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Three-dimensional numerical simulations of straight-bladed vertical axis tidal turbines investigating power output, torque ripple and mounting forces
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 14:05 authored by Philip MarshPhilip Marsh, Susantha RanmuthugalaSusantha Ranmuthugala, Irene PenesisIrene Penesis, Thomas, GThree 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.
History
Publication title
Renewable EnergyVolume
83Pagination
67-77ISSN
0960-1481Department/School
Australian Maritime CollegePublisher
Pergamon-Elsevier Science LtdPlace of publication
The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1GbRights statement
Copyright 2015 Elsevier Ltd.Repository Status
- Restricted