Numerical Investigation of an Optimised Horizontal Axis Tidal Stream Turbine

Author(s):  
Hassan El Sheshtawy ◽  
Ould el Moctar ◽  
Thomas E. Schellin ◽  
Satish Natarajan

Abstract A tidal stream turbine was designed using one of the optimised hydrofoils, whose lift-to-drag ratio at an angle of attack of 5.2 degrees was 4.5% higher than that of the reference hydrofoil. The incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes equations in steady state were solved using k-ω (SST) turbulence model for the reference and optimised tidal stream turbines. The discretisation errors and the effect of different y+ values on the solution were analysed. Thrust and power coefficients of the modelled reference turbine were validated against experimental measurements. Output power and thrust of the reference and the optimised tidal turbines were compared. For a tip speed ratio of 3.0, the output power of the optimised tidal turbine was 8.27% higher than that of the reference turbine of the same thrust.

Author(s):  
Rachel F. Nicholls-Lee ◽  
Stephen R. Turnock ◽  
Stephen W. Boyd

In order to maximize tidal energy capture from a specific site free stream devices are situated in arrays. In an array the downstream evolution of the wake generated by a rotating tidal energy conversion device influences the performance of the device itself, the bypass flow to either side as well as the performance of any downstream device. As such it is important to design a turbine that can perform efficiently and effectively in these circumstances. Use of passively adaptive composite blades for horizontal axis tidal turbines has been shown to improve performance in fluctuating inflows. Active adaptation and/or bi-directional hydrofoil sections could be implemented in order to optimize performance throughout the tidal cycle. This paper considers the performance in an array of four free stream turbines implementing standard rigid blades, wholly bidirectional blades, passively adaptive blades and actively adaptive blades. The method used to evaluate the performance of tidal current turbines in arrays couples an inner domain solution of the blade element momentum theory with an outer domain solution of the Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes equations. The annual energy capture of four devices with each blade type in a staggered array is then calculated for a single tidal cycle and compared.


Author(s):  
Sandeep Soni ◽  
DP Vakharia

The present paper investigates the turbulence effect on the steady-state performance of a new variety of journal bearing, i.e. the noncircular floating ring bearing. This particular bearing consists of the journal, floating ring, as well as lower and upper lobes. The shaft and the floating ring are cylindrical while surfaces of the bearing are noncircular. The classical Navier–Stokes equations and continuity equation in cylindrical coordinates are being satisfactorily adapted with the linearized turbulent lubrication model of Ng and Pan. These improved equations are being solved by the finite element method using Galerkin’s technique and an appropriate iteration strategy. The proposed bearing has a length-to-diameter ratio of 1 and operates over different values of the ratio of clearances (i.e. 0.70 and 1.30). The steady-state performance parameters computed are presented in terms of an inner and outer film eccentricity ratios, load-carrying capacity, attitude angle, speed ratio, friction coefficient variable, oil flow, and temperature rise variable for the Reynolds number up to 9000. The present analysis predicts better performance in the turbulent regime as compared to the laminar regime for the noncircular floating ring bearing.


Author(s):  
П.А. Поливанов

In this paper a numerical and experimental study of the effect of blowing/suction through a perforated surface on a turbulent boundary layer at a Mach number M = 1.4 is carried out. Most of the calculations were performed by Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the k-w SST turbulence model. The calculated geometry completely repeated the experimental one including the perforated surface. The numerical data were compared with experimental measurements obtained by the PIV method. Analysis of the data made it possible to find the limits of applicability of the numerical method for this flow.


Author(s):  
Asad M. Sardar ◽  
William K. George

Generalized Fan Scaling Laws (GSFL) are derived for the scaling of fan performance. These follow from first principles using the Navier-Stokes equations appropriate to rotating and swirling flows. Not surprisingly, both Strouhal and Reynolds number similarity must be maintained. Thus for a geometrically similar family of fans, dynamic similarity is only possible if ΩD/U = constandUD/ν = const. If the second relation is solved for U and substituted into the first, it follows that full dynamic similarity is possible only if ΩD2/ν = const. This can be contrasted with the classical fan laws (CFSL) which for the same flow rate coefficient would imply that Q/ΩD3 (or U/ΩD) = const, implying that both fan size ratio and fan speed ratio are independent fan scaling parameters. Clearly for dynamic similarity to be maintained, the velocity and fan speed can not be varied independently (i.e. fan size and fan speed are not independent scaling parameters), contrary to the implications of the classical fan scaling laws. Further implications of the differences between the classical and generalized scaling laws for fan performance testing and design will be explored. Also several examples will be given in Part II as to how the generalized scaling laws can be applied in design practice.


