engleski

Optimal design of hydrokinetic turbines for river application

In the recent years, increased attention has been given to hydrokinetic energy technologies. The hydrokinetic turbines represent renewable energy technology with a many potential advantages over conventional hydroelectric technologies as they can generate electricity from the flowing water without the use of large dams and reservoirs. This feature makes them applicable to a larger number of sites with a less harmful impact on the environment. The hydrokinetic turbines represent an attractive technology for the harnessing of a huge untapped renewable energy potential in oceans, seas but also in rivers or canals. However, the main barrier to their commercialization is relatively low efficiency. The objective of this study is to present efficient design method that can enhance the hydrokinetic turbine performance in a various operating conditions. In order to examine the influence of design parameters and operating conditions on the turbine performance, parametric study using Blade Element Momentum theory is performed. The effects of wake rotation as well as hub and tip loses are taken into account by means of correction factors. In order to design hydrofoil characterized by high lift to drag ratio and delayed cavitation inception in the considered operating range of the turbine, the Genetic Algorithm optimization technique is incorporated in the rotor design procedure. The results indicate that proposed design method can provide high efficiency of the turbine in the wide range of the operating conditions which can finally led to higher annual energy production.

Blade element momentum theory; parametric study; hydrokinetic turbines; hydrofoil optimization; turbine blades design

nije evidentirano