3D-CFD analysing of tidal Hunter turbine to enhance the power coefficient by changing the stroke angle of blades and incorporation of winglets

• Published in: Ocean engineering 2023-11, Vol.287, p.115713, Article 115713
• Main Authors: Kariman, Hamed, Hoseinzadeh, Siamak, Khiadani, Mehdi, Nazarieh, Mahdi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 3D Simulation; Computational fluid dynamics (CFD); Hunter turbine; Power coefficient; Tidal energy
• ISSN: 0029-8018; 1873-5258
• DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.115713

One way to generate electricity from renewable energy is through tidal energy. The high potential of this energy on a global level has made this energy source more important today than ever before. One method of generating electricity from tidal energy is via the Hunter turbine. In this study, a review is provided of previous research about the Hunter turbine,before proposing methods for increasing its efficiency and power coefficient. Four methods are used: 1- changing the Minimum Stroke Angle of Blades (MinSAB); 2- changing the Maximum Stroke Angle of Blades (MaxSAB); 3- incorporation of Upper and Lower Winglets on Blades (ULWB); and 4- incorporation of Side Winglets on Blades (SWB). After designing a corresponding system and modeling it in ANSYS software, results show that, with increasing MinSAB, turbine power coefficient can increase significantly. The maximum power coefficient occurred in the case using a MinSAB at 30°, measured at 0.035, where it increased by approximately 89% compared to the 0° mode. With regard to MaxSAB at 100°, the power coefficient was reduced by approximately 19% compared to the 90° modes. Further, when the MaxSAB was 80°, the maximum power coefficient relative to 90° modes increased by approximately 6.1%. Analysis of pressure and velocity contours using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) reveals that the incorporation of ULWB and SWB in turbine design enhances vorticity. However, the presence of these winglets also increases drag coefficient due to the augmented blade shape coefficient. Despite this increased drag, this configuration can have a positive impact on a turbine's power coefficient. •Modeling and simulating the Hunter turbine with new design.•Investigating the effects of changing the changing the minimum angles of blade stroke on power coefficient of Hunter turbine.•Investigating the effects of changing the changing the maximum angles of blade stroke on power coefficient of Hunter turbine.•Investigating the effects of adding upper and lower winglets of blades on power coefficient of Hunter turbine.•Investigating the effects of adding side winglets of blades on power coefficient of Hunter turbine.