Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Michael Amitay

David Menicovich

Daniele Gallardo

Samantha Gildersleeve

Anna H Dyson

Jason Vollen

Peter Stark

Edward DeMauro

Tyler Van Buren

Ajith Rao

Keith Taylor

Provided in one embodiment is a method of modifying an air flow at least one location of a building structure, comprising: generating a first air flow at the at least one location of the building structure; and modifying a second air flow exterior to the building structure using the generated first air flow. An apparatus configured to modified an air flow is also provided.

Methods and systems of modifying air flow at building structures

Methods and systems for controlling a fluid flow field near a surface are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes an array of oscillating bodies disposed on the surface to provide physical modification to the flow field. Fluid jets are also emitted from an outlet in the oscillating body to provide virtual modification of the flow field through momentum addition. Fluid jet sources, including synthetic jet generators such as piezoelectric drivers and sources of compressed fluids such as air or water, are positioned to be in fluid communication with the outlet at intervals during the oscillation of the oscillating body. Controlling the oscillation amplitude and frequency of the body, as well as the location of oscillating body outlets and frequency of fluid jet emission, have advantageous effects for the surface such as improved heat transfer properties and reduction in structural vibration and noise.

Methods and apparatus for controlling flow fields

Systems, methods, and kits for reducing structural vibrations on wind turbine blades are provided. The actual dynamic structural conditions of a wind turbine blade can be used as a feedback mechanism. A flow control device and a sensor can be installed on a wind turbine blade, and a closed loop control system in operable communication with the flow control device and the sensor can be used to provide closed loop control.

Modular active structural vibration suppression for wind turbine blades

Systems and methods for airflow control of a moving ground vehicle are provided. The system includes an actuator module and a sensor unit mounted on the vehicle, and a controller. The actuator module includes at least one synthetic jet actuator to generate a synthetic jet, to modify an airflow around the vehicle. The sensor unit includes at least one environment sensor to capture environmental sensor data proximate the vehicle. The controller receives the environmental sensor data from the sensor unit and determines at least one of a drive frequency and a drive amplitude for controlling the at least one synthetic jet actuator, based on the received environmental data.

Active modular aerodynamic drag reduction system

Disclosed herein is an active roughness actuator and a method of forming an active roughness actuator. The active roughness actuator includes a surface having at least one aperture; a compliant layer disposed on the surface such that the compliant layer covers the at least one aperture; a chamber having a fluid therein and a piezoelectric surface mechanically coupled to the chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the compliant layer via the at least one aperture. The piezoelectric surface is configured to displace the fluid in the chamber to control production of at least one dimple in the compliant layer proximate to the at least one aperture.

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Loudonville, NY, United States of America

Michael Amitay