• Comprehensive feasibility studies offer an in-depth analysis of any potential barriers to technology deployment and integration. • Successful deployment of VIV-EH enhances real-time water system monitoring by providing reliable power in remote areas. • High correlation between environmental impacts and energy generation output determined by the fluid velocity. • A solution like VIV-EH offers a low-impact renewable energy generation solution suitable for harnessing energy at low velocity. With today’s focus on the transition towards a cleaner energy future, interest is growing in exploring ways to utilise 10 TWh of hidden energy potential in EU water infrastructure. Vortex-Induced Vibration Energy Harvesters (VIV-EHs) offer an innovative approach to harnessing untapped hydropower potential in urban and rural water systems, thereby supporting the transition to green energy. These devices enable decentralised energy generation, support monitoring systems in critical infrastructure, and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-powered backups. However, their economic and environmental feasibility must be carefully assessed to ensure viable deployment and integration. This study introduces a Feasibility Assessment Framework to evaluate the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of VIV-EHs, with a particular focus on do-it-yourself (DIY) design. A case study in the Mestna Gradaščica River channel in Ljubljana, Slovenia, was assessed utilizing experimental data, computational modelling, and life cycle analysis. Two configurations of the DIY VIV-EH, one with a 49 mm cylinder diameter and another with a 61 mm diameter, were evaluated for energy output, costs, and emissions. The results demonstrate that the 49 mm configuration achieved a capacity factor of 94%, generating between 131.30 kWh and 406.8 kWh over a 12-year lifespan. In comparison, the 61 mm configuration produced between 164.7 kWh and 311.0 kWh, with greater stability across a variety of velocities. The Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) remains high, averaging 6.5 €/kWh, indicating potential for cost reduction through optimisation. Environmental impacts were moderate, with lifecycle emissions ranging from 0.071 to 0.221 kgCO2eq/kWh, depending on velocity and configuration. These findings demonstrate that overall VIV-EHs have promise in powering remote monitoring sensors, enhancing the resilience of water and energy systems, and reducing dependence on diesel generators. Future research should focus on enhancing device efficiency and minimizing manufacturing impacts to facilitate their wider adoption as a sustainable energy solution
Guðlaugsson et al. (Sun,) studied this question.