Aerodynamic Effect and Power from an Auxiliary Wind Turbine with Selected Motorcycles

Abstract

Aerodynamic forces on motor cycles are important for its stability and fuel economy. In this paper, two motor bikes with and without wind turbine are tested in a subsonic open circuit wind tunnel. The parameters CD, CL and CS are measured for a Reynolds number (Re) range of 5.61x104 to 22.44x104and the angle of attack (alpha) between 0 deg to 30 deg. It is found that there is no or little effect in lift and side forces if a wind turbine installed. Using Microsoft Excel, the functional relationship as third degree polynomial between the drag at alpha=0 deg and Reynolds numbers are proposed. The power loss was found using the air density, speed and frontal area with the corresponding drag coefficient. A comparison has been drawn between the power consumption in drag for the two motor cycles. In terms of power losses, installing a wind turbine is suitable up to a speed less than or equal 55 km/h for racing bike and in all ranges in speed for dirt bike.