A parametric study of a tidal turbine hub retrofit’s influence on power generation and thrust

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Date

2025-02

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University of New Brunswick

Abstract

For efficient tidal energy extraction using traditional horizontal axis turbines, it is desirable to maximize electrical power output and minimize thrust loads. This research addresses both factors by establishing a workflow to parametrically investigate the influence a co-rotating hub retrofit has on the hydrodynamics of an existing horizontal axis tidal turbine using Computations Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Within the parametric space of the 21 high-fidelity simulations performed, it was concluded that the net effect of the retrofit did not improve power generation, but reduced thrust by a maximum of 0.21%. While isolated torque imparted on the primary blades increased, an added counter-acting moment directly caused by the retrofit neutralized this effect. Primary blade load influence after the retrofit was added was caused by the retrofit tip vortex, the modification of the primary blade relative flow angles, and the increase in horseshoe vortex strength at the root to hub junction.

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