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Three-dimensional numerical simulations of straight-bladed vertical axis tidal turbines investigating power output, torque ripple and mounting forces
Citation
Marsh, PJ and Ranmuthugala, D and Penesis, I and Thomas, G, Three-dimensional numerical simulations of straight-bladed vertical axis tidal turbines investigating power output, torque ripple and mounting forces, Renewable Energy, 83 pp. 67-77. ISSN 0960-1481 (2015) [Refereed Article]
Copyright Statement
Copyright 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.renene.2015.04.014
Abstract
Three straight-bladed vertical axis turbine designs were simulated using Three-Dimensional (3D) transient
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models, using a commercial Unsteady Reynolds Averaged
NaviereStokes (URANS) solver. The turbine designs differed in support strut section, blade-strut joint
design and strut location to evaluate their effect on power output, torque fluctuation levels and mounting
forces. Simulations of power output were performed and validated against Experimental Fluid Dynamics
(EFD), with results capturing the impacts of geometrical changes on turbine power output. Strut section
and blade-strut joint design were determined to significantly influence total power output between the
three turbine designs, with strut location having a smaller but still significant effect. Maximum torque
fluctuations were found to occur around the rotation speed corresponding to maximum power output
and fluctuation levels increased with overall turbine efficiency. Turbine mounting forces were also
simulated and successfully validated against EFD results. Mounting forces aligned with the inflow
increased with rotational rates, but plateaued due to reductions in shaft drag caused by rotation and
blockage effects. Mounting forces perpendicular to the inflow were found to be 75% less than forces
aligned with the inflow. High loading force fluctuations were found, with maximum values 40% greater
than average forces.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | Vertical Axial Tidel Turbine |
| Research Division: | Engineering |
| Research Group: | Maritime engineering |
| Research Field: | Ship and platform structures (incl. maritime hydrodynamics) |
| Objective Division: | Energy |
| Objective Group: | Renewable energy |
| Objective Field: | Tidal energy |
| UTAS Author: | Marsh, PJ (Mr Philip Marsh) |
| UTAS Author: | Ranmuthugala, D (Professor Dev Ranmuthugala) |
| UTAS Author: | Penesis, I (Professor Irene Penesis) |
| ID Code: | 104242 |
| Year Published: | 2015 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 61 |
| Deposited By: | Seafaring and Maritime Operations |
| Deposited On: | 2015-11-05 |
| Last Modified: | 2017-11-01 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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