Performance of horizontal axis tidal current turbine by blade configuration

The west and south coastal region of Korea has very strong tidal current speeds and therefore accommodates many suitable sites for the application of TCP (Tidal Current Power). The maximum current speed recorded in the south is up to 6.5 m/s. Unlike other renewable energy sources, TCP is an extremely reliable, predictable and continuous energy source as the current pattern and speed can be predicted throughout the year. One of the essential components in a TCP device is the rotor converting the inflow current into the rotational energy. The design optimization of the rotor is very important to maximize the power production. The performance of the rotor can be determined by various parameters including the number of blades, shape, sectional size, hub, diameters etc.The blade of the rotor is one of the essential components which can convert tidal current energy into rotational energy to generate electricity. The variable blade properties determine the performance, efficiency and stability of the turbine system. This paper presents the design procedure for a 300 kW tidal current turbine blade. The HAT turbine model was designed based on the wind mill turbine design principles together with known turbine theories. To verify the compatibility of the turbine design method and to analyze the properties of design factors, the 3D CFD model was applied with the ANSYS CFX program. The characteristics and performances of the blades can be applied in the design of 300 KW and larger capacity TCP rotors.

► The tidal current power turbine is designed by blade element theory.
► Chord length and twist angle are calculated considering tip loss.
► The 3-blade turbine with S814 foil is made and tested in CWC lab.
► The performance of turbine is monitored and compared with CFD analysis.
► Pressure field and streamline are simulated with the max power coefficient of 0.51.