Design and Test of 1/5th Scale Horizontal Axis Tidal Current Turbine

Tidal current energy is prominent and renewable. Great progress has been made in the exploitation technology of tidal current energy all over the world in recent years, and the large scale device has become the trend of tidal current turbine (TCT) for its economies. Instead of the similarity to the wind turbine, the tidal turbine has the characteristics of high hydrodynamic efficiency, big thrust, reliable sealing system, tight power transmission structure, etc. In this paper, a 1/5th scale horizontal axis tidal current turbine has been designed, manufactured and tested before the full scale device design. Firstly, the three-blade horizontal axis rotor was designed based on traditional blade element momentum theory and its hydrodynamic performance was predicted in numerical model. Then the power train system and stand-alone electrical control unit of tidal current turbine, whose performances were accessed through the bench test carried out in workshop, were designed and presented. Finally, offshore tests were carried out and the power performance of the rotor was obtained and compared with the published literatures, and the results showed that the power coefficient was satisfactory, which agrees with the theoretical predictions.     

The effects of blade twist and nacelle shape on the performance of horizontal axis tidal current turbines

The paper presents the effects of blade twist and nacelle shape on the performance of horizontal axis tidal current turbines using both analytical and numerical methods. Firstly, in the hydrodynamic design procedure, the optimal profiles of untwisted and twisted blades and their predicted theoretical turbine performance are obtained using the genetic algorithm method. Although both blade profiles produce desired rated rotational speed, the twisted blade achieves higher power and thrust performance. Secondly, numerical simulation is performed using sliding mesh technique to mimic rotating turbine in ANSYS FLUENT to validate the analytical results. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approximation of the turbulence parameters is applied to obtain the flow field around the turbine. It is found that power and axial thrust force from BEMT (Blade Element Momentum Theory) method are under-predicted by 2% and 8% respectively, compared with numerical results. Afterwards, the downstream wake field of the turbine is investigated with two different nacelle shapes. It is found that the rotor performance is not significantly affected by the different nacelle shapes. However, the structural turbulence caused by the conventional nacelle is stronger than that by the NACA-profiled shape, and the former can cause detrimental effect on the performance of the downstream turbines in tidal farms.     

Hydrodynamic Study on Energy Capturing Performance of Horizontal Axis Blades Under Sub-Low Speed Tidal Current

The research on the hydrodynamics of blades is mainly focused on sea areas with high-speed current. However, the average velocity in most territorial waters of China is smaller than 1 m/s, and the lift type of airfoil blades has limited application in most of these conditions. Therefore, it is of great significance to study the tidal current energy capture of blades in sub-low speed sea areas. The effect of flow impact resistance on the blade at sub-low current speed is considered and a new type of thin-walled blade based on the lift type of blade is proposed, and then the lift-impact combined hydrodynamic model of horizontal axis blade is established. Based on this model, and considering the characteristics of tidal current and velocity in the sea area of Yushan Islands, simulation and optimization of blade design are carried out. Additionally, the horizontal axis thin-walled blade and the NACA airfoil contrast blade under the same conditions are developed. By using a synthetical experimental test system, the power, torque, rotational speed and load characteristics of these two blades are tested. The performance of the thin-walled blade and the design theory are verified. It shows that this type of blade has much better energy capture efficiency in the sub-low speed sea area. This research will promote the study and development of turbines that can be used in low-speed current sea areas in the future.     

垂直轴潮流能水轮机直叶片流固耦合分析

在开放海域运行的潮流能水轮机需要应对复杂多变的海洋环境,要有较好的刚度、强度和抗疲劳性能。这对水轮机结构,尤其是为其运行提供动力的叶片结构的设计提出了较高要求。文中建立了垂直轴潮流能水轮机叶片及流场的三维数值计算模型,基于ANSYS商业软件提供的CFX与瞬时结构模块的双向流固耦合分析功能,分析了叶片在不同流速下的流体力学性能,分析了流场的三维效应及其引起叶片升力损失的原因,研究了其结构的刚度和强度特性。还对比分析了使用铝合金和钢材作为水轮机叶片材料的优劣。     

Modeling of twin-turbine systems with vertical axis tidal current turbine: Part II—torque fluctuation

