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Improved Blade Design for Tidal Current Turbines

Author

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  • Hongwei Liu

    (State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Yajing Gu

    (State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Yong-Gang Lin

    (State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Yang-Jian Li

    (State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Wei Li

    (State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

  • Hongbin Zhou

    (State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)

Abstract

The efficiency and reliability of blades are key indicators for a tidal current turbine (TCT). A traditional blade design is often an empirical design on hydrodynamics and structure, sequentially. A hydrofoil with a low lift–drag ratio is considered when the structural strength cannot satisfy requirements. However, efficiency is then sacrificed. A redundant design is generally adopted to protect from load uncertainty, but this increases blade weight and cost. In this paper, we present an improved blade design method to enhance the blade reliability of TCTs with relatively high efficiency for energy generation. An equivalent S–N curve model describing the relationship between axial load and cycle times and a simplified load spectrum including load caused by shear flow and turbulence are proposed for the first time for convenient lifetime estimation. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is used to optimize the chord length, twist angle, and thickness of the blade for the best match between lifetime and efficiency. This blade design method was conducted on a 4.4 m length blade of a 120 kW TCT. Comparisons between the original design and optimal designs indicate that the comprehensive performance in terms of the hydrodynamics, structure, and lifetime of the blade presented significant improvements with a small, acceptable efficiency loss. The results also provide more alternative blade solutions for developers as a reference.

Suggested Citation

  • Hongwei Liu & Yajing Gu & Yong-Gang Lin & Yang-Jian Li & Wei Li & Hongbin Zhou, 2020. "Improved Blade Design for Tidal Current Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-16, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:10:p:2642-:d:361554
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicholls-Lee, R.F. & Turnock, S.R. & Boyd, S.W., 2013. "Application of bend-twist coupled blades for horizontal axis tidal turbines," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 541-550.
    2. Xu, Quan-kun & Liu, Hong-wei & Lin, Yong-gang & Yin, Xiu-xing & Li, Wei & Gu, Ya-jing, 2015. "Development and experiment of a 60 kW horizontal-axis marine current power system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 149-156.
    3. Mohammadi, S. & Hassanalian, M. & Arionfard, H. & Bakhtiyarov, S., 2020. "Optimal design of hydrokinetic turbine for low-speed water flow in Golden Gate Strait," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 147-155.
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    Cited by:

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    2. Chuhua Jiang & Xuedao Shu & Junhua Chen & Lingjie Bao & Yawen Xu, 2021. "Research on Blade Design of Lift–Drag-Composite Tidal-Energy Turbine at Low Flow Velocity," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-16, July.
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    6. Marina Barbarić & Zvonimir Guzović, 2020. "Investigation of the Possibilities to Improve Hydrodynamic Performances of Micro-Hydrokinetic Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-20, September.

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