Hydrodynamic Design of Turbines in Unconventional Flows
Aerodynamic turbine design. BEM-CFD. Actuator line method. Hydro turbines. Turbulence kinetic energy.
The usual aerodynamic design method for wind turbines is through the blade element momentum, assuming a uniform non-turbulent free-stream flow that is only affected by the turbine pressure field. That is not the case for river turbines. They are often equipped with a shroud, installed near other turbines, submerged close to the surface or river banks, and may be subjected to turbulent secondary flow fields. This thesis proposal defines a BEM-CFD methodology in which the turbine is modeled through the actuator line method, and the flow is solved through numerical fluid dynamics. Additionally, experimental techniques are proposed to study those unique flow patterns and the mechanics behind turbulence eddy frequencies increasing the power output. We hope to convert extra mechanical torque sourced from the turbulent kinetic energy and unique flow patterns through precise hydrodynamic turbine design. Different study cases are defined in which those techniques will be applied. Experimental procedures will then be used for further evaluation and validation of the results to be achieved in the future.