We recently showed the advantage of using a numerical system to extract energy from tidal currents by developing a new twin-turbine model (Li and Calisal, 2010a). Encouraged by this result, we decided to use this model to study another important characteristic of the turbine system, torque fluctuation. This effort is summarized in this paper. The torque fluctuation is expected to reduce the fatigue life of tidal current turbines, though potentially it also may deteriorate the power quality of tidal current turbines. In this paper, after reviewing the twin-turbine model, we use it to predict the torque fluctuation of the system with the same configurations as we used to study the power output in Li and Calisal (2010a). Specifically, we investigate the torque fluctuation of twin-turbine systems with various turbine parameters (e.g., relative distance between two turbines and incoming flow angle) and operational condition (e.g., tip speed ratio). The results suggest that the torque of an optimally configured twin-turbine system fluctuates much less than that of the corresponding stand-alone turbine, under the same operating conditions. We then extensively compare the hydrodynamic interaction’s impact on the torque fluctuation and the power output of the system. We conclude that the hydrodynamic interactions pose more constructive impacts on the torque fluctuation than on the power output. The findings indicate that the optimally configured counter-rotating system should be a side-by-side system, and that the optimally configured co-rotating system should have the downstream turbine partially in the wake of the upstream turbine depending on the detailed configuration of the turbines. Furthermore, one must balance the optimal torque fluctuation against the optimal power output.     

Exploring the implications of tidal farms deployment for wetland-birds habitats in a highly protected estuary

Next generation turbines can be installed to exploit tidal energy resource in estuaries. However, the ecological implications of such deployments remain unknown. Accordingly, this study is focused on the impact of tidal farms on intertidal areas and associated waterbird habitats in estuaries. A numerical model simulates the hydrodynamic conditions of the Solway Firth, comprising one of the most extensive intertidal zones in the UK. The effects of tidal farms with different turbine densities have been evaluated in terms of changes to the areas of habitat for wetland bird species of conservation importance. The results suggest that any habitat loss may be minor and that in some cases there may be an increase (also small) in the area of important habitat. The percentage change in intertidal areas is also considerably lower than that expected to result from tidal barrages of similar capacities, implying the potential for tidal farms to present an alternative solution for exploiting tidal energy in highly protected areas. The changes in the extent of intertidal habitat are not proportional to the energy dissipated by the tidal farm. Therefore a range of tidal farm designs should be evaluated in order to optimise installed capacity while minimising habitat loss. However, the site-dependency of the impacts and the complex responses to change of estuarine ecosystems reinforce the requirement for detailed studies to be undertaken for each specific location and array configuration. The methodology presented here is appropriate for such assessments as it can be applied to different locations and turbine types.     

一种新型鲸鱼式潮流能发电装置的设计与试验研究

为了进一步提高潮流能的利用率,提出了一种新型鲸鱼式潮流能发电装置。借鉴风机叶片设计方法及水平轴水轮机的设计原理,利用结构力学、流体力学和CFD相关方法,对该装置的螺旋桨叶、导流筒和固定桩等部件进行了设计研究,从获能效果、装置可靠性和发电功率等方面进行了优化设计,并通过900 W样机试验验证了设计的有效性。试验结果显示,海流高潮期装置最大发电功率可达到980 W,一天内大约有4个缓潮期,此间发电功率明显下降,但持续时间不长,总体平均发电功率在800 W上下;同时潮流能轮机启动流速在0.41 m/s左右,有着良好的低速启动性能。     

Research on the unsteady hydrodynamic characteristics of vertical axis tidal turbine

The unsteady hydrodynamic characteristics of vertical axis tidal turbine are investigated by numerical simulation based on viscous CFD method. The starting mechanism of the turbine is revealed through analyzing the interaction of its motion and dynamics during starting process. The operating hydrodynamic characteristics of the turbine in wave-current condition are also explored by combining with the linear wave theory. According to possible magnification of the cyclic loads in the maximum power tracking control of vertical axis turbine, a novel torque control strategy is put forward, which can improve the structural characteristics significantly without effecting energy efficiency.     

Modeling of twin-turbine systems with vertical axis tidal current turbines: Part I—Power output

Recent interest in the tidal current industry has driven development of the prototype from the stand-alone turbine to the twin-turbine system. In this paper, we develop a numerical model to systematically analyze the relationship between the power output and the configuration of a twin-turbine system. First, we present the design principle of the twin-turbine system. We then develop the numerical model for simulating the operation of the system, and validate the model by conducting towing tank experimental tests. We then use the model to predict the power output of the system. The results of this study show that the total power output of a twin-turbine system with optimal layout can be about 25% higher than two times that of a stand-alone turbine. We also discuss the hydrodynamic interaction between the two turbines under different configurations of the system. We conclude that the optimally configured counter-rotating system should be a side-by-side system, and that the optimally configured co-rotating system should have the downstream turbine partially in the wake of the upstream turbine, depending on the detailed configuration of the turbine.     

