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.     

海底边界效应对海流发电水轮机水动力性能影响研究

对30 W海流能水平轴水轮机进行叶片设计,应用FLUENT软件对水轮机的水动力性能进行数值模拟,研究了边界效应对叶片表面压力、流场、湍流强度、获能和轴向力的影响。受海底边界效应影响,海流速度沿深度呈现梯度变化,底层流速较小,中上层流速较大。边界效应导致水轮机的水动力性能呈现周期性变化,降低了水轮机的获能和轴向力。机组布置时,宜选择水流稳定且流速较大的中上层区域。     

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。     

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 investigation on the performance of Wells turbine with non-uniform tip clearance for wave energy conversion

The performance of a Wells turbine with various non-uniform tip clearances was investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The investigation was performed on numerical models of a NACA0020 blade profile under steady flow conditions. The performance of turbines with uniform and non-uniform tip clearances was compared. The results were also compared with experimental results in literature. It was shown that the performance of turbine with non-uniform tip clearance is similar with that of turbine with uniform one in terms of torque coefficient, input power coefficient, and efficiency. However, the turbine with non-uniform tip clearance seems to have a preferable overall performance. An investigation on the flow-field around the turbine blade was performed in order to explain the phenomena.     

Experimentally validated numerical method for the hydrodynamic design of horizontal axis tidal turbines

Although a lot can be learnt from technology transfer from wind turbines and ship propellers, there have been a few experiments investigating marine current turbines. As a result, a study has been carried out on the power, thrust and cavitation characteristics of 1/20th scale model of a possible 16 m diameter horizontal axis tidal turbine. Cavitation tunnel experiments for different blade pitch settings have been compared with simulations based on a developed blade element-momentum theory. This theory has been shown to provide a satisfactory representation of the experimental turbine performance characteristics. As an example application, the developed theory has been used to design possible horizontal axis tidal turbines for the tidal flows around Portland Bill. The results show that there is a clear balance between design loads and optimisation of energy yields.     

Research on Pitch Control Strategies of Horizontal Axis Tidal Current Turbine

Based on blade element momentum theory and generator characteristic test, a dynamic simulation model of 150 kW horizontal-axis tidal current turbine was established. The matching of the dynamic characteristics between the turbine and generator under various current velocities is studied, and the influence of the pitch angle on the matching is analyzed. For the problem of maximum power output in case of low current speed and limiting power in high current speed, the relation between optimal pitch angle and output power is analyzed. On the basis of dynamic characteristic analysis, the variable pitch control strategy is developed. The performance of the turbine under various tidal conditions is simulated. The research results show that the designed controller enables the turbine to operate efficiently under the condition of low current speed, and achieve the goal of limited power at high current speed.     

A Simulation Model for the Evaluation of the Electrical Power Potential Harnessed by a Marine Current Turbine

This paper deals with the development of a Matlab-Simulink model of a marine current turbine system through the modeling of the resource and the rotor. The simulation model has two purposes: performances and dynamic loads evaluation in different operating conditions and control system development for turbine operation based on pitch and speed control. In this case, it is necessary to find a compromise between the simulation model accuracy and the control-loop computational speed. The blade element momentum (BEM) approach is then used for the turbine modeling. As the developed simulation model is intended to be used as a sizing and site evaluation tool for current turbine installations, it has been applied to evaluate the extractable power from the Raz de Sein (Brittany, France). Indeed, tidal current data from the Raz de Sein are used to run the simulation model over various flow regimes and yield the power capture with time.     

潮流发电帆翼式柔性叶片水轮机实验研究

潮流发电水轮机是海洋潮流能发电系统的核心组成部分.帆翼式柔性叶片水轮机是一种全新水流发电装置,叶片由柔性材料制成,在流体力作用下自动调节攻角,能充分利用流体的升力和阻力效应做功.以帆翼式柔性叶片水轮机获能系数为研究目标,采用因次分析法初步分析可能影响获能系数的因素,通过模型实验对叶片弧弦比、叶片边弦比、叶片密度与获能系数的关系进行研究.不同结构形式转子存在不同叶片弧弦比最佳值,叶片边弦比愈大,获能能力愈强;在一定范围内,叶片密度较小时,获能与起转能力强,转速波动性较大,适用于低流速工况;反之获能与起转能力弱,稳定性较好,电能质量较高,适用于高流速工况.最后提出优化方案,实验证实优化后水轮机在获能能力和发电能力上均有所提高.     

Influences of winglets on the hydrodynamic performance of horizontal axis current turbines

A novel tidal turbine with winglet is given, and the influences of winglets on the hydrodynamic performance of horizontal axis current turbines (HACT) are investigated. The incompressible Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) Equations with the k − ω shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model are solved. Two HACTs with the winglet that bent towards the pressure side or suction side are designed as the conceptual designs. The pressure distribution and tip vortices are analyzed and compared to investigate the effect of the winglets. Based on the simulation results, the parameter study of the winglet is performed to investigate the effect of length, tip chord and cant angle on the hydrodynamic performance. Results demonstrate that the numerical simulation shows good agreement with the experimental data. The performance of HACT could be improved only when the winglet bends towards the suction side. At the optimum tip speed ratio (TSR), the best design can achieve 4.66% power increase rate compared with that of the baseline turbine. The proper length, tip chord and cant angle of the winglet could improve power at the whole conditions.     

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.     

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.     

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。     

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。     

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。     

潮流能水轮机仿真及尾流场分析

为了研究潮流能水轮机尾流场的变化规律,本文在水平轴水轮机现有理论基础上,采用计算流体力学技术建立了数值模型,计算了水轮机的功率特性,进行了网格独立性验证,比较了模型中旋转区域不同对结果的影响。仿真结果与试验结果进行了对比分析,验证了数值模型的有效性。研究了全工况下尾流场速度衰减随尖速比和距离变化的规律,结果显示在小尖速比下尾流场速度恢复情况相对大尖速比下较好;靠近水轮机轮毂中心线位置处,衰减相对较大。研究建议水轮机在同等功率表现下尽量选择在小尖速比下工作,水轮机组在实际排列时避免采用成列布置,水轮机设计阶段应综合考虑功率特性和尾流场衰减。本文研究内容可以为潮流能水轮机的研究以及阵列式应用提供参考。     

振荡水柱波能装置冲击式空气透平优化数值模拟研究

冲击式空气透平是振荡水柱式波能发电装置的二级能量转换装置,具有自启动性能好、在大流量系数区保持较高效率等优势,近年来应用越来越广泛。有学者提出在冲击式透平动叶片尖端安装环结构的设计,可以改善动叶片叶尖间隙处的气流流动形态,提高透平的工作性能。依托于此观点,构建了安装有环结构的冲击式透平的三维定常数值模型,并通过网格数量无关性及试验数据,验证了该数值模型的准确性与可靠性,随后开展了一系列仿真计算。此外,研究了不同环结构厚度对冲击式空气透平输入系数、扭矩系数及透平效率的影响规律,确定最优结构参数,该优化结果可为实际工程应用中冲击式空气透平的结构选型提供可靠依据。后续将对端板、嵌槽等其他尖端结构展开研究,实现冲击式透平的进一步优化。