Author(s):  
Hyun Ju Jung ◽  
Ju Hyun Lee ◽  
Shin Hyung Rliee ◽  
Museok Song ◽  
Beom-Soo Hyun

ABSTRACTThe two-dimensional unsteady flow around a vertical axis turbine for tidal stream energy' conversion was investigated using a computational fluid dynamics tool solving the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The geometry' of the turbine blade section was NACA653-01S airfoil. The computational analysis was done at several different angles of attack and the results were compared with the corresponding experimental data for validation and calibration. Simulations were then carried out for the two-dimensional cross section of a vertical axis turbine. The simulation results demonstrated the usefulness of the method for the typical unsteady flows around vertical axis turbines. The optimum turbine efficiency was achieved for carefully selected combinations of the number of blades and tip speed ratios.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-44
Author(s):  
Marat Goldfeld ◽  
Yuliya Zakharova ◽  
Alexey Starov ◽  
Konstantin Timofeev

The original scheme of flame stabilization in the channel at close to cocurrent fuel supply for the fuel combustion at a high supersonic speed has been designed. Such solution provides high temperature of a stream in a zone of fuel-air mixture formation. Computational and experimental investigations of self-ignition and combustion of hydrogen were carried out in the model of combustor chamber with slotted channel (gasdynamical source of ignition) at Mach numbers 3.7 and 5.8 at the entrance. Tests have been performed in hot-shot wind tunnel IT-302M of ITAM SB RAS in a mode of the attached pipe. Numerical study has been performed on the basis of solving the full averaged Navier-Stokes equations, supplemented k-Q SST turbulence model. Configuration of the slotted channel has been designed with two variants of exit nozzle: with and without geometrical throat. It has been established that at the channel entrance two vortexes with high temperature have been appeared. Temperature has been keeping high in the channel with geometrical throat and at blocking of the slotted channel without throat. It was found that uniform subsonic stream in the channel with geometrical throat has been realized. The stream in the slotted channel without geometrical throat keeps supersonic but Mach number was lower than in the main channel. The structure of the flow at the slotted channel exit is significantly differs for this both cases.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 1444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Zhong ◽  
Hongwei Tang ◽  
Tongguang Wang ◽  
Chengyong Zhu

Stall, a complex phenomenon related to flow separation, is difficult to be predicted accurately. The motivation of the present study is to propose an approach to improve the simulation accuracy of Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) for wind turbines in stall. The approach is implemented in three steps in simulations of the S809 airfoil and the NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Phase VI rotor. The similarity between airfoil and rotor simulations is firstly investigated. It is found that the primary reason for the inaccuracy of rotor simulation is not the rotational effect or the 3-D effect, but the turbulence-related problem that already exists in airfoil simulation. Secondly, a coefficient of the SST turbulence model is calibrated in airfoil simulation, ensuring the onset and development of the light stall are predicted accurately. The lift of the airfoil in the light stall, which was overestimated about 30%, is reduced to a level consistent with experimental data. Thirdly, the calibrated coefficient is applied to rotor simulation. That makes the flow patterns on the blade properly simulated and the pressure distribution of the blade, as well as the torque of the rotor, are predicted more accurately. The relative error of the predicted maximum torque is reduced from 34.4% to 3.2%. Furthermore, the procedure of calibration is applied to the MEXICO (Model Experiments in Controlled Conditions) rotor, and the predicted pressure distributions over blade sections are better than the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) results from the Mexnext project. In essence, the present study provides an approach for calibrating rotor simulation using airfoil experimental data, which enhances the potential of RANS in accurate simulation of the wind turbine aerodynamic performance.


Author(s):  
J.-H. Jeon ◽  
S.-S. Byeon ◽  
Y.-J. Kim

The Francis turbine is a kind of reaction turbines, which means that the potential energy of water converted to rotational kinetic energy. In this study, the flow characteristics have been investigated numerically in a Francis turbine on the 15 MW hydropower generation with various blade profiles (NACA 65 and NACA 16 series) and discharge angles (14°, 15°, 17°, and 18°), using the commercial code, ANSYS CFX. The k-ω SST turbulence model is employed in the Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The computing domain includes the spiral casing, guide vanes, and draft tube, which are discretized with a full three-dimensional mesh system of unstructured tetrahedral shapes. The results showed that the change of blade profiles and discharge angles significantly influenced the performance of the Francis turbine.


2012 ◽  
Vol 455-456 ◽  
pp. 296-301
Author(s):  
Yan Liu ◽  
Peng Fei Zhao ◽  
Xiao Hui Su ◽  
Guang Zhao

Numerical simulations of flows over two-dimensional vertical axis tidal turbines are carried out. Unsteady Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes Equations are applied to model turbulent flows. Influence of the central shaft and number of blades on flow field and thus performances of turbines are investigated. Performances in terms of torque and power coefficients are obtained for different types of turbines. Results demonstrates that the central shaft has a negative influence on flow field and power coefficients. Solidity and tip speed ratio are two important factors to affect turbine’s performances. This paper provides useful information for future studies.


2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 46-55
Author(s):  
Olga Vankova ◽  
Marat Goldfeld ◽  
Natalya Fedorova

In the paper, results of mathematical modeling of a flow in the supersonic combustion chamber are presented, which have been performed under the conditions of burning initiation by means of an electronic bunch of high energy on the basis of the offered ignition model. Calculations are carried out on the basis of the Reynolds averaged Navier – Stokes equations supplemented by the k–ω SST turbulence model and detailed chemistry kinetics. As a result of numerical modeling, it has been shown that in a frame of the offered model it is possible to predict the ignition of mixture at low stagnation temperatures. The numerical results confirm the experimental data. It is shown that the choice of the optimum scheme of stabilization and the stabilizer geometry allows one to get the flame propagation over all the channel and to provide the stability of combustion even at high flow Mach numbers. The offered mathematical model has allowed defining the conditions of ignition


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