The effects of yawing motion with different frequencies on the hydrodynamic performance of floating vertical-axis tidal current turbines

Under real sea conditions, the hydrodynamic performance of floating vertical-axis tidal current turbines is affected by waves and currents. The wave circular frequency is a significant factor in determining the frequencies of the wave-induced motion responses of turbines. In this study, the ANSYS-CFX software (manufacturer: ANSYS Inc., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States) is used to analyse the hydrodynamic performance of a vertical-axis turbine for different yawing frequencies and to study how the yawing frequencies affect the main hydrodynamic coefficients of the turbine, including the power coefficient, thrust coefficient, lateral force coefficient, and yawing moment coefficient. The time-varying curves obtained from the CFX software are fitted using the least-squares method; the damping and added mass coefficients are then calculated to analyse the influence of different yawing frequencies. The simulation results demonstrate that when analysing non-yawing turbines rotating under constant inflow, the main hydrodynamic coefficient time-varying curves of yawing turbines exhibit an additional fluctuation. Furthermore, the amplitude is positively correlated with the yawing frequency, and the oscillation amplitudes also increase with increasing yawing frequency; however, the average values of the hydrodynamic coefficients (except the power coefficient) are only weakly influenced by yawing motion. The power coefficient under yawing motion is lower than that under non-yawing motion, which means that yawing motion will cause the annual energy production of a turbine to decrease. The fitting results show that the damping term and the added mass term exert effects of the same level on the loads and moments of vertical-axis turbines under yawing motion. The results of this study can facilitate the study of the motion response of floating vertical-axis tidal current turbine systems in waves.     

共水平轴双叶轮海流机水动力学性能的实验研究

针对水平轴单叶轮海流机在低流速时启动性能差、获能少的缺点,采用共水平轴同向旋转双叶轮水轮机进行了水动力学性能的水槽试验.由实验结果研究了共水平轴单叶轮和双叶轮水轮机的功率特性和启动特性,分析了不同上、下游叶轮安装角和叶轮轴向间距对叶轮启动水流速度以及发电机获得功率的影响,并对单叶轮和双叶轮水轮机的运行情况进行了比较.结果表明,共水平轴双叶轮水轮机的启动水流速度较单叶轮低很多,而且能从水流中获得更多的能量.因此,共水平轴双叶轮水轮机能改进一般水平轴单叶轮水轮机难以启动和获能少的不足,更适合于我国低海流流速的实际海况.     

水平轴潮流能发电装置结构对其水动力性能的影响

为研究水平轴潮流能发电装置结构对其水动力性能的影响,运用格子玻尔兹曼(LBM)方法,建立水平轴潮流能发电装置的数值模拟分析模型,对水轮机在不同尖速比工况下的水动力性能进行模拟。将模拟结果与同工况水池拖曳实验得到的数据相对比,二者捕获能系数误差在2%左右,验证了LBM方法的可行性和准确性。在此基础上利用LBM方法研究机舱和立柱结构对水轮机特性的影响,得到其对水轮机捕获效率的影响规律。     

Numerical and Experimental Study of the 3D Effect on Connecting Arm of Vertical Axis Tidal Current Turbine

Vertical axis tidal current turbine is a promising device to extract energy from ocean current. One of the important components of the turbine is the connecting arm, which can bring about a significant effect on the pressure distribution along the span of the turbine blade, herein we call it 3D effect. However, so far the effect is rarely reported in the research, moreover, in numerical simulation. In the present study, a 3D numerical model of the turbine with the connecting arm was developed by using FLUENT software compiling the UDF (User Defined Function) command. The simulation results show that the pressure distribution along the span of blade with the connecting arm model is significantly different from those without the connecting arm. To facilitate the validation of numerical model, the laboratory experiment has been carried out by using three different types of NACA aerofoil connecting arm and circle section connecting arm. And results show that the turbine with NACA0012 connecting arm has the best start-up performance which is 0.346 m/s and the peak point of power conversion coefficient is around 0.33. A further study has been performed and a conclusion is drawn that the aerofoil and thickness of connecting arm are the most important factors on the power conversion coefficient of the vertical axis tidal current turbine.     

水平轴潮流能水轮机数值模拟方法对比分析

叶素动量理论和CFD方法是水平轴潮流能水轮机性能分析中运用较为广泛的数值模拟方法,文中结合小尺寸水轮机模型试验,对比分析了叶素动量理论和CFD方法在水轮机性能分析中的准确性和适用性.验证结果表明:叶素动量理论和CFD方法均能对水轮机的性能进行预报,且CFD精度高于动量叶素理论;大尖速比时,动量叶素理论偏离较高,不再适合性能预报;在小尖速比下,建议采用RNGk-ε模型的CFD方法进行分析计算;动量叶素理论适合设计初期设计方案的对比分析,而CFD方法适合对设计结果的验证校核和详细分析.     

