CFD model of hydrokinetic turbine power generation*

Hydrokinetic power is directly linked to the velocity of the water flow. Previously, companies relied on finding fast-moving water to place the turbines. A way to increase the speed of the water is by adding a nozzle or concentrator to the inlet of a hydrokinetic turbine. Both physical and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed on a 1/64th scale. A transient rotating mesh CFD model was used to analyze the work of the turbine. Physical testing on the model was used to measure speed, torque, and power for verification of the CFD model. Different blade designs, triplex and helical, are used to test the efficiency of the turbine. The results of velocity increase, available power, and efficiency are measured and compared in the CFD and physical models. The efficiency is also compared to benchmark products such as MeyGen's tidal power turbines.