Numerical analysis of a ducted high-solidity tidal turbine

Abstract

Effectively harnessing the power of the ocean for energy generation is no simple task. This paper elaborates a CFD model utilised to investigate the hydrodynamic performance concerning a ducted high-solidity tidal turbine. The model achieved good comparison with experimentation data for a three-bladed HATT, and was validated on three distinct parameters – power coefficient, thrust coefficient, and velocity profiles within the developed wake. Accordingly, the model was implemented for the analysis of a ducted high-solidity turbine, in aligned and yawed flows, where the outcomes were compared to data attained by means of BEMT, discussing the degree of similarity achieved.