考虑发电机尾流作用的潮流能理论可开发量的评估

In this study, we construct one 2–dimensional tidal simulation, using an unstructured Finite Volume Coastal Ocean Model(FVCOM). In the 2–D model, we simulated the tidal turbines through adding additional bottom drag in the element where the tidal turbines reside. The additional bottom drag was calculated from the relationship of the bottom friction dissipation and the rated rotor efficiency of the tidal energy turbine. This study analyzed the effect of the tidal energy turbine to the hydrodynamic environment, and calculated the amount of the extractable tidal energy resource at the Guishan Hangmen Channel, considering the rotor wake effect.     

基于实密度的卧式浪流轮机水槽实验研究分析

实密度是影响轮机获能特性的关键因素之一。文中以卧式轮机实密度为基变量,以其获能系数为主要考察点,对3种实密度卧式轮机进行水槽实验方案设计和水动力性能研究。实验分别对水流流速、轮机旋转角速度、主轴转矩以及功率进行测量,并对其对主轴的扭矩、轮机的获能系数以及叶片的旋转特性进行定量分析,最终证实了该卧式轮机的单一运行特性。通过绘制基于实密度的轮机转矩—转角曲线、获能系数—尖速比曲线和轮机功率—尖速比曲线,阐明了实密度影响卧式轮机获能水动力性能的规律,即其获能系数和发电功率都随着工况速比呈先增后降趋势。实密度较低轮机因浪流流失而获得能量小,但实密度过高轮机会导致叶片间湍流涌动,加速叶片失速特性而影响轮机获能。这为卧式浪流轮机结构优化提供了可靠依据和借鉴。     

水平轴海流能发电机叶片设计与性能分析

全球海洋蕴藏着丰富的海流能,合理利用海流能可以有效缓解能源危机。以额定工况下获能系数达到最大值为目标,利用叶素-动量理论设计了150 kW水平轴海流能发电机的叶片。使用叶素-动量理论结合普朗特修正和葛劳渥修正的方法,预测了海流机在不同尖速比以及不同桨距角下的水动力性能,分析了攻角和载荷沿着叶片径向的分布规律。使用CFD方法计算了海流机在不同尖速比下的水动力性能,并与理论方法的计算结果进行了比较。理论方法和CFD方法的结果均表明,所设计的海流机最大获能系数位于设计尖速比处,证明基于叶素-动量理论的水平轴海流机叶片设计方法是有效的。     

Modelling tidal current turbine wakes using a coupled RANS-BEMT approach as a tool for analysing power capture of arrays of turbines

An improved method is developed to couple an inner domain solution of the blade element momentum theory with an outer domain solution of the Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes equations for evaluating performance of tidal current turbines. A mesh sensitivity study shows that a mesh of at least 6 M cells with at least 40% of these within the turbine wake is required to ensure satisfactory convergence of the velocity deficit. In addition to the usually applied axial momentum source terms, angular momentum and turbulence intensity source terms are shown to be required to model the near wake evolution. Three different lateral turbine spacing of 2, 4 and 6 turbine diameters are used to demonstrate the influence of the effective channel blockage on the velocity distribution in the turbine bypass region, the rate of spread of the wake and the recovery of velocity distribution. A final study shows that for a fixed number of turbines minimising the lateral spacing within each row, with a small number of staggered rows spaced as longitudinally as far apart as practical, is the most effective strategy for energy capture.     

潮流能发电装置支撑结构对水轮机水动力学性能影响研究

水平轴潮流能水轮机在工作过程中,由于支撑结构的存在,会使水轮机周围流场中的潮流流向、流速等参数发生不同程度的改变,进而影响水轮机的性能和发电装置的稳定性。为了研究支撑结构对水轮机水动力学性能的影响规律,以某100 k W单立柱座底式潮流能发电装置的支撑结构为研究对象,采用CFD方法,分别在正、反向来流时采用不同支撑结构的共六种工况下,对潮流能水轮机模型的获能和受力进行数值模拟。通过水槽模型试验,验证数值模拟的可靠性。研究结果表明:支撑结构对水轮机的水动力学性能的影响不容忽视,针对所研究的支撑结构,在正向来流时水轮机的获能系数降幅约30%,轴向力系数降幅约28%;反向来流时的降幅更大,分别约为63%和41%。     

水平轴潮流能叶轮尖速比特性分析研究

针对设计尖速比对水平轴潮流能叶轮动力特性的影响问题开展研究工作。基于叶素-动量理论建立叶轮动力特性仿真模型,以叶片数量分别为2、3、4的叶轮为对象,考察设计尖速比对叶轮的功率系数的影响。研究结果表明:设计尖速比越大的叶轮,其最大效率也越高;叶片数量多的叶轮,其功率系数略优于叶片数量少的叶片。结合分析结果,给出了水平轴潮流能叶轮的设计尖速比的选择建议。