turbine design to evaluate its performance. The project will focus on the efficiency, durability, and overall performance of the turbine by optimizing the energy conversion properties and structural integrity of the blades. The project will also require the design of a rotary water seal and axial bearing. Through research, analysis, and computational modeling, the team will develop an innovative blade design, considering factors such as fluid velocity, blade length, and material selection. The project will involve the fabrication and testing of scaled prototypes to evaluate their performance in real-world conditions. The results obtained will provide valuable insights into the potential application of this design in practical renewable energy applications.
Impact:
If successful, the project will validate the feasibility of a new type of turbine/generator design that has the potential to significantly improve upon the performance of the current state of the art.
Scope:
Minimum Viable Product Deliverable (Minimum level of success)
- Literature review of turbine blade design and implementation, including existing technology and patents
- Design of a novel turbine blade system with FEA analysis
- Initial prototype of turbine system with performance testing and power generation data collection
Expected Final Deliverable (Expected level of success)
- Revised design based on evaluation of initial data
Stretch Goal Opportunities: (High level of success)
- Larger scale version of the design
- Validation of efficiency and low-speed capabilities of water turbine and generator
Fluid Flow (2 Students)
Specific Skills: Knowledge of fluid flow, and blade design. Modeling experience.
Practical design model to prototyping experience would be a plus.
Likely Majors: AERO, ME, NAME, ChE
Mechanical Design and Prototyping (2 Students)
Specific Skills: Mechanical design skills and knowledge. Techniques for fast prototyping. Design for manufacturing. Experimental testing and evaluation.
Likely Majors: ME, AERO, ISD-MFG
Rotary Seal and Axial Bearing Design (1 Student)
Specific Skills: Design of water seal to protect electrical generator and axial bearing
Likely Majors: ME, NAME
Structural Analysis (2 Students)
Specific Skills: Strong knowledge of structural analysis, material deformation, FEA analysis
Likely Majors: ME, AERO, NAME, CEE
Additional Desired Skills/Knowledge/Experience
- I am looking for self-motivated, proactive students who are not afraid of making mistakes
- Team-based engineering project experience, particularly engineering competition team experience
- Knowledge or experience in turbine blade design would be a plus
- Any experience or knowledge in designing/choosing seals and/or bearings would be helpful.
- Experience in fabrication and testing/validation would be a plus
Sponsor and Faculty Mentor
Professor Heath Hofmann
Electrical Engineering
Professor Hofmann is currently a Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Affairs of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan. He is also an IEEE Fellow. Dr. Hofmann’s research area is power electronics, specializing in the design, analysis, and control of electromechanical systems.
Weekly Meetings: During the winter 2024 semester, Professor Hofmann’s team will meet in EECS 4419 on Fridays from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.
Work Location: Project work will take place on North Campus.
Course Substitutions: CE MDE, ChE Elective, EE MDE, CoE Honors, MECHENG 490, MECHENG 590, SI Elective/Cognate
Citizenship Requirements: This project is open to all students on campus. International Students: CPT declaration (curricular practical training) is NOT required for this project, because the School of Information is part of the University.
IP/NDA: Students will sign standard University of Michigan IP/NDA documents.
Summer Project Activities: No summer activity will take place on the project.
Learn more about the expectations for this type of MDP project